The efficacy of dialysis adequacy

. , . , 40 , 2009 37,391, 7,618 45,009[1]. 2000 20,524 10 2 , . 4-10 [2-4]. , . , Kt/Vurea, (urea reduction ratio), Kt/Vurea, . Adequate dialysis is essential for improving dialysis therapies and reducing all-cause mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Efficient removal of the uremic toxins in the blood remains the fundamental role of dialysis therapies. Therefore, urea clearance as assessed by urea kinetic modeling (Kt/Vurea) is a surrogate marker for dialysis adequacy in ESRD patients undergoing dialysis, and the NKF-DOQI recommends a Kt/Vurea of no less than 1.2. The current status of dialysis adequacy in Korea has not been fully investigated. Our Clinical Research Center for End Stage Renal Disease revealed that the mean Kt/Vurea in maintenance hemodialysis patients was 1.49±0.28, and 91.5% of patients satisfied the target level of Kt/Vurea. In addition to Kt/Vurea, clinical parameters such as the volume status, residual renal function, blood pressure, acid-base disorders, anemia, nutrition, inflammation, mineral metabolism, and middle molecule clearance are important for determining adequate dialysis treatment. Further evaluation of clinical parameters is needed to improve dialysis adequacy.