Nephrology-I

What is Kidney Failure?

Major functions of the kidney are to filter and excrete waste products of human body, remove excess fluids from the body and maintain the acid-base balance as well as electrolytes. Reduction of the ability of the kidney to perform these tasks is known as renal or kidney failure.

How to diagnose kidney failure?

Blood level of urea and creatinine reflects the function of the kidney. Increase in their value suggests reduction in the adequate functioning of both the kidneys. It is important to remember that even slight rise in serum creatinine reflects significant reduction in kidney function. If the value of serum creatinine is just 1.6 mg/dl, it suggests over 50% loss of kidney or renal function.

Can failure of one kidney leads to renal failure?

No. Failure or removal of one out of the two kidneys does not affects the overall renal or kidney function, because the other healthy kidney also takes over the work load of both the kidneys. Types of Kidney or Renal Failure

Two major types of kidney failure

a. Acute Kidney Failure, b. Chronic Kidney Failure (Diseases).

Acute Kidney Failure

In acute kidney failure (previously known as acute renal failure- ARF & recently named as acute kidney injury- AKI), the renal or kidney function is reduced or lost within a short period due to variety of insults to the human body. This type of renal or kidney failure is usually temporary. With proper treatment renal or kidney functions return to normal in most of the patients.

Chronic Kidney Diseases

Gradually progressive and irreversible loss of kidney function over several months to years is called as Chronic Kidney Diseases (previously known as chronic renal failure – CRF). It is a non-curable diseases, kidney function reduces slowly and continuously. After a long period it reduces to a stage where the kidney stops working almost completely. This advanced and life threatening stage of diseases is called end stage kidney disease – ESKD (or end stage renal disease- ESRD). 
1.When kidney failure is diagnosed, over 50% of kidney function is already lost. 
2.Kidney failure means loss of functions of both kidneys.

**For more updates stay connect with our facebook page.**