Doctors are warning of more dangers with hemodialysis, particularly elevated serum phosphate. These patients may be at risk for major adverse limb events (MALE), caused by limb ischemia, the reduction or loss of oxygen to the limb. Patients in this situation can end up losing use of their limb and that can result in amputation of that limb or limbs.

Patients undergoing hemodialysis are at greater risk for peripheral artery disease, though there is not enough information on what risk factors can be reduced to prevent MALE incidents. A recent study
looked at 3505 Japanese patients undergoing hemodialysis for 10 years. Researchers were looking for incidents requiring MALE intervention.

They found, after 8.2 years, 257 patients required such interventions. After this study, researchers believe maintaining the serum phosphate concentration in the optimal range is the best way to lower MALE interventions.

This can be done through a combination of sufficient dialysis, dietary therapy, use of phosphate binders, and control of secondary hyperparathyroidism. For more information on what you need to be aware of as a person living with chronic kidney disease, be sure to watch our videos on YouTube.