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Conservative care
Home » Patients » My therapy options » COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATIVE CARE: A CHOICE CENTERED ON QUALITY OF LIFE
Conservative treatment is a palliative option for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease who cannot or choose not to undergo dialysis or transplantation. Its primary goal is to slow the progression of the disease and improve the patient's comfort by alleviating symptoms and optimizing quality of life.20,21,23
General rules of conservative care
This type of care is based on a holistic and personalized approach21 including:
- A rigorous management of symptoms: Addressing pain, fatigue, digestive issues, edema, and hypertension.20,23
- Comprehensive medical and psychological support: Regular follow-up with a nephrologist, palliative care team, and psychologist to help manage the emotional and physical impact of the disease.20,23
- Adaptation of medication treatments: Control of anemia, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic acidosis to limit complications.20,23
- Specific dietary follow-up: Adapting the diet to reduce kidney strain and maintain nutritional balance (reducing salt, limiting proteins, controlling potassium and phosphorus).20,23
- Social and family support: Involvement of loved ones and assistance to help the patient organize their daily life and anticipate future needs.20,23
Why choose conservative care?
The choice of conservative care is often motivated by several factors:
- Advanced age and/or the presence of severe comorbidities, making dialysis or transplantation risky.
- The patient's desire to prioritize quality of life over a burdensome treatment.
- The lack of a compatible donor or access to a transplant.
- The desire to avoid the logistical and physical constraints of other renal replacement therapies (frequent travel, side effects from medications/sessions, impact on lifestyle).
An informed and supported decision
The decision to choose conservative care must be made in consultation with the healthcare team, the patient, and their loved ones. It is based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's health, preferences, and priorities regarding quality of life.
Regular dialogue with the nephrologist and palliative care teams allows for adjusting care based on the progression of the disease and the patient's needs, ensuring respectful and compassionate support throughout the end-of-life journey.
