The kidneys play a major role in ridding excess waste products from the body. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, which can occur with kidney failure, a build up of excess electrolytes such as potassium can occur. High levels of potassium associated with kidney failure can require the use of dialysis, an artificial kidney, to correct the electrolyte imbalance.
Functon of Kidneys
Humans are born with two kidneys, one on each side of the spine in the lower back area. The kidneys contain units called nephrons, and the nephrons have a filtering unit called the glomerulus. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the kidneys perform their life-sustaining job of filtering and returning to the bloodstream about 200 quarts of fluid every 24 hours. Of the 200 quarts filtered, about 2 quarts will be excreted in the form of urine. If you have chronic kidney failure, there is no cure. No other organ can assume the role of the kidney, therefore dialysis is used as a treatment option.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte found within the body. It plays a critical role in the excitability of cells, primarily the cardiac and muscle cells. High levels of potassium will cause hyperactivity of tissues and muscles. A significant shift in potassium levels can have a life-threatening effect on your level of consciousness and survivability.
Consequences of Hyperkalemia
If you have acute renal failure, the filtering capability of your kidneys is decreased. When this happens potassium is not excreted as it should be it will build up in the muscles and tissues. As potassium levels rise, called hyperkalemia, symptoms will appear. Symptoms of hyperkalemia may include little or no urine output, rapid heart beat or a abnormal heart rhythms, confusion and cardiac arrest. Severe hyperkalemia requires immediate attention.
Dialysis Purpose
Dialysis means the passage of solutes through a membrane. The two main functions of healthy kidneys are to remove waste products and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance. When your kidneys fail, dialysis takes over these functions to maintain a balance and prevent complications.
Dialysis Process
During dialysis, blood is removed from your body through a tube called a fistula, which flows over a semipermeable membrane on the artificial kidney machine to remove waste products and then rerouted back to your body. Treatment schedules for dialysis may vary. Some will choose daily treatments that last two to four hours, others may choose to use nighttime dialysis which can take six to eight hours. Dialysis is not as effective as normal kidney function because the cleansing of the blood occurs only when you are attached to the artificial kidney, whereas normal kidneys clear the blood 24 hours a day.
References
- National Kidney Foundation: How Your Kidneys Work
- "Fluids and Electrolytes DeMystified"; J. Johnson PhD; 2008
- "Nutirition and Diet Therapy"; C. Lutz,; K. Przytulski.; 2011
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