Myocardial performance index suggests optimal fluid loss during hemodialysis.

Background: Patients on long-term maintenance hemodialysis (HD) are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and suffering various cardiovascular complications during HD.

Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of changing loading conditions on the myocardial performance index (MPI) in patients on long-term HD and to specify an optimal level of fluid loss during HD that would maintain stable global cardiac function.

Methods: The study consisted of 52 patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF), mean age 56±11.