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Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Measurement of Tissue Oxygenation Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
04:36

Measurement of Tissue Oxygenation Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Published on: October 2, 2020

Haemodialysis is associated with a pronounced fall in myocardial perfusion

Judith J Dasselaar1, Riemer H J A Slart, Martine Knip

  • 1Dialysis Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation : Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
|September 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Haemodialysis significantly reduces myocardial blood flow (MBF) and left ventricular (LV) function, even early in the procedure. These reductions in MBF during haemodialysis may contribute to the elevated cardiac risk observed in dialysis patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Nuclear Medicine

Background:

  • Haemodialysis (HD) is essential for renal replacement therapy but is linked to increased cardiac risk and sudden death in patients.
  • Accumulating evidence suggests the HD procedure itself can induce myocardial ischemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of HD on global and regional myocardial blood flow (MBF) and left ventricular (LV) function.
  • To assess these effects in non-diabetic patients without pre-existing cardiac compromise.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized (13)N-ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) to quantify MBF, LV wall motion, cardiac output (CO), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and LV end-systolic volume (LVESV).
  • PET scans were conducted before and at 30 and 220 minutes during HD in seven patients.

Main Results:

  • Global MBF decreased significantly during HD, falling by 13.5% at 30 minutes and 26.6% at 220 minutes (after ultrafiltration).
  • LV volumes (LVEDV, LVESV) and CO also showed significant reductions during HD.
  • New LV regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) developed in two patients, correlating with greater MBF reduction in affected regions.

Conclusions:

  • Haemodialysis induces a substantial and early reduction in MBF.
  • Factors beyond hypovolemia, such as acute dialysis-associated elements, contribute to decreased MBF.
  • Reduced MBF during HD may be a significant factor in the high cardiac event rate among dialysis patients.
Abstract

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