Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

A insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) pode ocasionar uma série de alterações metabólicas no organismo, das quais o comprometimento do metabolismo do cálcio pode acarretar em desmineralização óssea e mineralização de tecidos moles, inclusive renal, favorecendo a perda ainda maior de néfrons. Na rotina, a avaliação do cálcio é geralmente realizada pela mensuração do cálcio sérico total, entretanto, a única fração biologicamente ativa deste mineral é representada pelo cálcio ionizado. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o cálcio ionizado em gatos sadios e em gatos com IRC, com o intuito de se obter subsídios para o melhor entendimento da homeostase do cálcio. Foram analisados 25 gatos sadios (grupo controle) e 19 gatos com IRC (grupo de estudo) em que foram determinadas as concentrações séricas de cálcio ionizado, cálcio total, sódio, potássio, cloreto, fósforo inorgânico, albumina, como também do pH sangüíneo e das variáveis da hemogasometria. Não foram observadas diferenças significantes entre os grupos controle e estudo no que se relaciona aos valores de cálcio total (controle = 9,52 ± 0,96; IRC = 9,48 ± 0,96) e cálcio ionizado (controle = 5,24 ± 0,18; IRC = 5,29 ± 0,53). Em ambos os grupos observou-se que o valor da fração de cálcio ionizado foi superior a 50% do valor do cálcio total, dado este que difere da literatura, principalmente quando se compara com a espécie canina. Quando da avaliação individual dos dados, foi constatado nos gatos com IRC que o valor de cálcio sérico ionizado encontrava-se aumentado em 31,6% dos animais e diminuído em 15,8%; entretanto, quando foi considerado o cálcio sérico total, a hipercalcemia não foi detectada em nenhum dos animais e a hipocalcemia observada em 5,3%. Ainda, nos gatos com IRC que apresentaram normocalcemia relacionada ao cálcio ionizado, quando da mensuração do cálcio sérico total, a normocalcemia só foi constatada em 50% daqueles animais. Diferença significante também foi observada entre os dois grupos no que se refere aos valores de fósforo inorgânico e algumas variáveis da hemogasometria, caracterizando discreta hiperfosfatemia e acidose metabólica nos gatos com IRC. Apesar da presença de acidose, que poderia resultar na diminuição do cálcio ligado à albumina e assim justificar o desenvolvimento de hipercalcemia relacionada ao cálcio ionizado nos gatos com IRC, a normocalcemia e a hipocalcemia também foram detectadas, demonstrando-se, assim, a importância de se mensurar o cálcio ionizado, pois somente a mensuração do cálcio sérico total não refletiu a real condição do cálcio biologicamente ativo e, ainda, que devem ser investigados outros mecanismos que possam influenciar a fração de cálcio ionizado. / Chronic renal failure (CRF) can cause many metabolic abnormalities in the body, and one of these is represented by alteration in calcium metabolism, and the animal can develop demineralization and calcification of soft tissues, including renal parenchyma, which can facilitate the progression of renal damage. In routine, calcium is usually evaluated by measurement of total serum calcium, however, the biologically active fraction is represented by ionized calcium. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate serum ionized calcium in healthy cats and in cats with chronic renal failure. Twenty-five clinically normal cats (control group) and nineteen cats with CRF were evaluated, and serum ionized calcium, total calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, albumin, as well as blood pH and blood gases parameters were measured. No difference between normal cats and cats with CRF concerning total calcium (control = 9.52 ± 0.96; CRF = 9.48 ± 0.96) and ionized calcium (control = 5.24 ± 0.18; CRF = 5.29 ± 0.53) were observed. In both groups, the fraction of ionized calcium represented more than 50% of total calcium value, and the data were different from those reported in the literature, mainly concerning dogs. In cats with CRF, when the data were evaluated individually, serum ionized calcium was increased in 31.6% of the animals and decreased in 15.8%; however considering serum total calcium, hypercalcemia was not detected in any of those cats and hypocalcemia was observed in 5.3%. In addition, from the cats with CRF that presented normocalcemia related to ionized calcium, only 50% of those animals showed normocalcemia when total calcium was determined. Difference between control group and the group of cats with CRF concerning phosphorus and some parameters of blood gases were detected, observing slight phosphatemia and metabolic acidosis. The presence of acidosis can possible result in decrease of albumin bound to calcium and in consequence justify the hypercalcemia related to ionized calcium observed in cats with CRF, but normocalcemia and hypocalcemia were also observed, showing the importance of the measurement of ionized calcium, because total serum calcium did not reflect the real status of calcium that is considered the biologically active form; in addition, other mechanisms that can compromise the ionized calcium fraction should be investigated.

