A comparison of short and long haemodialysis.

Two groups of patients treated by short (Milan) and long (Newcastle) haemodialysis were compared for incidence of symptoms and biochemical control. Short dialysis corrected urea and creatinine as well but control of potassium and phosphate were similar. The only apparent penalties to be paid by short dialysis patients were a higher incidence of itching, tingling or numbness, impairment of vibratory sense and difficulty in controlling blood pressure. The short dialysis group had higher haemoglobin and less dyspnoea, muscle weakness and dizziness after dialysis.