Nephrologist

A kidney disorder caused by deposits of the protein immunoglobulin A (IgA) inside the glomeruli (filters) within the kidney. The IgA protein damages the glomeruli, leading to blood and protein in the urine, to swelling in the hands and feet, and sometimes to kidney failure.

A test of the structure, blood flow, and function of the kidneys. The doctor injects a mildly radioactive solution into an arm vein and uses x rays to monitor its progress through the kidneys.

The illness associated with the buildup of urea in the blood because the kidneys are not working effectively. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and mental confusion.

A general term to describe the area on the body where blood is drawn for circulation through a hemodialysis (see dialysis) circuit. A vascular access may be an arteriovenous fistula, a graft, or a catheter.

A condition in which a protein-like material builds up in one or more organs. This material cannot be broken down and interferes with the normal function of that organ. People who have been on dialysis for several years often develop amyloidosis because the artificial membranes used in dialysis fail to filter the protein-like material out of the blood.

A disease that keeps the body from making or using insulin correctly. Your body needs insulin to get energy from sugar in the foods you eat. If your body can’t make or use insulin correctly, sugar can build up in your blood and cause problems.

A disease that affects the blood and blood vessels. It destroys red blood cells, cells that cause the blood to clot, and the lining of blood vessels. HUS is often caused by the Escherichia coli bacterium in contaminated food. People with HUS may develop acute renal failure.

An x ray of the urinary tract. A dye is injected to make the kidneys, ureters, and bladder visible on the x ray and show any blockage in the urinary tract.

Abnormal fluid-filled sacs in the kidney that range in size from microscopic to much larger. Many simple cysts are harmless, while other types can seriously damage the kidneys.

Replacement of a diseased organ with a healthy one. A kidney transplant may come from a living donor, usually a relative, or from someone who has just died.

A number based on your blood test for creatinine. It tells how well your kidneys are working. An eGFR less than 60 for 3 months or more may be a sign of kidney disease

Chemicals in the body fluids that result from the breakdown of salts, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride. The kidneys control the amount of electrolytes in the body. When the kidneys fail, electrolytes get out of balance, causing potentially serious health problems. Dialysis can correct this problem.

A tube inserted through the skin into a blood vessel or cavity to draw out body fluid or infuse fluid. In peritoneal dialysis (see dialysis), a catheter is used to infuse dialysis solution into the abdominal cavity and drain it out again.

Inflammation of the kidneys caused by an autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (eh-rih-theh-mah-TOH-sis). The condition can cause hematuria and proteinuria, and it may progress to end-stage renal disease.

A tool for examining the bladder and ureters and for removing kidney stones through the urethra. The procedure is called ureteroscopy (yoo-ree-tur-AH-skoh-pee).

Inflammation of the kidney cells that are not part of the fluid-collecting units, a condition that can lead to acute renal failure or chronic kidney disease.

Total and permanent kidney failure. When the kidneys fail, the body retains fluid and harmful wastes build up. A person with ESRD needs treatment to replace the work of the failed kidneys.

Your heart pumps blood through tubes called arteries and veins. The pumped blood makes pressure inside your arteries. This is called blood pressure. When your blood pressure is checked, it tells how hard your heart is working to pump your blood. For people with diabetes, a normal blood pressure is less than 130/80.2

A disorder resulting in an imbalance of minerals in the body, potentially leading to damage to vital body systems, such as the muscles and brain.

A type of waste in the blood that comes from using your muscles in everyday activities. Healthy kidneys clean creatinine from the blood. When your kidneys are not working, creatinine can build up in your blood.