Kidney Failure / Renal Failure

Introduction
Kidney disease is one of the costliest illnesses in the U.S. today.Each year, more than 50,000 Americans die because of Kidney Disease. More than 260,000 Americans suffer from chronic renal failure and need dialysis or kidney transplantation to stay alive. More than 35,000 patients are waiting for kidney transplants, but only about 11,000 will receive transplants because of a shortage of suitable organ donors.
Every year 2200 new cases of Malaysians are diagnosed with end stage renal failure. There are over 1800 people waiting for a kidney transplant in Malaysia, the numbers are increasing each year. ……



Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs near the middle of your back. Their main function is to eliminate excess fluid and waste material from your blood.

How do your kidneys function?
Your kidneys do some important jobs to keep your body healthy:
-Balance your body fluids. Excess fluid is filtered out as urine.
-Remove waste products from your blood.
-Remove drugs and toxins from your body.
-Release hormones into your blood to :
- Control blood pressure
- Make red blood cells
- Keep your bones healthy.

What are kidney diseases?
Kidney diseases are diseases of the kidney substance that alter the structure and
function of the kidney. There are many diseases of the kidneys such as glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis & polycystic kidney.The treatment and potential for recovery depends on the type of disease. Kidney diseases can lead to kidney failure.


Healthy kidneys eliminate waste from the blood & maintain the body’s normal chemical balance.


Fluid filled sacs, called cysts, characterize autosomal Dominant polycystic kidney disease.

What is kidney failure ?
Kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys are incapable of performing its normal function. Certain toxic substances which should have been excreted such as urea and creatinine are accumulated in the body.

The two main causes of kidney failure are Diabetes & High Blood Pressure.

Many other conditions can harm the kidneys. These include :
1. Glomerulonephritis, a disease that causes inflammation in the kidneys.
2. Inherited diseases like polycystic kidney disease, which causes many cysts to form in the kidneys.
3. IgA nephropathy or other nephropathy. Essentially an autoimmune problem. Exact trigger not well known.
4. Very large, long standing kidney stone.
5. NSAID or pain killer like ponstan, voltaren can cause kidney failure

Who is at Risk ?
Risk factors for chronic kidney disease include :
-Diabetes
-High blood pressure
-A family history of chronic kidney disease
-Older age
-Drug overdose, excessive use of alcohol
-Long term use of pain medications such as aspirin, panadol, ibuprofen and treatment with antibiotic.

How to early detect kidney ailments?
1. Blood in urine. Most often not visible. But sometimes may appear tea color urine.
2. Protein in urine, low urine output.
3. Swelling of face and legs
4. Tiredness, fatigue
5. Pale and sallow complexion
6. Have dry and itchy skin
7. Poor appetite, sometimes accompanied with nausea and vomiting
8. High blood pressure. Especially when it is hard to bring it to good control.

How do you prevent kidney failure?
Early detection can do a lot in preventing deterioration of the kidney function.
Kidney failure does not go down the drain in 3 months, or even one year usually.
But deteriorate very slowly. Thus getting screening helps.

What are the screening test done?
1. Simple testing of urine with dipstick for protein. If you have 2 positive result over several weeks, please consult Dr.
2. Have a blood test for creatinine. Once creatinine exit the high control limit of 133 umol/L, the kidney will fail expodentially.
3. 24 hours urine collection for creatinine and urine protein.
4. Ultra sound or CT scan of kidney

How do you keep your kidneys healthy and more resistant to deterioration?
1. Hydrate yourself well. Drink lots of plain water to keep your urine pale most of the time.
2. Avoid unnecessary medication ( esp NSAID and on long term ). Look for better alternative solution.
3. Avoid overloading your kidney with protein. Most of us only need about 2 ounces of protein a day! Protein leakage thru the kidney filter accelerate the deterioration of kidney function. Consult a renal dietitian if you need help.
4. Keep your cholesterol in good level.
5. Keep blood pressure and sugar in good control.

What else you can do ?
1. Keep yourself in your best health by practicing all known health habits, ie : Good diet, pay special attention to salt intake ( better use sea salt due to its wider range of mineral profile ) and protein intake.
2. Handle life stress well
3. Regular exercise
4. Adequate rest/sleep.



This article is not meant to diagnose nor treat your disease. It is only for general information. You should seek a face to face consultation with a qualified medical practitioner for a proper assessment and treatment plan.