Effects of hemodialysis on myocardial function in pediatric patients

The effect of hemodialysis on myocardial function in 10 pediatric chronic hemodialysis patients was assessed utilizing echocardiography. Parameters of cardiac function were measured prior to and immediately after dialysis. A significant decrease in cardiac output was observed post-dialysis. Unlike that observed in adult patients a real improvement in myocardial function as indicated by an increase in the mean velocity of circumferential fibre shortening was evident post-dialysis.