Kidney function

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Kidney function refers to how effectively the kidneys filter blood, remove waste, and balance fluids and electrolytes in the body. Proper kidney function is essential for maintaining homeostasis within the body, which includes regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production.

Structure and Function

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. Each kidney contains around a million filtering units called nephrons. Each nephron includes a filter, called the glomerulus, and a tubule. The glomerulus filters your blood, and the tubule returns needed substances to your blood and removes wastes.

Assessment of Kidney Function

The assessment of kidney function is crucial in diagnosing and managing various kidney diseases. Common tests include:

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Measures the amount of urea nitrogen, a waste product formed through the breakdown of proteins, in the blood.
• Serum Creatinine: Measures the level of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in the blood. It is a more specific marker for kidney function than BUN.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): The best overall index of kidney function. It estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute.

Common Disorders

Several conditions can impair kidney function, including:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The gradual loss of kidney function over time.
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
• Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli).
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys.

Treatment and Management

Treatment for kidney disease typically focuses on controlling the underlying cause of the disease. Common treatments include:

• Medications: To control blood pressure, correct electrolyte imbalances, and reduce cholesterol levels.
• Dialysis: A procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys can't do so adequately.
• Kidney Transplant: Replacing a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor.

Prevention

Preventive measures for maintaining kidney health include:

• Regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Avoiding excessive use of medications that can harm the kidneys, such as NSAIDs.

See Also

• Renal Physiology
• Urine
• Nephrology