Scientific Sessions
Clinical nephrology focuses on the accurate diagnosis and medical treatment of kidney-related disorders. It includes a comprehensive understanding of how to assess renal function using physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and imaging. Serum creatinine levels, blood urea nitrogen, glomerular filtration rate, and urinalysis remain essential tools in diagnosis. Advanced tests such as renal biopsy and imaging techniques like Doppler ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI help to determine structural abnormalities. Emphasis is placed on identifying early signs of kidney impairment and differentiating between acute and chronic renal disorders. Continuous monitoring and interpretation of clinical parameters aid in formulating an appropriate care plan and preventing disease progression.
Topics covered:
• Renal function tests and GFR measurement
• Urine microscopy and proteinuria evaluation
• Diagnostic imaging and renal biopsy
Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition that may lead to end-stage renal disease if not properly managed. It involves a decline in kidney function over months or years, usually due to underlying conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Key components of management include blood pressure control, regulation of blood glucose, and the use of medications such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs to slow disease progression. Nutritional therapy, correction of anemia, and prevention of mineral bone disorders are vital. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up help to delay complications and avoid the need for dialysis or transplantation.
Topics covered:
• CKD staging and clinical guidelines
• Management of anemia and mineral imbalances
• Slowing disease progression with lifestyle changes
Acute kidney injury is characterized by a sudden decrease in renal function, commonly caused by hypovolemia, nephrotoxins, or sepsis. Early identification and removal of the underlying cause are essential for recovery. Clinical signs include reduced urine output, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalances. Diagnostic tools such as creatinine levels, urine output measurement, and fractional excretion of sodium help distinguish prerenal, intrinsic, and postrenal causes. Fluid management, avoidance of nephrotoxic drugs, and timely initiation of renal replacement therapy can improve outcomes. Collaboration between critical care and nephrology teams is often required.
Topics covered:
• Sepsis-induced AKI
• Nephrotoxicity and medication-induced AKI
• Dialysis indications in acute renal failure
Advancements in dialysis have improved outcomes and quality of life for patients with kidney failure. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are the main modalities, with growing interest in home-based therapies. Innovations include high-flux membranes, wearable dialysis systems, and more efficient water purification techniques. Patient-centric approaches such as personalized dialysis dosing and dietary modifications enhance treatment tolerance. Complication management—such as preventing infections, managing vascular access, and reducing dialysis-related amyloidosis—is integral. The role of telehealth and remote monitoring has also expanded, making dialysis more accessible.
Topics covered:
• Comparison of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
• Home-based dialysis and remote monitoring
• Advances in biocompatible membranes
Kidney transplantation offers improved survival and quality of life compared to long-term dialysis. Donor matching, pre-transplant evaluation, and perioperative care are essential for success. Post-transplant management focuses on preventing rejection through immunosuppressive therapy, monitoring for infections, and managing cardiovascular risk. Emerging strategies include desensitization in highly sensitized patients and non-invasive graft surveillance techniques. Long-term care includes regular kidney function testing and patient education to enhance adherence to medication regimens and lifestyle recommendations.
Topics covered:
• Deceased vs. living donor outcomes
• Immunosuppression and graft rejection
• Post-transplant infections and cancer risks
Kidney diseases in children present unique challenges, often involving congenital anomalies or inherited conditions. Common pediatric renal disorders include vesicoureteral reflux, posterior urethral valves, nephrotic syndrome, and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent long-term damage and growth impairment. Management strategies often involve nutritional support, immunosuppressive therapies, and careful fluid-electrolyte balance. In severe cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation is considered, with protocols adapted for pediatric physiology. Advancements in genetic testing and fetal ultrasonography have improved the detection of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. Collaborative care involving pediatric nephrologists, urologists, dietitians, and social workers plays a crucial role in achieving optimal outcomes.
Topics covered:
• Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT)
• Pediatric dialysis and transplantation
• Genetic testing and counseling in pediatric nephrology
Glomerular diseases represent a significant category of kidney pathology, often mediated by immune mechanisms. Conditions such as minimal change disease, membranous nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis are major contributors to nephrotic and nephritic syndromes. Diagnosis typically requires clinical assessment, serological markers, and histological confirmation via renal biopsy. Immunosuppressive therapies, including corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and biologics such as rituximab, have transformed treatment outcomes. Understanding the role of autoantibodies, complement activation, and cytokine release has opened pathways for targeted therapy. Ongoing research aims to refine classification systems based on molecular profiling rather than solely histopathology.
