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1. Introduction

The patient with chronic kidney disease undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) by hemodialysis presents series of complications due to the development of the disease and also to the therapeutic method. The kidney plays an important role in the maintaining of the fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance, and the progressive loss of renal functions causes dyselectrolitemia, which is correlated to the mortality of the dialysis patient. The standard composition of the dialysate has been the subject of many controversies and many changes over time, in an attempt to re-establish the electrolytic balance through hemodialysis. The ‘ideal’ dialysate is a synthetic liquid containg all the elements of the normal plasma which allows the elimination of excess substances generated in the blood of the uremic patients and the supply of certain substances in their blood, through processes typical for hemodialysis (1). Dialysate solution commonly contains six electrolytes: Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), chloride (Cl–), and bicarbonate (HCO3–). The nonelectrolyte component glucose or dextrose is invariably present in the dialysate. The dialysate is considered a ‘drug’ administered to all dialysis patients; therefore, its composition is essential. The electrolytic changes caused by the contact of the blood with the dialysate, through the semipermeable membrane of the dialyzer, can trigger immediate or long-term effects, with an impact on mortality (1).

2. Sodium (Na+)

Biological role of sodium

Sodium is a cation present in ionized state in all body fluids, especially in the extracellular space (98%). The maintenance of the electrolyte balance on each side of the cellular membrane requires active transmembrane exchanges through Na+/K+-ATP-ase (2). Water motion between compartments with the preservation of plasmatic osmolarity and indirectly of the intracellular tonicity and cellular volume represents Na+ main role in the body (1). The fluid volume in the extracellular compartment depends directly on the overall amount of sodium in the body, and the concentration of plasma sodium equals that of the interstitial fluid. Na+ movement on each side of the cellular membrane, to achieve electrical balance, involves Cl– and HCO3–, thus promoting the maintenance of the acid-base balance. Na+ is also involved in the neuromuscular excitability and in the polarization and depolarization of the cellular membrane (action potential), opposing the potassium effects. The normal range of serum Na+ in adults are: 135-145 mmol/l (135-145 mEq/l) (3) and its variations could be used as predictors of prognosis in other pathologies (4,5).

An intake of 3-5 grams of salt in 24 h is enough for a healthy adult, a quantity which replaces the urinary and the cutaneous losses and prevents the negative sodium balance. Diabetics represent a special group when considering adults with different pathologies. Their sodium intake should be limited to 1.5-2.3 g/day, since a more drastic decrease in these patients may trigger insulin resistance, with subsequent negative impact on carbohydrate metabolism, as well as the stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) (6). In hemodialysis patients (HD) the recommended sodium intake is similar to that of the general population (7,8). The current clinical guidelines recommend to limit the dietary sodium intake in dialysis patients up to 5 g/day (2 g or 85 mmol) (9,10).

Sodium homeostasis

Sodium is almost completely absorbed in the proximal ileum, the rest being absorbed in the distal colon. Sodium is filtered up to 95% in urine, then 80% is reabsorbed; 4.5% is eliminated through feces and 0.5% through sweating.

The level of plasma and extracellular compartment sodium is maintained by the body through a series of mechanisms: Changes in the renal blood flow, carbonic anhydrase activity, the RAAS, the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and through the activity of other steroid hormones whose concentration is monitored by the anterior pituitary gland (3). In hemodialysis patients, sodium balance and fluid balance are maintained through the salt ingestion in between dialysis sessions, the sodium in excess being eliminated through dialysis and residual diuresis (1). The largest amount of sodium is eliminated through ultrafiltration (convection 78%) and a small percentage (22%) through diffusion in hemodialysis (11).

Disorders of sodium balance Hypernatremia

The increase of Na+ level has a pressor effect through the activation of the sympathetic flow in the medullary vasomotor center, with the increase of angiotensin II activity, on one hand, and reduction in nitric oxide biodisponibility, on the other. The consequence of these changes is an increase of the vascular stiffness and of the blood pressure (BP). Both hypertension and hyperhydration lead to the left ventricular hypertrophy and the onset of cardiovascular disease, which are the main causes of mortality in dialysis patients (12). A significant percentage of the dialysis patients are diabetic and over 50% of them present high BP. In diabetic patients, the most important causes of high BP are: Fluid and salt retention, RAAS and SNS activation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction (13). Oxidative stress is an important element initiating diabetic microvascular complications, including diabetic kidney disease (14-16). A study on hemodialysis patients suggests that xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) should be considered as an important target in the attempt to reduce oxidative stress in the context of diabetic kidney disease (17).

