Kidney and Spleen Interaction???

[BabbetteFrank]

I am wondering if anyone can shed light or share an insight. I was diagnosed with CKD Stage 3 about two years ago. It was a shock because I had no risk factors or family history. I wasn't diabetic, weight typical for height, and had been plant-based for decades. I am currently 60 years old.

My GFR values ranged from 42 to 58. This past February my nephrologist ordered an ultrasound of my kidneys. While there was a cyst on the left and a small stone on the right, the primary finding was a large tumor (grapefruit-sized) in my spleen. The spleen was taken out whole as they didn't know what it was prior to pathology. It was benign(!) but the recovery was miserable. They cut from my sternum to about one inch lower than the navel.

When my labs were taken at about four months post surgery, they had 'magically' improved significantly. GFR is now ranging from 62 to 66. My nephrologist is astounded. As a comical aside, my brother-in-law is a veterinarian and said that this happens all the time in dogs! I love the cross-species comparison and am thrilled with the outcome, but has anyone ever heard about a similar situation?

[rabbit01]

I have not heard about that before but I think it underlines how complex the interactions are between the organs of the body and how little we know about how it all works.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Babbette,

It makes a lot of sense. The spleen filters the blood similar to the kidney. When it cannot do its job, it would seem to make sense that the kidneys would be over worked. The body is a miracle in itself. But if one things gets messed up, the back ups are there. And then the body adjusts. I am not a doctor and this is only my opinion.

healthline.com/health/what-...

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

I've not heard of a direct issue as yours. I will state however that the protocol for many transplant centers years ago was to pre-emptively remove the spleen prior to kidney transplantation. Spleen is one of those organs you can live without but not necessarily recommended. It does play a large factor in the immune system. That's about all I know. Glad, very glad you are improving. Blessings

[BabbetteFrank in reply to KidneyCoach]

How interesting that the spleen used to be removed preemptively. There are down-sides to not having a spleen, so I don’t recommend it at all.

Many thanks to everyone for their thoughts on the matter.