Integrative Nephrology and Special Interests
Integrative Nephrology
Dr. Muir specialises in managing a wide range of kidney-related conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associated complications. With expertise across a variety nephrology subspecialties, he focuses on early detection, personalised treatment plans and preventative strategies, addressing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, recurrent kidney stones, and electrolyte imbalances.
He takes a patient-centred, holistic approach that goes beyond blood tests and prescriptions. Dr. Muir works closely with his patients, focusing on their overall well-being while preserving kidney function. He empowers patients with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage their condition, ultimately improving their quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition that often develops silently, affecting one in 11 Australians. It’s crucial to detect CKD early, as symptoms may not appear until significant kidney function is lost. A simple Kidney Health Check, including blood pressure measurement, blood tests, and urine analysis, can screen for CKD.
If detected, Dr. Muir will work with you to identify the cause and develop a personalised management plan. Early intervention is key to slowing disease progression and reducing complications. Even mild CKD increases the risk of heart disease, so regular monitoring and proactive management are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Hypertension
Dr. Muir specialises in managing hypertension, from common cases to complex hypertensive disorders. As an expert nephrologist, he understands the intricate relationship between blood pressure and kidney health. Whether you have newly diagnosed hypertension, resistant hypertension, or secondary hypertension due to underlying conditions, Dr. Muir offers comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs.
He always works to identify the root cause of your hypertension and develops a personalised treatment plan. This may include lifestyle modifications, medication management, and addressing any related kidney issues. For complex cases, he may use specialised treatments or coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and often debilitating condition, defined as multiple episodes of UTIs over a short period. They can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to complications such as kidney infections or chronic kidney disease if left untreated.
Dr Muir specialises in identifying and treating the underlying causes of recurrent UTIs, particularly when they are linked to kidney health. Through detailed assessments, including urine analysis, imaging, and evaluation of kidney function, he can develop tailored management plans. These may include lifestyle modifications, medical therapies, and collaboration with urologists for surgical issues if needed.
Proteinuria ‘Protein in the urine’
Dr. Muir specialises in diagnosing and managing proteinuria, a condition where excess protein is present in the urine. This can be a sign of kidney damage or other underlying health issues. Using advanced diagnostic tools, Dr. Muir determines the cause and severity of your proteinuria. Treatment approaches are tailored to each patient’s specific needs and may include medication, dietary changes, or addressing underlying conditions.
Glomerulonephritis
Dr. Muir specialises in diagnosing and treating glomerulonephritis, a group of kidney disorders that affect the glomeruli—the tiny filtering units in your kidneys. These conditions can range from mild to severe and may be acute or chronic. With his expertise in nephrology, Dr. Muir manages various forms of glomerulonephritis, including those associated with autoimmune diseases, infections, and genetic factors.
Using advanced diagnostic techniques such as kidney biopsies and specialised blood tests, Dr. Muir works to identify the specific type and cause of your glomerulonephritis. He then develops a personalised treatment plan, which may include medications to control inflammation, manage underlying conditions, or suppress the immune system when necessary.
Lipid Disorders
As a member of the National Lipid Association, Dr. Muir stays at the forefront of lipid management. Dr. Muir has a special interest in managing lipid disorders, which involve abnormal levels of fats (lipids) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides.
These conditions can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and are often associated with kidney health issues. Using advanced lipid panels and personalised risk assessments, Dr. Muir develops targeted treatment plans for each patient. These include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and when necessary, medication therapy.
Recurrent Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a common and often painful condition affecting millions worldwide. Over a lifetime, 1 in 8 men (peaking at ages 40–60 years) and 1 in 16 women (peaking at ages 20–50 years) will experience a kidney stone. Nearly 50% of these individuals will develop recurrent stones over a 10-year period.
Dr. Muir specialises in diagnosing the cause and preventing the recurrence of kidney stones, working closely with urologists to provide comprehensive care. Using advanced metabolic evaluations, he identifies the type and cause of kidney stones in each patient. Treatment approaches are tailored to individual needs, ranging from dietary modifications and increased fluid intake to medication therapy. For larger stones requiring surgical intervention, Dr. Muir coordinates with urologists who perform procedures such as ureteroscopy, shock wave lithotripsy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Dialysis, Transplantation and Conservative Care
End-stage kidney disease is a difficult and anxious time for many. Dr Muir will guide patients through their treatment options, including dialysis, kidney transplantation and supportive/conservative care pathways. With a focus on proactive care, he emphasises the importance of early preparation and education.
Dr Muir is a strong advocate for pre-emptive kidney transplantation, which involves receiving a kidney transplant before needing to start dialysis. This approach leads to better long-term outcomes and improved quality of life. He collaborates with transplant centres to evaluate patients for transplant eligibility, identify potential living donors, and manage the pre-transplant workup process.
Throughout the journey, Dr Muir provides ongoing support, monitoring, and adjustments to ensure optimal preparation for whichever pathway his patients choose. His goal is to empower patients with knowledge, support their decision-making, and achieve the best possible outcomes in managing their ESKD journey.
