Treating Kidney Disease at Addenbrooke's Hospital

This page contains the following information (click to jump to each section):

Kidney Disease | Kidney Clinics | Kidney Ward (Ward C5) | Further Information Online

If you are reading this page the chances are that you or a close relative or friend have been recently diagnosed with a kidney problem.

The aim of this page is to provide information for kidney patients who are based at Addenbrooke’s hospital. It contains information on the clinics you may attend and links to pages on the Addenbrooke’s hospital website which you may find useful. It also has links to other kidney-related websites.

Kidney Disease
Normal kidney function is a very complex process. Waste products are filtered from the blood by the kidneys and are eliminated together with excess fluid as urine via the bladder; however the kidneys also regulate other important functions in the body, including blood pressure, hormones and haemoglobin (red blood cells), and they play an important part in maintaining healthy bones.

A problem with your kidneys has the potential to affect these vital functions but unless your condition affects both kidneys you are unlikely to run into problems.

Kidney disease is very common. Even if both of your kidneys are affected less that one in ten people with kidney disease develop failure of the kidney requiring dialysis or transplant. Most people are still healthy with a kidney function at just 30% of the “normal” rate.

There are many different Kidney Patient organisations that provide information about different diseases, and some websites dedicated to specific illnesses. There is a list of these sites below (click here to skip to this list.)

Addenbrooke's Kidney Clinics

The way in which your kidney problem will be managed at Addenbrooke’s will depend on what condition you have and the extent of your kidney function at the time of your diagnosis. You will probably be seen in one of the following clinics:

General Renal Clinic (Clinic 12):
If your kidney problem is stable you are likely to be monitored in the General Renal Clinic. If your condition is genetic you may be seen by the specialist genetics clinic instead.

The doctors will see you on a regular basis and monitor your kidney function by a number of blood tests. They will also keep a careful check on your blood pressure. If any of the normal function of your kidneys is affected they may prescribe you certain medications that can control your blood pressure or counteract some of the effects of your lack of kidney function.

Renal Genetics and Tubular Disorders Clinic:
For patients who have certain inherited or genetic kidney disease, you may be seen in this specialist clinic. Again, you will be monitored on a regular basis as long as your condition is stable.

Low Clearance Clinic:
If your kidney function deteriorates you may eventually be referred to the “Low Clearance Clinic” or LCC. It is so called because, when your kidney function drops this low, you start to clear only low amounts of toxins from your blood and you may start to feel unwell as a consequence.

This special clinic will more carefully monitor your progress and you will meet specialist nurses who are trained to deal with specific problems you may encounter as a result of your poorly functioning kidneys. For example you may need to alter your diet and will see a dietitian, or you may see a specialist anaemia nurse if your body cannot make enough red blood cells. You may also be given more medication to help counteract the effects of your kidneys not working.

This clinic will prepare you for dialysis if it becomes necessary. They will also put you in touch with the renal transplant team if a new kidney transplant is an option for you.

Please click here for an information leaflet about the Low Clearance Clinic.

Renal Ward at Addenbrooke’s
If you are admitted to hospital as a result of your renal problem, you are likely to go to ward C5 which is the General Renal Ward. Click here for further information on Ward C5 from the Addenbrooke's website (this will open a new window).

Further Information Online

Here is a list of the relevant pages of the Addenbrooke’s website relating to renal services. Please click on each link to be taken to the page (this will open a new window).
Renal Services

Outpatient Renal Clinics (Nephrology/Low Clearance/Dialysis)

Low Clearance Clinic Leaflet
Ward C5
Renal Genetics
Diabetes

For a list of useful general information about Addenbrooke’s (e.g. where to park, childcare etc.) and contact information for the renal team please click here.

There are many kidney patient organisations which provide information on various kidney diseases, as well as organisations dedicated to particular conditions or diseases. Click on the links below to take you to these websites (this will open a new window)

The Polycycstic Kidney Disease Charity

Diabetes UK

Kidney Cancer UK
Lupus UK

If your condition is not listed here, a lot of information on kidney disease is available on following websites (clicking on a link will open a new window):
National Kidney Federation (NKF):
  - Disease Information

  - Medical Information
  - Frequently Asked Questions

Patient.co.uk Guides
Kidney Research UK
Kidney Patient Guide

National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (US National Institutes of Health)
British Kidney Patients Association
Baxter Renal