Outcome studies in adequacy of dialysis

The theoretical constructs indicate that for a 70-kg high transport anephric patient, adequate dialysis requires a weekly Kt/V of 2.0-2.25. The prospective cohort studies, with one exception, suggest that better survival requires a weekly Kt/V > 1.89. Multivariate analyses confirm the statistical association of patient survival with higher Kt/V and with higher CCr. The use of initial values in one study, mean values in two studies, and time-dependent values in another makes comparison difficult. In general, higher values are associated with better survival and are consistent with the values suggested by theoretical constructs (i.e., Kt/V 2.0-2.25).