Dialysis treats kidney failure, a condition where kidneys can no longer filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. This treatment takes over kidney functions, preventing toxin buildup. It is a life-sustaining therapy for end-stage kidney disease, managing the condition and maintaining a stable internal environment.
Life Expectancy on Dialysis
The duration an individual lives on dialysis varies considerably. While dialysis extends life, there is no single, universal life expectancy. The average is 5 to 10 years, though some individuals live 20 or even 30 years. The 5-year survival rate for patients receiving hemodialysis is around 42%, while for peritoneal dialysis, it is approximately 52%.
Key Factors Influencing Survival
Several factors influence how long an individual lives on dialysis. Age is a primary determinant, with younger patients generally experiencing better outcomes. For instance, patients under 50 starting dialysis have a 95% 1-year survival rate and over 50% 10-year survival. Those over 80 have an 80% 1-year survival and 8% 10-year survival.
The presence of other health issues, known as comorbidities, also plays a role. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure impact a patient’s prognosis. Diabetic patients on dialysis have poorer survival rates compared to non-diabetic patients, as diabetes is a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease.
The type of dialysis chosen, either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, can influence outcomes, though overall survival rates are comparable. Hemodialysis filters blood through an external machine, typically three times a week for several hours. Peritoneal dialysis uses the abdominal lining as a filter and can be performed at home daily.
Adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen, including diet, fluid restrictions, and medication schedules, is important for improving survival and managing complications. Overall health status and nutritional intake also affect a patient’s ability to tolerate treatment and resist complications.
Navigating Life with Dialysis
Living with dialysis requires adjustments to daily routines and lifestyle. Patients must adhere to dietary restrictions, including managing fluid intake, and follow medication schedules to prevent waste buildup and maintain mineral balance. The time commitment for dialysis, particularly for hemodialysis which often requires multiple weekly sessions at a center, impacts daily life.
The emotional and mental well-being of individuals on dialysis is a consideration. Many patients experience emotions like shock, anger, sadness, and anxiety. Some dialysis patients also suffer from depression. Feelings of isolation, loss of control, and dependence can arise, affecting their mental health. Support systems, including family, friends, and support groups, help with these challenges. Mental health professionals also provide valuable assistance.
Dialysis impacts social and family life, as treatment schedules and physical limitations affect participation in work, leisure activities, and relationships. Patients can manage their condition through active involvement in their care, open communication with their healthcare team, and by seeking support from peers, striving for a good quality of life.
Alternative Treatment Options
Other treatment pathways are available for managing end-stage kidney disease. Kidney transplantation is the preferred option for eligible patients, offering a longer and improved quality of life compared to continued dialysis. A successful kidney transplant eliminates the need for dialysis, leading to fewer restrictions and often a return to a more normal lifestyle. However, it involves waiting lists and requires ongoing immunosuppressant medication to prevent organ rejection.
For patients not suitable for a transplant or dialysis, or who choose not to pursue these treatments, conservative management is an alternative. This approach focuses on symptom management and comfort care, aiming to improve the patient’s quality of life without aggressive interventions. It includes managing symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and pain, providing nutritional support, and offering psychosocial and emotional assistance. Palliative care, a component of conservative management, emphasizes relief from symptoms and stress of a serious illness, aiming to improve quality of life for the patient and their family.