Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) : Complications

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Anemia; Cardiac tamponade; Changes in blood sugar metabolism; Congestive heart failure; Decreased functioning of white blood cells; Decreased immune response; Decreased libido, impotence; Dementia; Electrolyte abnormalities including hyperkalemia;...
Source:ADAM
Date:August 14, 2007
Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney failure is critical to improving length and quality of life in chronic kidney failure patients. Patient outcome varies by the cause of chronic kidney failure and the method chosen to treat it. Overall, patie...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney failure is critical to improving length and quality of life in chronic kidney failure patients. Patient outcome varies; it depends on the cause of chronic kidney failure and the method chosen to treat it. Ov...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Anemia is a lower than normal number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood, usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the red pigment in red blood cells that transports oxygen. There are many types and potential causes of anemia. For information about a specific type of anemia, see one of the following articles: Anemia - B12 deficiency Anemia - folate deficiency Anemia - iron deficiency Anemia due to chronic disease Hemolytic anemia Hemolytic anemia - G-6-PD deficiency Idiopathic aplastic anemia Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia Immune hemolytic anemia Immune hemolytic anemia - drug-induced Megaloblastic anemia Pernicious anemia Secondary aplastic anemia Sickle cell anemia
Source:ADAM
Date:June 14, 2008
Anemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. The tissues of the human body need a regular supply of oxygen to stay healthy.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Anemia is characterized by an abnormally low number of red blood cells in the circulating blood. It frequently affects patients with cancer.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer
Anemia is a blood disorder characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or reduced hemoglobin (Hgb), the iron-bearing protein in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Reduced blood cell volume (hematocrit) is also considered anemia.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
Understanding AnemiaChemotherapy can reduce the number of red blood cells in your body. When you have too few of these cells, anemia can result.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Deficiency of red cells, or hemoglobin, in the blood. Anemia is a medical condition in which the quantity of red blood cells falls below an acceptable level.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence
Anemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin (the component of red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues throughout the body). The tissues of the human body need a regular supply of oxygen to stay healthy.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Anemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin (the component of red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues throughout the body). The tissues of the human body need a regular supply of oxygen to stay healthy.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Anemia affects more than 30 percent of the world ' s population, and it is one of the most important worldwide health problems. It has a significant prevalence in both developing and industrialized nations.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Well Being
This condition involves losing blood. This can occur internally (when blood leaks from blood vessels inside the body), externally through a natural opening (such as the vagina , mouth, or rectum), or externally through a break in the skin.
Source:ADAM
Date:April 25, 2008
Call 911 if you can’t stop the bleeding or the victim shows signs of shock.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Preventing Bleeding During ChemotherapyChemotherapy can make your blood less able to clot. This happens because the treatment reduces the number ofplatelets(clotting agents) in your blood.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Cardiac tamponade is the compression of the heart caused by blood or fluid accumulation in the space between the myocardium (the muscle of the heart) and the pericardium (the outer covering sac of the heart).
Source:ADAM
Date:May 15, 2008
Cardiac tamponade occurs when the heart is squeezed by fluid that collects inside the sac that surrounds it. The heart is surrounded by a sac called the pericardium.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a disorder in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently. The term "heart failure" should not be confused with cardiac arrest, a situation in which the heart actually stops beating.
Source:ADAM
Date:July 17, 2006
Heart failure can happen in two ways. The heart muscle may become weak and enlarged (systolic dysfunction). The weakened muscle doesn’t pump enough blood forward when the ventricles contract. Or, the heart muscle may become stiff (diastolic dysfunction). The stiff muscle can’t relax between contractions, which keeps the ventricles from filling with enough blood.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Inhibited sexual desire (ISD) refers to a low level of sexual interest. The person with ISD fails to initiate or respond to their partner's desire for sexual activity. ISD may be primary (where the person has never felt much sexual desire or interest), or secondary (where the person used to possess sexual desire, but no longer does). ISD may also be either situational to the partner (the person with ISD is interested in other people, but not his or her partner), or it may be general (where the person with ISD has a lack of sexual interest in anyone). In the extreme form of sexual aversion, the person not only lacks sexual desire, but may find sex repulsive, revolting, and distasteful. Sometimes, rather than being inhibited, there may simply be a discrepancy in sexual interest levels between two partners, both of whom have interest levels within the normal range. Occasionally, someone may claim that his or her partner has ISD, when in fact they, themself, have hyperactive sexual desire and are very demanding sexually.
