Hospa has one of the largest Cardio care programs in a community academic hospital in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), and provides treatment for many types of CVD, including heart transplant, open heart surgery, engiogram prostate, gynecological and urinary.
Hospa General is constantly thinking and going beyond for our patients, our community and our people. As people and communities change, Hospa General will continuously evolve to meet their needs. We are driven to achieve the promise of people-centred care – to create a welcome and inclusive environment that contributes to health equity.
We work to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of cancer care. All patients receive care guided by best practice standards of Cardio Care. These practices have been shown to provide the best patient outcomes. Patients and their families can quickly access a diverse range of cancer care services, including these facilities:
Our interdisciplinary team of highly skilled and compassionate health-care professionals includes physicians, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, nurses, medical imaging professionals, case managers, and volunteers.
We partner with the two regional cancer centres: the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Princess Margaret Hospital at the University Health Network, to facilitate radiation treatments for our patients. A partnership between North York General and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre offers patients easy and timely access to quality colorectal cancer care.
This following series of videos are designed for patients who are receiving treatment at the Anne Tanenbaum Chemotherapy Clinic. The first video “A Day in Chemo Clinic”, is helpful to watch prior to starting treatment and want to know what to expect before your appointment.
Most patients will receive conventional chemotherapy and may find the videos that explain what chemotherapy is and how it is given, helpful. For a general introduction, start with “Chemo 101”. This video covers important day-to-day considerations such as “Can I take supplements while on chemo?”, “Can I drink alcohol while on chemo?” and “Do I have to avoid crowds while on chemo?” Additional videos include common side effects of chemotherapy, important prevention and management tips.
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Our kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, balancing salt levels, and maintaining overall fluid levels in the body. They constantly work with the brain and heart to control our blood pressure, manage Vitamin D and calcium for healthy bones, and even help in making new blood cells.
However, kidneys can be damaged by various factors, and when the damage happens suddenly and rapidly, it’s called acute kidney injury (AKI). This condition can become serious and requires immediate attention. Without quick treatment, it can lead to chronic kidney failure or permanent kidney damage.
So, what causes AKI, what are its symptoms, how is it diagnosed, and most importantly, how can we prevent and treat it? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Kidneys function as filtration plants, cleaning blood and maintaining fluid and salt levels in the body through millions of tiny tubes called nephrons.
2. Acute kidney injury (AKI) can occur suddenly from factors like low oxygen or blood supply, direct kidney damage, or urinary blockages, leading to rapid kidney dysfunction.
3. Common causes of pre-renal AKI include severe dehydration, low blood pressure from infections (sepsis) or heart failure.
4. Intra-renal AKI results from direct kidney damage, often due to certain medications, toxins, autoimmune diseases like lupus, or infections.
5. Post-renal AKI involves blockages in urinary tubes, caused by factors like kidney stones, tumors pressing on ureters, or bladder dysfunction.
6. Symptoms of kidney failure can range from fatigue, weakness, and confusion to changes in urine color, nausea, and breathing difficulties.
7. Early diagnosis of kidney failure relies on blood tests measuring creatinine, urea, potassium, and other chemicals, along with patient history and symptoms.
8. Treatment for acute kidney failure includes addressing life-threatening issues like high potassium or acid levels, often requiring IV medications or dialysis.
9. Non-life-threatening cases may involve hydration, removing urinary blockages, discontinuing harmful medications, or other targeted treatments based on the underlying cause.
10. Recovery from acute kidney injury varies, with some cases regaining full function and others experiencing partial or no recovery, emphasizing the importance of close monitoring and follow-up care.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) can occur due to several reasons, which can generally be categorized into three groups:
1. Pre-Renal AKI: This occurs when there isn’t enough oxygen or blood reaching the kidneys. This can happen during severe dehydration (e.g., excessive sweating without replenishing fluids, or severe diarrhea and vomiting), or due to low blood pressure caused by sepsis (a severe infection) or heart failure.
2. Intra-Renal AKI: This type results from direct kidney damage caused by substances like certain medications, toxins, autoimmune diseases (like lupus), or infections. Certain painkillers, especially NSAIDs, and some herbal medicines can cause kidney damage, so it’s essential to know the potential side effects of the medications you’re taking.
3. Post-Renal AKI: This happens when there are blockages in the urinary tubes, which causes back pressure that damages the kidneys. Blockages can be caused by things like kidney stones, tumors pressing on the ureters, or issues with bladder function, such as a large prostate gland.
The symptoms of kidney failure can vary based on the severity and cause of the injury. Common symptoms include:
– Fatigue or weakness
– Confusion or feeling overly sleepy
– Changes in urine output (either too much or too little)
– Dark-colored urine
– Nausea or loss of appetite
– Shortness of breath
Symptoms often don’t show up until the damage is significant, which is why early detection and treatment are crucial.
Acute kidney injury is diagnosed using blood tests, which measure levels of important substances such as creatinine, urea (BUN), potassium, and sodium. High levels of these substances indicate that the kidneys are not properly filtering the blood.
The doctor will also take your medical history and ask questions like:
– What medications or supplements are you taking?
– Have you experienced any changes in urine output?
– Have you had any recent infections or injuries?
In addition to blood tests, further urine tests, ultrasounds, or CT scans may be needed to determine the exact cause. In rare cases, a kidney biopsy might be necessary.
Life-Threatening Cases:
If AKI is life-threatening (for example, due to high potassium or blood pressure imbalances), treatment is urgent. This may involve IV medications or dialysis (a machine that helps filter waste and balance fluids in the body). Dialysis is often used to correct dangerous chemical imbalances in the blood.
Non-Life-Threatening Cases:
In less severe cases, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the kidney injury. This may include:
– Hydration to treat dehydration
– Urinary blockage removal (e.g., treating kidney stones or other blockages)
– Discontinuing harmful medications
– Treating infections or other conditions contributing to kidney damage
Recovery from acute kidney injury can vary:
– In some cases, the kidneys regain full function and return to normal.
– In others, recovery may be slow and require close monitoring.
– Some people may experience partial recovery, while in more severe cases, kidneys may not recover fully, leading to chronic kidney disease.
It’s essential to follow up regularly with your healthcare provider to monitor kidney function and avoid further damage.
Did you know that kidneys are not just responsible for cleaning the blood? They also work to maintain the balance of salts, acid, and water in the body, help manage Vitamin D and calcium for bone health, and even assist in making new blood cells! They’re doing a lot more than we often realize.
When dealing with acute kidney injury, make sure to ask the following questions to fully understand your diagnosis and treatment options:
1. What is causing my kidney failure?
2. What tests will be done to diagnose the cause and severity of my kidney injury?
3. What treatment options are available for acute kidney failure, and which one do you recommend for me?
4. How long will it take for my kidneys to recover, and what factors may affect the recovery process?
5. Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary adjustments I should make to support my kidney health during recovery?
6. What are the potential complications or risks associated with acute kidney failure and its treatment?
7. Should I be concerned about any long-term effects on my kidney function after recovering from acute kidney injury?
8. Are there any medications or substances I should avoid that could worsen my kidney function?
9. How often should I follow up with you or a nephrologist to monitor my kidney function post-recovery?
10. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a recurrence or worsening of kidney problems in the future?
