The EM Educator series covers ESRD and its complications, dialysis access, and laboratory/medication considerations.
A 65-year-old with a history of ESRD and renal transplant presents to the ED with lower abdominal pain and fevers. On exam, his vitals include HR 112, BP 101/62, RR 22, T 101.1, SpO2 98% on RA. His is tachycardic with lower extremity edema and lower abdominal tenderness to palpation. What’s the next step in your evaluation and treatment?
Hepatorenal syndrome is challenging, not only in diagnosis, but also management. This post by Colton Margus and Jenny Beck-Esmay brings to light this deadly disease.
A 59-year-old male with history of CML presents to the emergency department with left sided flank pain. He was sitting in a chair 4 hours ago when the pain suddenly started. The pain has been constant since onset. He appears uncomfortable, with mild tenderness in the LLQ. Testicular exam is normal. What is your presumed diagnosis, and what is the most likely contributor?
The patient with renal injury and respiratory symptoms... Could it be anti-GBM disease? This post looks at this condition and when you should consider it.
This edition of emDocs Cases evaluates patients with end stage renal disease and dialysis. Are you ready for uremic encephalopathy, pericardial tamponade, air embolism, line infections, and more?
Leg edema has a wide differential, but what tests are necessary in the ED? This post seeks answers to this question and more.
A great deal of controversy surrounds the association of IV contrast with acute renal injury. However, a recent study suggests this association is myth rather than fact. This post by Dr. Sinert evaluates this new study and the importance of confounders.
