Question

In acute kidney injury, a U:C > 80 is indicative of what?

a) Prerenal azotemia
b) Postrenal obstruction
c) Tubular necrosis
d) Glomerular dysfunction

Answer 1

A U:C > 80 in acute kidney injury is indicative of Tubular necrosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of acute kidney injury (AKI), a urine-to-creatinine ratio (U:C) exceeding 80 typically suggests tubular necrosis. This elevated ratio signifies an impaired reabsorption capacity of the renal tubules, resulting in an increased concentration of creatinine in the urine. Tubular necrosis, often caused by ischemic or nephrotoxic insults, disrupts the normal functioning of these crucial structures in the kidneys. Unlike prerenal azotemia, postrenal obstruction, or glomerular dysfunction, an elevated U:C ratio above 80 is particularly indicative of intrarenal damage, highlighting the compromised integrity of the renal tubules and emphasizing the severity of tubular necrosis in the context of acute kidney injury.