The Use of Furosemide in Patients on Dialysis

Patients often begin dialysis taking diuretics (stimulate the kidney to excrete salt and water). Once on dialysis, these drugs are often continued. Whether these drugs are still needed, or even effective is often unclear.This study,by evaluating the composition of the patients' urine when off the drug, will predict which patients should benefit from the drug. By comparing their 24 hour volume both off and on the drug, the impact of the drug will be established. The results will allow the prediction of which patients, in the future, should take the drug. The hypothesis is: Among dialysis recipients, evaluation of the random urine sodium concentration will help predict the likelihood of a positive response to Furosemide, as manifested by an increased urine volume and sodium excretion.