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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Chronic Renal Failure: Treatment & Monitoring
      Category : Health Centers > Urinary System & Kidneys

Chronic Renal Failure

Alternate Names : CRF, Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic Renal Failure | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


What are the treatments for the disease?

Treatment of CRF includes the following actions:

  • controlling fluids using diuretics, called water pills, such as furosemide
  • controlling high blood pressure using medicines that treat the underlying causes
  • eating a protein-, potassium-, and phosphorus-restricted diet
  • hemodialysis, a process in which a machine filters wastes or impurities from the blood
  • limiting fluids
  • kidney transplantation, where a healthy kidney from another person is used to replace a diseased kidney
  • peritoneal dialysis, a filtering procedure that corrects the balance of electrolytes in the blood
  • using bicarbonate to improve acid-base status
  • using erythropoietin injections to improve anemia
  • using phosphate binders, such as calcium carbonate, to decrease absorption of phosphate
  • What happens after treatment for the disease?

    Most cases of CRF progress to end-stage renal disease. Most people who have this condition will eventually need dialysis or a kidney transplant to treat the symptoms of end-stage renal disease.

    How is the disease monitored?

    A doctor will usually monitor a person for symptoms of complete kidney failure. Once these symptoms appear, dialysis is a next step. The doctor may also keep a watch on kidney function with repeated blood samples and 24-hour urine collection. Be sure to report any new or worsening symptoms to the doctor.


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    Chronic Renal Failure: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Chronic Renal Failure: Pictures and Images

    Author: Rajnish K. Dhingra, MD
    Reviewer: Lisa Sterling, PharmD
    Date Reviewed: 02/11/02









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009