What is Dry Weight in Dialysis Patients?

Dry weight is the weight of a dialysis patient without the excess fluid that builds up between treatments. It's essentially the patient’s "ideal weight" — the weight at which the body functions best without signs of fluid overload or dehydration.

💧 Why Dry Weight Matters:

During dialysis, excess fluid that accumulates between treatments is removed. The goal is to remove just enough fluid to reach the patient's dry weight. If too much or too little is removed, it can cause problems:

• If too little fluid is removed:

  • Swelling (edema)

  • High blood pressure

  • Shortness of breath

  • Heart strain

• If too much fluid is removed:

  • Low blood pressure

  • Cramping

  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Nausea or fatigue

📉 How is Dry Weight Determined?

Dry weight isn't static — it may change over time due to:

• Changes in body composition (e.g., gaining or losing muscle or fat)

• Illness or inflammation

• Medication changes

• Growth (in children)

It’s determined through:

• Clinical signs (swelling, BP, symptoms)

• Patient feedback (how they feel after dialysis)

• Trends in weight and blood pressure

• Advanced tools (e.g., bioimpedance machines in some clinics)

📝 Summary: