Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Treatment

Complete cure of chronic kidney disease is unattainable. Usually the treatment is done to slow the progression of the disease, to treat complications caused, to treat underlying causes and contributing factors and to replace lost kidney functions. A dietary guidelines must be followed in order to slow the progression of the kidney disease. Proteins and salt must be restricted in order to control the amount of protein and high blood pressure. Foods which are rich in calcium, potassium and phosphorus are restricted because it can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Several medications can be toxic to the kidneys and may need to be avoided or given in adjusted doses. The patients must avoid smoking, consumption of alcohol, control their diabetes and blood pressure level.

Hemodialysis : Hemodialysis uses a mechanical membrane (dialyzer) with a special filter that removes waste and excess water from the blood. The patient is connected to the machine by a tube running from a conduit created surgically between a large artery and vein. The blood is circulated through the artificial kidney, which removes toxins and wastes. The blood is then returned to your body. Hemodialysis typically takes 3-4 hours and is needed 3 times a week.

Peritoneal dialysis :  The peritoneum is the clear membrane that covers the internal organs inside the abdomen. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity as a filter to clean blood and remove excess fluid. A catheter is implanted into the abdomen by a minor surgical procedure and a fluid (dialysate solution) is infused through this. The dialysate solution, left for a few hours, capture and eliminate the waste products from your blood. The most common form of peritoneal dialysis called continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) changes dialysate four times a day.

Kidney Transplantation : Kidney transplantation offers the best result for kidney diseases. This major surgery requires a transplant that may come from a related or unrelated donor or from people who have died of other causes. Transplants from a living related donor generally have the best results. The recipient can accept only a kidney that comes from a donor who matches the characteristics of his or her immune system. The patient's own kidney will be left in same place and the new transplant will be placed in the groin and connected to the blood vessels that take blood to and from the leg.

The most important complication that may occur after transplant is rejection of the kidney.

After Treatment :
A regular follow-up including blood, urine and imaging test is needed for a chronic kidney disease patient. This disease cannot be prevented, but can slow the progression of the disease. The natural course of the disease is to progress until dialysis or transplant is required. Avoid exposure to alcohol, drugs, chemicals, and other toxic substances as much as possible. The patient must consult their doctors regularly. Medications, lifestyle changes and dietary modifications are used to control underlying health problems.