Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
04:36
Measurement of Tissue Oxygenation Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Published on: October 2, 2020
Trace element status in hemodialysis patients.
Diana Rucker1, Ravi Thadhani, Marcello Tonelli
1Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Seminars in Dialysis
|June 19, 2010
Summary
Hemodialysis patients often experience imbalances in essential trace elements like zinc, manganese, and selenium, alongside potential toxic metal accumulation. These alterations may contribute to the higher illness and death rates observed in this population.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are exposed to large volumes of dialysate weekly.
- Trace element balance is critical for biological functions, including immune defense.
- Imbalances in trace elements may contribute to morbidity and mortality in HD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the hypothesis that trace element imbalances contribute to adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients.
- To highlight key trace elements (zinc, manganese, selenium, lead, mercury, arsenic) relevant to this hypothesis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on trace element levels in hemodialysis patients.
- Comparison of trace element levels in HD patients versus healthy controls.
- Assessment of evidence for accumulation or deficiency of specific trace elements.
Main Results:
- HD patients show significantly lower blood levels of zinc, manganese, and selenium compared to controls.
- Lead accumulation is likely in HD patients.
- Evidence for mercury and arsenic accumulation is inconclusive but biologically plausible.
Conclusions:
- Trace element imbalances, including deficiencies and excesses, are a potential, underrecognized factor in the high morbidity and mortality of hemodialysis patients.
- Further research is needed to determine if correcting these altered trace element levels can improve clinical outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hemodialysis 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...
01:25Hemodialysis 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...
01:24Hemodialysis 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,...
01:30Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, also known as CRRT, is a procedural treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) that gradually removes uremic toxins and fluids while maintaining acid-base balance and stabilizing electrolytes. It is particularly useful for hemodynamically unstable patients. Unlike intermittent hemodialysis, which is faster, CRRT provides a gentler approach over 24 hours, closely mimicking the function of natural kidneys. However, CRRT is not ideal for patients with...
01:27Dialysis
Renal failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood effectively. It can be classified into two types: acute renal failure (ARF) and chronic renal failure (CRF).
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly and can be caused by pre-renal causes (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), intrinsic renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis), or post-renal causes (e.g., urinary obstruction). In contrast, chronic renal failure progresses gradually over time and is often...
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly and can be caused by pre-renal causes (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), intrinsic renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis), or post-renal causes (e.g., urinary obstruction). In contrast, chronic renal failure progresses gradually over time and is often...
01:15Dialysis
Dialysis is a diffusion-based purification process that separates analyte molecules from a complex matrix. This is accomplished by allowing molecules in the solution to pass through a semipermeable membrane into a liquid on the other side. The membrane is usually made of cellulose acetate or cellulose nitrate, and the second liquid must be miscible with the solution. Ions (e.g., chloride or sodium) or organic molecules (e.g., glucose) can pass through the membrane pores, which generally have...