Girl diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure
Doctors have indicated that she may need a kidney transplant in the future, as her kidneys are nearing complete failure.
For Lilly’s parents, the diagnosis of end-stage kidney failure was a devastating blow. Lilly, who had been experiencing flu-like symptoms for three months, was found to be in critical condition.
According to BBC reports, she is now living with this severe condition and undergoing dialysis several times a week. Despite her regular dialysis sessions, doctors believe she may eventually need a kidney transplant.
Lilly has been in immense pain throughout this ordeal. At one point, she was so overwhelmed by the pain that she felt “kind of relieved” when told she would be placed in a coma, as it meant a temporary escape from her suffering.
She was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Bristol Children’s Hospital, where she spent three days in a coma. The severity of her condition and the intense pain she endured highlight the critical nature of her health situation.
End-stage kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys’ normal functioning has nearly ceased. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine.
When your kidneys lose their filtering abilities, harmful levels of fluid, electrolytes, and wastes can build up in your body. With end-stage renal disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant is necessary to stay alive.”
This advanced stage of kidney failure requires medical intervention to perform the critical functions that the kidneys can no longer manage, ensuring that dangerous substances do not accumulate in the body.
Common symptoms of end-stage kidney failure include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, changes in urination patterns, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles , high blood pressure, headache, difficulty sleeping, decreased cognitive function, muscle twitches itching and a metallic taste in the mouth.
In some cases, such as Lilly’s only a few symptoms may be particularly noticeable. This can lead to a misinterpretation of the condition for instance, Lilly’s parents might have initially mistaken her symptoms for the flu rather than recognizing them as signs of severe kidney failure.
This lack of clear prominent symptoms can delay the correct diagnosis and treatment.
End-stage kidney disease can develop for various reasons, including diabetes, high blood pressure, drug abuse, blockages in the urinary tract, a family history of kidney issues, and certain genetic conditions. Each of these factors can contribute to the progressive loss of kidney function.
What is Kidney failure :
This severe impairment in kidney function is categorized into two types: acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failure. Acute kidney failure develops rapidly and may be reversible with prompt treatment, while chronic kidney failure progresses slowly over time and is often irreversible.
Symptoms of kidney failure include swelling in the legs, fatigue, vomiting, loss of appetite, and confusion. Complications associated with both acute and chronic kidney failure include uremia, hyperkalemia and volume overload. Chronic kidney failure can also lead to additional complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and anemia.
The causes of acute kidney failure can include a variety of factors such as low blood pressure, blockages in the urinary tract, certain medications, muscle breakdown, and hemolytic uremic syndrome. In contrast, chronic kidney failure is often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, nephrotic syndrome, and polycystic kidney disease.
The diagnosis of acute kidney failure is typically based on clinical signs such as decreased urine output or elevated serum creatinine levels. Chronic kidney failure is diagnosed when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) falls below 15 or when there is a need for renal replacement therapy, which is also classified as stage 5 chronic kidney disease.
Treatment approaches for acute kidney failure are determined by addressing the underlying cause of the condition. For chronic kidney failure, treatment options include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or a kidney transplant.
Hemodialysis involves using a machine to filter the blood externally, while peritoneal dialysis requires the introduction of a special fluid into the abdominal cavity, which is then drained and replaced multiple times per day.
Kidney transplantation entails surgically implanting a kidney from a donor and taking immunosuppressive medications to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. In addition to these treatments, managing chronic kidney disease often involves staying active and making specific dietary adjustments.
Depression is a common issue among patients with kidney failure and is associated with adverse outcomes such as accelerated decline in kidney function, increased rates of hospitalization, and higher mortality.
A recent study funded by PCORI, which examined patients undergoing outpatient hemodialysis, found that nonpharmacological treatments for depression are as effective as pharmacological treatments.
In the United States, acute kidney failure affects approximately 3 out of every 1,000 people annually. Chronic kidney failure impacts about 1 in 1,000 people, with 3 in 10,000 people newly developing the condition each year.
In Canada, the lifetime risk of developing kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is estimated at 2.66% for men and 1.76% for women. While acute kidney failure can often be reversed with timely intervention, chronic kidney failure is generally not reversible.
However with appropriate treatment and management, many individuals with chronic kidney disease can continue to work and maintain a good quality of life.
Treatment approaches for acute kidney failure are determined by addressing the underlying cause of the condition. For chronic kidney failure, treatment options include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or a kidney transplant.
Hemodialysis involves using a machine to filter the blood externally, while peritoneal dialysis requires the introduction of a special fluid into the abdominal cavity which is then drained and replaced multiple times per day.
Kidney transplantation entails surgically implanting a kidney from a donor and taking immunosuppressive medications to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ.
In addition to these treatments, managing chronic kidney disease often involves staying active and making specific dietary adjustments.
Depression is a common issue among patients with kidney failure and is associated with adverse outcomes such as accelerated decline in kidney function, increased rates of hospitalization and higher mortality.
A recent study funded by PCORI which examined patients undergoing outpatient hemodialysis, found that nonpharmacological treatments for depression are as effective as pharmacological treatments.
In the United States, acute kidney failure affects approximately 3 out of every 1,000 people annually. Chronic kidney failure impacts about 1 in 1,000 people, with 3 in 10,000 people newly developing the condition each year.
In Canada, the lifetime risk of developing kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is estimated at 2.66% for men and 1.76% for women. While acute kidney failure can often be reversed with timely intervention, chronic kidney failure is generally not reversible.
However, with appropriate treatment and management, many individuals with chronic kidney disease can continue to work and maintain a good quality of life.