Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

A Mouse 5/6th Nephrectomy Model That Induces Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy
07:52

A Mouse 5/6th Nephrectomy Model That Induces Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy

Published on: November 7, 2017

Cardiovascular conditions in hemodialysis patients may be worsened by extensive interdialytic weight gain

Benny Holmberg1, Bernd G Stegmayr

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden. benny.holmberg@vll.se

Hemodialysis International. International Symposium on Home Hemodialysis
|February 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

High interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) in hemodialysis patients significantly increases cardiovascular risks and mortality. Managing IDWG is crucial for improving survival rates in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Hemodialysis (HD) patients face elevated mortality, primarily due to cardiovascular disease.
  • Interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) is a common issue in HD patients, but its impact on cardiovascular outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively evaluate the association between the burden of interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and cardiovascular end points and survival in hemodialysis patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 97 hemodialysis patients.
  • Tracking end points including death, myocardial infarction, and coronary interventions over 5 years.
  • Calculating IDWG as ultrafiltration divided by body weight (weight%).

Main Results:

  • A high incidence of end points (79%) was observed during the study period.
  • Patients with cardiovascular end points exhibited significantly higher IDWG (3.77 weight%) compared to those without (3.19 weight%).
  • Elevated IDWG was linked to cardiac events, congestive heart failure, aortic aneurysm, and intracerebral bleeding.

Conclusions:

  • Excessive interdialytic weight gain is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality in hemodialysis patients.
  • Controlling and minimizing IDWG is essential for reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and improving survival in HD patients.

Related Concept Videos

Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications01:24

Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications

DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
Hemodialysis III: Nursing Management01:25

Hemodialysis III: Nursing Management

The nursing management of a patient undergoing hemodialysis includes several critical steps, starting with a thorough assessment before the procedure.Before the Hemodialysis ProcedureFirst, record the patient's vital signs—blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature—to establish a baseline. This baseline is essential for detecting conditions such as hypotension that could impact the patient's response to dialysis. Document the patient's pre-dialysis weight, as this measurement...
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Hemodialysis I: Introduction01:25

Hemodialysis I: Introduction

Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...