ELDER TIP As a person ages, his bladder muscles weaken, which may result in incomplete bladder emptying and chronic urine retention — factors that predispose the older person to bladder infections.
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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Bladder distention:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
In BPH, bladder distention develops gradually as the prostate enlarges. Occasionally, its onset is acute. Initially, the patient experiences urinary hesitancy, straining, and frequency; reduced force of and inability to stop the urine stream; nocturia; and postvoiding dribbling. As the disorder progresses, it produces prostate enlargement, sensations of suprapubic fullness and incomplete bladder emptying, perineal pain, constipation, and hematuria.
Bladder calculi
Bladder calculi may produce bladder distention, but pain is usually the only symptom. The pain is usually referred to the tip of the penis, the vulvar area, the lower back, or the heel. It worsens during walking or exercise and abates when the patient lies down. It’s usually most severe when micturition ceases. The pain may be accompanied by urinary frequency and urgency, terminal hematuria, and dysuria.
Bladder cancer
By blocking the urethral orifice, neoplasms can cause bladder distention. Associated signs and symptoms include hematuria (most common sign); urinary frequency and urgency; nocturia; dysuria; pyuria; pain in the bladder, rectum, pelvis, flank, back, or legs; vomiting; diarrhea; and sleeplessness. A mass may be palpable on bimanual examination.
Cultural Cue: Bladder cancer is twice as common in Whites as in Blacks. It’s relatively uncommon among Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
Multiple sclerosis
In this neuromuscular disorder, urine retention and bladder distention result from interruption of upper motor neuron control of the bladder. Associated signs and symptoms include optic neuritis, paresthesia, impaired position and vibratory senses, diplopia, nystagmus, dizziness, abnormal reflexes, dysarthria, muscle weakness, emotional lability, Lhermitte’s sign (transient, electric-like shocks that spread down the body when the head is flexed), Babinski’s sign, and ataxia.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer eventually causes bladder distention in about 25% of patients. Usual signs and symptoms include dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, weight loss, fatigue, perineal pain, constipation, and induration of the prostate or a rigid, irregular prostate on digital rectal examination. In some patients, urine retention and bladder distention are the only signs.
Cultural Cue: Prostate cancer is more common in Blacks than in other ethnic groups.
Prostatitis
In acute prostatitis, bladder distention occurs rapidly along with perineal discomfort and a sensation of suprapubic fullness. Other signs and symptoms include perineal pain; tense, boggy, tender, and warm enlarged prostate; decreased libido; impotence; decreased force of the urine stream; dysuria; hematuria; and urinary frequency and urgency. Additional signs and symptoms include fatigue, malaise, myalgia, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
Bladder distention is rare in chronic prostatitis, which may be accompanied by perineal discomfort, a sensation of suprapubic fullness, prostatic tenderness, decreased libido, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, pyuria, hematuria, persistent urethral discharge, ejaculatory pain, and dull pain radiating to the lower back, buttocks, penis, or perineum.
Spinal neoplasms
Disrupting upper neuron control of the bladder, spinal neoplasms cause neurogenic bladder and resultant distention. Associated signs and symptoms include a sense of pelvic fullness, continuous overflow dribbling, back pain that often mimics sciatica pain, constipation, tender vertebral processes, sensory deficits, and muscle weakness, flaccidity, and atrophy. Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection (dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, tenesmus, hematuria, and weakness) may also occur.
Urethral calculi
In urethral calculi, urethral obstruction leads to interrupted urine flow and bladder distention. The obstruction causes pain radiating to the penis or vulva and referred to the perineum or rectum. It may also produce a palpable stone and urethral discharge.
Urethral stricture
Urethral stricture results in urine retention and bladder distention with chronic urethral discharge (most common sign), urinary frequency (also common), dysuria, urgency, decreased force and diameter of the urine stream, and pyuria. Urinoma and urosepsis may also develop.
Other causes
Catheterization
Using an indwelling urinary catheter can result in urine retention and bladder distention. While the catheter is in place, inadequate drainage due to kinked tubing or an occluded lumen may lead to urine retention. In addition, a misplaced urinary catheter or irritation due to catheter removal may cause edema, thereby blocking urine outflow.
Drugs
Parasympatholytics, anticholinergics, ganglionic blockers, sedatives, anesthetics, and opiates can produce urine retention and bladder distention.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Dysuria:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Appendicitis
Occasionally, appendicitis causes dysuria that persists throughout voiding and is accompanied by bladder tenderness. Appendicitis is characterized by periumbilical abdominal pain that shifts to McBurney’s point, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, slight fever, abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness, and tachycardia.
Bladder cancer
In this predominantly male disorder, dysuria throughout voiding is a late symptom associated with urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, and perineal, back, or flank pain.
Cultural Cue: Bladder cancer is twice as common in White males as in Blacks. It’s relatively uncommon in Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
Cystitis
Dysuria throughout voiding is common in all types of cystitis, as are urinary frequency, nocturia, straining to void, and hematuria. Bacterial cystitis, the most common cause of dysuria in women, may also produce urinary urgency, perineal and lower back pain, suprapubic discomfort, fatigue and, possibly, a low-grade fever. In chronic interstitial cystitis, dysuria is accentuated at the end of voiding. In tubercular cystitis, symptoms may also include urinary urgency, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. In viral cystitis, severe dysuria occurs with gross hematuria, urinary urgency, and fever.
Gender Cue: Women are more prone to develop cystitis than men because they have a shorter urethra. For men, age is a factor: Older men have a 15% higher risk of developing cystitis.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation near the bladder may cause dysuria throughout voiding. Other effects include urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, fever, abdominal pain and tenderness, perineal pain, constipation or diarrhea and, possibly, an abdominal mass.
Paraurethral gland inflammation
Dysuria throughout voiding is accompanied by urinary frequency and urgency, diminished urine stream, mild perineal pain and, occasionally, hematuria in this disorder.
Prostatitis
Acute prostatitis commonly causes dysuria throughout or toward the end of voiding as well as a diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, hematuria, suprapubic fullness, fever, chills, fatigue, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In chronic prostatitis, urethral narrowing causes dysuria throughout voiding. Related effects are urinary frequency and urgency; diminished urine stream; perineal, back, and buttocks pain; urethral discharge; nocturia; and, at times, hematospermia and ejaculatory pain.
Pyelonephritis (acute)
More common in females than in males, this disorder causes dysuria throughout voiding. Other features include persistent high fever with chills, costovertebral angle tenderness, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, weakness, urinary urgency and frequency, nocturia, straining on urination, and hematuria. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may also occur.
Reiter’s syndrome
In this predominantly male disorder, dysuria occurs 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Initially, the patient has a mucopurulent discharge, urinary urgency and frequency, meatal swelling and redness, suprapubic pain, anorexia, weight loss, and low-grade fever. Hematuria, conjunctivitis, arthritic symptoms, a papular rash, and oral and penile lesions may follow.
Urethral syndrome
Occurring in sexually active women, this syndrome mimics urethritis. Dysuria throughout voiding may occur with urinary frequency, diminished urine stream, suprapubic aching and cramping, tenesmus, and low back and unilateral flank pain. In the absence of pyuria, symptoms will usually resolve without intervention.
Urethritis
Primarily found in sexually active males, this infection causes dysuria throughout voiding. It’s accompanied by a reddened meatus and a copious, yellow, purulent discharge (gonorrheal infection) or a white or clear mucoid discharge (nongonorrheal infection).
Urinary obstruction
Outflow obstruction by urethral strictures or calculi produces dysuria throughout voiding. (In a complete obstruction, bladder distention develops and dysuria precedes voiding.) Other features are diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, and a sensation of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen or groin.
Vaginitis
Characteristically, dysuria occurs throughout voiding as urine touches inflamed or ulcerated labia. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, perineal pain, and vaginal discharge and odor.
Other causes
Chemical irritants
Dysuria may result from irritating substances, such as bubble bath salts and feminine deodorants; it’s usually most intense at the end of voiding. Spermicides may cause dysuria in both sexes as well as urinary frequency and urgency, a diminished urine stream and, possibly, hematuria.
Drugs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and metyrosine can cause dysuria.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Hematuria:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Appendicitis
About 15% of patients with appendicitis have either microscopic or macroscopic hematuria accompanied by bladder tenderness, dysuria, and urinary urgency. More typical findings include constant right-lower-quadrant pain (especially over McBurney’s point), nausea and vomiting, anorexia, abdominal rigidity, rebound tenderness, constipation, tachycardia, and low-grade fever.
