Some Common Complications of Hemodialysis
Complication | Usual Cause |
|---|---|
Bacteria or fever-causing substances (pyrogens) in the bloodstream Overheated dialysate | |
Life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) | Allergy to a substance in the dialyzer or the tubing that carries blood or to medications given during dialysis |
Removal of too much fluid | |
Abnormal levels of potassium and other substances in the blood Low blood pressure | |
Air entering the tubing that carries blood | |
Bleeding in the intestines, brain, eyes, or abdomen | |
Bacteria entering the bloodstream through a needle inserted into veins for hemodialysis access | |
Possibly rapid changes in the amount or distribution of body fluids or salts |
In these topics