The kidneys are the organs responsible for filtering our blood, which reabsorbs various substances that are useful to our body. They are the only organs in the human body that can be replaced by a machine, although this replacement is not perfect.
Through hemodialysis, people who have their kidney functions impaired have the opportunity to maintain a life close to normal, being able to practice physical activities, work, travel, etc.
Hemodialysis is done using a machine that artificially filters the blood. In this machine, the person's blood circulates through an artificial kidney filled with tubes with semipermeable membranes. These tubes are immersed in a solution that contains the same substances that are present in the blood, such as glucose, salts, among others. As this solution in which the tubes are immersed has the same concentrations as blood, only toxic substances and impurities leave the blood through diffusion, as they are found in concentrations many different.
In order to remove and return the blood to the patient's body during hemodialysis it is necessary to build arteriovenous fistulas, where, through a vascular surgery, connects an artery to a vein, creating a peripheral vein with high blood flow and more resistant to repeated punctures, necessary for hemodialysis. Each hemodialysis session lasts between four to six hours, and should be done at least three times a week.
Even with the benefits of hemodialysis, the patient may have complications such as high blood pressure, anemia severe, decalcification, malnutrition and hepatitis, which can be treated and controlled at each session of hemodialysis.
All patients undergoing hemodialysis must undergo monthly tests to measure urea, phosphorus and uric acid levels; and also tests to check the state of the bones, in order to avoid decalcification. These patients also use medications before the sessions (such as heparin, which prevents blood clotting) and also during and after sessions (such as B complex vitamins and C vitamins, which help to mobilize iron stores in the body). It is important that the patient uses some medications at home, such as calcium carbonate and carbonate, which prevent the absorption of phosphorus, preventing bone diseases.
It is very important that patients undergoing hemodialysis are careful with their diet, as the consumption of certain foods (such as sweet and savory foods) can increase water intake. As there is a decrease in urine, fluid and salt accumulate in the body, causing swelling and an increase in blood pressure.
By Paula Louredo
Graduated in Biology