Bladder cancer
A primary cause of gross hematuria in men, bladder cancer may also produce pain in the bladder, rectum, pelvis, flank, back, or leg. Other common features are nocturia, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia.
Bladder trauma
A characteristic finding in traumatic rupture or perforation of the bladder, gross hematuria is typically accompanied by lower abdominal pain. The patient may also develop anuria despite a strong urge to void; swelling of the scrotum, buttocks, or perineum; and signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.
Calculi
Both bladder and renal calculi produce hematuria, which may be associated with signs of urinary tract infection, such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Bladder calculi may also cause gross hematuria, referred pain to the lower back or penile or vulvar area and, occasionally, bladder distention.
Renal calculi may produce microscopic or gross hematuria. The cardinal symptom, though, is colicky pain that travels from the CVA to the flank, suprapubic region, and external genitalia when a calculus is passed. The pain may be excruciating at its peak. Other signs and symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, restlessness, fever, chills, abdominal distention and, possibly, decreased bowel sounds.
Coagulation disorders
Macroscopic hematuria is commonly the first sign of hemorrhage in coagulation disorders, such as thrombocytopenia or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Among other features are epistaxis, purpura (petechiae and ecchymosis), and signs of GI bleeding.
Cortical necrosis (acute)
Accompanying gross hematuria in this renal disorder are intense flank pain, anuria, leukocytosis, and fever.
Cystitis
Hematuria is a telling sign in all types of cystitis. Bacterial cystitis usually produces macroscopic hematuria with urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient complains of perineal and lumbar pain, suprapubic discomfort, and fatigue and occasionally has a low-grade fever.
More common in women, chronic interstitial cystitis occasionally causes gross hematuria. Associated features include urinary frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. Both microscopic and macroscopic hematuria may occur in tubercular cystitis, which may also cause urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, tenesmus, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. Viral cystitis usually produces hematuria, urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, tenesmus, and fever.
Diverticulitis
When this disorder involves the bladder, it usually causes microscopic hematuria, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and nocturia. Characteristic findings include left-lower-quadrant pain, abdominal tenderness, constipation or diarrhea and, occasionally, a palpable, firm, fixed, and tender abdominal mass. The patient may also develop mild nausea, flatulence, and a low-grade fever.
Endocarditis (subacute infective)
Occasionally, this disorder produces embolization, resulting in renal infarction and microscopic or gross hematuria. Common related findings are constant fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue, pallor, anorexia, weight loss, polyarthralgia, petechiae, flank pain, severe back pain, stiff neck, cardiac murmurs, tachycardia, and splenomegaly.
Glomerulonephritis
Acute glomerulonephritis usually begins with gross hematuria that tapers off to microscopic hematuria and RBC casts, which may persist for months. It may also produce oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, mild fever, fatigue, flank and abdominal pain, generalized edema, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and signs of lung congestion, such as crackles and a productive cough.
Chronic glomerulonephritis usually causes microscopic hematuria accompanied by proteinuria, generalized edema, and increased blood pressure. Signs and symptoms of uremia may also occur in advanced disease.
Nephritis (interstitial)
Typically, this infection causes microscopic hematuria. However, some patients with acute interstitial nephritis may develop gross hematuria. Other findings are fever, maculopapular rash, and oliguria or anuria. In chronic interstitial nephritis, the patient has dilute—almost colorless—urine that may be accompanied by polyuria and increased blood pressure.
Nephropathy (obstructive)
This disorder may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria, but urine is rarely grossly bloody. The patient may report colicky flank and abdominal pain, CVA tenderness, and anuria or oliguria that alternates with polyuria.
Polycystic kidney disease
This hereditary disorder may cause recurrent microscopic or gross hematuria. It commonly produces no symptoms before age 40 but may cause increased blood pressure, polyuria, dull flank pain, and signs of urinary tract infection, such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Later, the patient develops a swollen, tender abdomen and lumbar pain that’s aggravated by exertion and relieved by lying down. He may also have proteinuria and colicky abdominal pain from the ureteral passage of clots or calculi.
Prostatic hyperplasia (benign)
About 20% of patients with an enlarged prostate have macroscopic hematuria, usually when a significant obstruction is present. The hematuria is usually preceded by diminished urinary stream, tenesmus, and a feeling of incomplete voiding. It may be accompanied by urinary hesitancy, frequency, and incontinence; nocturia; perineal pain; and constipation. Inspection reveals a midline mass representing the distended bladder; rectal palpation reveals an enlarged prostate.
Prostatitis
Whether acute or chronic, prostatitis may cause macroscopic hematuria, usually at the end of urination. It may also produce urinary frequency and urgency and dysuria followed by visible bladder distention.
Acute prostatitis also produces fatigue, malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, fever with chills, nausea, vomiting, perineal and low back pain, and decreased libido. Rectal palpation reveals a tender, swollen, boggy, firm prostate.
Chronic prostatitis commonly follows an acute attack. It may cause persistent urethral discharge, dull perineal pain, ejaculatory pain, and decreased libido.
Pyelonephritis (acute)
This infection typically produces microscopic or macroscopic hematuria that progresses to gross hematuria. After the infection resolves, microscopic hematuria may persist for a few months. Related signs and symptoms include persistent high fever, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, CVA tenderness, shaking chills, weakness, fatigue, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient may also exhibit nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and signs of paralytic ileus, such as hypoactive or absent bowel sounds and abdominal distention.
Renal cancer
The classic triad of signs and symptoms includes gross hematuria; dull, aching flank pain; and a smooth, firm, palpable flank mass. Colicky pain may accompany the passage of clots. Other findings include fever, CVA tenderness, and increased blood pressure. In advanced disease, the patient may develop weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and leg edema with varicoceles.
Renal infarction
Typically, this disorder produces gross hematuria. The patient may complain of constant, severe flank and upper abdominal pain accompanied by CVA tenderness, anorexia, and nausea and vomiting. Other findings include oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, hypoactive bowel sounds and, a day or two after the infarction, fever and increased blood pressure.
Renal papillary necrosis (acute)
This disorder usually produces gross hematuria, which may be accompanied by intense flank pain, CVA tenderness, abdominal rigidity and colicky pain, oliguria or anuria, pyuria, fever, chills, vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Arthralgia and hypertension are common.
Renal trauma
About 80% of patients with renal trauma have microscopic or gross hematuria. Accompanying signs and symptoms may include flank pain, a palpable flank mass, oliguria, hematoma or ecchymosis over the upper abdomen or flank, nausea and vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Severe trauma may precipitate signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.
Renal tuberculosis
Gross hematuria is often the first sign of this disorder. It may be accompanied by urinary frequency, dysuria, pyuria, tenesmus, colicky abdominal pain, lumbar pain, and proteinuria.
Renal vein thrombosis
Gross hematuria usually occurs in this type of thrombosis. In an abrupt venous obstruction, the patient experiences severe flank and lumbar pain as well as epigastric and CVA tenderness. Other features include fever, pallor, proteinuria, peripheral edema and, when the obstruction is bilateral, oliguria or anuria and other uremic signs. The kidneys are easily palpable. Gradual venous obstruction causes signs of nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria and, occasionally, peripheral edema.
Schistosomiasis
This infection usually causes intermittent hematuria at the end of urination. It may be accompanied by dysuria, colicky renal and bladder pain, and palpable lower abdominal masses.
Sickle cell anemia
In this hereditary disorder, gross hematuria may result from congestion of the renal papillae. Associated signs and symptoms may include pallor, dehydration, chronic fatigue, polyarthralgia, leg ulcers, dyspnea, chest pain, impaired growth and development, hepatomegaly and, possibly, jaundice. Auscultation reveals tachycardia and systolic and diastolic murmurs.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Gross hematuria and proteinuria may occur when this disorder involves the kidneys. Cardinal features include nondeforming joint pain and stiffness, a butterfly rash, photosensitivity, Raynaud’s phenomenon, seizures or psychoses, recurrent fever, lymphadenopathy, oral or nasopharyngeal ulcers, anorexia, and weight loss.
Urethral trauma
Hematuria may occur initially, possibly with blood at the urinary meatus, local pain, and penile or vulvar ecchymosis.
