At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, the introduction of new Online Hemodiafiltration (HDF) machines is transforming the lives of kidney patients by offering improved treatment outcomes. The renal clinic, which attends to at least 25 dialysis patients daily, has seen a shift in patient experiences since the adoption of this advanced technology.
Victor Onyango, a 30-year-old patient from Kisumu County, has been undergoing dialysis since 2020 after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Before his diagnosis, he had struggled with hypertension for three years. His condition worsened in early 2020 when he experienced severe headaches and swelling in his face and feet. Further tests revealed kidney failure, requiring him to undergo dialysis twice a week.
Previously, he relied on conventional hemodialysis, which often left him fatigued and experiencing muscle cramps. However, since switching to the new Online HDF machine, he has noticed significant improvements, including higher energy levels and no muscle cramps. The new machine uses a convective process to remove larger toxins from the body, resulting in better overall health outcomes.
Grace Atieno, another patient, was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2020 after experiencing complications during pregnancy. Initially diagnosed with renal cysts in 2008, she managed her condition for years without realizing its severity. In 2020, she lost her unborn child due to complications related to high blood pressure. Seven months ago, she was advised to start dialysis. Like Victor, she initially faced challenges such as fatigue and loss of appetite after conventional dialysis. However, since using the new machine, her energy levels and appetite have significantly improved.
The hospital acquired seven Online HDF machines, making it the third facility in Kenya to implement this technology. Experts note that while both conventional hemodialysis and Online HDF remove waste from the blood, the latter provides more efficient filtration, leading to better patient outcomes. The new machine ensures advanced volume control and fluid management, reducing complications such as low blood pressure.
Chronic kidney disease remains a major health challenge, with an estimated four million Kenyans affected. Experts warn that the number could rise to 4.8 million by 2030 due to increasing cases of hypertension and diabetes, the leading causes of CKD. Globally, over 850 million people are battling kidney-related conditions.
The renal unit at Jaramogi Oginga Hospital continues to provide critical support for CKD patients. Despite advancements in dialysis technology, experts emphasize that kidney transplants remain the best treatment for end-stage kidney disease. However, many patients face barriers such as financial constraints, lack of donors, or underlying medical conditions that make transplants unfeasible.
The introduction of Online HDF machines is a step forward in improving dialysis outcomes. Experts stress the importance of early screening, particularly for individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or obesity, as early detection can help slow disease progression. Adopting healthier lifestyles and improving access to transplant services remain key priorities in managing kidney disease effectively.
