Nephrology

Treating Disorders of the Kidney and Urinary Tract

SLUCare Physician Group nephrologists treat people with kidney disorders and offer a nationally prominent intervention program for patients on dialysis. Our providers also treat acute and chronic urinary tract disorders, high blood pressure (hypertension) and disorders having to do with the body's fluids, electrolytes and acid-base balance. In addition, we offer expertise in chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), focused on slowing development of these conditions and managing symptoms over time.

SLUCare nephrologists see patients in both outpatient and hospital settings. We offer hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant support. Our nephrology services also include continuous renal replacement therapies and renal biopsies (kidney biopsy).

In addition, SLUCare's interventional nephrology program performs X-rays of the veins (diagnostic venography) to maintain adequate access for dialysis. Though this program, we also place temporary and semi-permanent catheters for dialysis access and help manage vascular access complications.

SLUCare Nephrology Services

• Hemodialysis
• Peritoneal dialysis
• Continuous renal replacement therapies
• Evaluation for kidney transplant, including live donor kidney transplantation
• Kidney biopsy
• Interventional nephrology

Dialysis Clinic

Fresenius Kidney Care, part of Fresenius Medical Care, is a large dialysis clinic staffed by SLUCare nephrologists. There are 29 stations in Drummond Hall on the campus of Saint Louis University. This Medicare-certified center offers:

• Late shift
• In-center hemodialysis
• Hemodialysis training
• In-center peritoneal services

For more information on dialysis call 314-762-0089.

Hypertension Clinic

Advanced Tools & Smart Strategies to Manage Blood Pressure

Nearly one-third of American adults have high blood pressure and are at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and damage to the eyes, kidneys or blood vessels. The good news is there are many ways to lower high blood pressure and reduce your risk.

In the Hypertension Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to blood pressure management. We're not only focused on reducing your numbers; we look at your history, medications and lifestyle, and create a treatment program that will be most effective for you.

Our Personalized Care Includes:

• Medication review and optimization
• Cardiovascular and arterial health assessments
• Check for causes of high blood pressure
• Monitoring with state-of-the-art devices and techniques
• Lifestyle risk assessment, including BMI, sodium and potassium intake
• Management of lifestyle factors
• Alternative therapies

Talk with your doctor about coordinating your care through the SLUCare Hypertension Clinic.

Interventional Nephrology

A Nationally Recognized, Interventional Nephrology Service

SLUCare Physician Group nephrologists performed their first interventional nephrology procedure in March 2000. Since then, the program has grown into a comprehensive, nationally recognized service.

The interventional service has expertise in the following procedures:

• Angiography and angioplasty of AV fistulae and grafts
• Angiography and angioplasty of the central venous system
• Placement, maintenance and removal of tunneled dialysis catheters
• Placement of PICC lines and ports
• Thrombectomy of AV fistulae and grafts
• Placement of intravascular stents
• Coiling of accessory veins in the management of poorly developing AV fistulae
• Placement of trans-lumbar dialysis catheters
• Trans-jugular renal biopsy
• Percutaneous biopsy of native and transplanted kidneys
• Placement of abdominal and pre-sternal peritoneal dialysis catheters

To schedule an appointment with SLUCare interventional nephrologists, call 314-257-3760.