A study in which individuals are observed or certain outcomes are measured with no interference or manipulation of the research subjects by the investigator to affect the outcome. For example, a study investigating the effect of a treatment on patients in which the assignment of subjects into a treated or control group is not determined by the researcher.

To shut or close off.

Excess fluid in the body tissues; swelling of the body due to excess fluid.

Decreased amount of urine formation.

The osmotic concentration characteristic of a solution that is determined by the ionic concentration of the dissolved substance per unit of solvent.

The concentration of osmotically active particles in solution.

Passage of fluid through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lesser concentration to an area of greater concentration in order to achieve equilibrium of solute.

Tissue level lesions, fibrosis of the marrow spaces and abundance of osteoclasts. Is characterized by severely increased bone resorption and high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Hemodialysis carried out at self-care HD units, which were developed as an alternative answering the requirements of autonomous patients who do not have the possibility to be treated at home.

End product or result.