• Mumbai, India
  • Open 24 x 7

Chronic Kidney Disease

Stem cell therapy for kidney failure in India to reverse chronic kidney disease.

Do you think that healing damaged kidneys is next to impossible and the ominous shadow of chronic kidney disease looms large forever? 

If yes, you need to hear this out!

Damaged kidneys can be healed and chronic kidney disease can be reversed. With the extraordinary potential of stem cell therapy, it can be done. 

And the best part is it can be done by globally accredited specialists at a reasonable cost in India. Let’s start with understanding stem cell therapy for kidney failure, and exploring the strides made in reversing chronic kidney diseases. 

Before moving forward, here is a story that shows how stem cell therapy can change lives. 

Mr. Saha, a 29-year-old engineer from Kolkata, reached out to us through the stem cell therapy for kidney disease in India webpage, seeking a solution for his escalating creatinine levels—from 3 to 8.2 in just a year. His battle with kidney issues intensified after a bout with COVID-19, leading to mild lung fibrosis and thrice-weekly dialysis.

The young engineer, Mr Saha, belongs to a decent, well-to-do family with Parents and a young sister. He was planning to get married to his committed girlfriend. Both were in a relationship right from their college days. The happy-to-go couple was full of dreams of marriage, a honeymoon, a new house, and doing something significant for the family.

All the dreams and plans started shattering when Mr Saha started showing the symptoms of kidney disease. The condition started worsening when the Covid-19 infection severely impacted him, and he needed to be hospitalized. There were complications, and he was shifted to oxygen support for ten days.

chronic kidney failure treatment, stem cell therapy for kidney failure in india, stem cell therapy for ckd in india
best treatment for kidney in india, Advanced Therapies for Chronic Kidney failure in india

He eventually won the battle of COVID-19 but with a mild impact on his lungs. There was happiness in the family after winning the fight against COVID-19, but it didn’t last much. In the whole process, his creatinine level has increased from 3 to 8.2.

Doctors recommended him for a kidney/renal transplant. However, a renal transplant is not a big challenge when you have a donor. His girlfriend was even willing to donate the organ for him. 

However, 29 years is too young an age for a kidney transplant. Even if Mr Saha has a donor today, what would happen if there were a repetitive need after 15-20 years? He might not even get the donor. So, deferring the transplant was best for him.    

MedicoExperts guided him to one of its empanelled stem cell experts who had earlier dealt with many CKD (chronic kidney disorder) cases and generated commendable results. 

He underwent four cycles of stem cell therapy along with supportive therapies.

His creatine levels reduced from 8.3 (at the time of admission) to 5.1 within ten days of discharge from the hospital. Moreover, the creatine levels reduced from 5.1 to 3 in the next six weeks.

At the time of writing this article, the couple is married. The frequency of health updates has reduced drastically. As per the last update, Mr Saha’s creatine level was 1.9. He is on regular kidney medication.

As per the treating stem cell expert, he would not require any significant treatment/procedure at least for ten years if he can manage his lifestyle.  

Before understanding different aspects of stem cell therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease, Let’s first understand what a kidney is and what its functions are.

Book Experts Opinion

Get expert advice from a panel of stem cell specialists from the comfort of your home

Kidney

What is the function of the kidney?

The kidneys are a pair of reddish-brown, bean-shaped organs situated on either side of the spine, below the ribs and behind the abdominal cavity. Typically measuring about 4 to 5 inches in length, they are approximately the size of a clenched fist.

These vital organs play a crucial role in waste elimination, regulation of the body’s fluid balance, and maintenance of proper electrolyte levels (minerals in the blood and other bodily fluids carrying an electric charge). 

An intriguing fact is that the kidneys filter the blood in the body approximately 40 times a day. Over 1 million tiny filters within the kidneys remove waste, adjusting salt, water, and minerals as necessary before the filtered blood is returned to the body.

Ultimately, the waste is converted into urine, accumulating in the kidney’s pelvis—a funnel-shaped structure that drains down a tube called the ureter, leading to the bladder.

If the blood supply to a kidney is interrupted, the kidney tissues may sustain damage, and in severe cases, parts or the entirety of the organ could perish. This can result in kidney failure.

what is kidney and its functions, best ckd treatment in india, best treatment for kidney in india
chronic kidney disease, best ckd treatment in india, best treatment for kidney in india

Chronic Kidney disease

What is Chronic Kidney disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), also known as chronic kidney failure, refers to a gradual decline in kidney function responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are subsequently expelled through urine. This impairment in kidney function progressively worsens over time.

In advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, there is an accumulation of perilous levels of fluid, electrolytes, and waste within the body. Let’s delve into an exploration of the various stages of kidney failure.