Uric acid is both a marker for the cardiovascular risk, and an independent risk factor for the onset of high BP and cardiac insufficiency, being proved that hyperuricemia produces endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and the activation of the renine-angiotensin-aldosteron system (18,19).

HBP affects a high percentage of patients, according to current studies, which take into account the entire population of hemodialysis patients. Thus, over 50% of the HD patients suffer from high BP in different stages. In a recent study including 123 patients undergoing hemodialysis at Emergency University Hospital Bucharest, 87% of them had hypertension (20). It should be mentioned that HBP, anemia and vascular calcifications (VC) are the main causes of cardiovascular mortality (20-22). There are no clearly established target BP values in hemodialysis population; it is, nevertheless, recommended that BP should not exceed 140/90 mmHg pre-dialysis and 130/180 mmHg post-dialysis (the recommendation has no strong evidence) (23). Studies have shown that the lowest mortality is associated with BP values between 140-160/70-90 mmH and the highest, with BP values >180/100 mmHg (24-26).

In dialysis patients, the increased fluid retention between two consecutive dialysis sessions is associated with a high risk of general and cardiovascular mortality (27).

The need of fluid intake restriction is emphasized in daily practice, but it is generally omitted to instruct patiens about the importance of sodium intake restriction, which is essential in the dialysis patient's diet and without which fluid intake restriction is inefficient (28,29). In chronic dialysis patients, the BP is influenced by many factors, such as: Hyperhydration, arterial stiffness associated with atherosclerosis, the decrease of NO formation connected to salt retention, SNS hyperactivity, RAAS activation, the presence of other vasoconstrictor agents, insufficient vasodilator factors, therapy of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents or genetic predisposition (23). Table I presents specific recommendations for HD patients to keep BP within accepted limits.

Table I Hypertension in hemodialysis patients: Recommendations (23).

Table I

Hypertension in hemodialysis patients: Recommendations (23).

1. Reassessment of DW

• Weight loss until reaching DW should not exceed 1-2 kg a week

• Additional dialysis sessions may be useful to reach DW

2. Salt intake restricted to 5 g/day

3. The interdialytic weight gain should be 1 kg maximum during the week and 1.5-2 kg at the weekend

4. Avoiding sodium profiles and the use of high sodium content dialysate

[i] DW, dry weight.

Antihypertensive medication must be associated in patients who reached the dry weight (DW) but are still hypertensive. RAAS blockers are the initial medication, especially in diabetic and/or cardiac failure patients. The angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are dialyzable, but Fosinopril (which has a renal and billiary elimination) is excepted. As a result, Fosinopril or sartan therapy (angiotensine receptors blockers) is recommended in patients with intradialytic hypertension (30).

Beta-blockers may represent an option in the patients with ischemic heart disease and cardiac failure. Taking into account that beta-blockers are hydrosoluble and are dialyzable, an extra dose should be administered following dialysis (30).

Calcium channel blockers are not dialyzed and can safely be used (30).

Hyponatremia

The imbalance of sodium levels may cause intradialytic cardiovascular instability, as well as interdialytic hyperhydration and high BP.

Intradialytic cardiovascular instability represents a problem because of the ageing of the hemodialysis population and the increase of diabetic patients with cardiovascular co-morbidities. Studies show that intradialytic hypotension (IDH) occurs in 20-30% of the dialysis sessions and is associates with the cardiovascular mortality (31). A recent study, on 112,013 hemodialysis patients, followed for a 5-year period, showed that IDH is common in chronic dialysis patients and is associated with increased mortality (32).

IDH has an impact on quality of life in dialysis patients, increases the treatment cost, influences the time and effort of the medical staff and it is associated with the increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality, and with mesenteric ischemia (33,34).

