Long-term hemodialysis at reduced dialysate flow rates

20 stable hemodialysis patients were maintained on a dialysate flow rate of 300 ml/min (QD 300) to determine the safety of prolonged reductions in dialysate flow rate. After 24 months, QD 300 compared to QD 500 resulted in no change in weight, blood pressure, BUN, hematocrit, creatinine, bicarbonate, potassium, cholesterol, or calcium. Serum phosphate concentration increased between month 13 and month 17 but then stabilized. No adverse symptoms developed. EEGs and motor nerve conduction studies following 24 months at QD 300 were normal. We conclude that QD 300 does not impair dialysis efficiency for most small molecules and saves $1.38 per patient per dialysis.