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In medicine, hemodialysis (also haemodialysis) is a method for removing waste products such as creatinine and urea, as well as free water from the blood when the kidneys are in renal failure. Hemodialysis is one of three renal replacement therapies (the o... moreIn medicine, hemodialysis (also haemodialysis) is a method for removing waste products such as creatinine and urea, as well as free water from the blood when the kidneys are in renal failure. Hemodialysis is one of three renal replacement therapies (the other two being renal transplant; peritoneal dialysis).Hemodialysis can be an outpatient or inpatient therapy. Routine hemodialysis is conducted in a dialysis outpatient facility, either a purpose built room in a hospital or a dedicated, stand alone clinic. Less frequently hemodialysis is done at home. Dialysis treatments in a clinic are initiated and managed by specialized staff made up of nurses and technicians less
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Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic renal disease, is a progressive loss in renal function over a period of months or years. The symptoms of worsening kidney function are unspecific, and might include feeling generally unwell and experienc... moreChronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic renal disease, is a progressive loss in renal function over a period of months or years. The symptoms of worsening kidney function are unspecific, and might include feeling generally unwell and experiencing a reduced appetite. Often, chronic kidney disease is diagnosed as a result of screening of people known to be at risk of kidney problems, such as those with high blood pressure or diabetes and those with a blood relative with chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease may also be identified when it leads to one of its recognized complications, such as cardiovascular disease, anemia or pericarditis.Chronic kidney disease is identified by a blood test for creatinine. Higher levels of creatinine indicate a falling glomerular filtration rate and as a result a decreased capability of the kidneys to excrete waste products. less
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Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is the most common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the renal category. AKI is commonly defined as an abrupt decline in renal function, manifested by acute elevation in plasma blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinin... moreAcute tubular necrosis (ATN) is the most common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the renal category. AKI is commonly defined as an abrupt decline in renal function, manifested by acute elevation in plasma blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine, occurring in hours to days to weeks, and usually reversible. AKI is conventionally and conveniently divided into 3 categories: prerenal, renal, and postrenal. Prerenal AKI involves an essentially normal kidney that is responding to hypoperfusion by decreasing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Renal, or intrinsic, AKI refers to a condition in which the pathology lies within the kidney itself. Postrenal failure is caused by an obstruction of the urinary tract. less
