How much fluid can a person with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis drink?

Fluid intake for hemodialysis patients is limited between dialysis treatments since the kidneys lose the ability to make urine and remove excess fluid from the body. Excess fluid can increase blood pressure, causes the heart to work harder, and can cause shortness of breath.

For hemodialysis patients who no longer urinate due to complete kidney failure, liquids are usually limited to 32 ounces or 1000 ml each day. Some hemodialysis patients have a small amount of residual kidney function (residual renal function) so their kidneys are able to remove some fluid still. For them, the fluid restriction may be increased. How much liquid can dialysis patients with residual kidney function consume?

To find out, a 24-hour urine collection is measured. That volume is added to the initial 1000 ml (1 liter) fluid restriction. For example, if the 24-hour urine collection is 480 ml, which is the same as 16 ounces, the fluid restriction is increased from 32 ounces to 48 ounces or 1500 ml per day. Dialysis patients are advised to weigh themselves daily to help keep track of weight and fluid balance.