What are the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to all five stages of kidney damage, from mild damage in stage 1 to complete kidney failure in stage 5. 

The stages of kidney disease are categorized depending upon how much extra fluid and waste the kidneys can filter out of the blood. 

In the early stages of kidney disease, your kidneys can still filter out waste from your blood. 

In the later stages, your kidneys must work harder to get rid of waste and may stop working completely.

Before we begin with the stages of chronic kidney disease, let’s first understand what eGFR is.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) is the test to measure your level of kidney function and determine your stage of kidney disease. The value of eGFR is calculated by your blood creatinine test results, age, body size, and gender.

eGFR tells how much kidney function you have. A Kidney disease gets worse if GFR goes down.

stages of chronic kidney disease,kidney ckd treatment, kidney failure treatment cost in india

If you have an eGFR of 90 or greater, it means you are in Stage 1 CKD and you have mild kidney damage.

Primarily, an eGFR of 90 or greater implies your kidneys are healthy and working well, but you have other signs of kidney damage. 

Some of the signs of kidney damage could be protein in your urine (pee) or physical damage to your kidneys. 

Ways that help you to slow down the kidney damage in Stage 1 kidney disease are as follows:

  • Control your blood sugar
  • Control your blood pressure
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Don’t smoke
  • Be active 30 minutes a day, five days a week
  • Control your weight, Stay at a healthy weight, and check your BMI at a regular interval period
  • Meet a nephrologist (kidney doctor) on a priority basis. This is a time to move from general doctor to specialist.
  • Take medicines that your nephrologist prescribed which will help to protect your kidneys.

If you have an eGFR between 60 and 89, you have Stage 2 CKD, a mild kidney damage stage. Your kidneys are healthy and working well, but you have more signs of mild kidney damage.

Signs are similar to stage 1 signs, but the intensity is higher.

Ways that help you to slow down the kidney damage in Stage 2 kidney disease are as follows:

  • Control your blood sugar
  • Control your blood pressure 
  • Eat a healthy diet 
  • Do not smoke
  • Be active 30 minutes a day, five days a week
  • Stay at a healthy weight
  • You should see a nephrologist even if you already have a general doctor.
  • Ask your doctor if there are medicines to protect your kidneys.

If you have an eGFR between 30 and 59, that means you have Stage 3 CKD, and if your kidneys are damaged or they are not working as they should.

Stage 3 CKD is divided into two stages: 

  • Stage 3a: eGFR between 45 and 59
  • Stage 3b: eGFR between 30 and 44

In Stage 3 kidney disease, some people might not have any symptoms. In some people, there are symptoms like:

  • Swelling in hands and feet
  • Regular Back pain
  • Frequent or less Urination (peeing) than normal

In this stage, health complications start showing up as waste builds up in your body and your kidneys are not working well, such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • Anaemia (a condition in which red blood cells are deficient)
  • Bone related disease

Ways that help you to slow down the kidney damage in Stage 3 kidney disease are as follows:

  • Control your blood sugar
  • Control your blood pressure 
  • Do not smoke
  • Eat a healthy diet 
  • Be active 30 minutes a day, five days a week
  • Stay at a healthy weight

At stage 3, you have to visit a nephrologist (kidney doctor). After analyzing your condition doctor will make a treatment plan that is right for you and tell you how often you will need to have your kidneys checked.

Apart from consulting with a nephrologist, you should also meet with a dietitian, who will help you follow a healthy diet.

Also, regularly check your blood pressure and diabetes and get regular medicine. 

If you have an eGFR between 15 and 29, it means you have Stage 4 CKD. In this stage, your kidneys are moderately or severely damaged and are not working as they should. Stage 4 kidney disease is a serious condition – it is the last stage before kidney failure.

Many people have symptoms in stage 4 CKD such as:

  • Swelling in your hands and feet
  • Regular Back pain
  • Frequent or less Urination (peeing) than normal

At Stage 4, your health condition deteriorates further as waste builds up in your body and your kidneys are not working well, such as:

  • High blood pressure 
  • Anaemia  (a situation in which red blood cells are deficient)
  • Bone related disease

To keep kidney disease from getting worse at this stage, you should follow the below things.

  • You are having regular visits to a nephrologist, who will guide you and advise you on the treatment plan that is most appropriate for you. The doctor will also suggest to you the frequency with which you need to have your kidneys examined.
  • Diet is important. Consult a dietitian, who will suggest a healthy diet plan. 
  • Nephrologists may also suggest specialized blood pressure medicines like ACE inhibitors and ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers) depending on your vital parameters and comorbidities.