Vaginitis
When this infection spreads to the urinary tract, it may produce macroscopic hematuria. Related signs and symptoms may include urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, nocturia, perineal pain, pruritus, and a malodorous vaginal discharge.
Vasculitis
Hematuria is usually microscopic in this disorder. Associated signs and symptoms include malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, fever, increased blood pressure, pallor and, occasionally, anuria. Other features, such as urticaria and purpura, may reflect the etiology of vasculitis.
Other causes
Diagnostic tests
Renal biopsy is the diagnostic test most often associated with hematuria. This sign may also result from biopsy or manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract, as in cystoscopy.
Drugs
Drugs that commonly cause hematuria are anticoagulants, aspirin (toxicity), analgesics, cyclophosphamide, metyrosine, penicillin, rifampin, and thiabendazole.
Herb Alert
When taken with an anticoagulant, herbal medicines such as garlic and ginkgo biloba can cause excessive bleeding and hematuria.
Treatments
Any therapy that involves manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract, such as transurethral prostatectomy, may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria. After a kidney transplant, a patient may experience hematuria with or without clots, which may require indwelling urinary catheter irrigation.
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Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Dysuria:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
❑ Lower urinary tract infection
❑ Acute pyelonephritis
❑ Urethritis
❑ Vaginitis
❑ Acute prostatitis
❑ Urethral calculus
❑ Reiter syndrome
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Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Hematuria:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
❑ Urinary tract infection
❑ Nephrolithiasis
❑ Anticoagulation
❑ Long distance running
❑ Renal trauma
❑ Bladder cancer
❑ Renal cell cancer
❑ Transitional cell cancer
❑ Glomerulonephritis
❑ Interstitial cystitis
❑ Hemorrhagic cystitis
❑ Hemoglobinuria
❑ Endocarditis
❑ Polycystic kidney disease
❑ Renal artery embolism
❑ Renal vein thrombosis
❑ Endometrial implants
❑ Wegener granulomatosis
❑ Goodpasture syndrome
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Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Calcium imbalance:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
Several factors can cause calcium imbalance.
Hypocalcemia
❑ Inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D results in inhibited intestinal absorption of calcium.
❑ Hypoparathyroidism as a result of injury, disease, or surgery decreases or eliminates secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is necessary for calcium absorption and normal serum calcium levels.
❑ Malabsorption or loss of calcium from the GI tract can result from increased intestinal motility from severe diarrhea or laxative abuse. Malabsorption of calcium from the GI tract can also result from inadequate levels of vitamin D or PTH or a reduction in gastric acidity, which decreases the solubility of calcium salts.
❑ Severe infections or burns can lead to diseased and burned tissue trapping calcium from the extracellular fluid.
❑ Overcorrection of acidosis can lead to alkalosis, which causes decreased ionized calcium and induces symptoms of hypocalcemia.
❑ Pancreatic insufficiency may cause malabsorption of calcium and subsequent calcium loss in stool. In pancreatitis, participation of calcium ions in saponification contributes to calcium loss.
❑ Renal failure results in excessive excretion of calcium secondary to increased phosphate retention. Renal failure also results in loss of the active metabolite of vitamin D, which impairs calcium absorption.
❑ Hypomagnesemia causes decreased PTH secretion and blocks the peripheral action of that hormone.
Hypercalcemia
❑ Hyperparathyroidism increases serum calcium levels by promoting calcium absorption from the intestine, resorption from bone, and reabsorption from the kidneys.
❑ Hypervitaminosis D can promote increased absorption of calcium from the intestine.
❑ Tumors raise serum calcium levels by destroying bone or by releasing PTH or a PTH-like substance, osteoclast-activating factor, prostaglandins and, perhaps, a vitamin D–like sterol.
❑ Multiple fractures and prolonged immobilization release bone calcium and raise the serum calcium level.
❑ Multiple myeloma promotes loss of calcium from bone.
Other causes include milk-alkali syndrome, sarcoidosis, hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and thiazide diuretics.
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Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Polycystic kidney disease:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
Although both types of polycystic kidney disease are genetically transmitted, the incidence in two distinct age-groups and different inheritance patterns suggest two unrelated disorders. The infantile type appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait; the adult type, as an autosomal dominant trait. Both types affect males and females equally.
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Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Renal failure, acute:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
Acute renal failure can be classified as prerenal, intrinsic (or parenchymatous), or postrenal.
Prerenal failure
Diminished blood flow to the kidneys causes prerenal failure. Such decreased flow may result from hypovolemia, shock, embolism, blood loss, sepsis, pooling of fluid in ascites or burns, or a cardiovascular disorder, such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and tamponade. Other causes include disorders of the blood, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, transfusion reactions, and other hemolytic disorders; malignant hypertension; and disorders resulting from childbirth-like bleeding (associated with placental abruption or placenta previa) that can damage the kidneys. Autoimmune disorders, such as scleroderma, can also cause acute renal failure.
Intrinsic renal failure
Parenchymatous, or intrinsic, renal failure results from damage to the kidneys themselves, usually resulting from acute tubular necrosis. Such damage may also result from acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa, vasculitis, sickle cell disease, bilateral renal vein thrombosis, nephrotoxins, ischemia, renal myeloma, and acute pyelonephritis.
Postrenal failure
Bilateral obstruction of urine outflow results in postrenal failure. Possible causes include renal calculi, clots, papillae from papillary necrosis, tumors, benign prostatic hyperplasia, strictures, and urethral edema from catheterization.
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Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Renal failure, chronic:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
Chronic renal failure may result from:
❑ chronic glomerular disease such as glomerulonephritis
❑ chronic infection, such as chronic pyelonephritis or tuberculosis
❑ a congenital anomaly such as polycystic kidneys
❑ vascular disease, such as renal nephrosclerosis or hypertension
❑ an obstructive process such as calculi
❑ collagen disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus
❑ nephrotoxic drug therapy such as long-term aminoglycoside therapy
❑ endocrine disease such as diabetic neuropathy.
Such conditions gradually destroy the nephrons and eventually cause irreversible renal failure. Similarly, acute renal failure that fails to respond to treatment becomes chronic renal failure.
Chronic renal failure may progress through the following stages:
❑ reduced renal reserve (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] is 40 to 70 ml/ minute)
❑ renal insufficiency (GFR is 20 to 40 ml/ minute)
❑ renal failure (GFR 10 to 20 ml/ minute)
❑ end-stage renal disease (GFR is < 10 ml/minute).
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Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Renal calculi:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
Although the exact cause of renal calculi is unknown, some patients develop them as a result of genetic factors. Predisposing factors include the following:
❑ Dehydration and resultant decreased urine production causes calculus-forming substances to become concentrated.
❑ Infection in tissue provides a site for calculus development; and pH changes provide a favorable medium for calculus formation (especially for magnesium ammonium phosphate or calcium phosphate calculi). Infected calculi (usually magnesium ammonium phosphate or staghorn calculi) may develop if bacteria serve as the nucleus in calculus formation. Such infections may promote destruction of renal parenchyma.
❑ Obstruction can result from urinary stasis (as in immobility from spinal cord injury), which allows calculi components to collect and adhere, forming calculi. Obstruction also promotes infection, which, in turn, compounds the obstruction.
❑ Metabolic factors that can predispose to renal calculi include hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, elevated uric acid levels (usually with gout), defective metabolism of oxalate, genetic defect in metabolism of cystine, and excessive intake of vitamin D or dietary calcium.
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Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Urinary tract infection, lower:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
Most lower UTIs result from ascending infection by a single gram-negative enteric bacterium, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, or Serratia. However, in a patient with neurogenic bladder, an indwelling urinary catheter, or a fistula between the intestine and bladder, lower UTI may result from simultaneous infection with multiple pathogens.
Infection may result from a breakdown in local defense mechanisms in the bladder that allow bacteria to invade the bladder mucosa and multiply. These bacteria cannot be readily eliminated by normal micturition.
The risk of cystitis is higher when the bladder or urethra becomes blocked and urine flow stops. It can occur when instruments are inserted into the urinary tract during procedures such as catheterization or cystoscopy. Other risks include pregnancy, diabetes, and a history of analgesic or reflux nephropathy. The elderly are at increased risk for developing UTIs due to incomplete emptying of the bladder; this is associated with conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and urethral strictures. Also, lack of adequate fluids, bowel incontinence, immobility or decreased mobility, indwelling urinary catheters, and placement in a nursing home all place the person at risk for developing an infection.
