Patent Application
20200029868
The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for estimating a patient blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level prior to a dialysis session based on data received when introducing an ammonium removal solution through a zirconium phosphate sorbent module. The systems and methods can introduce an ammonium removal solution and determine an ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent to estimate the patient pre-dialysis BUN level.
Urea is a marker for dialysis adequacy in hemodialysis treatment. To measure a patient's blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, existing systems and methods usually require a technician to obtain a blood sample from the patient. The technician then uses a blood gas analyzer to analyze the blood sample to determine BUN. The known process for obtaining BUNS is expensive and time-consuming and relies on many manual steps that are not easily automatable. The known systems and methods fail to appreciate that BUN can be estimated by measuring an amount of ammonia absorbed onto zirconium phosphate. In sorbent dialysis, zirconium phosphate is used to remove waste and unwanted solutes including ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium ions from dialysate. Zirconium oxide is used to remove phosphate ions from dialysate. Urease is used to breakdown urea into carbon dioxide and ammonium in order to facilitate their removal. During treatment, the ammonium ions are adsorbed by the zirconium phosphate to avoid being returned to the patient. Known systems and methods, however, cannot determine an amount of ammonium ions absorbed by the zirconium phosphate. The known systems and methods do not provide for such exchange and fail to provide for the measurement of such exchange of ammonium ions for sodium or hydrogen ions. As such, known systems and methods cannot measure the amount of ammonium ions displaced from zirconium phosphate during an exchange process. The systems also cannot take measurements using automated means and must rely on manually drawing blood from a patient to obtain BUN.
Hence, there is a need for systems and methods for determining an amount of ammonia without requiring a patient's blood sample. The need extends to measuring pre-dialysis BUN i.e., pre-BUN levels, using measurements from fluids excluding a patient's blood. The need extends to automated systems and methods for estimating BUN or pre-BUN. There is a further need for measuring an amount of ammonia displaced from zirconium phosphate during a process wherein one or more solutions are passed through the zirconium phosphate. The need extends to systems and methods suitable for use in dialysis and in recharging a sorbent cartridge for use in dialysis. The need includes systems and methods for estimating a patient's pre-dialysis BUN level based on an amount of total ammonia displaced during a recharging process of a sorbent cartridge.
The first aspect of the invention relates to a method. In any embodiment, the method can comprise introducing one or more ammonium removal solutions into a zirconium phosphate sorbent module; determining a total ammonia content in an ammonium removal solution effluent of the zirconium phosphate sorbent module using an ammonia sensor; and estimating a patient pre-dialysis BUN level based on the total ammonia content in the ammonium removal solution effluent.
In any embodiment, the ammonia sensor can be in an effluent line fluidly connectable to an outlet of the zirconium phosphate sorbent module.
In any embodiment, the method can comprise the step of introducing the ammonium removal solution effluent in a reservoir, and the step of determining the total ammonia content in the ammonium removal solution effluent can comprise determining the total ammonia content in the reservoir.
In any embodiment, the step of estimating the patient pre-dialysis BUN level can comprise determining a total ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent to determine a volume averaged total ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent.
In any embodiment, the step of determining the total ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent can comprise integrating an ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent.
In any embodiment, the method can comprise determining an amount of ammonia removed by the zirconium phosphate sorbent module during a dialysis session.
In any embodiment, the step of estimating the patient pre-dialysis BUN level can comprise using an equation:
wherein CBurea, pre is the patient pre-dialysis urea level,
In any embodiment, the method can use a sorbent recharger and the one or more ammonium removal solutions can comprise one or more recharge solutions; and the step of introducing the one or more recharge solutions through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module can comprise first introducing water through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module and then introducing a brine solution through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module.
In any embodiment, the step of determining the total ammonia content in the ammonium removal solution effluent can comprise determining the total ammonia content while introducing the water through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module and determining the total ammonia content while introducing the brine solution through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module.
In any embodiment, the step of determining the total ammonia content in the ammonium removal solution effluent can comprise determining the total ammonia content while introducing the brine solution through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module.
In any embodiment, the step of determining the total ammonia content in the ammonium removal solution effluent can comprise continuously determining the total ammonia content in the ammonium removal solution effluent.
