Blood Volume Analysis and Renal Outcomes in Hemodialysis

In the first study the investigators demonstrated that BV measurement using BVA-100 is useful to determine absolute BV as well as changes in BV and correlates reasonably well with CLM-III measurements. Individual refilling ability can be determined as well. This may prove useful in prescribing and monitoring ultrafiltration rates, establishment of optimal BV in HD patients and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with chronic HD. In the current study the investigators hypothesize that BVA can be used in the longer term to evaluate the adequacy of the current clinically estimated dry weight in dialysis patients and can be used to titrate EDW in order to improve overall volume status and decrease the incidence of blood volume misinterpretation. The investigators enrolled 12 eligible patients. Participants underwent post-hemodialysis blood volume analysis (BVA) as a baseline measurement. Based on their Blood Volume (BV) status, their prescribed estimated dry weight (EDW) was adjusted. After 3 to 6 months, participants underwent a repeat BV measurement. The investigators compared the second value to the first in order to judge whether an improvement in BV status occurred if the dry weight prescription was changed, or to judge stability if it was not.