Inpatient dialysis commonly treats conditions such as:

• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) – sudden loss of kidney function due to illness, surgery, infection, or other causes
• Decompensated Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – significant worsening of long-term kidney function requiring urgent therapy
• Fluid overload that cannot be managed with medication alone
• Electrolyte imbalances (such as severe potassium abnormalities)
• Support during critical illness or before/after surgery
• Continuation of dialysis for patients already receiving chronic outpatient dialysis who are hospitalized

1. Nephrology Evaluation – A nephrologist assesses kidney function through lab testing and clinical examination.
2. Vascular Access – Dialysis access (temporary dialysis catheter or existing fistula/graft) allows blood to safely circulate through the dialysis system.
3. Dialysis Treatment – Blood flows through a dialysis machine and dialyzer to remove excess fluid, toxins, and waste products.
4. Continuous Monitoring – Vital signs, fluid balance, and lab values are closely monitored throughout treatment.
5. Care Coordination – Dialysis treatments are coordinated with the patient’s overall inpatient plan of care, including ICU, surgical, cardiac, or medical teams.

Hemodialysis (HD)
Hemodialysis is the most common inpatient dialysis treatment. During hemodialysis:

• Blood is circulated through a dialysis machine
• A specialized filter (dialyzer) removes toxins, waste, and excess fluid
• Cleaned blood is returned safely to the patient
• Treatments typically last 3–4 hours, depending on clinical needs

This therapy is used for both acute and chronic dialysis patients during hospitalization.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
A slower, continuous form of dialysis used in ICU settings for patients who are critically ill or hemodynamically unstable.

Prolonged or Specialized Renal Replacement Therapy
Customized dialysis approaches based on the patient’s medical condition and tolerance.

• A highly trained dialysis nursing team working closely with nephrologists and hospital physicians
• Close monitoring during and after treatments
• Clear communication regarding treatment goals and progress
• Discharge planning that may include transition to outpatient dialysis, rehabilitation, or home therapy options if ongoing dialysis is required

Oklahoma State University Medical Center’s inpatient dialysis program utilizes advanced dialysis technology to ensure safe and effective treatment, including:

• Fresenius BlueStar hemodialysis machines
• CRRT machines for critically ill patients
• Portable reverse osmosis (RO) water purification systems when needed
• Electronic documentation and monitoring systems integrated into the hospital record