Nephrology

Nephrology

Nephrology (from Greek νεφρός - nephros, "kidney", combined with the suffix -logy, "the study of") is a branch of internal medicine and pediatrics dealing with the study of the function and diseases of the kidney.[1]


Scope of the specialty

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 (eg lupus), as well as congenital or genetic conditions such as polycystic kidney disease.