Understanding Nephrology and the Significance of Research in the Treatment of Kidney Diseases
Our kidneys play an important role in our bodies because of the many functions they have. Aside from removing waste products in the body, these organs stimulate the production of red blood cells and help regulate blood pressure. They also absorb minerals and aid in calcium metabolism. That said, unhealthy or damaged kidneys can lead to chronic kidney diseases, like nephrology, or worse, a lifetime of dialysis.
With the many functions of our kidneys and the toxins they filter, these vital organs are prone to diseases that can greatly affect one’s health. This is also the reason behind the importance of research in getting an in-depth view of kidney diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.
Over the past years, there had been much improvement in understanding kidney diseases and finding ways to treat them. A clinical research organization in nephrology makes it possible for their clients to conduct clinical trials.
Understanding Nephrology
This is a branch of medical science that deals with the study of the normal functions of the kidneys as well as the possible diseases. These impairments include glomerular disorders that can affect kidney filtration, renal vascular diseases, kidney infections, nephritis, autoimmune diseases, hydronephrosis, dialysis, and acid base imbalances, among others. It is also a subspecialty of internal medicine.
Meanwhile, a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosis and kidney disease management is referred to as a nephrologist. He or she is also trained in administering dialysis as well as treating electrolyte disorders and hypertension. Patients with kidney diseases work with their nephrologists to have a normal life despite their condition. These include:
- Educating patients about the prescribed medicines and ensuring that they take their medications at the right time and with the right dosage
- Balancing family life, career and treatment
- Being able to go to work in the midst of treatment schedules
Significance of Nephrology Research
According to research, there are about 26 million adult Americans suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) while 105 million to 18% of adults have the same fate worldwide. With research, experts have identified that there is poor management when it comes to CKD. Without these studies, a lot of details will be overlooked.
With clinical trials, patients with kidney diseases who are looking for medical treatment but cannot afford to get medical attention are enrolled in the trials with hope that their conditions will be better and their ailments cured. Moreover, patients included in the research are given medical treatments or medications for free.
Nephrology trials are less invasive because as opposed to cardiology trials, the former is less likely to use procedures. This is also because drug trials are more common in this type of research.
Nephrology research does not only deal with finding treatment for glomerular diseases. It also seeks to prevent certain diseases from occurring, like in the case of acute kidney injury trials. This is because the patterns of clinical trial attributes differ, depending on major kidney disease classification.
With clinical trials that aim to identify effective therapies for patients with kidney and a reputable clinical research organization in nephrology, there will be a lower mortality rate among patients with chronic kidney diseases.
The National Institute of Clinical Research is an SMO/CRO with offices and labs in the following cities and states: New Jersey, North Carolina, Austin, San Diego, San Francisco, Bakersfield 93309, Fountain Valley 92708, Garden Grove 92840, Hacienda Heights 91745, Huntington Beach 92648, Las Vegas 89106, Long Beach 90806, Los Angeles 90048, Ontario 91762, Rosemead 91770, San Antonio 78207, Santa Ana 92704, Upland 91786, and Westminster 92683.
