Nephrology treatments at Palmetto Infusion and AccuRX

Our kidneys are responsible for many of our bodily functions, from keeping our blood chemically balanced to returning vitamins and hormones to the bloodstream.

We can thank these vital organs for cleansing our blood of toxins and transforming our waste into urine, and when the kidneys are not working how they should, harmful toxins and excess fluids build in the body. This can cause a person to experience high blood pressure, fatigue, headaches, fluid retention, and other symptoms associated with kidney failure.

Up until the 1960s, doctors who treated kidney conditions, such as kidney failure, simply referred to the practice as “kidney medicine” instead of what we now know as nephrology. With the help of awareness weeks and days, such as Nephrology Nurses Week, the term “nephrology” is starting to gain some traction in day-to-day conversations.

While Palmetto Infusion doesn’t diagnose nephrology conditions, we do treat them:

Kidney Transplant

IVIG, or intravenous immunoglobulin, is a product made up of antibodies that help you fight infections and can be administered after a kidney transplant. This treatment works by blocking the ability of human leukocyte antigens from attacking the new kidney. IVIG also doesn’t suppress the immune system, which helps to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney, while also protecting your body from viruses and infections.  

Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease

Ever since the 1800s, anemia has been noted as a major complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), causing CKD patients to become fatigued, weak, dizzy, and experience other symptoms associated with lack of adequate blood. Iron infusions can be administered by Palmetto Infusion to help improve the lower iron levels found in the blood. These infusions can be done both in-clinic or at home through Palmetto Infusion’s Home Infusion Services.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, formerly called Wegener’s Granulomatosis, is an uncommon disorder that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in your nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and kidneys. This condition is one of a group of blood vessel disorders called vasculitis, and it slows blood flow to some of your organs. To help treat this, patients can be given antibody treatments that work to decrease the swelling of blood vessels.

Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a condition that affects the blood and blood vessels. It results in the destruction of blood platelets (cells involved in clotting), a low red blood cell count (anemia), and kidney failure due to damage to the very small blood vessels of the kidneys. Other organs, such as the brain or heart, may also be affected by damage to very small blood vessels. Monoclonal antibodies complement inhibitor medication fight antigens, or harmful substances, in the body, which can help lessen the symptoms of HUS. Palmetto Infusion administers several therapies that work in this manner.

If you’re interested in having your treatments administered by Palmetto Infusion, talk to your prescribing physician about starting the referral process. If you need additional information, please reach out to [email protected] or call 800.809.1265.