In any embodiment, the step of determining the total ammonia content in the ammonium removal solution effluent can comprise determining the total ammonia content in the ammonium removal solution effluent at preset intervals.
In any embodiment, a processor can be programmed to estimate the patient pre-dialysis BUN level based on the ammonia content in the ammonium removal solution effluent.
The features disclosed as being part of the first aspect of the invention can be in the first aspect of the invention, either alone or in combination, or follow a preferred arrangement of one or more of the described elements.
The second aspect of the invention is drawn to a system. In any embodiment, the system can comprise a flow path comprising: at least one ammonium removal solution source; the ammonium removal solution source fluidly connectable to a zirconium phosphate module inlet; a pump; and an effluent line fluidly connectable to a zirconium phosphate module outlet; at least one ammonia sensor; and a processor in communication with the at least one ammonia sensor, the processor estimating a patient pre-dialysis BUN level based on a total ammonia content in an ammonium removal solution effluent of the zirconium phosphate sorbent module.
In any embodiment, the system can comprise a sorbent recharger; and the at least one ammonium removal solution source can comprise at least a water source and a brine source.
In any embodiment, the processor can determine an amount of ammonia removed by the zirconium phosphate sorbent module.
In any embodiment, the processor can estimate the patient pre-dialysis BUN level using an equation:
wherein CBurea, pre is the patient pre-dialysis urea level,
In any embodiment, the processor can be programmed to determine the urea reduction ratio using an equation: URR=1-e−kt/V wherein k is a dialyzer clearance, t is a length of time of a dialysis session, and visa patient water volume.
In any embodiment, the processor can be programmed to receive the total ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent from the at least one ammonia sensor continuously during the method.
In any embodiment, the processor can be programmed to receive the total ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent from the at least one ammonia sensor at preset intervals.
In any embodiment, the processor can control the pump to first introduce water from the water source through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module, and then introduce brine from the brine source through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module.
In any embodiment, the processor can be programmed to receive the total ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent while water is introduced through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module and while brine is introduced through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module.
In any embodiment, the processor can be programmed to receive the total ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent while brine is introduced through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module.
In any embodiment, the system can comprise a reservoir fluidly connectable to the effluent line, the at least one ammonia sensor determining the total ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent in the reservoir.
In any embodiment, the at least one ammonia sensor can be in the effluent line.
In any embodiment, the system can comprise a temperature sensor in communication with the processor.
The features disclosed as being part of the second aspect of the invention can be in the second aspect of the invention, either alone or in combination, or follow a preferred arrangement of one or more of the described elements.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
The articles “a” and “an” are used to refer to one or to over one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. For example, “an element” means one element or over one element.
A “ammonia sensor” can be any component or set of components capable of determining a concentration of ammonia within a fluid. In certain embodiments an ammonia sensor can determine both an ammonia and an ammonium ion concentration in a fluid.
An “ammonium removal flow path” can be a path through which fluid can travel while removing ammonium ions from a material. One non-limiting material can be a sorbent material.
An “ammonium removal solution” is any solution containing solutes that promote the release of ammonium ions from a material. One non-limiting material can be a sorbent material.
The term “ammonium removal solution source” refers to a source of a solution that contains solutes that can promote release of ammonium ions from a material, such as a sorbent material. In certain embodiments, the ammonium removal solution source can be an acid, base, sodium ions, potassium ions, calcium ions, magnesium ions, or combinations thereof.
The term “amount of ammonia removed” can refer to a total amount of ammonia or ammonium ions taken out of a fluid or solution.
A “brine solution” can be a solution containing salts and/or buffers containing solutes used in recharging a material such as a sorbent material. In certain embodiments, the brine solution can be a solution of a sodium salt, acetic acid, sodium acetate, or combinations thereof.
The term “brine source” refers to a source of a solution of salts and/or buffers containing solutes used in recharging a sorbent material. In certain embodiments, the brine source can contain a sodium salt, acetic acid, sodium acetate, or combinations thereof.
The terms “communication” or “electronic communication” can refer to the ability to transmit electronic data, instructions, information wirelessly, via electrical connection, or any other electrical transmission between two components or systems.
The term “comprising” includes, but is not limited to, whatever follows the word “comprising.” Use of the term indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory but that other elements are optional and may be present.
