What does the term "estimated dry weight" refer to in hemodialysis?

The term "estimated dry weight" refers to the ideal weight of the patient without excess fluid. This concept is critical in hemodialysis, as it helps healthcare providers determine how much fluid needs to be removed during a dialysis session. Achieving the estimated dry weight is essential for maintaining the patient's health and avoiding complications such as hypotension, muscle cramps, or cardiovascular issues that can arise from improper fluid management.

While the weight measured right before dialysis might reflect the patient's current state, it does not account for any excess fluid that may be present. Similarly, the total fluid removed during dialysis represents the process's outcome but doesn’t provide an ideal baseline for the patient's fluid status. The weight of the patient after dialysis is complete indicates their status at that moment but does not reflect the necessary ideal state of hydration that the term "estimated dry weight" aims to describe.