Renal Replacement Therapy

Question 1

When is renal replacement therapy needed?

Answer 1

When renal function declines to a level no longer adequate to support health
eGFR 8-10

Question 2

Types of renal replacement therapy

Answer 2

Haemodialysis
Peritoneal dialysis
Renal transplant

Question 3

Advantages and disadvantages of haemodialysis

Answer 3

Advantages:
- less responsibility
- days off
- proven effective long term

Disadvantages:
- tied to dialysis time
- access/line problems
- fluid/food restricted

Question 4

Advantages and disadvantages of peritoneal dialysis

Answer 4

Advantages:
- continuously at home - independence
- less fluid/food restrictions
- easy to travel
- renal function may be better preserved initially

Disadvantages:
- frequent daily exchanges/overnight
- responsibility
- peritonitis
- less long term survival data

Question 5

Outline haemodialysis

Answer 5

• shunt (push through multiple veins + arteries together)
• anticoagulant added into blood
• blood is run through machine + filtered
• run through air trap to remove air
• added back to body

Question 6

Outline peritoneal dialysis

Answer 6

• solution infused into peritoneal cavity through catheter
• solution contains sugar which draws out waste + extra fluid
• waste and fluid passes from blood vessels through peritoneum
• solution drained out