Hemodialysis Emergencies: Core Curriculum 2021.

Since maintenance hemodialysis (HD) first became available in the United States in 1962, there has been tremendous growth in the population of patients with kidney failure. HD has become a routine treatment carried out in outpatient clinics, hospitals, nursing facilities, and in patients' homes. Although it is a complex procedure, HD is quite safe. Serious complications are uncommon due to the use of modern HD machines and water treatment systems as well as the development of strict protocols to monitor various aspects of the HD treatment. The practicing nephrologist must be knowledgeable about life-threatening complications that can occur during HD and be able to recognize, manage, and prevent them. This installment in the AJKD Core Curriculum in Nephrology reviews the pathogenesis, management, and prevention of 9 HD emergencies. The HD emergencies covered include dialyzer reactions, dialysis disequilibrium syndrome, uremic/dialysis-associated pericarditis, air embolism, venous needle dislodgement, vascular access hemorrhage, hemolysis, dialysis water contamination, and arrhythmia episodes.

Health Technology Assessment of a new water quality monitoring technology: Impact of automation, digitalization and remoteness in dialysis units.

BACKGROUND: Water quality monitoring at the dialysis units (DU) is essential to ensure an appropriate dialysis fluid quality and guarantee an optimal and safe dialysis treatment to patients. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness, economic and organizational impact of automation, digitalization and remote water quality monitoring, through a New Water Technology (NWT) at a hospital DU to produce dialysis water, compared to a Conventional Water Technology (CWT). METHODS: A before-and-after study was carried out at the Hospital Clínic Barcelona. Data on CWT was collected during 1-year (control) and 7-month for the NWT (case). Data on water quality, resource use and unit cost were retrospective and prospectively collected. A comparative effectiveness analysis on the compliance rate of quality water parameters with the international guidelines between the NWT and the CWT was conducted. This was followed by a cost-minimization analysis and an organizational impact from the hospital perspective. An extensive deterministic sensitivity analysis was also performed. RESULTS: The NWT compared to the CWT showed no differences on effectiveness measured as the compliance rate on international requirements on water quality (100% vs. 100%), but the NWT yielded savings of 3,599 EUR/year compared to the CWT. The NWT offered more data accuracy (daily measures: 6 vs. 1 and missing data: 0 vs. 20 days/year), optimization of the DU employees' workload (attendance to DU: 4 vs. 19 days/month) and workflow, through the remote and continuous monitoring, reliability of data and process regarding audits for quality control. CONCLUSIONS: While the compliance of international recommendations on continuous monitoring was performed with the CWT, the NWT was efficient compared to the CWT, mainly due to the travel time needed by the technical operator to attend the DU. These results were scalable to other economic contexts. Nonetheless, they should be taken with caution either when the NWT equipment/maintenance cost are largely increased, or the workforce involvement is diminished.

An early experience of Check List to Improve Patient Self-care and Product Defect Report in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CLIP-SP) study.

An increase in number of peritoneal dialysis patients and demand for peritoneal dialysis products following implementation of "PD First" policy in Thailand has led to logistics supply chain challenges and inherent product quality problems. Available evidences suggested that defective peritoneal dialysis products may predispose the patients to peritonitis. Thailand Clinical Practice Guideline for Peritoneal Dialysis 2017 recommends the patients to check peritoneal dialysis products themselves before use. In this report, we present our early experience from the Check List to Improve Patient Self-care and Product Defect Report in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis study, a cluster randomized trial conducted in 22 peritoneal dialysis centers in Thailand. Patients from 11 randomly selected sites were asked to use the check list to report any product quality defects. The peritoneal dialysis product check list required patients to check the expiration date, glucose concentration, clarity, color, and integrity of bags of peritoneal dialysis fluid as well as the peritoneal dialysis connectors prior to each use. Among 338 patients who had received the check list from 5 centers, 28 returned the reports, detecting 8 defects out of 3960 products in total (0.2%). Although the obtained check list reports were not perfectly completed, they were comprehensible and provided important information on product defects which meant that the check list was simple enough for the patients and/or caregivers to follow. In conclusion, despite low response rate and incomplete report in this early phase analysis, the check list provides important information on product defects while an impact of these defects on peritoneal dialysis outcomes requires a further investigation.

