Q: My father's kidneys have failed. Now at present, he has undergone 5 sittings of dialysis. The problem is that, sometimes he eats and sometimes he never does. Why is thing happening? At present he is very weak, feels very sleepy. Can some injection be given to provide him some strength?

A:Once kidneys are not functioning or functioning below 10%, patients require dialysis 3 times a week for 4 hours. Patients general condition and state of physical and mental health determine his/her response to treatment. A patient needs to eat 1.2 gms protein, 35 kcal/kg. The only restrictions usually are for salt, potassium and fluid. My guess is that he needs more intensive nutrition and dialysis. He may have delayed dialysis for too long to have affected his health. He needs to be given intradialysis IV alimentation to supplement his dietary nutrition.