Source:ADAM
Date:July 27, 2007
Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) occurs when a woman is continually unable to attain or maintain arousal and lubrication during intercourse, is unable to reach orgasm, or has no desire for sexual intercourse. The disorder typically affects up to 25 percent of all American women, or an estimated 47 million women.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Dementia is a loss of brain function. It is not a single disease. Instead, dementia refers to a group of illnesses that involve memory, behavior, learning, and communicating problems. The problems are progressive, which means they slowly get worse.
Source:ADAM
Date:February 13, 2008
Many older adults are healthy, active, and alert. But sometimes older people become confused and forgetful. They can also seem anxious, depressed, or withdrawn. These changes may be the result of a primary dementia.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Dementia is not a specific disorder or disease. It is a syndrome (group of symptoms) associated with a progressive loss of memory and other intellectual functions that is serious enough to interfere with the tasks of daily life.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part II
Dementia is not a specific disorder or disease. It is a syndrome (group of symptoms) associated with a progressive loss of memory and other intellectual functions that is serious enough to interfere with performing the tasks of daily life.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders
Dementia is a condition characterized by a progressive, irreversible decline in mental ability, accompanied by changes in behavior and personality. There is commonly a loss of memory and skills that are required to carry out activities of daily living.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
The term dementia refers to symptoms, including changes in memory, personality, and behavior, that result from a change in the functioning of the brain. These declining changes are severe enough to impair the ability of a person to perform a function or to interact socially.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders
Dementia is a loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living, lasting more than six months, not present since birth, and not associated with a loss or alteration of consciousness. Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by gradual death of brain cells.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Dementia is not a specific disorder or disease. It is a syndrome (group of symptoms) associated with a progressive loss of memory and other intellectual functions that is serious enough to interfere with the tasks of daily life.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part I
Dementia is a condition characterized by a chronic decline in cognitive functions contrasted with a person ' s usual state of functioning. It is seen most often in people sixty-five years and older, and the incidence increases with age.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
Dementia is a loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living, lasting more than six months, not present since birth, and not associated with a loss or alteration of consciousness. Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by gradual death of brain cells.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Dry skin is most common in your lower legs, arms, flanks (sides of the abdomen), and thighs. The symptoms most often associated with dry skin include: Scaling Itching Cracks in the skin
Source:ADAM
Date:July 18, 2007
Hepatic encephalopathy is brain and nervous system damage that occurs as a complication of liver disorders. It is characterized by various neurologic symptoms including changes in reflexes, changes in consciousness , and behavior changes that can range from mild to severe.
Source:ADAM
Date:October 13, 2006
Encephalopathy is a condition characterized by altered brain function and structure. It is caused by diffuse brain disease.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders
End-stage kidney disease is a complete or near complete failure of the kidneys to function to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and regulate electrolytes . Also called End-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Source:ADAM
Date:August 14, 2007
If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open fracture (compound fracture). A stress fracture is a hairline crack in the bone that develops because of repeated or prolonged forces against the bone.
Source:ADAM
Date:May 7, 2007
A child’s bones heal the same way as an adult’s. But since a child’s bones are still growing, there are a few special concerns.
Source:StayWell
Date:March 29, 2004
A fracture is a complete or incomplete break in a bone resulting from the application of excessive force. An injury may be classified as a fracture-dislocation when a fracture involves the bony structures of any joint with associated dislocation of the same joint.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
A fracture is a complete or incomplete break in a bone resulting from the application of excessive force. A fracture usually results from traumatic injury to bones causing the continuity of bone tissues or bony cartilage to be disrupted or broken.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
A fracture is a complete or incomplete break in a bone resulting from the application of excessive force. A fracture usually results from traumatic injury to a bone, causing the continuity of bone tissues or bony cartilage to be disrupted or broken.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
A fracture is a crack or break in a bone. It results from the application of excessive force through injuries, such as a fall or a hard blow.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to any bleeding that starts in the gastrointestinal tract, which extends from the mouth to the large bowel. The degree of bleeding can range from nearly undetectable to acute, massive, and life-threatening. Bleeding may come from any site along the gastrointestinal tract, but is often divided into: Upper GI bleeding: The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is located between the mouth and outflow tract of the stomach. Lower GI bleeding: The lower GI tract is located from the outflow tract of the stomach to the anus (small and large bowel included).
