Abstract: Introduction The unitless measure Kt/V is a measurement of adequacy of dialysis. A Kt/V value greater than 1.2 is internationally accepted as a measure of adequate dialysis. The objectives of this study were to 1. To measure the adequacy of dialysis for each individual session by calculating the Kt /V value in patients with chronic renal failure who are exclusively dialysed at National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL). 2. To calculate an average Kt/V value per patient. Methods The target population was the patients undergoing dialysis exclusively in NHSL over a three month period from the University Medical Unit. The study population had Kt/V values calculated after each dialysis and at the end of study an average Kt/V was also calculated for each patient. Results During the period of study, there were 31 patients with CRF who were exclusively dialyzed at NHSL. Eighteen (58.1%) were males and 13 (41.9%) were females. A total of 138 dialysis sessions were assessed. Of these only 39 (28.2 %) had a Kt/V value equal or greater than 1.2. Furthermore only 10 (32.2%) patients had an average Kt/V equal or above 1.2. Only 3 (9.7%) patients out of 31 received the prescribed dialysis dose. Discussion A shorter duration of dialysis, low blood and solute flow rates through dialyser, poor vascular access, qualities of dialyser membrane and logistical problems in catering to a huge demand for haemodialysis may contribute to inadequate dialysis at NHSL.

chaturaka Rodrigo¹, Rushika Lanerolle², Carukshi Arambepola³

¹University medical unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, ²Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, ³Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

Keywords: KT/V , haemodialysis , adequacy