1.
A 58-yr-old white man was diagnosed 2 yr ago
with type 2 diabetes. His 46-yr-old sister also has
type 2 diabetes and has recently had a myocardial
infarction. He was initially treated with oral hypoglycemic
agents but was started on insulin 2
mo ago because of poor blood glucose control.
He continues to smoke 1 package of cigarettes
per day. On physical examination, he is obese
with a body mass index of 32 kg/m2. Blood
pressure (BP) is 120/75 mmHg, and pulse is 110
beats per minute. Funduscopic exam revealed
background retinopathy. Laboratory studies included
a serum creatinine of 1.1 mg/dl, an albumin/
creatinine ratio of 200 mg/g (normal 17
mg/g), hemoglobin A1C is 9.8%, and serum cholesterol
is 298 mg/dl.
Which ONE of the following treatment
choices should be recommended to the patient?
Correct Answer
C. Start treatment with an angiotensin II receptor
blocker (ARB).
Explanation
The patient in this case has type 2 diabetes and is at increased risk for cardiovascular complications due to his family history and smoking habit. His blood pressure is within the normal range, but his albumin/creatinine ratio is elevated, indicating early kidney damage. Starting treatment with an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) is recommended in this case as ARBs have been shown to slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with diabetes. This treatment choice aims to protect the patient's kidneys and reduce the risk of further complications.
2.
A 38-yr-old African-American woman is found to
have microscopic hematuria on a routine physical
examination. Her only significant history is a normal
labor and delivery at age 22. Her mother and a
maternal aunt are on hemodialysis for end-stage
renal disease (ESRD) secondary to polycystic kidney
disease (PKD). On physical examination, blood
pressure (BP) is 145/95 mmHg, pulse is 80 beats/
min, and weight is 75 kg. Her serum creatinine is
1.2 mg/dl; her hemoglobin is 14.5 g/dl; urinalysis
shows specific gravity of 1.017, no protein, trace
blood, and 5 to 10 red blood cells/high power field. A spot urine protein/creatinine ratio is 150 mg/g
(normal 200 mg/g), and urine sodium is 102
mEq/L. Renal ultrasound demonstrates multiple
cysts in both kidneys.
Which ONE of the following is true regarding
her condition?
Correct Answer
C. She has CKD on the basis of the microscopic
hematuria and abnormal renal ultrasound.
Explanation
The patient's history of microscopic hematuria and abnormal renal ultrasound findings indicate the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is defined by the presence of kidney damage or decreased kidney function for three months or longer. The presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) and the presence of multiple cysts in both kidneys on ultrasound are consistent with kidney damage. The normal serum creatinine and protein excretion do not exclude the diagnosis of CKD, as early stages of CKD can be asymptomatic and may not cause significant changes in these parameters.
3.
Reagrding to the case in MCQ 3, Which ONE of the following should be recommended
for therapy?
Correct Answer
E. She should be treated with an angiotensinconverting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to a
target BP of 130/85 mmHg.
Explanation
The correct answer is to treat the patient with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to achieve a target blood pressure (BP) of 130/85 mmHg. This recommendation is based on the information provided in the case, which suggests that the patient has hypertension. ACE inhibitors are commonly used to treat hypertension and have been shown to be effective in reducing BP and preventing cardiovascular complications. The target BP of 130/85 mmHg is in line with current guidelines for the management of hypertension.
4.
A 78-yr-old white man comes to your office for
routine preventive care. He has a history of hypertension
treated with a thiazide diuretic. He is
currently asymptomatic. On physical examination,
his blood pressure (BP) is 155/80 mmHg,
his pulse is 80 beats/min and regular, and his
weight is 75 kg. The remainder of his examination
is unremarkable. Laboratory studies show
the following: serum creatinine, 1.1 mg/dl; calculated
glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the
abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease
(MDRD) study equation, 69 ml/min per 1.73
m2; urinalysis is normal; spot protein-to-creatinine
ratio, 130 mg/g (normal 200 mg/g). A
renal ultrasound shows the right kidney is 11 cm
and the left kidney is 11.5 cm in length without
evidence for hydronephrosis.