The patient may be asymptomatic or may present the following: Muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, severe physical asthenia. IDH is especially symptomatic in case of women, the elderly, patients with heart diseases, diabetes or vegetative neuropathy (35). Table II summarizes the current recommendations to prevent IDH.

Table II IDH prevention in chronic hemodialysis patients: Recommendations (23).

Table II

IDH prevention in chronic hemodialysis patients: Recommendations (23).

Reassessment of DW

Maintaining the interdialytic excess weight under 3% of the DW

Avoiding the administration of antihypertensive medication before dialysis and food intake during dialysis

Correcting anemia

Measures for performing the HD session

• Use of bicarbonate dialysate

• Use of high calcium content dialysate (if possible)

• Applying the ultrafiltration or sodium profiling in some patients

[i] IDH, intradialytic hypotension; DW, dry weight; HD, hemodialysis.

Dialysate sodium concentration

Ideally, the level of sodium in the dialysate is established according to the patient's pre-dialysis blood sodium. Scientific evidence shows that maintenance of the dialysate Na+ between 134-138 mEq/l, both in standard and night dialysis, causes the decrease of interdialytic body weight gain (IDBWG) and of pre-dialysis systolic pressure, without increased occurrence of intradialytic adverse events (36).

Na+ concentration in the dialysate lower than plasma Na+ level causes rapid dialysis of the osmotic substances (urea, glucose etc.), the decreased of the osmotic pressure and the refilling of the vascular bed in the extracellular compartment, producing muscle cramps and IDH. These complications lead to inadequte ultrafiltration, interdialytic body weight gain (IDBWG) over 3% and failure to reach DW, associated with an increased mortality risk (31,37,38).

Na+ in the dialysate over the plasma levels of Na+, prevents the refilling of the vascular bed by maintaing osmotic pressure with intradialytic hemodynamic stability, but there is a risk of positive sodium balance, with HBP, thirst and increased fluid intake, which leads to high interdialytic body weight gain. IDBWG requires: The increase of the ultrafiltration rate and of the dialysis duration, and more frequent sessions to attain DW. High body weight gain along with increased ultrafiltration rate are associated with an increased risk of the general and cardiovascular mortality (27,39,40).

Sodium profile (high Na+ level at the HD onset and low in the last hours) is recommended in certain patient groups, especially for the patients with IDH, cramps, severe uremia and hemodynamic instability; Na+ modulation is not recommended for patients with hypernatremia or intradialitic hypertension (41).

Adjustment of the Na+ balance will be mentioned individually on each patient's prescription. A summary of recommended Na+ concentration in the dialysate and the efects of these variations are presented in Table III.

Table III Na concentration in the dialysate and the impact of its variations: Summary of recommendations (27,36,37,39,40).

Table III

Na concentration in the dialysate and the impact of its variations: Summary of recommendations (27,36,37,39,40).

Electrolyte	Recommended value (in dialysate)	Variations: Physiopathologic consequences	Variations: Clinical consequences	Variations: Effects following hemodialysis
Na+	134-138 mEq/l	Na+ concentration in the dialysate under the level of plasma Na+ The decrease of osmotic substances in plasma (urea, glucose, etc) which dialyze rapidly will lead to a fall in the osmotic presure and refilling of the vascular bed in the extracellular compartment Na+ concentration in the dialysate over the level of plasma Na+ Maintaining of the osmotic pressure prevents the refilling of the vascular bed	Na+ concentration in the dialysate under the level of plasma Na+ muscle cramps intradialytic hypotension Na+ concentration in the dialysate over the level of plasma Na+ Intradialytic hemodynamic stability	Na+ concentration in the dialysate under the level of plasma Na+ inadequate ultrafiltration Interdialytic weight excess over >3% of the DW and the inability to reach DW Increased risk of mortality Na+ concentration in the dialysate over the level of plasma Na+ Risk of: HBP, thirst and increased fluid intake Interdialytic weight excess

[i] Na⁺, sodium; DW, dry weight; HBP, high blood pressure.

3. Potassium (K+)

Biological role of potassium

Potassium is the main cation in the intracellular space, playing an essential role in the maintenance of the resting membrane potential, neuromuscular function, the regulation of the myocardial contractility, the intracellular fluid and acid-base balance, the maintenance of the cellular volume, cellular increase, DNA and cellular protein synthesis and enzymatic function (42).

