Haemodynamic state in severe chronic renal failure. Pathophysiological aspects of cardiovascular function and the importance of bicarbonate dialysis.

Patients with chronic renal failure were investigated, immediately before dialysis and during haemodialysis for central and systemic haemodynamic parameters. The treatment used was changed from acetate to bicarbonate dialysis. Additionally, acid-base values were assessed and continuous long-time electroencephalographic monitoring was performed. As the severity of the cardiac dysfunction is a decided contributory determinant of the quality of dialysis, we have turned our attention to the changes in cardiac and circulatory function during the predialysis phase and the best method of treating them.