When someone’s kidneys stop working, dialysis—the process of removing excess water, salt and waste products from the blood using a filtering device—offers that individual the opportunity for a longer, more satisfying life.

Without dialysis treatment, toxic waste and fluid will build up in the body, generally making that person feel more fatigued. It may also cause other health problems leading to fluctuations in blood pressure, as well as general feelings of unwellness. It may also increase one’s chances of having a stroke or heart attack.

“For many Filipinos with failing kidneys, undergoing dialysis represents a major technological advancement in life extension—something not possible for cases when one’s heart or liver finally cease to function. Whether one has just been diagnosed with kidney problems, or is already a candidate for dialysis or transplantation, St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City has been here for the past seven years helping them sort through their options, while providing the best possible treatment for their condition,” says Dr. Brian Michael Cabral, VP and Assistant Medical Director of St. Luke’s-Global City.

Dr. Cabral, a nephrologist, explains that with about 11,000 to 12,000 Filipinos being added every year to the list of those undergoing dialysis, these individuals should be made aware of all treatment options available to them.

“Everybody’s situation can be a little different. We have our medical professionals ready to work around that person, ensuring that he or she gets the care that is best for their individualized needs. We emphasize that dialysis plays only one role in their overall health. It remains critically important for patients to follow their doctor’s instructions, be compliant with their medication, as well as maintain a healthy diet and exercise to continue preserving their overall health,” he said.

Multidisciplinary team

The Center for Renal Diseases of St Luke’s-Global City maintains a multidisciplinary team of nephrologists, nurses, dietitians and technicians to ensure optimal outcomes for dialysis patients.

“It’s this team that makes the difference as we strive for providing high-quality, personalized and compassionate care to dialysis patients and their loved ones,” says nephrologist Dr. Jose Marcia, the current head of the Center for Renal Diseases.

He adds that the Center’s highly experienced and dedicated team is complemented by proven technology in order to provide the safest and most effective treatment. The Center boasts of 17 machines, two of which are located within the isolation section to serve patients with infectious cases like Hepatitis B and C. Five more are also stationed at the ICU complex.

The Center also practices using “single-use” dialyzers only, which compared to using reusable ones, decreases the risk of infection and contamination, the likelihood of errors and accidents, as well as other hazards associated with exposure to germicides and denatured blood products that may harm both patients and their healthcare team.

Dr. Marcia also informs the Center will be stationing two more dialysis machines at the emergency room complex to immediately assist critically ill patients, especially those arriving during off hours.

“All our dialysis machines employ hemodiafiltration (HDF), which compared with standard hemodialysis, has been found to effectively remove middle-size as well as larger toxins. We are confident in our treatment plans and philosophies of care, because of the feedback we have heard from our patients,” says Dr. Marcia who reports that survival rate has vastly improved over the last five years with an annual mortality rate at a low 5 percent.

Dr. Marcia also reports that the Center is currently the only facility in the Philippines to have the capability to perform— together with St. Luke’s-Global City’s Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases— molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) treatments for patients with terminal liver conditions. The MARS effectively washes the patient’s blood with a special solution that binds toxins and protects the body from the toxic effect.

With MARS treatment, St. Luke’s-Global City has the ability to support and maintain unstable liver transplant candidates long enough for the patient to receive a liver transplant.

Five years and counting

While the average survival rate for those on dialysis here in the Philippines was just two years about a decade ago, Dr. Marcia is proud to report that at their Center, they have numerous patients already on their fifth year of treatment.

At 85 years old, Ms. Virginia Chan is among the Center’s oldest outpatients. Diagnosed with end-stage renal failure some time in 2011, Ms. Chan has been undergoing dialysis for five years. “Through the grace of God, He has given me a chance to enjoy my life. Without dialysis, I wouldn’t be here. So everyday, I wake up, and I thank the Lord for my day. I can still enjoy reading the Bible, eat pinakbet and paksiw, as well as go to the mall,” says Ms. Chan who is always accompanied by her only son, Sammy, for her regular treatments.

Compassionate care and the team at the Center are helping to keep 67-year-old Ms. Ofelia Crisostomo on a healthy path so she can lead an active and fulfilling life. On dialysis since 2012, she visits the Center regularly for her dialysis treatments.

Quality care and support from the Center for Renal Diseases of St Luke’s-Global City is helping 62-year-old Mr. Roberto Papa go back to work. A Mandaluyong City Hall employee, Mr. Papa explains he has made dialysis part of his life. “My normal week would be to come here for the second shift every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday then afterward, report to work. I am very fortunate in that my team here allows me to keep a flexible schedule, should I ever need to travel. Between treatments, I go malling or visit family KTV with my wife.”

When couple Edward and Zenaida Engert decided to retire in the Philippines, Edward, a former United States Army soldier, had to make inquiries on which hospitals in the Philippines could match, if not exceed, the dialysis treatment standard that his 77-year-old wife receives in Texas for the past 31 years. “We love the pleasant environment, especially the caring and competent staff. We already consider them part of our family that we even bring all the staff here to enjoy our farm in Pampanga,” relates Edward.

Dr. Cabral relates that the Center performs close to 1,000 treatments a month (both in- and out-patient). “We go the extra mile in order to help them understand the complexity of their condition, explain results of their tests, as well as educate them on what nutrition they need. We provide them 360 degrees of care, with the patient and their family at the core. These are only a few of the reasons why we even have patients who travel from as far as Batangas. Because they find value, comfort and safety in the care that we provide.”

ADVT