Are your kidneys okay?

Who is at risk of kidney disease?

People who have high blood pressure or are diabetic are particularly vulnerable to kidney disease and are categorised as being in the at-risk group. Other at-risk groups include those with cardiovascular disease, obesity or a family history of kidney disease.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

In the early stages of kidney disease there may not be any symptoms, which is why monitoring and testing is so important for early detection.

For example, while there are some kidney diseases where patients may get swollen ankles or frothy urine, there are other kidney diseases for which patients may feel very healthy.

We also have patients come to us with symptoms which are presenting as part of a multi-systemic disease.

How is kidney disease monitored?

For at risk groups of kidney disease there are three key ways of monitoring:

• Blood pressure measurements to check for hypertension.

• Urine tests

• Blood tests

We have patients come to us from at risk groups who have had the condition picked up by a health check provided through their work or via monitoring through their GP.

Although only a minority of patients will progress needing kidney dialysis, there have been many advances over the years in medications which can dramatically slow down progression of kidney failure. Detection is key, so appropriate medication can be started.

For patients with kidney disease we can perform further specialist blood tests as well as ultrasounds, and/or a kidney biopsy if required.

How can people keep their kidneys healthy?

To keep kidneys healthy, we suggest people to:

• Stay hydrated – it’s important to ensure you are not getting dehydrated and are drinking good amounts of fluid. This is especially important in those patients with/at risk of kidney stones

• Maintain a balanced diet, and reduce salt intake. A diet with lots of healthy fruit and vegetables and low in saturated fats is very important to keep heart and kidneys happy and healthy

• Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels as this significantly reduces the risk of developing kidney disease.

• Exercise regularly – We know this helps control blood pressure, manage weight, and improves metabolism, overall circulation and general well-being.

• Avoid smoking – smoking is big risk for heart disease and kidney disease

• Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), although are very effective for pain relief, can affect kidney function. It is important to ensure there is monitoring of the kidneys with regular use of this medication.

How does The London Clinic kidney team work together?

At The London Clinic Kidney Centre I work within an experienced group of other nephrologists as well as our transplant/access surgeons. We cover all aspects of kidney disease including chronic and acute dialysis, and kidney transplants. This includes all the work up required for both the donor and recipient.

We hold regular multidisciplinary team meetings to unite specialists from all relevant fields to contribute to developing treatment plans and providing ongoing care. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive care and leads to better outcomes for our patients. In addition, our medical teams work alongside our dedicated and award-winning nursing teams (LaingBuisson Nursing Team of the Year 2024) who are committed to providing quality care based on patient-centred practice.

The London Clinic Kidney Centre: From left to right – Dr Robin Woolfson Nephrologist, Professor John Cunningham Nephrologist, Mr Prodromos (Makis) Laftsidis Kidney Transplant & Vascular Surgeon, Charlotte Corne Practice Manager, Dr Ruth Pepper Nephrologist, Dr Jenny Cross Nephrologist, Dr Alan Salama Nephrologist

How do we treat complex kidney conditions?

The London Clinic is renowned for performing complex kidney transplants. This includes medically and/or surgically complex patients.

Should patients need to visit our Intensive Care Unit (ICU), they can be assured it has been designed in a manner to support excellent care and recovery, of those suffering from critical illnesses or complex surgery, in a clinically conducive environment. The ICU is comprised of 13 single rooms (five with en-suite bathrooms) which has a sophisticated airflow system throughout and four isolation rooms to protect patients with compromised immune systems or those who are more vulnerable to infection.

What about if patients require dialysis services?

At The London Clinic, we provide a first-class kidney dialysis service for patients experiencing kidney failure. The self-contained dialysis unit offers a comfortable and private environment, equipped with the latest dialysis machines to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Under the care of our highly experienced nephrology team, patients receive treatment plans designed to meet their medical and lifestyle requirements.

Whether you are receiving dialysis as part of ongoing care or as preparation for a kidney transplant, our care teams are committed to delivering compassionate support and world-class care, every step of the way.

Get help from The London Clinic

If you fit within one or more of the above risk categories, have a family history of kidney failure or kidney issues, have chronic kidney disease or other related health concerns, you should book in to see a GP or one of our nephrologists.

We have GP services available here at The London Clinic, and if needed you can be referred for tests and diagnostics.