Long-term effect of dialysate glucose on the lipid levels of maintenance hemodialysis patients.

The long term use of a glucose free dialysate in a group of 15 maintenance hemodialysis patients is associated with a significant decrease in serum cholesterol in 50% of the patients and a significant decrease in serum triglycerides in 25%. The lipid changes appear to be independent of changes in body weight. Hyperlipidemia is believed to be an associated risk factor in the genesis of atherosclerosis in the general population and perhaps in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The long term correction or palliation of the hyperlipidemia of some maintenance hemodialysis patients by the use of glucose free dialysate may be beneficial.