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Dr. Jessica M. Rodriguez, MD is a pediatric nephrologist in Tampa, FL specializing in pediatric nephrology. She graduated from University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine in 2010 and has 15 years of experience. Dr. Jessica M. Rodriguez, MD is affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Tampa General Hospital and UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION INC.
1 Tampa General Circle Usf Division of Pediatrics
Tampa, FL 33606
13101 Bruce B Dwn Boulevard #105
Tampa, FL 33612
601 5th Street South Suite Occ
Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
Acute Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is when 80% to 90% of kidney function is lost. Kidney failure is also referred to as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidneys are critical to human health, essentially acting as the body's built-in filtration system. When the kidneys can no longer function effectively, waste can accumulate in the blood and concentrations of nutrients can become unbalanced, impairing the body from performing critical functions. For example, if the kidneys do not regulate levels of potassium, the heart may develop arrhythmias (irregular rhythm) or even go into cardiac arrest.
Kidney failure may be caused by a number of health conditions that slowly damage and weaken the kidneys, such as:
High blood pressure and diabetes are the most frequently observed causes of kidney failure. However, these conditions typically take years to develop into kidney failure and might escape notice during that time.
Symptoms of kidney failure include:
No cure currently exists for kidney failure; however, medical treatment can permit people to live healthy and long lives. A nephrologist (kidney doctor) determines the most effective treatments for patients with kidney failure.
Dialysis is a well-known treatment for kidney failure that uses a machine to filter and clean waste from the blood. Patients attend regular dialysis sessions to replace their lost kidney function. Some patients with kidney failure are unable to survive without having dialysis every few days.
More advanced kidney failure may be treated by kidney transplant surgery. Deceased donor kidney transplant surgery provides kidney failure patients with a healthy kidney from a recently deceased person. Living donor kidney transplant surgery provides a kidney from a donor who is still alive. As most people have two kidneys, kidney failure patients' relatives or friends may offer to donate one of their kidneys. Kidney transplants can dramatically improve kidney function and lower or eliminate the need for dialysis.
People with kidney failure are advised to eat a nutritious diet, monitor and lower blood pressure, and to best manage diabetes. Exercise and a tobacco-free lifestyle may also help patients with kidney failure.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys, made up of minerals that are normally present in urine. They can vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a nickel, occasionally even larger. Sometimes they lodge in the kidney, and sometimes they break free and make their way out through the urinary tract, which can be extremely painful.
Kidney stones can be smooth or jagged and are yellow to brown in color. They are mostly comprised of the minerals calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus. Examining the stones to see what they are made of can show what caused the stone to be formed in the first place. For example, a stone made of mostly calcium, which is the most common type, can happen any time the urine becomes too concentrated due to dehydration or a blockage in the kidney. A uric acid stone forms when acid levels in the urine get too high, usually due to excessive consumption of animal protein such as meat and fish. A struvite stone is a sign of certain infections, and a cystine stone can be due to a genetic disorder that raises the risk of kidney stones.
The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain, either in the back or lower abdomen, or severe pain when urinating. There may also be blood in the urine. Treatment for kidney stones depends on how large the stone is. Very small stones can pass out of the body on their own, and they do not require treatment other than drinking adequate water and taking pain killers. Larger stones need to be broken apart and removed. The main treatment options are:
People who have had one kidney stone are at risk of developing another. To reduce this risk, patients are given instructions specific to the type of stone they developed. Generally the instructions will include drinking more water to dilute the urine, but it may also involve lowering sodium intake or eating less meat.
Dr. Jessica M. Rodriguez, MD graduated from University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine in 2010. She completed residency at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. She is certified by the Board Certification: Pediatric Nephrology Pediatrics and has a state license in Florida.
Medical School: University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine (2010)
Residency: Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Board Certification: Board Certification: Pediatric Nephrology Pediatrics
Licensed In: Florida
Dr. Jessica M. Rodriguez, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Jessica Rodriguez's area of specialization is pediatric nephrology. Her areas of expertise include the following: kidney stones, hypertension (high blood pressure), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dr. Rodriguez's professional affiliations include Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and Tampa General Hospital. She obtained her medical school training at the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and performed her residency at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
