High and low sodium acetate haemodialysis and ultrafiltration. I. Comparison of haemodynamic effects.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of increasing the dialysate sodium concentration on haemodynamic effects, arterial blood gases and chemistries during haemodialysis and ultrafiltration. Significant changes in mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) were not noted; but significant differences in sodium, potassium, total protein concentration, haematocrit and plasma osmolality during dialysis and ultrafiltration were found with both dialysates. Significant differences were also noted in pCO2 during dialysis and ultrafiltration with both dialysates and increase of pH during dialysis with low sodium dialysate. Significant changes in kind and frequency of unpleasant symptoms were found with both dialysates.