The Effect of Cooling Dialysate in Reducing Intradialytic Hypotension

Abstract

Cooled dialysate incites peripheral vasoconstriction and thus counter Intradialytic Hypotension (IDH). Currently, up to 70 percent of IDH patients rely on cooled dialysate to ameliorate symptoms ranging from anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, muscle cramps, vomiting, nausea and abdominal discomfort. Presently, there is a plethora of research highlighting the effectiveness of cooled dialysate in ameliorating IDH. However, many of these studies have inherent weakness and thus may not be used to underline that cooled dialysate is indeed worthwhile. For example, the studies only relied on small samples. Further, the studies were conducted over fairly short periods of time. Consequently, to conclusively underpin the efficacy of cooled dialysate, it is necessary to undertake more in-depth research. The following document discusses the critical aspects of cooled dialysate.