Bacterial flare-up
During treatment, bacterial flare-up is generally caused by the pathogenic organism’s resistance to the prescribed antimicrobial therapy. The presence of even a small number (less than 10,000/ml) of bacteria in a midstream urine sample obtained during treatment casts doubt on the treatment’s effectiveness.
Recurrent UTI
In 99% of patients, recurrent lower UTI results from reinfection by the same organism or from some new pathogen; in the remaining 1%, recurrence reflects persistent infection, usually from renal calculi, chronic bacterial prostatitis, or a structural anomaly that may become a source of infection.
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Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Bladder distention:
Medical causes
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
See Bladder distention: Causes and associated findings, pages 46 and 47.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
With BPH, bladder distention gradually develops as the prostate enlarges. Occasionally, its onset is acute. Initially, the patient experiences urinary hesitancy, straining, and frequency; reduced force of and the inability to stop the urine stream; nocturia; and postvoiding dribbling. As the disorder progresses, it produces prostate enlargement, sensations of suprapubic fullness and incomplete bladder emptying, perineal pain, constipation, and hematuria.
Bladder calculi
Bladder calculi may produce bladder distention, but more commonly it produces pain as its only symptom. The pain is usually referred to the tip of the penis, the vulvar area, the lower back, or the heel. It worsens during walking or exercise and abates when the patient lies down. It can be accompanied by urinary frequency and urgency, terminal hematuria, and dysuria. Pain is usually most severe when micturition ceases.
Bladder cancer
By blocking the urethral orifice, neoplasms can cause bladder distention. Associated signs and symptoms include hematuria (most common sign); urinary frequency and urgency; nocturia; dysuria; pyuria; pain in the bladder, rectum, pelvis, flank, back, or legs; vomiting; diarrhea; and sleeplessness. A mass may be palpable on bimanual examination.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
With MS, urine retention and bladder distention result from interruption of upper motor neuron control of the bladder. Associated signs and symptoms include optic neuritis, paresthesia, impaired position and vibratory senses, diplopia, nystagmus, dizziness, abnormal reflexes, dysarthria, muscle weakness, emotional lability, Lhermitte’s sign (transient, electric-like shocks that spread down the body when the head is flexed), Babinski’s sign, and ataxia.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer eventually causes bladder distention in about 25% of patients. Usual signs and symptoms include dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, weight loss, fatigue, perineal pain, constipation, and induration of the prostate or a rigid, irregular prostate on digital rectal examination. For some patients, urine retention and bladder distention are the only signs.
Prostatitis
With acute prostatitis, bladder distention occurs rapidly along with perineal discomfort and suprapubic fullness. Other signs and symptoms include perineal pain; tense, a boggy, tender, and warm enlarged prostate; decreased libido; impotence; decreased force of the urine stream; dysuria; hematuria; and urinary frequency and urgency. Additional signs and symptoms include fatigue, malaise, myalgia, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
With chronic prostatitis, bladder distention is rare. However, it may be accompanied by sensations of perineal discomfort and suprapubic fullness, prostatic tenderness, decreased libido, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, pyuria, hematuria, persistent urethral discharge, ejaculatory pain, and dull pain radiating to the lower back, buttocks, penis, or perineum.
Spinal neoplasms
Disrupting upper neuron control of the bladder, spinal neoplasms cause neurogenic bladder and resultant distention. Associated signs and symptoms include a sense of pelvic fullness, continuous overflow dribbling, back pain that usually mimics sciatica pain, constipation, tender vertebral processes, sensory deficits, and muscle weakness, flaccidity, and atrophy. Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection (dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, tenesmus, hematuria, and weakness) may also occur.
Urethral calculi
With urethral calculi, urethral obstruction leads to bladder distention. The patient experiences interrupted urine flow. The obstruction causes pain radiating to the penis or vulva and referred to the perineum or rectum. It may also produce a palpable stone and urethral discharge.
Urethral stricture
Urethral stricture results in urine retention and bladder distention with chronic urethral discharge (most common sign), urinary frequency (also common), dysuria, urgency, decreased force and diameter of the urine stream, and pyuria. Urinoma and urosepsis may also develop.
Other causes
Catheterization
Using an indwelling urinary catheter can result in urine retention and bladder distention. While the catheter is in place, inadequate drainage due to kinked tubing or an occluded lumen may lead to urine retention. In addition, a misplaced urinary catheter or irritation with catheter removal may cause edema, thereby blocking urine outflow.
Drugs
Parasympatholytics, anticholinergics, ganglionic blockers, sedatives, anesthetics, and opiates can produce urine retention and bladder distention.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Bladder distention:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
With benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), bladder distention gradually develops as the prostate enlarges. Occasionally, its onset is acute. Initially, the patient experiences urinary hesitancy, straining, and frequency; reduced force of and the inability to stop the urine stream; nocturia; and postvoiding dribbling. As the disorder progresses, it produces prostate enlargement, sensations of suprapubic fullness and incomplete bladder emptying, perineal pain, constipation, and hematuria.
Bladder cancer
By blocking the urethral orifice, neoplasms can cause bladder distention. Associated signs and symptoms include hematuria (most common sign); urinary frequency and urgency; nocturia; dysuria; pyuria; pain in the bladder, rectum, pelvis, flank, back, or legs; vomiting; diarrhea; and sleeplessness. A mass may be palpable on bimanual examination.
CULTURAL CUE:Bladder cancer is twice as common in Whites as in Blacks. It’s relatively uncommon among Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
Multiple sclerosis
With multiple sclerosis, a neuromuscular disorder, urine retention and bladder distention result from interruption of upper motor neuron control of the bladder. Associated signs and symptoms include optic neuritis, paresthesia, impaired position and vibratory senses, diplopia, nystagmus, dizziness, abnormal reflexes, dysarthria, muscle weakness, emotional lability, Lhermitte’s sign (transient, electric-like shocks that spread down the body when the head is flexed), Babinski’s sign, and ataxia.
Prostatitis
With acute prostatitis, bladder distention occurs rapidly along with perineal discomfort and suprapubic fullness. Other signs and symptoms include perineal pain; tense, boggy, tender, and warm enlarged prostate; decreased libido; impotence; decreased force of the urine stream; dysuria; hematuria; and urinary frequency and urgency. Additional signs and symptoms include fatigue, malaise, myalgia, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
Spinal neoplasms
Disrupting upper neuron control of the bladder, spinal neoplasms cause neurogenic bladder and resultant distention. Associated signs and symptoms include a sense of pelvic fullness, continuous overflow dribbling, back pain that typically mimics sciatica pain, constipation, tender vertebral processes, sensory deficits, and muscle weakness, flaccidity, and atrophy. Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection (dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, tenesmus, hematuria, and weakness) may also occur.
Urethral calculi
With urethral calculi, urethral obstruction leads to bladder distention. The patient experiences interrupted urine flow. The obstruction causes pain radiating to the penis or vulva and referred to the perineum or rectum. It may also produce a palpable stone and urethral discharge.
Urethral stricture
Urethral stricture results in urine retention and bladder distention with chronic urethral discharge (most common sign), urinary frequency (also common), dysuria, urgency, decreased force and diameter of the urine stream, and pyuria. Urinoma and urosepsis may also develop.
Other causes
Catheterization
Using an indwelling urinary catheter can result in urine retention and bladder distention. While the catheter is in place, inadequate drainage due to kinked tubing or an occluded lumen may lead to urine retention. In addition, a misplaced urinary catheter or irritation with catheter removal may cause edema, thereby blocking urine outflow.
Drugs
Parasympatholytics, anticholinergics, ganglionic blockers, sedatives, anesthetics, and opiates can produce urine retention and bladder distention.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Dysuria:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Appendicitis
Occasionally, appendicitis causes dysuria that persists throughout voiding and is accompanied by bladder tenderness. Appendicitis is characterized by periumbilical abdominal pain that shifts to McBurney’s point, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, slight fever, abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness, and tachycardia.
Bladder cancer
In bladder cancer, a predominantly male disorder, dysuria throughout voiding is a late symptom associated with urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, and perineal, back, or flank pain.
