Glossary

Abbreviation for Epstein Barr virus, which can cause glandular fever in healthy people, and more serious problems in those who have received kidney transplants

Abbreviation for electrocardiogram. A test that shows the electrical activity within the heart.

Abbreviation for echocardiogram. A type of ultrasound scan (sound-wave picture) that shows how well the heart is working.

Abbreviation of estimated glomerular filtration rate. Measurement of how much blood is filtered by the kidneys, estimated from the blood level of creatinine and the height of the child. This is what doctors use to describe the percentage kidney function.

A hormone made by the kidneys that stimulates cells in the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells. Synthetic versions are available (epoetin alpha, epoietin beta) and can be given by injections to people with severe CKD to treat anaemia.

Abbreviation for erythropoeitin stimulating agent, a group of drugs which act in exactly the same way as EPO but differ chemically so are given a slightly different name.  Examples include darbopoietin (Aranesp).  These drugs can be given less frequently than EPO.

Abbreviation for end-stage renal disease, also known as established renal failure (ERF).  This means kidney failure that will not recover and is severe enough to need dialysis or a transplant.

The point where a catheter comes out through the skin. Exit site infections can be a problem for both haemodialysis and PD patients.