Factors to consider in determining the adequacy of dialysis.

Abstract

Advances in recent technology and the trend toward reducing dialysis times has had a detrimental effect on morbidity and mortality rates. Urea Kinetic Modeling provides the dialysis staff with essential information to help ensure optimum care and increase the probability of success. Urea Kinetic Modeling has not been utilized by many centres because it was thought to be too time consuming and too complicated. Simplification of the variables without jeopardizing the outcome makes Urea Kinetic Modeling a much more feasible option to determine dialysis adequacy. All parameters in Urea Kinetic Modeling are dependent, interrelated and all are required to describe dialysis adequacy. Urea Kinetic Modeling allows the physician, dietician and nurse to individualize dialysis prescriptions, determine excessive or inadequate protein intake and to review delivered versus desired treatment times.