| [ Summary ] |
Residual kidney function (RKF) is associated with solute clearance, balance of body fluid volume, electrolytes, acid-base balance, blood pressure, bone mineral metabolism, and anemia. Therefore, RKF must be preserved. RKF is associated with age, primary kidney disease, cardiovascular comorbidity, and dialysis modality. In addition, the decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may be related to RKF. Therefore, rapid decrease in GFR immediately before dialysis initiation might lead to early RKF loss. Previous studies have reported that RKF during maintenance dialysis was associated with better quality of life (QOL) measured with the Short Form 36 or Kidney Disease Quality of Life questionnaire and survival in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. The association was reported to be stronger than that with dialysis clearance calculated using Kt/V. Hence, it is possible that preservation of RKF could improve outcomes, including survival. Stages of chronic kidney disease change sequentially from predialysis via initiation of renal replacement therapy to maintenance dialysis. Focus on changes in kidney function is needed even after dialysis initiation. This article reviewed the association of RKF with QOL and survival. |