Impact of dialysate sodium concentration on vascular refilling.

BACKGROUND: Although relationship between dialysate sodium concentration and hemodynamic stability has been well studied over the years, outcomes of absolute blood volume (ABV) maintenance and vascular refilling volume (Vref ) modifications were not included, as its analysis has not been easily accessible to direct investigation. However, recent studies report a simple and feasible methodology to assess ABV and Vref during hemodialysis (HD) treatments. It is the aim of this study to analyze whether sodium concentration in dialysate modifies ABV drop and Vref . METHODS: The study was performed in 19 patients under HD. During three different sessions, sodium concentration in dialysate was randomized to three different profiles: low sodium concentration (LNa, 138 mEq/L), neutral sodium concentration (NNa, 140 mEq/L), and high sodium concentration (HNa, 143 mEq/L). ABV and Vref were calculated using Kron et al methodology. RESULTS: Predialysis values of the measured parameters showed similar results for the three profiles. Sodium concentration showed an effect on ABV drop, Vref, and vascular refilling fraction (Fref ). Pair-wise comparison revealed mean ABV decreased 0.21 L less when using HNa profile versus LNa profile (p = 0.027), a mean Vref increase of 0.39 L (p = 0.038), and a mean Fref increase of 9.94% (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the use of HNa profiles increases Vref and Fref and reduces ABV drop during dialysis treatments when compared to LNa profiles.