Effects of varying dialysate calcium concentrations on the plasma calcium fractions in patients on dialysis.

The plasma-ionized calcium levels decreased during haemodialysis when a dialysate calcium concentration of 5 mg/100 ml was used. When dialysis was performed with a bath calcium concentration of 7.5 mg/100 ml, there was a significant increase in the plasm-ionized calcium levels in the post-dialysis period. These results are discussed in relation of the optimal dialysate calcium concentrations and development of dialytic bone disease.