Glossary

Four pea-sized glands near the thyroid gland at the front of the neck. They produce parathyroid hormone.

Abbreviation for peritoneal dialysis. A form of dialysis that takes place inside the patient’s peritoneal cavity - a special sac within the abdomen. Bags of dialysis fluid, containing sugar and salts, are drained into the peritoneal cavity.  As the fluid drains out, it also removes excess water and waste products.

With regard to kidneys, this means the drainage part of the kidney that joins the ureter.

Lining of the abdominal cavity.

Inflammation of the peritoneum, usually caused by infection.

A mineral that helps calcium to strengthen the bones. Phosphate is found in foods such as dairy products, nuts and meat. In kidney failure, phosphate tends to build up in the blood and can cause harm to bones and blood vessels in the long-term.

Tablets or medicine that help prevent a build-up of phosphate in the body. Phosphate binders combine with phosphate in the gut so that it passes it out of the body in poo.

A type of blood cell that helps the blood to clot.

A type of disease where blood vessels in the kidneys and other parts of the body are inflamed.

Drinking fluids excessively

Passing excessive amounts of urine

A mineral that is normally present in the blood. Too high or too low blood potassium levels can be dangerous, causing the heart to stop beating. People with CKD or AKI are not able to get rid of potassium so well and may need to restrict the amount of potassium in their diet.

Protein in the urine.

A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands, which helps control blood levels of calcium. When the level of calcium in the blood is low, PTH boosts it by causing calcium to drain from the bones into the blood.

Abbreviation for pelvi-ureteric junction - the point at which the pelvis of the kidney joins the ureter. It is a common site for a narrowing to cause hold-up.

Kidney infection.