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Kidney Failure Dictionary

This Page is a brief of the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse Dictionary Pages.
This e-text is not copyrighted. The clearinghouse encourages users of this e-pub to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.

Posted with divulgation purposes by Psychonephrology Net from First Psychonephrology Training Institute Updated :June 9 2000

This dictionary defines words that are often used when people talk or write about kidney diseases. It is designed for people who have kidney diseases and their families and friends.

The words are listed in alphabetical order. Some words have many meanings; only those meanings that relate to kidney diseases are included. A term will refer the reader to another definition only when the second definition gives additional information about a topic that is directly related to the first term.

This information is not a substitute for a visit to your doctor. Talk to a health professional if you have a kidney problem.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

acute: Acute often means urgent. An acute disease happens suddenly. It lasts a short time. Acute is the opposite of chronic, or long lasting.

acute renal failure: A condition in which the kidneys suddenly stop working. In most cases, kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function.

acute tubular necrosis (ATN): A severe form of acute renal failure that develops in people with severe illnesses like infections or with low blood pressure. Patients may need dialysis. Kidney function often improves if the underlying disease is successfully treated.

albuminuria: More than normal amounts of a protein called albumin in the urine. Albuminuria may be a sign of kidney disease.

allograft : An organ or tissue transplant between two humans.

Alport syndrome : An inherited condition that results in kidney disease. It generally develops during early childhood and is more serious in boys than in girls. The condition can lead to end-stage renal disease, as well as hearing and vision problems. The common symptoms of this condition are chronic blood and protein in the urine.

Amyloidosis : A condition in which a protein-like material builds up in one or more organs. This material cannot be broken down and interferes with the normal function of that organ. In kidneys, amyloidosis can lead to proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, and renal failure.

analgesic-associated kidney disease: Loss of kidney function that results from long-term use of analgesic (pain-relieving) medications. Analgesics that combine aspirin and acetaminophen are most dangerous to the kidneys.

anemia : The condition of having too few red blood cells. Healthy red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. If the blood is low on red blood cells, the body does not get enough oxygen. People with anemia may be tired and pale and may feel their heartbeat change. Anemia is common in people with chronic renal failure or those on dialysis. (See also erythropoietin.)

antidiuretic hormone (ADH): A natural body chemical that slows down the urine flow. Some children who wet their beds regularly may lack normal amounts of antidiuretic hormone.

anuria : A condition in which the person stops making urine.

arteriovenous  (AV) fistula : Surgical connection of an artery directly to a vein, usually in the forearm, created in patients who will need hemodialysis (see dialysis). The AV fistula causes the vein to grow thicker, allowing the repeated needle insertions required for hemodialysis.

autoimmune disease: Any disorder in which the body is attacked by its own immune system. Examples are Goodpasture syndrome and lupus erythematosus (see lupus nephritis).

B

biopsy: A procedure in which a tiny piece of a body part, such as the kidney or bladder, is removed for examination under a microscope.

bladder : The balloon-shaped organ inside the pelvis that holds urine.

blood urea  nitrogen (BUN): A waste product in the blood that comes from the breakdown of food protein. The kidneys filter blood to remove urea. As kidney function decreases, the BUN level increases.

C

calcium : A mineral that the body needs for strong bones and teeth. Calcium may form stones in the kidney.

chronic : Lasting a long time. Chronic diseases develop slowly. Chronic renal failure may develop over many years and lead to end-stage renal disease.

chronic renal failure: Slow and progressive loss of kidney function over several years, often resulting in end-stage renal disease. People with end-stage renal disease need dialysis or transplantation to replace the work of the kidneys.

creatinine : A waste product from meat protein in the diet and from the muscles of the body. Creatinine is removed from blood by the kidneys; as kidney disease progresses, the level of creatinine in the blood increases.

creatinine clearance: A test that measures how efficiently the kidneys remove creatinine and other wastes from the blood. Low creatinine clearance indicates impaired kidney function.

cyst : An abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material. Cysts may form in kidneys or in other parts of the body.

cystine : An amino acid found in blood and urine. Amino acids are building blocks of protein. (See also cystine stone and cystinuria.)

cystine stone: A rare form of kidney stone consisting of the amino acid cystine.

cystinuria : A condition in which urine contains high levels of the amino acid cystine. If cystine does not dissolve in the urine, it can build up to form kidney stones.

cystitis : Inflammation of the bladder, causing pain and a burning feeling in the pelvis or urethra.

cystoscope : A tool for examining the bladder. The procedure is called cystoscopy .