The normal values of the serum potassium in the general population are: 3.5-5 mEq/l (3.6-4.8 mmol/l); in dialysis patients the values considered normal are higher. There are many studies in the medical literature which show the relationship between potassium values and mortality of the dialysis patients. A study on 2134 hemodialysis patients found the smallest risk of sudden death in patients with potassium level under 5.1 mEq/l. Death risk was enhanced by the increase of K+ levels in these patients (43).

Another study on 81.013 chronic hemodialysis patients emphasized that K+ values between 4.6 and 5.3 mEq/l are associated to the lowest incidence of general mortality (44).

A study on a multinational cohort of 55,183 hemodialysis patients (DOPPS) confirms these findings, showing that the lowest death risk occurs in patients with pre-dialysis K+ levels between 4 and 5.5 mEq/l; the death and arrhythmia risk significantly increases if K+ ≥5.6 and diminishes at under 4 mEq/l potassium levels (after the statistical assessment of malnutrition indicators) (45).

Potassium homeostasis

Potassium is highly soluble and disperses rapidly in water in the upper digestive tract, being absorbed up to 90% (46). The daily potassium intake is estimated to be 50-100 mmol/day (47). A lower potassium intake (2-3 mg/day) is recommended to hemodialysis patients (48).

Potassium is eliminated mainly through the kidneys (90%) in about 6-12 h and only a small amount (10%) through the colon (47). Potassium undergoes glomerular filtration, 65% is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule and is secreted in the urine in the distal and collecting tubules. Renal potassium excretion is influenced by Na+ level in the distal tubule, RAAS activation, vasopressine, dietary potassium intake, acid-base balance, urinary flow in the distal nephron and levels of serum potassium (42).

The maintenance of the intra- and extracellular potassium balance is stimulated by a series of factors. Thus, potassium entry to the cell is activated by insulin, catecholamines and the anabolic status. The opposite process, K+ exit in the extracellular space, occurs during metabolic acidosis, hyperosmolarity, nonselective beta-blockers and alpha 1 receptor stimulation. Aldosterone plays an important role in the maintenance of the potassium balance; aldosterone modulates the membrane ATPase membrane in the distal nephron (distal and collecting tubules), with increased K+ excretion. Aldosterone also influences colon and salivary K+ excretion (49). Stimulation of the aldosterone secretion is mainly due to angiotensin II and increased serum levels of potassium (50).

Disorders of potassium balance

Diskalemia is frecquently found in the dialysis patients and associates with an increased mortality (47).

Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is more common than hypokalemia in the dialysis population and increases the death risk through arrhythmias; 24% of hemodialysis patients can suffer from hyperkalemia which requires emergency HD (51).

Hyperkalemia related mortality was estimated at 3.1 per 1,000 patient/year (52).

The correlation between hyper- and hypokalemia and the risk of general and cardiovascular mortality in the chronic hemodialysis patients was demonstrated by previous studies (53,54) and confirmed by the recent ones. This association later diminished considerably through statistical regression analysis, taking into account the fact that the severe hypokalemia is commonly found in the patients with severe malnutrition and generally present with other pathologies, as well (44,45).

Considering the fact that potassium excretion takes place mainly in the kidneys, dialysis patients are at a high risk of hyperkalemia, especially patients who have a series of supplimentary factors, such as: Insulin deficiency, medication which interferes with potassium renal excretion such as aldosterone antagonists, angiotensin II converting enzyme inhibitors and/or AT II receptor blockers (55). Chronic hemodialysis patients develop adaptive mechanisms to compensate the decrease of potassium renal excretion. In these patients colonic elimination of potassium is 2-3 times higher than in patients with normal renal function (56,57). In the first category of patients, the maintenance of the potassium balance is achieved through the alteration of intra- and extracellular distribution. Insulin stimulates K+ entry inside the cells; dialysis patients who do not feed properly for a longer periods of time, presents hyperkalemia (58).

Secondary hyperparathyroidism decreases K+ entry inside the cell through increased intracellular Ca2+, which supresses the oxidative metabolism and the cellular ATP production and reduces the Na+- K+- ATP ase activity (59).

