In a recent study Hao et al (CJASN, 2023) studied nearly 4000 Chinese patients with IgA nephropathy. Why does this matter? IgA nephropathy is the commonest type of glomerulonephritis, which is responsible for 10% of the patients on dialysis. The effects of immunosuppression (drugs to suppress the immune system) in the treatment of IgA nephropathy […]
Immunosuppression and IgA nephropathy Read More »
CKD places a huge burden on patients, their families, and the economy. CKD affects 10% of the population and the condition results in an annual cost of approximately £1.4 billion to the NHS (overall budget is now approximately £180 billion) – about 1% of the NHS budget. CKD and heart disease In addition, CKD confers
Effects of CKD on the population and NHS costs Read More »
Why is this case important? Nephrotic syndrome is rare, as is bilateral retinal detachment. When two unusual things happen at the same time (especially in different body systems), you should always ask yourself ‘are they connected?’ Also, a rapid diagnosis is required when permanent visual loss is a possibility. What happened? In a recent case
Diagnosis not to miss: nephrotic syndrome and bilateral retinal detachment Read More »
Glossary of useful renal (kidney) words A Abdomen = (commonly called the belly) is the body space between the thorax (chest) and pelvis. Access for dialysis = three different types of access can be used for haemodialysis. They are called a fistula (arteriovenous fistula, AVF), a graft, and a haemodialysis catheter (‘line’). For peritoneal dialysis,
Glossary of useful renal (kidney) words Read More »
How does living donation affect the donor? In the long-term, it has little effect. In fact, it may be beneficial (see below). People can live normal lives with only one kidney. In fact 1 in 1000 of the population are born with one kidney an have few problems. As long as the donor is evaluated
What happens to your body when you donate a kidney? Read More »
An ultrasound scan uses ultrasound, or high-frequency sound waves, to create an image (picture) of part of the inside of your body, such as your kidney. It is used in many other branches of medicine to look at other internal organs (like the heart when it is called an echocardiogram, liver, or pelvic organs), or
What is a renal (kidney) ultrasound? Read More »
10% of the population has CKD. CKD Explained is a new website recently launched by myself (Andy Stein) and my renal consultant colleague and friend Dr Waqar Ayub. It is primarily for patients with CKD (or are concerned about preventing it) – and their families. It will also be useful to junior (and student) health professionals, and
New CKD Explained website Read More »
What is the life expectancy for people with CKD5? It depends – on whether your have dialysis (or a kidney transplant) or not. At stage 5 CKD, your GFR will be under 15 ml/min (normal is 90-120 ml/min), and you will be very unwell. Stage 5 CKD is also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or
What is the life expectancy for people with CKD5? Read More »
CKD and pregnancy If you have CKD (and you may not know it), pregnancy can worsen kidney function – and that decreased kidney function may interfere with the pregnancy. A woman with mild-to-moderate CKD who is considering becoming pregnant should discuss the possible risks with her nephrologist and obstetrician before trying to conceive. Patients with
What are the clinical findings of CKD patients? This article is primarily for health professionals. Often, in mild-moderate CKD (CKD1-2 and CKD3A), there is nothing to find. In 0ther words, the patient is normal. However, at later stages, there are typical clinical findings in CKD. General Uraemic foetor: ammonia-like smell of the breath. This
What are the clinical findings of CKD patients? Read More »
