Metabolic acidosis is a known complication of chronic renal failure. Maintenance of the pH within the reference range is important for influencing manifestations of the uraemic syndrome and the mortality of haemodialyzed patients. Intermittent bicarbonate haemodialysis should ensure the acid-base balance within the reference range also during the interval between haemodialyzations. In a short-term prospective study 20 haemodialyzed patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis were examined. The authors assessed indicators of the acid-base balance (pH, HCO3 -, pCO2) at the time of two haemodialyses and during the interval between haemodialyses. The blood flow in the dialyzation monitor was 300 ml/min. and the flow of the dialyzation solution 500 ml/min. The bicarbonate concentration in the dialyzation solution was 34 mmol/l. The duration of haemodialysis was 4 hours three times per week. Bicarbonate haemodialysis with a bicarbonate concentration of 34 mmol/l in the dialyzation solution ensured also during the interval between dialyzations a pH in the reference range in patients with chronic renal failure.

        Key words: Acid-base balance - Haemodialysis - Chronic renal insufficiency