Nephrology
Service

Nephrology deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all kidney and renal system diseases, both in adults and children. It includes chronic kidney disease, acute kidney failure, rare and hereditary kidney diseases, renal hypertension, complex urinary infections, metabolic disorders, and renal complications associated with other pathologies. It also manages renal replacement therapy (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation).

A nephrologist should be consulted in the presence of symptoms such as edema, hypertension without apparent cause, changes in urine (blood, foam, color changes), recurrent urinary infections, persistent lower back pain, or if there is a family history of kidney diseases. It is also advisable if the doctor detects abnormalities in tests related to kidney function or the presence of proteins or blood in the urine.

The most common symptoms include fatigue, swelling of the legs or eyelids, changes in the frequency or appearance of urine, hypertension, itching, nausea, loss of appetite, lower back pain, and, in advanced cases, neurological alterations. Often, kidney diseases can be asymptomatic in the early stages.

Hemodialysis is a replacement treatment that cleans the blood of toxins and fluids when the kidneys can no longer do so. It is performed using a machine (dialyzer) and usually requires several sessions per week. It is necessary in cases of end-stage renal failure or when other treatments are insufficient to maintain the body’s balance.

Treatment depends on the phase and cause of the disease. It includes dietary measures, control of blood pressure and diabetes, specific medication, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and, in selected cases, kidney transplantation. Fundació Puigvert is a reference center for all these options.

Kidney transplantation involves replacing the diseased kidney with a healthy one from a living or deceased donor. It is the treatment of choice for many patients with end-stage renal failure, as it improves quality and life expectancy. Any patient with advanced chronic kidney failure can be a candidate after a thorough medical and psychological evaluation.

It is essential to control blood pressure and diabetes, follow a balanced diet, avoid the abuse of nephrotoxic medications, maintain a healthy weight, stay adequately hydrated, and have regular check-ups if there are risk factors or a family history of kidney disease.

They usually include blood and urine tests, renal ultrasound, blood pressure monitoring, assessment of kidney function (glomerular filtration), urine composition study, and, if necessary, more specific tests according to the suspected pathology.

You can access them through a referral from your primary care physician or specialist, or by requesting information directly from Fundació Puigvert. We offer public and private assistance, with specific pathways for each need and personalized care for each patient.