Understanding Kidney Failure and Dialysis Options

• Kidneys are crucial for maintaining balance in the body by regulating fluids, body chemistry, and blood pressure.
• When kidneys start failing, symptoms like fluid retention, abnormal potassium/sodium levels, and high blood pressure can occur.
• Planning for kidney transplant or dialysis usually starts when GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is around 20% kidney function.
• Canadian guidelines recommend starting dialysis when symptoms of kidney failure appear, rather than solely based on GFR numbers.
• Dialysis options include conservative care (no treatment), kidney transplant (from living or deceased donors), or dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis).
• Hemodialysis involves blood passing through an artificial kidney (dialyzer) outside the body, usually done in a clinic/hospital.
• Peritoneal dialysis involves cleaning blood inside the body through a lining in the abdomen, with different methods like continuous ambulatory or automated peritoneal dialysis.
• Factors influencing the choice between in-center hemodialysis and home peritoneal dialysis include lifestyle, travel, fear of needles, and fluid/diet restrictions.
• Patients who receive comprehensive education about dialysis types often choose home dialysis, usually peritoneal dialysis.
• It's essential to monitor symptoms like severe fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, and shortness of breath to determine when to start dialysis.
• Decision-making about dialysis should ideally start at least three to six months before it's needed, and close collaboration with a kidney team is crucial for personalized care.

This quiz covers essential information about kidney failure, symptoms, dialysis options (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), factors influencing treatment choice, and the importance of early decision-making. Test your knowledge on how to manage kidney failure effectively.