Chronic kidney disease in Uddanam (Nephropathy)

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 10:50:10 +0000

Uddanam is a green, cosy and beautiful village situated in the northern coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh. However, the village is in news due to a peculiar disease that inhabits the lives of the people of Uddanam. The mystery disease is CKDu - Chronic Kidney Disease of the Unknown Etiology which surfaces despite having no risk factors of diabetes and hypertension. The kidney disease has ridden the village of Uddanam for two decades. The disease is dreaded because of its mysterious appearance and rapid progression. As of 2015, it was estimated that more than 4500 people had died from chronic kidney disease in the last ten years and around 34,000 people had kidney diseases in Uddanam. This disease has reduced the life expectancy in Uddanam. The villagers’ ill health limits them from earning even their livelihood thus forcing them to live in poor conditions. Owing to this backward economic condition, it is difficult for the residents of Uddanam to pursue treatments of dialysis or kidney transplant. Globally, this disease exists in specific geographical regions of Sri Lanka, Central America, Egypt and India. What are the symptoms? The primary characteristic of the CKDu is the sudden occurrence in the individuals, without any major prior symptoms. However, few of the early symptoms of this kidney disease are:

Facial puffiness
Oedema of feet
Increased urination at night
Vomitings

These symptoms are followed by an unforeseen kidney failure. The diagnosis in the later stages show:

Accumulation of potassium in the blood
Accelerated hypertension
Weight loss
Bone pains

What are the causes? The name of the disease is ‘Chronic Kidney Disease of the Unknown Etiology’ as the cause of the disease is still elusive. Many studies are being conducted to determine the causes of CKDu by many research groups like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), King George Hospital in Vizag, Dr NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada, Harvard University and World Health Organisation(WHO). A study by Harvard University had estimated the following causes for Uddanam nephropathy:

High levels of silica and heavy metals in water
Prolonged dehydration
Heat stress nephropathy
Use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSID)
Gene mutations
High use of pesticides

It has been estimated that the disease rampant amongst poor agricultural workers. It is more prevalent in males as compared to females and it occurs in the third to fifth decade of age. Dr J. N. Srinivasulu, Consultant at Department of Nephrology in Omni Hospitals regularly educates his Uddanam nephropathy patients on the following points:

Regular check-ups with a minimum of at least thrice a year
Dietary modifications
Control of Blood pressure & Diabetics
Avoid Painkillers
Exercise for minimum 30 mins per day

Uddanam nephropathy is a serious issue which needs immediate attention from the research institutes. Out of all the CKDu centres in the world, Uddanam CKDu is least understood and researched. Establishing statistics and knowledge will help in identifying the common traits of the disease and ultimately assist in treating the individuals better. About Dr J. N. Srinivasulu: Dr J. N. Srinivasulu, is a consultant nephrologist at Omni RK. He has 5 years of experience in clinical nephrology. He has a keen interest in kidney transplant and he has performed multiple kidney transplants on living as well as cadaveric donors. Dr Srinivasulu has had a first-hand experience with Uddanam CKDu patients in the hospital and performs dialysis and kidney transplant on them. About Omni RK, Vizag: Omni RK at Vizag has state-of-the-art equipment to undertake patients suffering from Uddanam nephropathy. Hassle-free treatments of dialysis and kidney transplant are provided. Omni Hospital supports the Aarogyasri benefits and our patients can avail dialysis through the scheme. Also, if a family member is available for kidney donation, kidney transplantation is performed under Aarogyasri scheme. Dr J.N. Srinivasulu MD, DM (Consultant - Nephrologist) OMNI Hospital, Vizag

6 Common Myths and Facts About Kidney Transplant

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 12:39:27 +0000

The function of a kidney is to remove waste from the bloodstream. When the kidneys fail to perform this function, the waste starts getting accumulated in the body. Over a period, the accumulation of waste leads to kidney failure and ultimately death.

A kidney transplant is one of the most effective treatments to avoid total kidney failure. In a kidney transplant, the defunct kidney is replaced with a healthy kidney of a donor.

In our country, the procedure of kidney transplant is discredited due to a number of myths. The following is a reality check over these myths:

Myth-1 : Kidney transplant is very expensive as compared to dialysis Fact : Dialysis is required throughout the lifetime of a patient. If we compare the costs of frequent dialysis as against the one-time cost in kidney transplant, the transplant works out as a better deal.

Myth-2 : Anyone can donate a kidney for transplantation Fact : Only family members like nephew, niece, first cousins, spouse, brothers, and sisters are eligible to donate a kidney for transplantation. A kidney from a cadaver can be obtained after completion of a waiting period.

Myth-3 : Kidney transplant fails most of the time Fact : The success rate of a kidney transplant is as high as 95%. With advanced technology being used in kidney transplant at Omni Hospitals, the rate of failure is almost nil.

Myth-4 : After a kidney transplant, I will be too weak and won’t be able to look after my family Fact : With proper care and diet, one can gain their strength back and lead a perfectly normal life and look after their family.

Myth-5 : I cannot get pregnant after kidney transplant Fact : Kidney transplant does not affect any other function of the body. A female can attain pregnancy even after a kidney transplant.

Myth-6 : I won’t get any kidney disease after the transplant Fact : One can get a kidney disease even after a transplant. One has to follow a strict diet, maintain hygiene and exercise regularly to keep kidney disease or any other infection at bay.

Dr. J. N. Srinivasulu:

Dr J. N. Srinivasulu is a consultant nephrologist and transplant physician at Omni RK, Vizag. He has a special interest towards renal transplantation. He has performed multiple renal transplantation on live as well cadaver donors. He has done a commendable job in optimising dialysis prescription and he is performing more than 500 dialyses in Omni RK. Dr Srinivasulu is an active member of Indian Society of Nephrology and American Society of Nephrology.

About Omni Hospitals:

At Omni Hospitals, we have an army of best doctors who are experts in nephrology. They deal with a range of patients having renal issues on a day-to-day basis. We strive hard to provide the best treatment to our patients at the same time invest efforts in reducing the burden on patient’s family and friends. Our treatments of dialysis and kidney transplant are truly hassle-free. Our patients can avail benefits of aarogyasri for haemodialysis and kidney transplant.

Dr J.N. Srinivasulu MD, DM (Consultant - Nephrologist) OMNI Hospital, Vizag

nephrology | OMNI Hospitals

Chronic kidney disease in Uddanam (Nephropathy)

6 Common Myths and Facts About Kidney Transplant