Hemodialysis for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Caused by PKD

In normal cases, the kidneys can function to clean the blood by removing excessive fluid and waste products. They also secrete hormones that keep the bones strong and blood healthy. When both of the kidneys fail due to ESRD caused by Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), the body will hold fluid and the blood pressure becomes elevated (How to prevent PKD developing into Renal Failure?). Harmful wastes will accumulate within patient's body. Symptoms like anemia can be caused. If this happens, some patients receive hemodialysis to replace the work of their failed kidneys. Purpose Hemodialysis refers to a procedure that cleanses and filters ESRD patient's blood. It can work to: ▪ Rid patient's body of harmful waste products and excessive salt and fluids; ▪ Help to control the blood pressure; ▪ Help the body to maintain the balance of chemicals including sodium, potassium, and chloride. Mechanism Hemodialysis uses a dialyzer, or special filter to cleanse the blood. The dialyzer connects to a machine. During the treatment process for ESRD caused by PKD, patient's blood travels through tubes into the dialyzer, which removes excessive wastes and extra fluid. Then, the newly cleaned blood flows through another set of tubes and is sent back into the body. Preparation for the treatment Before the first procedure, an access to the blood stream should be made, which provides a way for the blood to be carried from the body to the dialysis machine and then is sent back into the body. This access can be internal (inside the body, often under the skin) or external (outside the body). Have you got a general knowledge about hemodialysis treatment for ESRD caused by PKD? More details about this therapy will be continuously introduced in the following text "Hemodialysis for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Caused by PKD". Continue reading to learn more about this therapy. In this article, more detailed contents about hemodialysis for ESRD caused by PKD will be introduced including types, complications and dietary changes, etc. Types Hemodialysis can be done at home or at a center. At home, the treatment can be performed with the help of a family member or friend. In this case, both you and your partner should receive special training. At a center, this procedure is carried out by nurses or trained technicians. How long does the procedure take? In general, the treatment is done 3 times per week. Each treatment may last for 2~4 hours. While receiving treatment, patients can sleep, talk, read, write, watch TV, or talk. Potential complications The rapid changes of the body's fluid and chemical balance during treatment can result in some side effects including: ▪ Two common side effects are muscle cramps and low blood pressure (hypotension). ▪ Hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure, can make patient feel weak, dizzy, or sick to the stomach. Once the side effects occur, patient should report them to their doctor. Quick treatment should be carried out. Diet for ESRD caused by PKD during hemodialysis ▪ Restrict the intake of fluid. Since the diseased kidneys are not able to function, fluid will build up in the body quickly. Too much fluid makes the body tissues swell. Problems like hypertension and heart trouble can also be caused. ▪ Avoid salt, as salty foods will make patient thirsty and cause the body to hold water. ▪ Eat balanced amounts of high protein foods, such as meat and chicken. Animal protein is better than that found in vegetables and grains. ▪ Watch out the intake of potassium, as too much or too little intake of this mineral is harmful to the heart. Foods that contain this nutrition include some fruits (bananas, oranges), vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes), salt substitutes, milk, chocolate, and nuts.