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Functions of Kidneys
Kidneys have important roles in maintaining health. When healthy, kidneys
maintain body's internal equilibrium of water and minerals (sodium, potassium,
chloride, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfate). Those acidic metabolism end
products that the body cannot get rid of via respiration are also excreted
through kidneys. Kidneys also function as a part of the endocrine system
producing erythropoietin and calcitriol. Erythropoietin is involved in the
production of red blood cells and calcitriol plays a role in bone formation.
Why Renal Failure or Uremia Patients Need Dialysis
When people are diagnosed with kidney diseases, their renal function have
been damaged more than 50%. To Renal Failure or Uremia patients, their renal
function are even damaged in a higher degree. Hence, they must find a
substitution to replace kidneys. Dialysis is an imperfect treatment to replace
kidney function because it does not correct the endocrine functions of the
kidney. Dialysis treatments replace some of these functions through diffusion
(waste removal) and ultrafiltration (fluid removal).
Brief Introduction of Dialysis
Dialysis is a mechanical process that partly performs the work which healthy
kidneys do. Dialysis may be used for those with an acute disturbance in kidney
function (acute kidney injury, previously acute renal failure) or for those with
progressive but chronically worsening kidney function. Dialysis is divided into
two types: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The two remove wastes and
excess water from the blood in different ways. Hemodialysis removes wastes and
water by circulating blood outside the body through an external filter which is
called dialyzer that contains a semipermeable membrane. The blood flows in one
direction and the dialysate flows in the opposite. The counter-current flow of
the blood and dialysate maximizes the concentration gradient of solutes between
the blood and dialysate, which helps to remove more urea and creatinine from the
blood. The concentrations of solutes (for example potassium, phosphorus, and
urea) are undesirably high in the blood, but low or absent in the dialysis
solution and constant replacement of the dialysate ensures that the
concentration of undesired solutes is kept low on this side of the membrane. The
dialysis solution has levels of minerals like potassium and calcium that are
similar to their natural concentration in healthy blood. For solute and
bicarbonate, dialysis solution level is set at a slightly higher level than in
normal blood, to encourage diffusion of bicarbonate into the blood, to act as a
pH buffer to neutralize the metabolic acidosis that is often present in these
patients. The levels of the components of dialysate are typically prescribed by
a nephrologist according to the needs of the kidney disease patient.
What Is Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane (dialyzer) to filter wastes, remove
extra fluid from the blood, restore proper balance of chemicals in blood, and
eliminate extra fluid (edema) from the body. Hemodialysis is usually done in a
hospital or dialysis center on a set schedule. It is usually done 3 days a week
and takes 3 to 5 hours a day. In some cases, hemodialysis can be done at home.
Home hemodialysis can be done on more days of the week. Some types of home
hemodialysis are done during the night.
What Is Dialysis Dysequilibrium Syndrome
Many kidney disease patients feel confusing about the noun. Therefore, it
will be explained next. Dialysis dysequilibrium syndrome is a common neurologic
complication seen in dialysis patients which is characterized by weakness,
dizziness, headache, and in severe cases, mental status changes. In a word,
Dialysis dysequilibrium syndrome is series of symptoms occur to patients after
dialysis.
Experts remind patients of Renal Failure or Uremia that dialysis is just
substitution but it can not cure kidney diseases. During the period of dialysis,
patients' diseases are developing all the time. Choosing a effective treatment
is the key in treating kidney disease, especially for Renal Failure and Uremia.
Meanwhile, due to dialysis is dependent and costly, patients should take it into
deep consideration.
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