Metabolic alterations during hemodialysis with the disposable coil artificial kidney

The electrolyte, urea and fluid changes in uremic patients during fifty dialyses are reviewed. Hemodialysis with the artificial kidney is a useful procedure in the correction of various electrolyte and fluid abnormalities in the uremic syndrome. Dialysis may achieve striking electrolyte concentration and fluid volume correction in a period of a few hours; additional correction or depletion of intracellular ion concentration may be accomplished by dialysis for longer periods. Overhydration may be corrected during hemodialysis, but excessive dehydration may be induced and this can cause further renal impairment. Dialysis for six hours with bath changes every two hours appears to be the optimal procedure.