Dr. George M. Nassar, MD, FACP, FASN
Internist
6560 Fannin St Scurlock Tower Ste 1824 Houston TX, 77030Rating
4/5
About
Dr. George Nassar is a nephrologist practicing in Houston, TX who specializes in the care and treatment of all aspects of kidney disease. Dr. Nassar has achieved the position of Professor of Clinical Medicine due to his broad expertise in kidney disease management, educational skills, teaching, and research activities. Dr. Nassar treats conditions like chronic kidney disease, acute kidney failure, Polycystic kidney disease, high blood pressure, kidney stones, electrolyte abnormalities, and more. Specifically, Dr. Nassar has extensive experience in management of diabetic kidney disease, kidney disease in the context of heart disease, and fluid overload states. Dr. Nassar has expertise in kidney transplantation, and all types of dialysis modalities. Additionally, Dr. Nassar is Nationally known for his expertise in dialysis vascular access management. Dr. Nassar is well published in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Nassar is well liked by his patients who find him personable, attentive, caring, effective, and professional.
Dr. George M. Nassar, MD, FACP, FASN's Videos
Education and Training
American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine in Lebanon Medical Degree 1988
Emory University Internal Medicine Residency 1992
Emory University, Atlanta Nephrology Fellowship 1995
Board Certification
American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)
Internal MedicineAmerican Board of Internal MedicineABIM- Nephrology
Provider Details
Dr. George M. Nassar, MD, FACP, FASN's Expert Contributions
What causes high kidney function levels?
You need evaluation by a kidney specialist. Yes, it is serious, and seriousness depends on the level of rise of creatinine, the drop in GFR and whether or not there is protein in the urine. My advice is see your doctor, and if there is a reduction in kidney function, you and your PCP need to decide if you need to see a kidney specialist. READ MORE
What is the treatment for a blocked kidney?
Blocked kidney is an emergency. It needs immediate resolution through the help of urologist or Radiologist. You need to seek immediate help from a urologist who will advise on next step (either urologic procedure, or nephrostomy which means the radiologist will put a tube from your side to the kidney to drain urine to the side in a bag until the urologist figures out how to fix the problem and what is causing it). READ MORE
Too weak for treatment?
You really need to coordinate your care with your family/PCP/Geriatric physician and with the urologist. If the stones are asymptomatic and not blocking the kidney drainage, not associated with infection or bleeding, then you may "just let go," and treat only if any serious problems arise such as blockage, pain, infection, or bleeding. Your doctors and you are the best to make a judgment. READ MORE
Should I wear diapers to bed?
Wearing a diaper in your case seems reasonable and depends on how frequent the bed wetting occurs. But you also need to see a urologist to check your bladder function, and may need to see a neurologist as well. Of note, you are saying that this started at age 16. This is odd because usually, this is a childhood problem that resolves in adolescence in most individuals. Yours started at 16!!! This is unusual. The questions of course is if you have a systemic disease, a neuromuscular disease, or neurologic disease, or something else going on affecting your bladder. Are you taking any medications that affect the bladder. Have you had trauma to your spine? All these questions come up. But for now, try not to drink fluids in the evening hours before you go to bed, you may set an alarm to wake you up to urinate at some point during the night, and ensure you are not ingesting any bladder irritants, but you have to seek medical attention. READ MORE
How long does it take a kidney to heal after a kidney stone?
If the stone is gone, usually recovery is usually fast. However, if the stone had blocked the drainage of the kidney for a long time (several weeks), it may have deformed the kidney such that recovery of that kidney may not be complete after the stone is removed. READ MORE
What happens when creatinine is low in the kidney?
There is no disease that causes low creatinine level. If Cr is below normal, that is not a problem. If Cr is lower than the range, however, even though it dose not indicate kidney disease, it could indicate that you are have a low muscle mass, or low intake of protein, or you have been sick for a long time with some other disease. Or simply you are normal with excellent efficient kidney function. READ MORE
How long does it take to recover from a kidney biopsy?
Recovery from kidney biopsy is usually 24 hrs. But one has stay cautious for about 1 week with no strenuous physical activity. However, if one is on blood thinners, these have to be stopped for about 5-7 prior to the biopsy depending on the blood thinner. Also, if someone has tendency to bleed, cautionary measures need to be discussed with the health care team prior to doing the kidney biopsy. READ MORE
How long does it take to recover from kidney surgery?
It depends on what type of surgery, the extent of surgery and if it is laparoscopic. or not. But recovery from a laparoscopic kidney surgery is usually about 48-72 hrs. However, I would say, take 1 week off from work after the surgery. READ MORE
Does dark urine mean kidney infection?
Urine infection can alter the color of urine. But dark urine does not necessarily mean infection. It could be dehydration, could be muscle injury, blood in urine, liver injury, or related to some pigment ingestion in food. You could submit your urine for urine analysis to see if there are any clues. READ MORE
I had wbc 30-35hpf in urinalysis?
