What is Dialysis, its Types and Risks Involved.
                     What is Dialysis, its Types and Risks Involved.
What is Dialysis?
• Dialysis is a treatment that filters and purifies the blood using a machine. This helps 
keep your fluids and electrolytes in balance when the kidneys can’t do their job.
Source: www.healthline.com
Why is Dialysis used?
• Properly functioning kidneys prevent extra water, waste, and other impurities from 
accumulating in your body. 
• They also help control blood pressure and regulate the levels of chemical elements 
in the blood. 
Source: www.healthline.com
Different types of Dialysis
• The three main approaches are:
– Intermittent hemodialysis (IHD)
– Peritoneal dialysis (PD)
– Continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT)
Source: www.healthline.com
Hemodialysis
• Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis. This process uses an artificial 
kidney (hemodialyzer) to remove waste and extra fluid from the blood. 
• Hemodialysis treatments usually last three to five hours and are performed three 
times per week. 
Source: www.healthline.com
Peritoneal dialysis
• Peritoneal dialysis involves surgery to implant a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter into 
your abdomen. The catheter helps filter your blood through the peritoneum, a 
membrane in your abdomen. 
Source: www.healthline.com
Continuous renal replacement therapy
• This therapy is used primarily in the intensive care unit for people with acute kidney 
failure. It’s also known as hemofiltration. 
• The blood is returned to the body, along with replacement fluid. This procedure is 
performed 12 to 24 hours a day, generally every day.
Source: www.healthline.com
Risks associated with hemodialysis
• Hemodialysis risks include:
– low blood pressure
– anemia, or not having 
enough red blood cells
– muscle cramping
– difficulty sleeping
– itching
– high blood potassium 
levels
Source: www.healthline.com
Risks associated with peritoneal dialysis
• Risks include:
– abdominal muscle weakening
– high blood sugar due to the 
dextrose in the dialysate
– weight gain
– hernia
– fever
– stomach pain
Source: www.healthline.com
Risks associated with CRRT
• The risks associated with CRRT include:
– infection
– hypothermia
– low blood pressure
– electrolyte disturbances
– bleeding
Source: www.healthline.com
Are there any alternatives to dialysis?
• Dialysis is time-consuming and expensive. Not everyone chooses it, particularly if 
they’re experiencing severe, acute kidney failure. 
• If you decide not to pursue dialysis, there are other treatment options that may help 
manage your symptoms. One of these options is anemia management. 
Source: www.healthline.com