O diagnóstico de insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) inaugura para quem o experimenta uma passagem irreversível ao mundo dos doentes, alterando a relação do acometido com seu próprio corpo. Trata-se de uma doença incurável, cujo tratamento consiste em intervenções permanentes ao longo da vida do paciente, como dependência de máquinas para substituição da função renal, intervenções cirúrgicas, ingestão diária de medicamentos e adoção de restrições dietéticas. Os familiares de crianças em tratamento dialítico peritoneal domiciliar têm assumido significativa sobrecarga nos cuidados oferecidos à criança, o que resulta em desgaste emocional, vivências de culpa e estresse familiar. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo é compreender as vivências de mães de crianças portadores de insuficiência renal crônica, seus modos de existir frente ao tratamento dialítico e possibilidade de transplante renal. O estudo foi conduzido segundo a metodologia de investigação fenomenológica, que consiste na apreensão do fenômeno tal como ele se manifesta para a pessoa que o vivencia, buscando captar os significados atribuídos por ela ao seu existir. Foram entrevistadas 5 mães de crianças e adolescentes com IRC em tratamento dialítico peritoneal no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo (HC/FMRP-USP), a partir da questão norteadora: \"Como a senhora vem vivenciando esse momento na sua vida?\". As entrevistas foram analisadas segundo o método de análise da estrutura do fenômeno situado, proposto por Martins & Bicudo (1989), Giorgi (1985) e Valle (1997), revelando-se as seguintes categorias temáticas: inaugurando o existir com a doença e o tratamento do filho; integrando-se ao cotidiano de tratamento: significar para conviver; cuidando do filho: proporcionar e legitimar sua vitalidade; reconhecendo o próprio enfrentamento: buscas e conquistas, e um vislumbre sobre os vínculos - memoráveis alianças: das conquistadas às rompidas. Foi utilizado como referencial teórico algumas idéias de Martin Heidegger, bem como de outros autores que se fundamentaram nele. O estudo possibilitou compreender algumas facetas do existir dessas mães nas relações de cuidado estabelecidas com a criança doente, apreendendo os significados atribuídos por elas a uma doença incurável, ao seu tratamento e às repercussões dessa realidade em suas vidas e na vida de seus filhos. / The Chronic Renal Failure diagnosis (CRF) inaugurates in a person who experiences an irreversible crossing to the disease world, altering the relation of the sick person with his/her body. It is an incurable disease, which treatment consists in permanent interventions along the life of the patient as reliance of devices to substitute the renal function, surgical interventions, and daily ingestion of medicine and adoption of restriction dietary. The children families in ambulatory peritoneal dialysis treatment have assumed significant surcharge in the carefulness offered to the child, which results in emotional weariness, guilt experiences and familiar stress. The goal in this study, in context is to comprehend the experiences of Chronic Renal Failure holder children mother, their way to exist facing the dialysis treatment and the possibility of the renal transplant. The study was led according to the phenomenological investigation methodology, that consists in apprehension of the phenomenon such as it reveals to the person who experiences it, seeking to catch the meanings ascribed to her/him on his/her existence. Five mothers with CRF children and adolescents were interviewed in peritoneal dialysis treatment in the clinical hospital in the Faculty of Medicine of \"Ribeirão Preto\". University of São Paulo (HC/FMRP/ USP), from the question: \"How have you been experiencing this moment of your life?\" the interviews were analysed according to the method of analysis of the stated phenomenon structure, proposed by Martin & Bicudo (1989), Giorgi (1985) and Valle (1997), developing such thematic categories: inaugurating to live with the disease and the treatment of the child; integrating into the treatment everyday: to mean to \"live on\" , caring for the child: offering and recognizing his/her vitality, admitting the own coping quests and conquests, glimpsing the links memorable alliances: from the conquered to broken. Some ideas of Martin Heidegger were used as theorical references, as well as from others authors that have the same idea as him. The study enabled the comprehension of some facets of the mothers experiences on their relation of caring established with a sick child, seizing the meanings ascribed by them to an incurable sick, its treatment and repercussion of this reality on their lives and on the life of their children.

