Q: I have one kidney functioning at 70% and another kidney which functions 20% (right side kidney). The right side kidney is not functioning since birth, detected only 6 month before. I am a 36 years old lady having one child. Kindly let me know what is the risk to my life? Will there be any problem later in life, and what precautions should I take for the same?

A:It is important to know what the function of left kindly is in absolute terms. If left kidney is absolutely normally functioning and your blood pressure is well controlled (if high) and urine infection are also well controlled - then you should be able to carry on well in your life. The best tests to detect these status of left kidney is DTPA GFR, blood urea, serum creatinine, spot urine albumin and creatinine values or 24 hrs urinary protein. You may also require to do a DMSA scan of kidneys as well.