GLOSSARY

Albumin

a simple protein widely distributed throughout the tissues and fluids of the body

 

Anemia

a deficiency in the number of red blood cells as a result of rapid blood loss or decreased production

Anorexia

a condition marked by prolonged loss of appetite accompanied with weight loss and psychotic symptoms

Azotemia

the presence of urea and other nitrogenous products in the blood

Biopsy

the removal of tissue or other material from the body and its microscopic examination for the purpose of diagnosis

BUN

(blood urea nitrogen) the nitrogenous waste products of protein metabolism as measured in the serum. It is directly affected by protein intake in kidney disease.

 

CAPD

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Corticosteroids

anti-rejection medications

Creatinine

a nitrogenous waste product indicative of muscle metabolism. It is not affected by dietary protein intake.

CRF

(chronic renal failure) condition in which the kidneys are failing

 

Dyspnea

difficulty breathing

 

Edema

the presence of excessive interstitial fluid in the tissue

 

EPO

(erythropoietin) a hormone that stimulates the production of erythrocytes

  

ESRD

(end stage renal disease) the loss of approximately 85% or more of kidney function requiring treatment, i.e., dialysis or transplantation. No treatment eventually leads to death.

 

GFR

(glomerular filtration rate) the measurement of the passive process of ultrafiltration of plasma across the semipermeable glomerular capillary wall. It is affected by body size and age. Normal GFR, which is a direct measure of kidney function, is approximately 125 ml/min/1.73m2 or 180 L/day . Over 99% of the filtrate is usually reabsorbed.

 

Hemodialysis

the process of filtering or cleansing the body's blood supply through the use of an artificial kidney

 

HBV

(high biologic value protein) those protein foods containing all the essential amino acids in optimum balance necessary to support protein synthesis.

 

Hyperkalemia

elevated levels of potassium in the blood serum. Abnormal values can lead to cardiac arrhythmia and arrest

 

Hypertension

abnormally high blood pressure, often referred to as HTN

 

Malaise

an indefinite feeling of "ill health"

 

Nephrology

a branch of medicine specializing in the treatment of the kidney and its diseases

P.O.

by mouth, oral

 

Peritoneal dialysis

the process of using the body's peritoneum to filter/remove waste products and water

 

Peritonitis

an inflammation of the peritoneum

 

Pleural effusion

fluid in the lungs

Pre-dialysis

renal insufficiency, that period of time during which a client is being treated for kidney disease, prior to dialysis and/or transplantation.

 

PTH

(parathyroid hormone) secreted by the parathyroid gland that causes calcium to be released from the bones, resulting in a rise in blood calcium levels

 

Punch

a beverage containing 10% fruit juice

 

Renal dietitian

registered dietitian specializing in the treatment of clients with ESRD

 

SLE

(systemic lupus erythematosis) a disease of unknown cause characterized by an unpredictable course that includes fever, skin rash, arthritis, anemia and in the most serious cases, involves the kidneys. Ninety percent of the cases occur in females.

 

Transplant

the grafting of a related or non-related kidney from one person to another

 

Uremia

the presence of high concentrations of nitrogen containing waste products in the blood that are normally excreted by the kidney. Symptoms of uremia include nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and, possibly, coma if left untreated.

 

UMHS

University of Michigan Health Systems

 

 Urinalysis

 the microscopic examination of the urine





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