Kidney Care Workshop at Global Hospitals, Mumbai

It was attended by 15 patients. Two types of kidney problems were discussed – Acute kidney diseases and Chronic kidney diseases. In Acute kidney diseases, kidneys may get damaged suddenly. Identifying and diagnosing the severity of the damage and providing the right treatment as early as possible may prevent any major damage. Usually there is complete recovery in the patients suffering from Acute kidney diseases. The second issue, and probably the one with highest mortality is Chronic Kidney Disease. In Chronic Kidney Disease, kidneys may get damaged slowly and progressively. The causes of Chronic Kidney Disease in patients are: 

Diabetes: 4 out of 10 people suffering from Diabetes may develop Chronic Kidney Disease. It is the leading cause of kidney failure in our country

High Blood Pressure: 20-22% people suffering from High Blood Pressure may suffer from Kidney Failure

Glomerulonephritis: This causes damage to the kidney filters. It is a common disease between the ages of 2-35 years. When diagnosed in time, it is a treatable condition

Kidney Stones: If kidney stones are not treated, it causes one’s kidneys to swell. Majority of people suffering from kidney stones may develop infection that slowly becomes the cause of Kidney failure

Hereditary Kidney Diseases: As the name suggests, this disease is passed on by one generation to another, e.g., from Father to Son to Grandson. Amongst them Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most common disease. It affects people of the age group between 40-50 years and is characterized by the development of renal cysts. Less than 5% of people suffer from ADPKD.

Abuse of Pain Killers: Discussing about pain killers, Dr. Rajput said, “In India we provide over-the-counter pain killers to people suffering from any aches and believe in the word of self-proclaimed healer and give in to buy their medicines and herbs. Not realizing the ill effects these medicines have, that are leading our kidneys to fail.” Dr. Rajput also mentioned about, how Indians are obsessed with skin color. We give into the temptation of buying Skin lightning / whitening creams, which have high amounts of mercury in them. This in turn is potentially toxic to kidneys.

Dr. Rajput also spoke about how one should not avoid the symptoms of CKD, i.e., Chronic Kidney Disease. These symptoms include: high blood pressure, swelling of legs and face, frequent bone, back and headaches, frequent urination; especially at nights, blood and froth in urine, unexplained weight loss due to loss of appetite, early tiredness/breathlessness, increasing weakness, nausea and vomiting.

He explained that a simple urine routine examination, also called as the poor man’s biopsy, helps in identifying the appropriate treatment required for the patient. Some other tests include ultrasound of kidneys and creatinine levels check for persistently elevated and increasing level of creatinine in the blood. End Stage CKD requires Renal Replacement Therapy, one can either go for dialysis or transplant becomes mandatory for survival. Young patients are motivated for transplants if a donor is available in the family. If there is no donor available, then one should plan for AV Fistula, in case transplant is uncertain then one should plan for Dialysis.