Clinical impact of residual renal function on patients starting dialysis treatment

We describe our clinical experience of monitoring residual renal function of patients on regular dialysis treatment as residual renal function can play an important role in the management of patients undergoing regular dialysis. With active residual renal function it is possible to delay the start of haemodialytic programmes. In managing dialysis treatments, it is important to maintain residual renal function by preventing hypotensive events. It is known that in acute renal failure intradialytic hypotension is able to reduce the recovery of renal function. Out patient follow-up plays an important role for these patients. This paper will also discuss the use of biocompatible membranes during dialysis. The outcome is that they are not associated with better maintenance of residual renal function.