A Digital Computer Model for Optimal Programming of Hemodialytic Treatment

A mathematical model of hydroelectrolyte exchanges and arterial pressure regulation in the human body during dialysis has been set up. It is conceived as a tool for a new dialysis unit which will be able to “interpret” the signals supplied by suitable instruments connected to the patient and modify the machine set-points in real time in order to obtain clinical results defined by the physician. The main aim is the prevention of hypotensive episodes during treatment. An experimental protocol has been developed for parameter estimation of each patient during a single dialysis. Clinical tests illustrated the model's ability to fit the patient's state during dialysis. This is the first step in the more general task of validation of the model, necessary for the achievement of a closed-loop dialysis unit.