Symptoms of Kidney infection
• Pain in the flanks, usually on one side of the back, is one of the main signs of a kidney infection. This discomfort frequently gets worse with movement or pressure. It might be subtle and chronic or severe and strong.
• Chills and fever are frequent concomitant signs of kidney infections. Shivering or feeling too chilly might be symptoms of an increased temperature caused by the body’s immunological reaction to the infection.
• Urinary symptoms associated with kidney infections often include burning while urinating (dysuria), frequent and urgent urination, and murky or bad-smelling urine. Hematuria, or the presence of blood in the urine, can also occur in certain people.
• When an infection worsens, people may feel sick to their stomachs and vomit. This is usually because of how the body reacts to the illness and the pain it causes.
• A broad feeling of fatigue, weakness, and exhaustion are examples of systemic symptoms that can result from kidney infections. The body’s attempt to combat the infection and the effects of bacterial toxins may be the cause of these symptoms.
• Some kidney infections might cause abdominal pain or discomfort in addition to flank pain. This lower abdominal pain can be localized or diffuse, and it might be misdiagnosed as other gastrointestinal problems.
• Dehydration symptoms or a discernible drop in urine production could occur in severe kidney infections. Urine that is darker in color, less frequent urination, or extreme thirst are some signs of this.

Treatment and Management
It is essential to treat kidney infections as soon as possible in order to avoid consequences like kidney damage or bloodstream infections. Antibiotics are usually used in treatment to get rid of the bacterial infection. It may be required to administer intravenous fluids and painkillers in cases of acute pain or dehydration.

If you think you may have a kidney infection, you should definitely see a doctor, especially if your symptoms are severe or getting worse. Serious consequences and a longer recovery time can result from delayed treatment.

Prevention

Following proper hygiene, drinking plenty of water, and treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) as soon as possible are all important steps in preventing kidney infections. Kidney infections can also be lowered by safe sex practices and avoiding extended urine retention.

In summary, prompt action and therapy of a kidney infection depend on the ability to identify its symptoms. Seek medical assistance right once if you suffer any of the aforementioned symptoms, especially if they worsen over time or persist. Most kidney infections can be successfully treated with the right care, which lowers the chance of complications and encourages a quick recovery.

Dr AK Gadpayle
Head Department of Medicine – Sharda Hospital

The post Kidney Infection : Recognizing the Signs – Symptoms and Treatment appeared first on Health Vision.

It has been felt that 10% of the population suffer from kidney stones, which produces severe pain to the patients which eventually leads to the loss of kidney. Kidney stones, medically known as nephrolithiasis, are a common ailment that affects a significant portion of the population. These small, hard deposits can form in the kidneys and cause excruciating pain, often necessitating medical intervention.

Kidney stones are solid crystalline structures that form from substances found in urine. These substances can include calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and cysteine. The crystals combine to form stones of varying sizes, which can become trapped in the urinary tract, leading to severe pain, urinary tract infections, and potential kidney damage.

There is increase in kidney stones due to dietary and lifestyle factors. It is estimated that approximately 10% of the global population experiences kidney stones at some point in their lives, highlighting the prevalence and importance of addressing this issue. Furthermore, if left untreated, kidney stones can obstruct the flow of urine and cause irreversible damage to the kidneys, ultimately leading to kidney failure.

Traditional Treatment Methods:

Historically, treating kidney stones often involved invasive procedures such as forced diuresis, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and open surgery. Forced diuresis aims to increase urine production to flush out the stones, but it can be uncomfortable for the patient and may not always yield effective results. PCNL involves surgically removing the stones through a small incision in the back, and open surgery is a more extensive procedure that requires larger incisions.

Both methods typically require hospitalization and specialized care by urology specialists, leading to prolonged recovery times and potential complications. However, recent advancements in medical technology have led to innovative approaches that provide more efficient and patient-friendly alternatives.

Innovative Approach: Lithotripsy

A pioneering approach to kidney stone treatment involves state-of-the-art lithotripter equipment. This cutting-edge technology offers a non-invasive and patient-friendly method for breaking down kidney stones. The procedure, known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), uses focused shock waves to target and break down the stones into smaller fragments that can be passed more easily through the urinary tract. ESWL eliminates the need for surgical incisions, reduces hospitalization time, and minimizes discomfort for the patient.

