HEMODIALYSIS ASSOCIATED HYPOXIA EXTENDS INTO THE POSTDIALYSIS PERIOD

To investigate whether hypoxia extends into the post-hemodialysis peri od, nine clinically stable-end stage renal disease patients were dialy zed against bicarbonate and one against an acetate batch, ail with bio incompatible dialyzers. None had clinical evidence of cardiopulmonary overload on the day of the study Using an oximeter with internal memor y, oxygen saturation was monitored continuously at the beginning, duri ng, and for lour hours after hemodialysis. Hypoxia was defined as oxyg en saturation less than 85%. Three patients had no hypoxia during or a fter. dialysis. Hypoxia occurred in five patients both during and afte r dialysis, and in two patients only in the post-dialysis period. Epis odes of hypoxia were of longer duration and severity in post-dialysis period. We conclude that significant hypoxia can occur in the post-hem odialysis period.