Which ONE of the following is true regarding
his condition?
Correct Answer
D. The low GFR is a consequence of aging, and
he should not be classified as having CKD.
Explanation
The answer states that the low GFR in the 78-year-old man is a consequence of aging and he should not be classified as having chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is because as individuals age, there is a natural decline in kidney function, resulting in a lower GFR. In this case, the patient's GFR is 69 ml/min per 1.73 m2, which falls within the range for stage 2 CKD. However, it is important to note that the patient's urinary protein excretion rate is normal, indicating that there is no evidence of kidney damage. Therefore, the low GFR is attributed to aging rather than a pathological condition.
5.
A 46-yr-old white woman is seen in your office
for evaluation of elevated serum creatinine. She
currently has hypertension. A kidney biopsy performed
2 yr ago showed membranous glomerulonephritis.
There was severe tubulointerstitial
disease, and 3 of 27 glomeruli were globally
sclerosed. At that time, her serum creatinine was
2.1 mg/dl, her calculated glomerular filtration
rate (GFR) by the abbreviated Modification of
Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation
was 27 ml/min per 1.73 m2, serum cholesterol
was 320 mg/dl, and she had a 24-h urinary
protein excretion of 8.6 g. Which ONE of the following is true regarding
her risk of developing progressive kidney
failure?
Correct Answer
C. The severity of tubulointerstitial disease is a
good predictor of kidney disease progression.
Explanation
The severity of tubulointerstitial disease is a good predictor of kidney disease progression. This means that the extent of damage and inflammation in the tubules and interstitium of the kidney can help determine the likelihood of the disease progressing. In this case, the patient had severe tubulointerstitial disease on a previous kidney biopsy, suggesting a higher risk of kidney failure in the future. This information is important for managing the patient's condition and making decisions about treatment options.
6.
A 58-yr-old Asian man is seen in your office for
assessment and treatment of his elevated serum
creatinine. He was diagnosed by renal biopsy
with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy 2 yr ago. Laboratory studies show serum creatinine
of 2.0 mg/dl, calculated glomerular filtration
rate (GFR) of 37 ml/min per 1.73 m2 by the
abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease
(MDRD) study equation, hemoglobin of
10.0 g/dl, hematocrit of 30%; urine protein-tocreatinine
ratio of 2400 mg/g (normal 200
mg/g).
Which ONE of the following is true regarding
assessment of his anemia?
Correct Answer
D. Serum iron, transferrin saturation, and ferritin
should be measured to assess iron
stores.
Explanation
The correct answer is that serum iron, transferrin saturation, and ferritin should be measured to assess iron stores. In this case, the patient has anemia with a low hemoglobin level and hematocrit, which suggests a deficiency in iron. To confirm this, it is necessary to measure serum iron, transferrin saturation, and ferritin levels. These tests will provide information about the body's iron stores and help guide appropriate treatment for the anemia. The other options are not relevant to the assessment of anemia in this patient with IgA nephropathy.
7.
Which ONE of the following is true regarding
therapy?
Correct Answer
B. Treatment of anemia can prevent the development
of left ventricular hypertropHy.
Explanation
Treatment of anemia can prevent the development of left ventricular hypertrophy. Left ventricular hypertrophy is a condition where the muscle wall of the left ventricle of the heart becomes thickened, which can lead to heart failure. Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin levels, which can result in decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, including the heart. By treating anemia and increasing the hemoglobin levels, the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is improved, reducing the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy.
8.
A 62-yr-old white man with type 2 diabetes and
chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents to your
office for treatment recommendations. Coronary
artery bypass surgery was performed 3 yr
ago. He has hypertension that is being treated
with furosemide, metoprolol, and lisinopril. His
major complaint is fatigue. On physical examination,
his blood pressure (BP) is 140/85
mmHg, and he has 1 peripheral edema. His
serum creatinine is 2.2 mg/dl with a calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 32 ml/min
per 1.73 m2 by the Modification of Diet in
Renal Disease (MDRD) abbreviated formula. A
spot protein-to-creatinine ratio is 4000 mg/g
(normal 200 mg/g). His fasting blood glucose
is 150 mg/dl.