The term “consisting of” includes and is limited to whatever follows the phrase “consisting of.” The phrase indicates the limited elements are required or mandatory and that no other elements may be present.
The term “consisting essentially of” includes whatever follows the term “consisting essentially of” and additional elements, structures, acts or features that do not affect the basic operation of the apparatus, structure or method described.
The term “continuously,” when referring to a frequency of measurements, can refer to taking measurements without halting during a process.
The terms “control,” “controlling,” or “controls” refer to the ability of one component to direct the actions of a second or more than one other component.
The terms “determining” and “determine” can refer to ascertaining or identifying a particular state or desired state. For example, a system or fluid, or any measured variable(s) or feature(s) of a system or a fluid can be determined by obtaining sensor data, retrieving data, performing a calculation, or by any other known method.
A “dialysis session” can be any time period of any length during which a patient is treated by or undergoes dialysis, hemodialysis, hemofiltration, ultrafiltration, or other fluid removal therapy.
The term “dialyzer clearance” refers to a rate at which solutes pass through a dialyzer membrane.
The term “effluent” can refer to liquid, gas, or a combination thereof exiting a container, compartment, or cartridge.
An “effluent line” can be a fluid passageway, tube, or path of any kind into which liquid, gas, or a combination thereof exiting a container, module, or component can flow.
“Estimated,” “estimating,” to “estimate,” or “estimation” can each refer to a determination of one or more parameters indirectly using one or more variables.
The term “fluidly connectable” refers to a capability for providing for the passage of fluid, gas, or combination thereof, from one point to another point. The capability for providing such passage can be any connection, fastening, or forming between two points to permit the flow of fluid, gas, or combinations thereof. The two points can be within or between any one or more of compartments of any type, modules, systems, components, such as rechargers, as described herein.
The term “fluidly connected” refers to a particular state such that the passage of fluid, gas, or combination thereof, is provided from one point to another point. The connection state can also include an unconnected state, such that the two points are disconnected from each other to discontinue flow. It will be further understood that the two “fluidly connectable” points, as defined above, can from a “fluidly connected” state. The two points can be within or between any one or more of compartments, modules, systems, components, and rechargers, all of any type.
The term “integrating” or to “integrate” refers to determining a total area under a curve for a particular function.
The terms “introducing,” “introduced,” or to “introduce” refers to directionally moving or flowing a fluid, a gas, or a combination thereof by any means known to those of skill in the art.
The term “length of time of a dialysis session” refers to the total amount of time from the beginning to end of a single dialysis session.
A “patient” or “subject” can be a member of any animal species, preferably a mammalian species, optionally a human. The subject can be an apparently healthy individual, an individual suffering from a disease, or an individual being treated for a disease. In certain embodiments, the patient can be a human, sheep, goat, dog, cat, mouse or any other animal.
The term “patient pre-dialysis blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level” can refer to the amount of nitrogen that comes from urea that is within the body of a patient prior to a dialysis session. The BUN measurement is generally given in units of mg/dl, but can also be given in units of millimoles per liter urea, or any other units of concentration.
The term “patient pre-dialysis urea level” can refer to the amount of urea within the body of a patient prior to a dialysis session. The BUN measurement is generally given in units of millimoles per liter, but can also be given in any other units of concentration.
“Patient water volume” refers to the total amount of water in a patient.
A “preset interval” or “present intervals” can be a period of time between events that is determined prior to the events.
The term “processor” as used is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The term refers without limitation to a computer system, state machine, processor, or the like designed to perform arithmetic or logic operations using logic circuitry that responds to and processes the basic instructions that drive a computer. In any embodiment of the first, second, third, and fourth invention, the terms can include ROM (“read-only memory”) and/or RAM (“random-access memory”) associated therewith.
The term “programmed,” when referring to a processor, can mean a series of instructions that cause a processor to perform certain steps.
The term “pump” refers to any device that causes the movement of fluids or gases by applying suction or pressure.
The term “receiving” refers to obtaining information or data from any source.
A “recharge solution” or “recharge solutions” can be a solution containing appropriate ions for recharging a specific sorbent material. A recharge solution can be a single solution containing all necessary ions for recharging a sorbent material. Alternatively, the recharge solution can contain some of the ions for recharging the sorbent material, and one or more other recharge solutions can be used to form a composite “recharge solution” to recharge the sorbent material, as described herein.
