QTc prolongation and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common in hemodialysis
(HD) patients and are associated with sudden cardiac death.
It is known that higher dialysate bicarbonate is associated with more QTc prolongation during
HD sessions.
This study aims to assess the effects of lower (30 mEq/L) versus higher (35 mEq/L) dialysate
bicarbonate in adult maintenance HD patients admitted to the hospital.
The investigators will randomly assign subjects to lower versus higher dialysate bicarbonate
concentrations during their hospital stay for up to a maximum of six HD sessions or until
their hospital discharge.