1. What is home hemodialysis (HHD)? HHD is a kidney replacement modality for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) that can be performed safely in the patient’s home environment. Assistance of a trained caregiver or qualified hemodialysis nurse is a…
Technical aspects of hemodialysis 1. What are the components used during a hemodialysis procedure? The components needed to conduct dialysis include a dialysis machine, a method to access the patient’s arterial and/or venous system, a supply of treated water in…
1. What is the incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in african americans? African Americans represent about 13% of the United States population but account for more than one-third of the ESKD population. African American adults are almost four times…
1. What is the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the elderly? Approximately 11% of patients older than age 65 years are noted to have chronic kidney disease (CKD) as estimated by using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease…
1. What is the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD)? Hemolysis, vasoocclusion, and ischemia reperfusion are the clinical hallmarks of SCD. The substitution of glutamate for valine at position 6 of the hemoglobin β-chain is the mutation defining hemoglobin S…
1. What changes take place in the kidney during pregnancy? The kidney undergoes anatomic and physiologic changes during normal pregnancy. The length of the kidney increases by 1 to 1.5 cm and there is hormonally mediated dilatation of the collecting…
1. What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? UTI is the presence of microorganisms in the urine or tissues of the normally sterile genitourinary tract. Infection may be localized to the bladder alone or involve the kidneys and, in men,…
Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis 1. What is acute tubulointerstitial nephritis? Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) is characterized by inflammation and edema in the kidney tubulointerstitium and can cause acute kidney injury (AKI). Definitive diagnosis is established by kidney biopsy, though this may…
1. What is familial or inherited hematuria? Familial (inherited) hematuria is defined as a group of genetic kidney disorders that are clinically characterized by the onset of persistent microscopic hematuria during childhood. The unifying feature of these conditions is an…
1. What are cystic diseases of the kidneys? Cystic diseases of the kidney are a heterogeneous group of disorders that can be inherited, developmental, or acquired ( Box 43.1 ). Box 43.1. Modified from Torres, V. E., & Harris, P.…