At Carolina Nephrology, PA, we are dedicated to providing patients with state-of-the-art care for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Our specialized Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic offers a comprehensive and compassionate approach, ensuring patients receive the education, treatment, and support they need at every stage of their kidney health journey.

Our Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic

Our CKD clinic is designed to empower patients with the tools and resources to manage their kidney health effectively. Services include:

  • Patient education on kidney disease, nutrition, and dialysis treatment options
  • Anemia management using IV iron and Retacrit
  • Emotional support and guidance for patients and families
  • Kidney transplant referral when appropriate
  • Collaboration with primary care physicians, vascular surgeons, and peritoneal dialysis surgeons to ensure complete, coordinated care
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment

The clinic is led by Karen Robertson, Doctor Nurse Practitioner, who brings more than 20 years of specialized experience in CKD and dialysis management.

About Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease is a progressive condition in which the kidneys are unable to properly filter toxins, fluids, and waste from the blood. CKD is classified into five stages, and Carolina Nephrology, PA, provides expert care and monitoring for patients at all stages.

The kidneys are vital organs located behind the stomach that not only filter waste but also produce hormones that keep bones strong and blood healthy.

Causes of CKD

There are over 100 different conditions that can lead to CKD. The most common risk factors include:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
  • Family history of kidney disease
  • Other systemic diseases or infections

Certain populations, including African Americans, American Indians, Hispanic/Latinos, Pacific Islander Americans, older adults, and individuals who are overweight, are at a higher risk of developing CKD. According to the National Kidney Foundation, African Americans are four times more likely to develop End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), a condition requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Because CKD can develop silently, at-risk groups should have regular urine tests to detect early signs of kidney damage.

Symptoms of CKD

In its early stages, CKD often presents no symptoms. Many patients are unaware they have kidney disease until it progresses. Some warning signs may include:

  • Changes in urination frequency
  • Blood in the urine
  • Swelling of hands, feet, or puffiness around the eyes
  • High blood pressure
  • Fatigue or weakness

Treatment Approaches

CKD treatment at Carolina Nephrology, PA includes:

  • Lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, weight management, and exercise
  • Medications to control blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia
  • Dialysis when kidneys can no longer maintain adequate function
  • Kidney transplant evaluation and referral when appropriate
  • Fatigue or weakness

Diagnosis and Dialysis Options

At Carolina Nephrology, PA, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and a range of dialysis treatment options. One of the most common treatments is In-Center Hemodialysis, performed three times weekly for about four hours per session.

We partner with leading providers such as DaVita, U.S. Renal Care, and Fresenius, offering patients convenient locations and flexible schedules. Our nephrologists serve as medical directors at each dialysis unit, ensuring that care is guided by the latest research and best practices.

Our dialysis centers are located throughout Upstate South Carolina, including Anderson (two locations), Boiling Springs (two locations), Clinton/Laurens, Easley (two locations), Fountain Inn, Gaffney (two locations), Greenville (four locations), Greer (two locations), Greenwood (two locations), Coronaca, Lyman, Pendleton, Piedmont, Simpsonville, Spartanburg (two locations), and Travelers Rest.

We work closely with dialysis staff to provide coordinated and timely care. Our physicians personally visit patients weekly in the dialysis unit and are available 24/7 by phone to address urgent needs.

For more information about in-center dialysis care, call our main office at (864) 271-1844.

When Kidneys Fail Completely

If CKD progresses to complete kidney failure, the body can no longer eliminate toxins and excess fluids. This can cause swelling, extreme fatigue, and serious complications. At this stage, patients require dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.

At Carolina Nephrology, PA, we are here to guide patients and families through every step of CKD management, from early detection to advanced treatment, ensuring the highest level of care and support.