nephrological

Nephrological is an adjective relating to nephrology, the medical specialty focused on kidneys and their diseases. The term describes anything pertaining to the structure, function, disorders, diagnosis, or treatment of the kidneys within medical literature and practice. Nephrology encompasses a broad range of conditions and care approaches, including the management of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, electrolyte and acid-base disorders, and fluid balance, as well as diseases such as glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, and kidney involvement in systemic illnesses.

Clinical practice in nephrology involves comprehensive assessment using patient history, physical examination, laboratory testing (for example serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate, electrolytes, and urinalysis), imaging studies, and sometimes kidney biopsy. Treatment aims to control disease progression, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications. This can include medications such as antihypertensives and agents that modulate the renin-angiotensin system, management of anemia in chronic kidney disease, and strategies to maintain bone health. In advanced disease, nephrology care often involves renal replacement therapies, including dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) or kidney transplantation, along with coordination of multidisciplinary care.

Subspecialties related to nephrology include pediatric nephrology, transplant nephrology, and interventional nephrology. While nephrology is the preferred term for the field, nephrological is sometimes used to describe kidney-related phenomena, diseases, or research. See also nephrology, kidneys, dialysis, and kidney transplantation.