Handbook of Dialysis Therapy

Principles of Drug Usage in Dialysis Patients

Introduction The evolution of the field of dialysis and the advances in surgical procedures and access placement have made it possible to treat patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) with dialysis therapy for more than 60 years. Improvements in pharmacotherapy…

Pregnancy in Dialysis Patients

Introduction: A Historic Perspective When the first successful pregnancy in a woman on hemodialysis was reported in 1971 by Confortini and coworkers, the report elicited more skepticism than enthusiasm, and some nephrologists felt that emphasizing this exceptional occurrence could lead…

Evaluation and Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction

Introduction Sexual dysfunction is a common finding in both men and women with chronic kidney disease. Common disturbances include erectile dysfunction in men, menstrual abnormalities in women, and decreased libido and fertility in both sexes. These abnormalities are primarily organic…

Psychosocial Issues in Patients Treated With Dialysis

This chapter reviews the growing scientific literature on the psychosocial challenges patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with hemodialysis (HD) confront, concentrating on psychopathology, sleep disturbances, quality of life (QOL), and barriers to adherence to the medical prescription. Patients'…

COVID-19 and Dialysis Patients

The Impact of COVID-19 on Outpatient Dialysis Facilities Introduction This is a point-in-time view of early pandemic. While the principles remain the same, the facts of COVID-19 care have evolved since 2020. Through August 2020, COVID-19 disease caused by the…

Abnormalities of Thyroid Function in Chronic Dialysis Patients

Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, including those receiving dialysis, have a substantially higher prevalence of hypothyroidism compared to their non-CKD counterparts (i.e., 25% vs. 5%, respectively). However, there is often underrecognition of this metabolic disorder in dialysis patients, given…

End-Stage Kidney Failure in the Diabetic Patient

Introduction: The Diabetic End-Stage Kidney Disease Population The prevalence of diabetes continues to increase in both developed and developing countries. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is the most recognizable result of diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with diabetes mellitus are…