DIALYSIS THERAPY
Definition:
Dialysis is a process in which the solute composition of blood is
altered by exposing it to a physiological solution (dialysate) across a
semipermeable membrane (dialysis membrane). Solutes will move from
one compartment to another through the dialysis membrane.
Types of Dialysis
There are two forms of dialysis therapy: (A) Haemodialysis, and
(B) Peritoneal dialysis
(A) Haemodialysis
Definition:
It is the movement of solutes and water from the patient's blood
across a semipermeable membrane which is the dialyzer.
This is carried out via vascular access where the blood is pumped
by a haemodialysis machine into the dialyzer then the blood returns back
filtered to the patients circulation (Fig. 5.2).
Complications:
(I) Common complications:
(A) Hypotension: This is the commonest complication and may be due
to:
- High ultrafiltration rate
- Dialysis solution sodium level is too low
- Acetate-containing dialysis solution
- Dialysis solution is too warm
- Food ingestion (splanchnic vasodilatation)