Ischemic nephropathy - pathogenesis and treatment.

In this review paper we would like to summarized the current knowledge concerning the  pathogenesis and treatment of ischemic nephropathy. Epidemiological data suggest that the prevalence of ischemic nephropathy increases, especially among older individuals. The pathogenesis of this disease is more complex than just narrowing of the renal artery due to atherosclerosis. Renin-angiotension system, growth factors, different cytokines and chemokines may participate in the pathogenesis of ischemic nephropathy. Precise, clinically useful diagnostic criteria of the ischemic nephropathy have not been established, yet. Concerted medical management remains now the main therapeutic option for majority of patients with this disease and only in the selected patients revascularisation is nowadays indicated.