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# Mometrix ## Complications There are many complications associated with dialysis, especially when used for long-term treatment: * **Hemodialysis:** * Long-term use promotes atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. * Anemia and fatigue are common as are infections related to access dev...

# Mometrix ## Complications There are many complications associated with dialysis, especially when used for long-term treatment: * **Hemodialysis:** * Long-term use promotes atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. * Anemia and fatigue are common as are infections related to access devices or contamination of equipment. * Some experience hypotension and muscle cramping during treatment. * Dysrhythmias may occur. * Some may exhibit dialysis disequilibrium from cerebral fluid shifts, causing headaches, nausea and vomiting, and alterations of consciousness. * **Peritoneal dialysis:** * Most complications are minor, but it can lead to peritonitis, which requires removal of the catheter if antibiotic therapy is not successful in clearing the infection within 4 days. * There may be leakage of the dialysate around the catheter. * Bleeding may occur, especially in females who are menstruating, as blood is pulled from the uterus through the fallopian tubes. * Abdominal hernias may occur with long use. * Some may have anorexia from feeling of fullness or sweet taste in mouth from absorption of glucose. ## Urinalysis Urinalysis tests the following components of urine: * **Color:** Pale yellow/amber and darkens when urine is concentrated or other substances (such as blood or bile) are present. * **Appearance:** Clear but may be slightly cloudy. * **Odor:** Slight. Bacteria may give urine a foul smell, depending upon the organism. Some foods, such as asparagus, change odor. * **Specific gravity:** 1.015 to 1.025. May increase if protein levels increase or if there is fever, vomiting, or dehydration. * **pH:** Usually ranges 4.5 to 8 with average of 5 to 6. * **Sediment:** * Red cell casts from acute infections, broad casts from kidney disorders, and white cell casts from pyelonephritis. * Leukocytes > 10 per ml3 are present with urinary tract infections. * **Glucose, ketones, protein, blood, bilirubin, and nitrate:** Negative. * Urine glucose may increase with infection (with normal blood glucose). * Frank blood may be caused by some parasites and diseases but also by drugs, smoking, excessive exercise, and menstrual fluids. * Increased red blood cells may result from lower urinary tract infections. * **Urobilinogen:** 0.1-1.0 units. ## Renal Function Studies Renal function studies examine the following components of kidney function: * **Specific gravity:** 1.015-1.025. Determines kidney's ability to concentrate urinary solutes. * **Osmolality (urine):** 250-900 mOsm/kg/24 hours. Shows early defects if kidney's ability to concentrate urine is impaired. * **Osmolality (serum):** 275-295 mOsm/kg. * **Uric acid (serum):** * 0 to 12 years: 2.0 to 5.5 mg/dL * 13 to adult: Male 4.4 to 7.6, Female 2.3 to 6.6