What does SLED mean in HOSPITALS

Sustained Low-Efficiency Dialysis (SLED) is a type of dialysis that uses a longer treatment time and lower blood flow rate than other forms of dialysis, allowing the patient's body to detoxify and replace the electrolytes more slowly. This process helps avoid trauma to the patient's veins and allows for better clearance of small molecules such as urea and creatinine.

SLED is beneficial to patients with very high or very low solute levels that would not be adequately cleared by conventional treatments. It can also be used in cases where there are multiple organ failures, severe fluid overload, chronic malnutrition, or impaired renal function due to diabetes or end-stage kidney disease.

While SLED is a safe and effective form of therapy, there may be some risks associated with treatment. These include infection risk from prolonged exposure to dialysate fluids, electrolyte imbalances if appropriate precautions are not taken, increased risk of clotting due to low venous flow rates, and potential damage to the access site due to prolonged catheter use.

A typical session using SLED typically lasts between 4-6 hours depending on the patient’s needs. The actual length of therapy depends on several factors including solute removal goals, blood flow rates, etc.

In SLED treatments, bicarbonate-based dialysates are usually used because they allow for greater efficiency than other fluids when it comes to removing small molecules such as urea and creatinine.

Depending on individual needs the frequency of SLED treatments can vary greatly; however most protocols recommend daily sessions in order to ensure optimal solute clearance.

In most cases insurance companies will cover most if not all costs associated with SLED treatments; however coverage does vary depending on individual plans so it is best to contact your provider directly for specific information about your coverage levels.

As with any type of dialysis therapy there may be some side effects associated with sustained low-efficiency dialysis treatments including cramping/muscle twitching during treatment times as well as fatigue during recovery periods after treatment ends. Other side effects may include nausea/vomiting, headache, hypotension (low blood pressure), dizziness or pale skin color.