A “recharge solution source” can be any fluid or concentrate source from which a recharge solution can be stored, obtained, or delivered therefrom.
“Recharging” refers to treating a sorbent material to restore a functional capacity of the sorbent material putting the sorbent material back into a condition for reuse or use in a new dialysis session. In some instances, the total mass, weight and/or amount of “rechargeable” sorbent materials remain the same. In some instances, the total mass, weight and/or amount of “rechargeable” sorbent materials change. Without being limited to any one theory of invention, the recharging process may involve exchanging ions bound to the sorbent material with different ions, which in some instances may increase or decrease the total mass of the system. However, the total amount of the sorbent material will in some instances be unchanged by the recharging process. Upon a sorbent material undergoing “recharging,” the sorbent material can then be said to be “recharged.”
A “reservoir” is a container or component that can hold a liquid, fluid, gas, or combination thereof.
A “sorbent cartridge module” or “sorbent module” means a discreet component of a sorbent cartridge. Multiple sorbent cartridge modules can be fitted together to form a sorbent cartridge of two, three, or more sorbent cartridge modules. The “sorbent cartridge module” or “sorbent module” can contain any selected materials for use in sorbent dialysis and may or may not contain a “sorbent material” or adsorbent, but less than the full complement of sorbent materials needed. In other words, the “sorbent cartridge module” or “sorbent module” generally refers to the use of the “sorbent cartridge module” or “sorbent module” in sorbent-based dialysis, e.g., REDY (REcirculating DYalysis), and not that a “sorbent material” that is necessarily contained in the “sorbent cartridge module” or “sorbent module.”
A “sorbent recharger” or “recharger” is an apparatus designed to recharge at least one sorbent material.
The term “temperature sensor” refers to a device for measuring the temperature of a gas, a liquid, or a combination thereof in a vessel, container, or fluid line.
The term “total ammonia content” can refer to an amount of ammonia dissolved in a fluid. The total ammonia content can refer to the concentration, mass, or any other value of the amount of ammonia dissolved in the fluid. In certain embodiments, the term ammonia content can refer to the sum of the ammonia content and/or ammonium ion content of a fluid.
“Urea reduction ratio” or “URR” refers to the amount by which the urea level of a patient is reduced during treatment. The URR can be expressed as 1 minus the ratio of the patient's ending urea level over the patient's starting urea level.
The term “volume averaged total ammonia content” can refer to a total ammonia content of a fluid divided by a total volume of the fluid.
A “water source” can be a fluid source from which water can be stored, obtained, or delivered therefrom.
“Zirconium phosphate” is a sorbent material that removes cations from a fluid, exchanging the removed cations for different cations.
The term “zirconium phosphate module inlet” can refer to a portion of a sorbent module containing zirconium phosphate through which fluid, gas, or a combination thereof can be drawn into the sorbent module.
The term “zirconium phosphate module outlet” can refer to a portion of a sorbent module containing zirconium phosphate through which fluid, gas, or a combination thereof can be drawn out of the sorbent module.
The invention is drawn to systems and methods for estimating a patient pre-dialysis blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level based on data received during removal of ammonium ions from a sorbent module containing zirconium phosphate used by the patient during a previous dialysis session.
The zirconium phosphate sorbent module 102 can be fluidly connectable to the ammonium removal flow path 101 through zirconium phosphate module inlet 103 and zirconium phosphate module outlet 104. In certain embodiments, the zirconium phosphate sorbent module 102 can be reusable. Alternatively, the zirconium phosphate sorbent module 102 can be single-use. Pump 106 provides a driving force for moving fluids through the flow path. Ammonium ions displaced when solutes from the ammonium removal solution are adsorbed by the zirconium phosphate exit the zirconium phosphate sorbent module 102 through zirconium phosphate module outlet 104 into effluent line 109. In certain embodiments, an ammonia sensor 108 can measure the total ammonia concentration of the ammonium removal solution effluent in effluent line 109. As described, a processor in communication with the ammonia sensor 108 can use the total ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent to estimate the patient pre-dialysis BUN level. Alternatively, or additionally, the ammonium removal solution effluent can be collected in an effluent reservoir 107. The ammonium removal solution effluent collected in effluent reservoir 107 can be pooled and tested to measure the total ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent.
