How Does Renal Blood Flow Change in Renal Disorders?

Various renal disorders can affect renal blood flow, leading to compromised kidney function. Some key conditions include:

1. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): In AKI, RBF can be markedly reduced due to factors like ischemia, toxins, or severe infections. This reduction impairs glomerular filtration and can cause a rapid decline in kidney function.
2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Over time, CKD leads to structural changes in the renal vasculature, reducing RBF and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The progression of CKD is often associated with fibrosis and loss of nephrons.
3. Renal Artery Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of renal arteries, which significantly diminishes RBF. It is a common cause of secondary hypertension and can lead to ischemic nephropathy.
4. Glomerulonephritis: Inflammatory conditions affecting the glomeruli can alter RBF and glomerular permeability, resulting in proteinuria, hematuria, and reduced kidney function.