The Effect of Hemodialysis Vintage on Pulmonary Functions in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an irreversible and progressive disorder characterized by loss of kidney function. CKD gradually progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD patients eventually need renal replacement therapy via dialysis (subdivided into hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) or kidney transplantation in order to survive. As the life expectancy of ESRD patients has increased with improvements in dialysis technology, systemic complications of kidney disease are likely to become increasingly important. Respiratory system disorders are one of the most prevalent complications in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis. However, the pathogenesis of impaired pulmonary functions has not been completely elucidated in these patients. We designed a study to investigate acute effects of hemodialysis treatment on spirometry and DLCO parameters, focusing on the relationship between pulmonary function and duration of hemodialysis and fluid status in hemodialysis patients.