CONTENTS
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Once diagnosis of chronic kidney failure is arrived at, patients will require close medical follow up at regular intervals. With good conservative therapy. If kidney failure is treated well, dialysis may be postponed by few months to years depending upon the type of kidney disease.
Following are important factors in patients treatment:-
- Control of diet - protein, salt, fluid, potassium & phosphorus.
Control of Hypertension - If present keep B.P. check at regular interval and try to maintain B.P. around 140/90 or less if possible. It is advisable to buy a B.P. instrument (Sphygmomanometer) and learn to measure own blood pressure. Specially diastolic pressure is very vital as it is connected with enlargement of the heart.
- Strict control of diabetes - As far as possible with insulin.
- Control of urinary tract infection or infection of any type.
- Correction of acidosis, electrolyte imbalance, calcium and phosphorus level. Iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency etc.
Creation of Arterio-venous fistula (on the wrist) when serum creatinine is above 5 to 6mg/dl. In this artery is connected to the vein so that regular dialysis can be performed easily when required (known as A. V, Fistula).
- Avoid all kinds of unnecessary drugs as they may damage kidneys further.
Regular follow up and blood tests (at reliable laboratory) and other necessary tests as advised by your consulting doctor.
- To start dialysis when advised.
End Stage of Kidney failure (ESRD)
When the kidney function impairment occurs to the extent of 90-95% (or when only 5% to 10% kidney is functioning) it is called the end stage renal disease. At this stage life can not be prolonged to a great extent unless renal replacement therapy is started. At present only therapy (treatment) available to such patients are:
1) Long term dialysis
2) Kidney transplantation
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