Clinical assessment of renal disease

The clinical assessment of patients with renal disease is an important skill for all clinicians as these patients can present to any hospital department, or in the community. This article provides the reader with a simple and logical approach to patients presenting with renal disease, by dividing them into three categories: acute renal failure (ARF), sub-acute or intrinsic renal disease, such as glomerulonephritis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We outline the critical points in the history and examination of each of these groups, and the key investigations that are required for further assessment, as well as outlining some of the more detailed investigations that are used. The appropriate time to seek expert nephrological advice on further management and investigation is also suggested.