Impacts on dialysis therapy

Improvement of clinical outcome of dialysis therapy is a task for everybody working in a dialysis unit. Here we consider dialysis conditions such as choice of treatment parameters and composition of dialysis fluid which may influence clinical outcome of dialysis therapy. Providing 'adequate' dialysis is the aim of the daily work of a dialysis nurse. Haemodialysis parameters with potential impact on dialysis adequacy are discussed with respect to quantification and optimisation. Every year, each patient comes in contact with 20,000 I dialysis fluid during HD treatment. The composition of the fluid, its physical and microbiological quality and their impact on clinical outcome are considered. The function of PD fluid is different from that of an HD fluid thus additional aspects have to be considered regarding its composition. Information is given how the composition and biocompatibility of PD solutions impact the dialysis therapy and how individual patient needs are considered.