Question 1

What lab trends are most important in chronic kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Monitor eGFR trend (decline greater than 5 mL/min/1.73m2 per year warrants nephrology referral), serum creatinine, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, potassium, and haemoglobin.

Question 2

How should liver enzyme trends be interpreted?

Accepted Answer

Rising ALT and AST suggest hepatocellular injury. Alkaline phosphatase rise with normal transaminases suggests cholestasis. Trends help distinguish acute from chronic liver disease.

Question 3

What is the role of trend visualisation in diabetes care?

Accepted Answer

HbA1c trends over 6-12 months assess glycaemic control. eGFR and urine ACR trends screen for diabetic nephropathy. Lipid trends guide cardiovascular risk management.

Question 4

How should therapeutic drug monitoring trends be used?

Accepted Answer

For drugs with narrow therapeutic windows (e.g., warfarin, vancomycin, digoxin), trend analysis helps maintain levels in range and detect early signs of toxicity or subtherapeutic dosing.