DIALYSIS

It is a short term solution to renal failure. Artificial kidney is normally used for only 4 to 6 hours three times a week. Therefore, the over all plasma clearance is still considerably limited. When the artificial kidney replaces the normal kidneys. Not only is dialysis expensive, but it severely restricts the activity of an individual. Because a single healthy kidney can meet the excretory needs of the body, a more permanent solution is the transplantation of a kidney from the healthy donor.

TRANSPLANTATION

A successful transplant means that the recipient is cured of renal disease but there are some drawbacks. Even organs from closely related donors may be rejected by the recipients immune system. To reduce chances of rejection, the recipient must be treated with immunosuppressive drugs, and such drugs not only increase susceptibility to infections,
but may be directly toxic to the liver and bone marrow (Smith 1978).
Since dialysis and transplantation have got their own limitations and draw backs, search for new medicines, which cures kidney ailments without any side effects still continues.

(h) ACUTE NEPHROTIC SYNDROME
This is characterised by haematuria, blood cell casts, proteinuria, Oiiguria, hypertension,
fluid retention and some times renal failure.
The most common cause is the glomerulonephritis caused after the infection of
Streptococcal, Staphycoccal, Pneumococcal bacterias and other viral infections. It is also
caused by various other disease like system lupus erythemalosus (red patches spread
through at the body) and polyarteritis nodosa (Inflammation of the walls of the arteries)
etc.
The illness starts two or three weeks after the bacterial (Streptococcal) infection of the skin throat or respiratory tract. It is more common in children but it can occur in any age. Sudden puffiness of the face, oliguria, reddish urine hypertension and edema occur. Severe cases are life-threatening leading to many other complications.

(i) NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

It is characterised by high protenuria (3.5g in 24hrs and in adults and more than 2g/m body surface in children). Consequence of this hypoalbuminuria, hyperlipidemia and lipiduria (fat in urine) ocurs. Edema is also present.
The causes are attributed to glomerulonephritis, glomerulosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, kidneys filled with wax like protein (renal amyloidosis)use of some drugs, gold salts, mercurials, allergens, beestings, secondary syphlis, leprosy, infective endocarditis, certain type of malaria (Quartan malaria) hepatitis B virus, Hodgkin's disease. Multiple myeloma, lymphatic leukamia, bronchogenic carcinoma suckle cell anaemia, hereditary nephritis and some times even pregnancy.
The glomerulonephritis in this case is caused by the body's immunology itself. The antigen and antibody produced against it combine to form the immune complex. When this immune complex is deposited in the glomeruli it activates the complement system This leads to Inflammation, increase in the permeability of filtering mechanism polymorthonuclear infiltration and other changes. The inflammatory reaction lead to various types of glomerulonephritis.
Patients with nephrotic syndrome are susceptible to bacterial infection, skin infections and pneumonia. Hypertension should be controlloed.