Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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End-Stage Renal Disease
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the disease?
The treatments for end-stage renal disease include:
Once end-stage renal disease is diagnosed, a person needs to have either dialysis or a kidney transplant. In dialysis, a machine acts as a healthy kidney would, filtering out waste products from the blood or other fluids. Hemodialysis is the process of filtering out toxins from the blood and returning the blood to the body. Peritoneal dialysis removes wastes from the peritoneal cavity, which includes the belly and pelvic areas.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects vary with the treatment used. All surgery may result in bleeding, infection, and even death. There can be many complications with dialysis, including infections, low blood pressure, and lung and heart problems.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
A person who receives a kidney transplant needs lifelong treatment with immunosuppressants. These are drugs that keep the body's immune system from attacking the new kidney. Dialysis must be done on a regular schedule. Diet is important for those with kidney failure. A person may be referred to a dietician for advice.
How is the disease monitored?
A kidney specialist will monitor dialysis treatment or any effects after a kidney transplant. Long-term follow-up is very important. A person should see his or her healthcare provider regularly even if there are no symptoms.