Articles

• Welcome to St. Clair Specialty Physicians!
  06/05/2009
  Author: Robert Provenzano, MD, FACP
  St. Clair Specialty Physicians PC is a unique practice composed of highly trained specialists in kidney disease, hypertension, vascular surgery, transplantation and oncology.
• High Frutose Corn Syrup, Blood Pressure, and Kidneys
  03/03/2010
  Author: Joel Topf, MD
  
• What can I take for PAIN?
  06/01/2009
  Author: Abida Zafar, MD
  Definitely, we ask that CKD patients avoid all kinds of NSAIDs like Motrin, Advil, Alleve, Naprosyn as well as, COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex. They seem to be left behind with not many choices.
• Home Dialysis
  03/03/2010
  Author: Quresh Khairullah, MD, FASN
  Home dialysis is an option for patients who develop kidney failure and need to start on dialysis.
• Are MRIs safe for patients with kidney disease?
  02/10/2009
  Author: Joel Topf, MD
  NFD is a skin disease that causes patients to develop thick skin around their joints, especially the knees. If you are on dialysis or have any of the other risk factors you should make sure your doctor knows about NFD and you should coordinate the MRI with your nephrologist.
• Contrast Nephrology
  02/10/2009
  Author: Joel Topf, MD
  X-ray dye allows doctors to see the blood vessels and used when using x-rays to diagnose a number of medical problems. If you have healthy kidneys the IV dye is almost never harmful; however if you have weak kidneys and especially if you also have diabetes or are also over the age of 65 you are at risk of kidney damage from the contrast.
• Over-The-Counter Meds for Kidney Patients
  02/10/2009
  Author: Joel Topf, MD
  PATIENT INFORMATION UPDATE: All over-the-counter medications have the potential to be harmful. However, there are a few over-the-counters that are particularly problematic for patients with weak kidneys. This article describes some of the medications that could pose a risk.
• Nocturnal Dialysis - A Better Way to a Healthy Life
  09/09/2008
  Author: Robert Provenzano, MD, FACP
  NOCTURNAL DIALYSIS - A Better Way to a Healthy Life Most people are aware that dialysis is a lifesaving treatment for people with kidney failure. But the evolution of dialysis has not kept pace with the changing lifestyles of those who depend on this treatment.
• Medications for Kidney Transplant Patients
  07/28/2008
  Author: Mohamed El-Ghoroury, MD, FASN
  Most people are aware that dialysis is a lifesaving treatment for people with kidney failure. But the evolution of dialysis has not kept pace with the changing lifestyles of those who depend on this treatment.
• What is New in Preventing Heart Disease?
  03/10/2008
  Author: Joseph Beals, MD
  Recently published data indicates that earlier treatment, even among asymptomatic individuals, may reduce the incidence of clinical coronary heart disease.
• Let's Talk: Communicating Effectively with Your Physician
  11/20/2005
  Author: Robert Provenzano, MD, FACP
  Communication is the key to improved outcomes and patient and physician satisfaction. It takes work on all of our parts.
• The Importance of Dental Care for Transplant Recipients
  12/20/2007
  Author: Robert Provenzano, MD, FACP
  
• Dialysis Access 101
  12/13/2007
  Author: Lisa Flynn, MD, RVT, FACS
  A vascualr access is a way to reach your blood for hemodialysis. There are three types of access: AV Fistula, AV Graft, and Catheter.
• AV Graft vs. AV Fistula
  07/15/2007
  Author: Lisa Flynn, MD, RVT, FACS
  Both are types of hemodialysis access. The A stands for artery and the V for vein.
• Blood Pressure - The complete scoop for CKD patients
  02/28/2008
  Author: Susan Steigerwalt, MD, FACP
  Keeping blood pressure under control is important for your health. This article explains blood pressure in plain English and with the CKD patient in mind. We describe how to measure your BP, what is considered an 'ideal' blood pressure, and dietary recommendations for keeping a healthy BP.