Comparison of Standard Versus Low Bicarbonate Hemodialysis

Intradialytic Acid-base Changes and Organic Anion Production With Standard Versus Low Bicarbonate Hemodialysis

This study will compare acid-base changes during hemodialysis treatments with a standard dialysis bath versus a lower bicarbonate dialysis bath, and aims to define the factors that limit equilibration of the bicarbonate concentration in a patient's blood with that in the dialysate.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Receiving chronic thrice-weekly conventional hemodialysis for at least 3 months
• Age > 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of oral alkali within the previous month
• Hospitalization within the previous month
• Inability to provide written informed consent
• Pregnancy