At Stage 4, kidney disease is a very crucial stage, do ask your nephrologist about how to prepare for kidney failure. Once your kidney function starts deteriorating beyond a point, a nephrologist will start dialysis, and high severity may also suggest a kidney transplant. 

  • Preparing for dialysis: Dialysis is a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood, which helps clean your blood when your kidneys have to stop working correctly. There are several things to think about, such as the type of dialysis, plan your treatments, and how it affects your life and daily activity. What is the thing you should avoid doing? What will happen when you delay your dialysis?
  • Preparing for a transplant: A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure in which a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor is taken and placed into a person whose kidneys are no longer functional. Learn more about kidney transplants.

If you have an eGFR of less than 15, it means you have Stage 5 CKD. Your kidneys are getting very close to failure or have entirely failed. 

If your kidneys fail, waste builds up in your blood, and your health day by day getting more deteriorating.

Symptoms of kidney failure were:

  • Itching
  • Muscle cramps
  • Feeling sick and throwing up
  • Not feeling hungry
  • Swelling in your hands and feet
  • Back pain
  • Frequent or less urination (peeing)
  • Getting trouble while breathing
  • Sleeplessness 
  • Anxiety 

Once your kidneys have failed, you have left two traditional treatment options, which your doctor will suggest.

  • Regular Dialysis
  • Kidney transplantation

causes

What are the causes of Kidney failure?

Causes and conditions that cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) include:

  • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli)
  • Interstitial nephritis, an inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures
  • Polycystic kidney disease(PKD) or other inherited kidney diseases
  • Obstruction in the urinary tract for a very long time. It may result due to conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones and in some cancer cases.
  • Vesicoureteral reflux is a condition that will cause urine to back up into your kidneys.
  • Pyelonephritis is a recurrent kidney infection.
causes of kidney disease, kidney ckd treatment

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney failure?

Some of the signs and symptoms of kidney failure depending upon how severe the kidney’s condition is are as follows,

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Sleep problems
  • Urinating more or less
  • Decreased mental sharpness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Swelling of feet and ankles
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Shortness of breath, if fluid is accumulating in the lungs
  • Chest pain, if fluid start surrounding the lining of the heart

Diagnosis

What tests are done to diagnose kidney disease?

A urinalysis is a test of your urine that is used to detect and manage a wide range of disorders, such as urinary tract infections, diabetes, inflammation, microscopic bleeding, and kidney damage.

A kidney ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive diagnostic exam that produces images, which are used to assess the size, shape, and location of the kidneys. It is performed to detect blockages in urine flow, stones, cysts, or suspicious masses in the kidneys.

A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles, creating detailed images of the kidneys.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technology that creates three-dimensional detailed anatomical images of the kidneys. This test is used to detect tumors in the kidneys.

In this test, blood cultures are used to detect bacteria or fungi in the blood. After infection is detected, cultures of the blood and urine may identify which bacteria are responsible for it. According to it, target antibiotic therapy will be done.

It is a minimally invasive method to treat kidney stones as well as stones located in the ureter. In this, an endoscope (which is a flexible tube with a camera on its end) is passed through the urethra into the bladder and ureters. It helps treat conditions that also affect the ureters.

A kidney biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a small piece of kidney tissue for examination with a special microscope. The sample may be taken in one of two ways, such as 1. Percutaneous (through the skin) biopsy, 2. Open biopsy(during surgery)

Conventional treatment for Kidney Failure in India

In traditional treatment, the doctor will control the signs and symptoms which is caused by kidney disease, reduce complications, and prescribe you the medication that slows the progression of the disease. If your kidneys become severely damaged, you might need dialysis and transplantation.

The doctor will control your kidney disease complications to make you more comfortable. Treatments might include:

  • High blood pressure medications
  • Medications to relieve swelling
  • Medications to treat anaemia
  • Medicines to lower cholesterol levels
  • Medications to protect your bones
  • A lower protein diet to minimize waste products in your blood

If your kidneys’ function has deteriorated, i.e. Kidneys can’t do waste and fluid clearance on their own, which is actually an indication that you have developed complete or near-complete kidney failure, and you have end-stage kidney disease. At that point, you need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Dialysis artificially performs the functionality of the kidney and removes waste products and extra fluid from your blood. This is required when your kidneys can no longer do this function. In hemodialysis, a machine filters waste and removes excess fluids from your blood.

In peritoneal dialysis, a thin tube inserted into your abdomen fills your abdominal cavity with a dialysis solution that absorbs waste and excess fluids. After a time, the dialysis solution drains from your body, carrying the waste with it.

A kidney transplant involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a donor into your body. Transplanted kidneys can come from deceased or living donors.