Which ONE of the following choices is
most correct regarding this patient?
Correct Answer
E. Lowering his target BP can slow the progression
of his kidney disease.
Explanation
Lowering the target blood pressure (BP) can slow the progression of kidney disease in this patient. The patient has chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 32 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Lowering the BP can help protect the kidneys by reducing the pressure on the blood vessels in the kidneys, thereby slowing the progression of kidney disease. This is especially important in patients with diabetes and hypertension, as they are at a higher risk for kidney disease progression. Therefore, lowering the target BP is the most correct choice for this patient.
9.
Additional laboratory tests performed on the
patient described in last MCQ case return and
demonstrate a hemoglobin of 10.1 g/dl with a
serum iron of 92 mg/dl, a transferrin saturation
of 23%, and a ferritin of 130 ng/ml.
Which ONE of the following should be
done next?
Correct Answer
D. Start recombinant erythropoietin 10,000
units subcutaneously once weekly along
with oral iron.
Explanation
Based on the laboratory test results, the patient has a low hemoglobin level (10.1 g/dl), indicating anemia. The serum iron level (92 mg/dl), transferrin saturation (23%), and ferritin level (130 ng/ml) suggest iron deficiency anemia. The appropriate next step would be to start recombinant erythropoietin therapy, which stimulates red blood cell production, along with oral iron supplementation to address the iron deficiency. This treatment approach aims to increase the patient's hemoglobin level and improve their anemia.
10.
A 48-yr-old African-American man is seen in
your office for elevated serum creatinine. He
has polycystic kidney disease (PKD). His blood pressure (BP) is 135/90 mmHg, his weight is 85
kg, and his exam is remarkable for palpable
kidneys. Laboratory studies include serum creatinine
of 2 mg/dl, serum calcium of 7.6 mg/dl,
serum phosphorus of 5.1 mg/dl, serum albumin
of 4.0 g/dl, serum intact parathyroid hormone of
280 pg/ml (normal 12 to 72 pg/ml), and calculated
glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the
abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease
(MDRD) study equation of 46 ml/min per
1.73 m2. Which ONE of the following is true regarding
therapy?
Correct Answer
B. He should be treated with 0.25 g/d calcitriol.
Explanation
The patient has polycystic kidney disease (PKD) which can lead to decreased production of active vitamin D (calcitriol) by the kidneys. The low serum calcium level and high intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level indicate secondary hyperparathyroidism, which is commonly seen in CKD. Treatment with calcitriol helps to increase serum calcium levels and suppress PTH secretion, thereby managing secondary hyperparathyroidism. Restricting dietary phosphorus, avoiding calcium-containing phosphate binders, and starting long-term therapy with aluminum hydroxide are not appropriate for this patient. Sevelamer therapy is actually associated with a decreased risk of osteomalacia and bone fractures.
11.
A 23-yr-old white woman is seen in your office
to discuss strategies to prevent the development
of diabetic nephropathy. She was diagnosed as
having type 1 diabetes at age 8 yr. Currently,
she is normotensive and her glucose is well
controlled on an insulin pump (HbA1C 5.0%).
Her blood pressure (BP) is 120/70 mmHg. Laboratory
studies include serum creatinine of 1.0
mg/dl and spot albumin-to-creatinine ratio of
200 mg/g (normal 25 mg/g).
Which ONE of the following is true regarding
therapy?
Correct Answer
D. ACE inhibitors have been demonstrated to
reduce albuminuria and decrease the risk
of progressing to overt diabetic nepHropathy.
12.
