Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
05:34
5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats
Published on: April 4, 2025
1.5K
Nephrology in Africa--not yet uhuru
Charles R Swanepoel1, Nicola Wearne, Ikechi G Okpechi
1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
Nature Reviews. Nephrology
|August 21, 2013
Summary
Nephrology care in Africa is underfunded, with kidney disease treatment deprioritized due to other health issues and high costs. However, international programs are increasing dialysis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Public Health in Africa
Background:
- Nephrology is a neglected specialty in Africa, with kidney disease treatment often deprioritized.
- Communicable diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, alongside financial mismanagement, limit resources for expensive treatments like dialysis.
- Limited access to acute kidney injury (AKI) treatment is prevalent due to distance, cost, and lack of expertise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges and progress in nephrology care in Africa.
- To examine the impact of HIV on dialysis admissions.
- To report on the increasing prevalence of dialysis patients and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in sub-Saharan Africa.
Main Methods:
- Review of the current state of nephrology in Africa.
- Analysis of available data on HIV impact on dialysis.
- Reporting on International Society of Nephrology (ISN) initiatives and regional trends.
Main Results:
- An increase in patients undergoing dialysis and diagnosed with CKD in sub-Saharan Africa.
- The ISN's training programs and community screening projects show positive effects.
- South Africa has established government funding for dialysis, but it is limited, leading to restricted patient numbers and the implementation of a 'category system' in the Western Cape.
Conclusions:
- Despite significant challenges, nephrology care in Africa is showing signs of growth, partly due to international support.
- Sustainable funding and equitable access remain critical issues for kidney disease treatment across the continent.
- The increasing prevalence of CKD necessitates greater attention and resource allocation to nephrology services in Africa.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
536
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
536
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
319
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
319
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
268
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
268
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
242
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
242
01:29Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
840
Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
840
01:10Nephrons
6.2K
The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma...
6.2K