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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time, which can lead to end-stage renal disease if not managed effectively. It often presents with few symptoms initially, making regular screening important for at-risk populations such as those with diabetes or hypertension.
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Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a sudden decrease in kidney function, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the blood and an imbalance of electrolytes. It is often reversible if diagnosed and treated promptly, but can lead to chronic kidney disease or death if not managed effectively.
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Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a critical measure of kidney function that quantifies how well the kidneys filter blood, typically expressed in milliliters per minute. It is used to assess kidney health, diagnose kidney disease, and guide treatment decisions, with lower rates indicating impaired kidney function.
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Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of diabetes characterized by damage to the kidneys' filtering system, often leading to end-stage renal disease if not managed effectively. Early detection and management through glycemic control, blood pressure regulation, and lifestyle modifications are crucial to slow the progression of this condition.
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Proteinuria is a condition characterized by an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, often indicating kidney damage or disease. It can be a sign of underlying health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, or glomerulonephritis, and requires medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
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Hemodialysis is a medical procedure that filters waste, salts, and fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions naturally. It involves circulating the patient's blood through a machine that uses a dialyzer to clean it before returning it to the body, typically performed several times a week for patients with chronic kidney failure.
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Peritoneal dialysis is a kidney dialysis technique that uses the lining of your abdomen, the peritoneum, to filter waste from your blood when your kidneys can't. It offers more flexibility and independence compared to hemodialysis, allowing patients to manage their treatment at home or while traveling.
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A renal biopsy is a medical procedure used to extract kidney tissue for diagnostic examination, helping to diagnose or monitor kidney disorders. It is crucial for identifying the underlying causes of kidney dysfunction and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
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Nephrotoxicity refers to the toxic effect of substances, including drugs and environmental agents, on the kidneys, potentially leading to acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. Understanding nephrotoxicity is crucial for preventing kidney damage, especially in patients receiving medications with known renal side effects or those with pre-existing kidney conditions.
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Kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure to place a healthy kidney from a donor into a person whose kidneys no longer function properly, offering improved quality of life and survival compared to dialysis. The procedure requires careful donor matching and immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection.
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Renal Function Tests are a group of tests used to assess the kidney's ability to perform its functions, including filtering waste from the blood and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. These tests are crucial for diagnosing kidney diseases, monitoring kidney health, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.
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Uremia is a serious medical condition resulting from the accumulation of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood due to impaired kidney function. It is often associated with end-stage renal disease and can cause a variety of systemic symptoms, requiring prompt medical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.
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Electrolyte imbalance occurs when the levels of electrolytes in the body are either too high or too low, disrupting critical bodily functions such as nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. These imbalances can result from various causes, including dehydration, kidney disease, and certain medications, and may lead to symptoms ranging from mild fatigue to life-threatening conditions like cardiac arrest.
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Fluid overload is a clinical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues and circulatory system, often leading to symptoms like swelling, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure. It is commonly associated with heart failure, kidney dysfunction, and excessive intravenous fluid administration, requiring careful management to prevent complications.
Pelvic ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) is a condition where the flow of urine is blocked at the junction where the pelvis of the kidney meets the ureter, leading to potential kidney damage if untreated. It can be congenital or acquired, often presenting with symptoms like flank pain, urinary tract infections, or hydronephrosis, and may require surgical intervention for relief.
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Haptoglobin depletion occurs when the protein haptoglobin, which binds free hemoglobin released from erythrocytes, is significantly reduced in the bloodstream, often indicating hemolysis or liver dysfunction. This depletion can lead to increased oxidative stress and potential kidney damage due to the accumulation of free hemoglobin.
Detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) is a neurological condition where there is a lack of coordination between the bladder muscle (detrusor) and the external urethral sphincter during urination, leading to urinary retention or obstructed flow. It often occurs in patients with spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis, and can result in complications such as urinary tract infections and kidney damage if not managed properly.
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Wegener's Granulomatosis, now more commonly referred to as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), is a rare disorder characterized by the inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), which can lead to damage in various organs, primarily affecting the respiratory tract and kidneys. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to the formation of granulomas and widespread inflammation.
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