Kidney diseases refer to the damage or diseases associated with the kidneys. The major cause of kidney diseases include the deposition of the immunoglobulin A antibodies in the glomerulus, toxicity of chemotherapy agents, xanthine oxidase deficiency, administration of analgesics and long-term exposure to lead or its salts. Rare kidney diseases include nephropathic cystinosis, acute kidney injury, nephrotic syndrome and Fabry disease. The common signs and symptoms of kidney diseases include fatigue, feeling cold, shortness of breath, swelling in hands or feet, nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach. Patients with kidney disease have difficulty in urinating. Their urine can also be foamy or bubbly, and dark colored like brown, red or purple. Diagnosis and management of kidney diseases is performed by examining the medical history, physical examination, urine test or an ultrasound of the kidneys. Dialysis and transplantation are major treatment methods for controlling the progression of end-stage renal diseases. This book explores the recent studies on rare kidney diseases. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information about these diseases as well as for experts.
