Renal Function Disorders and Measurements

While most lipophilic and large molecules are primarily excreted by the hepatobiliary system, the kidney is the major excretory organ for many small organic and inorganic molecules, drugs and hydrophilic metabolites, maintenance of fluid balance, and bone metabolism. These functions expose the kidney to a number of clinical, physiological, and pathological conditions that may compromise renal function. Some renal disorders that necessitate clinical intervention are listed in Table 2. 

Renal dysfunctions can be diagnosed by different methods, depending on the severity of the condition. Examination of urine, which is produced by the kidneys, provides an important indication of renal insufficiency. The urine output, color, odor, acidity, specific gravity, and constituents are important prognostic factors of kidney status. However, in critically ill patients and in acute renal failures induced by several diseases including multiple organ failures and diabetes, urine examination may be impractical and redundant. Such patients require reliable and simple methods to diagnose the onset of renal failure. 

Abnormal baseline or rapidly Drug dosing based Chronic 

Acute cortical necrosis Drug dosing of renally cleared agents Chronic interstitial nephritis 

Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) Drug dosing of nephrotoxic agents Diabetes meUitus 

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