INTERMITTENT HEMODIALYSIS IN TERMINAL CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE

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  • 1 January 1966
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 94  (7) , 318-+
Abstract
Seven patients with chronic renal failure underwent intermittent hemodialysis for 5 to 37 months (111 patient-months on a twice-weekly basis) employing arterio-venous Teflon-Silastic cannulas and the modified 2-layer Kiil hemo-dialyzer. A single-pass 37[degree]C dialysate system has been used. One patient died of an indirectly related cause. All other patients were successfully rehabilitated and now carry on normal activity of moderate sedentary type. Complications included recurring bacterial infection and clotting of arteriovenous cannulas. Hypertension and anemia were common complications requiring careful control. Peripheral neuropathy was noted in 5 of the 7 patients but was of clinical significance in only 1 patient. Metastatic calcification, osteoporosis and urolithiasis also occurred in this patient. Peptic ulcers with hemorrhage developed in 2 patients. The degree of rehabilitation and psychological adjustment achieved by this group of patients strongly indicates the need for expansion of dialysis facilities and further research into the medical and economic aspects of dialysis.