Midwest Nephrology Group, PLLC

Because kidney disease does not usually produce symptoms in its early stages, many patients who have deteriorating kidney function are unaware of it. Regular kidney-function evaluations can detect kidney problems in their earliest stages, and help slow damage. There are several tests that are performed to detect problems with kidney function. They are especially effective in patients who are asymptomatic. In many cases, kidney disease is first discovered during a routine blood or urine test. Candidates for Kidney-Function Evaluation People who have high blood pressure, diabetes and/or a family history of kidney conditions are at greater risk for problems with their kidneys, so are more likely to regularly undergo tests that evaluate kidney function. Kidney-Function Evaluation Tests To evaluate kidney function, a doctor performs a physical examination, and orders comprehensive tests that include the following: Blood tests to monitor the amount of urea nitrogen Urine tests to check protein or albumin levels Blood pressure tests X-rays In most cases, blood tests are also used to measure creatinine levels. High levels are indicative of kidney problems. Another test that may be performed is a renal nuclear medicine scan. This is an effective test because, in addition to showing the anatomy of the kidneys, it shows their function. During the scan, a radioisotope tracer is injected into a vein, and followed through the kidneys with special detectors. The process is viewed on a computer screen.

Our physicians are affiliated with and make rounds on patients at the following dialysis locations. Davita Midwest City Yukon Lake Hefner MidDel Heartland Clinton Edmond Norman Shawnee Rose Rock Oklahoma City South Fresenius Heritage Park Northwest Bethany Anthem Dialysis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to the gradual loss of kidney function over a long period of time. The kidneys are responsible for eliminating waste and excess water from the body. Loss of kidney function causes a dangerous buildup of waste and fluid. Chronic kidney disease is most often associated with diabetes and high blood pressure, and requires prompt treatment to keep life-threatening complications from developing. Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease The symptoms of chronic kidney disease in its early stages include the following: Weight loss Nausea Fatigue Loss of appetite Headache As chronic kidney disease worsens, symptoms include the following: Abnormal discoloration of the skin High blood pressure Shortness of breath Confusion Metallic taste in the mouth Weak libido Decreased urine output Numbness in the hands or feet Vomiting Sleep disorders Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact her or his physician to obtain an accurate diagnosis and receive treatment. Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease Chronic kidney disease is diagnosed by a complete review of symptoms and a physical examination by a doctor. In most cases, blood tests are then performed to measure creatinine levels. When kidneys fail, abnormally high amounts of creatinine are present in the blood. Additional tests include the following: Urinalysis Bone density X-rays or other imaging tests In some cases, a kidney biopsy is performed to diagnose chronic kidney disease. Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment for chronic kidney disease aims to restore kidney function and prevent waste from building up in the body. Treatment for the underlying cause or illness may help kidneys to function properly. Because high blood pressure can worsen chronic kidney disease, medications to control blood pressure are usually prescribed. Phosphate binders and vitamin D supplements may also be prescribed, and diet modifications may be recommended. Other methods of treatment include antibiotics to prevent or treat infection, or dialysis, which may be temporary or ongoing depending on the patient's condition. In severe cases, a kidney transplant may be necessary. A patient suffering from chronic kidney disease should be under the continuous care of a physician, and should be examined on a regular basis. Left untreated, chronic kidney disease can be fatal.

