Nephrology

Your kidneys perform many vital functions, including removing waste, filtering blood and removing excess water and electrolytes. When these bean-shaped organs aren't working properly, it can impact your overall health and lead to serious complications.
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Kidneys are the body's filtration system

Did you know that kidney disease is becoming more common in the United States? But no need to worry, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your kidneys healthy. Try to control your blood pressure, steer clear of alcohol and tobacco, maintain a healthy weight and eat foods that are good for your kidneys.

To make sure your kidneys are in tip-top shape, visit your primary care physician (PCP) every year or whenever you're feeling under the weather. Your PCP can help you keep your kidneys healthy and, if necessary, refer you to a nephrologist if you show signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or have any underlying conditions that can damage your kidneys.
Klemens Meyer, MD, Director of Dialysis Services at Tufts Medical Center, attends to patient as he receives dialysis treatment at the outpatient clinic.
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Conditions

Our team of nephrologists is here to help you with any kidney-related issues you may be experiencing, from CKD to hypertension. We are experts in providing comprehensive care, which includes evaluating how well your kidneys are functioning, slowing down the decline of kidney function and performing kidney transplants if needed. You can count on us to be with you every step of the way to help your kidneys function better and get back to your best self.
Acute kidney injury
Anemia related to kidney disease
Blood in the urine
Bone disease related to kidney disease
Chronic pyelonephritis
Diabetic nephrology
Edema
Electrolyte and mineral metabolism disorders
Glomerular disease
Glomerulonephritis
Gout
Hematuria
High blood pressure
Hypertensive kidney disease
Kidney cysts
Kidney diseases
Kidney failure
Kidney stones
Lupus
Nephrotic syndrome
Polycystic kidney disease
Proteinuria

Common kidney conditions
CKD + high blood pressure

Did you know that when kidney disease is linked with high blood pressure it can is the second leading cause of kidney failure? The reason behind this is that high blood pressure puts a lot of pressure on your blood vessels, causing them to narrow, weaken and constrict.

When your blood vessels get weak, they carry less blood to vital organs in your body, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. So, it's essential to manage your blood pressure carefully to keep your kidneys healthy and prevent or reduce kidney damage.
Glomerular disease

Glomerular disease occurs when a tiny but critical network of blood vessels called glomeruli become damaged and can no longer clean your kidneys.
Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited genetic disorder that affects your kidneys and, in some cases, your liver. The condition causes clusters of cysts to form in your liver and can impair liver function depending on the amount and size of the cysts.
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Testing

Our specialists will evaluate how well your kidneys remove waste and fluids from your system by using a variety of imaging, urine and blood tests, such as:

Kidney function evaluation

Our kidney function evaluation provides comprehensive testing and assessment services to measure the level of your kidney function. The most common test for kidney function is called a glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures how quickly your kidneys remove waste from your system.
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Treatments

Once we figure out what's going on with your kidneys, we'll work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your individual needs. We'll give you a range of treatment options to choose from, depending on how you're feeling and what's best for your health. Whether that means taking medication, undergoing dialysis or even transplant surgery, we're here to help you feel your best. Treatment plans may include:

Dialysis

Dialysis is a life-saving treatment that acts as a replacement for your kidneys by removing waste and extra fluids from your blood. Starting dialysis can also help you feel better and live longer. We offer both in-home and outpatient dialysis options to make treatment as convenient as possible for you.

Kidney transplant

When your kidney fails, it can be a devastating blow to your quality of life. However, there is hope. A successful kidney transplant can dramatically improve your health and give you a new lease on life. With a healthy new kidney, you can look forward to a brighter future.
Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD talks with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center clinic appointment.
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