Thin-basement-membrane nephropathy in adults with persistent hematuria
Article Abstract:
Idiopathic hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine from unknown cause. In a study of idiopathic hematuria, specimens from 80 patients with blood in the urine underwent biopsy to identify which of these patients had kidney damage, and to correlate the results with prognosis (the medical outcome). Of the 80 patients, 42 had normal anatomy according to analysis by regular (light) microscope. The tissues from this 'normal' group were further scrutinized using an electron microscope, and the thickness of the membrane (basement membrane) associated with the microscopic glomerular structures of the kidney, which filter the blood, was measured. On the basis of this examination, a group of individuals with unusually thin basement membranes was identified, and these patients continued to have microscopic amounts of blood in their urine continued throughout the study. Individuals with normal basement membranes slowly returned to normal and their microscopic hematuria ultimately subsided. Electron microscopic analysis and measurement of the basement membrane should be considered in all adults with persistent idiopathic microscopic hematuria. The range of values for normal glomerular structures and a discussion of this and other diseases which affect the glomerular basement membrane are presented.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1989
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Microscopic hematuria
Article Abstract:
The diagnosis and treatment of microscopic hematuria are reviewed. Microscopic hematuria means a person has blood in his or her urine, but the amount is so small it can only be seen through a microscope. It can be caused by something as benign as exercise or sexual intercourse, or by something as serious as bladder or kidney cancer. An algorithm for evaluating these patients is included.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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Case 7-2007: A 59-year-old woman with diabetic renal disease and nonhealing skin ulcers
Article Abstract:
A case study of a 59-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic renal insufficiency and a nonhealing ulcer on the right heel and painful ulcers on the right thigh and hip is illustrated. The lady was diagnosed as having ischemic ulcer of the heel due to atherosclerotic vascular disease and decubitus ulcers of the hip and thigh.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2007
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