The polyuria of solute diuresis.

Polyuria is an important symptom or sign because of its potential severity, diverse causes, and interesting pathophysiology. Whereas polyuria induced by water diuresis is reasonably well understood and easily recognized by clinicians, that produced by solute diuresis is more likely to cause confusion. In this article, we focus on solute diuresis as a cause of polyuria, review the classification and pathophysiology of polyuria, and describe the clinical and laboratory studies useful for the evaluation of the polyuric patient.

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity: the crucial role of risk factors.

Although the exact incidence of drug-induced nephrotoxicity is not known, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the risks in certain patients and to know which drugs are the most commonly implicated. The latter include radiocontrast agents, aminoglycosides, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Other medications also have nephrotoxic potential when they are prescribed in specific patient populations.

Review of the literature: severe hyperphosphatemia.

A patient with a markedly elevated serum phosphorus level (23.9 mg/dL) is described, followed by a brief review of severe hyperphosphatemia. Elevated serum phosphorus levels may be artifactual or true.