Preventing Uremic Pericarditis: A Critical Complication in Late-Stage Kidney Failure

The Life-Threatening Reality of Uremic Pericarditis

Occurring in 40-50% of chronic renal failure patients, uremic pericarditis was historically a terminal sign—with just 10-day average survival post-diagnosis in the pre-dialysis era. Caused by metabolic toxin buildup irritating the pericardium, it can progress to cardiac tamponade with symptoms including:

• Chest oppression (60% cases)
• Low-grade fever
• Hypotension & narrowed pulse pressure
• Pericardial friction rub (progressing to distant heart sounds with effusion)
  Diagnosis combines chest X-ray and echocardiography.

Modern Management: Dialysis Reversibility

Widespread dialysis has transformed outcomes:
✓ Friction rub disappearance: Avg. 29 days post-dialysis initiation
⚠ Caution: Heparin-induced hemorrhagic pericarditis may emerge during dialysis

TCM Pathogenesis & Treatment

Mechanism:
“Water-dampness turbid toxins” invade the heart, depressing chest Yang → Qi stagnation manifesting as:

• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Pain

Treatment Principle:

1. Drain retained fluids (蠲饮)
2. Unblock Yang energy (通阳)
3. Subdue rebellious Qi (平冲)

Innovative Therapy:
Yunhuo Huoshen (Cloud-Fire Kidney Revival) – Anhui TCM Hospital’s 20-year-developed external treatment:

• Method: Combines medicinal fire therapy + meridian massage
• Action: Delivers herbs through skin/acupoints to:
  ✓ Reactivate nephrons
  ✓ Reverse glomerulosclerosis
  ✓ Nourish multiple organs