Muscular activities create various nitrogen-containing wastes that end up in the blood. The National Kidney Foundation explains that healthy kidneys clean the blood, filter out these wastes and maintain normal levels of sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. When kidney function---also called renal function---dwindles, patients require frequent monitoring because these nitrogen-containing compounds and minerals accumulate in the blood. If the patient is not monitored frequently, this can cause very serious complications.
Monitoring
Many complications of low renal function can be avoided by regular monitoring. Patients with low renal function should be under the treatment of a nephrologist. The specialists order lab work to be performed at regular intervals, which can minimize complications.
Expert Insight
Calcium and phosphorus levels can get out of whack when renal function declines. This causes serious complications resulting on bone loss. The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disease explains that when serum phosphorus levels get too high or serum calcium levels get too low, the parathyroid gland releases a parathyroid hormone that "draws calcium and phosphorus from the bones to raise blood calcium levels." Patients should ask their nephrologists whether their phosphorus levels are normal so that this complication can be treated if necessary.
Staging
The National Kidney Foundation describes five stages of kidney disease. Stage I correlates with normal renal function and stage V correlates with function so impaired that dialysis or transplant is necessary. Renal complications are more likely to develop in the advanced stages of disease.
Warning
The kidney regulates potassium levels in the blood, but with low kidney function, elevated potassium levels can result and may be fatal. Potassium is involved in nervous conduction and when levels get too high, cardiac arrhythmias occur. Patients should ask their nephrologists about potassium levels. If potassium levels are high, a consultation with a dietician can be very helpful because elevated potassium can be controlled by diet. Using a potassium counter such as the one created by the USDA can be helpful in monitoring daily potassium intake.
Preparations
Many patients avoid thinking about preparing for dialysis. This is unfortunate because these patients often start dialysis on an emergency basis and end up requiring a neck catheter for hemodialysis. A better approach is to research different dialysis modalities well in advance and discuss possible plans with the nephrologist so he can determine if such modalities are feasible. According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disease, several months of preparation can be required before dialysis actually begins.
