Prostate Conditions

Acute prostatitis This is acute inflammation of the prostate, which usually occurs in infection   Causes Young adults – Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae Older Adults – E. coli   Symptoms Dysuria, urinary frequency, and suprapubic pain Can cause urinary retention leading to pain and haematospermia Systemic symptoms, e.g., fevers   Key tests DRE gives tender prostate and secretions reveal bacteria   Management Antibiotics e.g. levofloxacin (Quinolone) or Trimethoprim   Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) This refers to hyperplasia of the prostate which occurs with age and is common. It does not increase the risk of cancer, as it is the central

Renal Tubule Disorders

This is a group of disorders which can affect various parts of the nephron, leading to specific symptoms. The symptoms reflect either an inability to reabsorb or excess reabsorption of solutes in the various segments.  Fanconi syndrome This is a disorder causing impairment of PCT function, preventing solute reabsorption. It can be either inherited or acquired.   Symptoms Glycosuria, aminoaciduria, uricosuria and phosphaturia Phosphate loss can cause bone demineralisation resulting in osteomalacia   Management Phosphate replacement is important   Bartter syndrome This is an inherited condition which results in an impairment of salt reabsorption in the thick ascending loop of

Urinary Tract Infections

This is a general term which describes a bacterial infection anywhere of the urinary tract. It is usually caused by an infection which arises from the enteric bacteria in the gut. It is also classified as uncomplicated (normal renal structure/function) or complicated (producing a structural/functional abnormality of urinary tract)   Risk factors Decreased urine flow – due to dehydration, or obstructions within the urinary tract Increased bacterial entry – due to sexual intercourse, incontinence Higher bacterial growth – diabetes, immunosuppression, catheter use, pregnancy Female – they have a less vertical urethra making bacterial travel easier Key tests Urine dipstick –