Can Kidney Function Be Restored After Dialysis

What Do Your Kidneys Do

You have two kidneys. They are bean-shaped organs that are located toward your back, on either side of your spine, just underneath the rib cage. Each kidney is about the size of your fist.

Your kidneys have many jobs, but their main job is to filter your blood, getting rid of toxins and excess salt and water as urine. If your kidneys are damaged and dont work as they should, wastes can build up in your blood and can make you sick. Your kidneys also balance the amount of salts and minerals in your body, make hormones that control blood pressure, make red blood cells and keep your bones strong.

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English Transcript from Doctors Panel Interview

Q: Why does a person undergo dialysis?

A: Dr. Arle ImperioThe kidneys function is to clean our blood by letting it pass through the kidneys. It filters waste and bring the clean blood back the the body for circulation. If the kidney fails, the wastes stays in our body and it becomes poison. If left untreated, it becomes the cause of death . The dialysis machine takes the place for that function, thats the function of dialysis.

Introduction: Why Focus On Recovery

While acute renal impairment is sometimes thought of as a relatively trivial insult defined purely by changes in serum creatinine, the introduction and subsequent acceptance of the concept of acute kidney injury has gradually alerted critical care and nephrology clinicians to potential late complications in AKI survivors. It is well recognised that progressive or persistent impairment in renal function may occur following an episode of AKI, with the potential to progress to end-stage kidney disease with dialysis dependence. However, the outcome from an episode of AKI cannot simply be regarded as the binary administration for chronic renal replacement therapy or recovery. Several authors have highlighted the substantial risk of development and progression of chronic kidney disease , short of ESKD which is in turn strongly associated with increased short- and long-term mortality . This association does not necessarily implicate causation but could also indicate a common underlying disease process . The question thus arises What do we mean by renal recovery after AKI? Furthermore, in the absence of an effective therapy to alter the acute course of established AKI, our current focus should be turned towards both AKI prevention and promotion of kidney repair in the recovery phase.

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Dialysis Treatment: How It Can Improve Kidney Function

Malfunctioning kidneys can lead to serious health problems and treatments involving dialysis play a central role in renal care. And for those in the final stages of kidney failure, dialysis treatment is the main form of therapy.

Haym Salomon Home offers onsite Dialysis treatment. We provide the highest standard of personalized renal care in addition to our best rehabilitation services and restorative therapies. We believe that this treatment will allow our patients to maximize their rehab capacity and minimize hospital readmissions.

Potential Measures To Promote Renal Recovery

General measures aimed at preventing AKI and protecting the kidney function should increase the chances for recovery . This includes avoiding hyperglycaemia and nephrotoxins as well as using strict therapeutic drug monitoring if applicable. Episodes of renal hypoperfusion should be avoided by ensuring haemodynamic stability and adapting RRT modality to the haemodynamic situation and the presence of fluid overload . Specific interventions to promote recovery are still experimental. Promotion of cell proliferation and renal repair by clusterin and/or reducing post-injury fibrosis by AT1 receptor antagonism , pyridoxamine , alpha klotho , endothelial sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 or PTBA analogues are some approaches that have shown promising results in animal studies.

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How Can You Prevent Acute Kidney Failure

Avoid or limit taking over-the-counter medications: If you take NSAID medication like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and other pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen, try limiting them or stopping taking them. If you take these medicines, it can increase your chances of getting acute kidney failure.

Follow your doctors advice- If you have a higher risk of getting acute kidney failure due to any existing kidney disease or other medical condition, dont neglect any of your doctors advice as it will help you manage your kidney and overall health.

Follow a healthy lifestyle: People who exercise, eat right, and avoid habits like smoking and drinking can lower the chances of developing acute kidney failure.

Can Kidney Disease Be Prevented

Seeing your healthcare provider on a regular basis throughout your life is a good start for preventing kidney disease. About one in every three people in the United States is at risk for kidney disease. Identify and manage any risk factors for developing kidney disease.

• Control your high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is 120/80.
• Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
• Eat a healthy diet. Follow a low-fat, low-salt diet.
• Dont smoke.
• Be active for 30 minutes at least five days a week.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Take nonprescription pain relievers only as directed. Taking more than directed can damage your kidneys.

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Causes Of Kidney Failure

Some of the causes of kidney failure include:

• diabetes even if it is well managed, diabetes can cause kidney damage
• glomerulonephritis swelling or inflammation of the tiny filtering units in the kidney. Also known as nephritis
• polycystic kidney disease an inherited condition that causes thousands of cysts to form in the kidneys
• urinary reflux a bladder-valve problem that allows urine to flow back into the kidneys, causing scarring
• medications some drugs such as lithium and cyclosporin can cause kidney failure. Continued misuse of compound analgesic preparations was once a common cause of permanent kidney damage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , taken in normal therapeutic doses, may occasionally cause acute kidney failure
• medullary cystic kidney disease an inherited kidney disease that leads to the kidneys gradually losing their ability to work properly due to cysts in the centre of the kidneys.

