Short duration-high area regular dialysis using two UF 2 coils in series.

Abstract

To increase the number of regular dialysis patients without increasing apparatus, staff or buildings, short time-high area dialysis was undertaken for 3.5 h twice a week or 3 h three times a week with two UF 2 coils in series (2 m2) with dialysis fluid flow of 300 ml/min/kidney in parallel. The biochemical and clinical results were compared with those obtained in a period immediately prior to this using conventional 7-hours dialysis twice a week or 6 h three times a week on UF 145. Urea, creatinine and vitamin B12 clearances, predialysis blood urea and creatinine levels and the clinical state of the patients were satisfactory on short double UF 2 coil in series dialysis. Addition of 1-1.5 liters of saline during dialysis permitted an average net fall in body weight of 1 kg without cramps or hypotension. The merits of rapid dialysis with a large area dialyzer are discussed.