Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease
Explains the causes of acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD), a common condition in people with kidney failure who are treated with dialysis. Details the differences between ACKD and polycystic kidney disease, an inherited condition. Describes diagnostic procedures and treatment options.
PDF Version (224 KB) *

Amyloidosis and Kidney Disease
Describes primary amyloidosis, a disease that can lead to kidney failure, as well as dialysis-related amyloidosis, a disease that usually develops only after 5 or more years of kidney failure treated with dialysis.
PDF Version (197 KB) *

Anemia in Kidney Disease and Dialysis
Explains the kidneys’ role in making red blood cells and how kidney disease can lead to anemia, which is the shortage of red blood cells. Discusses the diagnosis and treatment of anemia in kidney disease.
PDF Version (522 KB) *

Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome
Reviews the signs, symptoms, and tests to diagnose the condition and explains the kidneys’ function. Describes the most common form of the childhood nephrotic syndrome and other conditions associated with it.
PDF Version (446 KB) *

Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder
Explains how working kidneys contribute to healthy bones and why kidney disease can lead to bone problems. Covers the diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), a complication that affects 90 percent of people on dialysis.
PDF Version (278 KB) *

Cystocele (Fallen Bladder)
Describes the causes and treatment for urinary problems that result from a fallen bladder.
PDF Version (89 KB) *

Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy
Outlines possible reasons for cystoscopy and ureteroscopy and explains the preparation involved. Describes the procedures in detail, as well as what patients can expect afterward.
PDF Version (204 KB) *

Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
Defines diabetes insipidus and reviews the mechanics of normal fluid regulation. Discusses the different forms of the condition and the tests used to diagnose it. Lists organizations that can provide additional information.
PDF Version (139 KB) *

Diet for Kidney Stone Prevention
Explains how diet and other factors affect the formation of different types of kidney stones. Provides general dietary guidelines for preventing the different types of kidney stones.
PDF Version (133 KB) *

Ectopic Kidney
Explains the causes and complications of ectopic kidney, a birth defect in which a kidney is located in an abnormal position. Describes the diagnostic procedures and treatment options for the condition.
PDF Version (504 KB) *

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Describes the physiology of erection and the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Includes illustrations.
PDF Version (187 KB) *

En Español
Disfunción erectil
Describe la fisiología de la erección y las causas, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la disfunción eréctil, también llamada impotencia. Incluye ilustraciones.
Versión PDF (195 KB) *

Financial Help for Treatment of Kidney Failure
Briefly describes the Federal Government’s insurance program, which covers much of the cost of dialysis treatments and transplantation expenses. Lists additional sources of assistance and explains the role of the nephrology social worker.
PDF Version (335 KB) *

Glomerular Diseases
Defines the two major categories of glomerular diseases—glomerulosclerosis and glomerulonephritis—and describes how they interfere with kidney function. Also covers the symptoms; diagnosis; causes, such as autoimmune, infection-related, and idiopathic diseases; and types of renal failure. Includes a glossary of medical terms.
PDF Version (189 KB) *

Growth Failure in Children With Kidney Disease
Explains the problems that can be caused by kidney disease and describes the therapies available to minimize those problems.
PDF Version (591 KB) *

Goodpasture Syndrome
Summarizes the symptoms and treatment for this autoimmune condition.
PDF Version (521 KB) *

Hematuria: Blood in the Urine
Discusses the conditions that may lead to blood in the urine. Lists diagnostic tests that may be required to find the cause of hematuria.
PDF Version (149 KB) *

Hemodialysis Dose and Adequacy
Explains the formulas used to determine whether a hemodialysis dose is adequate.
PDF Version (315 KB) *

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in children (HUS)
Explains how the condition develops after an E. coli infection in the digestive tract and describes treatment.
PDF Version (356 KB) *

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
Describes the signs and symptoms of Henoch-Schönlein purpura, an autoimmune disease that affects mostly children between the ages of 2 and 11. Explains possible long-term consequences, including kidney disease.
PDF Version (149 KB) *

High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease
Reviews the basics of high blood pressure and the effect it has on the kidneys. Discusses the signs of kidney damage and ways to prevent it. Includes information about high-risk populations and medicines that can help control blood pressure.
PDF Version (126 KB) *

En Español
La presión arterial alta y la insuficiencia renal (Lectura fácil)
Una revisión de los fundamentos de la presión arterial alta y el efecto que tiene en los riñones. Habla sobre los signos de daño a los riñones y las maneras de prevenirlo. Incluye información sobre las poblaciones de alto riesgo y las medicinas que pueden ayudar.
Versión PDF (132 KB) *