Although shown as a single ammonia sensor 108 in
The amount of ammonium ions adsorbed by the zirconium phosphate can also be determined while recharging the zirconium phosphate in a zirconium phosphate sorbent module. The recharging of the sorbent module containing zirconium phosphate can be performed as in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/642,847 (US20150367055A1), the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
During a dialysis session, the zirconium phosphate serves to remove cations from spent dialysate, including ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, exchanging the cations for hydrogen and sodium ions. The sodium chloride and buffer solutions used in recharging the zirconium phosphate serve to displace the cations absorbed during treatment with sodium and hydrogen ions, facilitating reuse of the zirconium phosphate.
The ammonia is formed by the breakdown of urea by urease in the sorbent cartridge during treatment. The amount of ammonia adsorbed by the zirconium phosphate is therefore a function of the amount of urea removed during treatment. Displaced ammonia from the zirconium phosphate sorbent module 302 will exit the zirconium phosphate sorbent module 302 through zirconium phosphate module outlet 304 into effluent line 309. An ammonia sensor 310 can determine the total ammonia content of the effluent recharge solution, which is similar to the ammonium removal solution effluent described with respect to FIG.'s 1-2, in effluent line 309. During the ammonium removal process, the ammonium removal solution can be introduced through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module 302 in either direction. The ammonium removal solution can be introduced through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module 302 in the same direction as the dialysate flow during therapy, or in the reverse direction. Generally, when recharging the zirconium phosphate sorbent module 302, the direction of flow of the recharge solutions is in the reverse direction as compared to the dialysate flow during treatment. However, when the ammonium removal solution is introduced in the same direction as the dialysate flow during therapy, the amount of time required before ammonia is detected in the effluent can provide an indication of the amount of ammonium ions removed by the zirconium phosphate sorbent module 302 during therapy. Generally, only the most proximal portion of the zirconium phosphate sorbent module 302 will be saturated with ammonium ions during therapy and the distance ammonium ions travel through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module 302 during therapy is a function of the amount of ammonium ions removed. The length of time during ammonium removal prior to detection of ammonia in the effluent is a function of the amount of ammonium ions removed during therapy.
One of skill in the art will understand that several methods can be used to determine the total ammonia content in the effluent line 309. In certain embodiments, the ammonia sensor 310 can determine concentrations of both ammonia and ammonium ions in the effluent line 309. Alternatively, the ammonia sensor 310 can determine either the ammonia or ammonium ion concentration and the pH, allowing the total ammonia content to be determined using the Henderson-Hasselbach equation. In certain embodiments, the ammonia sensor 310 can measure the partial pressure of ammonia gas, with the total ammonia content of the effluent determined using Henry's law and the Henderson-Hasselbach equation. Additional sensors, such as a temperature sensor can also be used. Although shown as a single ammonia sensor 310 in
Based on data received from the ammonia sensor in the effluent line of the ammonium removal or recharging flow path, or based on the total ammonia content of collected effluent in a reservoir, the processor can integrate the total ammonia content of the ammonium removal solution effluent at each point in time during the process to determine the total amount of ammonia removed from the zirconium phosphate sorbent module, which will equal the total amount of ammonia removed by the zirconium phosphate during the previous dialysis session. The zirconium phosphate sorbent module can be flushed or back flushed with an ammonium removal solution either during recharging of the zirconium phosphate sorbent module, or with a standalone apparatus for introducing an ammonium removal solution through the zirconium phosphate sorbent module. The total ammonia in the ammonium removal solution effluent can be determined as a volume averaged total ammonia content in the effluent line or the total ammonia content of the collected effluent. The total ammonia removed from the zirconium phosphate sorbent module is twice the amount of urea removed by the sorbent cartridge during the dialysis session, as each molecule of urea produces two molecules of ammonia. The total amount of urea removed by the sorbent cartridge can be approximated as equal to the total amount of urea fed through the sorbent cartridge during treatment times the average conversion of urea by the urease within the sorbent cartridge, as shown in EQ(1).
Total urea=(total ammonia)/2× EQ(1)
Where X is equal to the average urea conversion in the sorbent cartridge. The total urea in the dialysate during the dialysis session is given by EQ(2).