CULTURAL CUE:Bladder cancer is twice as common in White males as in Black males. It’s relatively uncommon in Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
Cystitis
Dysuria throughout voiding is common in all types of cystitis, as are urinary frequency, nocturia, straining to void, and hematuria. Bacterial cystitis, the most common cause of dysuria in women, may also produce urinary urgency, perineal and lower back pain, suprapubic discomfort, fatigue and, possibly, low-grade fever. With chronic interstitial cystitis, dysuria is accentuated at the end of voiding. In tubercular cystitis, symptoms may also include urinary urgency, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. With viral cystitis, severe dysuria occurs with gross hematuria, urinary urgency, and fever.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation near the bladder may cause dysuria throughout voiding. Other effects include urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, fever, abdominal pain and tenderness, perineal pain, constipation or diarrhea and, possibly, an abdominal mass.
Paraurethral gland inflammation
Dysuria throughout voiding occurs with urinary frequency and urgency, diminished urine stream, mild perineal pain and, occasionally, hematuria.
Prostatitis
Acute prostatitis commonly causes dysuria throughout or toward the end of voiding. Dysuria may be accompanied by a diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, hematuria, suprapubic fullness, fever, chills, fatigue, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
With chronic prostatitis, urethral narrowing causes dysuria throughout voiding. Related effects include urinary frequency and urgency; diminished urine stream; perineal, back, and buttocks pain; urethral discharge; nocturia; and, at times, hematospermia and ejaculatory pain.
Pyelonephritis (acute)
More common in females, acute pyelonephritis causes dysuria throughout voiding. Other features include persistent high fever with chills, costovertebral angle tenderness, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, weakness, urinary urgency and frequency, nocturia, straining on urination, and hematuria. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may also occur.
Reiter’s syndrome
With Reiter’s syndrome, a predominantly male disorder, dysuria occurs 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Initially, the patient has a mucopurulent discharge, urinary urgency and frequency, meatal swelling and redness, suprapubic pain, anorexia, weight loss, and low-grade fever. Hematuria, conjunctivitis, arthritic symptoms, a papular rash, and oral and penile lesions may follow.
Urethral syndrome
Occurring in sexually active women, urethral syndrome mimics urethritis. Dysuria throughout voiding may occur with urinary frequency, diminished urine stream, suprapubic aching and cramping, tenesmus, and lower back and unilateral flank pain. In the absence of pyuria, symptoms usually resolve without intervention.
Urethritis
Primarily found in sexually active males, urethritis causes dysuria throughout voiding. It’s accompanied by a reddened meatus and copious, yellow, purulent discharge (gonorrheal infection) or white or clear mucoid discharge (nongonorrheal infection).
Urinary obstruction
Outflow obstruction by urethral strictures or calculi produces dysuria throughout voiding. (With complete obstruction, bladder distention develops and dysuria precedes voiding.) Other features include diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, and a sensation of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen or groin.
Vaginitis
Characteristically, dysuria occurs throughout voiding as urine touches inflamed or ulcerated labia. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, perineal pain, and vaginal discharge and odor.
Other causes
Chemical irritants
Dysuria may be caused by contact with irritating substances, such as bubble bath salts and feminine deodorants; it’s usually most intense at the end of voiding. Spermicides may cause dysuria in both sexes. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, a diminished urine stream and, possibly, hematuria.
Drugs
Dysuria can result from monoamine oxidase inhibitor use. Metyrosine can also cause transient dysuria.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Hematuria:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Appendicitis
About 15% of patients with appendicitis have either microscopic or macroscopic hematuria accompanied by bladder tenderness, dysuria, and urinary urgency. More typical findings include constant right-lower-quadrant pain (especially over McBurney’s point), nausea and vomiting, anorexia, abdominal rigidity, rebound tenderness, constipation, tachycardia, and low-grade fever.
Bladder cancer
A primary cause of gross hematuria in men, bladder cancer may also produce pain in the bladder, rectum, pelvis, flank, back, or leg. Other common features are nocturia, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia.
Bladder trauma
Gross hematuria is characteristic in traumatic rupture or perforation of the bladder. Typically, the hematuria is accompanied by lower abdominal pain and, occasionally, anuria despite a strong urge to void. The patient may also develop swelling of the scrotum, buttocks, or perineum and signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.
Calculi
Bladder and renal calculi produce hematuria, which may be associated with signs of urinary tract infection, such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Bladder calculi usually cause gross hematuria, referred pain to the lower back or penile or vulvar area and, in some patients, bladder distention.
Renal calculi may produce microscopic or gross hematuria. The cardinal symptom, though, is colicky pain that travels from the CVA to the flank, suprapubic region, and external genitalia when a calculus is passed. The pain may be excruciating at its peak. Other signs and symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, restlessness, fever, chills, abdominal distention and, possibly, decreased bowel sounds.
Coagulation disorders
Macroscopic hematuria is typically the first sign of hemorrhage in coagulation disorders, such as thrombocytopenia or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Among other features are epistaxis, purpura (petechiae and ecchymoses), and signs of GI bleeding.
Cystitis
Hematuria is a telling sign in all types of cystitis. Bacterial cystitis usually produces macroscopic hematuria with urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient complains of perineal and lumbar pain, suprapubic discomfort, and fatigue and occasionally has a low-grade fever.
More common in women, chronic interstitial cystitis occasionally causes grossly bloody hematuria. Associated features include urinary frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. Both microscopic and macroscopic hematuria may occur with tubercular cystitis, which may also cause urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, tenesmus, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. Viral cystitis usually produces hematuria, urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, tenesmus, and fever.
Diverticulitis
When diverticulitis involves the bladder, it usually causes microscopic hematuria, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and nocturia. Characteristic findings include left-lower-quadrant pain, abdominal tenderness, constipation or diarrhea and, at times, a palpable, firm, fixed, and tender abdominal mass. The patient may also develop mild nausea, flatulence, and a low-grade fever.
Endocarditis (subacute infective)
Occasionally, subacute infective endocarditis produces embolization, resulting in renal infarction and microscopic or gross hematuria. Among common related findings are constant fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue, pallor, anorexia, weight loss, polyarthralgia, petechiae, flank pain, severe back pain, stiff neck, cardiac murmurs, tachycardia, and splenomegaly.
Glomerulonephritis
Acute glomerulonephritis usually begins with gross hematuria that tapers off to microscopic hematuria and red cell casts, which may persist for months. It may also produce oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, mild fever, fatigue, flank and abdominal pain, generalized edema, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and signs of lung congestion, such as crackles and a productive cough.
Chronic glomerulonephritis usually causes microscopic hematuria accompanied by proteinuria, generalized edema, and increased blood pressure. Signs and symptoms of uremia may also occur in advanced disease.
Nephritis (interstitial)
Typically, this infection causes microscopic hematuria. However, some patients with acute interstitial nephritis may develop gross hematuria. Other findings are fever, maculopapular rash, and oliguria or anuria. In chronic interstitial nephritis, the patient has dilute — almost colorless — urine that may be accompanied by polyuria and increased blood pressure.
Nephropathy (obstructive)
Obstructive nephropathy may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria, but rarely is urine grossly bloody. The patient may report colicky flank and abdominal pain, CVA tenderness, and anuria or oliguria that alternates with polyuria.
Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary disorder, may cause recurrent microscopic or gross hematuria. Although usually asymptomatic before age 40, it may cause increased blood pressure, polyuria, dull flank pain, and signs of urinary tract infection, such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Later, the patient develops a swollen, tender abdomen and lumbar pain that’s aggravated by exertion and relieved by lying down. He may also have proteinuria and colicky abdominal pain from the ureteral passage of clots or stones.
Prostatic hyperplasia (benign)
About 20% of patients with enlarged prostates have macroscopic hematuria, usually when a significant obstruction is present. The hematuria is usually preceded by diminished urinary stream, tenesmus, and a feeling of incomplete voiding. It may be accompanied by urinary hesitancy, frequency, and incontinence; nocturia; perineal pain; and constipation. Inspection reveals a midline mass representing the distended bladder; rectal palpation reveals an enlarged prostate.
Prostatitis
Whether acute or chronic, prostatitis may cause macroscopic hematuria, usually at the end of urination. It may also produce urinary frequency and urgency and dysuria followed by visible bladder distention.
Acute prostatitis also produces fatigue, malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, fever with chills, nausea, vomiting, perineal and low back pain, and decreased libido. Rectal palpation reveals a tender, swollen, firm prostate.
Chronic prostatitis commonly follows an acute attack. It may cause persistent urethral discharge, dull perineal pain, ejaculatory pain, and decreased libido.
