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Suggest Treatment For Rapidly Deteriorating Kidney Function

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Posted on Wed, 18 Jun 2014
Question: My mom is 84, has been experiencing kidney failure. She was at 20% function 6 weeks ago, and is now at 17%. I am a mathematician, and graphically looks like she is heading quickly to the 15%. What is the time frame for a person to head to the nonfunctional phase. She refuses dialysis so I am curious what amount of time I have to enjoy her
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Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Difficult making a mathematical prediction.,

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

It is for sure that if nothing is done, especially with regards to the dialysis option, the kidney function shall continue to deteriorate.

However, it might be difficult to make a clear mathematical prediction with regards to how long she might have to live again for one main reason. Kidney malfunction is often accompanied by certain metabolic changes and abnormalities, that are tolerated differently in different persons. For instance, the accompanying raised potassium amounts in blood that accompanies people with chronic kidney disease could cause a heart attack in some persons at 4mmol/l, while others would even tolerate potassium concentrations of about 8mmol/l.

Kidney disease is also usually accompanied by other conditions like diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorders. Depending on the presence and gravity of these conditions, the prognosis would be different.

It is difficult to make a mathematical prediction, but its sure that kidney function will continue to deteriorate if nothing is done and the prognosis is poorer if there are other cormobid conditions as cited above, and on whether they are appropriately managed or not.

Kind regards.

Dr Bain
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3092 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Rapidly Deteriorating Kidney Function

Brief Answer: Difficult making a mathematical prediction., Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, It is for sure that if nothing is done, especially with regards to the dialysis option, the kidney function shall continue to deteriorate. However, it might be difficult to make a clear mathematical prediction with regards to how long she might have to live again for one main reason. Kidney malfunction is often accompanied by certain metabolic changes and abnormalities, that are tolerated differently in different persons. For instance, the accompanying raised potassium amounts in blood that accompanies people with chronic kidney disease could cause a heart attack in some persons at 4mmol/l, while others would even tolerate potassium concentrations of about 8mmol/l. Kidney disease is also usually accompanied by other conditions like diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorders. Depending on the presence and gravity of these conditions, the prognosis would be different. It is difficult to make a mathematical prediction, but its sure that kidney function will continue to deteriorate if nothing is done and the prognosis is poorer if there are other cormobid conditions as cited above, and on whether they are appropriately managed or not. Kind regards. Dr Bain