Knowra Renal replacement therapy Renal replacement therapy Renal replacement therapy substitutes for some kidney functions by removing waste and excess fluid, or by replacing the kidneys through transplantation. It does not fully reproduce all kidney functions.
Hemodialysis : A dialysis method that circulates blood through an external filter to remove waste and excess fluid. A dialyzer filters blood outside the body, usually during repeated treatment sessions.
Acute kidney injury : A sudden decline in kidney function that disrupts waste removal, fluid balance, or electrolyte regulation. Severe acute injury can require temporary replacement therapy while kidney function recovers.
Kidney transplant : A functioning donor kidney placed in a recipient to treat kidney failure. A transplant provides organ function rather than filtering blood through a dialysis circuit.
Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome : A rare neurological complication associated with rapid osmotic shifts during or after dialysis. Rapid solute removal can create dangerous shifts, especially when dialysis is first initiated.
Peritoneal dialysis : A dialysis method that uses the peritoneal membrane as a filter, with dialysate exchanged through an abdominal catheter. The abdominal lining serves as the exchange membrane instead of an external dialyzer.
Chronic kidney disease : A persistent abnormality of kidney structure or function with health implications, usually present for at least three months. Progressive chronic disease can lead to kidney failure requiring long-term replacement.
Intermittent hemodialysis : Hemodialysis delivered in discrete sessions separated by periods without treatment. It contrasts with continuous therapies that remove fluid and solutes more gradually.
Vascular access complications : Problems affecting hemodialysis access, including stenosis, thrombosis, infection, and inadequate blood flow. Repeated extracorporeal treatment exposes access sites to mechanical and infectious complications.
Diffusion : The net movement of particles from higher to lower concentration through random molecular motion. Diffusion moves many dissolved waste products from blood into dialysis fluid.
Kidney transplantation : Surgery that places a donor kidney into a recipient to provide kidney function. Transplantation is a replacement option that can reduce or end the need for dialysis.
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