Renal Intensive Care

Renal Intensive Care Units (RICUs) are specialized medical facilities dedicated to providing comprehensive critical care for patients facing severe kidney-related conditions. These units play a pivotal role in the management of acute and chronic kidney disorders, ensuring patients receive the specialized care needed to support their renal function and overall well-being. Staffed by a highly skilled team of healthcare professionals, RICUs are equipped with advanced technology and resources to monitor and treat a wide range of kidney conditions.

Conditions Treated By The Department

• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden loss of kidney function, often arising from conditions like sepsis, dehydration, or acute glomerulonephritis, requiring intensive interventions.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Exacerbations: Severe exacerbations of CKD, particularly those leading to kidney failure, require specialized care and interventions.
• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Complications: Patients with ESRD on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may face complications like dialysis access issues or electrolyte imbalances.
• Renal Transplant Recipients: Intensive care for patients post-kidney transplantation, involving close monitoring of graft function, immunosuppression management, and early detection of complications.
• Glomerular Diseases: Severe cases of glomerular diseases, such as nephrotic syndrome or rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, may require intensive management.

Key Procedures

In the Renal Intensive Care Unit (RICU), specialized procedures are performed to manage and treat patients with severe renal (kidney) conditions and complications. These procedures are critical for maintaining kidney function, managing fluid and electrolyte balance, and addressing the underlying causes of renal failure. Common procedures in the RICU include:

• Hemodialysis: A procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: Another form of dialysis where the lining of the abdominal cavity acts as a natural filter to remove waste products from the blood.
• Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT): Used in critically ill patients, CRRT provides continuous dialysis to help manage fluid balance and remove waste products gradually.
• Insertion of Central Venous Catheters: For dialysis access or for administering medications and fluids.
• Placement of Arteriovenous Fistulas or Grafts: Creating access for long-term dialysis.
• Management of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Including fluid resuscitation, medication adjustments, and monitoring of kidney function.
• Electrolyte Management: Managing imbalances in electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and phosphate, which are common in renal failure.
• Urine Output Monitoring: Critical for assessing kidney function and fluid status.
• Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to diagnose the underlying cause of kidney dysfunction.
• Plasmapheresis: A procedure similar to dialysis that removes antibodies from the blood, used in certain conditions like vasculitis or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

Key Advantages

• Improved Renal Function: Specialized care in RICUs has been associated with improved kidney function and filtration for patients facing severe renal conditions.
• Reduced Mortality Rates: Close monitoring and targeted interventions in RICUs help prevent or quickly address potential complications, improving overall patient outcomes.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Successful management of renal conditions in RICUs leads to improved quality of life for patients, allowing them to regain independence and resume normal activities.

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.