Abstract

BACKGROUND In a previous case report, it was shown that an increase in plasma colloid osmotic pressure induced by the removal of fluid during haemodialysis was instrumental in decreasing intraocular pressure. The relation between changes in intraocular pressure, plasma osmolarity, plasma colloid osmotic pressure, and body weight before and after haemodialysis is evaluated.

METHODS Intraocular pressure, plasma osmolarity, plasma colloid osmotic pressure, and body weight were evaluated before and after haemodialysis in 36 patients.

RESULTS Intraocular pressure and plasma osmolarity both decreased significantly after haemodialysis (p<0.0001). Plasma colloid osmotic pressure increased significantly after haemodialysis (p<0.0001). Body weight decreased significantly because of the removal of fluid during haemodialysis (p<0.0001). No significant correlation was found between the change in intraocular pressure and that in plasma osmolarity (r=−0.206, p=0.2297), whereas the change in intraocular pressure was correlated with the change in plasma colloid osmotic pressure (r=−0.510, p=0.0012) and the change in body weight (r=0.534, p=0.0006). A significant correlation was found between the change in plasma colloid osmotic pressure and that in body weight (r=−0.756, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION The change in intraocular pressure was inversely correlated with the increase in plasma colloid osmotic pressure caused by the removal of fluid during haemodialysis.