Nephropathie

Nephropathie is the French term for nephropathy, a broad category of kidney diseases characterized by damage to renal tissue and impaired kidney function. In English-language medicine, nephropathy denotes a wide range of conditions that affect the kidneys, from glomerular diseases to tubulointerstitial and vascular disorders.

Common etiologies include diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and nephrotoxic injury from drugs or toxins. Chronic kidney disease often results when progressive nephropathies are not treated.

Clinical features vary by cause and stage. Early nephropathies may be asymptomatic; later stages can show proteinuria, hematuria, edema, fatigue, and reduced urine production. Diagnosis relies on urine tests (albuminuria, proteinuria), blood tests (creatinine, eGFR), imaging (ultrasound), and sometimes kidney biopsy to determine histology.

Management focuses on treating the underlying cause and slowing progression. Blood pressure control with RAAS blockade (ACE inhibitors or ARBs) and strict glycemic control in diabetes are central. Additional measures include lipid management, smoking cessation, and avoiding nephrotoxins. Advanced nephropathies may require renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis, or kidney transplantation.

The term nephropathy covers many conditions; prognosis depends on the specific disease, severity, and timeliness of treatment. In French medical usage, nephropathie is used in parallel with the broader English term nephropathy.