How are congenital abnormalities of the urinary collecting system detected and treated?
How are congenital abnormalities of the urinary collecting system detected and treated?
The kidneys are paired organs which are been shaped, present on either side of the spine and below the ribs.
Functions- filtration of the blood and remove of the soluble waste(urine).
Regulation of the blood volume
Production of hormones like erythropoeitin, renin.
Metabolism of the vitamin D to it's active form.
Maintainence of water and electrolyte balance
Congenital anomalies are the birth defects which can affect the functions of the kidneys and the urinary tract. About one third of the congenital anomalies are of the renal system.
They can be classified as-
1.Dysgenensis of the kidneys-
-Renal agenesis(absence of kidneys)
-Renal hypoplasia(abnormally small kidneys)
-Renal dysplasia( abnormal formation of the kidneys)
2. Abnormality in the shape and position-
-Ectopic kidney(location of the kidney in an abnormal position)
- Fusion anomalies (complete or the partial fusion of the kidneys). It's again divided into-
a)Horsehoe kidney( kidneys joined to form a single arched shape kidney)
b) Crossed fused ectopia(fused kidneys located at the same side of the midline)
3. Abnormalities of the collecting system-
- Hydronephrosis
- Bladder extrophy
- PUV
- Patent Urachus
Hydronephrosis- The urine build up causes the swelling of the kidneys. Therefore the urine cannot drain out to the urinary bladder from the kidneys due to a blockage or obstruction. It can happen in one or both the kidneys.
Etiology- kidney stones
Congenital blockage
Previous injury resulting in scarring of the tissue
Tumor or cancer
Urinary tract infections
Clinical features- urinary infections
Large abdominal mass
Pain in the abdomen
Anemia
Hypertension
Hematuria
Renal failure
Diagnosis- Ultrasound is used which utilizes the soundwaves to create the image of the kidneys. The diagnosis can also be done by CT (computerized tomography)scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Cytoscopy can also be utilized. Blood and urine can also diagnose it.
Treatment- the treatment is symptomatic. Infections can be subsided by antibiotics. The treatment of the kidney stones is required where some cases can resolve without surgery. In case of severe damage to the kidneys dialysis or kidney transplant is required.
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