30-35 WBCs in 26 year old woman is suggestive or urine infection. To get confirmation, best to do a urine culture to get confirmation and see what antibiotics to use. When you do the urine culture, clean well, and use mid stream urine. Drink more liquids (if you have no heart or liver disease) to flush the urine bladder and decrease chances of urine infection. READ MORE
How accurate is a kidney biopsy?
Kidney biopsy is very accurate. However, if the disease has been going on for a long, long time, years, the damage in the kidney becomes difficult to sort out its early and primary cause. So, if you want to do a kidney biopsy, do it as early in the course of the disease as possible. READ MORE
What is the best antibiotic for kidney infections in children?
Kidney infections in children require more investigation by a urologist to make sure there is no reflux or any anatomic underlying problem. Also antibiotic choice and duration of treatment should be based on the sensitivity of the bacteria and the underlying urinary problems if any. Also, a recurrent urine infection in children is very concerning. READ MORE
I'm having trouble peeing?
You seem to have bladder problems. You need to check with a urologist because you need investigation. If bleeding is coming with the urine, you need Cystoscopy of your urinary bladder by the urologist. It might also be best to see the GYN as well. READ MORE
Do I have a UTI?
Yes, you have symptoms suggestive of UTI. Do a urine analysis and a urine culture. READ MORE
Is PVR result abnormal?
Yes the PVR is higher than normal at 80 ml. Why did you have PVR 3 years prior? You are young but do you have a urinary problem. Of course the GU doc known you best, better than me, and would be best to check with him. 80 ml is not excessive though. However, do you have urologic disease: Bladder neck obstruction, early prostate problems, kidney stones, Urine infection? these are the things that we look for. Also, do you have any underlying neurologic disorder or are you taking any medications that affect bladder function and emptying. check with GU please. READ MORE
What is the best painkiller for kidney stone pain?
Usually painkillers for kidney stones are given by Emergency Rooms since these pains are severe. It usually requires narcotics of the opioid variety, but only during the pain attack. Constant intake of any painkiller is very bad, addictive, destructive, and should be discouraged. READ MORE
Stomach pressure?
Your symptoms need investigation; best by a urologist, but you might need CT scan of your kidneys and urinary tract by CT Renal stone protocol, and if negative, you might need cystoscopy. Could you have a stone? bladder obstruction, UTI. So some investigation is needed. If that shows nothing, you might have a GI problem that needs investigation. READ MORE
Can alcohol cause kidney damage?
Usually alcohol causes liver disease. Even if alcohol does not directly cause kidney problems, it could indirectly affect the kidney if you develop severe alcoholic liver disease, or severe muscle injury from alcohol. Alcohol can cause a whole host of diseases such as: Dementia, personality problems, Heart Failure, Liver failure, muscle injury, gastritis, GI bleeding, just to name a few. I have seen all of these tragedies from alcohol. However, if you are talking alcohol in true moderation, it is OK. READ MORE
Urine issue?
Urine turning white? This is unusual or not normal to say the least, but best to go and investigate it by a urine analysis and urine culture. Best to seek the input of your PCP/Family doctor. Possibilities: -Crystals in the urine from certain foods in the diet coupled with favorable urine pH for such crystallization -Something you are ingesting (are you taking an OTC?) -Urine Infection is a possibility, hence a urine culture is needed READ MORE
Help with upper back pain?
It is either muscular pain or kidney pain. Kidney pains have more than one cause: UTI, stones, blockage, inflammation... However, most back pains are muscular pains. But for your peace of mind, you should get a urine analysis and urine culture and check with your family doctor. Obtaining a renal U/S would give you additional peace of mind. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of Medicine- Images in clinical medicine. Brown tumor in end-stage renal disease.
- Clotted arteriovenous grafts: a silent source of infection.
- Reciprocal regulation of LTA(4) hydrolase expression in human monocytes by gamma-interferon and interleukins 4 and 13: potential relevance to leukotriene regulation in glomerular disease.
- Infectious complications of the hemodialysis access.
- Occult infection of old nonfunctioning arteriovenous grafts: a novel cause of erythropoietin resistance and chronic inflammation in hemodialysis patients.
- Infectious complications of old nonfunctioning arteriovenous grafts in renal transplant recipients: a case series.
- Presence of a failed kidney transplant in patients who are on hemodialysis is associated with chronic inflammatory state and erythropoietin resistance.
- Salvage of a severely dysfunctional arteriovenous fistula with a strictured and occluded outflow tract.
- What should nephrologists do to maximize the use of arteriovenous fistulas?
- Endovascular treatment of the "failing to mature" arteriovenous fistula.
- Intravenous methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta for haemoglobin control in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis: a randomised non-inferiority trial (MAXIMA).
