Treatment of Central Nervous System Complications of Renal Dialysis and Transplantation

Purpose of reviewMost clinical neurologists will have come across individuals receiving renal replacement therapy who have developed a neurological complication, and neurologists working in, or close to, hospitals with a Renal Unit will be very aware of the range of central nervous system (CNS) complications that may develop in these patients. These can often be difficult to differentiate from disorders relating to renal failure or systemic conditions leading to kidney disease and can in fact arise from the interaction between underlying disease and the side effects of treatment. Patients with renal disease frequently have multiple comorbidities, and it is necessary to take a generally inclusive approach to diagnosis and treatment.Recent findingsUnfortunately, there is a lack of specific high-quality evidence for a number of CNS complications of renal replacement therapy. Here, we review the major CNS complications of dialysis and transplantation, discussing evidence for treatments where available and detailing standard management approaches where evidence is scarce.SummaryGiven the lack of specific evidence for interventions in the treatment of CNS complications of renal replacement therapy, it is often necessary to take an individualised approach based on comorbidities and applying findings from the general population. In these complex patients, we must stress the importance of collaborative working between neurologists and renal physicians when treating this complex patient group.