Etymed
hemodialysis
Definition
A medical procedure that filters waste products and excess fluid from the blood using a machine
Clinical context
A 65-year-old patient with end-stage renal disease presents to the emergency department with severe shortness of breath and fluid overload. Laboratory studies show elevated BUN and creatinine levels. The patient requires immediate hemodialysis to remove accumulated urea and excess fluid. After initiation of dialysis, the patient's symptoms significantly improve and electrolyte levels normalize.
Mnemonic
HELP dialysis: High Blood Pressure, Electrolyte imbalances, Low urine output, and Pulmonary edema - all corrected by dialysis