Having Single Kidney, Hypertension. Taking Nicardia, Nebicard And Aquazide. Risk Factors?
I am getting married to a person who has a solitary kidney (assumed to be by birth) and has developed high BP. He found out that he has one kidney at the age of 24(In year 2004) and is on minimal dosage to keep his BP in control (Prescribed medicines -Nicardia, Nebicard & Aquazide) for past 7 years. He is healthy and an athelete and faces no issues in his daily life. His BP is also in check as he maintains a healthy lifestyle. My parents are concerned about this health issue. Can you please guide me if his condition will affect the quality and longevity of his life in any way.
Thanks
Thanks for posting your query.
One in 200 -500 persons are born with a single kidney. Most have a normal life with no consequence on their lifespan.
A few are prone to repeated Urinary Infection and may develop problems. However these kidneys sometimes are ectopic i.e. not in their normal position in the abdomen.
I have gone through the scan report, blood report and medications.
He has a normally functioning left kidney with compensatory increase in GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate). His blood reports are within normal limits except mild Eosinophilia which is not related to his kidney. His urine does not show any protein and serum creatinine is normal, there should be nothing to be exceptionally concerned about. However as he has only one kidney, he does not have any reserve kidney function, hence needs to be careful.
Measures to be taken:
Make sure BP is kept under control, preferably around 130/80.
Avoid any painkillers.
Avoid any self medication.
Keep weight under check (BMI<23).
Veg proteins in normal amounts are fine, limit non veg proteins to about once a week.
Salt restricted to 1/2 tsp/day.
Check serum creatinine and Urine albumin/creatinine ratio annually.
Normal day to day activities including physical work can be done without any worry.
Hope, I have answered your query.
I will be available for follow up queries if any.
Regards.
Dr Avinash Ignatius
Thanks for answering my query. I have a couple of follow up questions. What could be the cause of high BP in his case and also is it related to age? I mean, even after taking precautions, is BP going to increase with age? Also, my parents think, I will have to run around the hospitals throughout my life and he will need dialysis at an early age. Is it true? I am assuming he is at the same risk of developing any kidney disease as anyone else with 2 kidneys. Is that correct?
I would appreciate if you could answer these questions for me.
Thanks
Thanks for the follow up.
It is not uncommon nowadays to see even people below the age of 30 developing high BP.
Considering his reports it is unlikely that his high BP is due to his single kidney. Also the tests show a GFR of 91 and no protein in the urine which also suggests that his blood pressure has not affected his kidneys.
If he is regular in his medications and keeps his BP under check and follows the suggestions and precautions as in my previous reply, he would not have any additional risk of kidney disease or need of dialysis just because of a single kidney.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Thanks Again!!
Thank you very much for your appreciation.
I'm really sorry to say that, It is not possible to contact me directly. Any exchange of information has to be through the XXXXXXX forum. You can always write to me through this same channel and I will be delighted to help you out in my capacity. I apologize again.
Wishing you a good life.
Take care.