Diseases intrinsic to the kidney tend to be progressive and ultimately result
in kidney failure and the need for dialysis therapy or a kidney transplant.
While there are effective treatments to slow or in some cases arrest the
progression, only a few such diseases can currently be reversed with treatment.
Thus, most patients tend to progress with their kidney disease to ultimately
arrive at renal failure. While kidney disease itself may not be treatable, many
of the complications are amenable to treatment which is often more effective if
initiated early.
Nephrologist are particularly well-trained to assist patients with early
renal failure. They can detect early signs of complications and initiate therapy
before irreversible damage is done.
The Nephrology Division at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has
special clinics in which patients with early renal failure are seen and
followed. This has the added advantage of adequately preparing the patient for
dialysis in advance of the actual need. Appropriate patients can also be
referred from this clinic early in the course of their disease to facilitate
their ultimately receiving a kidney transplant. Clinic appointments can be made
by calling the Nephrology Office at (717) 531-8156.
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