D

diabetes  insipidus: A condition characterized by frequent and heavy urination, excessive thirst, and an overall feeling of weakness. This condition may be caused by a defect in the pituitary gland or in the kidney. In diabetes insipidus, blood sugar levels are normal. (See also nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.)

diabetes  mellitus : A condition characterized by high blood sugar resulting from the body's inability to use sugar (glucose) efficiently. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is not able to make enough insulin; in type 2 diabetes, the body is resistant to the effects of available insulin.

dialysate: A cleansing liquid used in the two major forms of dialysis--hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

dialysis : The process of cleaning wastes from the blood artificially. This job is normally done by the kidneys. If the kidneys fail, the blood must be cleaned artificially with special equipment. The two major forms of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

hemodialysis: The use of a machine to clean wastes from the blood after the kidneys have failed. The blood travels through tubes to a dialyzer, which removes wastes and extra fluid. The cleaned blood then flows through another set of tubes back into the body.

peritoneal dialysis: Cleaning the blood by using the lining of the belly (abdomen) as a filter. A cleansing solution, called dialysate, is drained from a bag into the belly. Fluids and wastes flow through the lining of the belly and remain "trapped" in the dialysate. The dialysate is then drained from the belly, removing the extra fluids and wastes from the body. There are three types of peritoneal dialysis:

continuous ambulatory  peritoneal dialysis (CAPD): The most common type of peritoneal dialysis. It needs no machine. With CAPD, the blood is always being cleaned. The dialysate passes from a plastic bag through the catheter and into the abdomen. The dialysate stays in the abdomen with the catheter sealed. After several hours, the person using CAPD drains the solution back into a disposable bag. Then the person refills the abdomen with fresh solution through the same catheter, to begin the cleaning process again.

continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CCPD): A form of peritoneal dialysis that uses a machine. This machine automatically fills and drains the dialysate from the abdomen. A typical CCPD schedule involves three to five exchanges during the night while the person sleeps. During the day, the person using CCPD performs one exchange with a dwell time that lasts the entire day.

nocturnal intermittent peritoneal dialysis (NIPD): A machine-aided form of peritoneal dialysis. NIPD differs from CCPD in that six or more exchanges take place during the night, and the NIPD patient does not perform an exchange during the day.

dialyzer : A part of the hemodialysis machine. (See hemodialysis under dialysis.) The dialyzer has two sections separated by a membrane. One section holds dialysate. The other holds the patient's blood.

dwell time: In peritoneal dialysis, the amount of time a bag of dialysate remains in the patient's abdominal cavity during an exchange.

E

edema : Swelling caused by too much fluid in the body.

electrolytes : Chemicals in the body fluids that result from the breakdown of salts, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride. The kidneys control the amount of electrolytes in the body. When the kidneys fail, electrolytes get out of balance, causing potentially serious health problems. Dialysis can correct this problem.

end-stage renal  disease (ESRD): Total chronic kidney failure. When the kidneys fail, the body retains fluid and harmful wastes build up. A person with ESRD needs treatment to replace the work of the failed kidneys.

erythropoietin : A hormone made by the kidneys to help form red blood cells. Lack of this hormone may lead to anemia.

ESRD: end-stage renal disease.

ESWL: extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.

exchange: A cycle in peritoneal dialysis in which the patient fills the abdominal cavity with dialysate, carries it for a specified dwell time, and then empties the dialysate from the abdomen in preparation for a fresh bag of dialysate.

extracorporeal  shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL): A nonsurgical procedure using shock waves to break up kidney stones.

F

fistula : See arteriovenous fistula.

G

glomeruli : Plural of glomerulus.

glomerulonephritis : Inflammation of the glomeruli. Most often, it is caused by an autoimmune disease, but it can also result from infection.

glomerulosclerosis: Scarring of the glomeruli. It may result from diabetes mellitus (diabetic glomerulosclerosis) or from deposits in parts of the glomerulus (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis). The most common signs of glomerulosclerosis are proteinuria and kidney failure.

glomerulus : A tiny set of looping blood vessels in the nephron where blood is filtered in the kidney.

