Kidney Function

Toxic nephropathies are an important and relatively common category of kidney damage. Although they generally are reversible when detected early, they may be permanent, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Toxic nephropathies are defined primarily as kidney injury caused by any number of medications, diagnostic agents, alternative products, herbal adulterants, or other toxin exposures, which includes environmental agents and chemicals. Because the kidney performs a number of essential bodily functions, including clearance of endogenous waste products, control of volume status, maintenance of electrolyte and acid-base balance, and modulation of endocrine activity, loss of kidney function leads to a number of clinical problems. Furthermore, metabolism and excretion of exogenously administered medications and environmental exposures is a critically important function. In its role as the primary eliminator of exogenous drugs and toxins, the kidney is vulnerable to develop various forms of injury.