APPENDIX D: Words You Need to Know

To learn more about chronic kidney disease and its treatments, you'll need to learn the special words associated with these subjects. Here are some definitions of terms that may be new to you.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

ACCESS: In hemodialysis, an entrance that is made surgically, usually in an arm, to allow an entry or connection to your bloodstream. In peritoneal dialysis, the access is a soft plastic tube that is surgically placed in the peritoneal cavity. (See also Fistula, Graft and Catheter.)

ALPORT'S SYNDROME: A type of chronic kidney disease that is inherited. It is characterized by blood in the urine, hearing loss and sometimes by an eye problem.

ANALGESIC NEPHROPATHY: A type of chronic kidney disease caused by excessive use of pain relieving medications, especially those that have a combination of active ingredients in one pill.

ANATOMY: Refers to the structural makeup of your kidneys or other parts of your body.

ANEMIA: A condition caused by a decrease in the number of red blood cells in your body. Symptoms include paleness, weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath.

ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE): A type of high blood pressure medication, which has been shown to help protect kidney function in many patients with chronic kidney disease.

ANTIBIOTICS: Drugs that either kill or stop the growth of germs. (See also Bacteria.)

ANTIBODY: Proteins, made in the body to attack foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses or even a transplanted kidney.

ANTIGEN: A substance in the blood that is recognized as foreign and causes the body to gear up its defenses to attack the substance. An antigen may be associated with germs or a transplanted organ.

ANTI-REJECTION MEDICATIONS: Medications that lower the activity of your body's immune system to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ. These are also called immunosuppressive medications.

AORTA: The large artery that carries blood out of the heart to the lungs and other organs.

ARTIFICIAL KIDNEY: In hemodialysis, a filtering device that removes excess fluid and waste products from the bloodstream. It is also called a dialyzer.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE: A type of disease in which antibodies are produced against the body's own tissues.

AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT INHERITANCE: A type of inheritance that allows a disease to be inherited when only one parent passes an abnormal gene to a child.

AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE INHERITANCE: A type of inheritance that allows a disease to be inherited only when both parents pass an abnormal gene to a child.

B

BACTERIA: A type of germ that enters the body and causes infection. This is why access sites must be clean before dialysis begins. Transplant recipients have an increased susceptibility to infections by bacteria and other types of germs because the anti-rejection medications lower the body's defenses.

BLADDER: The sac in which urine produced by the kidneys is collected and stored, until released from the body; may shrink in size with kidney failure.

BLOOD PRESSURE: The pressure of your blood against the walls of your arteries as the blood flows through your body. In a blood pressure reading, the top number (systolic pressure) is the pressure when the heart pushes blood out; the bottom number (diastolic pressure)is the pressure between beats, when the heart fills up with blood. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading cause of kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes.

BRIGHT'S DISEASE: (See Glomerulonephritis.)

C

CADAVER KIDNEY: A kidney donated by someone who died recently and had indicated a desire to become an organ donor at the time of his or her death.

CALCITRIOL: A special form of vitamin D made by the kidneys to help maintain healthy bones. It is available as a medication to treat bone disease. (See also vitamin D₃.)

CALCIUM: A mineral in the blood that contributes to bone formation and body function.

CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis): A form of peritoneal dialysis in which a catheter is surgically placed in the lower abdomen, so dialysate can be drained in and out of the peritoneal cavity. Dialysate exchanges are done every four to six hours. CAPD can be performed at work or at home or anywhere a clean, private space is available to do exchanges. (See also Exchange.)

CATHETER: A small plastic tube placed into the body through the skin or a body opening to add or withdraw fluids. In peritoneal dialysis patients, catheters are surgically implanted in the lower abdomen. In some hemodialysis patients, a catheter-type access is placed into a vein in the neck or upper chest.

CCPD (Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis): A form of peritoneal dialysis that uses a machine, called a cycler, to make the bag exchanges instead of the patient doing them by hand as in CAPD.

CHEMOTHERAPY: Treatment of disease by the use of special medications or chemical agents.

CHOLESTEROL: A fat-like substance found in all meats, poultry, butter, egg yolks and most dairy products. High levels of blood cholesterol are thought to increase the risks of heart disease and stroke. Very low levels may indicate inadequate nutrition and may also increase health risks.

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Progressive loss of kidney function caused by diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, etc. It may lead to complete kidney failure, which requires treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. (See also kidney failure.)

CLOT: A thickening that forms in blood in order to decrease or stop bruising and bleeding.

CONGENITAL: Present at birth.

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE: A condition that results when the heart does not pump enough blood out of the lungs and into general circulation. It may cause chest pains, breathing difficulty, high blood pressure and swelling.