Extracellular hypertonicity, which is usually found in the hyperglycemic diabetic patients (60) or in patients who received hypertonic solutions causes hyperkalemia through K+ exit of the cells through insulin deficiency (61).

The excess of physical activity and hemolysis cause the release of a large amounts of K+ in the extracellular space. Table IV summarises the causes of hyperkalemia in the chronic dialysis patients.

Table IV Causes of hyperkalemia in chronic hemodialysis patients (55,62-64).

Table IV

Causes of hyperkalemia in chronic hemodialysis patients (55,62-64).

1. Increased interdialysis nutritional K+ intake

2. Lack of residual renal function (the major route of K+ excretion in the general population)

3. Decreased K+ clearance during dialysis

4. Hypoaldosteronism

5. Metabolic acidosis

6. Blood transfusions

7. Abnormal colonic K+ secretion

8. Administration of certain drugs:

• COX 1 and 2 inhibitors

• Beta-blockers

• Converting enzyme inhibitors

• Potassium-sparing diuretics

• Digoxin

• Cyclosporines

• Tacrolimus

• Ketoconazole

• Potassium-containing drugs

[i] K⁺, potassium; COX, cyclooxygenase.

A minor K+ variation in the extracellular compartment causes important changes in the resting membrane potential (RMP) and affects the myocardial and the neuromuscular cells; decreased RMP can lead to fatal arrhythmias. The first sign of hyperkalemia on the ECG are the tenting of the T wave. ECG changes then progress rapidly, together with increased K+ level: QRS complex enlargement, progressive atrioventricular block, idioventricular rhythm, then the appearance of the sinewave, ventricular fibrillation and, finally, asystole (65). Serum K+ and ECG changes do not always correlate closely (66).

Patients with hyperkalemia may have neuromuscular symptoms like: Paresthesia, muscular weakness in the limbs followed by de-symmetrical flaccid paralysis of extremities, with ascending development and involvement of respiratory muscles. Hyperkalemia does not usually affect cranial nerves (47).

Hemodialysis is the treatment of choice in chronic dialysis patients with severe hyperkalemia. 70-150 mEq of potassium is eliminated quickly through HD (67). Potassium is 85% removed through diffusion and 15% through convection during HD (68,69).

In order to avoid a subsequent event, it is recommened to investigate the cause of hyperkalemia: Dietary assessment, medication, acidosis. The K+ intake will be reduced to 40-70 mEq/day, the treatment including potassium-binding resins will be reassessed, acidosis will be monitored by sodium bicarbonate administration, which induces kaliuresis and supports intracellular K+. These patients can also be given potassium - binding resins such as Kayexalate sau Kalimate, combined with sorbitol in small doses, daily or every other day, to avoid constipation (70).

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is defined as a potassium value below 3.5 mEq/l. It is less frequent than hyperkalemia, but findings differ among the dialysis facilities. Table V shows the causes of hypokalemia found in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Table V Chronic hemodialysis patients: causes of hypokale-mia (71,72).

Table V

Chronic hemodialysis patients: causes of hypokale-mia (71,72).

1. Low K+ nutritional intake

2. Malnutrition

3. Chronic diarrhea

4. Iatrogenic: Administration of mineralocorticoids or excess of potassium-binding resins

Clinical manifestations are due to the change of resting membrane potential of cardiac and muscle cells. Symptomatology varies from neuromuscular astenia to arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. Fatal rhythm disturbances are almost exclusively found in patients with underlying cardiac disease or patients taking digitalis (42).

In hypokalemia, the ECG shows: Flattened T wave, inverted ST, U wave, prolonged QT interval and, finally, ventricular arrhythmia causing cardiac arrest (73).

Dialysate potassium concentration

K+ level in the dialysate must be individually prescribed for every patient. Over the past years it has been recommended to avoid very small amounts of K+ in the dialysate, preventing excessive decrease of serum K+: Thus, a dialysate containing 2 mEq/l de K+ is recommended in patients with 4-6 mEq/l K+ serum at the beginning of dialysis (74) and a dialysate containing 3 mEq/l K in patients with normal pre-dialysis serum K+ levels (75). Hypokalemia treatment can be oral or parenteral. There are four oral types of substances: Potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate and potassium citrate. Potassium phosphate is recommended in the patients with hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia, and potassium bicarbonate in those with metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia. Potassium chloride will be administered in all other circumstances. Intravenuous administration of the potassium preparations is recommended in severe hypokalemia associated with cardiorespiratory instability. Infusion rate should not exceed 20 mmol/h during intravenuous administration, so as to avoid iatrogenic hypokalemia (42).

