Can sitting in a hemodialysis chair cause DVT?

[Stoday]

I know sitting around in a plane seat for four hours can cause DVT, but on dialysis? Yeah, HD patients get heparin to reduce and prevent clotting but then presumably for a tiny prick air travellers could gain near immunity. But I've never heard of that option.

Anyway, my point is, are HD patients running a risk?

[okarol]

"Chronic renal dialysis patients may be at increased risk of thromboembolism[20], but randomized controlled trials have not addressed the risk benefit of prophylaxis." from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_vein_thrombosis

Taking Heparin and Warfarin for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) http://www.webmd.com/dvt/dvt-treatment-tips-for-taking-heparin-and-warfarin-safely

[galvo]

Stoday, you have me confused. Whose tiny prick are you talking about?

[carol1987]

I asked my Neph and the nurse director at my clinic when i went  to see it for the first time.   I was concerned because my sister (who had no health issues) dies from a Pulmonary embolism from DVT.
They indicated that they had not encountered any issues with DVT in their experience....

I have to read the article that Okarol posted now....

[RichardMEL]

Interesting. My mum also passed away from a DVT caused pulmonary elbolism so that is close to my heart too.

I tend to move my legs and specially feet quite a bit during dialysis - both because I hate lying there not moving them(it is so uncomfortable) and because I know how important it is to keep the blood flowing in those areas. I definitely think the heparin would really help this issue to become a non-issue.

I had heard recomendations of taking an asprin before or during a long flight would also counter DVT - and that's essentially the same thing (thinning the blood, reducing clots)

It's not something I've ever been terribly worried about - even with my mum's experience.