Nephrology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the study, diagnosis, and management of diseases pertaining to the kidneys. Common diseases include acute and chronic failure of the kidneys to filter blood (kidney injury), nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), acid-base and electrolyte imbalances, conditions that affect the glomerulus, and urinary tract infections.
A competent healthcare provider must have a keen eye for the clinical manifestations, both acute and chronic, of the most common conditions affecting the kidneys in order to start the proper initial management and know which conditions need to be examined by an internist or a nephrologist.
For this course, the student needs to be acquainted with the anatomy and physiology of the kidneys, the physiology of acid-base and electrolyte balance, and cell-mediated immunity.
Although it might seem challenging, a good grasp of basic concepts of nephrology aids in attaining a fuller picture of the most important systemic ailments. For example, medication-resistant hypertension may be due to a secondary cause affecting the kidneys, such as renal artery stenosis.
Learning objectives
After the completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Describe the anatomy, histology, and physiology of the renal system and their relevancy in the pathophysiology of renal disorders.
- List and interpret the diagnostic aids available to assess disorders of the urinary tract.
- List the diagnostic criteria and adequate management of acute kidney injury and kidney failure.
- Explain the pathophysiology of fluid and electrolyte disorders, and acid-base imbalances, as well as their diagnostic features and adequate management.
- Recognize urinary tract infections, the difference between non-complicated and complicated infections, and their respective management plans.
- Determine how to identify and manage nephrolithiasis (kidney stones).
- Obtain focused patient histories, including risk factors and family history of kidney disease.
- Describe the pathophysiology of secondary hypertension and assess its relation to the renal system.
- Compare nephrotic and nephritic syndrome and determine their adequate management.
- Describe the theoretical foundation of renal replacement therapy.
Course outline
- Anatomy, Histology, and Physiology Review
- Renal Diagnostics
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
- Water Balance: Hypo- and Hypernatremia
- Potassium Disorders: Hypo- and Hyperkalemia
- Secondary Hypertension
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Nephritic Syndrome
- Renal Replacement Therapy
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
