Acetate versus bicarbonate hemodialysis in critically ill patients
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 12, 2026

Measurement of Tissue Oxygenation Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Published on: October 2, 2020
Abstract:
The hemodynamic state, acid-base balance and blood gases were studied in 9 acute renal failure patients during recirculation acetate- and bicarbonate dialysis. A significant hemodynamic instability, due to a decreased cardiac performance, was observed during acetate dialysis, whereas during bicarbonate dialysis, there was a stable hemodynamic state. During acetate dialysis, pO2 dropped significantly, due to a decreasing ventilatory drive as a consequence of the significantly lower pCO2 in acetate dialysis. From these findings, we conclude that bicarbonate dialysis should be the first choice in the treatment of acute renal failure patients.
Related Concept Videos
Roles of Electrolytes: Chloride and Bicarbonate
Conditions such as hypochloremia can arise from insufficient chloride reabsorption by the kidneys, often compounded by extended bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, or...
Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and HCO3− values are examined to...
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
