[Haemodynamics at rest and exercise capacity of patients treated by intermittent haemodialysis (author's transl)]

The haemodynamics at rest of 10 patients (mean age 42.6 years) with terminal renal failure treated by intermittent haemodialysis were studied over a period of 8 to 22 months by non-invasive methods. Additionally bicycle exercise testing was performed. After 13 months there was a reduction in cardiac index from 3.37 +/- 0.75 L/Min./m2 to 2.94 +/- 0.51 L/Min./m2 (p less than 0.05) and of the left ventricular minute work index from 6.21 +/- 1.60 mkp/Min./m2 to 5.71 +/- 1.36 mkp/Min./m2 (p less than 0.02). The blood pressure, index of peripheral resistance, systolic time intervals, arm-ear time and the ejection fraction showed no significant variations. Left ventricular failure was not detectable at rest, but the work capacity on exercise testing was reduced during the entire period of investigation without significant variation.