ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES CAUSED BY FL UCTUATIONS OF PLASMA POTASSIUM LEVELS DURING CHRONIC-HEMODIALYSIS

Electrocardiographic changes related to fluctuations of plasma potassi um levels were studied in 14 patients with chronic renal failure subje cted to hemodialysis with potassium concentration in dialysate 2.0 mmo l/l. Hemodialysis caused normalization of ECG components; Irrespective of changes in heart rate intervals P - Q, Q - T, QRS returned to norm al range early during dialysis when plasma potassium still remained el evated. Increase in R - wave and decrease in T - wave amplitudes occur red at a later stage of the procedure and went parallel to normalizati on of potassium level in plasma. In some patients despite normal plasm a potassium concentration during procedure ''hypokalemic'' ECG changes (T - wave inversion, ST segment depression and appearance of U - wave ) were recorded. It was suggested that the latter ECG changes could be prevented by use of somewhat higher potassium content in concentrate of dialysing solution.