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Navigating through the haemostatic paradox in kidney failure: A practical overview
Jessica Caruana1, Nicoletta Riva2, Kevin Vella3
1Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
Insights
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face high risks of bleeding and thrombosis. This review explores the science of hemostasis in end-stage kidney disease and guides management of these complex bleeding and clotting challenges.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hematology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 9.1% globally, posing a significant health burden.
- Patients with CKD, especially those on dialysis, have a dual risk of bleeding and thrombosis.
- Limited clinical evidence exists for managing hemostatic challenges in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of hemostasis in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
- To translate basic science knowledge into clinical practice for managing bleeding and thrombosis in CKD patients.
- To provide evidence-based guidance for optimal patient management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of basic science principles of hemostasis in ESKD.
- Analysis of clinical challenges in managing bleeding and thrombosis in CKD patients.
- Synthesis of existing evidence and clinical guidelines.
Main Results:
- Detailed explanation of the complex hemostatic abnormalities in ESKD.
- Identification of common hemostatic challenges faced by CKD patients.
- Discussion of limited but available evidence for antiplatelet and anticoagulant use.
Conclusions:
- CKD patients present unique and co-existing risks of bleeding and thrombosis.
- A deeper understanding of hemostasis in ESKD is crucial for effective clinical management.
- Further research and clear guidelines are needed to optimize therapy for these patients.
Abstract:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects around 9.1% of humankind globally resulting in a significant health burden. Some of these individuals will also require renal replacement therapy with dialysis due to complete kidney failure. Patients with CKD are known to be at increased risk of both bleeding and thrombosis. Often it is very difficult to manage these yin and yang since both risks tend to co-exist. Clinically, very few studies have looked at the effects of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in this highly vulnerable subgroup of medical patients and evidence is very limited. This review attempts to explain the current state-of-the-art regarding the basic science of haemostasis in patients with end-stage kidney disease. We also try to transfer this knowledge into the clinics by looking at some common haemostasis challenges that are encountered in this cohort of patients and what evidence and guidance there is for their optimal management.
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Dialysis
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly and can be caused by pre-renal causes (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), intrinsic renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis), or post-renal causes (e.g., urinary obstruction). In contrast, chronic renal failure progresses gradually over time and is often...

