The Frustrating Attempt to Limit the Interdialytic Weight Gain in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: New Insights Into an Old Problem

Abstract

A significant percentage of patients on chronic hemodialysis have an interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) above the recommended values. High IDWG has detrimental effects on survival, cardiovascular outcomes, and quality of life. High IDWG is secondary to poor adherence to fluid restriction and to excessive intake of fluids, due to thirst and xerostomia. Various strategies have been proposed to limit IDWG such as the reduction of dietary salt intake, behavioral interventions aimed at improving the adherence to fluid restriction, the improvement of xerostomia, and the use of lower dialysate sodium concentration. The present narrative review aims to evaluate the efficacy of each of such strategies.