What does a dialysate (dialysis solution) contain?

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From the Guidelines

A dialysate typically contains electrolytes such as potassium, phosphate, and magnesium, as well as other components like calcium, to help regulate the body's balance of fluids and minerals during dialysis treatment. The composition of a dialysate can vary depending on the specific needs of the patient and the type of dialysis being performed. According to the most recent and highest quality study available, which is the 2024 ESPEN practical guideline on clinical nutrition in hospitalized patients with acute or chronic kidney disease 1, dialysis solutions containing potassium, phosphate, and magnesium should be used to prevent electrolyte disorders during kidney replacement therapy (KRT).

Some key components that may be included in a dialysate are:

  • Potassium: to help maintain a stable potassium level in the blood
  • Phosphate: to help regulate phosphate levels and prevent hypophosphatemia
  • Magnesium: to help maintain a stable magnesium level and prevent hypomagnesemia
  • Calcium: to help regulate calcium levels and prevent hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia

It's worth noting that the term "dylasate" is not recognized in medicine, and it's possible that it's a made-up or misspelled word. However, based on the context of the question, it appears to be referring to a dialysate, which is a real substance used in medical treatment. The use of dialysate solutions with specific electrolyte concentrations can help prevent electrolyte disorders and improve patient outcomes, as supported by the evidence from the 2024 ESPEN guideline 1.

From the Research

Composition of Dialysate

A dialysate contains various components, including:

  • Sodium 2
  • Potassium 2, 3
  • Calcium 2, 3
  • Magnesium 2, 3
  • Bicarbonate 2, 3
  • Acetate 2
  • Citrate 2
  • Temperature can also be adjusted 2

Importance of Dialysate Composition

The composition of the dialysate is a critical aspect of the hemodialysis prescription 3 Dialysate composition may be determined by default based on dialysate manufacturer specifications or hemodialysis facility practices 3 There is a need for pragmatic clinical trials to determine the optimal dialysate composition 3

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Reducing the risk of intradialytic hypotension by altering the composition of the dialysate.

Hemodialysis international. International Symposium on Home Hemodialysis, 2020

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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