Dynamic study of oxidative stress in renal dialysis patients based on breath ethane measured by optical spectroscopy

The application of optical spectroscopy for rapid accurate measurement of breath biomarkers has opened up new possibilities for monitoring and diagnostics in recent years. Here, we report on how our recent advances in optical detection of ethane have enabled us to record dynamic breath ethane patterns for patients undergoing kidney dialysis. Ethane is well established as a breath biomarker for free radical induced cell degradation. Moreover, renal dialysis is known to induce such oxidative attack, and our measurements may offer insight into the nature of this assault. Specifically, we have discovered that patients undergo significant breath ethane elevation at the beginning of each dialysis session. We have found an inverse relationship between the magnitude of this effect and number of months patients have been receiving treatment. We comment on how further refinements of our technology will allow a more detailed evaluation of the ethane elevation effect and ultimately lead to the assessment of potential interventions.