The kidneys filter waste products from the blood. They also produce a number of hormones essential for normal bodily function. Damage to the kidneys results in a wound-healing response, which can result in scar tissue. Scarring results in loss of functional tissue, which has an impact on effectively removing waste products. Kidney damage is progressive as the inability of the kidneys to filter the waste and maintain essential minerals will result in further damage. Kidney scarring can be the result of a number of diseases and disorders.
Diabetes
A study published in the "American Journal of Kidney Disease" showed that in the United States, at least 40 percent of patients starting dialysis between 1993 and 1997 were diabetic. Diabetes can result in excessive glucose in the bloodstream, especially if glucose levels are not controlled adequately. The excessive glucose can block the small blood vessels in the kidneys, resulting in damage. This damage results in kidneys that lose protein through the urine, resulting in more damage. Patients with diabetes also often suffer from high blood pressure, which can result in further damage to the kidney. The kidneys themselves are crucial in maintaining blood pressure and damage to the kidneys results in loss of the hormone responsible for maintaining blood pressure.
Obstruction
Obstruction of the kidneys is often caused by the formation of small stones, which if not recognized can cause long-term damage to the kidney. Stones are usually formed by minerals found in the urine. These minerals form crystals within the kidneys which can block the flow of urine, causing pressure within the kidney. A study published in the "American Journal of Kidney Disease" showed that it is estimated that in 3.2 percent of patients who require dialysis, kidney stones caused the damage.
Autoimmune Diseases
The body can produce antibodies against itself, which can result in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. These antibodies can be specific or affect many parts of the body. These auto-immune antibodies can be deposited within the kidney, resulting in inflammatory changes, which eventually lead to scarring.
IgA Nephropathy
IgA is a protein the body produces to help fight infection. Diseases associated with IgA nephropathy include liver diseases, celiac disease, and infections--particularly respiratory tract infections. A study published in the "Journal of the American Society of Nephrology" showed that there was an increased risk of kidney failure in family-related IgA nephrology. The IgA builds up in the kidneys, resulting in inflammation and damage. Up to 25 percent of patients with IgA nephropathy will develop end stage chronic renal failure.
Infection
Pyelonephritis is an infection found in one or both of the kidneys. This infection can be acute, chronic or a relapsing infection. Most kidney infections are due to bacteria. A number of predisposing factors can increase the likelihood of kidney infections: scar tissue from previous episodes of pyelonephritis, kidney stones, diabetes, trauma and abnormal kidney structures. The infection can cause inflammation and scar formation.
References
- "American Journal of Kidney Disease"; Renal Data System. International comparisons of ESRD therapy; 1999
- "American Journal of Kidney Disease"; ESRD caused by neprolithiasis: prevalence, mechanisms and prevention; P. Jungers et al; November 2004
- "Journal of the American Society of Nephrology"; Increased risk of end stage renal disease in familial IgA nephropathy; Schena FP, et al; February 2002; Feb
