CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
CKD is a slow or progressive loss of kidney function over a period of months or even years. CKD is often due to high blood pressure or diabetes. Early detection and prevention is crucial to prevent complications.
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY
AKI is a rapid loss of kidney function which can lead to many complications such as metabolic acidosis, high potassium levels, and kidney failure. It can be reversible if diagnosed early.
HYPERTENSION
Hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated. Hypertension is a risk factor for stroke, heart attacks, heart disease, and is a major cause of chronic kidney disease.
PROTEINURIA
Proteinuria is the presence of excessive protein in the urine. It is an important prognostic factor for long term kidney health and is a focus of treatment for kidney disease.
DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Diabetes is a major cause of kidney disease. With close monitoring of blood and urine tests, diabetic kidney disease can be managed and prevent long term complications with the appropriate medical therapy.
ELECTROLYTE AND ACID/BASE DISORDERS
Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium are important to maintain normal body function on the cellular level. Electrolyte disorders can occur with or without chronic kidney disease. Nephrologists are specialists who can help management these disorders.
GLOMERULAR DISEASES
Glomeruli are the filters of the kidney, and can only be seen on the microscopic. A number of conditions can cause glomerular disease, which can cause proteinuria, blood in the urine, blood pressure changes, and changes to kidney function. Conditions such as lupus, diabetes, and myeloma are some of the causes.
END STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE
End stage kidney disease, sometimes referred to as stage 5 chronic kidney disease, is when the kidneys are not working, which allows for electrolytes imbalances, decreased urine production, and toxins to build up. When the kidneys get to this level, the treatment options are dialysis or transplant.
KIDNEY STONES
Kidney stones can form in the kidneys from different minerals in the urine that collect and form a stone. Nephrologists specialize in prevention and diagnosis of kidney stone disease.
POST TRANSPLANT CARE
Transplanted kidneys are the best long term treatment for patients with end stage kidney disease. Transplant kidneys require specialized care in addition to the standard care for any patients with kidney disease.
We partner with local transplant centers (Emory University, Piedmont Atlanta) as well as other transplant centers.
CYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Cysts are fluid filled pouches on the kidneys. These can be very common and benign, but some individuals may have higher risk cysts or rare conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder which can lead to kidney failure.
METABOLIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity are on the same spectrum of chronic diseases. By focusing on all metabolic diseases together, nephrologists can best manage kidney diseases and lead to overall health improvements.