kidney faillure

• if the kidneys fail completely they are unable to regulate the levels of water and electrolytes in the body or to remove waste products such as urea from the blood.
• how is kidney function measured?

  Estimating the glomerular filtration rate and analyzing the urine for substances like proteins. The presence of proteins suggests the filtration mechanism is damaged.
• what does the glomerular filtration rate tell us?

  how much fluid passes into the nephrons
• What are the causes of kidney failure?

  Diabetes Mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, infection
• Describe the process of renal dialysis.

  Waste products, excess fluid, and mineral ions are removed from the blood by passing it over a partially permeable dialysis membrane which allows the exchange of substances between the blood and dialysis fluid. The dialysis fluid contains the correct concentrations of ions, urea, water, and other substances found in the blood plasma. Excess substances diffuse across the membrane into the fluid.
• what are the two types of renal dialysis?

  Haemodialysis

  Peritoneal dialysis
• Describe the process of hemodialysis.

  Blood from an artery or vein is passed into a machine that contains an artificial membrane shaped from many artificial capillaries to increase the surface area for exchange. Heparin is added to avoid clotting. Artificial capillaries are surrounded by dialysis fluid that flows in the opposite direction to the blood to improve the efficiency of exchange. bubbles are removed before blood Is removed.
• describe the process of peritoneal dialysis?

  The dialysis membrane is the body's peritoneum. A surgeon implants a permanent tube in the abdomen. dialysis solution is poured through the tube and fills the space between the wall and the organs. several hours later the used fluid is drained,
• what are the advantages of a kidney transplant?

  Freedom of time

  Feeling physically fitter

  Improved quality of life

  Improved self image
• What are the cons of a kidney transplant?

  Immunosuppressant medicine is required.

  Major surgery is to be done under anaesthetic

  regular checks must be done for rejection

  Side effects of immunosuppresents