Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine and pediatrics dealing with the study of the function and diseases of the kidney.
Nephrology concerns the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases,
including electrolyte disturbances and hypertension, and the care of
those requiring renal replacement therapy, including dialysis and renal
transplant patients.
Many diseases affecting the kidney are systemic
disorders not limited to the organ itself, and may require special
treatment.
Examples include acquired conditions such as systemic
vasculitides (eg. ANCA vasculitis) and autoimmune diseases (e.g.,
lupus), as well as congenital or genetic conditions such as polycystic
kidney disease.
In the USA, the National Kidney Foundation is a national organization
representing patients and professionals who treat kidney diseases.
Founded in 1966, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is the world’s
largest professional society devoted to the study of kidney disease.
In
the United Kingdom, the National Kidney Federation represents patients,
and the Renal Association represents renal physicians and works closely
with the National Service Framework for kidney disease.
The Renal
Support Network (RSN) is a nonprofit, patient-focused, patient-run
organization that provides non-medical services to those affected by
chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The American Association of Kidney
Patients (AAKP) is a non-profit, patient-centric group focused on
improving the health and well-being of CKD and dialysis patients.
Further Reading
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"Nephrology"
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