Source:ADAM
Date:August 7, 2007
GI bleeding studies uses radioactive materials in the investigation of bleeding from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These studies go under various names such as " GI bleeding scans " or " Tagged red blood cell scans.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
A blood glucose test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in a sample of your blood. See also: Glucose test - urine; Glucose test - CSF; Home blood glucose monitoring.
Source:ADAM
Date:February 8, 2007
The term "hepatitis" refers to syndromes or diseases causing liver inflammation, including inflammation due to viruses and chronic alcohol abuse. Viruses causing hepatitis include Hepatitis A , B, C , E, and the delta factor . Each virus causes a distinct syndrome, though they share some symptoms and consequences. Most people who become infected with hepatitis B get rid of the virus within 6 months. A short infection is known as an "acute" case of hepatitis B. Approximately 10% of people infected with the hepatitis B virus develop a chronic, life-long infection. People with chronic infection may have symptoms, but many of these patients never develop symptoms. These patients are sometimes referred to as "carriers" and can spread the disease to others. Having chronic hepatitis B increases your chance of permanent liver damage, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
Source:ADAM
Date:November 13, 2007
Hepatitis B is a potentially serious form of liver inflammation due to infection by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It occurs in both rapidly developing (acute) and long-lasting (chronic) forms, and is one of the commonest chronic infectious diseases worldwide.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is a form of viral hepatitis that is also known as serum hepatitis, due to its ability to be spread through body fluids and blood.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
Virus, also known as serum hepatitis virus, that may lead to chronic infection of the liver in unvaccinated children. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes serious illnesses, notably chronic infection of the liver or liver cancer, especially if the virus is acquired during childhood.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence
Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus.
Source:ADAM
Date:February 20, 2008
Treating Hepatitis C (HCV)Remember:No vaccine or medication can prevent the spread of HCV and hepatitis C. It’s up to you to keep others safe.It’s likely thathepatitis C virus (HCV)was found when routine liver tests were done on your blood or afte...
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Hepatitis C is a form of liver inflammation that causes primarily a long-lasting (chronic) disease. Acute (newly developed) hepatitis C is rarely observed as the early disease is generally quite mild.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Hypertension is the term doctors use for high blood pressure. Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and usually given as 2 numbers. For example, 140 over 90 (written as 140/90. The top number is your systolic pressure, the pressure created when your heart beats. It is considered high if it is consistently over 140; The bottom number is your diastolic pressure, the pressure inside blood vessels when the heart is at rest. It is considered high if it is consistently over 90. Either or both of these numbers may be too high. Pre-hypertension is when your systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 139 or your diastolic blood pressure is between 80 and 89 on multiple readings. If you have pre-hypertension, you are more likely to develop high blood pressure at some point. See also: Blood pressure
Source:ADAM
Date:June 4, 2007
Blood pressure is the force with which blood pushes against the artery walls as it travels through the body. Like air in a balloon, blood fills arteries to a certain capacity- and just as too much air pressure can cause damage to a balloon, too much blood pressure can harm healthy arteries.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Well Being
Also known as high blood pressure, a condition in which too much force is exerted by the blood as it travels through the body ' s arteries. There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence
Each day that your blood pressure is too high, your chances of having a stroke are increased.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as it flows through them.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
The National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) was established in 1972 by the National Institute of Health to translate research results on the health hazards of high blood pressure into clinical and public health practice. Before 1900, high blood pressure, or hypertension, was not generally recognized as a health problem.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the silent killer. This is because many people who have it don’t know it. You can take an easy test to see if your blood pressure is too high. If it is high, you can take steps to lower it. Doing so could save your life.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Risk factors are things that make you more likely to have a disease or condition. Do you know your risk factors for high blood pressure?
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
This HealthSheet was discontinued in quarter 1 of 2006. (also 83203 Spanish) Replaced with: (same title) 85660 English – 85661 Spanish
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Hypertension is high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
Hypertension is high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as it flows through them.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Hypertension is high blood pressure . Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as it flows through them.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Hyperkalemia is a condition caused by higher than normal levels of potassium in the bloodstream.
Source:ADAM
Date:November 12, 2007
The normal concentration of potassium in the serum is in the range of 3.5 to 5.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Immunodeficiency disorders occur when the immune response is reduced or absent.
