Kidney disease glossary

A sudden drop in how well the kidneys work, often during illness or dehydration.

A protein in the blood.

The presence of albumin (protein) in the urine.

It is the force applied on the vessel’s walls by blood.

An individualised plan developed with your care team to guide monitoring, treatment and lifestyle recommendations.

A long-term condition where kidneys gradually lose some function over time.

A protein in the complement system. In C3G and primary ICMPGN, this protein may behave abnormally and cause kidney deposits that lower the kidney function

A rare condition caused by ongoing activation of the complement system, affecting the kidney’s filtering structures.

A measure of how active the complement system is.

Part of the immune system that helps defend the body.

Creatinine is a waste product from normal muscle activity. The kidneys filter it from the blood, and levels are used to measure kidney function known as the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).

A calculation from a blood test showing how well your kidneys filter waste.

A period where symptoms become more noticeable or worsen.

Tiny filters inside the kidney that remove waste and extra fluid from the blood.

The presence of blood in the urine.

A rare condition that affects the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys. The immune system forms clusters of proteins called immune complexes glomeruli, causing inflammation and damage. This can interfere which deposit in the with how well the kidneys filter blood and maintain normal kidney function.

Clusters of proteins formed when antibodies attach to substances the immune system reacts to.

The body’s response to irritation or injury. In the kidneys, it can affect the filtering process.

A procedure where a small kidney tissue sample is taken for closer examination to understand the cause of kidney changes.

Regular checks such as blood tests, urine tests or blood pressure readings to understand how the kidneys are functioning.

A doctor who specialises in kidney care.

Swelling caused by extra fluid, often seen in ankles, legs, hands or around the eyes.

Protein in the urine.

A period when symptoms improve or remain stable.

A return or worsening of signs or symptoms.

Emotional or practical help from peers, family, support groups or online communities.

A scan using sound waves to create images, including of the kidneys.

A test of urine to check for protein, blood or other indicators of kidney health.