Long-term haemodialysis treatment with sodium removal by convection

Forty-three uraemic patients were studied for 60.95 +/- 14.46 months of haemodialytic treatment (4 hours, 3 times/week). After a first dialysis period of 28.95 +/- 14.46 months with a dialysate sodium concentration (NaD) of 142 mEq/L blood pressure (BP) and body weight (BW) showed values significantly lower (p less than 0.001). During a following period of 32 months with NaD 148mEq/L BP did not show significant changes. A more 'physiological' removal of water and sodium by convection does not bring about the feared long term cardiovascular side effects if an appropriate dry BW is achieved, probably because of better correction of the cellular overhydration.