Goodpasture syndrome: An uncommon disease that usually includes bleeding from the lungs, coughing up of blood, and inflammation of the kidneys that can lead to kidney failure. This condition is an autoimmune disease.

H

hematocrit : A measure that tells how many red blood cells are present in a blood sample. Low hematocrit suggests anemia or massive blood loss.

hematuria : Blood in the urine, which can be a sign of a kidney stone, glomerulonephritis, or other kidney problem.

hemodialysis: See dialysis.

hemolytic uremic  syndrome  (HUS): A disease that affects the blood and blood vessels. It destroys red blood cells, cells that cause the blood to clot, and the lining of blood vessels. HUS is often caused by the Escherichia coli bacterium in contaminated food. People with HUS may develop acute renal failure.

hormone: A natural chemical produced in one part of the body and released into the blood to trigger or regulate particular functions of the body. The kidney releases three hormones: erythropoietin, renin, and an active form of vitamin D that helps regulate calcium for bones.

hydronephrosis : Swelling of the top of the ureter, usually because something is blocking the urine from flowing into or out of the bladder.

hypercalciuria : Abnormally large amounts of calcium in the urine.

hyperoxaluria : Unusually large amounts of oxalate in the urine, leading to kidney stones.

hypertension: High blood pressure, which can be caused either by too much fluid in the blood vessels or by narrowing of the blood vessels.

I

IgA nephropathy : A kidney disorder caused by deposits of the protein immunoglobulin A (IgA) inside the glomeruli (filters) within the kidney. The IgA protein damages the glomeruli, leading to blood and protein in the urine, to swelling in the hands and feet, and sometimes to kidney failure.

immune system: The body's system for protecting itself from viruses and bacteria or any "foreign" substances.

immunosuppressant : A drug given to suppress the natural responses of the body's immune system. Immunosuppressants are given to transplant patients to prevent organ rejection and to patients with autoimmune diseases like lupus.

interstitial  nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney cells that are not part of the fluid-collecting units, a condition that can lead to acute renal failure or chronic renal failure.

intravenous  pyelogram : An x-ray of the urinary tract. A dye is injected to make the kidney, ureters, and bladder visible on the x-ray and show any blockage in the urinary tract.

K

kidneys: The two bean-shaped organs that filter wastes from the blood. The kidneys are located near the middle of the back. They create urine, which is delivered to the bladder through tubes called ureters.

kidney stone: A stone that develops from crystals that form in urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney, in the renal pelvis, or in the ureters.

Kt/V : A measurement of dialysis dose. The measurement takes into account the efficiency of the dialyzer, the treatment time, and the total volume of urea in the body. See also URR.

L

lithotripsy: A method of breaking up kidney stones using shock waves or other means.

lupus  nephritis : Inflammation of the kidneys caused by an autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus . The condition can cause hematuria and proteinuria, and it may progress to end-stage renal disease.

M

membrane : A thin sheet or layer of tissue that lines a cavity or separates two parts of the body. A membrane can act as a filter, allowing some particles to pass from one part of the body to another while keeping others where they are. The membrane in a dialyzer filters waste products from the blood.

membranoproliferative  glomerulonephritis: A disease that occurs primarily in children and young adults. Over time, inflammation leads to scarring in the glomeruli, causing proteinuria, hematuria, and sometimes chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease.

N

nephrectomy : Surgical removal of a kidney.

nephrogenic diabetes  insipidus: Constant thirst and frequent urination because the kidney tubules cannot respond to antidiuretic hormone. The result is an increase in urine formation and excessive urine flow.

nephrolithiasis : Kidney stones.

nephrologist : A doctor who treats patients with kidney problems or hypertension.

nephron : A tiny part of the kidneys. Each kidney is made up of about 1 million nephrons, which are the working units of the kidneys, removing wastes and extra fluids from the blood.

nephrotic syndrome: A collection of symptoms that indicate kidney damage. Symptoms include high levels of protein in the urine, lack of protein in the blood, and high blood cholesterol.

nuclear  scan: A test of the structure, blood flow, and function of the kidneys. The doctor injects a mildly radioactive solution into an arm vein and uses x-rays to monitor its progress through the kidneys.

