Risks and Side Effects During Kidney Dialysis

It's important to remember that without dialysis, many patients' only hope is a transplant. The risks associated with refusing dialysis are MUCH worse than those due to dialysis. Rather than panic at these potential problems, speak to your own doctor for a fuller explanation. No web site should be a substitute for proper medical advice!

Bleeding from the Access Point

As dialysis is an invasive technique, the area surrounding the access point can be damaged and bleeding can occur. You should see your doctor if this occurs.

Hypotension

Dialysis patients are at risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure (hypotension), due to the stress the cardiovascular system is under from regular hemodialysis. However this can be controlled by medication.

Infections

As mentioned on other pages, dialysis patients are generally more susceptible to infection. The access point should be kept clean, and any sign of infection (redness, itching, or other problems) watched for. Peritonitis with its associated flu-like symptoms, is also a possibility. Hence the importance of cleanliness and good general hygiene.

Cramps, Nausea and Headaches

These flu-like symptons are sometimes experienced by hemodialysis patients. The water quality in the dialyzer, the composition of the dialyser itself, the dialysate composition, and the rate of filteration can all cause problems, which can be reduced by adjusting the dialysis perscription. However, do remember that these are also symptoms of peritonitis.

Diseases

There is a slight risk of contracting hepatitis B and hepatitis C due to the the exposure of blood during the treatment. Vacination against the B strain is generally recommended. While HIV is a risk in theory, one only person in the US (a staff member, not a patient) has been documented as contracting this disease in the last six years or so. Strict standards are imposed in dialysis centres which minimise the risks considerably.

Electrolyte Imbalance

This will almost certainly be detected via the normal blood tests conducted on dialysis patients. There are a variety of vital electrolytes (ionic species) in the blood that control a number of bodily process and this is too general an area for discussion here.

Anemia

The red blood cell volume in dialysis patients (especially hemodialysis patients) is often lower then normal. This is due to reduced levels of the hormone erythropoietin, which is produced by the kidneys and regulates red blood cell production. Medication to treat the anemia is commonly used by dialysis patients.

Let's finish this section the way we started it - no web site is a substitute for proper medical advice from your own doctor. We are here to supplement, not to replace your medical advisor.