Enfermedades renales. Concepto, clasificación, etiopatogenia, síndromes renales y estrategia diagnóstica

Abstract

Kidney diseases are an heterogeneous group of pathologies whose pathological basis corresponds to a given syndromic picture. Nine are the main kidney syndromes. Each one or a group of them (they can coexist) results in a certain kidney disease. These syndromes are: hematuria, proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, nephritic syndrome, hypertension, acute renal failure, chronic renal disease, tubulopathies and urinary tract infections. Diagnosis requires a systematic patient assessment. In first place, detailed clinical history must be performed (personal and familial history and thorough anamnesis); detailed physical examination is then performed. Lastly, complementary diagnostic tests will be done in a staggered way. Early diagnosis of certainty has to be achieved, because kidney diseases progress in time, and in some cases, renal replacement techniques can be required, becoming, then, a chronic disease with a high morbi/mortality rates and high economic cost associated. For those reasons, the knowledge of risk factors for renal progression and the corresponding action measures are mandatory.