The psychosocial adjustment of nine adolescents with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was described by two standard psychologic tests; Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale and Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control. Life Events were recorded to evaluate the effect of stress at the time of testing. The mean self-concept scores were higher (p = .009) for the ESRD adolescents than the normative sample. However, the individual's scores did not differ significantly. The Life Events were comparable to the healthy population for age. The family members were assessd on the Family Assessment Measure (FAM) to assess the influence of family functioning on adolescent psychosocial adjustment. The standardized FAM scores were comparable to a normative sample. Cluster analysis of the ESRD adolescents revealed three groups differing significantly on: self-concept, locus of control, FAM self-rating and number of years from diagnosis to dialysis. Significant differences were maintained across the family members on FAM General Scale and FAM Self-Rating Scale. The adequate psychosocial adjustment of the adolescents with ESRD is consistent with recent studies suggesting that chronically ill children and adolescents do not differ from healthy children. However, the results also suggest that within the study group, a number of individuals may be experiencing problems of adjustment. / Education, Faculty of / Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of / Graduate

Doctor Educationis / Background: South Africa has the largest burden of HIV in the world with 7.9 million people living with HIV and 4.4 million registered on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2017. KwaZuluNatal is hardest hit by the HIV epidemic with a prevalence of 27% among adults aged 15 to 49 years old. With the widespread ART uptake, the spectrum of HIV related admissions in hospitals has changed over the last decade. Hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and renal failure have become significant reasons for inpatient care. Increased life expectancy, rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and easier access to ART have played a significant change in the landscape of inpatients as compared to the pre-ART era. To provide integrated healthcare to the patient, it is necessary to understand the prevalence and patterns of HIV comorbidities for efficient and effective service delivery to HIV patients at facility-level. Aim: The current study aimed to describe the prevalence and patterns of HIV-related comorbidities in adult hospital admissions in iLembe, KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology: A retrospective, cross-sectional survey was conducted of all adult HIV-related admissions between 1st October and 31st December 2019. Clinical and demographic characteristics were extracted from admission and discharge records, and laboratory data was collected via the National Health Laboratory Services using Labtrack. Summative and inferential analyses were done using SPSS v 23.

No description available.

The nutritional needs of the renal patient vary as the renal function decreases. Little information exists concerning energy requirements for patients on hemodialysis. Renal failure has been called a wasting disease as evidenced by decreased body weight, body fat, arm circumference and serum proteins. This research was designed to help precisely define energy requirements for the hemodialysis subject. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured by indirect calorimetry in 17 male hemodialysis subjects whose mean age was 55 years at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Hampton, Va. The Beckman MMC Horizon System, a portable device which permits the determination of heat production from gas exchange, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production was used. By regression analysis, the measured REE was compared to the basal energy expenditure (BEE): the ideal weight based on the Metropolitan Life Insurance tables, the current weight taken on day of indirect calorimetry, a non-dialysis day, and the post dialysis weight taken immediately after dialysis. A correlation analysis of the dependent variable, IEE, with the current, ideal and post dialysis BBE variable resulted in correlation coefficients of .3783, .0003, and .3946 respectively. None of these correlation coefficients were significantly correlated with the REE. The post dialysis variable had the highest correlation coefficient, and thus the strongest relationship to the REE. While any of the weights studied could be used to determine energy needs for the hemodialysis subject, post dialysis weight may be the most desirable choice. / M.S.