Collaborative Care: Bridging the Gap Between Patients and Urologists

The comprehensive approach to kidney stone treatment involves a collaborative effort between patients and qualified urologists. Upon diagnosis, patients are provided with consultations from experienced urologists who assess the severity of the condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. If ESWL is deemed suitable, patients are guided through the procedure, ensuring they receive personalized care and support at every step of the process.

Conclusion:

Kidney stones present a significant health challenge that affects a substantial population. The debilitating pain and potential long-term consequences underscore the importance of timely and effective treatment. Traditional approaches involving forced diuresis, PCNL, and open surgery have been the norm, but advancements in medical technology have introduced innovative alternatives.

State-of-the-art lithotripter equipment and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy provide patients with a less invasive and more convenient option for kidney stone removal. Coupled with expert consultation and collaborative care, these innovative approaches are transforming the landscape of kidney stone treatment, offering patients a brighter and less painful path to recovery.

Hitech Kidney Stone Hospital, Bengaluru offers quality services, cost effective treatment and good patient care. Patients can visit hospital at its different centers at – Kumarapark East, Bengaluru; Jayanagar, Bengaluru; and Mysuru.

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Kidney diseases are silent killers, which can largely affect your quality of life. There are several ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease. “Kidney disease is mostly silent and thus neglected and not handled properly,” says Dr. Manju Aggarwal, Director and Head, Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Artemis Health Institute. She went on to say that kidney disease is avoidable and that high-risk populations, such as those with diabetes and hypertension, should be educated and screened. Early detection and medical treatment can help to postpone the onset of severe renal failure.

Diagnosing renal illness can be a difficult experience for both the sufferer and those around them. It limits their capacity to engage in daily activities such as employment, travel and socialising. Patients with kidney disease, including those who require dialysis or transplantation, require additional assistance from society, patient groups, networks, government agencies and health insurance providers in the long run.

Kidneys are very important organs that remove waste, control blood pressure, make haemoglobin and maintain bone health, according to Dr. Rishit K. Harbada, Consultant Nephrologist, BSES MG Hospital, Andheri, S.R.V Hospital, Goregaon, Associate Consultant, Sir H.N Reliance, Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. He added, ”Symptoms or indicators of renal disease may not appear until 80 percent of your kidneys have been damaged”. As a result, early detection is critical. Controlling blood pressure, diabetes, eating properly, limiting alcohol intake, being active, avoiding over-the-counter drugs, painkillers, and regular follow-up are all critical for kidney health sharing precautionary measures in the session. 

Also read: Pain killers can damage kidneys.

According to Dr. Siddharth Vinod Lakhani, Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant Physician, Lakhani Kidney Clinic Prevention is better than cure,” Dr. Lakhani stated emphatically. “Let us work together to avoid and battle chronic renal disease”, he says.

Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director, Total Care Control, Delhi–NCR, outlined his concern of the rising cases of kidney diseases in the nation and said, ”kidney disease has long been regarded as the most neglected chronic disorder”. A variety of communicable and noncommunicable diseases can cause kidney problems, and many patients with kidney disease do not have access to treatment. Renal disorders’ causes, consequences, and costs have implications for public health policy in all countries, as well as the problems that lie ahead.

The post Greater risks of Kidney disease if you have Diabetes and High Blood Pressure appeared first on Health Vision.

Long-term use of pain killers can damage kidneys. The threat is even greater in high-risk individuals such as the elderly, diabetics and high blood pressure patients who should instead switch to paracetamol or opioids for pain control.  Not many people realize it, but long-term use of analgesics (pain killers) can lead to a condition called analgesic neuropathy which causes kidney damage.

Pain killers don’t harm the kidneys in health individuals if taken occasionally. However, taking them too often for a prolonged period, especially as a combination of drugs, can cause severe kidney damage. The threat is even greater in high-risk individuals such as the elderly, diabetics and patients of high blood pressure. Their kidneys can get damaged with even occasional use of pain killers.

Many analgesics are sold without prescription for reducing pain and inflammation. These include Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen. A combination of drugs, including aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine, are also easily available and commonly taken by patients for chronic headaches and backaches.

Pain killers can lead to kidney damage in many ways. Most patients present themselves with acute rise in creatinine levels, known as Acute kidney Injury. There can also be worsening of pre-existing Chronic Kidney Disease in terms of rise in creatinine levels. Pain killers can also cause a rise in potassium levels in the body. Most patients remain asymptomatic in early stages of kidney disease and the raised creatinine is an incidental finding. However, in advanced forms of the disease, there can be breathlessness, vomiting, loss of appetite and swelling all over body.

