Nephrology

Our nephrologists are highly qualified and respected clinical experts, researchers and educators who are committed to helping you manage your kidney disease. Many people come to our team because of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is a progressive disease, meaning it typically grows worse over time. Our nephrologists help by offering medications, lifestyle suggestions and other therapies so that you can preserve the health of your kidneys as long as possible. The team also helps with renal disease complications, such as:

• Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• Hypertension
• Metabolic bone disease

Dialysis

If medical treatments fail, you may need dialysis. At MetroHealth, you'll have a full team, including your nephrologist, dietitians, specially trained nurses and vascular surgeons, to prepare your body for dialysis. You may also be offered classes and counseling to help you understand your treatment plan and address any concerns.

Currently, more than 450 MetroHealth patients receive dialysis in our outpatient centers throughout Cuyahoga County, operated primarily by Ohio Renal Group. This is a joint venture among MetroHealth, the Cleveland Clinic and Fresenius Medical Care Inc.

Dialysis Treatments We Offer

• Hemodialysis. A machine is used to filter the blood.
• Peritoneal dialysis. The lining of the abdomen is used as the filter.

If you receive dialysis at one of these centers, your nephrologist will continue to oversee all aspects of your care. It is also recommended that you see your primary care doctor on a regular basis.

Kidney Transplants

A kidney transplant is generally a better form of treatment for most types of kidney disease. If you are seeking a kidney transplant, MetroHealth's team of transplant specialists will help you understand the process. For instance, you may have questions about getting on a donor waiting list. You may wonder if your family members can donate. We'll talk with you about your options so that you can make the best choice for your needs.

For the actual transplant surgery, we typically refer our patients to centers in the Cleveland area. Once you have recovered from surgery and have stable kidney function, you can count on our team of transplant nephrologists to help you stay healthy.

Comprehensive Care

Kidney health can affect other areas of your health. In addition to your nephrologist, your health may be monitored by an endocrinologist, cardiologist, rheumatologist or primary care physician or pediatrician.

Nationally Recognized Kidney Disease Research

In addition to offering exceptional patient care, our nephrologists conduct research that is funded by grants through the National Institutes of Health. The goal is to bring new therapies and optimal care to people with kidney problems. Members of the team also take part in large nationwide clinical trials, including the long-running Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study. Nearly 4,000 patients are being followed over time, and researchers hope to identify specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease in this CKD population. Heart problems and stroke are among the biggest threats to people with CKD.

Research like this benefits our patients directly, because our skills, expertise and knowledge are current, correct and scientifically sound.

Nephrology Care for Children

Pediatric kidney disease is often congenital rather than caused by an underlying medical issue, and the disease requires close monitoring so that kidneys can handle the demands of a child's body as it grows and changes.

Pediatric nephrology is offered at MetroHealth by nephrologists from Akron Children's Hospital. Pediatric nephrologists are adept at working with children with kidney disease and related complications, such as:

• Hypertension
• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney stones
• Glomerulonephritis
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Renal failure

Most children see our pediatric nephrologists on an outpatient basis.

For the pediatric nephrology team, call 216-778-2222.