A 31-yr-old white man is referred to you from
his primary care physician for recommendations
regarding the management of his chronic
kidney disease (CKD). He has biopsy-proven
immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. His
main symptoms are fatigue. He is currently
taking an angiotensin receptor blocker for control
of his hypertension. His sister is bloodgroup
compatible and is interested in being a
kidney donor for him. On physical examination,
his blood pressure (BP) is 125/70 mmHg. Laboratory studies include serum creatinine of 4.1
mg/dl and 24-h urinary protein excretion of
6.2 g. His calculated glomerular filtration rate
(GFR) using the abbreviated Modification of
Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation
is 18 ml/min per 1.73 m2.
Which ONE of the following should you
recommend for this patient?
Correct Answer
D. Preemptive living donor transplant if a
donor is available.
Explanation
The patient has biopsy-proven IgA nephropathy and is already experiencing symptoms of fatigue. His kidney function, as indicated by his serum creatinine and GFR, is significantly impaired. Given his young age and the availability of a blood-group compatible sister as a potential kidney donor, a preemptive living donor transplant would be the most appropriate recommendation. This would provide the patient with the best chance of long-term renal function and improved quality of life, compared to starting dialysis or delaying the need for dialysis with a low-protein diet.
13.
A 79-yr-old Asian man is seen in your office for
evaluation of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
secondary to type 2 diabetes. Over the past 2 yr,
his glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has decreased
from 47 ml/min per 1.73 m2 to a current
GFR of 19 ml/min per 1.73 m2, despite good
blood pressure (BP) control with an angiotensin-
converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Laboratory
studies include serum creatinine of 4.1
mg/dl, potassium of 5.0 mEq/L, and bicarbonate
of 17 mEq/L. An arterial blood gas confirms he
has a compensated metabolic acidosis.
Which ONE of the following is true regarding
his acidosis?
Correct Answer
D. Acidosis increases calcium loss from bone.
Explanation
Acidosis increases calcium loss from bone. In metabolic acidosis, there is decreased pH in the blood, which leads to increased bone resorption and calcium release from the bones. This is due to the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain pH balance by releasing calcium ions from the bones. This can contribute to the development of osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures.
14.
A 55-yr-old white woman has chronic kidney
disease (CKD) from type 2 diabetes. Her current glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 45 ml/
min per 1.73 m2.
Which ONE of the following is true regarding
alterations in bone and mineral metabolism
in CKD?
Correct Answer
C. Elevated serum pHospHorus inhibits the
1-alpHa hydroxylase enzyme in the kidney,
leading to decreased calcitriol synthesis.
Explanation
In chronic kidney disease (CKD), there is a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which leads to alterations in bone and mineral metabolism. The correct answer states that elevated serum phosphorus inhibits the 1-alpha hydroxylase enzyme in the kidney, which is responsible for the synthesis of calcitriol (active form of vitamin D). This inhibition of calcitriol synthesis can lead to abnormal mineral metabolism. This answer is supported by the understanding that CKD can cause abnormalities in phosphate metabolism, leading to elevated serum phosphorus levels, which in turn can inhibit the production of calcitriol.
15.
A 37-yr-old African-American woman presents
with nephrotic syndrome. A kidney biopsy is
diagnostic for focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis.
Her current estimated glomerular filtration
rate (GFR) by the abbreviated Modification
of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation
is 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2.
Which ONE of the following is the BEST
predictor of her risk of progressing to
ESRD?
Correct Answer
C. The extent of tubulointerstitial disease on
biopsy.
Explanation
The extent of tubulointerstitial disease on biopsy is the best predictor of the patient's risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Tubulointerstitial disease refers to damage and inflammation in the tubules and interstitial tissue of the kidneys, which can contribute to the progression of kidney disease. The presence and severity of tubulointerstitial disease on biopsy can help determine the extent of kidney damage and the likelihood of progression to ESRD.
16.
Which ONE of the following is TRUE regarding
cardiovascular disease in patients
with CKD?
Correct Answer
B. Most patients with chronic kidney disease
will die of cardiovascular disease before
they reach end stage renal disease.
Explanation
A higher prevalence of traditional risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia account for the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with CKD. This means that patients with CKD are more likely to have conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. As a result, they are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to the general population. Additionally, the statement suggests that cardiovascular disease may be a leading cause of death in patients with CKD before they progress to end-stage renal disease.
