Monitorización de la respuesta al tratamiento de hemodiálisis mediante el análisis bioquímico de la saliva y la determinación de amonio en el aire exhalado

Abstract

Renal failure is a process that expresses a loss of functional capacity of the nephrons, independently of its aetiology. Although acute renal failure is reversible in the majority of cases, chronic renal failure (CRF) presents a progressive course towards terminal renal failure, even if the cause of the initial nephropathy disappears. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has received increasing attention since publication of the National Kidney Foundation’s chronic kidney disease guidelines in 2002. This document described a 5-stage CKD classification system, using microalbuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GRF) to define the level of kidney damage. When the GFR is < 15 ml/min (terminal renal failure), it is necessary to start renal replacement therapy to avoid the serious medical complications which can lead even to the death of the patient. Hemodialysis is the most widely used renal replacement technique.