Are Lifestyle Decisions Factors in Longevity for End Stage Renal Failure? How You Can Improve Lifespan During End-Stage Renal Disease

Diet Compliance

Adhering to a renal diet can reduce the complications of end-stage renal failure and improve quality of life. The renal diet restricts the intake of protein, potassium, phosphorus and sodium. In patients with advanced renal failure, the diet also restricts the amount of fluid consumed on a daily basis. Because damaged kidneys cannot filter waste products, reducing protein intake reduces the amount of creatinine consumed during protein metabolism. The less creatinine in the blood, the less work the kidney has to do to filter wastes. Since the kidneys also control fluid and mineral balances, reducing sodium, phosphorus, potassium and fluid intake reduces the workload of the kidneys and reduces the risk of complications.

Dialysis Compliance

Compliance with a prescribed hemodialysis regimen also plays a role in longevity for end stage renal failure. In a study led by Dr. Nancy G. Kutner of Emory University, researchers tracked a total of 170 dialysis patients, with 119 hemodialysis patients and 51 peritoneal dialysis patients making up the participant group. Investigators determined that at least one-third of the people in each group did not comply fully with their recommended dialysis treatment. The noncompliance included missed dialysis sessions and shortened sessions. The study revealed that younger patients were more likely to miss treatments than older patients. The results of this study appeared in a 2002 issue of the journal Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation.

Medication Regimen

In some cases, medical care providers prescribe medications to control some of the complications associated with end-stage renal failure. Following the prescribed medication regimen is one of the factors affecting longevity for end stage renal failure. People with kidney failure usually take medications to control their blood pressure, as damaged kidneys cannot control blood pressure properly. Examples of medications used to treat high blood pressure include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and vasodilators. Some patients with kidney failure swell up with fluid since damaged kidneys cannot control the retention and excretion of fluid properly. Diuretics increase the excretion of this excess fluid, relieving the symptoms of water retention.

Health History

Health history also plays a role in how long someone will live with end-stage renal failure. Someone with a history of diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure has greater risks and may not live as long as someone without these problems. Since high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease damage the small blood vessels that supply the kidneys, these conditions accelerate the progression of renal failure.

Demographics

Age and risk affect the chances of developing kidney failure, as well as longevity related to chronic kidney failure. MayoClinic.com reports that people age 65 or older have a higher risk of kidney disease than younger people. African Americans, Asian Americans and American Indians also have a higher risk of developing kidney disease.

Reference

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation: Psychosocial Predictors of Noncompliance in Haemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

MayoClinic.com: Chronic Kidney Failure Risk Factors

Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension: Incidence, Management, and Outcomes of End-Stage Renal Disease in the Elderly