17.
A 74-yr-old Asian woman was admitted to the
hospital with failure-to-thrive. She has a past medical
history of diabetes mellitus, heart failure, osteoporosis
and Alzheimer’s disease. She has lost
20 pounds over the past half year and weighs 70
pounds currently. On physical examination, she is
cachectic and has 2 lower extremity pitting
edema. Her serum creatinine is 1.0 mg/dl. Her
serum albumin is 2.5 g/dl. A random spot urine
protein/creatinine ratio on admission is 3.6 g/gm.
A complete 24-h urine collected via Foley during
the second day of hospitalization revealed 1.6 g of
protein and 453 mg of creatinine.
Which ONE of the following statements is
TRUE?
Correct Answer
D. The random spot urine protein/creatinine
ratio is misleading because of the low creatinine
production.
Explanation
The random spot urine protein/creatinine ratio is misleading because of the low creatinine production. This is because the patient's serum creatinine level is normal, indicating that her kidney function is not impaired. However, the spot urine protein/creatinine ratio is high, suggesting significant proteinuria. This discrepancy can be explained by the low creatinine production, which leads to an artificially elevated protein/creatinine ratio. Therefore, the patient does not have nephrotic range proteinuria.
18.
A 51-yr-old Caucasian male patient with autosomal
dominant polycystic kidney disease developed
renal failure requiring hemodialysis
seven years ago. Two years ago, he received a
cadaveric kidney transplant. He is currently
maintained on cyclosporine, prednisone and
mycophenolate mofetil. His stable estimated
GFR is 70 ml/min/1.73m2. His dipstick urinalysis
has trace protein that is persistent but no
hemoglobin or other abnormalities. He has 300
mg of protein in a 24-h urine collection.
According to the current National Kidney
Foundation Chronic Kidney Disease classification,
this patient has which ONE of the
following stages of CKD?
Correct Answer
B. Stage 2.
Explanation
According to the current National Kidney Foundation Chronic Kidney Disease classification, Stage 2 is characterized by mild reduction in kidney function (GFR 60-89 ml/min/1.73m2) with evidence of kidney damage, such as persistent proteinuria. Since the patient has a stable estimated GFR of 70 ml/min/1.73m2 and persistent trace protein in the urine, he falls into Stage 2 of CKD.
19.
A 59-yr-old Caucasian man with type 2 diabetes
mellitus was admitted to the hospital with sepsis
of unclear etiology. His baseline urine dipstick
has 1 protein and his baseline serum creatinine
is 1.2 mg/dl (MDRD equation estimated
GFR 66 ml/min/1.73m2). Patient failed to
improve with antibiotic therapy and was admitted
to the intensive care unit when he developed
hypotension requiring vasoconstrictors and hypoxia
requiring mechanical ventilation. He received
IV contrast for an abdominal CT scan.
His serum creatinine was 1.2 mg/dl the morning
he received the contrast and rose to 2.4 mg/dl
the following morning.
Which ONE of the following statements is
MOST correct?
Correct Answer
B. Intravenous contrast is not contraindicated
in patients with CKD.
Explanation
The correct answer is that intravenous contrast is not contraindicated in patients with CKD. This is because the patient's acute renal failure, indicated by the rise in serum creatinine after receiving IV contrast, is likely due to acute tubular necrosis caused by sepsis and hypotension, rather than contrast-induced nephropathy. The patient's baseline CKD, as indicated by the proteinuria and slightly decreased estimated GFR, is unrelated to the acute renal failure. Therefore, the administration of IV contrast in this case is not contraindicated.
20.
Which of the following is the most common cause of resistant anemia in CKD patients?
Correct Answer
A. Iron deficiency
Explanation
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of resistant anemia in CKD patients. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can lead to decreased production and release of erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for stimulating red blood cell production. This can result in anemia. Iron deficiency further exacerbates the anemia as iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Therefore, addressing iron deficiency is crucial in managing anemia in CKD patients.