Complications of dialysis
The intradialytic emergencies (hypotension, disequilibrium, dialyser reactions, air embolism), vascular access problems from catheter bacteraemia to steal syndrome, and the long-term burden of cardiovascular disease, amyloid, acquired cystic disease and pruritus, with the ward traps around fistula arms and drug dosing.
Tier 2Condition
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- About 16,000 Australians were on dialysis at the end of 2024, mostly haemodialysis (AIHW, from ANZDATA 2025). The mode itself, PD peritonitis and adequacy are in Modes of dialysis.
- Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death on dialysis, then withdrawal from dialysis and infection.
- Problems fall into three groups: during the session, related to access, and long term.
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Sources
- Lok CE et al. KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Vascular Access: 2019 Update. Am J Kidney Dis 2020;75(4 Suppl 2):S1-S164National Kidney Foundation KDOQI, 2019 (current, November 2026)
- KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Hemodialysis Adequacy: 2015 Update. Am J Kidney Dis 2015;66(5):884-930National Kidney Foundation KDOQI, 2015
- KHA-CARI Guidelines, Dialysis (vascular access 2012, infection control for haemodialysis units 2018)AU/NZKidney Health Australia, Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment, online, checked November 2026
- Li PKT et al. ISPD peritonitis guideline recommendations: 2022 update on prevention and treatment. Perit Dial Int 2022;42(2):110-53International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis, 2022
- ANZDATA Registry 48th Annual Report 2025 (data to 31 December 2024)AU/NZAustralia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, 2025
- Chronic kidney disease, dialysis (citing ANZDATA 2025)AU/NZAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2025
- Foley RN et al. Long interdialytic interval and mortality among patients receiving hemodialysis. N Engl J Med 2011;365:1099-107New England Journal of Medicine, 2011
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
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