pyelonephritis

Question 1

what is pyelonephritis?

Answer 1

• upper UTI

- inflammation of renal pelvis & parenchyma

Question 2

pyelonephritis can be ____ & ______

Answer 2

acute & chronic

Question 3

what is the etiology of pyelonephritis?

Answer 3

bacteria: -usually ECOLI

- S. aureus via blood (also associated with nosocomal infections)

Question 4

what are the risks for pyelonephritis?

Answer 4

• suppressed immunity
• catheterization (bacteria secrete biofilm to protect themselves, attach to catheter)
• urinary reflux (ex. BPH, kidney stones)
• Diabetes mellitus (chronic infections with diabetes, especially UTIs, leukocyte activity impeded)

Question 5

what is the patho of pyelonephritis?

Answer 5

• ascending infection & inflammation:
• urethra –bladder–ureter–kidney
• inflammation damage may cause fibrosis & scar tissue, which decrease renal function (2 renal functions are: ultrafiltration=blood filtration and reabsorption)

Question 6

when can the chronic form of pyelonephritis occur?

Answer 6

will arise if not treated or if structural changes occur

Question 7

what are the manifestations of pyelonephritis?

Answer 7

• abrupt onset
• lower back pain (where kidneys located -inflm process)
• fever
• dysuria, frequency, urgency
• pyuria (pus in the urine)
• severe HTN in chronic form -retain fluid, which increase blood volume

Question 8

what is pyuria?

Answer 8

pus in the urine

Question 9

the chronic form of pyelonephritis?

Answer 9

• infection with complications (reflux & obstruction) may make acute form become chronic
• renal damage which may lead to renal failure