O

oxalate : A chemical that combines with calcium in urine to form the most common type of kidney stone (calcium oxalate stone).

P

pelvis : The bowl-shaped bone that supports the spine and holds up the digestive, urinary, and reproductive organs. The legs connect to the body at the pelvis.

percutaneous nephrolithotomy : A method for removing kidney stones via keyhole surgery through the back.

peritoneal dialysis: See dialysis.

polycystic  kidney disease (PKD): An inherited disorder characterized by many grape-like clusters of fluid-filled cysts that make both kidneys larger over time. These cysts take over and destroy working kidney tissue. PKD may cause chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease.

proteinuria : The presence of protein in the urine, indicating that the kidneys are not working properly.

pyelonephritis : An infection of the kidney(s), usually caused by a germ that has traveled up through the urethra, bladder, and ureter(s) from outside the body.

R

renal : Of the kidneys. A renal disease is a disease of the kidneys. Renal failure means the kidneys have stopped working properly.

renal agenesis : The absence or severe malformation of one or both kidneys.

renal cell carcinoma : A type of kidney cancer.

renal cysts : Abnormal fluid-filled sacs in the kidney that range in size from microscopic to much larger. Many simple cysts are harmless, while other types can seriously damage the kidneys.

renal osteodystrophy: Weak bones caused by poorly working kidneys. Renal osteodystrophy is a common problem for people on dialysis who have high phosphate levels or insufficient vitamin D supplementation.

renal pelvis : The basin into which the urine formed by the kidneys is excreted before it travels to the ureters and bladder.

renal tubular acidosis : A defect in the kidneys that hinders their normal excretion of acids. Failure to excrete acids can lead to weak bones, kidney stones, and poor growth in children.

renal vein thrombosis : Blood clots in the vessel that carries blood away from the kidney. This can occur in people with the nephrotic syndrome.

renin : A hormone made by the kidneys that helps regulate the volume of fluid in the body and blood pressure.

S

struvite stone: A type of kidney stone caused by infection.

T

transplant : Replacement of a diseased organ with a healthy one. A kidney transplant may come from a living donor, usually a relative, or from someone who has just died.

U

ultrasound: A technique that bounces safe, painless sound waves off organs to create an image of their structure.

urea : A waste product found in the blood and caused by the normal breakdown of protein in the liver. Urea is normally removed from the blood by the kidneys and then excreted in the urine. Urea accumulates in the body of people with renal failure.

uremia : The illness associated with the buildup of urea in the blood because the kidneys are not working effectively. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and mental confusion.

ureteroscope: A tool for examining the bladder and ureters and for removing kidney stones through the urethra. The procedure is called ureteroscopy .

ureters: Tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

urethra : The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

uric acid stone: A kidney stone that may result from a diet high in animal protein. When the body breaks down this protein, uric acid levels rise and can form stones.

urinalysis: A test of a urine sample that can reveal many problems of the urinary system and other body systems. The sample may be observed for color, cloudiness, concentration; signs of drug use; chemical composition, including sugar; the presence of protein, blood cells, or germs; or other signs of disease.

urinary tract: The system that takes wastes from the blood and carries them out of the body in the form of urine. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, renal pelvises, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

urinary tract infection (UTI): An illness caused by harmful bacteria growing in the urinary tract.

urinate : To release urine from the bladder to the outside.

urine: Liquid waste product filtered from the blood by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and expelled from the body through the urethra by the act of voiding or urinating.

urolithiasis : Stones in the urinary system.

URR (urea reduction ratio): A blood test that compares the amount of blood urea nitrogen before and after dialysis to measure the effectiveness of the dialysis dose.

V

vasculitis : Inflammation of the blood vessel walls. This can cause rash and disease in multiple organs of the body, including the kidneys.

vesicoureteral  reflux: An abnormal condition in which urine backs up into the ureters, and occasionally into the kidneys, raising the risk of infection.

void: To urinate, empty the bladder.

W

Wegener's granulomatosis : An autoimmune disease that damages the blood vessels and causes disease in the lungs, upper respiratory tract, and kidneys.

This Page is a brief of the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse Dictionary Pages.
This e-text is not copyrighted. The clearinghouse encourages users of this e-pub to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.

Posted with divulgation purposes by Psychonephrology Net from First Psychonephrology Training Institute Updated :June 9 2000