Structural & Genetic Kidney Disorders Treatment at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Kurla
Some kidney problems are not caused by infection or swelling. They come from how the kidneys or their blood supply are built, whether the cause is inherited, develops over time, or comes from minerals collecting in the urine. CritiCare Asia Hospitals is a kidney hospital in Mumbai where the nephrology team at the Kurla centre looks after three such conditions: polycystic kidney disease, kidney stones and renal artery stenosis. Each one affects the kidneys differently, and each is treated differently. A genetic kidney disease specialist in Kurla checks the family history as well as the scans, since some of these conditions run in families.
Symptoms of Structural and Genetic Kidney Disorders
The signs depend on the condition.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), where fluid-filled sacs called cysts grow in the kidneys
high blood pressure, often as an early sign, back or side pain, blood in the urine, repeated urine infections, and a slow fall in kidney function over the years - Kidney stones, hard lumps formed from salts in the urine
often no symptoms when a stone is small; otherwise, severe pain in the side spreading to the groin, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, and burning or urgency when passing urine - Renal artery stenosis, narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys
blood pressure that rises suddenly or stays high despite several medicines, falling kidney function with no other clear cause, and sometimes swelling or less urine
Understanding the Three Conditions
PKD is inherited. The more common form, autosomal dominant PKD, often causes no noticeable problem until adulthood. The rarer autosomal recessive form usually shows up earlier, sometimes in infancy.
Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine crystallise. Calcium oxalate stones are the commonest, though uric acid, struvite and cystine stones also occur. Too little water, certain diets, metabolic conditions and family history all raise the risk. Anyone looking for kidney stone treatment in Kurla should know that small stones often pass by themselves.
Renal artery stenosis usually comes from fatty build-up in the arteries in older adults, or from a condition called fibromuscular dysplasia in younger people, particularly women.
How These Conditions Are Diagnosed
The doctor starts with symptoms and family history, then chooses tests to suit the problem.
- PKD
ultrasound or CT scan to find and measure cysts, a review of family history, genetic testing where the diagnosis is unclear or relatives are being screened, and kidney function tests such as creatinine and eGFR - Kidney stones
urine tests for blood and stone-forming minerals, a CT scan or ultrasound to find and size the stone, and a metabolic check for people whose stones keep returning - Renal artery stenosis
Doppler ultrasound to see blood flow to the kidneys, CT or MR angiography to image the arteries, renal angiography when treatment is being planned, and blood tests of kidney function
Treatment Approach
For PKD, treatment centres on controlling blood pressure and slowing cyst-related decline. This includes blood pressure medicines, in selected cases a medicine aimed at slowing cyst growth, and watching for problems such as cyst infection or bleeding. Over time, some patients develop chronic kidney disease and, less often, kidney failure needing dialysis or transplant. Polycystic kidney disease treatment in Kurla, Mumbai focuses on blood pressure control and slowing the loss of kidney function.
Small kidney stones often pass with plenty of fluids and pain relief. Larger stones, or those blocking the flow of urine, may need shockwave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy, depending on size and position. People whose stones return are given diet and, where needed, medicine plans based on the type of stone.
For renal artery stenosis treatment, blood pressure medicines come first. When narrowing is severe, or pressure stays high despite medicines, angioplasty with a stent may be used to restore blood flow. Regular checks of kidney function and blood pressure guide how treatment is adjusted.
Structural & Genetic Kidney Disorders Treatment at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Kurla
At CritiCare Asia Hospitals, the nephrology team works with urology and vascular specialists when a structural kidney condition needs stone removal or an artery procedure. For PKD patients, care also covers checks for related problems such as liver cysts and, in some cases, brain aneurysms, along with genetic counselling for relatives who are considering testing. Book a consultation with the nephrology team at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Kurla, for kidney stones, PKD or unexplained high blood pressure linked to kidney blood flow.