Do I need dialysis?
Patients need dialysis supportive care if their kidney function decreases. Renal patients who need to start dialysis are usually followed up with serum creatinine level. Creatinine clearance is calculated from serum creatinine level. If creatinine clearance falls below 15 ml/min in a patient, that patient can be started on dialysis treatment. However, each patient is different. The person to decide on this matter is the doctor of the patient.
In cases of heart failure, diffuse body swelling, shortness of breath, uncontrolled hypertension, dialysis treatment may be required even if serum creatinine is not elevated. Once these problems are resolved, it is reassessed whether the patient needs dialysis treatment.
Patients who have just started dialysis treatment or whose cause of kidney disease is unknown may need dialysis due to a temporary problem. These patients should be followed up frequently.