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Listing of Rare Diseases Includes information on certain rare diseases and how they impact the kidney for patients and their families. Acute Kidney Injury Alport Syndrome Nephropathic Cystinosis Cystinuria Fabry Disease Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis (FSGS) Membranous Nephropathy IgA...

What is a clinical trial? A clinical trial is a research study that looks at how well a new treatment works in people.  This is called “efficacy.”  The treatment may be a drug, medical procedure, medical device, or even a lifestyle change.  A clinical trial also makes sure the new...

Before dialysis was available, total kidney failure meant death. Today, people with kidney failure can live because of treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplant.

Working is very important to many people who have kidney failure, also known as end stage renal disease (ESRD). It can help them to have a feeling of value to their families, to society and to themselves. As an employer, you probably have many questions about how hiring or continuing to employ...

It is believed that as many as 20 million men in the United States suffer from impotence, a condition that leaves them unable to have sexual intercourse (sex) because their penis does not become hard and, therefore, they are not able to have or keep an erection. What causes impotence? It can happen...

Why is exercise important to me? Exercise is important for many reasons: It helps you to: Maintain a healthy weight Prevent many diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease Control blood pressure and cholesterol Build strength and endurance Prevent injuries Build self-confidence and...

What is a nephrectomy? Nephrectomy (nephro = kidney, ectomy = removal) is the surgical removal of a kidney. The procedure is done to treat kidney cancer as well as other kidney diseases and injuries. Nephrectomy is also done to remove a healthy kidney from a donor (either living or deceased) for...

Although many medical advances have been made in the treatment of kidney and urinary tract disease, the emotional effects of kidney failure on patients and their families remain great because many areas of everyday living have to be changed. Receiving Treatment for Kidney Failure Returning to...

The diagnosis of brain death is defined as "death based on the absence of all neurologic function." Families who have had a loved one declared brain dead may have questions about what the term really means. What does "brain death" mean? Brain death is a legal definition of death. It is the complete...

When you are told you have kidney failure and need treatment to stay alive, it can be a difficult time in your life. If your kidney diagnosis is new, you may feel overwhelmed, confused and angry. But there are some important things you can do to help yourself. Learn all you can about your different...

Introduction What is an Advance Directive? Advance Directives and Dialysis Other Important Points Discussion Topics Other Resources Checklist of Things to Consider Introduction Today, medical advances have made it possible for people with chronic illness to have successful treatment, improving...

Being a teenager is hard.  Dealing with kidney disease can make it feel even more challenging. You are probably taking at least one medication, maybe more. Remembering to take your medications every day and at the right time is not always easy.  It may seem as if the other parts of your...

Many people who need transplants of organs and tissues cannot get them because of a shortage of donations. Every month, more than 2,000 new names are added to the national waiting list for organ transplants. About 16 or 17 people die every day while waiting for a transplant of a vital organ such as...