Clinical Practice of Dialysis (Interventional Nephrology)

Dialysis is a medical procedure which is performed in people with acute kidney failure or Stage 5 chronic kidney disease. In this procedure the excess solutes, toxins and water from the blood are removed externally. This is also known as renal replacement therapy. It can be permanent or temporary. It is generally temporary in cases where kidney transplantation is due. The procedure can be classified into three primary and two secondary types. Peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis and hemofiltration are the primary types, while intestinal dialysis and hemodiafiltration are the secondary types. Dialysis is initiated based on a number of acute and chronic indications. The presence of acidemia, fluid overload, uremia and electrolyte abnormality indicates the need for dialysis. There have been major advances both in terms of technology and clinical management of dialysis. This book traces the progress of interventional nephrology and highlights some of its key practices. The various sub-types of dialysis along with technological progress that have future implications are glanced at herein. This book is meant for students who are looking for an elaborate reference text on dialysis.