Editing Nephrology (section)

==Treatment==
Treatments in nephrology can include [[medications]], [[blood products]], surgical interventions ([[urology]], [[vascular surgery|vascular]] or [[general surgery|surgical]] procedures), [[renal replacement therapy]] ([[Kidney dialysis|dialysis]] or [[kidney transplantation]]) and [[plasma exchange]]. Kidney problems can have significant impact on quality and length of life, and so psychological support, health education and advanced care planning play key roles in nephrology.

[[Chronic kidney disease]] is typically managed with treatment of causative conditions (such as [[diabetes]]), avoidance of substances toxic to the kidneys ([[nephrotoxicity|nephrotoxins]] like [[contrast medium|radiologic contrast]] and [[non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]), [[antihypertensives]], diet and weight modification and planning for [[end-stage kidney failure]]. Impaired kidney function has systemic effects on the body. An [[erythropoetin|erythropoetin stimulating agent]] (ESA) may be required to ensure adequate production of [[red blood cells]], [[calcitriol|activated vitamin D]] supplements and [[phosphate binders]] may be required to counteract the effects of kidney failure on [[renal osteodystrophy|bone metabolism]], and blood volume and [[electrolyte disturbance]] may need correction. Diuretics (such as furosemide) may be used to correct fluid overload, and alkalis (such as sodium bicarbonate) can be used to treat metabolic acidosis.

[[Auto-immune]] and [[Inflammation|inflammatory]] kidney disease, such as [[vasculitis]] or [[transplant rejection]], may be treated with [[immunosuppression]]. Commonly used agents are [[prednisone]], [[mycophenolate]], [[cyclophosphamide]], [[ciclosporin]], [[tacrolimus]], [[everolimus]], [[thymoglobulin]] and [[sirolimus]]. Newer, so-called "[[biologic medical product|biologic drugs]]" or [[monoclonal antibodies]], are also used in these conditions and include [[rituximab]], [[basiliximab]] and [[eculizumab]]. Blood products including [[intravenous immunoglobulin]] and a process known as [[plasma exchange]] can also be employed.

When the kidneys are no longer able to sustain the demands of the body, end-stage kidney failure is said to have occurred. Without [[renal replacement therapy]], death from [[kidney failure]] will eventually result. [[Kidney dialysis|Dialysis]] is an artificial method of replacing some kidney function to prolong life. [[Renal transplantation]] replaces kidney function by inserting into the body a healthier kidney from an [[organ donor]] and inducing [[immunologic tolerance]] of that organ with [[immunosuppression]]. At present, [[renal transplantation]] is the most effective treatment for end-stage kidney failure although its worldwide availability is limited by lack of availability of donor organs. Generally speaking, kidneys from living donors are 'better' than those from deceased donors, as they last longer.

Most kidney conditions are [[chronic condition]]s and so long term followup with a nephrologist is usually necessary. In the United Kingdom, care may be shared with the patient's primary care physician, called a General Practitioner (GP).