Effect of potassium concentration in dialysate on total body potassium.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of the presence/absence of potassium in the dialysate on total body potassium content in stable hemodialysis patients.


METHODS
Randomized selection.


METHODS
Outpatient chronic hemodialysis unit at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida.


METHODS
Six adult hemodialysis patients (mean age 48 +/- 11.61 years, range 32-65 years) participated in this study. They were all males, four African-Americans and two Caucasians.


METHODS
Subjects in a random order received dialysis using a dialysate containing no potassium for 3 months, followed by a 2 mEq/L of potassium for another 3 months. Total body potassium measurements and routine blood analysis were taken at baseline and after each three month period. All subjects received diet instruction pre and monthly on a 3 g/day potassium dietary restriction.


METHODS
There were no significant differences in the amount of total body potassium concentration between the two different dialysates containing 0 or 2 mEq/L potassium. Mean values of serum albumin were significantly higher when the subjects were dialyzed on a 0 potassium bath.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of dialysate containing 0 or 2 mEq/L potassium concentration does not make a significant difference with regard to total body potassium concentration and maybe advantageous for the patients in terms of more freedom in nutritional intake as demonstrated by a significant increase in serum albumin when they were dialyzed on a 0 potassium bath.
Department of Nutrition and Food Services, James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA. hsanders@com1.med.usf.edu
H N
HN
Sanders
I B
IB
Tyson
P A
PA
Bittle
G
G
Ramirez
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015314:Dialysis Solutions; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011188:Potassium / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis*; D011897:Random Allocation; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis
D015314:Dialysis Solutions; D012709:Serum Albumin; D011188:Potassium