GranuFlo powder and NaturaLyte liquid are acid concentrate products that are used by most dialysis clinics in the United States. The company responsible for manufacturing both of these products, Fresenius Medical Care, is also responsible for building and selling the dialysis machines used to clean patients’ blood. GranuFlo or NaturaLyte is mixed with bicarbonate and filtered water to formulate dialysate for use in the hemodialysis machines.
Both products contain acetate, which is converted to bicarbonate in the body. When the clinic fails to account for the excess bicarbonate produced by acetate, it can result in a high bicarbonate level in the body, causing metabolic alkalosis.
Signs of Metabolic Alkalosis in End Stage Renal Disease Patients
The following symptoms indicate possible metabolic alkalosis:
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Irritability.
- Confusion.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Muscle twitching.
- Heart arrhythmia.
- Drop in blood pressure.
- Slowed transfer of oxygen from the outside air to the cells within tissues.
- Bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin from lack of oxygen to the cells.
Consequences of Increased Bicarbonate Levels for End Stage Renal Disease Patients
Increased bicarbonate levels in the body can lead to a number of serious health issues, including:
- Death.
- Heart attack.
- Cardiac arrest.
- Low blood oxygen.
- Cardiac arrhythmia.
- Low blood pressure.
- Decreased blood potassium levels.
- Too much carbon dioxide in the blood.
Injured End Stage Renal Disease Patients Seeking Legal Advice
The office of Frank Charles Miranda, P.A. is currently accepting new clients who have experienced one or more of the above health conditions. We will help ensure that Fresenius Medical Care is held accountable for any product that may have directly injured you or a family member. The office of Frank Charles Miranda, P.A. can be contacted by calling 813.254.2637.