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Actor Varun Kulkarni, known for his role in Shah Rukh Khan's film Dunki, is currently hospitalised due to serious kidney problems. He requires dialysis two to three times a week, which has created a significant financial burden. His friend, Roshan Shetty, has reached out on social media to ask for help with Varun's medical expenses. Shetty shared that Varun's health has worsened, leading to emergency care and regular hospital visits. Dialysis plays a vital role for those with severe kidney issues, as it helps eliminate waste from the blood when the kidneys can no longer function properly. Read ahead to explore more about it and when is dialysis necessary.
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When is Dialysis Necessary?
A study published on PubMed shares that dialysis is initiated when symptoms of kidney failure, such as nausea, fatigue, swelling, or lab results showing toxic waste buildup, become evident. It is typically required in two situations, acute kidney injury (AKI), where kidney function declines suddenly due to conditions like severe dehydration or infections, and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Patients may require dialysis when their kidney function drops below 15% of normal capacity. It is indicated by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 15 mL/min.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): If a patient experiences sudden kidney failure due to infections, dehydration, or exposure to toxins, they may need temporary dialysis until their kidney function improves.
- Life-threatening Symptoms: Doctors may start dialysis in emergencies involving severe electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperkalemia, fluid overload that leads to pulmonary edema, or uremic complications like encephalopathy or pericarditis.
- Toxic Ingestion: Dialysis can effectively remove harmful substances from the blood in cases of poisoning or drug overdose.
Types Of Dialysis
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Dr. Vijay Kher, Chairman - Nephrology, Epitome Kidney Urology Institute & Lions Hospital, New Delhi, shared that there are two main types of dialysis. Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis help maintain the body’s balance by removing waste products and excess fluids.
- Hemodialysis: Healthcare professionals draw blood from the body and filter it through a machine called a dialyser. It removes waste and excess fluids. This process usually takes about four hours and occurs three times a week.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: It uses a cleansing fluid in the abdomen to filter out waste. There are two types: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), which is done manually several times a day. On the other hand, Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD), is machine-assisted and takes place while the patient sleeps.
Importance of Timely Intervention
The decision to start dialysis relies on several factors, including lab results, symptoms, and the patient's overall health. Preparing for dialysis early can help prevent complications like infections or problems with vascular access. It also gives patients the chance to consider options like home-based dialysis, which can enhance their quality of life and lower costs.
For patients like Varun Kulkarni, dialysis acts as a vital support system that helps sustain life while managing kidney failure. However, it is important to note that dialysis is not a cure for kidney disease. Instead, it serves as a crucial step to stabilise health until other solutions, such as a kidney transplant, become possible.