The production of concentrated urine requires an intact collecting duct and a medullary concentration gradient. However, sickling can impair or block these areas, leading to an inability to produce and pass concentrated urine. Although this can be overcome early in life with a series of blood transfusions to the renal system, it can result in more serious chronic issues and disability in others.

Sickle Cell Disease and Urinary Concentration in the Kidney

Hematuria or Gross Hematuria (non-visible or visible blood in the urine) can occur in those with sickle cell disease due to sickling in the medulla. Statistically this occurs in the left kidney four times as often as the right. Hemorrhaging can occur and this may be life threatening. 

Sickle Cell Disease, the Kidney, and Hematuria

Sickle Cell Anemia can cause many problems in the renal system/ in the kidneys due to the slow blood flow and filtration of the system. 

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While Chronic Kidney Disease is one of the most notable and common of any conditions associated with the kidneys resulting in disability, various miscellaneous diseases and conditions also exist, causing chronic pain, disability, and possibly death.

Miscellaneous Diseases and Injuries of the Kidneys

National Kidney Foundation. (2014). National kidney foundation's primer on kidney diseases. (S. J. Gilbert, D. E. Weiner, D. S. Gipson, M. A. Perazella, & M. Tonelli, Eds.) (6th ed., Ser. Expertconsult). Elsevier/Saunders.

National Kidney Foundation's Primer on Kidney Diseases

Sickle Cell Disease and the Kidney

Various polycystic/ cystic kidney conditions can occur and are painful, chronic conditions that are inherited. The cysts in such diseases are formed due to irregular function of the cilium in epithelial cells.

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