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Fluid dynamic models in the kidney during health and disease
Matthew Michael Kratzer1, Julia Jefferis2,3, Sadia Jahan2,4
1School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
Abstract:
The clearance of toxins by the human kidney is mediated by fluid transport; as such, a thorough knowledge of the underpinning fluid dynamics within the kidney is vital for a fundamental understanding of these effects. Due to the complex structure of the kidney, fluid transport occurs at characteristic scale lengths of differing orders, leading to multiple disparate location-dependant fluid models being developed. In this review we outline current models for describing the behaviour of fluid within the human kidney physiologically, in disease states, and in the process of various kidney replacement therapies. We aim to provide a valuable resource for physicians and nephrologists, along with outlining areas which currently are not adequately described by popular models.
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