When the Kidneys Fail

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that kidneys are fist-sized, bean-shaped organs, which are located at the lowest part of the rib cage and the sides of the spine. Their major function is to remove waste products and excess fluids from the body in the form of urine. The writer points out that damage to the kidneys or reduced kidney functions can constitute chronic kidney disease or CKD. Chronic renal failure consists of a progressive loss of kidney function from disease or another cause. In addition, the writer explains that untreated CKD may lead to kidney or renal failure. The condition may need to be treated with dialysis or kidney transplantation. The writer discusses the symptoms, diagnosis and possible treatment of chronic kidney disease and renal failure.

Outline:
Psychosocial and Physiological Changes
Dietary Changes
Management and Implications
Diagnostic Strategy and Differential

From the Paper:

"Dialysis performs the function of the kidneys but does not cure the disease or prevent possible complications. It may even cause those complications and even reduce one's quality of life. Hemodialysis sends the blood through a dialyzer and goes back to the body after eliminating toxins and excess fluid. It is usually done thrice a week, each time for 3 to 5 hours or more. Common negative reactions are fluid and electrolyte imbalances, hypotension, light-headedness, leg cramps, nausea and vomiting. The other type is peritoneal dialysis, which uses the peritoneum to filter the blood without removing it from the body. It uses dialysate, which is later drained through a peritoneal catheter. Peritonitis is the most common complication. A study of 336 hemodialysis and 185 peritoneal dialysis patients undergoing both types found that peritoneal dialysis was a preference 1.5 times more. The quality of care, freedom of choice and cost are major reasons for their choice. Physicians, however, prefer hemodialysis because of reimbursement trends."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Agrawal. M. and Swartz, R. (2000). Acute renal failure. 9 pages. American Family Physicians: American Academy of Family Physicians
• Anderson, R. A. (2005). Renal failure: mortality and depression. 2 pages. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients: The Townsend Letter Group
• Cannon, J. D. (2004). Recognizing chronic renal failure - the sooner, the better. 5 pages. Nursing: Springhouse Corporation
• National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse Center. (2000). Treatment methods for kidney failure: peritoneal dialysis. 10 pages. National Institute of Diabetic and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Gale Group
• Wellbery, C. (2004). Patients prefer peritoneal dialysis to hemodialysis. 2 pages. American Family Physician: American Academy of Family Physicians

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