How to determine 'dry weight'

Abstract

Sodium and fluid retention in dialysis patients is associated with hypertension and vascular changes that may ultimately lead to serious cardiovascular complications. Achieving and maintaining dry weight appears to be an effective but forgotten strategy in controlling and maintaining normal blood pressure among hypertensive patients on dialysis. A crucial question is how to determine 'dry weight'. Normotension without the use of antihypertensive medications in conjunction with a cardio-thoracic index below 48% is the most important criterion showing that the dry weight is achieved. © 2013 International Society of Nephrology.