Source:ADAM
Date:May 2, 2008
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Source:ADAM
Date:November 13, 2007
Impotence, often called erectile dysfunction, refers to the male ' s inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse. Under normal circumstances, when a man is sexually stimulated, his brain sends a message down the spinal cord and into the nerves of the penis.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse. Under normal circumstances, when a man is sexually stimulated, his brain sends a message down the spinal cord and into the nerves of the penis.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Infertility is the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.
Source:ADAM
Date:February 5, 2008
Infertility is the failure to conceive a pregnancy after attempting for at least one full year. In primary infertility, pregnancy has never occurred.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Infertility is the failure of a couple to conceive a pregnancy after trying to do so for at least one full year. In primary infertility, pregnancy has never occurred.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Infertility is the failure of a couple to conceive a pregnancy after trying to do so for at least one full year. In primary infertility, pregnancy has never occurred.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
A spontaneous abortion is the loss of a fetus during pregnancy due to natural causes. The term "miscarriage" is the spontaneous termination of a pregnancy before fetal development has reached 20 weeks. Pregnancy losses after the 20th week are categorized as preterm deliveries. The term "spontaneous abortion" refers to naturally occurring events, not elective or therapeutic abortion procedures. Other terms include: missed abortion (a pregnancy demise where nothing is expelled) incomplete abortion (not all of the products of conception are expelled) complete abortion (all of the products of conception are expelled) threatened abortion (symptoms indicate a miscarriage is possible) inevitable abortion (the symptoms cannot be stopped, and a miscarriage will happen) infected abortion
Source:ADAM
Date:September 19, 2006
Miscarriage is common, but finding its cause may not be easy. If a cause can be found, it’s likely to be a problem with the baby or the structure of the uterus.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
A miscarriage is the loss of an embryo or fetus before the twentieth week of pregnancy . A pregnancy loss after the twentieth week is called a stillbirth.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Miscarriage means loss of an embryo or fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy . Most miscarriages occur during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
A pinched nerve is caused by some anatomical structure putting pressure on a nerve and impairing its function. This problem may occur in many different areas of the body.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
A pinched nerve is a general term that describes an injury to a nerve or group of nerves. The damage may include compression, constriction or stretching.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders
Nerve compression is the restriction in the space around a nerve that can occur due to several reasons. Functioning of the nerve is compromised.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders
Pericarditis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the pericardium, which is the sac-like covering of the heart.
Source:ADAM
Date:November 6, 2006
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the two layers of the thin, sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. This membrane is called the pericardium, so the term pericarditis means inflammation of the pericardium.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Peripheral neuropathy is a failure of the nerves that carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord. This produces pain, loss of sensation, and inability to control muscles. The term peripheral neuropathy can be broken down as follows: "neuro" = nerves, "pathy" = abnormal, and "peripheral" = nerves beyond the brain and spinal cord.
Source:ADAM
Date:August 7, 2006
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition involving the nerves of the peripheral portion of the nervous system. Neurobiologists describe the peripheral nervous system as any part of that system found in the arms or legs.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders
Peripheral neuropathy is a disease of the nerves in your feet. It may make you unable to sense pain. Lack of pain makes you more likely to injure yourself without knowing it. But you can learn ways to protect your feet from injury.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
The term peripheral neuropathy encompasses a wide range of disorders in which the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord- peripheral nerves- have been damaged. Peripheral neuropathy may also be referred to as peripheral neuritis, or if many nerves are involved, the terms polyneuropathy or polyneuritis may be used.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Treating Peripheral NeuropathyLearn ways to protect your feet. Check your feet daily for wounds you may not have felt.
Source:StayWell
Date:August 14, 2003
Peripheral neuropathy, sometimes called peripheral neuritis, is damage to the nerves that connect peripheral (outlying) portions of the body (especially the hands, arms, legs, and feet) to the central nervous system. It may involve only one peripheral nerve (mononeuropathy) or several nerves (polyneuropathy).
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Platelets are elements within the bloodstream that recognize and cling to damaged areas inside blood vessels. When they do this, the platelets trigger a series of chemical changes that result in the formation of a blood clot.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
A seizure is a sudden change in behavior due to an excessive electrical activity in the brain.
Source:ADAM
Date:August 6, 2007
A seizure is a sudden change in behavior characterized by changes in sensory perception (sense of feeling) or motor activity (movement) due to an abnormal firing of nerve cells in the brain. Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizures that may include repetitive muscle jerking called convulsions.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders