Urology: Keeping the Filters Working

(3 of 3)

Many kidney patients drag on for years with a partial but permanent loss of filtration efficiency, punctuated by occasional flare-ups of more severe failure. At such times, they need a special diet, with a little food several times a day, and not the hospital's usual three, widely spaced meals, said Dr. Becker. Ironically some of these patients are better off if they are not put to bed, but are kept on their feet.

Only for sharply defined crises, brought on by known poisons such as carbon tetrachloride and some drugs (especially barbiturates and those containing mercury or arsenic) did the Cornell panelists recommend use of the artificial kidney. Only after all else has failed, they said, should a kidney transplant even be considered.