[Evaluation of sectorial fluid movement by measurement of the global impedance of the body. Study during hemodialysis and during treatment with major diuretics].

During courses of haemodialysis or treatment with powerful diuretics, the clinician at the present time bases his actions on blood pressure levels which reflects blood volume and on weight variation which is dependent on water loss. The authors show, in studying variations in total body impedance at 5kHz and 1kHz and their ratio R, that there exists another method of observation which complements the basic notions provided by blood pressure levels and baseline weight. They were thus able to detect the possible formation of cellular oedema due to excessively rapid osmotic depletion. The method makes possible the evaluation of these sectorial fluid transfers when they occur, even though they are not evident clinically. This easy to use method is perhaps less rapid than the usual means of observation but is nevertheless more rational and provides information on electrolyte balance.