CRAMPS: A painful tightening of muscles during dialysis that can be caused by rapid or excessive fluid removal.

CREATININE: A byproduct produced by the functioning of your muscles, which is normally removed from the blood by the kidneys. Tests that measure creatinine levels in the blood are used to calculate kidney function.

CREATININE CLEARANCE: A test used to check your level of kidney function. It is done using a 24-hour sample of your urine.

CYCLER: A machine used in CCPD to help fill and drain dialysate fluid from the abdomen. (See also Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis.)

D

DIABETES: A disease that occurs when the amount of sugar in your blood is too high. This can happen when the body no longer makes enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure and is also associated with other health problems such as heart disease, eye problems and nerve damage.

DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY: Chronic kidney disease resulting from diabetes. Blood vessels may become so damaged that the kidneys are unable to filter blood properly. Kidney failure may occur in some cases.

DIALYSATE: The cleansing solution used in dialysis to remove excess fluids and waste products from the blood when the kidneys have failed. It is also known as dialysis solution, or bath.

DIALYSIS: The process of removing wastes and excess fluid from your blood when your kidneys have failed.

DIALYZER: The vessel that contains the membrane that blood and dialysate flow through during hemodialysis. It is also called an artificial kidney.

DIETITIAN: A person trained to provide care, education and counseling on nutrition. A registered dietitian (R.D.) is someone who has met specific standards of the American Dietetic Association.

DIURETIC: A drug that helps the body eliminate excess salt and water through the kidneys.

DOSE: The amount of medication or treatment given at one time.

DWELL TIME: The third stage in the peritoneal dialysis cycle. Dwell time refers to the amount of time the dialysate or cleansing solution is left to "dwell" inside your abdominal cavity.

E

EDEMA: Swelling in a part of the body (such as the ankles, face, eyelids or abdomen) due to a buildup of fluids in the body.

ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO): A hormone made in the body by healthy kidneys to stimulate production of red blood cells. Kidney patients develop anemia because their kidneys no longer make enough of this hormone. A man-made form of EPO is available to treat anemia in kidney patients.

EXCHANGE: In peritoneal dialysis, the process of draining used dialysate from the peritoneal cavity, and replacing it with fresh solution.

EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY (ESWL): A treatment for kidney stones in which shock waves, from a source outside the body, are focused on a stone to break it into small pieces that can pass out of the body.

F

FISTULA: A permanent access for hemodialysis. It is created by surgically connecting a vein and an artery, usually in your arm.

FLUID OVERLOAD: A condition caused by too much sodium (salt) and fluid buildup in the body between dialysis treatments. (See also Edema.)

FOCAL SCLEROSIS: A chronic kidney disease that may cause kidney failure in children and adults. It is usually diagnosed by means of a kidney biopsy to detect a specific pattern of injury to the glomeruli, or filtering units, of the kidney.

FOLIC ACID: One of the B vitamins needed for making red blood cells. It may be lost by the body during dialysis. Folic acid deficiency may also result from a poor diet.

G

GENE: The basic unit of inheritance, which passes characteristics from parent to child.

GENE LINKAGE ANALYSIS: Special tests that screen for some inherited diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease.

GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE (GFR): A test that measures how much kidney function you have left. It is usually estimated from your blood creatinine test and your weight, body size, age, six and race. GFR is especially important to monitor kidney function in people who have an increased chance of developing chronic kidney disease or who already have kidney disease.

GERMS: Organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, that cause disease.

GLOMERULONEPHRITIS: A chronic kidney disease involving inflammation of the filtering units of the kidneys (the glomeruli). It is also called Bright's disease or nephritis.

GLOMERULUS, GLOMERULI (plural): The tiny blood vessels in the kidney where the blood is filtered.

GLUCOSE: A sugar, found in many fruits and starchy foods, which gives the body energy. Glucose is also found in the bloodstream.

GRAFT: A type of blood access for hemodialysis. It is made by using a piece of artificial tubing to surgically connect an artery and vein, usually in the arm but sometimes in the leg (See also Access).

H

HEMATOCRIT: A measure of your red blood cell level. A low hematocrit is associated with anemia, causing fatigue and a low energy level.

HEMODIALYSIS: A type of dialysis that involves the use of an artificial kidney to filter waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream. Treatments typically last for three to four hours, three times a week, and take place at home or in a dialysis center.

HEMOGLOBIN: The part of red blood cells that carries oxygen to your cells. A low level of hemoglobin may indicate that you need treatment for anemia. (See also anemia, hematocrit, red blood cells.)

HORMONE: A chemical substance produced in the body to control the activity of certain cells.

