Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) – overview Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare condition in which there is fibrous tissue (scarring) in the retroperitoneal space, which is located behind the abdomen (tummy), in front of the spine. Here is an overview of retroperitoneal fibrosis. 1. Definition In retroperitoneal fibrosis the scar tissue in the retroperitoneum can compress […]
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Nerve (neuropathic) pain in CKD Key Points The kidneys remove waste products from the blood. If your kidneys do not work properly, waste products remain in your blood. This can cause damage to the nerves. You may then suffer from nerve pain. Some patients with CKD have nerve pain (neuropathic pain or neuropathy). This is
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What is a urine dipstick test? A urine dipstick test is an example of a ‘screening test’. This means it is relatively non-specific test that looks for groups of diseases – rather than specific diseases themselves. It may give the doctor more information on what further tests are required, even if it cannot make a
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What is medullary sponge kidney (MSK)? Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is a congenital disorder, meaning it is present at birth. MSK occurs when small cysts (sacs) full of fluid form within the inner area (called the medulla) of the kidneys. It is also called Cacchi-Ricci Disease. In 70% of patients small stones form within the
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Should patients with renovascular disease have a renal angiogram/plasty and stent? The short answer, in most cases, is no. We will now explain why Renovascular disease (RVD) is a condition where there is narrowing or blockage of the renal (kidney) arteries, which supply blood to the kidneys. It leads to reduced blood flow to the
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What is a renal angiogram and angioplasty? A renal angiogram is a special x-ray examination where pictures are taken of the main artery (blood vessel) to the kidney. A catheter (small plastic tube) is inserted into an artery, usually the femoral (leg) artery in your groin, the catheter follows the blood vessels to reach the
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Are vaccinated kidney transplant patients adequately protected against COVID-19? This question has been recently addressed in a study by Wijkström, 2023. The short answer is no, not really. This is a summary of what they found. Why is this important? Patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT, i.e. dialysis or a kidney transplant) have been identified
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Potassium restriction CKD – pros and cons Have you ever asked yourself what is the evidence for potassium restriction in CKD? Or should potassium be restricted in CKD? We will answer these questions in this article. In fact the whole area was debated recently by Bernier-Jean in 2022. The practice of recommending a low-potassium diet
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Kidney outcomes after mild to moderate COVID-19 Why is this important? Severe coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a high rate of kidney involvement. This can be severe, both in the short-term (AKI) and long-term (CKD). But knowledge on kidney outcomes in non-severe COVID-19 is limited. A recent study done by kidney specialists in Hamburg (Germany) has
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What is a glomerulus? A glomerulus is a tiny filter in the kidney. There are a million in each kidney. In other words, the kidney is not one big filter, it is a million tiny ones. So. What is a glomerulus? It is a ball shape structure. Inside it, there is a scrunched up ball
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