Penn State Nephrology evaluates and treats adult patients with a variety of kidney diseases and/or hypertension (high blood pressure). Intrinsic kidney diseases include glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Hereditary disorders affecting the kidney include Alports Syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, cysteinosis and Fabry’s Disease. Systemic diseases that can affect the kidney include diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), polyarteritis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, Berger’s Disease (Henoch Schőnlein purpura) and amyloid. Certain malignancies and or their therapies can damage the kidney including multiple myeloma, lymphoma and pelvic tumors causing obstruction of the kidneys. The Renal Division is also interested in the treatment of complicated (severe) hypertension and the diagnosis and treatment of secondary forms of hypertension including renovascular hypertension (renal artery stenosis), pheochromocytoma and primary hyperaldosteronism. We also provide diagnostic strategies and medical management for patients with recurrent nephrolithiasis (kidney stones).

We care for patients with acute and chronic (end-stage) kidney failure providing hospital and home-based hemodialysis and home-based peritoneal dialysis with training for patients and their families. We are deeply involved in the care and in the preparation and evaluation of patients seeking kidney transplants, follow such patients on the Surgical Transplant Service during hospitalization for their kidney transplant and provide follow-up of medical care in the outpatient department.