Description

Nephrology

Nephrology is the science that examines the diseases of the excretory system, mainly the
kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract.

Our nephrology department recommends regular check-ups to
help prevent and treat the early stages of kidney disease. Because sometimes
there may be no symptoms in the early stages of the disease, or nonspecific
symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, and changes in the amount of urine
may occur. Regular tests are especially important if you are at risk of kidney
disease (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, family history of kidney
problems).

Common diseases examined by nephrology

Diseases of the kidney and diseases affecting the kidney
are examined in our nephrology department. In this way, a multidisciplinary
approach to the treatment of diseases can be performed. Nephrological diseases
that we frequently encounter in our hospital are;

Kidney inflammations (such as nephritis, pyelonephritis)

Kidney failure (acute or chronic)

Urinary tract infections

Hypertension (of kidney origin)

Tests of the nephrology department

Nephrologists can perform various tests and procedures
for the diagnosis and treatment of kidney, urinary tract, and bladder diseases.

Laboratory tests

A wide variety of tests can be used to evaluate the
function of your kidneys. These tests are usually performed on a blood or urine
sample.

Blood tests

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is one of the tests
performed in the nephrology department. This test measures how well your
kidneys filter your blood. In kidney disease, GFR begins to fall below normal
levels.

In the serum creatinine test, the amount of creatinine in the blood is evaluated. Creatinine
is a waste product and has higher levels in the blood of people with kidney
failure.

The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test measures the level of BUN in the blood as well as
creatinine, and the presence of high levels of this waste product is a sign of
kidney dysfunction.

Urine tests

As a result of the urinalysis, pH measurement is
performed as well as the presence of abnormal amounts of blood, glucose,
protein, or bacteria. Each of these values ​​is
important for the diagnosis of kidney disease.

The albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) test measures the
amount of protein albumin in the urine. The presence of albumin in the urine is
a sign of kidney dysfunction.

The 24-hour urine collection method uses a special
container to collect all the urine produced for 24 hours. More tests can be
performed on this sample.

The creatinine clearance test has a significant place in
the kidney dysfunction test battery. This is a measure of creatinine taken from
both a blood sample and a 24-hour urine sample used to calculate the amount of
creatinine that comes out of the blood and is carried into the urine.

Procedures of the nephrology department

In addition to reviewing and interpreting the results of
laboratory tests, the nephrologist can work with other professionals on the
following procedures:

Imaging tests of the kidneys, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or X-rays

Dialysis, including the insertion of the dialysis catheter

Kidney biopsies

Kidney transplant