Oct 22, 2024
Understanding kidney scarring: Causes, complications and prevention
Siddhartha JanaSmoking and drinking should be avoided in individuals with kidney scarring to prevent further damage and manage the condition more effectively.
Source: Canva
Kidney scarring can result in complications such as hypertension, proteinuria (albumin in the urine), elevated creatinine levels, anemia (from EPO deficiency), and mineral bone disease (from vitamin D dysmetabolism).
Source: Canva
There are two types of scarring: congenital, related to dysplastic kidneys with low nephron endowment, and infection-related, often due to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) causing recurrent childhood urinary tract infections.
Source: Canva
Causes of kidney scarring include congenital issues, infections, and other stressors that impair kidney function, similar to how a pimple can heal with a scar.
Source: Canva
Kidney scarring, or fibrosis, is an irreversible condition that can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) by damaging nephrons, the functional units of the kidney.
Source: Canva
Early intervention is key to preserving kidney function and preventing the progression of CKD, improving patient outcomes.
Source: Canva
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