Monitoring of Intraperitoneal Fluid Volume during Peritoneal Equilibration Testing using Segmental Bioimpedance.

BACKGROUND: Ultrafiltration failure and fluid overload are common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Knowledge of intraperitoneal volume (IPV) and time to peak IPV during a dwell would permit improved PD prescription. This study aimed to utilize trunk segmental bioimpedance analysis (SBIA) to quasi-continuously monitor IPV (IPVSBIA) during the peritoneal dwell. METHODS: IPVSBIA was measured every minute using lower-trunk SBIA (Hydra 4200; Xitron Technologies Inc., CA, USA) in 10 PD patients during a standard 240-min peritoneal equilibration test (PET). The known dialysate volume (2 L) rendered IPVSBIA calibration and calculation of instantaneous ultrafiltration volume (UFVSBIA) possible. UFVSBIA was defined as IPVSBIA - 2 L. RESULTS: Based on dialysate-to-plasma creatinine ratio, 2 patients were high, 7 high-average, and 1 low-average transporters. Technically sound IPVSBIA measurements were obtained in 9 patients (age 59.0 ± 8.8 years, 7 females, 5 African Americans). Drained ultrafiltration volume (UFVdrain) was 0.47 ± 0.21 L and correlated (r = 0.74; p < 0.05) with end-dwell UFVSBIA (0.55 ± 0.17 L). Peak UFVSBIA was 1.04 ± 0.32 L, it was reached 177 ± 61 min into the dwell and exceeded end-dwell UFVSBIA by 0.49 ± 0.28 L (95% CI: 0.27-0.7) and UFVdrain by 0.52 ± 0.31 L (95% CI: 0.29-0.76), respectively. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of trunk segmental bioimpedance to quasi-continuously monitor IPVSBIA and identify the time to peak UFVSBIA during a standard PET. Such new insights into the dynamics of intraperitoneal fluid volume during the dwell may advance our understanding of the underlying transport physiology and eventually assist in improving PD treatment prescriptions.

Renal Association Clinical Practice Guideline on Haemodialysis.

This guideline is written primarily for doctors and nurses working in dialysis units and related areas of medicine in the UK, and is an update of a previous version written in 2009. It aims to provide guidance on how to look after patients and how to run dialysis units, and provides standards which units should in general aim to achieve. We would not advise patients to interpret the guideline as a rulebook, but perhaps to answer the question: "what does good quality haemodialysis look like?"The guideline is split into sections: each begins with a few statements which are graded by strength (1 is a firm recommendation, 2 is more like a sensible suggestion), and the type of research available to back up the statement, ranging from A (good quality trials so we are pretty sure this is right) to D (more like the opinion of experts than known for sure). After the statements there is a short summary explaining why we think this, often including a discussion of some of the most helpful research. There is then a list of the most important medical articles so that you can read further if you want to - most of this is freely available online, at least in summary form.A few notes on the individual sections: 1. This section is about how much dialysis a patient should have. The effectiveness of dialysis varies between patients because of differences in body size and age etc., so different people need different amounts, and this section gives guidance on what defines "enough" dialysis and how to make sure each person is getting that. Quite a bit of this section is very technical, for example, the term "eKt/V" is often used: this is a calculation based on blood tests before and after dialysis, which measures the effectiveness of a single dialysis session in a particular patient. 2. This section deals with "non-standard" dialysis, which basically means anything other than 3 times per week. For example, a few people need 4 or more sessions per week to keep healthy, and some people are fine with only 2 sessions per week - this is usually people who are older, or those who have only just started dialysis. Special considerations for children and pregnant patients are also covered here. 3. This section deals with membranes (the type of "filter" used in the dialysis machine) and "HDF" (haemodiafiltration) which is a more complex kind of dialysis which some doctors think is better. Studies are still being done, but at the moment we think it's as good as but not better than regular dialysis. 4. This section deals with fluid removal during dialysis sessions: how to remove enough fluid without causing cramps and low blood pressure. Amongst other recommendations we advise close collaboration with patients over this. 5. This section deals with dialysate, which is the fluid used to "pull" toxins out of the blood (it is sometimes called the "bath"). The level of things like potassium in the dialysate is important, otherwise too much or too little may be removed. There is a section on dialysate buffer (bicarbonate) and also a section on phosphate, which occasionally needs to be added into the dialysate. 6. This section is about anticoagulation (blood thinning) which is needed to stop the circuit from clotting, but sometimes causes side effects. 7. This section is about certain safety aspects of dialysis, not seeking to replace well-established local protocols, but focussing on just a few where we thought some national-level guidance would be useful. 8. This section draws together a few aspects of dialysis which don't easily fit elsewhere, and which impact on how dialysis feels to patients, rather than the medical outcome, though of course these are linked. This is where home haemodialysis and exercise are covered. There is an appendix at the end which covers a few aspects in more detail, especially the mathematical ideas. Several aspects of dialysis are not included in this guideline since they are covered elsewhere, often because they are aspects which affect non-dialysis patients too. This includes: anaemia, calcium and bone health, high blood pressure, nutrition, infection control, vascular access, transplant planning, and when dialysis should be started.

