Tubulointerstitial Diseases - Things You Need To be Aware Of!

The tubulointerstitial diseases are nothing but a collection of heterogeneous disorders, sharing similar features of interstitial and tubular injury. Usually characterized by functional and histologic abnormalities these diseases involve the interstitium and the tubules. In case of secondary tubulointerstitial diseases, they are the results of the consequences of progressive vascular or glomerular injuries. Depending on the severity of the diseases, the entire kidney may even be involved, with renal failure as well as glomerular dysfunction.

Know the two types
Depending upon the type of the diseases, the tubulointerstitial diseases can be divided into two different categories, namely, acute tubular nercosis and chronic or acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. While the latter refers to the primary injuries to the interstitium and renal tubules that results in reduced renal function, the former category of tubulointerstitial diseases refers to the death of the tubular epithelial cells which are responsible for forming the kidneys’ renal tubules. Analgesic nephropathy, reflux nephropathy, and myeloma kidney are involved with chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis.

How does this problem occur?
There can be a number of causes of tubulointerstitial diseases. Contrast nephropathy is a form of acute tubular necrosis that is caused due to iodinated radiocontrast agents. From infections to obstructive processes, toxic agents, including drugs, metabolic diseases like hyperuricemia, diabetes, ischemia, and immune mechanisms meditated damages or radiation can be responsible for tubulointerstitial diseases. Some forms of the injuries to the tubulointerstitial compartment often result from exposure to certain drugs and infections or toxic insult.

Knowing the symptoms is crucial
The signs and symptoms of the tubulointerstitial diseases can be various, depending on the cause and type of the disease. While some people experience pain in the lower back, dysuria, vomiting, nausea, weight loss and fatigue when suffering from chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis; bilateral renal engagement, weight loss, and abdominal pain are also common signs of interstitial edema. Decreased consciousness, lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, fluid retention, decreased or no urine output at all are some of the most common symptoms of acute tubular necrosis.

Treatment options available
When it comes to treating tubulointerstitial diseases, the treatment methods vary depending on the disease and the cause behind them. Some of the most effective ways of treatment involve identifying the inciting factors and the removal of the offending agents, trying certain drug therapies and if need be, opting for surgeries. To improve the renal functions, chemotherapy plasmapheresis treatment can also be helpful. Identifying the general disease associated with the tubulointerstitial diseases and treating it is another effective way of treatment.

Remember, opting for immediate medical attention is necessary once any symptoms of any tubulointerstitial diseases are noticed because, the earlier the diagnosis of the tubulointerstitial diseases will be, the more effective and fast will be the path to cure. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!