Clinical comparison of hemodialysis and hemofiltration

We initiated a long-term A-B-A study of these comparable therapeutic benefits, and this report summarizes the preliminary findings of phases A and B. Preliminary results show more stable blood pressures on hemofiltration compared to hemodialysis, with comparable weight removal. Hypotension was reduced by one-half on hemofiltration, and intra-treatment fatigue, cramps, diaphoresis, and lightheadedness were reduced also. total CO² content was 2 mEq/liter higher on hemofiltration. The increased symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and headache suggested possible relative hypercalcemia during the hemofiltration therapy. Calcium increased pre to post treatment 23, 20, and 17% with 4.0, 3.63, and 3.44 mEq/liter calcium infusates, respectively, compared to the 14% increase noted on hemodialysis with 3.25 mEq/liter calcium in the dialysate. Further long-term evaluation will be needed on lower calcium infusates to see if the increased symptoms persist on hemofiltration.