After a transplant, you’ll need to take medications for the rest of your life to keep your body from rejecting the new organ. You don’t need to be on dialysis to have a kidney transplant.

Alternative treatment for Chronic Kidney Failure in India

ckd treatment ayurveda

Ayurvedic medication falls under alternative therapies and, like any approach, carries both advantages and disadvantages. Rooted in centuries-old science, Ayurveda focuses on identifying and correcting the root causes of ailments.

Usually herbal, these medications are often recommended alongside lifestyle adjustments. While they give you sustainable results, you get the outcomes gradually due to their emphasis on addressing the underlying issues.

For optimal results, Ayurvedic medications are most effective in the early stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). when used during stages 1 and 2, coupled with patience and commitment to recommended lifestyle changes, it is possible to achieve a permanent recovery from the disease.

Ayurvedic medications can complement allopathic medicines, slowly reducing the doses of the latter. Given their herbal and natural composition, Ayurvedic remedies tend to have minimal side effects.

Most importantly, it is essential to keep your primary healthcare provider informed about concurrent Ayurvedic and allopathic treatments. However, finding a doctor versed in both disciplines may be challenging. If faced with resistance, seek an allopathic doctor who has expertise in both approaches and is open to pursuing a comprehensive cure by addressing root causes.

While Ayurvedic intervention is most effective in the early stages, it remains an option in advanced stages, primarily for slowing down disease progression rather than achieving complete correction. In cases of end-stage disease, Ayurvedic medications may have limited efficacy due to the time required to manifest outcomes. Nonetheless, this does not prohibit alternative options beyond kidney transplantation, which we will explore as the most suitable treatment for advanced and end-stage kidney disease in India.

Stem cell therapy for kidney failure in India

If you don’t have a donor for the transplant and got the disease in the early stages of life, does that mean you need to live the rest of the life waiting for the worst?

The answer and the good news is NO. There are other options available to you. However, you need to be smart enough to choose the right one depending upon the stage of disease, your age, and the availability of donors in the long run.

stem cell treatment for chronic kidney disease, best treatment for kidney in india

Stem cell therapies are in advanced treatment categories, and the research on stem cell therapies and their applicability in different diseases is continuously going on. 

Stem cell therapy works on the fact that stem cells are the basic building blocks of the body and they do have capabilities to convert them into specific cells.

If you’re new to this treatment option, please do visit the page what are stem cells.

Stem Cells, based on their basic fundamental characteristics, have the capability to reverse the disease.  In stem cell therapies, the stem cells are extracted from your body and then processed and multiplied in sophisticated stem cell labs and reinjected in the impacted part of the body.

These stem cells regenerate themselves and start converting into specific cells and tissues that the deteriorating body badly needs. The new cells then start fighting the disease, and as the severity of the disease decreases, the creatine level starts decreasing.

These therapies are often clubbed with oxygen and ozone therapies to stimulate the newly injected stem cells for better and quicker results.

In some cases, stem cell experts may recommend using embryonic stem cells for the treatment. However, stem cell experts give priority to the autologous ( your own) adult stem cells.  

If you have an advanced staged disease and don’t have the donors or even if you have the donor and you don’t want to exhaust the option due to any reason like your and the donor’s age, exact match of organ, or any other reason, You should thoroughly evaluate the stem cell therapy for CKD which is the best treatment for kidney in India.

The stem cell therapy would defer the need for transplant for 5 to 10 years, depending upon the stage of the disease.

Book Experts Opinion

Get expert advice from a panel of stem cell specialists from the comfort of your home

stem cell therapy for kidney failure in India, best ckd treatment in india, kidney failure treatment cost in india

Procedure

Procedure for stem cell therapy for kidney failure in India

Stem cells are extracted from bone marrow through an injection using local anaesthesia. The extracted bone marrow is then processed in the Stem cells lab where the stem cells are segregated from other tissues and further multiplied in the lab environment.

After that, the  Stem cells are injected back into the body through the Intravenous route. The stem cells reach the organ that needs stem cells badly and start converting themselves into the cells of desired functionality. These new cells start the healing process of the organ.  

There might be multiple cycles of stem cell therapies based on the severity of the disease and other factors like comorbidities, age, and current symptoms of the patient.

The stem cells are often supported by oxygen therapy and ozone therapies to stimulate the recovery process.

Prerequisite of Stem cell therapy for kidney failure in India

In most cases, if the patient has only Kidney diseases and the kidney has not shrunk drastically, Stem cell experts are willing to take cases and can give good results.

If the patient is having cardiac complications or onco complications or high levels of hypertension and diabetes, Stem cell experts would typically like to evaluate first and then give the treatment plan and expected results accordingly.

