KIDNEY DISEASE

 
 
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What is kidney disease?

  • People with sickle cell disease are more likely to have problems with their kidneys than people without sickle cell disease.

  • The kidneys are the filtering system for the body that remove fluid and waste products from the blood. Because the kidneys have lots of blood vessels running through them, they are prone to getting damage from sickled red blood cells. If the kidneys become damaged, they will not be able to remove waste from the blood very well.

  • Acute kidney injury happens when the kidneys suddenly don’t work well. This condition may only last for a short period of time. Chronic kidney injury happens over time, and is long lasting. It can lead to permanent kidney failure.

  • Kidney failure means that your kidneys are not removing waste from your body. Our bodies need to be able to remove waste for us to live. Some people with kidney failure need hemodialysis to remove waste from the body.

 
 
 
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Symptoms

One of the first signs that a kidney has been affected by sickle cell disease is protein in the urine. This is called microalbuminuria. It can be found with a simple urine test in the clinic.

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Treatment

  • A type of medicine given to treat high blood pressure, called an ACE inhibitor or ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker), can be given to protect the kidneys. This type of medicine lowers the blood pressure in the kidneys and slows the release of protein. It may also prevent injury to the kidneys.

  • If the protein in your urine is very high, your provider may send you to see a nephrologist. A nephrologist is a provider trained in diagnosing and treating diseases of the kidney.

  • Blood transfusions are not recommended for the immediate treatment of acute kidney injury.

  • Hemodialysis may be needed if the kidneys are not able to alter the blood and make urine. Hemodialysis uses a machine to do the work kidneys should do.

 
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Kidney disease checklist

For you and your health care provider

 

Urine protein test:

🄯 Talk with your provider about getting a urine protein test every year. People who have protein in their urine have additional tests to and out how well their kidneys are working.

ACE inhibitor:

🄯 If your yearly urine test shows protein, talk with your health care provider about taking an ACE inhibitor or ARB, even if your blood pressure is normal.

Blood transfusion:

🄯 Ask your provider to explain if they recommend a blood transfusion while you are being treated for acute kidney injury.

Hemodialysis:

🄯 If your kidneys are not working to clean your blood and make urine, talk with your provider to see if you need hemodialysis.

 
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SECTION OVERVIEW

 

  • Protein in your urine is often the first sign that your kidneys are being affected by sickle cell disease.

  • If you have protein in your urine, certain medicines can help protect your kidneys from long-term damage.

  • You may need to see a nephrologist if your kidneys have been affected by sickle cell disease.