Prevention is always better than cure, so a judicious use of pain killers is advised. These should be taken if absolutely necessary. Patients with known kidney disease or those at risk of kidney disease such as like elderly and diabetics should avoid pain killers totally. They should instead switch to paracetamol or opioids for pain control. If you are taking pain killers regularly and find that your creatinine level is raised, discontinue their use and see a nephrologist immediately.

Dr. Manju Aggarwal

Chief – Medical Services & Chairperson – Nephrology

Artemis Hospital in Gurugram

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Usually UTI (Urinary tract infections) are more common in women than men. This is because the urethra, a thin passage that connects your urinary bladder to the outside, is shorter in women than in men. However men can also get UTI if they have risk factors.

Risk factors for UTI in Men:

In young men, STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) usually account for the UTI. In older men, prostate enlargement and diabetes are important risk factors for developing UTI. Chronic indwelling urinary catheters in hospice, home-care and hospitalised patients is also one of the risk factors for developing UTI.

Depending on the location and complexity, UTI is usually divided into upper urinary tract or lower urinary tract infection. Upper urinary tract infections include those in kidneys and urethra  and they are usually serious requiring admission. Lower urinary tract infections include those in the urinary bladder, prostate or urethra.

Symptoms of UTI:

Symptoms of urinary tract infection depend on location. When infection involves the bladder and/or urethra, symptoms include urinary urgency and increased frequency of urination, lower abdominal pain, pain or burning sensation in penis while urinating. One may also develop fever or chills. If the infection involves prostate, one may experience similar symptoms and additionally pain after ejaculation, difficulty in passing urine. Upper urinary tract infections include fever, chills, shivering, nausea, vomiting and abdominal or back pain. If not treated early, upper urinary tract infections lead to a serious condition called sepsis, where the infection enters the bloodstream.

Diagnosis of UTI:

History and clinical examination usually narrow down the diagnosis. The doctor may run additional tests like urine examination, urine culture and sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics and in some cases, ultrasound of the abdomen/pelvis. If an STD is suspected, the doctor may run additional tests to identify the bacteria. Most of the STD related urinary tract symptoms are caused due to gonorrhea or chlamydial infections.

An upper urinary tract infection may require imaging like an ultrasound or a CT scan for the diagnosis and also to rule out any obstruction to the urinary tract.

Treatment of UTI:

Antibiotics are the treatment of choice for UTI. The choice of antibiotics and method of administration depends on the causative organism and its response to the antibiotics, the location of the infection. Simple lower urinary tract infections like a bladder infection may need antibiotics for up to a week. Acute infections of the prostate usually require treatment with antibiotics for 2 to 4 weeks.

Infections of kidneys, if severe, require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics. One may need antibiotics for up to 2 weeks. Surgical intervention may be indicated at times if there’s an obstruction to urinary passage and severe infection or pus collection in the kidneys which are refractory to antibiotic therapy. Treatment of bacterial STDs is organism specific and involves antibiotics.

Why treating UTI early is important?:

Untreated urinary tract infection involving kidneys can damage kidneys leading to acute kidney failure and/or chronic kidney disease. If the infection enters the bloodstream, it can cause sepsis, shock and even death. In certain situations infections can spread to genital tract such as epididymis, testes. These are usually seen in STDs.

 How to prevent UTIs in males?:

Symptoms related to enlarged prostate have to be treated with the help of medications that can ease the urinary flow. Diabetes should be well controlled. Appropriate use and care of urinary catheters are important. In young males, usage of condoms prevents STDs and its complications. Certain urological procedures need prophylactic antibiotics that prevent infection.

Dr. Sudarshan S.

Consultant Physician

Medall Healthcare Pvt Ltd.

The post Urinary tract infections in Men appeared first on Health Vision.

What causes anemia in CKD patients and what are its symptoms?

The anemia in CKD patient is primarily due to inadequate production of erythropoietin hormone, which is required for red blood cells production. Most prominent symptoms of anemia are fatigue, shortness of breathing, dizziness and sometimes sleep disorders. Anemia in hemodialysis patients is associated with decreased hemoglobin level, particularly when hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL.

How does anemia conditions affect the heart functioning?

The heart respond to the diminished oxygen carrying capacity of blood by attempting to maintain systemic oxygen delivery with increased cardiac output and consequently left ventricular hypertrophy. Patient may notice worsening shortness of breath and palpitations at this stage.

