OXYGEN STATUS DURING HEMODIALYSIS

Hypoxia during haemodialysis, mainly acetate, has been reported severa l times. In our study we have monitored oxygen status during 258 bicar bonate haemodialyses. A significant drop below 80 mmHg in mean oxygen tension occurred. Mean oxygen saturation reflected this drop bur did n ot reach levels below 90%. The mean oxygen concentration was on the wh ole critical low, though slightly increasing during each haemodialysis session due to ultrafiltration. It is concluded that both hypoxia and hypoxaemia do occur during bicarbonate haemodialysis. To a group of p atients generally having limited cardiac reserves, a poor oxygen statu s is a potentially serious complication to haemodialysis. Monitoring o xygen status is thus advisable.