National Kidney and Urologic Diseases
Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC)

Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease
Explains the causes of acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD), a common condition in people with kidney failure who are treated with dialysis. Details the differences between ACKD and polycystic kidney disease, an inherited condition. Describes diagnostic procedures and treatment options.
PDF Version (224 KB) *

Glomerular Filteration Rate Calculator (for health care professionals)
Website landing page from the National Institute of Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse that offers links for health care professionals to online information and publications about glomerular filtration rates (GFR) and an online GRF calculator.

Imaging of the Urologic Tract
Explains the range of imaging technologies used to evaluate the urinary tract, including ultrasound, conventional radiology, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography. Instructs patients how to prepare for and what to expect during an exam.
PDF Version (512 KB) *

Kidney Dysplasia
Explains the causes of kidney dysplasia, also called multicystic dysplastic kidney, a condition that appears in a child during fetal development. Discusses genetic syndromes that may include kidney dysplasia. Describes treatment options and possible long-term consequences.
PDF Version (231 KB) *

Medullary Sponge Kidney (MSK)
Defines medullary sponge kidney, a birth defect of the tiny internal structures of the kidney. Explains the possible complications, including kidney stones and urinary tract infections, which usually do not appear until the fourth decade of life. Describes treatment and prevention methods.
PDF Version (218 KB) *

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Defines three types of polycystic kidney disease and describes their genetic origins, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as ongoing research.
PDF Version (392 KB) *

Simple Kidney Cysts
Distinguishes between simple kidney cysts and polycystic kidney disease. Explains diagnostic procedures and treatment options.
PDF Version (154 KB) *

Kidney Biopsy
Describes this procedure and possible reasons for having it. Outlines how to prepare for a kidney biopsy and what patients can expect during and after the test.
PDF Version (255 KB) *

The Kidneys and How They Work (Easy-to-Read)
Introduces the basic concepts of kidney function and describes a range of kidney diseases. Reviews diagnostic tests used to determine kidney function and describes treatment options for patients with kidney failure.
PDF Version (334 KB) *

En Español
Los riñones y cómo funcionan (Lectura fácil)
Introduce los conceptos básicos de la función renal y describe varios tipos de enfermedades renales. Examina las pruebas de diagnóstico usadas para determinar la función renal y describe las opciones de tratamiento para pacientes con insuficiencia renal.
Versión PDF (722 KB) *

Your Kidney Test Results
For assessing and discussing test results with Chronic Kidney Disease patients.