ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF LOW DIALYSATE FLOW-RATES ON REMOVAL RATES AND CLEARANCE USING HIGH-FLUX MEMBRANES

The effects of the low dialysate flow rates on the removal rate and cl earance of urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, beta(2)-microglobulin and myoglobin, using high flux membranes were studied. The removal ra tes for all substances were not significantly decreased. Although clea rance of urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid was significantly dec reased (p < 0.05), clearance of inorganic phosphate, beta(2)-microglob ulin and myoglobin was not significantly decreased. These results sugg est that hemodialysis at low dialysate flow rates for a short term dur ing water shortages due to natural disasters and drier climates can be performed with an insignificant reduction in removal rates and a mini mum reduction in clearance.