Nephrology

Dr. Issa Kawalit

Visiting Consultant, Nephrology

Arabic & English

Royal Bahrain Hospital, Salmaniya

RBH Medical Center, Janabiya

About

Dr. Issa Kawalit was awarded the 2011 Young Nephrologists Research Award. He is a Consultant Nephrologist with American Board certification in Nephrology from the University of Texas. Dr. Kawalit brings extensive expertise in the diagnosis and management of kidney diseases, including acute and chronic kidney conditions, hypertension-related kidney disorders, and diabetic kidney disease. He has served as Chief Medical Officer of the Arab Renal Care Group and as Past President of the International Renal Care Association. His practice includes kidney transplant follow-up, kidney biopsy, and preventive nephrology, with a strong focus on improving long-term renal health and patient outcomes.

Education & Training

American Board of Nephrology/University of Texas
Chief Medical Officer/Arab Renal Care Group
Past President of the International Renal Care Association

Clinical Expertise & Procedures Offered

Acute and chronic kidney diseases
Prevention of kidney diseases for patients with hypertension and diabetes
Kidney transplant follow-up
Kidney biopsy
Treatment of high blood pressure

About

Education & Training

Clinical Expertise & Procedures Offered

Conditions treated

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Electrolyte imbalance

Electrolyte imbalance occurs when the levels of essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus or magnesium in the body become too high or too low. These electrolytes are vital for nerve function, muscle movement, heartbeat regulation, and fluid balance. Imbalances can result from dehydration, kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Early diagnosis and proper management help restore balance and prevent complications.

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Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a medical treatment used to remove waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to function properly. It is commonly required in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. During hemodialysis, blood is filtered through a machine and then returned to the body. The procedure helps maintain fluid balance, control blood pressure, and improve overall well-being, allowing patients to continue daily activities with proper care.

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Pregnancy-related renal diseases

Pregnancy-related renal diseases are kidney conditions that develop during pregnancy or are worsened by pregnancy. These include preeclampsia, acute kidney injury, urinary tract infections, and worsening of pre-existing kidney disease. Hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and blood pressure fluctuations can place extra stress on the kidneys. Early detection through regular antenatal checkups is essential. Prompt treatment helps protect both maternal and fetal health and reduces the risk of long-term kidney complications after delivery.

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Tubulopathies

Tubulopathies are a group of kidney disorders that affect the renal tubules, which are responsible for reabsorbing water, electrolytes, and nutrients from the urine. When these tubules do not function properly, it leads to imbalances in fluids, electrolytes, and acid–base levels in the body. Tubulopathies may be inherited or acquired and can occur in both children and adults. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are important to prevent complications and protect long-term kidney function.

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Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of multiple fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. These cysts enlarge over time, causing the kidneys to increase in size and gradually lose function. PKD can affect both adults and children and may also involve other organs such as the liver. Early stages may have few symptoms, but the condition can progress to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. Regular monitoring and early management help slow disease progression.

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Renal colic

Renal colic is a severe type of pain caused by the sudden blockage of urine flow, most commonly due to kidney stones moving within the urinary tract. The pain usually starts in the lower back or side and may radiate to the abdomen or groin. Renal colic often occurs suddenly and can be extremely intense. Prompt medical attention is important to relieve pain, manage the obstruction, and prevent complications such as infection or kidney damage.

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Hypertensive Kidney Disease

Hypertensive Kidney Disease is a condition in which long-standing high blood pressure causes gradual damage to the kidneys. Persistent elevated blood pressure damages blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste and excess fluids effectively. The condition often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only in advanced stages. If left untreated, it can progress to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. Early diagnosis, strict blood pressure control, and regular monitoring are essential to slow disease progression.

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Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic Nephropathy is a kidney condition caused by long-term damage from uncontrolled diabetes. High blood sugar levels gradually damage the kidney’s filtering units, leading to protein leakage into the urine and reduced kidney function. The condition develops slowly and may not show symptoms in the early stages. Without proper management, it can progress to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. Strict blood sugar control, regular kidney monitoring, and early treatment play a key role in slowing disease progression.

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Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is a kidney condition that causes inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units inside the kidneys. This inflammation affects the kidneys’ ability to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood. It may develop suddenly or gradually and can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain systemic conditions. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to prevent kidney damage. If left untreated, glomerulonephritis can lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

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Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a sudden loss of kidney function that occurs over hours or days. It leads to the buildup of waste products, fluids, and electrolyte imbalance in the body. AKI can develop due to severe infections, dehydration, reduced blood flow to the kidneys, or exposure to certain medications or toxins. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial, as AKI is often reversible. If not managed properly, it can lead to serious complications or progress to chronic kidney disease.

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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. It usually develops slowly over months or years and is commonly caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, or prolonged kidney damage. In the early stages, CKD may show few symptoms, making regular screening important. Proper management can slow disease progression, reduce complications, and help maintain quality of life.

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