The Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS) is less frequent today than in the past, but it can still occur in a patient with one or more risk factors.
Risk factors for a dialysis patient having the DSS:
(1) very high serum BUN (> 175 mg/dL)
(2) new patient just starting dialysis
(3) at either extreme for age (pediatric or elderly)
(4) severe metabolic acidosis
(5) pre-existing CNS disease
DSS should be suspected in any patient with neurological, visual or other symptoms during or soon after a dialysis session.
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Specialty: Nephrology, Clinical Laboratory