A kidney stone, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, is a hardened mass of mineral and acid salts that separates from the urine and travels through the urinary tract. The urine normally dilutes and dissolves these substances, but when the composition of urine is unbalanced, crystallized stones can form. Kidney stones are a common but painful urinary tract disorder and men are more likely than women to experience them. Kidney stones can cause severe pain, however they usually do not cause any permanent damage to the urinary tract or body. Causes of Kidney Stones Kidney stones can form when substances in the urine such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus, become highly concentrated. While the exact cause of kidney stones is not always known, certain people may have an increased risk of kidney stones. This may include those with: Family history of kidney stones Gout Chronic diarrhea Crohn's disease Obesity A high level of calcium in the urine People who do not drink enough fluids may have a higher risk for developing kidney stones, as their urine is more concentrated. Certain medications may also increase the risk of kidney stones. Symptoms of Kidney Stones Most kidney stones cause terrible pain as they move through the urinary tract and into the ureter. Common symptoms include: Severe pain in the lower side and back Pain radiating to the abdomen and groin Bloody or cloudy urine Frequent and painful urination Nausea Vomiting Fever Pain caused by a kidney stone may increase in intensity as the stone moves through the urinary tract. Diagnosis of Kidney Stones Kidney stones are diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include: Blood tests Urine tests Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) CT scan Kidney stones can often be identified on X-rays, sometimes before they cause any symptoms. The X-rays can show the location of stones in the kidney or urinary tract. Treatment of Kidney Stones Treatment is not usually necessary for small kidney stones as most stones typically pass on their own after drinking plenty of water. Pain medication may be prescribed to relieve symptoms. Larger stones that cannot pass on their own or that block the urinary tract, may require more aggressive treatment methods to locate the stone and break it up into tiny pieces so it can pass through the urine. This may be performed through a procedure known as a shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or a ureteroscopy. In severe cases, more-invasive surgery may be necessary to remove very large stones. Prevention of Kidney Stones While not all kidney stones can be avoided, certain lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. These may include: Drinking plenty of fluids Reducing fat intake Eating a low-salt diet Medication may be prescribed to help control the amount of minerals and acid in the urine of people who may be prone to developing kidney stones. People who have had previous kidney stones are more likely to have a recurrence, but implementing these changes may help to reduce future risk.

Kidney cancer is characterized by a tumor that begins in the kidneys, the bean-shaped organs that help remove excess water and waste from the body through urine. Cancer that originates in the kidneys is common, with more than 60,000 people in the United States diagnosed with it each year. Types of Kidney Cancer There are several different types of kidney cancer, classified by where they originate. The most common is renal-cell carcinoma, which begins in the small tubes found in the kidney. Typically beginning as a single mass, it can usually be identified before it spreads to other areas. Other common types of kidney cancer include the following: Transitional-cell carcinomas Wilms tumors Renal sarcomas Benign tumors are also often found in the kidneys, but they do not usually cause any harm to the patient. Causes of Kidney Cancer The cause of kidney cancer is unknown. It is believed, however, to be the result of a specific gene mutation that can be inherited or acquired. Factors linked to a higher risk of developing kidney cancer include the following: Smoking Obesity Regular exposure to certain substances Family history of kidney cancer High blood pressure Certain medications Advanced kidney disease A person may be able to reduce the risk of developing kidney cancer by eliminating nongenetic factors such as smoking and obesity. Symptoms of Kidney Cancer Kidney cancer often does not cause symptoms until it has progressed to its later stages, at which point the following symptoms may be present: Blood in the urine Back pain Weight loss Fatigue Swelling in the legs or ankles Lump in the abdomen or side Fever If left untreated, kidney cancer can spread to other areas of the body, and symptoms can worsen. Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer If kidney cancer is suspected, a physical examination is performed. The following tests may also be administered to confirm a diagnosis: Ultrasound CT scan MRI scan Blood test A biopsy may also be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of kidney cancer. Stages of Kidney Cancer Once kidney cancer is diagnosed, its stage is determined. Stage I In Stage I kidney cancer, the tumor is confined to the kidney. Cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Stage II With Stage II cancer, the tumor is confined to the kidney but is fairly large. Cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Stage III With Stage III cancer, the cancer has spread into the lymph nodes adjacent to the kidney, and may have spread into the veins leading from the kidney to the heart. Stage IV In Stage IV kidney cancer, the cancer has spread outside the kidney to adjacent organs, and possibly to the lungs, liver, colon, bowels or abdominal wall. Although there are others, the above staging system, which was developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), is the one used most frequently. Treatment of Kidney Cancer There are several different treatments available for kidney cancer. The best treatment for each patient depends on the severity and location of the disease. Surgery, because it is the only method that can thoroughly remove the tumor, is often the most effective treatment. Surgery may involve removing just the tumor, or the entire kidney. For some patients, surgery may not be an option. Less invasive treatments are available to treat the disease for these patients, and may include the following: Cryoablation Radiofrequency ablation Biological therapy After a thorough evaluation of the patient's condition, a physician is able to determine which treatment is best.