Nephrology is the medical sub-specialty that diagnoses and treats kidney diseases, including electrolyte disturbances and hypertension, and the care of patients requiring renal replacement therapy, including dialysis and renal transplantation.
St. Vincent’s nephrologists can provide care to patients with all types of kidney disease, including those in need of a transplant.
Many diseases affecting the kidney are systemic disorders and are not limited to the kidney itself. These types of conditions may require special treatment. Examples include acquired conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus), as well as congenital or genetic conditions such as polycystic kidney disease.
Patients are referred to nephrology specialists for various reasons, such as acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease, hematuria, proteinuria, kidney stones, hypertension, and disorders of acid/base or electrolytes.