Lifestyle And Home Remedies

In acute kidney disease treatment, your nephrologist also suggests to follow a specific diet or make some diet related changes. At this health phase, diet plays a crucial role along with the best treatment. Therefore, the patients need to watch their diet and also make some changes in their lifestyle. Analyzing your reports and health complications, your doctor or dietician may suggest you to

• Intake lower potassium foods- The acute kidney failure patients are asked to choose foods low in potassium. The foods rich in potassium are bananas, oranges, tomatoes, spinach and potatoes, etc. Low potassium foods include apples, peppers, cauliflower, grapes and strawberries, etc.
• Limit your salt intake- You should try to lower your sodium intake by reducing your salt use while preparing foods. Apart from that, you should also avoid products with added salts that mainly include convenience foods like frozen dinners, canned soups, and other outside foods.
• Limit your phosphorus use- Phosphorous is a mineral that comes from the food we eat, primarily from whole-grain bread, dark-colored colas, nuts and peanut butter, etc. Having a high amount of phosphorus in your blood can weaken your bones and cause skin irritation. Your dietician can help know the amount of phosphorus suitable for you.

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Kidney Failure Caused By Certain Medications

Medications are a common cause of kidney failures. There are numerous medications that can cause kidney failure and not all of them are reversible. However, many of them can be reversed. A commonly-used class of medications called NSAIDs are an example of such medications. NSAIDs are very common medications. Some of them are available over-the-counter. They are used to decrease fevers and pain. They usually cause kidney failure in high doses, but some people are more susceptible than others. In the early phase, they reduce blood supply to the kidneys and cause a quickly reversible type of kidney failure similar to that caused by bleeding. With continued use, the kidney failure may proceed to ATN, but it is still reversible if identified in time. If you have kidney failure from NSAIDs, you need to stop using them immediately to reverse your kidney failure.

How To Stop Dialysis Naturally

Ayurveda is another approach to stop the consequences that dialysis brings into your life. India is the inception of Ayurveda that originated almost 5000 years ago. Ayurveda is an ancient science that has allowed the patients to be protected against various immune system disorders but hardly patients believe that this science has capacitated to cure chronic conditions like Cancer.

More than a system of healing, Ayurveda has been a science of life. It offers complete rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul to live a disease-free life. According to Ayurveda, health is a balance between our environment and our body.

There are three fundamental energies that restrict our inner and outer environment, named in Sanskrit as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These primary forces govern our characteristics, physical and mental.

In terms of kidney problems, Ayurveda believes that any ailment in the body arises because of the occlusion of minute body channels called srotas. The bodily channels involved in kidney problems are called mutravaha srotas that carry urine to and fro from the kidneys. If there is a problem in carrying fluids inside, this means incoming srotas are blocked, accordingly the kidneys would shrink. However, if the outgoing srotas are blocked, this means kidneys are swelled.

The herbs that are used in the ayurvedic treatment are:

• Dandelion root

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What Causes Kidney Disease

Kidney diseases happen when your kidneys are damaged and cant filter your blood. The damage can happen quickly when its caused by injury or toxins or, more commonly, over months or years.

High blood pressure and diabetes are the two most common causes of chronic kidney disease. Other causes and conditions that affect kidney function and can cause chronic kidney disease include:

• Glomerulonephritis. This type of kidney disease involves damage to the glomeruli, which are the filtering units inside your kidneys.
• Polycystic kidney disease. This is a genetic disorder that causes many fluid-filled cysts to grow in your kidneys, reducing the ability of your kidneys to function.
• Hypertensive nephrosclerosis. Kidney damage caused by chronic, poorly controlled hypertension.
• Membranous nephropathy. This is a disorder where your bodys immune system attacks the waste-filtering membranes in your kidney.
• Obstructions of the urinary tract from kidney stones, an enlarged prostate or cancer.
• Vesicourethral reflux. This is a condition in which urine flows backward refluxes back up the ureters to the kidneys
• Nephrotic syndrome. This is a collection of symptoms that indicate kidney damage.

Are There Stages Of Chronic Kidney Disease

Yes, there are five stages of kidney disease. The stages are based on how well your kidneys are able to do their job to filter out waste and extra fluid from your blood. The stages range from very mild to kidney failure . Healthcare providers determine the stage of your kidney function according to the glomerular filtration rate . Your GFR is a number based on the amount of creatinine, a waste product, found in your blood, along with other factors including your age, race and gender.

