This report of a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Consensus Conference suggests and justifies preferred English terms describing kidney function and disease.

🏥 KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) is a global organization that develops and implements evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in kidney disease. Or should we say “renal disease”? Is there a difference?

💡 According to the KDIGO Nomenclature for Kidney Function and Disease that was published in 2020, it is recommended to use the word “kidney“ rather than “renal” or “nephro-” when referring to kidney disease and kidney function. The word “kidney” represents the patient-centric approach (it is more familiar to patients) and is thought to be more efficient in raising awareness, attracting funding, and influencing public policies. 

💡 Another notable change suggested by the Nomenclature is replacing the rather imprecise term “end-stage kidney disease” with the term “kidney failure” supplemented by applicable specific descriptors. The adjective “end-stage” can be demoralizing and stigmatizing for patients, and healthcare professionals have used it without proper precision.

Click "Open resource" on the right to read the full text.