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understand what hemodialysis is and what can affect treatment

Research indicates that about 10 million people in Brazil live with kidney problems

On March 9th, ‘World Kidney Day’ is celebrated. Coordinated in Brazil by the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN), the campaign aims to inform the population about the importance of adopting healthy practices to prevent and avoid kidney problems.

According to SBN data, about 10 million people in Brazil live with kidney problems. Of these, 90,000 are undergoing dialysis (artificial stimulation of the kidneys), which demonstrates that chronic kidney disease is an important public health problem that requires attention and care, especially when it comes to procedures such as hemodialysis.

How does hemodialysis work?

Characterized by the progressive and irreversible loss of kidney functionthe problem is more frequent in hypertensive patients, diabetics, who use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs indiscriminately or with a family history of renal failure, and who require hemodialysis as part of the treatment.

The procedure consists of placing a venous access in a place of high blood flow. The blood is then purified in a machine and returned to the body. The time and number of sessions per week depend on the stage of chronic kidney disease.

Problem with catheter is one of the most frequent in hemodialysis (Image: Pirke | Shutterstock)

Complications affecting treatment

The use of a catheter as venous access is the most common, but also the one with the most problems. A study conducted by nursing professionals, published in the Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP, pointed out that 100% of the adverse events related to hemodialysis are due to a catheter obstructed by blood clot. Complications involving the catheter can be serious and jeopardize the patient’s treatment.

Another frequent problem is the accidental removal of the needle from the venous access, which can even cause the patient’s death. Taking into account that, according to the WHO (World Health Organization), there are around 133,000 people in the world who need dialysis – an increase of 33% in 10 years – and that number should triple by 2030, so it is necessary to seek ways to improve the access route of the procedure.

Alternative to improve the hemodialysis access route

According to vascular surgeon Dr. Caio Focássio, Member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery in São Paulo, it is possible to improve the hemodialysis access via the endovascular method, which can increase the expectation and quality of life of the patient. “It is a technique in cuts, without fissure, which keeps the fistula, which is our access, active”, explains the specialist.

As the doctor explains, endovascular surgery connects the vein and the artery, constructing the fistula with the vein itself or with a prosthesis, usually in the patient’s arm. “In two years the fistula can close, but there are techniques to keep it open for longer”, says the doctor, who completes by stating: “With endovascular techniques, it is possible to triple the useful life, assisting this access periodically and maintaining the active fistula with regular visits to the vascular doctor“, ends.

By Mayra Barreto Cinel

Source: Maxima

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