I

IGA NEPHROPATHY: A chronic kidney disease that occurs when harmful proteins are deposited in the kidneys, causing progressive loss of kidney function. It is also called Berger's Disease.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: The body's system of defense against foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. It may recognize a transplanted organ as foreign and attack the transplant, causing rejection. Anti-rejection medications make the immune system less active.

IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS: Medications (such as cyclosporine and prednisone), which lower the activity of the body's immune system. They are used to treat certain diseases and to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ. Also called anti-rejection medications.

INFECTION: An illness that occurs when bacteria attack part of the body.

INFLAMMATION: The heat, swelling and redness caused by infection or injury to muscle or body tissue.

INSULIN: A hormone, made in the pancreas, which regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. An insufficient amount of insulin results in diabetes. Insulin is also used as a medication to treat diabetes.

INTRAVENOUS (IV): Giving liquids or medications by injecting them directly into a vein.

IRON: A mineral that is an important part of red blood cells. It is often given to kidney patients as part of the treatment for anemia. (See also anemia.)

IVP (INTRAVENOUS PYELOGRAM): A special X-ray procedure used to look at the kidneys.

K

KIDNEY BIOPSY: Removal of a small piece of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope.

KIDNEY FAILURE: The stage of chronic kidney disease where 85 to 90 percent or more of kidney function has been lost, and treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant is required to maintain life. It is also called end stage renal disease, or ESRD.

KIDNEY STONE: A mass of various minerals that collect in the urinary tract and can grow large enough to block the flow of urine.

KIDNEYS: The two vital organs, located behind the abdominal cavity, which maintain the balance of fluids and chemicals in the body, remove waste products from the blood, release important hormones and help to regulate blood pressure.

L

LIVING DONOR: A living person who donates an organ to someone in need of a transplant. A living donor is usually a family member or close friend of the recipient. Living donation is most common in the case of kidney transplants, but partial liver, pancreas or lung donations are sometimes made by living donors.

M

MAGNESIUM: A mineral that is important to good nutrition.

MEAL PLAN: A chart or guide that shows you how to make food choices for meals and snacks throughout the day.

MEDICAID: A state-run program, partly funded by the federal government, which helps pay for the health care of low-income (or no-income) patients.

MEDICARE: A type of federal medical insurance provided by the Social Security Administration, which pays for many of the medical costs associated with dialysis and transplantation as well as other medical expenses.

N

NEPHRITIS: Inflammation of the kidney, which may be either acute or chronic, also called Bright's disease or glomerulonephritis.

NEPHRONS: The tiny tubes in the kidney that maintain the body's chemical balance. Each kidney has about one million nephrons.

NEPHROSIS: A disease of the kidneys, which is characterized by swelling of the body and a large, abnormal leakage of protein into the urine. (Also called Nephrotic Syndrome.)

NEPHROTIC SYNDROME: (See Nephrosis.)

NEPHROTOXINS: Drugs or chemicals that are toxic or poisonous to the kidneys.

NIGHTTIME INTERMITTENT PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (NIPD): A type of peritoneal dialysis that is done overnight while the patient sleeps. The dialysate solution is drained out in the morning, and the abdomen is dry during the day.

NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS): A type of drug that helps to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Some examples are ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen sodium.

P

PARATHYROID GLANDS: Four glands in the neck that release a hormone that regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. Overactivity of these glands may lead to bone disease. (See also parathyroid hormone.)

PARATHYROID HORMONE (PTH): A hormone released by the parathryoid glands to help regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. High levels of PTH may cause bone disease. (See also parathryoid glands.)

PERICARDITIS: An inflammation of the lining of the heart.

PERIPHERAL NERVE DAMAGE: Changes in the nervous system that may occur in kidney patients, causing symptoms such as itching and tingling, especially in the arms and legs, also called peripheral neuropathy.

PERITONEAL CATHETER: A soft tube surgically placed in the lower abdomen in order to do peritoneal dialysis.

PERITONEAL CAVITY: The part of the body that contains the digestive organs. It is also called the abdominal cavity or the belly. In peritoneal dialysis, the cleansing solution, or dialysate, is drained into the peritoneal cavity, where it remains for four to six hours.

PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (PD): A type of dialysis that uses the lining of your abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum, as a natural filter to remove waste products and excess fluid from your blood.

PERITONEUM: A thin membrane that stretches around the organs in the peritoneal cavity and holds them in place. It is also called the peritoneal membrane. (See also peritoneal dialysis.)

PERITONITIS: An infection of the peritoneal cavity. In peritoneal dialysis, it occurs when germs get in through the access site. This infection can be prevented by making exchanges carefully as taught by the dialysis care team.