Topics covered:
• Nephrotic and nephritic syndrome
• Renal biopsy interpretation and classification
• Immunotherapy and targeted treatment
Hypertension is closely linked with kidney disease, both as a cause and a consequence. Renal parenchymal and renovascular hypertension result from damage to renal structures, while chronic high blood pressure accelerates glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Effective blood pressure control is central to preserving renal function. Therapeutic approaches include renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, with individualized regimens for resistant hypertension. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring has gained prominence in assessing true control and nocturnal dipping patterns. Lifestyle interventions such as salt restriction and exercise are emphasized alongside pharmacological therapy to optimize renal outcomes.
Topics covered:
• Pathophysiology of hypertension-induced kidney damage
• Resistant hypertension management
• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in CKD
Diabetic kidney disease is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease worldwide. Hyperglycemia triggers glomerular hyperfiltration, mesangial expansion, and ultimately glomerulosclerosis. Microalbuminuria is an early marker, progressing to proteinuria and declining glomerular filtration rate. Management focuses on optimal glycemic control, blood pressure regulation, and the use of agents like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, which offer renal protection. Recent guidelines recommend individualizing therapy based on cardiovascular and renal risk profiles. Nutritional management and regular screening are essential to delay progression. Emphasis is also placed on identifying high-risk individuals with metabolic syndrome features for early intervention.
Topics covered:
• Early diagnosis and biomarkers
• Role of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists
• Risk stratification and lifestyle modification
Autoimmune disorders affecting the kidneys often involve complex systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Conditions such as lupus nephritis, anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura), and ANCA-associated vasculitis result in varying degrees of glomerular and tubular injury. Diagnosis includes autoantibody profiling, complement levels, and biopsy to assess disease activity and chronicity. Treatment generally involves corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, rituximab, or mycophenolate mofetil. Disease monitoring relies on clinical response, proteinuria reduction, and renal function stabilization. Recent advances in biologic agents have improved outcomes while reducing adverse effects, and clinical trials continue to refine treatment protocols.
Topics covered:
• Systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis
• ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement
• Immunosuppressive protocols and biologic therapies
Imaging plays a central role in the evaluation and management of kidney disorders. Non-invasive techniques such as renal ultrasound are often the first step in assessing kidney size, structure, and the presence of hydronephrosis or cysts. Doppler ultrasound helps evaluate renal blood flow and can detect renovascular abnormalities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging provide high-resolution details for complex cases, including masses, obstructions, or congenital anomalies. Nuclear medicine scans like DMSA and MAG3 are particularly useful for assessing renal scarring and differential renal function. Imaging also guides percutaneous procedures such as biopsies and drainage. The use of contrast agents in imaging requires caution in patients with reduced renal function due to the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy.
Topics covered:
• Role of renal ultrasound and Doppler studies
• CT and MRI applications in nephrology
• Nuclear scans for renal perfusion and function
Genetic factors contribute significantly to the development of several kidney diseases. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is the most common inherited kidney disorder and is characterized by progressive cyst formation, leading to kidney enlargement and failure. Alport syndrome, caused by mutations in type IV collagen, leads to progressive glomerular disease with hearing loss and ocular abnormalities. Advances in molecular genetics and next-generation sequencing have enabled early diagnosis, especially in children with a family history of kidney disease. Genetic counseling and risk assessment are important components of care. Research into gene therapy and molecular-targeted treatments offers hope for the future management of hereditary renal conditions.
Topics covered:
• Polycystic kidney disease and its management
• Alport syndrome and collagen gene mutations
• Genetic counseling in inherited nephropathies
Nutritional therapy is a cornerstone in managing patients with kidney disease. Proper dietary intervention helps slow disease progression, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. Protein intake must be carefully adjusted based on the stage of kidney disease—restricted in non-dialysis patients to minimize uremic toxins, and increased during dialysis to compensate for protein losses. Sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake require regulation to avoid complications such as hypertension, hyperkalemia, and mineral bone disorders. Nutritional education and individualized plans from renal dietitians help ensure patient adherence and prevent malnutrition. Specialized supplements and enteral nutrition may be necessary in advanced cases.
Topics covered:
• Protein and electrolyte balance in CKD
• Nutritional strategies for dialysis patients
• Preventing malnutrition in renal disease
Urological abnormalities often lead to or exacerbate kidney disease. Obstructive uropathy from conditions like kidney stones, ureteral strictures, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or tumors can cause hydronephrosis and eventual renal impairment. Recurrent urinary tract infections, vesicoureteral reflux, and neurogenic bladder also pose risks to renal function. Diagnostic tools such as voiding cystourethrogram, urodynamic studies, and cystoscopy are important for comprehensive evaluation. Interventional strategies include stenting, lithotripsy, and reconstructive surgery. Timely identification and management of urological issues are essential in preserving renal function and preventing irreversible damage.
