Expert: Margot RN BScN CGN - 6/23/2006

Question
Hello Margot,
I have just learned that my brother who has a rare form of liver cancer and is in the hospital, is about to die because his kidneys are now failing.  What is the average life expectancy from the timethe kidneys fail?  I am thinking 3 days, max.

Thank you for your prompt reply.
Carol

Answer
Hello Carol,

There are so many factors that affect prognosi (health history, age, disease process, complications, medicatons, hydration, psychological sate of mind, etc ...) that it is impossible for me to guess.

Generally yes, once the kidneys start to fail it does mean the end is near, and if your brother is "palliative" it could well be a sign that his system is closing down, but the last stage could b 72 hours, or it could be ten days.

Sorry I can't be more specific, there are just too many factors that affect this, and I've been nursig for 25 years and have seen oo many people defy the odds and last much longer or shorter time than symptoms would indicate.

Wishing you all the best,

Margot