4. Calcium (Ca2+)

Biological role of calcium

Calcium is an essential element, found in two forms in the body: In bones and in teeth, as hydroxiapatite (Ca10[PO4]6[OH]2) (>99%), ensuring tissue hardness, and in plasma (about 1%), where it can be in active, ionized form (50%) which diffuses inside the cells, and bound to albumines or in calcium citrate and phosphate complexes (50%) (76-78).

The calcium in the circulatory system, the extracellular compartment, muscles and other tissues has a key role in several biological processes, such as: Myocardial contractility and conduction, regulation of the vascular smooth muscle tone and vasomotricity, controle of the neuromuscular excitability and nerve conduction, muscle contraction, a role in the blood coagulation and bone mineralization (control of PTH, calcitonine and vitamin D3 production), the transmission of the intracellular signals and hormone secretion and also in the activation of the oxidative stress in myocardium and brain (79). Bones are the main calcium storages and the source for these metabolic processes, through bone remodelling processes (80).

Calcium homeostasis

The normal values in the general population are: Ionized calcium = 4.5-5.6 mg/dl (2.2-2.8 mEq/l), total calcium in the blood (calcemia) = 9-11 mg/dl. In hemodialysis patients, K-DOQI guidelines recommends: Target for serum calcium 8.4-9.5 mg/dl and for dialysate: Ca-2.5-3 mEq/l (1.25-1.5 mmol/l) (23,81).

Calcium mainly comes from nutriments and dietary supplements, and only a small amount from water, depending on the residential area. The total amount varies between 0.918 and 1.296 g/day, on average (82).

The oral calcium intake in the dialysis patients must be maximum 2 g/day (500 mg/day through diet and 1.5 g/day through calcium phosphate binders) (83). In the dialysis patients who need calcium phosphate binders, the doses should be decreased (81).

Calcium is absorbed in the intestinal mucosa cells, by active (transcellular) and passive (paracellular) transport mechanisms. Calcium active transport depends on calcitriol action and the intestinal vitamin D receptor (VDR).

Calcium is mainly excreted through urine and feces. Calcium excretion in urine depends on the calcium glomerular filtration (approximately 98%) and on the reabsorption in the renal tubules, through active and passive processes. Over 70% of the calcium filtered by renal glomeruli is passively reabsorbed by the proximal tubule; the calcium active transport occurs at the level of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. At the distal tubule, calcium active transport is regulated by calcitriol and estradiol. Calcium transport is passive at the level of collecting tubules (84).

Calcium balance is achieved through complex hormone mechanisms, acting at intestinal, renal, and bone levels, through several substances: The parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol), fibroblast growth factor 23, calcitonine and estrogens (85).

The decrease of serum Ca2+ stimulates PTH production, which acts at the ascending limb of the Henle loop, the distal tubule and collecting tubules, with increased Ca2+ reabsorption. PTH also stimulates ostoclastes with increased bone resorption and Ca2+ reabsorption.

Calcitriol increases serum Ca2+ by acting on the gastrointestinal tract, bones and kidneys. Calcitonine is a peptide hormone, produced and released by the thyroid parafollicular cells (‘C cells’) in response to the increase of serum calcium and stimulates the osteoblasts, with increased Ca2+ deposition in the bones. Calcitonine inhibits Ca2+ reabsorption in the kidneys and intestines, with the increase of serum Ca (86).

The major factors causing the increase and the decrease of the serum calcium in hemodialysis patients are: The secondary hyperparathyroidism treatment with vitamin D and its analogues, the calcimimetics and administration of Ca2+/Mg2+ phosphate binders, the excessive calcium intake or Ca2+ concetration in the dialysate during hemodialysis (87).

