Can a Kidney Failure Patient Survive with One to Two Hemodialysis Sessions per Month for More than 5 Years?

Abstract

Background: Kidney failure known as renal failure or Stage 5 CKD or End Stage Renal Diseases is a major problem among kidney diseases worldwide, its incidence and prevalence are rising yearly. The management requires renal replacement therapy, hemodialysis, 3 sessions per week or peritoneal dialysis until the time of renal transplantation. The cost is high in low income countries and is not covered by major medical insurances. Few renal patients are able to afford dialysis and renal transplantation. Case Presentation: A 45-year-old man Butcher, living in rural Rwanda presented with renal failure and Hypertension with history of native medication intake. He remained on chronic maintenance hemodialysis since October 2017, at one to two hemodialysis sessions per month. He preserved quality of life and cognitive function. He is reporting to have more than 1000 cc of urine volume per day. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that suboptimal hemodialysis sessions can help the renal patients to survive when they preserve residual renal functions.