Topics covered:
• Obstructive uropathy and hydronephrosis
• Urinary tract infections and reflux nephropathy
• Urological interventions in renal preservation
Advancements in medical technology are reshaping nephrology care. Artificial kidneys and bioengineered tissues are being explored as alternatives to traditional dialysis and transplantation. Wearable dialysis devices aim to offer patients mobility and flexibility, reducing the burden of in-center treatments. Nanotechnology is improving drug delivery systems and enabling earlier disease detection through nanosensors. Digital health tools such as mobile applications, telemedicine, and wearable monitors help in remote patient management and adherence tracking. Data-driven models using artificial intelligence are now being developed to predict disease progression, personalize treatment plans, and detect complications in real time.
Topics covered:
• Wearable and artificial kidney devices
• Nanomedicine in kidney disease management
• Remote monitoring and digital health tools
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are central to the progression of kidney diseases. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species contribute to cellular injury, glomerulosclerosis, and tubular interstitial fibrosis. Persistent inflammation leads to irreversible changes in kidney structure, ultimately reducing functional nephron mass. Renal fibrosis is the final common pathway in both acute and chronic kidney conditions. Therapeutic strategies target key molecular pathways such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and the renin-angiotensin system. Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and antifibrotic drugs are under investigation to halt or reverse this progression. A better understanding of these mechanisms opens the door to personalized medicine and more effective renal protection strategies.
Topics covered:
• Molecular mechanisms of renal inflammation
• Fibrosis and its impact on kidney function
• Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory therapies
Infections can trigger glomerular inflammation and immune complex deposition, resulting in post-infectious glomerulonephritis. Streptococcal infections are classic causes, especially in children, though other pathogens such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, and Staphylococcus aureus may also contribute. Clinical presentation includes hematuria, proteinuria, edema, and hypertension. Diagnosis relies on serology, complement levels, and renal biopsy. Management is generally supportive but may require immunosuppressive therapy in severe cases. Early treatment of the underlying infection, along with monitoring for long-term renal sequelae, is crucial. Recognizing these syndromes promptly can prevent progression to chronic kidney disease.
Topics covered:
• Streptococcal and Staphylococcal-associated nephritis
• Complement system in glomerular injury
• Treatment strategies for infection-triggered nephropathy
The heart and kidneys are intricately linked, and dysfunction in one organ can lead to deterioration in the other—a phenomenon known as cardio-renal syndrome. This complex interplay involves hemodynamic changes, neurohormonal activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Five types of cardio-renal syndrome are recognized, based on the initiating organ and whether the dysfunction is acute or chronic. Management requires careful balancing of volume status, blood pressure, and use of medications like diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and beta-blockers. Collaboration between cardiologists and nephrologists ensures coordinated care, especially in heart failure patients with worsening kidney function. Personalized therapies targeting both organs simultaneously are the future of integrated cardio-renal care.
Topics covered:
• Types and classification of cardio-renal syndrome
• Fluid and drug management challenges
• Collaborative heart-kidney treatment strategies
Kidney function naturally declines with age, but elderly individuals are also more susceptible to both acute and chronic renal conditions due to comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Age-related changes in kidney structure and perfusion make diagnosis and management more complex. Polypharmacy increases the risk of nephrotoxicity and drug interactions. Treatment goals must consider life expectancy, frailty, and patient preferences. Conservative management may be more appropriate than dialysis in some cases, with a focus on symptom control and maintaining quality of life. Geriatric nephrology emphasizes holistic care, careful medication adjustment, and shared decision-making with patients and families.
Topics covered:
• Physiological renal aging and comorbidities
• Dialysis versus conservative care in older adults
• Polypharmacy and dose adjustments in the elderly
Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics are transforming nephrology by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment, and improving patient outcomes. Machine learning algorithms can analyze large datasets to detect early signs of kidney disease, predict dialysis needs, and identify patients at risk for complications like hyperkalemia or fluid overload. Clinical decision support systems guide medication adjustments and highlight potential drug interactions in complex patients. Predictive models also aid in transplant outcomes, graft survival, and hospitalization risk. Integration of AI tools into electronic health records is becoming increasingly common, empowering clinicians to make informed, data-driven decisions. Ethical considerations, data privacy, and validation remain important challenges in the widespread adoption of AI in kidney care.
Topics covered:
• AI in early detection of kidney dysfunction
• Predictive modeling for dialysis and transplant planning
• Clinical decision support tools in nephrology