Urinary crystal formation is a marker of urinary supersaturation with different substances and can occur secondary to inherited diseases, metabolic disorders, or drugs. Urine sediment examination by microscopy is an excellent tool for clinicians to understand underlying pathology, although it is often not performed.Different crystals have recognizable appearances and patterns. The presence of crystals can be a clue to underlying disease pathologies. Commonly associated conditions include hyperoxaluria, hypercalciuria, hyperuricemia, metabolic syndrome, and drug-related crystalluria. Proper identification of urinary crystals can aid in selecting therapeutic interventions, from dietary changes to prescribing or discontinuing medications. Given the significant prevalence of nephrolithiasis, proper diagnosis and treatment of risk factors can decrease patient morbidity. This activity reviews the methods used in urine sediment examination and the appropriate identification of various urinary crystals. Participants learn to recognize different types of urine crystals, understand their clinical significance, and apply this knowledge to improve patient outcomes. This activity also highlights the role of the interprofessional team in identifying and interpreting urine crystals, leading to more accurate diagnoses and targeted and effective treatment plans for patients with nephrolithiasis and other urinary crystal–associated diseases.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/155735
- Start Date: 2024-12-01 06:00:00
- End Date: 2024-12-01 06:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: All Practice Areas (e.g. ethics), Chemical Pathology, Clinical Pathology, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Geriatric Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatric Rheumatology, Rheumatology, Urinary Tract