BLOOD EXAMINATION

Blood Examination - Renal Function Tests

Definition

• Renal function tests are used to assess the kidneys' ability to remove waste products from the blood.

Types of Renal Function Tests

• Serum creatinine
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Serum Creatinine

• Definition: A waste product from muscle metabolism.
• Pathophysiology: Elevated levels indicate impaired renal function.
• Causes:
  • Kidney disease
  • Dehydration
  • Certain medications
• Clinical Features:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
• Investigations:
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
• Complications:
  • Kidney failure
  • Electrolyte imbalances
• Management:
  • Fluid replacement
  • Medications to decrease creatinine levels
• Treatment:
  • Dialysis
  • Kidney transplantation

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

• Definition: A waste product from protein metabolism.
• Pathophysiology: Elevated levels indicate impaired renal function.
• Causes:
  • Kidney disease
  • Dehydration
  • Certain medications
• Clinical Features:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
• Investigations:
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
• Complications:
  • Kidney failure
  • Electrolyte imbalances
• Management:
  • Fluid replacement
  • Medications to decrease BUN levels
• Treatment:
  • Dialysis
  • Kidney transplantation

Interpretation of Creatinine Levels

• Normal range: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL
• Elevated levels indicate impaired renal function
• Creatinine levels can be used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

Interpretation of BUN Levels

• Normal range: 6-24 mg/dL
• Elevated levels indicate impaired renal function
• BUN levels can be used to estimate renal function

Clinical Relevance

• Renal function tests are essential for diagnosing kidney disease
• Monitoring renal function is crucial in patients with kidney disease
• Renal function tests can help guide treatment decisions

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines

• Calcarea carbonica: useful in kidney disease with symptoms of fatigue and weakness
• Nux vomica: useful in kidney disease with symptoms of nausea and vomiting
• Cuprum metallicum: useful in kidney disease with symptoms of muscle weakness and fatigue
• Lycopodium clavatum: useful in kidney disease with symptoms of abdominal distension and gas
• Selenium: useful in kidney disease with symptoms of weakness and fatigue