Home Hemodialysis (HD)
Discusses the differences between hemodialysis in a clinic and hemodialysis in the home. Explains the advantages of home hemodialysis and lists a few barriers that might prevent some people from taking hemodialysis in their home. Describes research involving more frequent hemodialysis.
PDF Version (541 KB) *

IgA Nephropathy
Defines IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys. Discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
PDF Version (108 KB) *

Imaging of the Urinary Tract
Explains the range of imaging technologies used to evaluate the urinary tract, including ultrasound, conventional radiology, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography. Instructs patients how to prepare for and what to expect during an exam.
PDF Version (556 KB) *

Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome
Describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC). Defines the two types of IC, ulcerative and nonulcerative. Provides information about special concerns for patients and current research.
PDF Version (417 KB) *

Kidney Biopsy
Describes this procedure and possible reasons for having it. Outlines how to prepare for a kidney biopsy and what patients can expect during and after the test.
PDF Version (255 KB) *

Kidney Disease of Diabetes
Explains kidney disease, the causes and treatment, and its progression to kidney failure. Highlights the findings of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial as they relate to kidney disease.
PDF Version (143 KB) *

En Español
La enfermedad renal en personas con diabetes (Lectura fácil)
Explica la enfermedad del riñón, sus causas y su tratamiento, y la progresión hacia el fallo renal. Resalta los hallazgos de el Diabetes Control and Complications Trial y como la diabetes se encuentra relacionada a la enfermedad del riñón.
Versión PDF (170 KB) *

Kidney Disease Statistics for the United States
Summary fact sheet of statistics for kidney diseases.
PDF Version (277 KB) *

Kidney Dysplasia
Explains the causes of kidney dysplasia, also called multicystic dysplastic kidney, a condition that appears in a child during fetal development. Discusses genetic syndromes that may include kidney dysplasia. Describes treatment options and possible long-term consequences.
PDF Version (234 KB) *

Kidney Failure: What to Expect
Describes the complications of kidney failure and its treatment for patients who have just started dialysis. Discusses the symptoms of and remedies for anemia, loss of appetite, nausea, pruritus, sleep disorders, and depression.
PDF Version (1.98 MB) *

En Español
Insuficiencia renal: Qué debe esperar
Describe las complicaciones de la insuficiencia renal y su tratamiento para los pacientes que acaban de comenzar la diálisis. Discute los síntomas y los remedios para la anemia, pérdida de apetito, náuseas, prurito, trastornos del sueño y depresión.
Versión PDF (251 KB) *

Kidney Stones in Adults
Discusses the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of kidney stones. Reviews prevention strategies and treatment options, as well as information on current research.
PDF Version (288 KB) *

Lupus Nephritis
Introduces systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition. Describes the symptoms of kidney problems caused by SLE.
PDF Version (238 KB) *

Medical Tests for Prostate Problems
Reviews different prostate problems and lists key points to discuss with a doctor or nurse. Explains commonly performed tests, including a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen blood test. Also reviews additional tests that may be necessary.
PDF Version (615 KB) *

Medullary Sponge Kidney
Reviews different prostate problems and lists key points to discuss with a doctor or nurse. Explains commonly performed tests, including a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen blood test. Also reviews additional tests that may be necessary.
PDF Version (218 KB) *

Nephrotic Syndrome in Adults
Discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment for nephrotic syndrome in adults.
PDF Version (172 KB) *

Nerve Disease and Bladder Control
Explains overactive bladder, poor control of sphincter muscles, and urine retention and discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of neurogenic bladder.
PDF Version (150 KB) *

Nutrition for Early Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults
Discusses dietary guidelines for controlling elevated blood glucose and hypertension, the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.
PDF Version (186 KB) *

Nutrition for Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults
Explains how the right diet choices can protect kidney function in the late stages of kidney failure. Discusses ways to moderate protein intake.
PDF Version (236 KB) *

Nutrition for Chronic Kidney Disease in Children
Explains how kidney disease can affect nutrition needs in children. Provides guidance about nutrient content of foods, including calories, protein, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium.
PDF Version (487 KB) *

Overview of Kidney Diseases in Children
Describes the major causes of kidney disease and kidney failure in children. Lists the risk factors for kidney disease and explains the difference between acute kidney disease and chronic kidney disease.
PDF Version (239 KB) *

Peritoneal Dialysis Dose and Adequacy
Explains the importance of performing all dialysis exchanges. Describes the procedures used to measure how well treatments are working.
PDF Version (270 KB) *

Peyronie’s Disease
Describes Peyronie’s disease, in which scarring of the penis leads to its bending during erection, and explains treatment.
PDF Version (129 KB) *

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Defines three types of polycystic kidney disease and describes their genetic origins, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as ongoing research.
PDF Version (392 KB) *

Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Provides basic information about the prostate gland and prostate enlargement. Describes the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
PDF Version (294 KB) *

Prostatitis: Disorders of the Prostate
Discusses the anatomy of the prostate. Explains the difference between four conditions that cause pelvic pain: acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.
PDF Version (170 KB) *

Proteinuria
Defines proteinuria and discusses who is at risk. Reviews the signs of proteinuria and provides information about testing procedures and treatment options.
PDF Version (157 KB) *

Renal Artery Stenosis
Explains the causes and complications of renal artery stenosis, a narrowing of one or both of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. Describes treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.
PDF Version (200 KB) *

Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA)
Explains the different types of renal tubular acidosis. Outlines diagnostic criteria and treatment options, as well as current research efforts.
PDF Version (115 KB) *

School and Family Problems of Children With Kidney Failure
Describes psychosocial problems that can accompany kidney disease, including issues of fitting in at school, financial demands of treatment, and family stresses. Reviews the role of the social worker and other members of the health care team who are available to help families handle these problems.
PDF Version (510 KB) *

Sexual and Urologic Problems of Diabetes
Describes the sexual and urologic problems that men and women with diabetes may experience. Provides information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Includes suggestions for additional resources.
PDF Version (237 KB) *

Solitary Kidney
Explains normal kidney function and the possible causes of solitary kidney. Details the possible effects of solitary kidney and discusses ways to protect remaining kidney function.
PDF Version (150 KB) *

Treatment Methods for Kidney Failure in Children
Describes the treatment options for kidney failure: transplantation, peritoneal dialysis, and hemodialysis.
PDF Version (371 KB) *

Urinary Incontinence in Children
Discusses the causes of nighttime and daytime incontinence in children, describes medical and behavioral treatments, and lists resources for additional information.
PDF Version (295 KB) *

Urinary Incontinence in Men
Explains how nerve problems, prostate enlargement, and treatments for prostate cancer can all create continence issues for men. Discusses the causes of urinary incontinence in men and its diagnosis and treatment.
PDF Version (310 KB) *

Urinary Incontinence in Women
Discusses the anatomy of the female urinary system, defines the major types of incontinence in women, describes treatment, and lists resources for additional information.
PDF Version (407 KB) *

Urinary Retention
Explains the difference between acute urinary retention and chronic urinary retention. Lists the possible causes and symptoms of urinary retention. Describes treatment options and long-term outlook.
PDF Version (127 KB) *

Urinary Tract Infections in Adults
Describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of urinary tract infections.
PDF Version (262 KB) *

Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Describes the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections in children, explains diagnostic procedures and treatment, and emphasizes the importance of evaluation to prevent permanent damage to a child’s kidneys or urinary system.
PDF Version (327 KB) *

Urine Blockage in Newborns
Details the anatomy of the urinary tract and describes birth defects that can block the normal flow of urine. Explains diagnostic procedures and treatment for urine blockage in newborns.
PDF Version (203 KB) *

Urodynamic Testing
Describes normal bladder function, as well as problems in the urinary system that may require urodynamic testing. Discusses different urodynamic procedures and why they are used.
PDF Version (214 KB) *

Urostomy and Continent Urinary Diversion
Discusses the normal anatomy of the urinary tract and problems that might require an alternate way of eliminating urine. Describes two types of urostomies—ileal conduit and ureterostomy—and two types of continent diversions—continent cutaneous reservoir and bladder substitute.
PDF Version (229 KB) *

Vascular Access for Hemodialysis
Defines vascular access and reviews three different access options. Describes what to expect during hemodialysis and lists ways to protect the access site.
PDF Version (482 KB) *

The Kidneys and How They Work (Easy-to-Read)
Introduces the basic concepts of kidney function and describes a range of kidney diseases. Reviews diagnostic tests used to determine kidney function and describes treatment options for patients with kidney failure.
PDF Version (334 KB) *

En Español
Los riñones y cómo funcionan (Lectura fácil)
Introduce los conceptos básicos de la función renal y describe varios tipos de enfermedades renales. Examina las pruebas de diagnóstico usadas para determinar la función renal y describe las opciones de tratamiento para pacientes con insuficiencia renal.
Versión PDF (722 KB) *

Your Urinary System and How it Works
Details the anatomy of the urinary tract, explains diagnostic tests for voiding problems and other ailments, and describes the major diseases and conditions that affect the urinary system.
PDF Version (136 KB) *

En Español
El aparato urinario y cómo funciona
Esta es la versión en español de 'Your Urinary System and How it Works.' Detalla la anatomía del aparato urinario, explica las pruebas de diagnóstico para los problemas de vaciamiento y otras afecciones, y explica las enfermedades principales que afectan el aparato urinario.
Versión PDF (163 KB) *