- Postdialysis outcomes associated with consistent anemia treatment in predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease.
- Endovascular management of the "failing to mature" arteriovenous fistula.
- Preventing and treating inflammation: role of dialysis access management.
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Professor of Clinic Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital 2018 - Present
- Professor of Clinical Medicine Weill Cornell Medicine 2018 -
- Clinical Educator Texas A&M University 2015 -
- Key Faculty Nephrology Fellowship Program at Houston Methodist Hospital 2012 -
Awards
- Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2014, 2015) Year
- Patients’ Choice Award (2014, 2016, 2018) Year
- On-Time Doctor Award (2014, 2016, 2018) Year
- ASDIN (2014, 2019) Year
Professional Memberships
- American Society of Nephrology
- American Society and Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology
- American College of Physicians
- Harris County Medical Society
Fellowships
- Emory University School of Medicine Nephrology 1995
Fellowships
- Emory University School of Medicine (Nephrology Fellowship) (1995)
Professional Society Memberships
- American College of Physicians, Harris County Medical Society, American Society and Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology
Philanthropic Initiatives
- Dr. Nassar has published several manuscripts on various aspects of kidney disease management and dialysis access management. He has also been a national speaker and consultant on hypertension, congestive heart failure, metabolic bone disease, diabetic kidney disease, dialysis vascular access, and anemia treatment in patients with kidney failure.
Areas of research
Dialysis associated bone disease
Dialysis associated hyperkalemia
Dialysis associated hyperphosphatemia
Anemia of Kidney Disease
Dialysis Vascular Access
Diabetic kidney disease
Dr. George M. Nassar, MD, FACP, FASN's Practice location
The Kidney Institute
6560 Fannin St Scurlock Tower Ste 1824 -Houston, TX 77030Get Direction
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Media Releases
Get to know Nephrologist Dr. George M. Nassar, who serves patients in Houston, Texas.
Well liked by his patients who find him personable, attentive, caring, effective, and professional, Dr. Nassar is a nephrologist at The Kidney Institute in Houston, Texas. Collectively, he and his colleagues provide reputable inpatient and outpatient nephrology services in the Texas Medical Center and in North Houston and The Woodlands.
Trained in all aspects of general Internal Medicine and nephrology, Dr. Nassar has 25 years of experience in managing acute and chronic kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease, diabetic kidney disease, electrolyte abnormalities, lupus nephritis, fluid overload states, hypertension, kidney stone disease, dialysis, and kidney transplantation. In addition, he has gained an incredible amount of expertise in interventional aspects of dialysis access management.
Among his academic titles, he is a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Institute of Academic Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital (6/2018-present), a Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine (12/2018-present), a Clinical Educator at Texas A&M University (2015-present), and on the key faculty of the Nephrology Fellowship Program at Houston Methodist Hospital (2012-present).
Locally, Dr. Nassar’s main hospital practice is in the Houston Methodist Hospital but he also manages patients in Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and Kindred Hospital-Houston Medical Center. His outpatient clinic is in The Kidney Institute located in Scurlock Tower on Fannin Street in the Texas Medical Center. He also has privileges in many Houston based dialysis units.
The doctor’s acclaimed career in medicine began after he earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine in Lebanon in 1988. He then went on to perform his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in nephrology at the Emory University School of Medicine in 1992 and 1995, respectively.
With a commitment to excellence, Dr. Nassar is board-certified in internal medicine and nephrology by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world.
Continuously advancing his efforts, he is an active member of the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Nephrology (Fellow), the Harris County Medical Society, and the American Society and Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN).
With longstanding expertise in multicenter clinical trial research, Dr. Nassar has published several manuscripts on various aspects of kidney disease management and dialysis access management. He has also been a national speaker and consultant on hypertension, congestive heart failure, metabolic bone disease, diabetic kidney disease, dialysis vascular access, and anemia treatment in patients with kidney failure.
Nephrology is a specialty of medicine and pediatrics that concerns itself with the kidneys. It is the study of normal kidney function and kidney disease, the preservation of kidney health, and the treatment of kidney disease, from diet and medication to renal replacement therapy. Nephrologists have advanced training in treating kidney disease. They diagnose and treat kidney failure, as well as help patients by prescribing medications, offering special diet advice, and coordinating dialysis care or kidney transplantation when it becomes necessary.
Among his various accolades, Dr. Nassar has been the recipient of Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2014, 2015), Patients’ Choice Award (2014, 2016, 2018), and On-Time Doctor Award (2014, 2016, 2018). He is also the recipient of first abstract awards on his research in dialysis access from the ASDIN (2014, 2019).
On a more personal note, Dr. Nassar speaks fluent English and Arabic. He also manages to speak some Spanish, and tries to learn more Spanish with every Spanish-Speaking patient-encounter.
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