Kidney and Urinary Tract 2024

IgA Nephropathy: Filtering Through Complex Deposits and Kidney Disease - Team 6

Media Type: Infographic

Summary

team_06_image.jpgThrough a detailed examination of the kidneys' anatomy and function, the PULSE assignment aimed to describe the renal disorder IgA nephropathy, in a clear and digestible format. One of the primary objectives of our assignment was to elucidate the multifaceted functions of the kidneys beyond just waste filtration. By highlighting the kidneys' role in regulating electrolytes, blood pressure, and hormone production, the presentation underscored the critical importance of kidney health for overall bodily homeostasis. Additionally, it sheds light on the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy, aprevalent renal disorder, by emphasizing the interplay of genetic predisposition,immune system abnormalities, and environmental factors in the disease’s development. The presentation adopted a structured approach, beginning with an overview of kidney structure and function before delving into specific topics such as glomerular structure, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of IgA nephropathy. The intention behind this presentation sequence, is so the audience could more effectively grasp the complexity of renal physiology and pathology. Furthermore, including statistics and fact-checked references added credibility to the presentation, enhancing its educational value. One notable aspect of the assignment was its focus on practical implications, particularly in the discussion of diagnosis and treatment strategies for IgA nephropathy. By providing insights into diagnostic modalities, like laboratory tests and kidney biopsy, as well as treatment options like lifestyle modifications, medications, and kidney transplantation, the presentation provided the audience with clinically applicable knowledge to combat the disease. Moreover, the reflection on the treatment of chronic renal failure as a major risk associated with IgA nephropathy highlighted the comprehensive approach needed to address renal disorders. By addressing not only the specific condition but also its potential long-term complications, the assignment underscored the importance of holistic patient care in nephrology.

Keywords: IgA Nephropathy, Glomerular disease, Kidneys, Accessible Learning, Infographic

Unraveling the Mysteries of Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract - Team 9

Media Type: Website

Summary

team_09_image.jpgThis assignment is a self-study style overview of the basics that make up the study of pathology, such as anatomy (both “gross” anatomy, which is visible to the naked eye, and “histological” anatomy, which is microscopy), physiology, and genetics. These basics are then applied to the study of congenital disorders, which occur during pregnancy, and the various factors that cause those disorders. Finally, all the content taught in the “course” are summed up in the form of six disease case studies on Congenital Disorders of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT). These case studies draw learners into applying their newfound knowledge to interesting, and often quite strange disorders in order to understand the overall impact of small changes in fetal development. From this, students will gain an appreciation for all the small parts that make up studying human pathology, and learn how to turn those small parts into a full understanding of a condition. For a broader audience, this assignment serves to teach a basic level of understanding in the study of human disease, and how we go about tackling cases in the field. In order to achieve this, numerous examples, pictures, and diagrams are used to communicate in both visual, written, and hands-on formats for different styles of learners. As such, we encourage everyone to not just read the content, but also to interact with the various components such as the “Test Your Knowledge” sections or the virtual microscope. We worked towards this course-style format to reach as many people as possible, as we believe that it was the best way to reach as many learners.

Keywords: Kidney Pathology,  Urinary Tract Pathology Genetic Mutations, Congenital Abnormalities, Study Guide

Unraveling the Mysteries of Staghorn Kidney Stones: A Comprehensive Exploration of Renal (Kidney) Pathology - Team 30

Media Type: Magazine

Summary

team_30_image.jpgIn our assignment we used ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence system, to create a case study with the goal of educating learners on the topic of kidney stones. This case study is presented to the learner in the format of a science magazine, including guiding questions that aim to encourage conversation, provide opportunity for deeper level thinking, and connect ideas taught throughout Western University’s Pathology 3500 course. By choosing this format, we thought we would be able to present information in a more visually appealing and digestible way. In our magazine-style presentation, we delve into the formation, complications, and treatments for kidney stones. These result when a patient has an excess of stone-forming substances or a lack of agents that would normally inhibit stone formation in their urine, leading to the obstruction of the urinary tract. While the composition of kidney stones is diverse, we specifically investigate the struvite-based formation of staghorn kidney stones. We explore the various methods of diagnosing kidneys stones, including testing urine samples for any changes in its chemical environment, as well as scans to visualize urinary tract obstructions. Our magazine aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding. Staghorn kidney stones pose a serious health risk, yet many lack awareness of their causes and treatments. Overall, this case study will take the learner on a journey that will evolve their scientific knowledge regarding kidney stones. More broadly, the case study will foster skills in problem solving, and develop an appreciation for the intricacies involved in unique patient-clinician interactions. Through our efforts, we aim to raise awareness, promote understanding, and ultimately contribute to improved health outcomes for individuals affected by this condition.

Keywords: Case Study, Interactive Learning, Staghorn Kidney Stone, Struvite

Glomeruli Gone Awry: An Overview of Membranous Glomerulopathy - Team 44

Media Type: Infographic

Summary

team-_44_image.jpgWe decided to summarize Membranous Glomerulopathy. This topic was chosen since during the kidney pathology lectures the professor listed many diseases of the glomeruli that were not discussed in great detail. So, as a group we decided to build upon one of these diseases which were not explained in great depth in class. We also decided to format our research of the diseases into an infographic so the information heavy content can be easily digested with the visual appeal of graphic elements.

Membranous glomerulopathy is a disease of the kidney. The kidney is where the blood is filtered so waste products can be excreted in the urine. Within the kidney are structures called glomeruli, these are small blood vessels and the sites of filtration in the nephron (the functional unit of the kidney). One common cause of membranous glomerulopathy is an autoimmune reaction, this means that antibodies (proteins) in the body are inappropriately binding to and harming structures within the body that are supposed to be there. This then disrupts the normal function of these structures. In this case, it means the glomeruli are no longer able to filter the blood effectively. As such, all the signs/symptoms of the disease are related to this loss of function.

Importantly, the infographic we made provides foundational knowledge of the basics of this disease. Additionally, it provides readers with an understanding of how diseases are presented in an all encompassing manner to get the bigger picture.

Keywords: Membranous Glomerulopathy, Glomerular Diseases, Kidney Pathology, Nephrotic Syndrome, Glomeruli, Autoimmune Reaction