Prevention of sudden cardiac arrest in dialysis patients: can we do more to improve outcomes?

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of cardiac-associated mortality in dialysis patients. Risk factors unique to hemodialysis patients include abnormal electrolytes, large-volume ultrafiltration, and prior history of cardiac disease. Few randomized controlled trials of standard cardiac interventions have been completed in dialysis patients. Observational studies suggest that modification of the dialysis prescription may be one place to intervene. Prospective research is needed to determine mechanisms of SCA in hemodialysis patients.