Chronic kidney disease is quite common in Portugal and in the rest of the world and, if not treated, it inevitably progresses to a terminal stage. In this area, Hospital da Luz Clínica de Odivelas has now available a Nephrology consultation , ensured by specialists Cristina Dias Cândido and Sónia Silva. “In the most advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, the only possible treatment is haemodialysis or other dialytic techniques”, explains Sónia Silva. Did you know that: Only a small percentage of patients can have a kidney transplant? Once reached the terminal stage of the disease, patients need these dialytic techniques to survive, its suspension being practically impossible? These treatments have significant and inevitable impact on the quality of life of patients? According to data from the Portuguese Society of Nephrology, in 2018, over 13 thousand patients and 7 thousand kidney transplanted patients undertook dialysis, numbers that rise every year? The major risk factors for developing kidney disease are: Diabetes (the warning signs being the existence of an ophthalmologic disease, microalbuminuria or any alteration in urine type 2); Uncontrolled hypertension or cardiac disease; Repeated urinary infections and renal colic. “ Prevention and the detection of kidney disease in its early stages are fundamental to avoid progression to haemodialysis. However, in daily practice, it can be observed that patients are referred to nephrology too late, in advanced stages of the disease, which limits the intervention of specialists”, highlights Sónia Silva. In 2016, Portugal was the fifth country in the world with more patients under haemodialysis/kidney transplanted patients by million inhabitants. “To revert the situation, early referral is essential!” Access to the Nephrology consultation at Hospital da Luz Clínica de Odivelas can be obtained by doctor’s referral or direct appointment scheduling, using any of the channels available (app, site, reception desk or by phone: 217 104 540).
