Chronic kidney disease involves persistent abnormalities in kidney structure or function. Management focuses on identifying the underlying cause, monitoring kidney function and reducing the risk of progression. Treatment may include blood pressure control, diabetes management, dietary guidance and medications tailored to the patient's condition.
Acute kidney injury is a sudden decline in kidney function that may result from dehydration, infection, medication effects or other serious illnesses. Management involves identifying the cause, monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance and providing supportive care. Selected patients may require temporary dialysis.
Haemodialysis is a kidney replacement treatment that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood using a dialysis machine. It may be required for advanced kidney failure or certain acute conditions. Treatment schedules and vascular access requirements depend on the patient's clinical needs.
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity as a membrane for removing waste products and excess fluid. Dialysis solution is introduced through a catheter and exchanged according to a prescribed schedule. It may be a suitable alternative to haemodialysis for selected patients.
Continuous renal replacement therapy provides gradual dialysis and fluid removal for selected critically ill patients, particularly those with unstable blood circulation. It is generally performed in intensive care settings. Treatment requires careful monitoring of fluid balance, electrolytes, anticoagulation and kidney-related complications.
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is a form of peritoneal dialysis in which fluid exchanges are performed manually throughout the day. It does not require a dialysis machine for each exchange. Patients need training in infection prevention, catheter care and the prescribed dialysis technique.
Kidney transplant evaluation assesses whether transplantation may be appropriate for a patient with advanced kidney failure. The process can involve cardiovascular assessment, infection screening, donor compatibility testing and other investigations. A multidisciplinary transplant team considers the medical benefits and risks before proceeding.
Patients who receive a kidney transplant require long-term monitoring of graft function, immunosuppressive medication and possible complications. Follow-up may include blood tests, infection prevention and assessment for rejection. Nephrologists coordinate ongoing care to support the health of the transplanted kidney.
ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation involves transplantation between certain donors and recipients with different blood groups. It requires specialist protocols to reduce immune-related risks and careful monitoring before and after surgery. Eligibility and treatment decisions are determined by a multidisciplinary transplant team.
Renal obstetrics focuses on kidney-related medical issues during pregnancy, including pre-existing kidney disease and pregnancy-associated changes in renal function. Management requires close collaboration between nephrologists and obstetric specialists to monitor maternal health, blood pressure, kidney function and fetal wellbeing.
An ultrasound-guided kidney biopsy involves obtaining a small sample of kidney tissue using imaging guidance. It may help diagnose selected glomerular and other renal diseases. The procedure requires assessment of bleeding risk, blood pressure and medical suitability before the biopsy is performed.
A Permacath is a tunnelled central venous catheter used for haemodialysis access when clinically indicated. Placement requires sterile technique and appropriate vascular assessment. Patients need ongoing catheter care and monitoring for infection, thrombosis or mechanical complications.
Glomerular diseases affect the kidney's filtering structures and may cause proteinuria, blood in the urine or reduced kidney function. Evaluation can include laboratory tests, imaging and sometimes kidney biopsy. Management depends on the specific diagnosis and the extent of kidney involvement.
High blood pressure can contribute to kidney damage, while kidney disorders can also cause hypertension. Management involves monitoring blood pressure, kidney function and urine abnormalities. Treatment may include medications, lifestyle measures and management of other cardiovascular or metabolic risk factors.