What are the indications, treatment therapy and adequate level that should be maintained in dialysis patients?

As erythropoietin deficiency is the primary cause of anemia in CKD patients, so the Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESA) like Epoetinalfa, darbepoetinalfa and CERA are prescribed to correct anemia. ESA therapy should be started in CKD patients when the Hb level is below 10 g/dl. The hemoglobin levels of dialysis patients should be between 10 – 11 g/dl.

What causes the decreased response to the ESA therapy?

There are many reasons which leads to decreased response to ESA therapy, but the leading cause is iron deficiency, shorter life span of RBC’s, inflammation and infection, vitamin B12 deficiency. Maintaining adequate level of iron and ferritin may help better response to ESA therapy. The vitamin B12 levels of less than 300 pmol/L suggest deficiency. Medication to correct vitamin B12 deficiency may result in lesser dependency on ESA.

What measures can one take to improve hematocrit response?

Nutritional and vitamin deficiency may cause anemia, this can be corrected by taking vitamin B12, folate (Vitamin B9) and amino acids. Under dialysis can result in worsening anemia, so taking proper dialysis may help you increasing hematocrit. Concluding this, I would say that anemia has been one of the most challenging clinical problems in dialysis patients, but with the availability of ESA, the challenge is resolved and is shifted to maintaining adequate iron levels.

Dr. Deepak Agarwal
Vice President Clinical Operations
DCDC Health Services Private Limited, New Delhi

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Prostate health is an important part of men’s health but due to the social stigma associated with prostate check ups, there is a significant lack of awareness surrounding it. One in every nine men suffers from prostate infection hence it is imperative to maintain good prostate health as an early diagnosis will lead to an effective treatment plan.

The prostate is a tiny gland that is located under the bladder, it is majorly responsible for producing a fluid that makes up to 75 percent of semen. Prostatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the prostate gland and this inflammation further spreads to the area around the prostate gland. Prostatitis should not be confused with prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate as all of these medical conditions are different from one another and requires different treatment.

Causes:

Prostatitis can be caused by various types of bacteria and these bacteria can also cause a bladder infection. For men over the age of 35, one of the most common causes of bacterial prostatitis is sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhea and chlamydia. If the prostate gland is injured, it can cause prostatitis and some of the other causes might include a weak nervous system and immune system. In most cases, the exact cause for chronic prostatitis is unknown.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of prostatitis usually vary depending on the advancement of the condition but some of the noticeable symptoms of bacterial prostatitis include:

• Sharp pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, and rectum
• Difficulty and pain while passing urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Fever and chills
• Painful testicles and ejaculation

The symptoms of chronic prostatitis and chronic bacterial prostatitis might appear to be similar and less severe. However, prostatitis is asymptomatic in some cases which makes it crucial to do regular prostate exams, especially in cases of family history with prostate cancer and prostatitis.

Risk Factors :

Age is one of the key risk factors for this condition as men over 60 years of age are more likely to develop prostate related diseases. A few other risk factors include:

• Insertion of a urinary catheter
• Bladder infection
• Unprotected intercourse and being HIV-positive increases the risk of prostatitis
• A pelvic injury

Early Detection:

An immediate doctor appointment after the noticeable symptoms of prostatitis will reduce the risk. The doctor will rule out the possible causes of symptoms as these particular symptoms are also a sign of enlarged prostate, cystitis, and some other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. The doctor will perform a physical exam which also includes a prostate exam. After performing a digital rectal exam, the doctor will examine the prostate and check for enlargement.

In some cases,  a cystoscopy might be needed where the doctor inserts a small scope into a urethra to examine the bladder and the prostate gland. This helps to determine the type of prostatitis. The doctor may also recommend blood tests and urine analysis.

Treatment :

If the person is diagnosed with bacterial prostatitis, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics, and the treatment of the antibiotic will depend upon the type of bacteria that is causing the symptoms. In extreme cases, doctors will perform surgery to treat prostatitis. The surgery includes an instrument known as a resectoscope which is inserted through the urethra. The resectoscope helps in trimming away excess prostate tissue that has caused blockage to the urine flow.

Prevention 

Regular prostate check ups and awareness about early symptoms play a crucial role in preventing prostatitis. Practising safe sex is also very important to prevent prostatitis as any kind of sexually trasnmitted diseases can lead to inflammation of prostate gland. An early diagnosis will help in an effective and easy treatment plan.