Is high-volume post-dilution haemodiafiltration associated with risk of fluid volume imbalance? A national multicentre cross-sectional cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Fluid overload is frequent among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Dialysis therapy itself may favor sodium imbalance from sodium dialysate prescription. As on-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) requires large amounts of dialysate infusion, this technique can expose to fluid accumulation in case of a positive sodium gradient between dialysate and plasma. To evaluate this risk, we have analyzed and compared the fluid status of patients treated with HD or OL-HDF in French NephroCare centers. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional and retrospective analysis of prevalent dialysis patients. Data were extracted from the EUCLID5 data base. Patients were split in 2 groups (HD and OL-HDF) and compared as whole group or matched patients for fluid status criteria including predialysis relative fluid overload (RelFO%) status from the BCM®. RESULTS: 2242 patients (age 71 years; female: 39%; vintage: 38 months; Charlson index: 6) were studied. 58% of the cohort were prescribed post-dilution OL-HDF. Comparing the HD and OL-HDF groups, there was no difference between HD and OL-HDF patients regarding the predialysis systolic BP, the interdialytic weight gain, the dialysate-plasma sodium gradient, and the predialysis RelFO%. The stepwise logistic regression did not find dialysis modality (HD or OL-HDF) associated with fluid overload or high predialysis systolic blood pressure. In OL-HDF patients, monthly average convective or weekly infusion volumes per session were not related with the presence of fluid overload. CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional study we did not find association between the use of post-dilution OL-HDF and markers of fluid volume excess. Aligned dialysis fluid sodium concentrations to patient predialysis plasma sodium and regular monitoring of fluid volume status by bioimpedance spectroscopy may have been helpful to manage adequately the fluid status in both OL-HDF and HD patients.

Quality of water used in Palestinian hemodialysis centers.

OBJECTIVES: Worldwide, hemodialysis (HD) patients are increasing every year, including Palestine. Dialysis fluid contamination due to the use of unpurified water is a common problem worldwide. Chemical and microbiological contaminants in the dialysis fluid could cross the dialyzer membrane and cause harm to dialysis patients. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the water quality used in centers in the West Bank, Palestine. The outcomes of this study will reflect the water purification system situation and come up with valuable recommendations to health decision makers. STUDY DESIGN: This is a laboratory-based study that covered all dialysis centers in the West Bank, Palestine. METHODS: Water samples were collected from all dialysis centers, and the samples were tested chemically and microbiologically according to the standard international and pharmacopeial methods. RESULTS: The results showed that the water quality in most dialysis centers did not comply with the minimum requirements of HD water. Microbiological contamination was detected in 12.5% of the dialysis centers. The test for chloride failed in 87% of the dialysis centers. Moreover, tests for conductivity, total organic carbon (TOC), and lead were not within the allowed limits in all the dialysis centers. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed evidence of chemical and bacterial contamination in the dialysis centers in Palestine. The outcomes of this study showed an urgent need for immediate steps to be taken by the concerned authorities to improve the water quality used in Palestinian HD centers.

