Copy of `Kidney Health Australia - Glossary`

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Kidney Health Australia - Glossary Category: Health and Medicine > Kidneys Date & country: 23/04/2009, AU Words: 141

Percent of kidney function:
An estimate of the level that each kidney is working. A GFR of 100 milliliters per minute (mL/min) is in the normal range so it is useful to say that 100 mL/min is about equal to '100% kidney function'. A GFR of 30 mL/min could be called '30% kidney function'.

Peritoneal cavity
The space in the abdomen (belly) holding the intestines and other organs.

Peritoneal dialysis
(PD) A treatment for kidney failure where dialysis fluid is moved in and out of the peritoneal cavity to remove wastes and fluid from the blood. (See CAPD and CCDP)

Peritoneum
A very, thin sac or membrane that surrounds the organs on the inside of the abdomen or peritoneal cavity.

Peritonitis
A bacterial infection in the peritoneum.

Permacath
An access device for haemodialysis. It is a catheter that is usually placed in the neck or groin so that blood can flow to the artificial kidney or dialyser.

Phosphate
A mineral together with calcium, that keeps your bones strong and healthy. The kidneys help to control the amount of phosphate in the body. Phosphate helps to keep the bones and other body parts strong and healthy. Too much phosphate causes itching and pain in the joints, such as the knees, elbows and ankles. When the kidneys are not functioning ...

Phosphate binder
You may be prescribed medicine called phosphate binders that combine with phosphate in your intestines so it will pass out of your body with the faeces (poo). It is important to take phosphate binders with your meals and snacks.

Polycystic Kidney Disease
An inherited kidney disease that produces fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys.

Potassium
An essential mineral, which helps nerve endings and muscles to work. If your level of potassium is too high or low, it can cause an irregular heartbeat. In fact, very high potassium levels may cause the heart to stop. The usual range of potassium is 3.5 - 5.0mmol/L.

Protein
A nutrient that you get from good that builds, repairs and maintains body tissue. It also helps to fight infections and heal wounds.

Proteinuria
Occurs when there are abnormal levels of protein in the urine. Usually, protein is not removed when the kidneys filter waste from the blood. However, when the kidneys are damaged protein leaks through the damaged filters and leaves in the urine, along with the waste. The appearance of protein in the urine may be the first sign of an otherwise sil...

Recipient
A person who gets a new body organ, such as a kidney.

Reflux nephropathy
A kidney condition caused by the backflow of urine from the bladder up the ureters into the kidney that affects children.

Renal
Another word for kidney or about the kidneys.

Renal biopsy
A needle is passed through your skin to the kidney. A small piece of kidney tissue is removed for

Renal failure
Failure of kidney function.

Renin
A chemical made by the kidneys that helps control blood pressure.

Salt
Affects the amount of fluid the body retains and increases thirst. If you have a kidney problem, too much salt can make you drink more than your kidneys can remove and may cause:

Sodium
A mineral in the body, which is often called ''salt'. The kidneys help to control the amount of sodium in the body. Sodium helps to control the amount of water in the body.

Steroid
A medicine that helps to stop swelling and the body damaging a new organ, such as a kidney.

Subclavian vein
A blood vessel found underneath the shoulder that is sometimes used for haemodialysis.

Tenckhoff Catheter
A tube (catheter) surgically placed through the wall of the abdomen to provide a point for

Tissue typing
Tests that are done to find out if the white blood cells of a person donating an organ, matches the person who is receiving the organ.

Tissue
A group of cells of the same type, such as a muscle.

Transferrin
A protein in the blood that carries iron.

Transplant
To transfer an organ or portion of tissue from one person to another.

Ultrasound
An instrument is moved over the skin, sending and receiving ultrasound signals to make pictures of the kidneys and bladder. This is test is often used to measure the size of the kidneys.

Uraemia
A problem caused by build up of waste products in the blood.

Urea
A waste product, which is made as the body breaks down protein. If you have a kidney problem, too much protein causes too much urea and can leave to:

Uraemia
A build up of waste in the blood causing nausea, vomiting, tiredness and problems with concentration.

Ureter
The tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder.

Urethra
The tube that takes urine (wee) out of the body from the bladder.

Urine
The name for extra fluid and waste products (wee) that are removed from your body by the kidneys.

Urine collection
You usually collect all your urine (wee) for 24 hours and store it in a special bottle. This urine sample is tested for protein, which helps to determine your kidney function.

Urinalysis
A test to measure the amount of protein, blood and other substances in the urine (wee).

Urology
The study of the urinary system.

Vein
A blood vessel returning blood to the heart.

Vitamin D
A vitamin that is made in your skin after you have been in the sun. The kidneys change Vitamin D so that your body can use it.

Water Retention
See fluid retention.

Wee
Another word for urine.