Conclusion

A prostate infection can be easily treated if diagnosed early and leading to a shorter recovery period. Prostate Health is a key part of men’s health and it can be easily managed by including a few lifestyle changes in the daily routine. Keeping hydrated helps in flushing the bacteria from the body, preventing Urinary Tract infections  as sometimes the bacteria in the urinary tract can also move to the prostate gland. Besides this, maintaining a healthy weight and practising safe sex are the main steps in keeping a good prostate health.

Dr. Dilip Dhanpal – Urologist
Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore

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Water is essential for all human beings to lead a healthy life. Consuming water has several health benefits such as it provides nutrients to our body, ensures proper digestion, helps in weight loss and prevents dehydration. However, drinking too much water can prove harmful for your health and may lead to overhydration or water intoxication. Confusion, nausea, vomiting, headache, and disorientation are some of the symptoms of Overhydration and if severe, it can also lead to coma and death in certain cases.

Understanding Overhydration

Overhydration is caused by drinking excess water which leads to water intoxication that usually happens when the amount of salt content in your body along with other electrolytes are diluted. Due to the water intoxication, there is a drop in your sodium levels which if left unchecked can lead to hyponatremia or other serious problems.

Hyponatremia is characterized by electrolyte imbalance or low sodium concentration in blood. One may start feeling nauseous, disoriented and in some cases may experience a headaches due to a drop in the sodium levels. Overhydration also restricts the ability of the kidneys to remove excess water that can accumulate in your blood stream and can cause more complications in the body.

What are the signs of Overhydration?

In patients who are undergoing dialysis, overhydration can cause edema where one’s feet, ankles and wrists swell up and this will also prevent such patients from maintaining an optimal blood pressure. In dialysis patients, overhydration is a critical issue as it can also lead to heart failure due to swelling of the blood cells. People may also experience diarrhea and prolonged sweating due to overhydration and the condition may also lead to seizures sometimes.

What is the right water diet for you?

There is a misconception that consuming 8 glasses of water per day is right for your health and body, however, normal water intake cannot be generalized for everyone and depends on several factors like health conditions, size, weather and physical activities.

It is advisable that –

         In a healthy person water intake is decided by the thirst mechanism. There is no such rule that minimum water intake should be a certain quantity. In a healthy person, thirst mechanism will guide the quality and it need not be measured. In contains of extreme cold and heat, the body mechanisms will dictate the water intake. For example an athlete can lose up to 8-10 L of water in sweat so to replenish he has to consume 8-10 L of water with electrolytes.

         Always consume water according to thirst and avoid beverages with high solute load like soft drinks which incurs the osmotic load and doesn’t quench the thirst.

         Excess drinking of electrolyte free water and habitual water drinking can lead to urinary concentration defects and low sodium in the blood.

         People with a history of kidney stones are advised to maintain the urine output of approximately 2.5 Liters per day hence they can consume up to 3 L of water.

         Patients of dialysis with urine output less than 200 ml per day have to restrict free water consumption up to 500 ml per day to prevent fluid overload.

Additionally, it is advisable to treat related conditions like adrenal gland insufficiency which would contribute to hyponatremia at utmost priority.

Dr.Vidyashankar P
Lead Consultant – Nephrology
Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru

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Q: Is Chronic kidney disease curable?

A: Chronic kidney disease is a progressive disease. There is no cure for kidney failure, but with treatment it is possible to live a long life. Having kidney failure is not a death sentence. People with kidney failure can live active life for years and continue to do the things they love.

Q: Is transplant the last resort if moving towards kidney failure?

A: Three major types of treatments are available for patients with kidney failure. They are haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation. Hence, transplant is not the last resort for the CKD patients.

Q: If kidney transplant is unsuccessful (kidney is not responding as expected) what options does one have?

A: First of all, Rejections happen much less often nowadays. That’s because there have been many improvements in immunosuppressive medicines. Rejections can be acute or chronic. Once the grafted kidney fails, the person can opt for re-transplantation or dialysis.

Q: What precautions should a person take while on dialysis?

A: Regulate the amount of liquid intake, If not maintained this can lead to serious complication leading to build up excess fluid in your tissue, blood, and lungs. Avoid eating potassium and phosphorous rich food; also keep a check on the amount of salt being consumed. Don’t skip or shorten dialysis session and take medicine on time as prescribed.Take care of vascular access as suggested by doctor.