PHOSPHATE BINDER: Medications that prevent the body from absorbing phosphorus in food. They help prevent bone disease in kidney patients.

PHOSPHORUS: A mineral found mainly in teeth and bones, which plays a role in how cells grow and use energy. Levels can increase in kidney failure and cause bone disease. A low phosphorus diet and phosphorus binders help keep levels safe.

PHYSIOLOGY: The science of how parts of the body work.

POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE: An inherited disease in which cysts develop in the kidney, where they may cause progressive damage to kidney tissue.

POTASSIUM: A mineral needed for normal heart and muscle function. Too high or too low levels of potassium can be harmful. Potassium needs to be controlled in diets of people with kidney failure.

PROSTATE GLAND: A gland in men that wraps around the base of the urethra. This gland may enlarge as men age and block the flow of urine.

R

RADIATION: Beams of radio waves, X-rays, ultraviolet or other rays used for treatment or diagnosis.

RED BLOOD CELLS: The cells in your blood that carry oxygen and nutrients to all your cells. If your level is too low, you have a disorder called anemia, which makes you feel tired. (See also anemia, hematocrit, hemoglobin.)

REFLUX: (See urinary reflux.)

RENAL: Refers to the kidney.

RENAL ARTERY: A special artery that links your kidney to the aorta - the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the organs of the body.

RENAL CELL CARCINOMA: A cancerous tumor of the kidney.

RENAL PELVIS: The part of the kidney where urine is collected and passed into the urine tube, or ureter.

RENAL VEIN: A vein that links your kidneys to the major vein of the heart, called the vena cava.

RENIN: A hormone made by the kidney that helps regulate blood pressure.

S

SEIZURES: Convulsions that may occur when kidney failure causes toxins to build up in the blood, which can irritate the brain.

SODIUM: A mineral found in table salt and many foods, especially packaged and processed foods. It causes the body to keep extra fluid, which may lead to swelling and increased blood pressure.

STERILE: Free of germs.

SUBCUTANEOUS: Under the skin.

T

TOXINS: Any drug or chemical that is poisonous (toxic) to the body. The term may also refer to wastes that build up in the blood in kidney failure.

TRANSPLANTATION: An operation done to place a new organ, such as a heart, kidney, liver or pancreas from one person to another whose own organ has failed.

TYPE 1 DIABETES: A type of diabetes that occurs when the pancreas stops making insulin, causing the blood sugar level to become too high. This form of diabetes must be treated with insulin injections. It is the least common type of diabetes, affecting less than 10 percent of people with diabetes. It is Sometimes called juvenile-onset diabetes because it usually starts in childhood.

TYPE 2 DIABETES: A type of diabetes that usually occurs because the body cannot use normal amounts of insulin properly. It is often treated with diet and pills, but insulin may be needed in some patients. It is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for more than 90 percent of the cases. This type of diabetes is sometimes called adult-onset diabetes because it generally starts in adults.

TUBULE: The part of the kidney where chemicals and water are either added to, or removed from the waste fluid that forms urine.

TUMOR: An enlargement in a part of the body caused by too much new growth of tissue. A tumor may or may not be cancerous.

U

ULTRASOUND: A technique that uses sound waves to visualize structures inside the body.

UREA: A waste product of protein, normally removed from the body by the kidneys.

UREMIA: A buildup of wastes in the body caused by kidney failure, which is characterized by fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, itching, tingling of the arms and legs, swelling and muscle weakness.

URETER: One of the tubes that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

URETHRA: The tube that drains urine away from the bladder and carries it outside the body. This process is called urination.

URINALYSIS: An examination of the urine to check for red blood cells, white cells and protein and to measure the levels of certain chemicals.

URINARY REFLUX: This is a problem that occurs when there is a blockage or narrowing in the urinary tract,that prevents normal outflow of urine. As a result, urine may back up (reflux) to the kidney, causing infections and damage to kidney tissue.

URINARY TRACT: The parts of the body - kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra - that produce urine and carry it out of the body.

V

VEIN: A blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart from other parts of the body.

VENA CAVA: Major vein that returns blood to the heart.

VITAMIN D: A mineral that is important to healthy bones.

VITAMIN D₃: An activated form of Vitamin D, which controls the absorption of calcium from foods and helps maintain normal bone structure. It is also called calcitriol.

W

WILM'S TUMOR: A malignant type of tumor usually found in children under the age of five.

X

X-RAY: A technique that uses electromagnetic radiation to visualize internal body parts on film.

Back to the previous Section

Back to the Table of Contents

Continue on to the next Section

The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance Charity Seal provides the giving public with an easily recognizable symbol which certifies that the National Kidney Foundation meets the comprehensive standards of America's most experienced charity evaluator.