Introduction to renal disease
This tutorial costs £10.00
(A J Photo/HOP Americain/Science Photo Libary.)
Women with chronic renal disease and/or renal allografts often become pregnant. Many women experience straightforward pregnancies that result in the delivery of healthy babies, but other pregnancies are complicated by deterioration of renal function, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth problems and exacerbation of the underlying condition.
Successful management depends on a good working knowledge of normal renal physiology, an awareness of the potential complications, an understanding of the general principles of medical disorders in pregnancy, and close working relationships with colleagues in related disciplines including renal medicine and fetal medicine.
This tutorial describes these principles and will provide you with a deeper understanding of the complexities affecting decision making in these potentially difficult pregnancies.
Learning objectives When you have completed this tutorial you will be able to: - recognise abnormal renal structure and function during pregnancy
- understand the principles and practice of care for pregnant women with chronic renal disease
- evaluate and form a plan of management for pregnant women with acute and chronic renal disease.
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Last updated: 14/08/09 (TOG article added in the 'Management' section).