indications for emergency dialysis

Last reviewed 01/2018

There are three main indications for emergency dialysis in acute renal failure:

• severe hyperkalaemia (K+ > 7mmol/L) which is resistant to medical therapy
• pulmonary oedema refractory to medical therapy
• worsening severe metabolic acidosis (pH < 7.2 or base excess < -10)

Other possible indications include:

• uraemic pericarditis
• uraemic encephalopathy