Nephrology

In our department, we provide daily medical care in cooperation with various clinical departments such as the Urology and the Dialysis and Blood Purification Center.

Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital
Nephrology Director

Akihiro Yoshimoto

Nephrology deals with systemic diseases related to various kidney-related conditions, from abnormal urinalysis (proteinuria, hematuria) to renal failure. Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, diabetic nephropathy, vasculitis, hypertension (nephrosclerosis), collagen disease, acute renal failure, chronic renal failure, and rapidly progressive renal failure associated with drug-related renal failure are treated. In particular, the number of patients in Japan with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is said to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular complications, is 13.3 million (1 in 8 adults over the age of 20, approximately 200,000 in Kobe City). It is estimated that it is a new national disease. Prevention, early detection, appropriate diagnosis, and early treatment are the most important for kidney disease. For proper diagnosis, about 100 renal biopsies are actively performed annually as needed and reflected in treatment. In addition, we are developing team medical care with registered Registered Dietitian, pharmacists, laboratory technologists, clinical engineers, nurses, etc., holding renal disease classes and promoting renal failure education hospitalization. Furthermore, for patients with renal failure who have advanced renal failure, we introduce blood purification therapy (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis) and renal transplantation. In addition to renal disease, we cooperate with other departments to perform plasmapheresis, leukocyte removal therapy, LDL apheresis, and other treatments. In cooperation with university hospitals and Nephrology-related facilities, we develop highly specialized medical and educational activities, and develop close cooperation with nearby medical facilities. In addition, I would like to closely exchange information with my family doctors regarding the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and cooperate with them in providing medical care. In addition, we regularly hold public lectures and research meetings, etc., and strive to provide the latest information on Nephrology care.

Medical record

Departmental statistics

Main diseases/treatments

nephrotic syndrome, nephritis

Disease/examination/treatment

Nephrotic syndrome is a renal disease in which proteinuria and hematuria are observed, sometimes accompanied by decreased renal function. For a definitive diagnosis, a renal biopsy is performed to determine future treatment. In addition to diet therapy, treatment includes corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, and antihypertensive agents. If your health checkup reveals kidney problems, please consult your family doctor and see a specialist.

Main disease name. IgA nephropathy, purpura nephritis, post-streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis, minimal change nephrotic syndrome, membranous nephropathy, focal glomerulonephritis, membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, such as lupus nephritis.

renal biopsy

test

It is an indispensable test for diagnosing kidney disease, understanding the pathology, determining prognosis, and determining treatment policy. In general, it is performed percutaneously using ultrasound echo, but since it is an invasive examination, it is necessary to thoroughly examine the suitability of the examination before the examination. The kidney tissue obtained from the examination is observed using a light microscope, an electron microscope, and immunostaining.

polycystic kidney disease

Disease/examination/treatment

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited disorder in which fluid-filled sacs (cysts) form in the kidneys and enlarge, causing a gradual decline in kidney function. Since the onset and progression of the disease varies from person to person, you should consult with your specialist doctor about your treatment plan. In addition, a new drug therapy has been approved and is expected to potentially slow the progression of cyst growth and renal failure. The Department has a registered physician who can prescribe that drug. Patients may consult with their family doctor and then visit our department.

clinical research

With the cooperation of our patients, the Nephrology of our hospital conducts clinical research (observational research, intervention research, clinical trials) aimed at elucidating the cause of disease, improving disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and improving the patient's QOL. We are doing.
In the observational study, we use the data from the patient's daily clinical practice, and we do not ask for direct consent, but conduct it as if we have obtained consent with this notice.
In addition, we have received approval from the clinical research ethics committee within the hospital, and we conduct interventional research and clinical trials after obtaining the individual patient's consent.
If you would like a detailed explanation of the research content, object to the clinical research, or have any other questions, please contact us at the contact information below.

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