Presentation
The patient may present with the cause of the exacerbation (eg, local infection), features of chronic failure or may present with AKI.
Assessment
Clinical assessment should include:
-Identifying possible causes of acute exacerbation - eg, drug history, signs of infection or evidence of prostatic hypertrophy.
-Identifying any degree of urinary tract obstruction.
-Assessment of pre-existing renal function and whether an episode represents acute on chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury in a patient with previously normal renal function (see separate articles -----Chronic Kidney Disease (Chronic Renal Failure) and Acute Kidney Injury).
-Assessment of blood pressure and general cardiovascular status.
Investigations
-Serial assessment of renal function: estimated GFR (eGFR), serum urea, creatinine and electrolytes.
-Urine: urinalysis, microscopy, electrolytes and protein excretion.
-FBC.
-Infection swabs and cultures as appropriate.
-ECG: evidence of hyperkalemia, myocardial infarction.
-Ultrasound scans of the urinary tract and lower abdomen to identify urinary tract obstruction or urinary tract abnormalities.
-Further investigations and management will depend on the well-being of the patient, likely cause of the exacerbation and current renal function.
-A full assessment, as described in the separate article Acute Kidney Injury, may be required.[1][2]
Renal biopsy may also be required.