Renal Failure And
Kidney Transplantation
Renal Failure And Kidney Transplantation
When the kidneys do not function properly and it does not filter the body wastes – the condition is called Renal Failure. And when your kidneys finally stop working effectively, then you will need either dialysis or a transplant. Dialysis does not replace all the functions of the kidneys. A transplant does.
These necessary functions include:
- Removal of waste products of metabolism
- Removal of excess fluid
- Production of a natural hormone called erythropoietin, to prevent anaemia
- Conversion of vitamin D in food into an active compound, which helps to keep bones healthy
- Helping to control blood pressure
Kidney transplantation or renal transplantation is the organ transplant of a kidney into a patient with end-stage renal disease. The indication for kidney transplantation is end-stage renal disease (ESRD), regardless of the primary cause. Common diseases leading to ESRD include malignant hypertension, infections, diabetes mellitus, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis; genetic causes include polycystic kidney disease,
Assessment for kidney transplantation does not depend on age or ethnic background but on whether you are fit enough to have the operation and to deal with the problems that can occur after surgery. If you are considered fit for transplantation, the benefits and risks have been explained to you and various tests have been undertaken.
Blood group:
There are four blood groups: O, A, B and AB.
The blood group has to be compatible (though not necessarily the same) as follows:
Donor blood group Recipient blood group O A, B, AB, O A A, AB B B, AB AB AB – universal recipient
Kidneys from donors in blood group O (“universal donors”) can be given to anyone in other blood groups, and patients in blood group AB can receive kidneys from donors in any other blood group (“universal recipients).
There are three types of donor:
- Donation after brain stem death (DBD) donor, also known as heart-beating donor
- Donation after circulatory death (DCD) donor, also known as non heart- beating Donor
- Live donor – relative can donate