Solute solver 'what if' module for modeling urea kinetics.

Background: The publicly available Solute Solver module allows calculation of a variety of two-pool urea kinetic measures of dialysis adequacy using pre- and postdialysis plasma urea and estimated dialyzer clearance or estimated urea distribution volumes as inputs. However, the existing program does not have a 'what if' module, which would estimate the plasma urea values as well as commonly used measures of hemodialysis adequacy for a patient with a given urea distribution volume and urea nitrogen generation rate dialyzed according to a particular dialysis schedule.

Methods: Conventional variable extracellular volume 2-pool urea kinetic equations were used.

Results: A javascript-HTML Web form was created that can be used on any personal computer equipped with internet browsing software, to compute commonly used Kt/V-based measures of hemodialysis adequacy for patients with differing amounts of residual kidney function and following a variety of treatment schedules.

Conclusions: The completed Web form calculator may be particularly useful in computing equivalent continuous clearances for incremental hemodialysis strategies.