Renal Failure Treatment Guidelines

Renal failure occurs when the kidneys lose the ability to filter out waste. Also, the kidneys may lose the ability to create concentrated urine without excreting necessary electrolytes. Kidney failure can often be treated and recovery is possible. However, in some cases dialysis and kidney transplantation may be needed.

Underlying Conditions

• Renal failure may be caused by an underlying problem, such an injury or illness. The underlying cause needs to be treated before the problem can be resolved.

Modified Diet

• One treatment for renal failure is a modified diet that prevents the body from getting overloaded with toxins. This diet usually consists of limited fluids, low amounts of salt and protein and high amounts of carbohydrates.

Medications

• Medications such as glucose, sodium polystyrene sulfonate or calcium may be prescribed to prevent excessive accumulation of potassium in the blood.

Dialysis

• Dialysis may be needed to filter the blood. Dialysis removes excess fluids and toxins from the blood.

Kidney Transplant

• When treatments fail, a kidney transplant will be necessary. Kidneys may be acquired from living donors, such as siblings or other close relatives. Kidneys also may be acquired from organs donated after death.