The effect of preparing dialysis machine using normal saline-heparin on the dialysis adequacy of hemodialysis patients: A crossover, two-group, and randomized clinical trial

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) need adequate dialysis. Thus, identification of the ways to enhance dialysis adequacy is very important. Objectives: The present study was conducted to examine the effect of preparing a dialysis machine using a normal saline heparin method on the dialysis adequacy of hemodialysis patients. Methods: This study was conducted in Hamadan in 2019. A total of 36 patients with hemodialysis were selected using convenience sampling who were assigned to the control and intervention groups. The hemodialysis machine was primed for one month using a routine method (control) and one month using a normal saline-heparin method (intervention). Urea reduction ratio (URR) and Kt/V indices were calculated at the beginning and end of each month in the intervention and control groups. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-test. Results: In the normal saline-heparin group, KT/V showed a statistically significant difference before and after the treatment (P = 0.013), as well as an increase in the KT/V. The URR as the mean dialysis adequacy showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.004) between the normal saline group and the normal saline-heparin group before and after the treatment. Moreover, URR in the normal saline-heparin group increased after the treatment. In the normal saline treatment group, KT/V and URR decreased after the treatment. In the normal saline group, URR decreased after the treatment. Conclusions: Applying the hemodialysis machine preparation with a normal saline-heparin method increased dialysis adequacy in the patients who underwent hemodialysis.