Pyelonephritis (acute)
Acute pyelonephritis typically produces microscopic or macroscopic hematuria that progresses to grossly bloody hematuria. After the infection resolves, microscopic hematuria may persist for a few months. Related signs and symptoms include persistent high fever, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, CVA tenderness, shaking chills, weakness, fatigue, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient may also exhibit nausea, anorexia, vomiting, and signs of paralytic ileus, such as hypoactive or absent bowel sounds and abdominal distention.
Renal cancer
The classic triad of signs and symptoms of renal cancer includes grossly bloody hematuria; dull, aching flank pain; and a smooth, firm, palpable flank mass. Colicky pain may accompany the passage of clots. Other findings include fever, CVA tenderness, and increased blood pressure. In advanced disease, the patient may develop weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and leg edema with varicoceles.
Renal infarction
Typically, this disorder produces gross hematuria. The patient may complain of constant, severe flank and upper abdominal pain accompanied by CVA tenderness, anorexia, and nausea and vomiting. Other findings include oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, hypoactive bowel sounds and, a day or two after infarction, fever and increased blood pressure.
Renal papillary necrosis (acute)
Acute renal papillary necrosis usually produces grossly bloody hematuria, which may be accompanied by intense flank pain, CVA tenderness, abdominal rigidity and colicky pain, oliguria or anuria, pyuria, fever, chills, vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Arthralgia and hypertension are common.
Renal trauma
About 80% of patients with renal trauma have microscopic or gross hematuria. Accompanying signs and symptoms may include flank pain, a palpable flank mass, oliguria, hematoma or ecchymoses over the upper abdomen or flank, nausea and vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Severe trauma may precipitate signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.
Renal tuberculosis
Gross hematuria is often the first sign of renal tuberculosis. It may be accompanied by urinary frequency, dysuria, pyuria, tenesmus, colicky abdominal pain, lumbar pain, and proteinuria.
Renal vein thrombosis
Grossly bloody hematuria usually occurs in renal vein thrombosis. In abrupt venous obstruction, the patient experiences severe flank and lumbar pain as well as epigastric and CVA tenderness. Other features include fever, pallor, proteinuria, peripheral edema and, when the obstruction is bilateral, oliguria or anuria and other uremic signs. The kidneys are easily palpable. Gradual venous obstruction causes signs of nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria and, occasionally, peripheral edema.
Sickle cell anemia
In this hereditary disorder, gross hematuria may result from congestion of the renal papillae. Associated signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia may include pallor, dehydration, chronic fatigue, polyarthralgia, leg ulcers, dyspnea, chest pain, impaired growth and development, hepatomegaly and, possibly, jaundice. Auscultation reveals tachycardia and systolic and diastolic murmurs.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Gross hematuria and proteinuria may occur when systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves the kidneys. Cardinal associated features include nondeforming joint pain and stiffness, a butterfly rash, photosensitivity, Raynaud’s phenomenon, seizures or psychoses, recurrent fever, lymphadenopathy, oral or nasopharyngeal ulcers, anorexia, and weight loss.
Urethral trauma
With urethral trauma, initial hematuria may occur, possibly with blood at the urinary meatus, local pain, and penile or vulvar ecchymoses.
Vaginitis
When vaginitis spreads to the urinary tract, it may produce macroscopic hematuria. Related signs and symptoms may include urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, nocturia, perineal pain, pruritus, and a malodorous vaginal discharge.
Vasculitis
Hematuria is usually microscopic in vasculitis. Associated signs and symptoms include malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, fever, increased blood pressure, pallor and, occasionally, anuria. Other features, such as urticaria and purpura, may reflect the etiology of vasculitis.
Other causes
Diagnostic tests
Renal biopsy is the diagnostic test most often associated with hematuria. This sign may also result from biopsy or manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract, as in cystoscopy.
Drugs
Drugs that commonly cause hematuria are anticoagulants, aspirin toxicity, analgesics, cyclophosphamide, metyrosine, phenylbutazone, penicillin, rifampin, and thiabendazole.
Treatments
Any therapy that involves manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract, such as transurethral prostatectomy, may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria. Following a kidney transplant a patient may experience hematuria with or without clots, which may require indwelling urinary catheter irrigation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Dysuria:
Principal Causes of Dysuria
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Urinarytract infection
- Urethritis
- Cystitis
- Pyelonephritis
- Chemical irritation
- Diaper dermatitis
- Trauma
- Psychogenic
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006
Hematuria:
Principal Causes of Hematuria
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Hematuriawithout proteinuria
- Glomerular disorders
- Acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis
- Immunoglobulin A nephropathy
- Henoch-Schönlein nephritis
- Alport syndrome
- Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Familial benign hematuria (thin basementmembrane nephropathy)
- Nonfamilial benign hematuria
- Nonglomerular disorders
- Urinarytract infection
- Trauma
- Exercise
- Hydronephrosis
- Renal vein thrombosis
- Hemoglobinopathies
- Idiopathic hypercalciuria
- Urolithiasis
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Renal tuberculosis
- Vascular malformations
- Foreign body in the urethra or bladder
- Neoplasm
- Bleeding disorders
- Drugs
- Hematuria with proteinuria
- Glomerulardisorders
- Acutepostinfectious glomerulonephritis
- Immunoglobulin A nephropathy
- Henoch-Schönlein nephritis
- Alport syndrome
- Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Membranous nephropathy
- Glomerulonephritis of chronic infection
- Idiopathic rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
- Hemolytic-uremic syndrome
- Polyarteritis nodosa
- Antiglomerular basement membrane disease(Goodpasture disease)
- Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
- Wegener granulomatosis
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006
Bladder distention:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).With BPH, bladder distention gradually develops as the prostate enlarges. Occasionally, its onset is acute. Initially, the patient experiences urinary hesitancy, straining, and frequency; reduced force of and the inability to stop the urine stream; nocturia; and postvoiding dribbling. As the disorder progresses, it produces prostate enlargement, sensations of suprapubic fullness and incomplete bladder emptying, perineal pain, constipation, and hematuria.
Bladder calculi.Bladder calculi may produce bladder distention, but more commonly pain is the only symptom. The pain is usually referred to the tip of the penis, the vulvar area, the lower back, or the heel. It worsens during walking or exercise and abates when the patient lies down. It can be accompanied by urinary frequency and urgency, terminal hematuria, and dysuria. Pain is usually most severe when micturition ceases.
Bladder cancer.By blocking the urethral orifice, neoplasms can cause bladder distention. Associated signs and symptoms include hematuria (most common sign); urinary frequency and urgency; nocturia; dysuria; pyuria; pain in the bladder, rectum, pelvis, flank, back, or legs; vomiting; diarrhea; and sleeplessness. A mass may be palpable on bimanual examination.
Multiple sclerosis.With multiple sclerosis, a neuromuscular disorder, urine retention and bladder distention result from the interruption of upper motor neuron control of the bladder. Associated signs and symptoms include optic neuritis, paresthesia, impaired position and vibratory senses, diplopia, nystagmus, dizziness, abnormal reflexes, dysarthria, muscle weakness, emotional lability, Lhermitte's sign (transient, electric-like shocks that spread down the body when the head is flexed), Babinski's sign, and ataxia.
Prostate cancer.Prostate cancer eventually causes bladder distention in about 25% of patients. Usual signs and symptoms include dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, weight loss, fatigue, perineal pain, constipation, and induration of the prostate or a rigid, irregular prostate on digital rectal examination. For some patients, urine retention and bladder distention are the only signs.
Prostatitis.With acute prostatitis, bladder distention occurs rapidly along with perineal discomfort and suprapubic fullness. Other signs and symptoms include perineal pain; a tense, boggy, tender, and warm enlarged prostate; decreased libido; impotence; decreased force of the urine stream; dysuria; hematuria; and urinary frequency and urgency. Additional signs and symptoms include fatigue, malaise, myalgia, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
With chronic prostatitis, bladder distention is rare; however, it may be accompanied by sensations of perineal discomfort and suprapubic fullness, prostatic tenderness, decreased libido, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, pyuria, hematuria, persistent urethral discharge, ejaculatory pain, and a dull pain radiating to the lower back, buttocks, penis, or perineum.
Spinal neoplasms.Disrupting upper neuron control of the bladder, spinal neoplasms cause neurogenic bladder and resultant distention. Associated signs and symptoms include a sense of pelvic fullness, continuous overflow dribbling, back pain that typically mimics sciatica pain, constipation, tender vertebral processes, sensory deficits, and muscle weakness, flaccidity, and atrophy. Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection (dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, tenesmus, hematuria, and weakness) may also occur.