Disorders of calcium balance

Intradialysis and immediate post-dialysis serum Ca2+ changes have mainly hemodynamic effects, by influencing the heart muscle and the peripheral vascular tone.

Hypercalcemia

The relationship between hypercalcemia and mortality has been demonstrated in a number of studies (88,89). Hypercalcemia increases mortality through predisposition to arrhythmia, high BP (90) and VC. Dialyses patients with vascular or valvular calcification present a higher risk (90).

Studies have emphasized the strong correlation between valvular and VC and bone diseases in the hemodialysis patients (88) and also the high incidence of VC since the predialytic stages of CKD is strongly correlated with age, cardiovascular comorbidities, osteoporosis and decrease of GFR (91).

Hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia occurs in the dialysis patients because of the use of calcimetics, non-calcium phosphates binders and low level Ca2+ dialysate, as well as dietary Ca2+ intake (23,89,92).

Calcium values of <9 and >10 mg/dl are associated to increased mortality (93).

Severe hypocalcemia increases mortality through the predisposition to develop arrhythmias (94).

Dialysate calcium concentration

KDIGO 2017 guidelines recommend a calcium concentration between 1.25 and 1.50 mmol/l (2.5 and 3.0 mEq/l) in the dialysate (81).

Ca concentration in the dialysate has both short-term and long-term effects. Increased calcium in the dialysate (1.75 mmol/l) influences PTH control and hemodynamic instability, but contributes to accelerated VC and bone and mineral imbalance, with adynamic bone (89).

A high level of Ca2+ in the dialysate (1.75 mmol/l) is associated to an increased sympathetic activity and a better intradialysis hemodynamic stability (95). Decreased Ca2+ in the dialysate (1.25 mmol/l) accelerates the bone turnover and the hemodynamic instability. Patients receiving dialysate containing Ca2+ 1.25 mmol/l experience arrhythmia and sudden cardiac arrest more often (96,97), probably because of increased QT interval (98). Table VI presents special recommendations for chronic hemodialysis patients concerning the amount of electrolytes in the dialysate.

Table VI Special recommendations concerning the amount of electrolytes in the dialysate (36,41,43,74,75,81).

Table VI

Special recommendations concerning the amount of electrolytes in the dialysate (36,41,43,74,75,81).

Electrolyte	Normal serum value	Recommended value in the dialysate	Special considerations
Na+	135-145 mEq/l	134-138 mEq/l	Na+-profile indicated for:
			• Patients with IDH
			• Patients with muscle cramps
			• Patients with hemodynamic instability
			Na+-profile contraindicated for:
			• Patients with hypernatremia
			• patients with intradialysis hypertension
K+	3.5-5 mEq/l	2-3 mEq/l	Recommendations:
			• Use of dialysate containing 2 mEq/l K+ in patients with serum K+ of 4-6 mEq/l at the beginning of the dialysis
			• Use of dialysate containing 3 mEq/l K in patients with normal serum K+ before dialysis
Ca	8.4-9.5 mg/dl	2.5-3 mEq/l (1.25-1.75 mmol/l)	Adjusted Ca in the dialysate according to patient's profile

[i] Na⁺, sodium; IDH, intradialytic hypotension; K⁺, potassium; Ca, calcium.

To avoid and treat these imbalances each patient must be individually assessed and the dialysis parameters must be prescribed accordingly.

5. Conclusions

Dyselectrolytemia is a group of dialysis complications with immediate and long-term effects, which increase the mortality rate of hemodialysis patients through cardiovascular complications. The ionic profile of the dialysis patients must be monitored, and the treatment must be individualized and adapted. The clinician must pay increased attention to the patient's dietary hygiene, to the drug therapy and to the dialysis parametres in chronic dialysis patient management.

Acknowledgements

Not applicable.

Funding

No funding was received.

Availability of data and materials

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

Authors' contributions

DT, MDT, AEBS, DGB, AT, OS, IAV, AM, PCC, CIC, ME, DM and DI designed the study, wrote the manuscript, performed the literature research and selected the included studies. DT, MDT, AEBS, DGB, AT, OS, IAV, AM, PCC, CIC, ME, DM and DI critically revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. The contributions of all the authors to this review are greatly valued and appreciated.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Patient consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

References