Nephrology is the area of medicine dealing with diseases of the kidneys.

The kidneys are complex organs with many critically important functions, including: removal of waste products from the body; control of blood pressure; and maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance.

There are many reasons why problems may develop with the kidneys. Kidney problems may be shorter-term (acute kidney injury) or longer-term (chronic kidney disease). Chronic kidney disease may result in gradual, irreversible loss of kidney function over months or years. Common causes include diabetes and hypertension.

Rare kidney diseases are a group of conditions with a collectively significant impact. Although rare kidney diseases account for 5-10% of people with chronic kidney disease, they constitute over a quarter of those on dialysis or with a kidney transplant, globally. Focusing on rare conditions could significantly reduce the burden of kidney disease on both patients and health services.¹