Effects of high sodium dialysate during maintenance hemodialysis

The effects of high sodium 144 mmol/l (mEq/l) dialysate were studied in normotensive, hypertensive and anephric chronic hemodialysis patients. Comparisons of blood pressures, weights and side effects associated with the hemodialysis procedure were made between two 6-month periods using dialysate sodium concentration of 133 mmol/l (mEq/l), followed by a high dialysate sodium of 144 mmol/l (mEq/l), each patient acting as his own control. No difference was found in the frequency of cramps or 'disequilibrium' side effects (nausea, vomiting, headache, restlessness). High sodium dialysate is beneficial for normotensive and anephric patients in reducing dialysis-induced hypotension and was not associated with any deleterious effects on long-term blood pressure control. In hypertensive patients, the benefit is less clear, and hypertension may increase.