Nephrology

Nephrology is a medical specialty that aims at the morphological and functional study of the kidney in normal and pathological conditions.

In our Lyx centre in Madrid, we have a specialist in Nephrology capable of addressing any pathology related to the state or functioning of the kidneys:

 

Diagnosis of renal pathology

We carry out the early detection and diagnosis of diseases such as primary or secondary glomerulonephritis, systemic processes, tubulopathies, toxic metabolic nephropathies, etc.

Only with an accurate diagnosis can we carry out a treatment plan that allows us to solve any renal pathology developed by our patients.

 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

  • Detection of patients at risk of developing CKD, both in initial and advanced stages.
  • To optimise the treatment of patients with CKD in all its evolutionary phases, correcting factors to avoid progression of damage, avoiding or delaying the need for renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation).
  • Management of complications associated with CKD such as anaemia, mineral bone metabolism alterations, resistant hypertension, adjustment of renal elimination drugs.

 

Acute renal failure (ARF)

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a syndrome characterised by a sudden deterioration of the renal function.

When planning a treatment, it is necessary to identify what type of kidney failure we are finding and its causes, based on:

1. The elaboration of a meticulous clinical history with the family and personal history of the patient.

2. A detailed physical exploration.

3. The performance of different diagnostic tests for each patient.

Thanks to this, we can carry out an early detection and correction of the cause to carry out a treatment plan that helps the patient have a quick recovery.

Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension

  • Comprehensive management of hypertensive patients.
  • Secondary HTA screening.
  • Detection of target organ injury (heart disease, nephropathy, retinopathy).
  • Choice of the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

 

Study of haematuria and proteinuria

Haematuria is the presence of blood in the urine, which may indicate the existence of kidney or urinary tract problems.

On the other hand, proteinuria is a disorder that is characterised by the presence of a higher amount of protein in urine than normal, which can be an indicator of chronic renal failure (CRF) or the result of diabetes, hypertension or any other disease that causes inflammation of the kidneys.

At Lyx Madrid, we carry out a detailed study that allows us to identify the causes of both conditions in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

 

Diagnosis and treatment of hereditary nephropathies

Nephropathy, also known as nephrosis, refers to damage, disease or pathology of the kidney.

In some cases, nephropathies can be hereditary. From a detailed study, in Lyx, we can carry out a diagnosis and treatment appropriate to the patient’s personal situation, taking into account their family history, with the aim of minimising their discomfort.

Hydro-electrolyte alterations or acid-base imbalance

Hydro-electrolyte disorders refer to alterations in the water or electrolyte content in the human body, either by excess or by defect. Among these alterations are disorders of sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus.

This type of imbalance, if it manifests itself in a prolonged way or under a severe form, can trigger heart problems, neuronal alterations, problems of functioning of the organism or even death.

Specialists in nephrology are in charge of studying and treating these imbalances, since the kidney is the organ in charge of keeping all these substances in balance.

Primary prevention

Primary prevention is based on eliminating the factors that can cause injuries before they occur, in order to prevent or delay their appearance.

In the speciality of nephrology, we carry out the screening and treatment of factors related to cardiovascular risk: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, obesity, smoking, drugs…

 

Control of risk factors in established cardiovascular disease

As shown by numerous studies, cardiovascular diseases and kidney diseases are strongly related.

According to several studies, a patient suffering from high blood pressure is 15% and 40% more likely to suffer from chronic kidney disease. In addition, it is estimated that about 25% of patients with cardiovascular diseases have a relevant chronic kidney disease, although many more may not be diagnosed.

Conversely, chronic kidney disease is a risk factor that may indicate the presence of cardiovascular disease. The more renal function decreases, the more likely the risk of death due to heart failure, to such an extent that the main cause of death in kidney patients are cardiovascular problems, rather than renal failure as such.