Benefits of Preserving Residual Urine Output in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Haemodialysis

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease is a widespread medical problem that leads to higher morbidity, mortality, and a decrease in the overall well-being of the general population. This is especially expressed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. Several variables could be used to evaluate those patients’ well-being and mortality risk. One of them is the presence of residual urine output. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 485 patients treated with maintenance haemodialysis. After enrollment in the study, which consisted of medical history, physical examination, hydration assessment, and blood sampling, each patient was followed up for 24 months. We used residual urine output (RUO) as a measure of residual renal function (RRF). The entire cohort was divided into 4 subgroups based on the daily urinary output (<=100mL per day, >100mL to <=500mL, >500mL to <=1000mL and >1000mL). RESULTS: The data show that the mortality rate was significantly higher in groups with lower RUO, which was caused mainly by cardiovascular events. Also, patients with higher RUO achieved better sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate balance. They were also less prone to overhydration and had a better nutritional status. Preserved RRF also had a positive impact on markers of cardiovascular damage, such as NT-proBNP as well as TnT. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, preserving residual urine output in ESRD patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis is invaluable in reducing their morbidity and mortality rates and enhancing other favourable parameters of those patients.