What does the term "Estimated Dry Weight" refer to in dialysis?

The term "Estimated Dry Weight" refers to the ideal weight of a patient without excess fluid. In the context of dialysis, this concept is crucial for managing fluid balance in patients with kidney failure. When a patient undergoes dialysis, excess fluid that has accumulated in the body due to kidney dysfunction is removed. The goal is to bring the patient's weight down to their estimated dry weight, which represents their optimal physiological state.

Achieving this target helps prevent complications related to fluid overload, such as hypertension and heart failure, which can occur if too much fluid is retained. Regularly assessing a patient's dry weight is essential for tailoring their dialysis treatment and ensuring that they maintain a proper fluid balance between session intervals.