Urethral calculi.With urethral calculi, urethral obstruction leads to bladder distention. The patient experiences interrupted urine flow. The obstruction causes pain radiating to the penis or vulva and referred to the perineum or rectum. It may also produce a palpable stone and urethral discharge.
Urethral stricture.Urethral stricture results in urine retention and bladder distention with chronic urethral discharge (most common sign), urinary frequency (also common), dysuria, urgency, decreased force and diameter of the urine stream, and pyuria. Urinoma and urosepsis may also develop.
Other causes
Catheterization.Using an indwelling urinary catheter can result in urine retention and bladder distention. While the catheter is in place, inadequate drainage due to kinked tubing or an occluded lumen may lead to urine retention. In addition, a misplaced urinary catheter or irritation with catheter removal may cause edema, thereby blocking urine outflow.
Drugs.Parasympatholytics, anticholinergics, ganglionic blockers, sedatives, anesthetics, and opiates can produce urine retention and bladder distention.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Dysuria:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Appendicitis.Occasionally, appendicitis causes dysuria that persists throughout voiding and is accompanied by bladder tenderness. Appendicitis is characterized by periumbilical abdominal pain that shifts to McBurney's point, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, a slight fever, abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness, and tachycardia.
Bladder cancer.Bladder cancer, a predominantly male disorder, causes dysuria throughout voiding—a late symptom associated with urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, and perineal, back, or flank pain.
Cystitis.Dysuria throughout voiding is common in all types of cystitis, as are urinary frequency, nocturia, straining to void, and hematuria. Bacterial cystitis, the most common cause of dysuria in women, may also produce urinary urgency, perineal and lower back pain, suprapubic discomfort, fatigue and, possibly, a low-grade fever. With chronic interstitial cystitis, dysuria is accentuated at the end of voiding. In tubercular cystitis, symptoms may also include urinary urgency, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. With viral cystitis, severe dysuria occurs with gross hematuria, urinary urgency, and a fever.
Paraurethral gland inflammation.Dysuria throughout voiding occurs with urinary frequency and urgency, a diminished urine stream, mild perineal pain and, occasionally, hematuria.
Prostatitis.Acute prostatitis commonly causes dysuria throughout or toward the end of voiding as well as a diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, hematuria, suprapubic fullness, a fever, chills, fatigue, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. With chronic prostatitis, urethral narrowing causes dysuria throughout voiding. Related effects are urinary frequency and urgency; a diminished urine stream; perineal, back, and buttock pain; urethral discharge; nocturia; and, at times, hematospermia and ejaculatory pain.
Pyelonephritis (acute).Pyelonephritis causes dysuria throughout voiding. Other features include a persistent high fever with chills, costovertebral angle tenderness, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, weakness, urinary urgency and frequency, nocturia, straining on urination, and hematuria. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may also occur.
Reiter's syndrome.Reiter's syndrome is a disorder in which dysuria occurs 1 or 2 weeks after sexual contact. Initially, the patient has a mucopurulent discharge, urinary urgency and frequency, meatal swelling and redness, suprapubic pain, anorexia, weight loss, and a low-grade fever. Hematuria, conjunctivitis, arthritic symptoms, a papular rash, and oral and penile lesions may follow.
Urinary obstruction.Outflow obstruction by urethral strictures or calculi produces dysuria throughout voiding. (With complete obstruction, bladder distention develops and dysuria precedes voiding.) Other features are a diminished urine stream, urinary frequency and urgency, and a sensation of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen or groin.
Vaginitis.Characteristically, dysuria occurs throughout voiding as urine touches inflamed or ulcerated labia with vaginitis. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hematuria, perineal pain, and vaginal discharge and odor.
Other causes
Chemical irritants.Dysuria may result from irritating substances, such as bubble bath salts and feminine deodorants; it's usually most intense at the end of voiding. Spermicides may cause dysuria in both sexes. Other findings include urinary frequency and urgency, a diminished urine stream and, possibly, hematuria.
Drugs.Dysuria can result from monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Metyrosine can also cause transient dysuria.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Hematuria:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Bladder cancer.A primary cause of gross hematuria in men, bladder cancer may also produce pain in the bladder, rectum, pelvis, flank, back, or leg. Other common features are nocturia, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia.
Bladder trauma.Gross hematuria is characteristic in traumatic rupture or perforation of the bladder. Typically, hematuria is accompanied by lower abdominal pain and, occasionally, anuria despite a strong urge to void. The patient may also develop swelling of the scrotum, buttocks, or perineum and signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.
Calculi.Bladder and renal calculi produce hematuria, which may be associated with signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Bladder calculi usually cause gross hematuria, referred pain to the lower back or penile or vulvar area and, in some patients, bladder distention.
Renal calculi may produce microscopic or gross hematuria. The cardinal symptom, however, is colicky pain that travels from the CVA to the flank, suprapubic region, and external genitalia when a calculus is passed. The pain may be excruciating at its peak. Other signs and symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, restlessness, a fever, chills, abdominal distention and, possibly, decreased bowel sounds.
Coagulation disorders.Macroscopic hematuria is usually the first sign of hemorrhage in coagulation disorders, such as thrombocytopenia or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Other features include epistaxis, purpura (petechiae and ecchymoses), and signs of GI bleeding.
Cortical necrosis (acute).Accompanying gross hematuria in acute cortical necrosis are intense flank pain, anuria, leukocytosis, and a fever.
Cystitis.Hematuria is a telling sign in all types of cystitis. Bacterial cystitis usually produces macroscopic hematuria with urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient complains of perineal and lumbar pain, suprapubic discomfort, and fatigue and occasionally has a low-grade fever.
More common in women, chronic interstitial cystitis occasionally causes grossly bloody hematuria. Associated features include urinary frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. Microscopic and macroscopic hematuria may occur with tubercular cystitis, which may also cause urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, tenesmus, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. Viral cystitis usually produces hematuria, urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, tenesmus, and a fever.
Diverticulitis.When diverticulitis involves the bladder, it usually causes microscopic hematuria, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and nocturia. Characteristic findings include left lower quadrant pain, abdominal tenderness, constipation or diarrhea and, at times, a palpable, firm, fixed, and tender abdominal mass. The patient may also develop mild nausea, flatulence, and a low-grade fever.
Glomerulonephritis.Acute glomerulonephritis usually begins with gross hematuria that tapers off to microscopic hematuria and red cell casts, which may persist for months. It may also produce oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, a mild fever, fatigue, flank and abdominal pain, generalized edema, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and signs of lung congestion, such as crackles and a productive cough.
Chronic glomerulonephritis usually causes microscopic hematuria accompanied by proteinuria, generalized edema, and increased blood pressure. Signs and symptoms of uremia may also occur in advanced disease.
Nephritis (interstitial).Typically, nephritis causes microscopic hematuria. However, the patient with acute interstitial nephritis may develop gross hematuria. Other findings are a fever, a maculopapular rash, and oliguria or anuria. In chronic interstitial nephritis, the patient has dilute—almost colorless—urine that may be accompanied by polyuria and increased blood pressure.
Nephropathy (obstructive).Obstructive nephropathy may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria, but urine is rarely grossly bloody. The patient may report colicky flank and abdominal pain, CVA tenderness, and anuria or oliguria that alternates with polyuria.
Polycystic kidney disease.Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary disorder that may cause recurrent microscopic or gross hematuria. Although it commonly produces no symptoms before age 40, it may cause increased blood pressure, polyuria, dull flank pain, and signs of a UTI, such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Later, the patient develops a swollen, tender abdomen and lumbar pain that's aggravated by exertion and relieved by lying down. He may also have proteinuria and colicky abdominal pain from the ureteral passage of clots or calculi.
Prostatitis.Whether acute or chronic, prostatitis may cause macroscopic hematuria, usually at the end of urination. It may also produce urinary frequency and urgency and dysuria followed by visible bladder distention.
Acute prostatitis also produces fatigue, malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, a fever with chills, nausea, vomiting, perineal and low back pain, and a decreased libido. Rectal palpation reveals a tender, swollen, boggy, firm prostate.
Chronic prostatitis commonly follows an acute attack. It may cause persistent urethral discharge, dull perineal pain, ejaculatory pain, and a decreased libido.
