Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome

Christina George D.O^1, , Sreelatha Penumalee M.D² and David Minter D.O¹

¹Department of Emergency Medicine, McLaren Oakland, Pontiac, USA

²Department of Nephrology, McLaren Oakland, Pontiac, USA

Cite this paper:
Christina George D.O, Sreelatha Penumalee M.D and David Minter D.O. Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2018; 6(4):68-71. doi: 10.12691/ajmcr-6-4-4

Abstract

Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) is a rare complication of dialysis leading to neurological symptoms which can vary in severity from a simple headache to coma and death. The debate continues on the specific causes of DDS and centers around two main theories; the reverse urea effect and cerebral acidosis. It can be a challenge to predict in which patients DDS will occur, and an even more difficult syndrome to treat while the best known treatment is prevention. A case where DDS led to irreversible brain damage despite preventative measures in place will be discussed along with a discussion of current literature surrounding dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) and its treatment.

Keywords:
dialysis disequilibrium syndrome cerebral edema osmolality

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