Dialysis 101. Acute and chronic fluid shifts

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Renal Replacement Therapy

Background:

• Dialysis has been a life-sustaining treatment for end-stage renal disease for over 30 years.
• Kidney function is complex, involving fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, which dialysis only approximates.
• Nephrons adapt to maintain homeostasis until late stages of chronic kidney disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of dialysis in managing end-stage renal disease.
• To highlight advancements in renal replacement therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of established dialysis principles.
• Discussion of technological advancements in dialysis membranes.

Main Results:

• Dialysis approximates renal function, sustaining life for patients with end-stage renal disease.
• Highly permeable membranes have enabled continuous renal replacement therapies.
• Continuous therapies offer gradual fluid and solute removal, improving hemodynamic stability.

Conclusions:

• Dialysis remains a critical intervention for end-stage renal disease.
• Advancements in membrane technology have led to improved dialysis modalities.
• Continuous renal replacement therapies represent a significant improvement in patient management and stability.