Universal lower dialysate [Na+] is often advocated as a means of improving the dire cardiovascular plight of our dialysis patients. However, there is evidence associating lower dialysate [Na+] and increased morbidity and mortality especially in frailer patients, probably as a result of more frequent intra-dialytic hypotension. In this editorial, we summarize arguments for and against lower dial...

BACKGROUND There is no consensus regarding the optimal dialysate calcium concentration (DCa) during haemodialysis (HD). Low DCa may predispose to acute arrhythmias, whereas high DCa increases the long-term risk of soft tissue calcifications. METHODS Twenty-two HD patients treated in four dialysis centres underwent two HD sessions, respectively, with 1.5 and 1.25 mmol/L total DCa. Calcium mass...

proportionating system was dismantled and a gas leak found in the Cambridge Bourdon tube type dialysate temperature gauge which caused the needle pointer to register about 20'C too low. The fault had come on over a period of time and, unfortunately, it had been assumed that the Cambridge gauge was indicating the true dialysate temperature. Therefore the back-up temperature alarm system and the ...

Hypomagnesemia is reported in patients who use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). We investigated the effect of PPIs use on serum magnesium levels in hemodialysis patients. Our study was conducted in a hemodialysis center including 75 end stage renal disease patients. PPI use and duration were investigated. All patients were dialyzed using a dialysate magnesium level of 0.5-0.75 mmol/L. After at le...

Hemodialysis patients are exposed to large volumes of water in the form of dialysate. Contaminants from the dialysate may cross the dialyzer membrane into the blood and have the potential to compromise the adequacy of dialysis. Several chemicals found commonly in drinking water have long been known to be toxic to hemodialysis patients. More recently, it has become apparent that even low levels ...

Low dialysate sodium concentrations have been associated with intradialytic symptoms such as muscle cramps and hypotensive episodes. High dialysate sodium concentrations lead to sodium loading, thirst and subsequent increase in interdialytic weight gain and hypertension. The optimal dialysate sodium concentration for an individual depends on the serum sodium concentration. The difference betwee...

OBJECTIVE The aim was to examine the adrenergic modulation of endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) release from vagal nerve terminals in the in vivo heart. METHODS Using dialysis technique in anesthetized cats, we investigated the influence of exogenous noradrenaline on dialysate ACh response. Dialysis probes were implanted in the left ventricular myocardium and perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer...

BACKGROUND Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key player in modulating inflammation. IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) complex induces the synthesis and secretion of various chemokines, adhesion molecules and angiogenic molecules. We hypothesized that the baseline peritoneal solute transport rate (PSTR) early after commencing peritoneal dialysis (PD) may depend largely on the IL-6/sIL-6R system. W...