Q: Do one have to change eating habits or restrict on things that he or she eating, if getting dialysis?

A: Diet is an important part of the treatment plan. One will need to limit fluids and control the intake of certain foods in diet. Dietitian can prepare a personalized meal plan. One will need to have high protein foods, eat low sodium, low potassium and low phosphorus diet.

Q: Can a person lead a normal life while being on dialysis?

A: Yes,with their doctor’s permission, dialysis and transplant patients are encouraged to return to work.  An exercise program approved by the doctor can increase strength and endurance, prevent fatigue, reduce stress and depression and can increase the overall quality of day-to-day living. Travel for kidney patients requires advance planning and prior appointment for dialysis slots should be confirmed after discussing your treating doctor.

 Q: If any person is diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease at a young age, can he think of getting married having a family leading a normal life?

A: Yes, person can live a normal life though men with CKD have less chance to be father and women with kidney failure have high risk of complications during pregnancy but under strict supervision of doctor and their guidance one can get fruitful results.

Dr. Deepak Agarwal
Vice President Clinical Excellence
DCDC Health Services Private Limited, New Delhi

The post Kidney Failure and its Management appeared first on Health Vision.

Covid-19 has emerged as a global pandemic and has challenged the entire healthcare system. Dialysis Patients are ambiguous about getting infected, testing methods, preventive mechanisms, ponder on myths about the vaccination safety and manage commutation issues to hospital for routine dialysis during lockdown.

Worries and concerns being faced by dialysis patients during Covid-19:

Q1: How can a CKD/dialysis patient prevent himself/herself against Covid-19?

A1: Follow standard hand washing and social distancing practices at all times. High protein diet is advisable to enhance immune system to fight against infections. Keep the carb diet on lower side & do not compromise with your sleep. Vitamin D and Vitamin C supplementation can be used as they have protective effects on respiratory tract, thus preventing infections.

Q2: Is CT/HRCT Chest, an alternative to RT-PCR for Covid-19 detection?

A2: To detect the presence of Covid-19 infection, RT-PCR is considered as gold standard. CT chest is done at later stage to understand the level of infection in lungs. It is to be noted that a CT scan is not required if the patient has mild illness and has maintained saturation because CT scan increases the risk of cancer in later stages of life. Symptomatic patients who are not maintaining saturation may go for CT chest. However frequent CT scans are not suggested as the radiation from CT scan is several times more harmful as compared to the radiation of single X-Ray chest.

Q3: Should CKD patients; those on dialysis or living with a renal transplant, take Covid-19 vaccination?

A3: Yes, they must take the vaccine. End Stage Renal Disease or Dialysis is not a contraindication for vaccine. It is recommended to take the vaccine after a dialysis session or on a non-dialysis day. The transplant patients take immunosuppressive medicine which hampers the immunity and makes the immune conversion slower, hence they should get themselves vaccinated at earliest.

Q4: Is home hemodialysis beneficial during Covid-19?

A4: The home hemodialysis is a solution to commutation problem and frequent hospital visit faced by hemodialysis patients. In a home dialysis program there are very few visits to the hospital. The other major benefits of home hemodialysis are dialysis in an infection free environment, comfort of home, flexibility in dialysis scheduling, less recovery period, no work leaves, improved quality of life, personal attention & better time management. Clinical studies indicate that home based dialysis offers more control on patient outcomes like better control on BP, phosphate control, better mineral metabolism, better quality of sleep and decreased load on heart.

Q5: Can we use Oxygen Concentrator in place of oxygen cylinder?

A5: Oxygen Cylinders (LMO – Liquid Medical Oxygen) provide up to 99% pure oxygen, however Oxygen Concentrators gives only 90 -95% pure oxygen to the patients. It is advisable, to use oxygen concentrators for patients with oxygen saturation level above 85%. Oxygen Concentrators are not that effective for critical patients having oxygen saturation below 85%. For such critical patients (oxygen saturation below 85%) liquid medical oxygen should be used.

In a nutshell, I suggest all patients to follow standard social distancing norms. In case of any Covid-19 symptoms inform your dialysis center prior to your schedule. Never miss a dialysis session in any circumstance. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based sanitizers frequently.

Stay Healthy, Stay Safe.

Dr. Deepak Agarwal
Vice President Clinical Excellence
DCDC Health Services Private Limited, New Delhi

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