Dialysis (biochemistry)

Dialysis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Uremia, Fluid overload, Electrolyte imbalance
Complications	Infection, Hypotension, Muscle cramps
Onset	Chronic kidney failure
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Chronic kidney disease, Acute kidney injury
Risks	Diabetes, Hypertension, Glomerulonephritis
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Hemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable
Frequency	Common in end-stage renal disease
Deaths	N/A

Dialysis is a medical procedure that performs the function of the kidneys in patients with renal failure. It is used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not able to perform these functions naturally.

Types of Dialysis

There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis involves circulating the patient's blood through a machine that contains a special filter called a dialyzer. The dialyzer acts as an artificial kidney to clean the blood. This process typically occurs in a dialysis center or hospital and is usually performed three times a week.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the patient's abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum, as the filter to clean the blood. A special fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, and waste products are drawn out of the blood into this fluid. The fluid is then drained away. This type of dialysis can often be performed at home.

Indications for Dialysis

Dialysis is indicated in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe acute kidney injury (AKI) when the kidneys can no longer function adequately. Common indications include:

• Severe uremia
• Fluid overload
• Electrolyte imbalance, such as hyperkalemia

Complications of Dialysis

While dialysis is a life-saving treatment, it can have complications, including:

• Infection at the access site
• Hypotension during treatment
• Muscle cramps
• Anemia

See Also

• Chronic kidney disease
• Renal replacement therapy
• Kidney transplantation

References

• National Kidney Foundation
• American Society of Nephrology

External Links

• National Kidney Foundation - Dialysis
• American Society of Nephrology - Dialysis Education