COMPARISON OF HIGH AND LOW SODIUM-BICARBONATE AND ACETATE DIALYSIS IN STABLE CHRONIC-HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 23  (4) , 179-183
Abstract
Eight stable center dialysis patients completed 4, 10 wk study periods in which either acetate or bicarbonate dialysis was used, each high or low Na concentration. During high Na dialysis, blood pressure was better controlled, weight loss more easily tolerated and dialysis was most satisfactory from the patient''s point of view with regard to dialysis-associated symptoms. Low Na dialysis, whether with acetate or bicarbonate, was less satisfactory. In contrast to the beneficial effect of an increased Na concentration, the use of bicarbonate instead of acetate appeared to make little difference either to the patient''s symptoms, to the control of blood pressure or to changes in blood gases or biochemistry. Careful choice of dialysate Na concentration appears to be important in lessening dialysis side-effects. Substitution of bicarbonate for acetate in chronic stable dialysis patients had comparatively little benefit and the choice and legitimately be made on the basis of cost and technical considerations.