Question

What clinical effects with low blood pressure have on the kidneys of a burn patient? Consider GFR, both what would happen to it, and subsequently, what would result in the rest of the nephron? what treatments are indicated?

Answer 1

• Low blood pressure means the patient would have much lower GFR (Glomerular filtration rate) because of loss of water through burnt skin.
• The nephron loop fails to maintain concurrent flow, resulting in kidney failure.
• It is aggravated by burnt muscle if any, resulting in myoglobin to reach transport maximum in blood.
• It causes plunging of tubules and death of the nephron.
• Treatment recommended is massive fluid transfusions to maintain blood volume, high GFR and dilution of myoglobinuria.