The pathology of dialysis

There are a number of pathologies that are associated with the development of renal failure. Once renal function has deteriorated beyond a point where life is not sustainable without dialysis, new sets of pathologic processes develop. These are, in part, related to the continuation of poor renal function and to the process of dialysis itself. This article addresses the processes that are believed to be due to dialysis, among which are disorders of bone, deposition of metals and amyloid within a number of tissues, and local problems such as inflammation and tumors related to the dialysis site.