Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography
03:19

Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography

Published on: June 21, 2024

1.7K

Does gouty nephropathy exist, and is it more common than we think?

Federica Piani1, Richard J Johnson1

  • 1Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.

Kidney International
|January 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Gout affects one-third of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Ultrasound revealed crystalline deposits in gouty kidneys, linked to higher risks of hypertension and kidney dysfunction, suggesting a new cause of CKD.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Rheumatology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Gout affects one-third of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • Gout is often an exclusion criterion in clinical trials on uric acid's role in kidney disease.
  • Microcrystalline deposits in the kidney may contribute to CKD progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between gout, microcrystalline deposits in the kidney, and kidney dysfunction.
  • To identify potential ultrasound markers for predicting kidney risk in gout patients.

Main Methods:

  • Ultrasound examination of the renal medulla in gout patients and controls.
  • Correlation analysis between ultrasound findings, gout, hypertension, and kidney dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • One-third of gout patients exhibited hyperechoic medullas, indicative of crystalline deposits.
  • These deposits correlated with an increased risk of hypertension and kidney dysfunction.
  • No such deposits were observed in over 500 control subjects.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperechoic medullas on ultrasound may indicate microcrystalline deposits in gout patients.
  • "Gouty nephropathy" resulting from these deposits could be a significant, overlooked cause of CKD.
  • Further validation is needed to confirm these findings and their clinical implications.

More Related Videos

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice09:43

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice

Published on: June 8, 2022

3.3K
Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes11:47

Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes

Published on: March 4, 2022

2.5K

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
354
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:26

Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

Renal calculi, commonly termed kidney stones, are crystalline solid masses that form in the kidneys but can occur at any point within the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.The pathophysiology of renal stones involves several key factors: supersaturation of the urine with stone-forming constituents, changes in urine pH, a decrease in urine volume, and the presence of substances that promote or inhibit stone formation.Supersaturation of Urine: This is the...
217
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of...
276
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History01:21

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History

The genitourinary system is critical to maintaining fluid balance, waste elimination, and reproductive function. Nurses play a vital role in assessing this system, beginning with a thorough health history. This process involves gathering patient information, identifying risk factors, and recognizing symptoms of genitourinary disorders. Early detection is vital for timely interventions and management.1. Gathering Patient InformationA complete health history includes the patient’s personal,...
217
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document...
82
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation01:26

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation

The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
460