Question

The patient has kidney disease, with a creatinine level over 300, and recent frequent swelling of the ankles. What causes this condition? What should be particularly noted?

Answer

As described, ankle swelling is nephrotic edema, which results from the retention of water and sodium salts as well as the entry of fluid into the interstitial space due to kidney disease. Consultation: How much does the patient urinate? If significantly reduced, dialysis may be required. Suggestions:

  1. Daily diet should focus on low sodium and the intake of high-quality protein, such as soy protein.
  2. If accompanied by high blood pressure or high blood sugar, strict control is necessary.
  3. Calculate the endogenous creatinine clearance rate; if it reaches the stage of uremic poisoning, dialysis treatment is mandatory, either peritoneal or hemodialysis. There is no other method aside from this. I hope this will be helpful to you! Doctor’s inquiry: Does the patient have diabetes or hypertension?