Renal Failure
Long-term medical and financial burdens
Renal failure is the sixth-biggest killer in Hong Kong, with approximately 800 deaths per year. Generally, when different forms of kidney disease enter their final stages the kidney is severely damaged and gradually fails to function until it shuts down, leading to renal failure. If a kidney fails to function, waste from the blood can’t be removed, thus affecting other organs too. This causes other complications and conditions throughout the body which can eventually lead to death.
There are currently more than 7,000 people with final-stage renal failure, a number that has shot up by 90% compared to 10 years ago.
The fact remains that chronic renal failure cannot be cured. Therefore, the primary purpose of treatment is to slow down the rate of deterioration of the kidney. This can help prevent other complications and also allows for control of the symptoms.
Costs for dialysis
| Care service | Fee (HKD) |
|---|---|
| Care center for dialysis | 1,000 per session (two times a week) |
Source: Hospital Authority; mingpaohealth.com
- • People with hypertension
- • Nephritis and kidney stone
- • People with diabetes
- • Unhealthy diet
The survival rate of patients with renal failure is closely linked to the treatment they receive. Receiving dialysis can increase a patient’s chances of survival within two years by up to 83%. However, this requires a substantial sum of money for dialysis treatment.
Source: Study report by the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital.
The above information is for reference only.