The Effect of Dialysate Flow Rate on Dialysis Efficiency

Abstract

End-stage renal failure is a debilitating condition with a high level of mortality. One of the most effective approaches for ameliorating these conditions is hemodialysis. It saves hundreds of thousands of patients every year from premature death. Increasing dialysis efficiency is a core proponent of hemodialysis. Accordingly, an increase in dialysis efficiency means that hemodialysis is improved. A number of approaches have been taunted as effective in improving dialysis efficiency. One of these approaches is increasing the dialysate flow rate. The research, however, on the effect of dialysis flow rate on dialysis efficiency is not conclusive because some studies suggest that an increase in dialysis flow rate increases dialysis efficiency, while other researches point out that an increase in Qd has minimal to no impact on dialysis efficiency.