| Theme |
Trace Elements in Dialysis Treatment |
| Title |
Powdered dialysates and silicon (Si) |
| Author |
Tetsuharu Matsumoto |
Division of Clinical Engineering, Shirasagi Hospital |
| Author |
Kazumi Okabayashi |
Division of Clinical Engineering, Shirasagi Hospital |
| Author |
Tomoyuki Yamakawa |
Division of Diagnostics, Kidney Center, Shirasagi Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Recently, dialysate supply systems with powdered concentrates, have been considered to have an advantage over those made with liquid concentrates in terms of cost. They have come into wide spread use. Using this type of dialysate causes collections of silicate in line filters for the dialysate supply systems. In humans with normal renal function, the kidney is a major organ for the elimination of silicon (Si). Serum silicon levels in dialysis patients are significantly higher than in those with normal renal function. This elevation of serum silicon levels is affected by silicon contamination in the dialysate as well as the silicon content in the tap water. Large amounts of silicon in tap water may be removed with reverse osmosis membranes. The dialysates prepared from powdered concentrates include silicate particles. The line filters for dialysate supply systems become blocked by these particles. We suggest replacement of the filters once every two to three months to prevent of filter clogging. |