Best treatment cost in India, cost of neurosurgery in india

Treatment cost of Stem cell therapy for kidney failure in India

Patients fighting with chronic kidney disease now have an alternative to transplantation—the potential for reversal through advanced kidney failure treatments. When the kidneys fail to purify fluids, fluid buildup occurs in the body, impacting overall functionality and causing leg swelling. Over time, this swelling can extend to affect the entire body.

The cost of stem cell therapy for kidney failure in India ranges from 80,000 to 150,000 Rs. for a single cycle. The number of treatment cycles depends on the patient’s condition, the treating doctor, and the treatment protocol. The duration of kidney failure treatment typically spans 10 to 15 days, with certain cases extending up to 15 to 30 days based on the recommended approach.

Despite the relatively low cost of stem cell therapy in India compared to developed countries, the medical facilities in Indian hospitals adhere to the highest standards, boasting cutting-edge technology that meets international healthcare benchmarks.

Success rates of stem cell therapy for kidney failure in India

Approximately, 80% of the patients are able to see the promised results. The results of the treatment from stem cell therapy vary from person to person depending upon many factors including severity, age of the patient, protocol of the therapy, supporting therapies, etc.

The treating doctor explains to you the expected outcomes after examining your reports. This discussion with the patient or family member on outcomes happens mandatorily before the treatment so that you can make informed decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey through the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for kidney failure shows a light of hope for those navigating the challenges of chronic kidney disease. With its ability to reverse the course of kidney failure and alleviate the burdensome symptoms, stem cell therapy emerges as a promising solution. The cost-effective nature of this treatment in India, coupled with the high-quality medical facilities adhering to international standards, makes it a viable and accessible option for many.

As we witness success stories like Mr. Saha’s, who reclaimed a fulfilling life after undergoing stem cell therapy, it becomes evident that this innovative approach can bring about tangible improvements. The prospect of a future where kidney failure is not a sentence but a condition that can be effectively addressed offers renewed optimism for individuals seeking a path to recovery and a better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions and patient concerns:

1. How long can you live with kidney failure?

With dialysis life expectation is not more than 7 to 8 years. With a Kidney transplant, life expectation is 12 to 15 Years.

2. What are the best treatment options for kidney failure?

The first thing is medical management, secondly dialysis and then a kidney transplant. Stemcell Therapy is the advanced option for kidney failure.

3. What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

Symptoms vary and can be general or absent altogether but some of the symptoms are Decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal, fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet.

4. What we don't provide.

We do not provide kidneys for kidney transplants.

5. Can failed kidneys be cured?

When your kidneys fail, it means they have stopped working well enough for you to survive without treatment. But, many people live long lives after alternative therapy.

6. What stage of kidney failure requires dialysis?

You need dialysis when you develop end-stage kidney failure, usually by the time you lose about 85 to 90 per cent of your kidney function and have a GFR of <15

7. What is the current status of Stem cell therapy from the regulatory framework?

The stem cell-based therapy is in the research phase and not yet formally approved by ICMR. However, the application of stem cells, popularly known as bone marrow transplants, in blood-related disorders is approved by ICMR.

Book Experts Opinion

Get expert advice from a panel of stem cell specialists from the comfort of your home

GLOBAL VIRTUAL HOSPITAL

Why MedicoExperts?

17

Country

3

Continent

10253

Number of Patients Served

1500

Doctors

300

Network Hospitals

60

Super Specialists

medicoexperts-logo

MedicoExperts is a Global virtual hospital which is established to offer quality healthcare services at affordable pricing without compromising the success rates of the treatment.
MedicoExperts is having a network of highly experienced super specialist doctors and well equipped hospitals across the globe and offering second opinion through online video consultation and surgical interventions through its empanelled super specialist doctors at its network hospitals in 17 countries from 3 continents.
By the virtue of its approach and model, MedicoExperts is successfully achieve to deliver

  • Latest and most advanced treatments with success rates of international benchmarks.
  • Multiple cost options depending upon the hospital facilities, with the same doctor.
  • Treatment option in multiple cities/state/countries.
  • Trust and peace of mind.

Most suitable for patients who are looking for:-
  • Planned Surgeries and treatment from most experienced doctors and at multiple cost options as per hospital facilities with best possible outcomes.
  • Second Opinion from expert doctors.
  • Complex cases involving multi specialities
  • International patients looking for treatment from Indian doctors

our blog

Recent Articles and News

Testimonial

Happy with Customers & Clients

MedicoExperts – Global Virtual Hospital is the most reliable, trusted, and having 100% satisfied patients experience

Hi, How Can We Help You?