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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What is obstructive nephropathy? In this article we will describe 10 facts about obstructive nephropathy. 1. Definition Obstructive nephropathy (ON), also known as urinary tract obstruction, refers to a condition in which there is a blockage in the urinary system that prevents the normal flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Hydronephrosis is
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What is chronic glomerulonephritis? In this article we will describe 10 facts about chronic glomerulonephritis. Glomerulonephritis is a group of autoimmune kidney disorders characterised by inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, which are tiny filtering units (sieves) within the kidneys. What is a glomerulus? A glomerulus is a scrunched up ball of tiny blood vessels
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What is chronic kidney disease of unknown cause? In this article we will describe what is chronic kidney disease of unknown cause. CT of patient (on the right) with CKD of unknown cause and 2 small kidneys. It is impossible to tell the original disease. 1. CKD of unknown cause is common CKD of unknown
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