UNDERSTANDING KIDNEY ATROPHY:
Our kidneys are like the body’s natural filters, working tirelessly to remove waste and excess fluids. These bean-shaped organs are on both sides of the backbone, below the ribs. Kidneys play an essential role in maintaining the body’s homeostasis. However, there are various events when our kidneys might face challenges, such as kidney atrophy. In this article, we are discussing kidney atrophy, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments.
Anatomy and Function of the Kidneys:
To understand kidney atrophy, let’s first get familiar with the basics. Kidneys are paired organs on either side of the spine, just below the ribcage. The typical size of a healthy kidney is about 10 to 12 cm (5 inches), precisely about a clenched hand. Kidneys comprise millions of tiny functional units called nephrons that filter blood, remove waste, and produce urine through three phases, including glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption and tubular secretion. Many other regulating factors influence the activity of urine formation and its concentration. The function of the nephron, along with all essential mediators, is crucial for maintaining the body’s balance of fluids and electrolytes along with the internal PH of the body.
Usually, a healthy kidney is about 5 inches in size. Kidney atrophy, or renal atrophy, is a pathological condition in which one or both kidneys become reduced from their standard physiological size and shape and alter their function.
Here, a question arises:” Does kidney disease cause atrophy?” The answer is “N0.” Not all renal disease leads to kidney atrophy; however, this process is lengthy. Before kidneys reach this stage, there are other significant signs and symptoms shown by the renal system to alarm the body about harm in the kidneys. Since chronic kidney disease, CKD shows visible parenchymatous renal muscle atrophy.
There is also another pathological condition known as “Renal hypoplasia,” in which the affected patient possesses small kidneys, as occurs in “Kidney atrophy.” Still, in renal hypoplasia, the reduction in the size of the kidneys arises during the gestational period, and the patient is born with a small kidney. The issue is thus congenital.
Kidney atrophy arises during the later stage of life, and before the issue, kidneys become healthy and normal.
This can happen due to many factors, including aging, the impaired blood supply to kidneys, certain medical conditions, prolonged hypertension or sometimes as a side effect of certain medications.
There are two main types of kidney atrophy: focal and global. Focal atrophy involves only a specific part of the kidney, while global atrophy affects the entire organ.
Kidney atrophy can also be unilateral (primarily left side kidney affected) or bilateral, in which both kidneys become shrunken.
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF A ATROPHY KIDNEY???
Usually, in the human body, the kidney’s size is less critical than renal physiological status; however, the kidney will be considered atrophied when its length is reduced up to 1cm concerning its standard previous length.
What Causes of the Kidney Atrophy???
Many etiological factors contribute to Kidney Atrophy, some of them are discussed below:
RENAL ARTERY STENOSIS:
URETERAL OBSTRUCTION:
Suppose there is any obstruction in the urinary tract. In that case, it will cause disturbance in the normal flow of urine and exert pressure on the renal parenchyma, eventually leading to kidney atrophy.
RENAL CALCULUS:
Renal stones are an important etiological factor in kidney atrophy. It is proven that long-term hypercalcemia in the body leads to renal calculus, which might be unilateral, and later, it will become bilateral if left untreated, which can lead to the kidney’s parenchyma atrophy.
UNTREATED KIDNEY INFECTIONS:
When left untreated, certain kidney infections like reflux nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, and Pyelonephritis lead to kidney atrophy and physiological deprivation.
ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME (APLS):
It is a rare autoimmune occlusive-inflammatory disorder in which the body misconceives the phospholipid-binding proteins of the body as external invaders. Hence, the immune system initiates antigen-antibody reaction against these proteins, which results in recurring clot formation in the blood vessels, particularly renal artery (renal artery thrombosis), resulting in refractory hypertension, fibrous intimal hyperplasia, and focal cortical atrophy.
OTHER SYNDROME:
Certain other medical conditions can expedite this process. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a primary etiological reason for kidney atrophy. Additionally, conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes can disturb the blood vessels in the kidneys, eventually destroying renal parenchymas and leading to kidney atrophy.
AGEING:
Age-related atrophy is expected, where the kidneys naturally decrease in size over time, along with physiological disturbances.
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS:
In the early stages, kidney atrophy might not show noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, and 30 to 40% of the renal function becomes lost, the following signs and symptoms occur:
- Reduced urine output,
- High blood pressure,
- Fatigue,
- Anaemia
- Painful urination
- Hematuria
- Loss of appetite
- Edema
- A general feeling of discomfort
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain on one side of the body
- Weakness
Kidney atrophy sometimes remains asymptomatic, and it takes a long time to show some signs, especially when the etiology is slow.
HOW DOCTORS DIAGNOSED THE KIDNEY ATROPHY:
Doctors use various methods to diagnose kidney atrophy, including Imaging techniques like ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT) scans, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRIs).
A blood test for GFR is mandatory to know the estimate of kidney function. It will be done through another blood test, which is serum creatinine. Usually, creatinine levels are high in the cause kidney damage.
A urine test for albumin (Dipstick Test) will describe the concentration of albumin, a serum protein usually absent in urine. This test tells about the overall health of the kidneys.
A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio test will also be done through a renal specialist to determine how successful the ongoing treatments are.
KIDNEY ATROPHY TREATMENT?
Managing kidney atrophy involves addressing the underlying conditions that contribute to it, which will safeguard the kidney from further damage.
If there is kidney atrophy due to long-lasting UTIs, then it is necessary to treat the infection through antibiotics.
For instance, if the atrophy is related to CKD, diabetes, or hypertension, managing these conditions becomes crucial. Lifestyle changes like adjusting your diet to control sodium and potassium, phosphorus and protein intake, regular exercise, and weight management can help.
Medications might be prescribed to control blood pressure, regulate fluid balance, and manage related symptoms.
In severe cases, kidney transplantation or dialysis might be considered.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES:
Prevention is always better than cure. Regular medical check-ups play a significant role in catching kidney problems early. Managing contributing factors like diabetes and high blood pressure can minimize the risk of kidney atrophy. Educating yourself and others about kidney health and risk factors is essential for maintaining healthy kidneys.
CONCLUSION:
Kidney atrophy is a complex condition that can significantly affect overall health. Understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, and seeking early medical intervention can make a substantial difference. By focusing on kidney health, making positive lifestyle changes, and staying informed, we can work towards ensuring the well-being of these vital organs and our overall quality of life.
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