Current Perspectives on Sudden Cardiac Death in Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent lines of evidence suggest that, as in other countries, sudden cardiac death (SCD) is more common in the Japanese dialysis clinical setting than we previously thought. SUMMARY: Three specific important findings may underlie the increased incidence of SCD in dialysis patients. Even after successful coronary revascularization, hemodialysis (HD) patients continue to have a higher incidence of SCD than the general population. Second, about 70% or more of end-stage kidney disease patients have concentric and eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy, which predisposes many dialysis patients to interstitial fibrosis, decreased coronary perfusion reserve, and decreased ischemia tolerance. Third, mildly impaired left ventricular dysfunction, with an ejection fraction <50%, is associated with a greater risk of SCD in dialysis patients. We have believed and accepted a common sense theory that paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation are the central cause of SCD in HD patients, because such cardiac functional morphological abnormalities were observed, and there are many chances for ventricular arrhythmia triggers, such as volume expansion and electrolyte shift, to develop. However, the type of fatal arrhythmia responsible for SCD differs between before and after HD. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) from ventricular fibrillation (VF) was more often seen in the post-HD setting, while SCA from non-VF, which may be bradyarrhythmia, was more often seen in the pre-HD setting. This may imply that the causes of SCA are bradyarrhythmia due to hyperkalemia in the pre-HD setting on the day after a long interval, and fatal ventricular arrhythmia due to a prolonged QT interval in the post-HD setting, because some recent evidence suggests that shifts of electrolytes, such as potassium and calcium, during HD cause rapid prolongation of the QT interval after HD, which may lead to the onset of ventricular arrhythmia and SCD. In fact, a higher calcium gradient, defined as the difference between the pre-HD corrected total serum calcium level and the dialysate calcium level, was associated with a higher risk of SCD in HD patients. Key Messages: Further study is needed to determine which combination of calcium, potassium, and bicarbonate concentrations in dialysate is optimal to avoid SCD in high-risk HD patients.

A Perspective on the Current Status of Home Hemodialysis.

Most hemodialysis (HD) in Japan is based on the central dialysis fluid delivery system (CDDS). With CDDS, there is an improvement in work efficiency, reduction in cost, and a reduction in regional and institutional differences in dialysis conditions. This has resulted in an improvement in the survival rate throughout Japan. However, as the number of cases with various complications increases, it is necessary to select the optimal dialysis prescription (including hours and frequency) for each individual in order to further improve survival rates. To perform intensive HD, home HD is essential, and various prescriptions have been tried. However, several challenges remain before widespread implementation of home HD can occur.

Effects of dialysate to serum sodium (Na+) alignment in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients: retrospective cohort study from a quality improvement project.

BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates favorable effects of dialysate (DNa+) to serum sodium concentration (SNa+) alignment, however, results from larger sample populations are needed. For this reason, we conducted a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study from a quality improvement project to investigate the effects of alignment on population of maintenance hemodialysis patients. METHODS: At 4 participating hemodialysis (HD) clinics, patients with SNa+ lower than the standard DNa+ of 137 mEq/L who received HD with DNa+ aligned to the average of the last 4 SNa+ measurements were evaluated (clinicaltrials.gov # NCT01825590 ). In this retrospective data analysis, an intention-to-treat (primary) and an as-treated "intervention" (secondary) cohort were created. "Aligned" patients from both cohorts (N = 163 for the primary and N = 137 for the secondary) were then propensity-score matched in a 1:1 fashion to "unaligned" patients from the Renal Research Institute database. The propensity score was generated based on age, gender, white race, Hispanic ethnicity, absence or presence of diabetes, hemodialysis vintage, interdialytic weight gain (IDWG; as a percentage of postdialysis body weight), catheter as primary dialysis access, predialysis systolic blood pressure, serum sodium concentration, hospitalization count during baseline. T-Test was employed for group comparisons of changes to the primary (volume-related and hemodynamic parameters) and tertiary outcomes. All-cause and fluid overload-related hospitalization admission rates were compared using Wilcoxon Rank Sum test and Cox regression analysis for repeated events. RESULTS: In the primary analysis, aligned and unaligned subjects showed comparable demographics at baseline. Treatment effects were significant for IDWG [-0.12 (95% CI -0.24 to 0) L] and showed decreasing non-significant trends for pre-dialysis hemodynamic parameters. Count comparison and Cox regression analysis showed no clear advantage of alignment in terms of all-cause and fluid overload-related hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the largest sodium alignment program to date suggest positive treatment effects on volume-related and hemodynamic parameters, but no clear effect on risk of hospitalization. Well-matched control patients minimized confounding effects. Small effects and lack of significant differences may be explained by a low baseline DNa+ limiting the interventional change.

