Diagnosis and Treatment

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Diagnostic Tests for Kidney Disease

Blood tests

  • Creatinine
    This measures the amount of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a product of creatinine phosphate, which is used in skeletal muscle contraction. An elevation of this suggests a continuation of the disease process.
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
    BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen or toxins in the blood. BUN is directly related to the metabolic function of the liver and the excretory function of the kidney. An increase in BUN can indicate impairment of kidney function.
  • Potassium
    Potassium helps in the normal functioning of the muscles, nerves, and regulates the pumping action of the heart. Elevated levels of potassium can cause heart rhythm abnormalities and sudden death. Potassium is found in almost all foods, so potassium intake should be minimized as much as possible.
  • Sodium
    Sodium helps balance fluid in our body. Sodium intake, like potassium is found in almost all foods. Excessive amounts of sodium results in fluid retention which causes swelling of the tissues (edema), joints, increases blood pressure, shortness of breath, and heart failure.
  • Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
    This hormone is secreted by the parathyroid gland. Decrease levels of parathyroid hormone cause decrease levels of calcium excreted into the blood stream. Calcium affects the muscle and nerve responses. Supplements and medications are given to regulate this.
  • Calcium and Phosphorus
    Calcium and Phosphorus work together to build healthy bones, muscles, and nerves. Calcium binds to phosphorus, therefore, when there is an elevated amount of phosphorus in the blood stream, calcium is pulled from the bones and muscles into the blood stream to try and compensate for this.  Indicators of high phosphorus levels are brittle bones and itching.  Antacids are often given with meals to bind with the phosphorus, decreasing the phosphate level in the blood stream, therefore, preserving and stabilizing the calcium levels.
  • Creatinine Clearance
    This test measures all of the urine output for 24 hours. It is the measurement of the glomerular filtration rate. Creatinine Clearance depends on the amount of blood present to be filtered by the kidneys. Decreased amounts will show impaired kidney functions.
  • Proteinuria
    This is performed on a urine sample. It is the most important indicator of renal disease. Protein is not normally present in urine. If the glomerular membrane is injured, the spaces in the membrane become larger and allow protein to seep thru to the urine.
  • Renal Scanning
    This is a nuclear study performed at an imaging department in a hospital. This scan is used to show the structure of the kidney and the blood perfusion through it. It can also detect any obstructions that may be present. There are many different types of scans used to obtain information on the kidneys and ureters.
  • Renal Biopsy
    This is an invasive procedure where a sample of the kidney tissue is obtain and examined. This is used when less invasive procedures do not give present enough data.

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