What is a parathyroidectomy? What are the parathyroid glands and what do they do? Usually, you have four parathyroid glands. These are located behind the thyroid gland, two on each side, at the front of the neck. Each parathyroid gland is about the size of a pea, being 3-4 mm in size. They are responsible […]
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Comparison of different β-blocker tablets and mortality in haemodialysis patients In a recent study by Toye 2024, different β-blocker tablets were compared. Why is this important? Despite a lack of research studies, β-blockers (a type of blood pressure tablet) are widely prescribed to dialysis patients. Whether specific β-blockers are associated with improved long-term outcomes compared
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What is a pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction? Pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction is a condition where there is a blockage at the point where the renal pelvis (the area where the kidney collects urine) meets the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). Image provided courtesy of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
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What is a renal angiomyolipoma? In this article, we will describe 10 facts about renal angiomyolipoma. 1. What is an angiomyolipoma (AML)? AML is a type of benign kidney tumour composed of blood vessels, smooth muscle cells, and fat cells. It is not a cancer. They are called angiomyolipoma as they consist of thick walled
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Does acupuncture work? Probably, yes. But let’s start with the question, what is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine, mainly used for long term pain. Sterilised, one time use needles as fine as a human hair are inserted into the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes. It is used in many
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John F Kennedy (JFK)’s complex medical and surgical history The 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy (JFK), had a complex medical and surgical history that is now thought to be an autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 with Addison’s disease and hypothyroidism. He also had gastrointestinal symptoms from adolescence, which now fit well
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Association between plant-based diet and kidney function in adults In a recent study by Moloudpour, 2023, a plant-based diet was investigated in CKD patients. Why is this important? A plant-based diet has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is hypothesised that adherence to a plant-based diet may have a positive effect on kidney function. The
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What is tacrolimus? Type of drug: calcineurin inhibitor (previously known as FK506, or ‘FK’) Use: immunosuppressant after kidney transplant; other autoimmune disease Dose: 500 mg – 1 g twice a day (0.1 mg/kg twice a day) Side-effects: Diabetes – 30% of patients Hair loss Liver dysfunction Neurological and/or psychiatric syndromes Monitor: target blood levels 5-10 ng/mL (after
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What is spironolactone? Type of drug: mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) Use: potassium sparing diuretic (water tablet); chronic liver disease; chronic heart failure (CHF) Dose: 25-100 mg once a day Side-effects: Gynaecomastia (breast enlargement in male); abnormal liver function; Hyponatraemia (low blood sodium) – that you will not normally notice Hyperkalaemia (high blood potassium) – that
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What is sodium bicarbonate? Type of drug: alkali Use: metabolic acidosis (e.g. of CKD) Dose: 500 mg once a day to 2 g twice a day Side-effects: Fluid retention Alkalosis – that you will not normally notice Hypokalaemia (low blood potassium) – that you will not normally notice Monitor: venous bicarbonate; potassium. Note. This is an alkali tablet.
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