My kt/v has been running about 1.65 and my dietitian tells me that is excellant. I have a fistula and am on the 5th month with it. I see where other patients have kt/vs over 2., so just how good is my kt/v? I run for 3.5 hrs.

Sherry,

The NKF DOQI Guideline # 4 for Hemodialysis Adequacy (now called K/DOQI) has defined the minimum delivered dose of hemodialysis for adults as 1.2 (single-pool, variable-volume). The full guidelines are online at www.kidney.org under DOQI, Hemodialysis Adequacy.

The NKF has a wonderful brochure on the DOQI Guidelines. You can call the NKF @ (1-800-622-9010) and get a free copy of all the current �Getting The Most From Your Treatment� booklets.

Ask your dialysis staff which method the clinic uses to determine the KT/V results. As far as we know from the current research, there is no such thing as over dialysis (clearance not fluid removal). How you feel and how well you are eating are very important factors in determining if you are getting enough dialysis. If you are not sure if your KT/V is good for you, talk with your nephrologist about your specific numbers.

You are asking questions and that is the best way to �get the most from your treatment�, like the NKF booklets explains. Keep asking �is my KT/V good enough� and you will understand my favorite dialysis quality of life statement. It is from Wayne Nix (long time NKF volunteer and ESRD patient that sadly passed away this past Christmas):

�Dialyze to Live not Live to Dialyze!�

Deborah