Nephrology

Specialized medical services

ISAKA Yoshitaka Director of Nephrology
ISAKA Yoshitaka
Director of Nephrology

We provide evidence-based medical care for all kidney-related conditions. This includes evaluating abnormalities in urine such as hematuria and proteinuria found in a regular health check test. We also manage chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and diabetic kidney disease; hereditary kidney diseases such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and Fabry disease; acute kidney injury, edema and imbalances of fluid, minerals and electrolytes involving sodium, potassium, and calcium. Renal biopsy (approximately 60 cases per year) is performed for histopathological diagnosis of nephritis and nephrotic syndrome, and disease-specific treatments are provided. For CKD patients with declining renal function, a kidney disease care guidance program is available in both inpatient and outpatient settings, to prevent progression to end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis. This involves multidisciplinary collaboration among physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and other professionals to focus on adjusting appropriate nutrition, fluid, and mineral balance to preserve residual kidney function. When renal function declines and dialysis is expected to be necessary in the near future, our Renal Replacement Therapy Counseling Clinic is available, in which we provide comprehensive information and support the introduction of all types of renal replacement therapy, including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplantation in cooperation with urology, considering patient’s physical, mental and social conditions. We also perform surgery to create arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis therapy. After the introduction of renal replacement therapy, patients will be treated intermittently with the management of complications.

Specialty Clinics
  • Initial Consultation Clinic: Monday-Friday (Morning Hours)
  • Nephrology Clinic: Monday-Friday (By Appointment Only)
  • Peritoneal Dialysis Clinic: Monday Afternoon and Tuesday-Friday (Morning and Afternoon Hours) (By Appointment Only)
  • Kidney Transplant Clinic: Thursday and Friday (Afternoon Hours, By Appointment Only)

Features

We accurately access disease activity for kidney diseases that require histopathological diagnosis such as chronic nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Based on the underlying disease mechanism, we offer treatment strategies including tonsillectomy (sometimes performed at the ENT department of another hospital) combined with steroid therapy for IgA nephropathy, and aggressive therapies such as steroid pulse, high-dose immunosuppressive agents and plasma exchange in serious cases. We also provide specific therapies for officially-designated intractable diseases, including tolvaptan for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, rituximab for frequently-relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome, iptacopan for C3 glomerulopathy and enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease. For CKD with reduced renal function, we are engaged in multidisciplinary team care such as pre-dialysis education to delay or prevent the progression to end-stage kidney disease. We also treat and manage renal anemia, mineral and bone disorders, and closely examine cardiovascular disease risks. After initiating renal replacement therapy, we continue to provide outpatient care and inpatient treatment of complications for peritoneal dialysis. In cooperation with urology, we also provide pre- and post-kidney transplant care, outpatient services, and treatment for complications. The blood purification department of the hospital provides a wide range of extracorporeal therapies, including hemodialysis, plasma exchange and immunoabsorption.

Consultation Guides for Patients to Nephrology Department

We offer an initial outpatient clinic every morning on weekdays. Please schedule an appointment through the Health and Welfare Network Department at your primary medical institution. Obvious proteinuria or hematuria in urine tests, as well as abnormalities in blood tests for kidney function (elevated serum creatinine, decreased eGFR, etc.), may indicate underlying kidney diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment are critically important for kidney disease. Furthermore, the presence of CKD is also known to increase not only the risk of end-stage renal failure but also the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we would appreciate your prompt referral to ensure timely evaluations and optimal management for your patients.

Information for Outpatients

Consultation times

First visit 8:30 am to 11:00 am
Follow-up visit 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Follow-up visit
with appointment
8:30 am to 3:00 pm

※First-time visitors to The University of Osaka Hospital must have a referral from a physician.

Outpatient consultation days

Monday to Friday

Non-consultation days

Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays New Year’s Holidays: Dec. 29 to Jan. 3

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