What happens if dialysis is not performed for uremia?

Without dialysis, uremia may lead to neurological complications, hyperkalemia, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and even life-threatening conditions.

1. Neurological complications: In the stage of uremia, as the kidney is the organ responsible for removing water and metabolic waste, failure to excrete metabolic products may result in their accumulation in the body, causing damage to the peripheral nervous system. Early manifestations in the central nervous system include insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and memory loss. Severe cases may lead to mental abnormalities.

2. Hyperkalemia: Patients with reduced or severely impaired glomerular function may experience decreased potassium excretion, which can easily lead to hyperkalemia. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and poor appetite.

3. Heart failure: Some patients may develop increased blood volume due to water and sodium retention, leading to hypertension. It may also cause myocardial damage, ultimately resulting in heart failure, manifested as chest tightness and shortness of breath.

4. Myocardial infarction: Due to acute blockage of the coronary arteries, insufficient blood supply to the myocardium may lead to tissue necrosis, manifested as dyspnea.

5. Life-threatening conditions: If symptoms are severe and appropriate treatment measures are not taken promptly, the condition may endanger life.