Urinary tract Acute pyelonephritis = infection of the kidney(s), usually caused by a germ (bacterium) that has travelled up through the urethra, bladder, and ureter(s) from outside the body. Anuria = no urine output (or less than 100 ml/day). Azoospermia = absence of sperm in the semen. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) = benign enlargement of […]
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Kidney blood tests – what’s normal and abnormal? Keep track of your kidney data with PKB Kidney doctors love blood tests. Full stop. Why? It is because it is impossible for them to judge the function of the kidneys solely by asking you questions (doctors call this the ‘history’) and physical examination. So, what is
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10 weight loss myths In this article we will describe 10 weight loss myths. This article is also linked to another article on CKDEx: 10 weight loss facts. Let’s deal with the biggest myth first. 1. Myth: What you eat is vital This is the worst weight loss myth, and a load of old ‘hoo-harr’. Whether
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History of peritoneal dialysis (PD) In this article we will describe the history of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Prehistory The term ‘peritoneum’ derives from the Greek peritonaion, meaning to ‘stretch around’ (see below). The first known recorded reference of the peritoneal cavity appears in the Ebers papyrus in 1550 BC. It is believed to have been copied from earlier
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What is nephrotic syndrome? In this article we will describe what is nephrotic syndrome. 1. Definition Nephrotic syndrome occurs when there are high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria). Nephrotic syndrome is diagnosed by a triad of: A urine ACR of over 220 mg/mmol A low albumin level (less than 30 g/L) in the
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What is renovascular disease (RVD)? This 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 kidneys, which in turn affects kidney function and raises blood pressure. It is also known as renal artery stenosis (RAS). Typical
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What is polycystic kidney disease (PKD)? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that affects both kidneys from birth, leading to the growth of multiple cysts within the kidneys. So. What is PKD? Here are 10 facts about the most commonest genetic kidney disease. 1. How rare is PKD? ADPKD occurs in all races,
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What is IgA nephropathy? IgA nephropathy is one of the 7 types of chronic glomerulonephritis (GN). They are all ‘autoimmune diseases’ where the immune (defence) system attacks normal tissue in the kidney (including the glomerulus). Why and how they occur is unclear. Who gets IgA? All GNs are rare. But IgA nephropathy is the most
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What is diabetic nephropathy? Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the kidneys. It is more commonly caused by Type 2 diabetes (DN2), rather than Type 1 (DN1). In this article we will describe 10 facts about diabetic nephropathy. 1. Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive long-term kidney disease caused by
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What is chronic tubulointerstitial disease (TID)? Chronic tubulointerstitial disease is not really one diagnosis. It is not a single disease. The phrase refers to a group of kidney disorders that primarily affect the ‘tubules’. These are the structures largely in the inner area of the kidney (medulla) responsible for processing urine after it has been
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