ARE WOMEN WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASES AT A RISK DUE TO LOW SURVIVAL RATE?

As far as kidney diseases are concerned, I think nature has been very unkind to women. Whatever may be the reason; either anatomical or physiological, global studies and estimated statistical analysis proposed by Centre of Diseased Control confirmed that women are 14% more prone to severe organ disorders as compared to their male counterparts.

Many of you must be thinking that are women with chronic kidney disorders at a risk due to low survival rate? Or like always, this time also their hormones are to be blamed!

In this regard, the current write up is intended to provide information about why should women be vigilant about the well being of their kidneys.

Kidneys are our inbuilt filtration devices, characterized by the removal of waste and toxins from the blood. They are as well associated with the regulation of blood pressure, electrolyte balance and in the production of red blood cells. Sufficient data is collected to confirm the fact that many women are diagnosed with chronic kidney disorders, especially at a later part of their lives, due to various health-related complications.

What makes them pro towards kidney disorders?

For many of the kidney conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, and NSAIDs are the culprits.  Moreover, studies have also indicated urinary tract infections to be responsible for chronic kidney diseases, which are found to be more common in women than men. Evidently, certain crucial phases in a woman’s life make her susceptible to problems associated with kidneys.

After Marriage: - Post marriage, many women tend to select steroidal contraceptives in order to plan their families and can be one of the common reasons for hormonal imbalance and kidney infections in women.

Pregnancy: - During pregnancy, a woman has to go through a lot of hormonal turbulence. This release of hormone during labor relax the wall of the urinary tract as well as fallopian tubes; thus, allowing maximum reach of bacteria towards the kidneys. It should be noted that the kidney problems ignored during this critical phase of life can worsen over the period of time, leading to life-threatening complications.

Menopause: - The phase is usually characterized by severe hormonal deficiency. Due to reduced hormonal secretion, the stage is associated with pH imbalance and decreased moisture content. This serves as a suitable microenvironment for viable bacterial growth.

What treatments are being offered, for those who have kidney issues?

For patients whose kidneys are not functioning to the extent, dialysis is offered as an alternative to remove waste from the blood. However, it is not considered as a full proof treatment as dialysis cannot replace all the functions of the kidneys, such as the production of hormones. Moreover, dialysis has never been preferable since it cost both times as well as money. Ultimately for failing kidneys, transplant remains to be the last option.

In this regard, modern medicine has accessed long-lasting treatment strategies by developing a permanent solution with the help of its own cells, known to be as the stem cells.

Stem cells are identified to be the cellular building blocks, which can be differentiated into multiple cell types when passed through proper signaling pathways. Found in multiple adult organs, like bone marrow and adipose tissues, these cells help to protect kidneys from external damages and internal injuries. Studies have indicated that these cells secrete different growth factors to aid faster kidney repair and support accelerated functional improvement. The modern medicine and advanced technology have allowed easy introduction of stem cells and stem cell-secreted growth factors into patients own blood, allowing pro repair growth factors to reach directly to the kidneys.

Thus, stem cell therapy for chronic kidney damage helps to capitalize a promising translational clinical achievement, by targeting the root cause of concern and avoiding a need for a kidney transplant.