faliure

• What is the term used when someone's kidneys suddenly stop working?

  Kidney failure
• What are the main consequences of kidney failure?


  Waste substances build up in the bloodstream and the person cannot regulate water and ion levels
• What could happen if a person with kidney failure is not treated?


  They could become sick and potentially die
• What are the two main treatments for kidney failure?


  Dialysis and kidney transplant
• How does dialysis work?


  • Dialysis machines act as artificial kidneys
  • Filter the patient's blood
  • Blood passes through a circuit to the machine and back
  • Blood contacts dialysis fluid separated by a partially permeable membrane
  • Small molecules can diffuse across, but larger ones cannot
• What is the composition of dialysis fluid?


  It contains the same concentrations of water and molecules as healthy blood, but no urea
• What happens to excess ions or water in the patient's blood during dialysis?


  They diffuse into the dialysis fluid due to a concentration gradient
• Why is dialysis fluid constantly replaced during the process?


  To maintain a concentration gradient for effective diffusion
• What are the main problems associated with dialysis?


  • Time-consuming: 3-4 days a week, 3-4 hours each session
  • Unpleasant experience with risks of blood clots or infections
  • Expensive to run and requires lifelong treatment
• What is a kidney transplant?


  A surgical procedure to transfer a healthy kidney from a donor to a patient
• Where do most donor kidneys for transplants come from?


  From people who have recently died
• What is the main risk associated with kidney transplants?


  The organ may be rejected by the patient's immune system
• How do doctors help prevent organ rejection after a transplant?


  By giving patients medication to suppress their immune system
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of kidney transplants compared to dialysis?


  Advantages:

  • Generally better outcomes
  • More cost-effective in the long run

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Limited availability of donor organs
  • Risk of organ rejection