Chronic kidney disease occurs when kidney structure or function remains abnormal for at least three months and may gradually affect the body's ability to remove waste and regulate fluid balance. Management includes monitoring kidney function, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, reviewing medicines and addressing complications. Early treatment may help slow progression.
Acute kidney injury is a sudden decline in kidney function that can develop because of dehydration, infections, medicines or other serious medical conditions. Evaluation includes blood tests, urine investigations and assessment of underlying causes. Treatment focuses on correcting reversible factors, managing fluid and electrolyte balance and providing dialysis when necessary.
Glomerulonephritis refers to inflammation or injury affecting the kidney's filtering units, called glomeruli. Symptoms and findings may include blood or protein in the urine, swelling and abnormal kidney function. Diagnosis may involve urine testing, blood investigations and kidney biopsy. Treatment depends on the specific disease and its severity.
Nephrotic syndrome is characterised by significant protein loss through the urine, often accompanied by swelling and low blood albumin levels. It can result from different kidney disorders and may occur in adults or children. Evaluation focuses on identifying the cause, assessing complications and selecting appropriate medical treatment.
Hypertension is persistently elevated blood pressure that can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney damage. Management includes accurate blood pressure measurement, assessment of cardiovascular risk and evaluation for possible secondary causes. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes and blood pressure-lowering medicines selected according to individual medical needs.
Resistant hypertension describes blood pressure that remains above target despite appropriate treatment with multiple medicines, or requires several medicines for control. Evaluation may include checking measurement technique, medication adherence, dietary factors and possible underlying conditions. Kidney disease and certain hormonal disorders can contribute to difficult-to-control blood pressure.
Kidney transplant evaluation determines whether a patient with advanced kidney disease may be suitable for transplantation. Assessment includes kidney function, cardiovascular health, infection screening and other medical factors. Treatment planning also considers donor compatibility and long-term follow-up needs. Transplantation is one possible renal replacement option for eligible patients.
Post-transplant care focuses on monitoring kidney graft function, preventing rejection and identifying complications after kidney transplantation. Patients usually require lifelong immunosuppressive medication and regular medical follow-up. Clinical monitoring includes kidney function tests, medication levels when appropriate and assessment for infections or other treatment-related complications.
Kidney transplant medicine encompasses medical assessment before transplantation and ongoing kidney-related care following the procedure. Nephrologists evaluate transplant eligibility, monitor graft function and manage immunosuppressive treatments. Care involves coordination with transplant surgeons and other specialists to address rejection risks, infections and long-term cardiovascular health.
Paediatric nephrology focuses on kidney and urinary conditions affecting infants, children and adolescents. Conditions may include abnormal kidney function, proteinuria, hypertension and glomerular disorders. Assessment considers age, growth, development and underlying medical conditions. Treatment aims to preserve kidney health while addressing the child's overall wellbeing.
Haemodialysis is a renal replacement treatment that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys cannot function adequately. Treatment involves circulating blood through a dialysis filter. Nephrology management includes determining dialysis needs, monitoring fluid balance and addressing access-related or treatment-associated complications.
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity as a natural filter to remove waste and excess fluid from the body. Dialysis solution is introduced through a catheter and exchanged at prescribed intervals. Treatment requires appropriate training, infection prevention and regular monitoring of dialysis effectiveness.
Proteinuria refers to abnormal amounts of protein in the urine and can indicate kidney damage or other medical conditions. Evaluation may include repeat urine testing, kidney function assessment and investigations for diabetes, hypertension or glomerular disease. Treatment depends on identifying the cause and reducing the risk of progressive kidney injury.
Kidney stones are solid deposits that form in the urinary system and may cause pain, urinary symptoms or obstruction. Nephrology assessment may focus on metabolic factors, recurrent stone formation and prevention strategies. Imaging, urine studies and blood tests can help guide treatment and determine whether urological intervention is needed.
Critical care nephrology focuses on kidney problems occurring in seriously ill hospital patients. Conditions may include acute kidney injury, severe electrolyte disturbances and fluid overload. Treatment requires coordination with intensive care specialists and may involve careful fluid management, medication adjustments or continuous kidney replacement therapy.
End-stage kidney disease occurs when kidney function has declined to the point that renal replacement therapy may be necessary. Management includes evaluating dialysis and kidney transplantation options, controlling complications and supporting nutrition and cardiovascular health. Treatment decisions consider the patient's medical condition, preferences and suitability for available therapies.