EFFECT OF DIALYSATE TEMPERATURE ON HEMODYNAMIC STABILITY AMONG HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Background Hypotension is one of the complications of hemodialysis treatment. It increases morbidity and mortality and can compromise the dialysis efficacy. Cooling the dialysate below 36.5°C is an important factor that contributes to hemodynamic stability in patients during hemodialysis. Objective To assess the effect of dialysate temperature on hemodynamic stability during hemodialysis sessions, post dialysis fatigue and the adequacy of dialysis. Methods A total of 40 patients were assessed during six dialysis sessions; in three sessions, the dialysate temperature was (37 °C) and in three other sessions, the dialysate temperature was (35 °C). Specific scale questionnaires were used in each dialysis session, to evaluate the symptoms during the dialysis procedure as well as post-dialysis fatigue, and respective scores were noted. Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature were recorded. Also dialysis efficacy using Kt/v, urea reduction ratio were measured. Results The results showed that usage of low dialysate temperature was associated with the following : higher post dialysis systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05) and lower post dialysis heart rate (P < 0.05), better intradialysis symptoms score and post-dialysis fatigue scores (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively), shorter post-dialysis fatigue period (P < 0.05) as well as Similar urea removal and Kt/V . Conclusion Cool dialysis is an important factor in hemodynamic stability during hemodialysis. Also it improves symptoms during and after hemodialysis. Cool dialysis has no effect on adequacy of dialysis.