Dialysis is an important medical procedure that helps people with kidney failure maintain their health.

What are the reasons for dialysis?

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for individuals whose kidneys are no longer able to adequately filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. The main reasons that may lead to a patient needing dialysis include:

• diabetes: Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can lead to kidney failure.
• High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood.
• Glomerular diseases: Conditions that affect the kidney's filtering units, called glomeruli, can cause kidney damage and failure, requiring dialysis.
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): A genetic disorder that causes many cysts to grow in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
• Acute kidney injuries: Sudden loss of kidney function due to severe illness, injury, or other causes can temporarily require dialysis.

Other less common causes include lupus erythematosus, IgA nephropathy, and some genetic conditions.

What are the types of dialysis?

There are different types of dialysis available, each with its own method and benefits.

Hemodialysis

The principle of hemodialysis depends on the use of a device called a dialyzer, which filters the blood to remove waste and excess water. 

During hemodialysis, blood is drawn from the body, passed through a machine for filtration, and then returned to the body.

Hemodialysis sessions usually last about 4 hours and are performed three times a week in a hospital, dialysis center, or at home based on the doctor's instructions and the patient's condition. 

Home hemodialysis allows for more frequent or longer sessions, providing greater flexibility for patients, however, it requires appropriate training and supervision.

Peritoneal dialysis

Unlike hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneum, a membrane in the abdomen, as a filter. 

The peritoneum acts as a natural filter, allowing waste and excess water to pass into the peritoneal lavage.

Peritoneal dialysis can be done in different ways, including:

• Continuous exchange peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is multiple exchanges of peritoneal dialysis daily.
• الغسيل الكلوي البريتوني الدوري المستمر (CCPD)  الذي يستخدم جهازًا لتشغيل العملية تلقائيًا، ويُجرى عادةً في الليل.

You can also read an article: Kidney stones

Alternatives to dialysis

While dialysis is a life-saving treatment for kidney failure, there are alternative options to consider. 

However, finding a suitable donor and going through the transplant process may take a long time.

Book your consultation now at Kidney Disease Center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital

Dialysis sessions

The frequency and duration of dialysis sessions depend on various factors, including the type of dialysis, the patient's needs, and his or her general health.

The traditional approach involves three sessions per week, each lasting 3-4 hours, and is known as conventional hemodialysis (CHD). However, there is ongoing debate and research on the benefits of increasing the frequency and duration of dialysis sessions.

Peritoneal dialysis generally requires multiple peritoneal dialysis exchanges daily, with each exchange lasting a few hours.

There is increasing evidence supporting the benefits of more frequent and longer dialysis sessions in improving patient outcomes and quality of life, particularly in treating complications associated with kidney failure.

You can see: Treatment of kidney stones 

What are the causes of high blood pressure during dialysis? 

High blood pressure is a common problem during dialysis sessions.

• Rapid removal of fluid from the body, which may lead to low blood volume and subsequent compensatory mechanisms that raise blood pressure.
• Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, changes in electrolyte balance, and release of stress hormones.

To help control high blood pressure during dialysis, health care providers monitor patients' blood pressure levels closely and may have to adjust fluid removal rates or give medications to help maintain stable blood pressure throughout the procedure.

Does dialysis continue for life?

The need for dialysis can vary between individuals.

However, for many people, dialysis is necessary for life.

Does dialysis cause death?

Dialysis is a lifeline for people with kidney failure, as it replaces damaged kidney function and helps remove toxins and waste from the body.

But despite being a life-saving treatment, dialysis is not without risks and challenges.

While dialysis itself is not a direct cause of death, studies indicate that the risk of death in dialysis patients increases due to other factors, such as:

• Heart disease.
• Infections.
• هبوط الدورة الدموية المفاجئ.
• Complications of chronic kidney disease.

Dialysis patients may also experience sudden events, such as heart attacks or strokes, which increase the risk to the lives of these patients.

Dialysis represents a ray of hope in life for patients with kidney failure, as it helps them continue to live a relatively normal life.

In addition to dialysis, psychological factors play an important role in the treatment journey. The patient’s psychological support from family and friends helps him adapt to his new health condition and face challenges with a positive spirit.