Penile calciphylaxis in a patient on combined peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis.

Calciphylaxis presents with painful purpura and intractable skin ulcers on the trunk and particularly the distal extremities, and it mainly occurs in patients on chronic dialysis. A 66-year-old man with renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy was on peritoneal dialysis alone for 1 year, followed by peritoneal dialysis combined with hemodialysis for 3 years. He developed calciphylaxis of the penis, which was diagnosed from the skin biopsy findings and clinical observation. To treat this condition, PD was stopped and HD was performed three times a week. In addition, warfarin therapy was discontinued and infusion of sodium thiosulfate was performed. The penile ulcers decreased in size and pain was markedly improved, so the patient was discharged from hospital. Following discharge, PD was resumed after changing the peritoneal dialysis fluid to bicarbonate-buffered dialysate. The penile ulcers eventually resolved completely. There have been very few reports about calciphylaxis in patients on combined dialysis modalities. In our patient, penile calciphylaxis progressed when lactate-buffered peritoneal dialysis fluid was used and resolved after switching to bicarbonate-buffered fluid together with cessation of warfarin therapy and infusion of sodium thiosulfate.

Mathematical Model of Potassium Profiling in Chronic Dialysis.

Potassium balance is a difficult task in hemodialysis: low potassium in the dialysate is associated with a high risk of sudden cardiac death, whereas excessive dialysate potassium may provoke insufficient removal and hyperkalemia. A better understanding of the problem can be achieved with the use of mathematical models of solute kinetics. This study is aimed at presenting an improved model of solute kinetics and fluid shifts during hemodialysis. It comprises a 2-compartment (intracellular and extracellular) description of sodium, potassium, and urea, including volume fluid shifts induced by osmotic forces. Compared with previous versions, the model also incorporates active Na+ - K+ transport across the cellular membrane via the sodium-potassium pump. Simulations in chronic conditions, concerning both a 4-h standard hemodialysis and the subsequent 20 h interdialytic period, provide values of solute extracellular concentrations, fluid volumes, and potassium Nernst potential, in agreement with literature. The model predicts that the active Na+ - K+ transport decreases during the session (mainly due to a decrease in extracellular potassium) but increases in the inter-dialytic period. Extracellular potassium exhibits a rebound in the interdialytic phase, already evident in the first hours. The model also provides preliminary testable predictions on the patterns of intracellular sodium and potassium concentrations, which require further validation based on in vivo data. Particularly, assuming no residual potassium removal from the organism, the intracellular K+ concentration assumes higher values in the chronic subject compared with the healthy basal conditions. Finally, hemodialysis with profiled potassium (higher in the first half, reduced in the second) is simulated, to point out the advantages compared with the standard session. In perspective, the model can be used to optimize the dialysis treatment on the basis of profiled dialysate concentrations and, with ad hoc in vivo measurements, to provide deeper insight into the mechanisms of internal potassium balance.

The Use of a Multidimensional Measure of Dialysis Adequacy-Moving beyond Small Solute Kinetics.

Urea removal has become a key measure of the intensity of dialysis treatment for kidney failure. Small solute removal, exemplified by Kt/Vurea, has been broadly applied as a means to quantify the dose of thrice weekly hemodialysis. Yet, the reliance on small solute clearances alone as a measure of dialysis adequacy fails fully to quantify the intended clinical effects of dialysis therapy. This review aims to (1) understand the strengths and limitations of small solute kinetics as a surrogate marker of dialysis dose, and (2) present the prospect of a more comprehensive construct for dialysis dose, one that considers more broadly the goals of ESRD care to maximize both quality of life and survival. On behalf of the American Society of Nephrology Dialysis Advisory Group, we propose the need to ascertain the validity and utility of a multidimensional measure that moves beyond small solute kinetics alone to quantify optimal dialysis derived from both patient-reported and comprehensive clinical and dialysis-related measures.

Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia in hemodialysis patients: a report of two cases. / Bacteriemia por Ralstonia pickettii en pacientes en hemodiálisis: reporte de dos casos.

Ralstonia pickettii is a low-virulence gram-negative bacillus that may be associated with infections related to health care and may cause bacteremia. Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia is uncommon but is related to the contamination of medical products, mainly in immunodepressed patients. We present two cases of patients on chronic hemodialysis with Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia linked to contamination of the dialysis water. Similar cases have been published with links to intravenous fluid administration, medication ampules, and the use of extracorporeal oxygenation membranes, among other factors. The detection of Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia should provoke suspicion and a search for contaminated medical products, fluids, and/or medications.

Bacteriemia por Ralstonia pickettii en pacientes en hemodiálisis: reporte de dos casos / Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia in hemodialysis patients: a report of two cases

RESUMEN Ralstonia pickettii es un bacilo gram negativo de baja virulencia que puede asociarse a infecciones relacionadas a los cuidados de la salud y provocar bacteriemias. La bacteriemia por Ralstonia pickettii es poco frecuente pero se relaciona con la contaminación de productos de uso médico principalmente en pacientes inmunodeprimidos. Presentamos dos casos en pacientes en hemodiálisis crónica vinculados a contaminación del agua de diálisis. Se han publicado casos similares vinculados a la administración de fluídos intravenosos, ampollas de medicación, asociado a membranas de circulación extracorpórea, entre otros. La detección de una bacteriemia por Ralstonia pickettii, debe sospechar e iniciar la búsqueda de productos de uso médico contaminados, fluídos y/o medicación.

ABSTRACT Ralstonia pickettii is a low-virulence gram-negative bacillus that may be associated with infections related to health care and may cause bacteremia. Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia is uncommon but is related to the contamination of medical products, mainly in immunodepressed patients. We present two cases of patients on chronic hemodialysis with Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia linked to contamination of the dialysis water. Similar cases have been published with links to intravenous fluid administration, medication ampules, and the use of extracorporeal oxygenation membranes, among other factors. The detection of Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia should provoke suspicion and a search for contaminated medical products, fluids, and/or medications.

Guía de gestión de calidad del líquido de diálisis (LD) (segunda edición, 2015) / Guideline for dialysate quality of Spanish Society of Nephrology (second edition, 2015)

La Sociedad Española de Nefrología elaboró en 2004 una Guía de Gestión de Calidad del Líquido de Diálisis. La segunda edición revisada de la guía ha tenido en cuenta nuevas evidencias y la normativa internacional. En la guía se hacen algunas recomendaciones sobre normas para preparar el líquido de diálisis: agua, concentrados y sistemas de dosificación de la hemodiálisis. Esta guía se basa en la norma ISO13959, la Farmacopea Europea, la Real Farmacopea Española, las normas y prácticas recomendadas de la AAMI, la Guía Europea de Buena Práctica en Hemodiálisis, revisiones de la bibliografía, según su nivel de evidencia, y la opinión del grupo español de expertos. Se definieron 2 niveles de calidad del agua: agua purificada y agua purificada de alta calidad (ultra pura), y para el líquido de diálisis: líquido de diálisis ultra puro. El uso habitual de líquido de diálisis ultra puro se recomienda en todo tipo de hemodiálisis para prevenir y retrasar la aparición de complicaciones: inflamación, desnutrición, anemia y amiloidosis. Los requisitos de la calidad del agua, de los concentrados y del líquido de diálisis se definen como los niveles máximos admisibles de contaminantes: sustancias químicas (4.1.2), conductividad, microbiana y endotoxinas (4.1.1): Se especificaron la frecuencia de control, el mantenimiento y las medidas correctivas. Los métodos de muestreo y análisis se describieron en los anexos. Para el control microbiológico es recomendable el medio de cultivo R2A, incubado durante 7-14días a una temperatura de 17-23°C. El proceso de garantía de la calidad del líquido de diálisis implica a todos los miembros del personal de diálisis y exige protocolos estrictos. El médico a cargo de la hemodiálisis tiene la responsabilidad final de la calidad del líquido de diálisis. Pueden dirigir sus sugerencias y preguntas acerca de esta guía a www.senefro.org (AU)