Pyelonephritis (acute).Acute pyelonephritis typically produces microscopic or macroscopic hematuria that progresses to grossly bloody hematuria. After the infection resolves, microscopic hematuria may persist for a few months. Related signs and symptoms include a persistent high fever, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, CVA tenderness, shaking chills, weakness, fatigue, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient may also exhibit nausea, anorexia, vomiting, and signs of paralytic ileus, such as hypoactive or absent bowel sounds and abdominal distention.
Renal cancer.The classic triad of signs and symptoms of renal cancer includes grossly bloody hematuria; dull, aching flank pain; and a smooth, firm, palpable flank mass. Colicky pain may accompany the passage of clots. Other findings include a fever, CVA tenderness, and increased blood pressure. In advanced disease, the patient may develop weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and leg edema with varicoceles.
Renal infarction.Typically, renal infarction produces gross hematuria. The patient may complain of constant, severe flank and upper abdominal pain accompanied by CVA tenderness, anorexia, and nausea and vomiting. Other findings include oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, hypoactive bowel sounds and, a day or two after infarction, a fever and increased blood pressure.
Renal papillary necrosis (acute).Acute renal papillary necrosis usually produces grossly bloody hematuria, which may be accompanied by intense flank pain, CVA tenderness, abdominal rigidity and colicky pain, oliguria or anuria, pyuria, fever, chills, vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Arthralgia and hypertension are common.
Renal trauma.About 80% of patients with renal trauma have microscopic or gross hematuria. Accompanying signs and symptoms may include flank pain, a palpable flank mass, oliguria, hematoma or ecchymoses over the upper abdomen or flank, nausea and vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Severe trauma may precipitate signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.
Renal tuberculosis.Gross hematuria is commonly the first sign of renal tuberculosis. It may be accompanied by urinary frequency, dysuria, pyuria, tenesmus, colicky abdominal pain, lumbar pain, and proteinuria.
Renal vein thrombosis.Grossly bloody hematuria usually occurs in renal vein thrombosis. In abrupt venous obstruction, the patient experiences severe flank and lumbar pain as well as epigastric and CVA tenderness. Other features include a fever, pallor, proteinuria, peripheral edema and, when the obstruction is bilateral, oliguria or anuria and other uremic signs. The kidneys are easily palpable. Gradual venous obstruction causes signs of nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria and, occasionally, peripheral edema.
Schistosomiasis.Schistosomiasis usually causes intermittent hematuria at the end of urination. It may be accompanied by dysuria, colicky renal and bladder pain, and palpable lower abdominal masses.
Sickle cell anemia.Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disorder in which gross hematuria may result from congestion of the renal papillae. Associated signs and symptoms may include pallor, dehydration, chronic fatigue, polyarthralgia, leg ulcers, dyspnea, chest pain, impaired growth and development, hepatomegaly and, possibly, jaundice. Auscultation reveals tachycardia and systolic and diastolic murmurs.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Gross hematuria and proteinuria may occur when SLE involves the kidneys. Cardinal associated features include nondeforming joint pain and stiffness, a butterfly rash, photosensitivity, Raynaud's phenomenon, seizures or psychoses, a recurrent fever, lymphadenopathy, oral or nasopharyngeal ulcers, anorexia, and weight loss.
Urethral trauma.Initial hematuria may occur, possibly with blood at the urinary meatus, local pain, and penile or vulvar ecchymoses.
Vasculitis.Hematuria is usually microscopic in vasculitis. Associated signs and symptoms include malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, a fever, increased blood pressure, pallor and, occasionally, anuria. Other features, such as urticaria and purpura, may reflect the etiology of vasculitis.
Other causes
Diagnostic tests.Renal biopsy is the diagnostic test most commonly associated with hematuria. This sign may also result from biopsy or manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract such as in cystoscopy.
Drugs.Drugs that commonly cause hematuria are anticoagulants, aspirin (toxicity), analgesics, cyclophosphamide, metyrosine, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, penicillin, rifampin, and thiabendazole.
Treatments.Any therapy that involves manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract, such as transurethral prostatectomy, may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria. Following a kidney transplant, a patient may experience hematuria with or without clots, which may require indwelling urinary catheter irrigation.
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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Renal Failure, Acute:
Renal Failure, Acute - pathophysiology
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)
ARF is commonly precipitated by an ischemic or nephrotoxic event. Initial vasodilatation is followed by intense vasoconstriction, with blood redistributed from the cortex to the juxtamedullary nephrons. Delivery of oxygen to the kidney is impaired, leading to acute tubular necrosis. Intratubular debris and cast formation develop. Tubular fluid leaks backward across the injured tubular membrane, which, in addition to tubular obstruction, causes further hemodynamic changes.
Renal Failure, Acute - etiology
ARF has many causes, which can be subcategorized into 3 groups.
- Prerenal:
- Decreased perfusion of the kidney secondary either to decreased intravascular volume (e.g., dehydration), decreased effective circulating blood volume (e.g., CHF), or from altered intrarenal hemodynamics (e.g., NSAIDs)
- Common form of ARF in children
- Postrenal:
- Obstructive process (either structural or functional)
- Obstruction can reside in the lower tract or bilaterally in the upper tracts (unless the patient has a single kidney)
- This form of renal failure more common in newborns
- Intrinsic: Disorders that directly affect the kidney. This form can be subcategorized as follows:
- Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is the end result of either ischemic or toxin mediated damage to the tubules. Ischemic induced ATN is the result of prolonged and severe prerenal ARF which is no longer immediately reversible with the restoration of appropriate renal perfusion. Toxin mediated ATN can be caused by many medications (e.g., aminoglycosides), poisons (e.g.,mercury), or endogenous toxins (e.g., myoglobinuria)
- Glomerular disorders include the various forms of acute glomerulonephritis (e.g., postinfectious, rapidly progressive [crescentic]).
- Vascular lesions compromise glomerular blood flow. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is the most common disorder that causes intrinsic ARF in children.
- Interstitial nephritis most often occurs as a result of exposure to a medication. It may also be associated with infections (e.g., pyelonephritis), systemic diseases, or tumor infiltrates.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
Urinary Tract Infection:
Urinary Tract Infection - risk factors
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)
- Sex/Age: Boys most at risk for UTI during first year of life; girls until school age and again in adolescence
- Circumcision status: Uncircumcised males <1 year have 10 times the incidence of UTI compared with circumcised males.
- Abnormal urinary tract: Children with VUR and obstruction are at higher risk for UTI.
- Voiding dysfunction
- Requiring frequent catheterization
- Sexual activity
- Clinical decision rule in girls 2–24 months. Consider testing if 2 or more of following are present:
- Temperature ≥39, fever for ≥2 days, white race, age <1 year, absence of another potential source of fever
Urinary Tract Infection - pathophysiology
- Bacterial invasion of urinary tract from ascending skin or gut flora
- Shorter urethra in females puts them at increased risk
- Poor bladder emptying (neurogenic bladder, obstructive uropathies) facilitates movement of pathogens into upper tract
- In young infants, can be from hematogenous spread
Urinary Tract Infection - etiology
Urinary tract pathogens include:
- Common: Escherichia coli >> Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus, Proteus mirabilis
- Less common: Enterobacter cloacae, group B hemolytic streptococci, Citrobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia sp. and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (teenage girls)
>>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
Urinary Tract Infections:
Etiology
(Pediatric Infectious Disease)
Pediatric urinary tract infection begins with colonization of the periurethral
area with gastrointestinal bacteria. These bacteria may then ascend into the
bladder, kidneys, or both. A variety of virulence factors may promote infection
with certain bacterial isolates.
Escherichia coli organisms, a primary cause of urinary tract infection, have a variety of
adhesive molecules that facilitate binding to uroepithelial cells. These
“pili” function as ladders that enable the bacteria to ascend from the periurethral
area into the urinary tract.
Host factors may also play a role in the development of complicated urinary
tract infection. Ascension of bacteria from the bladder into the renal
parenchyma may be facilitated by vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). VUR is a
congenital condition resulting from a defect in the ureterovesical junction.
This defect affects closure of the ureter, which then allows retrograde flow of
urine from the bladder into the kidneys. Infection with
E. coli accounts for most urinary tract infections. Less common pathogens include
enterococcus and other enterics such as
Proteus species.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Pediatric Infectious Disease, 2004
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