LifebloodWebsite

Overview

Message from RocheMedical expertise and artistic inspiration combine to create LIFEBLOOD:

• a clinically accurate and visually stunning illustration of chronic kidney disease and renal anaemia

• suitable for both medical professionals and their patients

• Digital slices of the body from medical imaging devices are built into 3D models of tissues and organs.

 • Enhanced and highlighted,

these detailed and informative images explain the complex processes of the human body.

How Lifeblood was developed

CKD & Anaemia

Anaemia is typically present with a diagnosis of CKD –as the diseased kidneys produce less of the vital hormone erythropoietin that’s needed to stimulate production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Loss of kidney function

Reduced kidney function leads to:• imbalance of volume and solutes• anaemia• bone disease• metabolic acidosis

Kidney failure leads to uraemia – the accumulation in the blood of toxins usually excreted by the kidney.

Common causes of CKD• hypertension• obstructions in the urinary

tract (e.g. kidney stones)• polycystic kidney disease• glomerulonephritis• recent urinary infections• diabetes• developmental

malformations• autoimmune diseases

• The kidneys maintain the body’s balance, regulating levels of water and salts.

• The kidneys are key to vitality. When oxygen levels are low they produce erythropoietin, stimulating the bone marrow to produce oxygen-carrying red blood cells.

Marvel at our Anatomy

Blood transmission

• Blood is forced through an intricate network of glomerular capillary tufts in the kidney.

• Water and waste products flow out across the glomerular filtration barrier into the bowman’s space, to be excreted as urine.

Causes & impact of CKD

• The main causes of CKD in developed countries are linked to poor lifestyle choices.

 • Hypertension and diabetes

silently damage the kidney blood vessels.

 • Heightened blood pressure in

the damaged capillaries can lead to further damage and kidney failure.

• Patients with CKD warning signs like hypertension and diabetes require close monitoring.

• The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) can be calculated from a blood test and provides an assessment of the overall kidney function.

Diagnosis

• Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are methods to help remove toxins from the blood when the kidneys stop functioning.

• Another option for patients may be kidney transplantation.

Treatment