Current studies on oxidant stress in dialysis

Breath ethane measurements in hemodialysis indicate that a portion of these patients suffer increased oxidant stress, consistent with findings using other methods for oxidant stress determination. Loosely-bound iron definitely appears in the bloodstream when substantial doses of IV iron are administered, since transferrin is fully saturated, but our investigations generally do not show short-term oxidant stress from this treatment. If small doses of IV iron are utilized, transferrin saturation can be avoided, and risk is minimized. The vitamin C status of hemodialysis patients is usually lower than the general population, and the impact of this deficiency must be assessed in controlled investigations. Various interventions, including the vitamin E-bonded dialyzer and dietary antioxidant supplements, may ameliorate a portion of the oxidant stress in hemodialysis patients.