STUDIES ON HEMODIALYSIS

First Report: Some Biochemical Investigations

Abstract

Effect of level of some electrolytes, urea and acid base balance in patients undergoing regular chronic hemodialysis was studied.
Urea nitrogen levels in plasma and erythrocyte were reduced by half, but the reduction was slight in cerebrospinal fluid. Sodium concentration showed no change in the above mentioned three compartments. It was proved, however, that sodium exchange itself occurred. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid potassium was easily dialysable and came to the normal level from a hyperkalemic state, though erythrocyte potassium concentration remained unchanged. In addition, levels of plasma calcium, phosphor and uric acid were discussed.
Concerning acid base balance, hydrogen concentration in plasma and erythrocyte responded to hemodialysis and became normal. or rather subnormal, but, in cerebrospinal fluid, it was unchanged since plasma and erythrocyte Pco₂ stayed at low level. In predialysis, erythrocyte bicarbonate level and base excess were extremely low, and almost normal in postdialysis, while the values in plasma were corrected.