Academic literature on the topic 'Moral and ethical aspects of Chronic renal failure'

An estimated 6,500 undocumented immigrants in the United States have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). These individuals are ineligible for the federal insurance program that covers dialysis and/or transplantation for citizens, and consequently are subject to local or state policies regarding the provision of healthcare. In 76% of states, undocumented immigrants are ineligible to receive scheduled outpatient dialysis treatments, and typically receive dialysis only when presenting to the emergency center with severe life-threatening symptoms. ‘Emergency-only hemodialysis’ (EOHD) is associated with higher healthcare costs, higher mortality, and longer hospitalizations. In this paper, we present an ethical critique of existing federal policy. We argue that EOHD represents a failure of fiduciary and professional obligations, contributes to moral distress, and undermines physician obligations to be good stewards of medical resources. We then explore potential avenues for reform based upon policies introduced at the state level. We argue that, while reform at the federal level would ultimately be a more sustainable longterm solution, state-based policy reforms can help mitigate the ethical shortcomings of EOHD.

Objective: to present the scientific production on quality of life, some historical, ethical, legal and emotional involving the transplantation of organs and tissues. Methods: this is a descriptive and exploratory study that it was sought in Medline, Scielo and Lilacs, involving adults, to search using the following descriptors depression, quality of life, transplantation of kidney and chronic disease as well as consultation on text books and articles cited in the references obtained in the review. Results: the scientific production presented had two relevant aspects: the significant technological and evolution and policies concerned with the transplantation of organs and tissues in Brazil and the evidence of an insignificant value people give to emotional and social aspects in patient’s life quality. It was also observed a disproportional between the number of viable organs and the crescent waiting list, related to the failure in the notification of cases of cerebral deaths and to the failure in approaching the families to donate the organs of their family member. Conclusion: Despite the also technological development of dialysis treatment, renal transplantation has been described as the best option in order to provide better quality of life for chronic kidney patient. But it is valid to emphasize that, like any treatment, the transplant has implications that need to be clarified in order to avoid future frustrations and complications or emotional and psychological. Descriptors: depression; quality of life; organ transplantation; chronic disease.