• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.45-56
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of low sodium dialysate (LSD) rather than conventional dialysate on interdialytic weight gain (IWG), blood pressure (BP), and intradialytic side-effects (ISEs) in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Methods: The study was performed in 43 patients, who were treated in the university hospital over 8 weeks. Each participant's serum sodium set point was measured using dialysate sodium 140 mEq/L during the first 4 weeks. For the next 4 weeks dialysate sodium concentrate (134,136,and138 mEq/L) was provided to each participant but only to an experimental group (EG) (n=22) based on the individual set point, although 140 mEq/L dialysate was given to all of the control group (CG) (n=21). Consequently, outcomes including IWG, BP, and ISE were evaluated. Results: In EG, difference of pre-HD SBP (p=.047) and post-HD serum sodium (p=.006) were significantly decreased compared to CG. Also, ISEs was not more frequent in EG. However, the differences were not statistically significant, IWG (kg & %), pre-HD DBP, post-HD SBP & DBP, and serum osmolality in EG. Conclusion: Individual application of LSD in patients on maintenance hemodialysis is beneficial to decrease pre-HD SBP and post-HD serum sodium without increasing ISE. Therefore, LSD can be better treatment than conventional dialysate.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.642-652
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• 2016

Purpose: In this single repeated measures study, an examination was done on the effects of dialysate flow rate on dialysis adequacy and fatigue in patients receiving hemodialysis. Methods: This study was a prospective single center study in which repeated measures analysis of variance were used to compare Kt/V urea (Kt/V) and urea reduction ratio (URR) as dialysis adequacy measures and level of fatigue at different dialysate flow rates: twice as fast as the participant's own blood flow, 500 mL/min, and 700 mL/min. Thirty-seven hemodialysis patients received all three dialysate flow rates using counterbalancing. Results: The Kt/V ($M{\pm}SD$) was $1.40{\pm}0.25$ at twice the blood flow rate, $1.41{\pm}0.23$ at 500 mL/min, and $1.46{\pm}0.24$ at 700 mL/min. The URR ($M{\pm}SD$) was $68.20{\pm}5.90$ at twice the blood flow rate, $68.67{\pm}5.22$ at 500 mL/min, and $70.11{\pm}5.13$ at 700 mL/min. When dialysate flow rate was increased from twice the blood flow rate to 700 mL/min and from 500 mL/min to 700 mL/ min, Kt/V and URR showed relative gains. There was no difference in fatigue according to dialysate flow rate. Conclusion: Increasing the dialy-sate flow rate to 700 mL/min is associated with a significant increase in dialysis adequacy. Hemodialysis with a dialysate flow rate of 700 mL/min should be considered in selected patients not achieving adequacy despite extended treatment times and optimized blood flow rate.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2024

This article underscores the importance of integrating comprehensive palliative care for noncancer patients who are undergoing hemodialysis, with an emphasis on the aging populations in Asian nations such as Taiwan, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China. As the global demographic landscape shifts towards an aging society and healthcare continues to advance, a marked increase has been observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis who require palliative care. This necessitates an immediate paradigm shift to incorporate this care, addressing the intricate physical, psychosocial, and spiritual challenges faced by these individuals and their families. Numerous challenges impede the provision of effective palliative care, including difficulties in prognosis, delayed referrals, cultural misconceptions, lack of clinician confidence, and insufficient collaboration among healthcare professionals. The article proposes potential solutions, such as targeted training for clinicians, the use of telemedicine to facilitate shared decision-making, and the introduction of time-limited trials for dialysis to overcome these obstacles. The integration of palliative care into routine renal treatment and the promotion of transparent communication among healthcare professionals represent key strategies to enhance the quality of life and end-of-life care for people on hemodialysis. By embracing innovative strategies and fostering collaboration, healthcare providers can deliver more patient-centered, holistic care that meets the complex needs of seriously ill patients within an aging population undergoing hemodialysis.