• Are African-American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian.
• Are over 60 years of age.
• Have a long history of taking painkillers, including over-the-counter products such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

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What Complications Do You See In Acute Kidney Failure

Acute kidney failure can cause several complications, which are

• Fluid buildup- Acute kidney failure can cause an accumulation of fluid in your body. If the fluid buildups in your lungs, the patients may experience breath shortness.
• Pain in the chest- Patients may get chest pain if the lining covering their heart gets inflamed.
• Acidic blood- If your blood has too much acid due to acute kidney failure, one may get nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and breathlessness, etc.
• Muscle weakness- When your bodys fluid and electrolytes are imbalanced, your muscle may get weak. In some cases, it can lead to paralysis and heart rhythm problems.
• Permanent kidney damage- Acute kidney failure can progress to chronic kidney disease, which means your kidneys stop working and restoration of kidney health is not possible. However, the patients may survive on dialysis, and they are further asked to find a donor or healthy kidney for transplantation.
• Death- Acute kidney failure may turn worse and can cause a patient to lose his life.

Acute kidney disease requires early detection and timely treatment to tackle the condition and fight its complications.

Managing Other Health Problems

Chronic kidney disease can cause other problems throughout your body including:

• Heart and blood vessel problems
• Anemia
• Bone problems
• High blood pressure
• Poor nutritional health

Kidney disease does not happen overnight. You may have been experiencing some of these problems for many years before your kidneys failed. Your healthcare professional will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help you manage these problems and keep them from getting worse. Treatment usually includes diet, exercise, and medications. It is very important that you follow your treatment plan because it can greatly improve your quality of life and how long you live. It can also help to protect the remaining kidney function you have left.

To learn more about the treatments for the problems listed above, see the A-to-Z guide.

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Treatment For Acute Kidney Failure Caused By Sepsis

When someone has sepsis or septic shock, the doctors work to treat the sepsis, the infection that caused the sepsis, and the damage that the sepsis has done, such as the kidney failure.

If the kidneys are not working efficiently enough to filter toxins and allow urine to flow, an artificial way of filtering the kidneys, dialysis, will be needed. Dialysis is not a cure. Instead, it gives the doctors a way to clean the blood while they try to get everything else under control. There are two types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis is generally to manage chronic kidney failure. But it can be used for acute kidney failure where hemodialysis isnt possible, in areas with limited resources. For example, peritoneal dialysis has been used in Africa for patients who have malaria-associated acute kidney injury.

With hemodialysis, a machine, called a hemodializer, is the artificial kidney. A catheter placed into the patients vein leads to the other end of the catheter in the hemodializer. When the process starts, blood flows a few ounces at a time, from the patients body to the machine. The machine filters it and sends the blood back through the catheter to the body.

Diagnosis Of Kidney Failure

A number of tests can be used to measure kidney function. If CKD is found, tests may be used to determine:

• the cause of the kidney damage
• the amount of kidney damage
• treatment options.

• blood tests to establish the estimated glomerular filtration rate , which measures how well the kidneys filter wastes from the blood
• urine tests for albumin, blood, glucose and red or white blood cells
• a blood pressure check
• ultrasound, computed tomography , x-ray and other imaging techniques to take pictures of your kidneys
• a kidney biopsy, where a needle is used to remove a small piece of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope.

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What Happens If I Can No Longer Work

If you have to stop work or work part-time because of CKD, you may find it hard to cope financially.

You may be entitled to one or more of the following types of financial support:

• if you have a job but cannot work because of your illness, you are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer for up to 28 weeks
• if you don’t have a job and cannot work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance
• if you’re aged 65 or over, you may be able to get Attendance Allowance
• if you’re caring for someone with CKD, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance
• you may be eligible for other benefits if you have children living at home or a low household income

What Are The Different Kinds Of Peritoneal Dialysis And How Do They Work

There are several kinds of peritoneal dialysis but two major ones are:Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis .

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis is the only type of peritoneal dialysis that is done without machines. You do this yourself, usually four or five times a day at home and/or at work. You put a bag of dialysate into your peritoneal cavity through the catheter. The dialysate stays there for about four or five hours before it is drained back into the bag and thrown away. This is called an exchange. You use a new bag of dialysate each time you do an exchange. While the dialysate is in your peritoneal cavity, you can go about your usual activities at work, at school or at home.

Automated Peritoneal Dialysis usually is done at home using a special machine called a cycler. This is similar to CAPD except that a number of cycles occur. Each cycle usually lasts 1-1/2 hours and exchanges are done throughout the night while you sleep.

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