Recent advances in the monitoring and control of haemodynamic variables during haemodialysis: a review.

The human body possesses a unique set of organs that are responsible for providing homeostatic balance to the body's fluids. Of these, the kidneys regulate fluid and electrolyte balance in order to maintain the intracellular and extracellular fluid volumes and ion composition within tight limits. When kidneys fail to function normally, fluid is retained and several ions and solutes accumulate.

Identification and control for automated regulation of hemodynamic variables during hemodialysis.

This paper proposes a novel model-based control methodology for a computer-controlled hemodialysis system, designed to maintain the hemodynamic stability of end-stage renal failure patients undergoing fluid removal during hemodialysis. The first objective of this paper is to introduce a linear parameter varying system to model the hemodynamic response of patients during hemodialysis. Ultrafiltration rate (UFR) and dialysate sodium concentration (DSC) are imposed as the inputs, and the model computes the relative blood volume (RBV), percentage change in heart rate ( ∆HR), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) during the course of hemodialysis.

Respiration-induced changes in ear photoplethysmography relates to relative blood volume during hemodialysis.

Renal failure patients provide a good model of fluid overload with the process of hemodialysis leading to central hypovolemia. This study aims to assess if hemodialysis induces identifiable changes in ear photoplethysmographic waveform variability (PPGV). The results are based on data collected from 10 kidney failure patients undergoing regular hemodialysis; classified as either fluid removal or non-fluid removal patients.

Linear parameter varying system based modeling of hemodynamic response to profiled hemodialysis.

This paper proposes a novel linear parameter varying (LPV) system to model the hemodynamic response of end-stage renal failure patients to profiled hemodialysis (PHD). Ultrafiltration rate (UFR) and dialysate sodium concentration (Na) are imposed as the control inputs and the model computes the relative blood volume (RBV), percentage change in heart rate (ΔDHR(%)) and percentage change in systolic blood pressure (ΔDSBP(%)) during the course of hemodialysis. Model parameters are estimated using least squares approach based on data collected from 12 patients where each patient underwent 4 profile hemodialysis sessions.

Outcome of overseas commercial kidney transplantation: an Australian perspective.

Lack of donors has led to a worldwide increase in commercial kidney transplantation programs where recipients acquire kidneys either from executed prisoners or live non-related donors. Commercial transplantation is prohibited by legislation in Australia. Our centres have had 16 patients who have travelled overseas to receive a commercial kidney transplant; five have subsequently died.