Hematuria overview
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.
Overview
Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the urine. Occasionally the term "hemoglobinuria" is used synonymously, although more precisely it refers only to hemoglobin in the urine.
Epidemiology and Demographics
2.5% of the general population has asymptomatic hematuria.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease. Finding the cause is the main factor which determines the prognosis. As hematuria has a vast majority of causes the complications depends on the specific etiology.
Diagnosis
X Ray
X-rays can be used to identify kidney stones as a cause of hematuria, although CT scanning is more precise.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound investigation of the renal tract is often used to distinguish between various sources of bleeding.
Other Diagnostic Studies
In older patients, cystoscopy with biopsy of suspected lesions is often employed to investigate for bladder cancer as a cause for hematuria.