A Best Practice Guideline about Dialysis fluid purity was developed under the leadership of the Spanish Society of Nephrology in 2004. The second edition revised Guideline considered new evidences and International Standard. The Guideline has established recommendations for standards for preparing dialysate: water, concentrates and hemodialysis proportioning systems. This Guideline is based on the ISO13959, European Pharmacopoeia, the Real Farmacopea Española, the AAMI Standards and Recommended Practices, European Best Practice Guidelines for Haemodialysis, literature reviews, according to their level of evidence, and the opinion of the expert Spanish group. Two levels of quality of water were defined: purified water and high purified water (ultra pure) and for dialysate: ultra pure dialysate. Regular use of ultra pure dialysate is recommended for all type of hemodialysis to prevent and delay the occurrence of complications: inflammation, malnutrition, anaemia and amiloidosis. Water, concentrates and dialysate quality requirements are defined as maximum allowable contaminant levels: chemicals (4.1.2), conductivity, microbial and endotoxins (4.1.1): Monitoring frequency, maintenance and corrective actions were specified. Methods of sampling and analysis were described in appendix (anexos). For microbiological monitoring, R2A medium is recommended, incubated during 7-14 days at a temperature of 17-23°C. The dialysate quality assurance process involves all dialysis staff members and requires strict protocols. The physician in charge of hemodialysis has the ultimate responsibility for dialysate quality. All suggestions and questions about this Guideline are wellcome to www.senefro.org (AU)

Determination of bisphenol A in water and the medical devices used in hemodialysis treatment.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor found in food containers and plastic beverages and also in medical devices such as dialyzers. The aim of this study is while taking into account the BPA originating in medical devices and the water used in dialysate production, to provide the first published investigation of overall potential exposure to BPA during hemodialysis treatment in patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. BPA concentration in water (at each step of purification treatment) and in dialysate and BPA leaching from dialyzers were determined using solid-phase extraction coupled to ultra-high-performance-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. We have corroborated the hypothesis that a significant amount of BPA may migrate from dialyzers and also demonstrated that BPA is provided by the water used in dialysate production (8.0±5.2ngL(-1) on average) and by dialysis machine and dialysate cartridges, leading to dialysate contamination of 22.7±15.6ngL(-1) on average. Taking into account all the sources of BPA contamination that may come into play during a hemodialysis session, the highest exposure could reach an estimated 140ng/kg b.w./day for hemodialyzed patients, directly available for systemic exposure. Finally, BPA contamination should be taken into account as concerns both the medical devices commonly used in hemodialysis and purified water production systems.

Current topics of purification and constitutions of dialysis fluid.

Dialysis fluid is a fundamental component of hemodialysis treatment, and its roles include the correction of electrolyte levels, pH, and osmolality, as well as the removal of uremic solutes from the blood of patients with renal failure. In recent years, purification of dialysis fluid has become essential due to the use of high-flux membrane dialyzers. Therefore, rigorous standards have been established for the purification of dialysis fluid, which is becoming widely practiced in Japan. The effects of dialysis fluid purification include the prevention of micro-inflammation, preservation of residual renal function, improvement of nutritional status, and resolution of resistance to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. When purifying the dialysis fluid used in the central dialysis fluid delivery system, validation of the system is also important. Dialysis fluid that does not contain acetate has become available, and there have been reports of decreased micro-inflammation, etc., with this innovation. In addition, dialysis fluid containing a higher concentration of bicarbonate than is conventionally employed has become available. Although correction of acidosis remains important, excess alkalosis may reportedly worsen the survival prognosis of hemodialysis patients. Sufficient attention should be paid to these issues.