Total urea=Qd*t*
Where Qd is the dialysate flow rate, t is the length of the dialysis session, and
Total urea=Vpre*CBurea, pre−Vpost*CBurea, post EQ(3)
Where Vpre is a patient water volume prior to the dialysis session (which can be given in units of liters), Vpost is the patient water volume after the dialysis session (which can be given in units of liters), CBurea, pre is the patient urea level prior to the dialysis session (which can be given in units of mmol/L), and CBurea, post is the patient blood urea level after the dialysis session (which can be given in units of mmol/L). One of skill in the art will understand that the pre-dialysis urea level can be easily converted to a pre-dialysis BUN level, and vice versa. Although example units are given for Vpre, Vpost, and CBurea, one of skill in the art will understand that other units can be used. The patient water volume before the dialysis session can be determined via bioimpedance, or estimated based on the patient weight. In certain embodiments, the patient water volume prior to the dialysis session can be assumed as 0.58 * the patient weight. After the dialysis session, the patient water volume can be determined by bioimpedance, estimated based on weight, or determined by the pre-session patient water volume minus the total ultrafiltration during the dialysis session. CBurea, post can be estimated based on the urea reduction ratio (URR), as shown in EQ(4).
The urea reduction ratio can be estimated based on patient volume, dialyzer clearance, and session time, as shown in EQ(5), and is a dimensionless unit.
URR=1-e−kt/V EQ(5)
Where k is the dialyzer clearance, t is the length of time of the dialysis session, and v is the patient volume. The dialyzer clearance can be determined using EQ(5).
Where QB is the blood flow rate during the dialysis session, QD is the dialysate flow rate during the dialysis session, and KoA is the dialyzer mass transfer coefficient, which can be obtained from the dialyzer specification sheet. Alternatively, the dialyzer clearance can be determined with online clearance monitoring, using techniques known in the art. In certain embodiments, a bolus of NaCl can be added to the dialysate, and the conductivity delta across the dialyzer can be used to estimate clearance. However, any known methods of determining the dialyzer clearance can be used.
As described, the total ammonia removed by the zirconium phosphate can be determined by EQ(7).
Total NH4=
Where
Plugging the total urea equations into EQ's(1-6) and rearranging allows for estimation of the patient pre-dialysis urea level, CBurea, pre, as shown in EQ(9).
As a non-limiting example of the patient pre-dialysis BUN estimation using a blood flow rate during a dialysis session as 0.3 L/min and a dialysate flow rate of 0.5 L/min and a dialyzer mass transfer coefficient (KoA) of 1.1-L/min, EQ(6) provides a dialyzer clearance of 0.2679 L/min. Assuming a patient weight of 80 kg, the patient water volume prior to dialysis can be assumed as 0.58*80 kg, or 46.4 L. During a 240 minute dialysis session, the URR can be calculated as URR=URR=1-e−(0.2679)(240)/46.4=0.750. An ultrafiltration volume during the dialysis session of 2.0 L would result in a patient post-dialysis water volume of 44.4 L.
Assuming a volume averaged total ammonia content in the effluent of 400 mM, a total effluent volume of 6.0 L, and an average urea conversion by the sorbent cartridge of 0.90, EQ(9) provides the patient pre-dialysis BUN estimation as
of urea.
One of skill in the art will understand that the values used in the example patient pre-dialysis BUN estimation are for illustrative purposes only. Actual values for actual patients will vary. However, EQ's(1-9) can be used with any starting values to provide an estimation of the patient pre-dialysis BUN level.
In certain cases, where the ammonium capacity of the zirconium phosphate is exceeded, ammonia breakthrough may occur. The dialysis system can detect ammonia breakthrough with an ammonia sensor in the dialysate flow path and can record the time of ammonia breakthrough. The patient pre-dialysis BUN level can still be estimated using EQ's(1-9) as described with a known dialysate flow rate and time of ammonia breakthrough.
One skilled in the art will understand that various combinations and/or modifications and variations can be made in the described systems and methods depending upon the specific needs for operation. Moreover, features illustrated or described as being part of an aspect of the invention may be used in the aspect of the invention, either alone or in combination, or follow a preferred arrangement of one or more of the described elements.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/702,497 filed Jul. 24, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62702497 | Jul 2018 | US |
