[Precision of data from models of sodium kinetics in hemodialysis]

The 1-pool-model of sodium kinetics during hemodialysis is based upon the assumption of an immediate compensation of osmotic shifts. This assumption is not supported by measurements of plasma sodium, total protein concentration and colloid osmotic pressure kinetics. When a high dialysate sodium concentration is applied, an inflow of sodium into the plasma space occurs, which results in an osmotic suction and thus a plasma dilution. These conditions can be represented by a 2-pool-model taking into consideration capillary filtration. The results indicate that following the first treatment period the sodium kinetics are sufficiently explained by a 1-pool-model with the total body water as distribution volume. Both the plasma sodium concentration and the eliminated sodium at the end of a hemodialysis treatment can be described to an acceptable level by the 1-pool-model. The input of the measured in-vivo sodium dialysance value (or alternatively the urea clearance) is necessary.