Paliativa v nefrologii – group of authors (2019)

In the last decade, the number of patients with chronic kidney failure has been rising, and their treatment is very complicated – whether due to severe comorbidities, advanced age, or a combination of both factors. For many of these patients, the initiation of dialysis is associated with a deterioration in functional status and quality of life. The goal of supportive nephrological care is to maintain a good quality of life in the advanced stages of kidney disease. Improving pharmacotherapy for difficult physical symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, restless legs syndrome, pruritus, or insomnia, is an essential part of comprehensive care for these patients. In addition to addressing somatic issues, attention must also be paid to the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. The topic of providing palliative care is complicated and still relatively new in Czech healthcare. Currently, there is an increasing number of nephrologists motivated to introduce palliative care into routine practice. The problem is the absence of a professional publication that comprehensively describes the topic, including practical recommendations. The aim is to maintain a good quality of life in the advanced stages of kidney disease.