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Keshan disease (KD)

Keshan Disease (KD): Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Keshan disease (KD) is a rare but serious condition that primarily affects the heart. It is named after the Keshan County in China, where the disease was first discovered in the 1930s. KD is characterized by cardiomyopathy (damage to the heart muscle), which can lead to heart failure and other life-threatening complications. The disease is most commonly associated with a selenium deficiency, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in many biological processes, including protecting cells from oxidative stress. What Causes Keshan Disease? The main cause of Keshan disease is a deficiency in selenium, a vital antioxidant that helps prevent cellular damage and supports proper heart function. Selenium is found naturally in soil and foods, but in certain regions, such as parts of China, the soil is extremely low in selenium, which affects the local food supply. People living in these areas are more likely to develop selenium deficiency, putting them at risk for Keshan disease.

Kidney Disease (Acute & Chronic)

Kidney disease refers to conditions in which the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter waste products, regulate fluids and electrolytes, and maintain overall metabolic balance. Kidney disease can be acute, developing suddenly over hours to days, or chronic, progressing slowly over months to years. Both forms can significantly impact overall health and often require careful monitoring using blood and urine biomarkers. This page explains the differences between acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), common causes and symptoms, and how laboratory tests—such as the BUN/Creatinine ratio, creatinine, and eGFR—are used to assess kidney function. What Do the Kidneys Do? The kidneys are two fist-sized organs located on either side of the spine below the rib cage.

Kidney Failure

Kidney Failure: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Kidney failure, or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), is a serious condition where the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. This can occur suddenly (acute kidney failure) or progress gradually over time (chronic kidney disease). Symptoms of Kidney Failure Kidney failure often develops silently, with noticeable symptoms typically appearing in advanced stages. Common signs include: Fatigue and weakness Decreased urine output or changes in urination patterns Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet (edema) Shortness of breath Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite Sleep disturbances Difficulty concentrating Itchy skin Muscle cramps In severe cases, additional symptoms may include: Uncontrolled high blood pressure Chest pain due to fluid accumulation around the heart Confusion or decreased mental sharpness What Causes Kidney Failure?

Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)

Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): Symptoms & Treatment A kidney infection, medically known as pyelonephritis, is a serious type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that occurs when bacteria travel from the bladder or urethra into one or both kidneys. If left untreated, a kidney infection can lead to permanent kidney damage or the bacteria can spread into the bloodstream, becoming life-threatening. What Causes a Kidney Infection? Most kidney infections are caused by E. coli, a common type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines. The infection usually begins as a bladder infection (cystitis) and moves up through the ureters to the kidneys. Risk factors include: Having a history of frequent UTIs Being female (shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to travel) Pregnancy Kidney stones Diabetes Weakened immune system Structural problems in the urinary tract Use of a urinary catheter Symptoms of a Kidney Infection Symptoms of pyelonephritis often develop quickly and may include: Common symptoms: Fever and chills Pain in the lower back, side, or groin Frequent and painful

Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)

Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys when there is not enough fluid in the urine to keep minerals dissolved. They can be as small as a grain of sand or, rarely, as large as a golf ball — though most are much smaller. Small stones often pass on their own; larger stones may need procedures to break them up or remove them. Kidney stones affect roughly 1 in 10 people over a lifetime and have a high recurrence rate without preventive measures. Types of kidney stones Calcium oxalate stones — the most common type, accounting for around 80% of cases. They form when calcium combines with oxalate in the urine, often in people with low fluid intake, high sodium diets, or certain metabolic conditions. You do not usually need to avoid high-oxalate foods entirely, but pairing them with dietary calcium and staying well hydrated can reduce risk. Calcium phosphate stones — less common.

Kienbock's Disease

Kienbock's Disease: A Comprehensive Overview Kienbock's disease is a rare bone disorder affecting the lunate, one of the eight small bones in the wrist. It is characterized by avascular necrosis (bone tissue death) due to interrupted blood supply, primarily affecting men aged 20-40 and rarely occurring in both wrists. Etiology and Risk Factors: Trauma to the wrist Uneven forearm bone lengths (shorter ulna compared to radius) Irregular lunate bone shape Medical conditions compromising blood supply Disease Progression: Initial blood supply loss with minor symptoms Lunate bone hardening Bone fragmentation and partial collapse Complete bone collapse affecting surrounding structures Clinical Manifestations: Wrist pain and tenderness Limited movement Stiffness and swelling Decreased grip strength Diagnostic Approach: X-ray imaging MRI scans Arthroscopic procedures Treatment Strategies: Anti-inflammatory medications Wrist immobilization (cast or splint) Surgical interventions: Bone shortening Joint fusion Nerve intervention Prognosis: While no complete cure exists, appropriate treatment can

Klinefelter Syndrome