Functions of kidney: potassium balance What is potassium? How much is too much potassium? Why is potassium high in CKD? Why might this be a problem? What are the symptoms? And what treatment is available? We aim to answer these questions and more. What is potassium? Potassium is a mineral that is found in many […]
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Can I prevent CKD? It is not possible to prevent CKD (and therefore kidney failure) completely. But. The big BUT. there is a lot you can do to reduce your chances of getting it; and if you have it, prevent it from getting worse. 7 key points Here are ‘7 golden rules’, i.e. things you
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10 drugs that can damage your kidneys Almost all drugs can affect the kidneys in some adverse way. But these 10 drugs are known to damage kidneys quite often. Certain antibiotics – aminoglycosides (e.g. gentamicin) and beta-lactams (cephalosporins, penicillins) Lithium – a bipolar disease mood stabiliser Acyclovir and ganciclovir (antivirals) Certain blood pressure tablets – angiotensin-converting enzyme
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Drugs that require dose reduction in CKD Most drugs are removed from the body by the kidneys. This means the blood levels of these drugs can build up in CKD, possibly making them toxic. Hence some drugs require dose reduction in CKD, and others should be avoided. Drugs to avoid in CKD Some antibiotics: tetracycline
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Drugs that can damage the kidneys (nephrotoxic) ‘Nephrotoxicity’ is a term used to describe a deterioration in kidney function due to the toxic effects of drugs or chemicals. A nephrotoxic drug is one that is known can damage the kidneys. Why does it matter? AKI. Nephrotoxicity is a major cause of acute kidney injury (AKI;
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Contrast nephropathy, also known as contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) or contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), is a medical condition characterised by a rapid decline in kidney function that occurs shortly after the administration of a intravenous (IV) dye called ‘contrast media’. This is used in x-ray procedures like a computed tomogram (CT) scan, or an angiogram
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What is a nuclear medicine renal (kidney) scan? In a nuclear medicine renal scan (or ‘renogram’), pictures are taken of radioactive substances going into the kidneys from the bloodstream, inside the kidneys, and into the bladder through the ureters (that join the kidneys to the bladder). A nuclear medicine renal scan uses radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive substances)
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Complications of a kidney transplant Having a kidney transplant, like both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, is not easy. Work is required every day to keep it going. This is partly as it is only moderately effective. Kidney transplant scar A fully working transplant provides about 50% of the function of two normal kidneys, i.e. it
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Peritoneal dialysis, like haemodialysis, is not easy. It is hard work every day, partly as its not that effective. Both forms of dialysis provide about 5% of the function of two normal kidneys. Nonetheless if it works well, it can keep you alive for many years. A peritoneal dialysis catheter However, as for any life-saving
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Complications of haemodialysis Haemodialysis, like peritoneal dialysis, is not easy. It is hard work every day, partly as its not that effective. Both forms of dialysis provide about 5% of the function of two normal kidneys. Nonetheless if it works well, it can keep you alive for many years. However, as for any life-saving long-term
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