Kidney & Bladder Problems

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare disorder that is caused by large amounts of dilute urine produced by the nephrons, which are found in the kidneys. Normally, the kidneys control the concentration of the urine by absorbing water and returning it to the blood in response to the body's need for water. In a healthy person, an antidiuretic (urine-limiting) hormone called arginine vasopressin (AVP) sends a signal to the kidneys to control the concentration of urine. In patients with NDI, the kidneys are unable to respond to AVP, which causes a problem with water retention. A substantial amount of water that is needed by the body is lost in large quantities as dilute urine. This leaves NDI patients continuously thirsty and in danger of dehydration.

Genitourinary disorders
Genitourinary disorders are illnesses that occur when the urinary organs and genital organs are not functioning properly. These disorders may be the result of aging, illness, or injury.

Kidney/electrolyte disorders
Kidney disorders occur when the kidneys do not function normally.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and HIV
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a type of glomerular disease (disease that affects the glomeruli) that can cause permanent kidney disease in children and adults. It affects kidney function by attacking the glomeruli, the tiny structures inside the kidneys where blood is filtered. The term glomerulosclerosis is used to describe the scarring or hardening of the tiny blood vessels inside the kidneys. Consequently, protein and sometimes red blood cells leak into the urine.