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) introduces physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual challenges into patients’ lives. Spirituality has been found to contribute to improved health outcomes, mainly in the areas of quality of life (QOL) and well-being. No studies exist to explore the influences of spirituality on the health outcomes and general well-being in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis (HD) treatment in Scotland. This study was therefore carried out to examine and explore spirituality in the day-to-day lives of patients with ESRD receiving HD treatment and how it may influence their health outcomes and, in particular, QOL and general well-being. The study described in this thesis employed a sequential mixed method approach over two stages: quantitative and qualitative. Following ethical approval, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 72 patients from 11 dialysis units recruited from four Health Boards in Scotland. The participants in the study were regular patients attending the dialysis units three times per week. Data on patients’ quality of life, general well-being, and spirituality were collected using self-administered questionnaires including demographic information: the Short Form Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire (SF-36v2), the General Health Questionnaire, and the Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire. The data were analysed using the Predictive Analytics Software for Windows. The findings highlighted that patients’ quality of life was markedly lower than the United Kingdom general population average norms of 50. Increasing age was associated with better mental health but worse physical health. The survey also found that there were no significant associations between spirituality and patients’ quality of life and general well-being. However, it was considered important to complement and enrich the survey findings by gaining a deeper understanding of the influences of spirituality on patients’ health outcomes and general well-being by carrying out the qualitative component of the study. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews with a subsample of 21 patients from those who participated in the survey. A thematic approach using Framework Analysis informed the qualitative data analysis. Four main themes emerged from the qualitative interviews: ‘Emotional and Psychological Turmoil’, ‘Life is Restricted’, ‘Spirituality’ and ‘Other Coping Strategies’. The findings from the interviews confirmed that patients’ quality of life might be affected because of the physical challenges such as unremitting fatigue, disease unpredictability, or being tied down to a dialysis machine, or the emotional and psychological challenges imposed by the disease into their lives such as wholesale changes, dialysis as a forced choice and having a sense of indebtedness. The findings also revealed that spirituality was an important coping strategy for the majority of participants who took part in the qualitative component (n=16). Different meanings of spirituality were identified including connection with God or Supernatural Being, connection with the self, others and nature/environment. Spirituality encouraged participants to accept their disease and offered them a sense of protection, instilled hope in them and helped them to maintain a positive attitude to carry on with their daily lives, which may have had a positive influence on their health outcomes and general well-being. The findings also revealed that humour was another coping strategy that helped to diffuse stress and anxiety for some participants and encouraged them to carry on with their lives. The findings from this study contribute knowledge to increase our understanding of the influence of spirituality on the health outcomes and general well-being of patients with end-stage renal disease currently receiving haemodialysis treatment. Based on the findings from this thesis, recommendations are made for clinical practice, patient and nurse education and for future research.

This study looked into paients’ experiences of end stage renal disease (ESRD) and renal replacement therapy (RRT). A qualitative me thodology was employed involving fifteen patients between the ages of 20 – 60 years that were interviewed on their experiences using the semi structured approach to interviewing. The knowledge gained was analysed thematically. The study was explored within two theoretical frameworks, namely the biopsychosocial and the ecological models. Results of the study revealed that ESRD and RRT posed many psychosocial challenges at a micro and macro level, as patients attempted to reconcil e these experiences with their lifestyles and lives. Challenges were expressed in the areas of functional capacity, work and sexuality. Family life was seriously affected when patients had to make themselves available for life long tr eatment that depended on machines. Recommendations included mobilisatio n of positive support networks, religion/spirituality, and pr ofessional support playing an interrelational role in enabling patients to cope through the long term process so that they may emerge from it with a modicum of quality in their life. Thus a team approach was key to optimal living for the patient. From an ecological perspective, macrosystemic change was also considered important for government to introduce policies that ensure economically productive living for persons with kidney dysfunction. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.