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Nephrologists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney-related conditions. These could include kidney stones, kidney failure, and chronic kidney disease. They also manage complications caused by kidney dysfunction, such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Nephrologists also play a crucial role in overseeing dialysis treatments, kidney transplants, and post-treatment care. They are often confused with Urologists who also deal with kidney health along with the bladder and reproductive organs. However, Urologists are trained in surgery, whereas Nephrologists typically are not. Despite their significance in kidney health, there are just over 10,000 practicing Nephrologists in the United States, which is relatively low considering the demand for kidney care.
Nephrology is a diverse field with several subspecialties. There are Pediatric Nephrologists who specialize in treating kidney-related issues in children and teenagers. As well as Interventional Nephrologists who preform minimally invasive procedures for dialysis patients, such as placing stents and removing catheters. There are multiple other types such as: transplant Nephrologists, critical care Nephrologists, Geriatric Nephrologists, Onco-Nephrologists, etc.
The path to becoming a Nephrologists is quite extensive and requires years of training. It starts with four years of medical school, followed by a three-year residency in internal medicine, then they must complete a 2-3 year fellowship in Nephrology. To conclude their journey, they must pass a board certification exam to practice professionally.
A rare but serious kidney condition known as Immune Complex-Mediated Glomerulonephritis (ICGN), occurs when immune complexes become intertwined in the kidney's glomeruli (tiny filters), which causes inflammation and kidney dysfunction.
When a 57-year-old man was diagnosed with subacute bacterial endocarditis caused by Streptococcus mutans he developed ICGN. Despite receiving the standard treatment his kidney dysfunction worsened. To help treat him, the doctors introduced plasmapheresis, which is a procedure that removes immune complexes from the blood. And after seven sessions, the patients kidney health significantly improved, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of plasmapheresis in select cases.
Nephrologists play a vital role in managing kidney health and preventing complications that affect other organs. Their expertise extends to various subspecialties, from pediatric care to kidney transplants. While nephrology often involves non-surgical treatments, advancements in the field continue to improve outcomes for patients with complex kidney disorders.
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