Nephrology

Wayne Health’s Hypertension and Kidney Diseases Clinic consists of nephrology specialists who provide a full spectrum of care for patients with all types of kidney diseases and hypertensive conditions. Our doctors have particular expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic and hypertensive kidney disease, lupus nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, glomerular diseases and kidney stones.

We are also experts in treating disorders of fluid and electrolytes (i.e., disorders of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and acid-base). Wayne Health outpatient clinics provide comprehensive services for patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease. We offer the full spectrum of acute and chronic therapies, including in-center and home hemodialysis, acute hemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapies, hemoperfusion and peritoneal dialysis. We also have a Kidney Transplant Clinic seeing patients for pre-transplant evaluations as well as follow up after kidney transplantation.

We have extensive experience in the treatment of acute kidney injury, including kidney failure associated with malignancy.

• Fluid and electrolytes disorders
• Essential and secondary hypertension
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetic nephropathy
• Lupus nephritis
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Glomerular diseases
• Kidney stone disorders
• Acute hemodialysis – intermittent and continuous therapies
• Hemoperfusion
• End-stage kidney disease
• In-center and home hemodialysis
• Peritoneal dialysis
• Kidney transplantation

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease happens when your kidneys no longer filter your blood the way they should, so wastes build up in your blood. This has probably been going on for years, and it may keep getting worse over time. If your disease gets worse, you could have kidney failure.

Diabetes and high blood pressure cause most chronic kidney disease. Controlling those diseases can help slow or stop the damage to your kidneys.

What increases your risk for chronic kidney disease?

Some of the things that lead to chronic kidney disease are related to your age and your genetic makeup. You may be able to control other things that increase your risk, such as dietary habits and exercise.

Things you cannot control

The main risk factors for chronic kidney disease are:

Age

The kidneys begin to get smaller as people get older.

Race`

African-Americans and Native Americans are more likely to get chronic kidney disease.

Being male

Men have a higher risk for chronic kidney disease than women do.

Family history

Family history is a factor in the development of both diabetes and high blood pressure, the major causes of chronic kidney disease. Polycystic kidney disease is one of several inherited diseases that cause kidney failure.

Things you may be able to control

You may be able to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and prevent or delay kidney failure by controlling things that increase your risk of kidney damage, such as:

High blood pressure

High blood pressure gradually damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.

Diabetes

A persistently high blood sugar level can damage blood vessels in the kidneys. Over time, kidney damage can progress, and the kidneys may stop working altogether.

Eating protein and fats

Eating a diet low in protein and fat may reduce your risk for kidney disease.

Certain medicines

Avoid long-term use of medicines that can damage the kidneys, such as pain relievers called NSAIDs and certain antibiotics

Wayne Health’s special kidney programs include:

• Dedicated inpatient floor with adjacent acute hemodialysis unit and facilities for peritoneal dialysis, renal biopsy and immunosuppressive therapy
• Access to one of the largest home peritoneal dialysis units in the state, offering state-of-the-art care to home dialysis patients
• State-of-the-art kidney transplant unit with two dedicated nephrologists, additional specialized training in transplantation
  • Specializing in the treatment of high-risk patients, including those with high antibody screens, HIV or Hepatitis C
  • Steroid-free protocols and novel immunosuppressive protocols
• Kidney stone clinic geared to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all types of kidney stones

How is chronic kidney disease treated?

The first step is to treat the disease that’s causing kidney damage. In most cases, this is diabetes or high blood pressure. Controlling your blood pressure and blood sugar may slow the damage to your kidneys.

Kidney disease is a complex problem. You’ll probably need to take medicine. Work closely with your doctor. Go to all your appointments. And take your medicine just the way your doctor says to.

Lifestyle changes are also important. They can help slow kidney disease and may help with other problems that make kidney disease worse.

• Follow a diet that’s easy on your kidneys. You may need to limit salt (sodium) and protein and watch your fluid intake.
• Get regular exercise.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
• Don’t drink alcohol.

Avoid medicines that can harm your kidneys. Talk to your doctor before you take any new medicine, vitamin or herb.

Physicians and researchers at Wayne Health are also faculty members of the Wayne State University School of Medicine who conduct research and clinical studies. This makes the latest treatments and clinical trials available to you sooner than other health providers without a medical school affiliation.

Clinical trials in nephrology are ongoing in transplantation, chronic kidney disease, COVID-19 impact on the kidneys, and a Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study.

For more information, please visit the links below at the WSU School of Medicine.