Northern Nephrology & Hypertension (NNH) was proud to participate in the regional **American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) conference on November 2, 2026**, where Dr. Craig Hurwitz and Nurse Practitioner Krrynne Vincent delivered an educational presentation focused on one of the most challenging aspects of dialysis care: **determining and maintaining optimal dry weight in patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD).** ### Understanding Volume: More Than Just a Number on the Scale Dr. Hurwitz presented an in-depth discussion of fluid balance in dialysis patients, emphasizing that determining dry weight involves much more than simply measuring a patient's weight before and after treatment. His presentation explored the physiology of the body's fluid compartments, how fluid moves between these compartments during dialysis, and why not all excess body fluid is immediately accessible for removal by the dialysis machine. A major focus was the relationship between **fluid balance and cardiac function**, highlighting how changes in heart function can dramatically alter the body's response to fluid removal. Understanding these interactions is essential to preventing complications such as intradialytic hypotension, muscle cramping, nausea, and fluid overload. The central message was clear: **Successful volume management requires an understanding of physiology, thoughtful clinical assessment, and individualized treatment decisions—not simply achieving a target weight.** ### Bringing the Science to the Bedside Following Dr. Hurwitz's presentation, **Krrynne Vincent, NP**, brought these concepts into clinical practice through a review of three illustrative patient cases. Each case highlighted important challenges in volume assessment and management, reinforcing key principles from the lecture and demonstrating how an understanding of fluid physiology can guide clinical decision-making. The case discussions helped bridge the gap between physiology and the everyday challenges faced by dialysis nurses and staff. ### Supporting Education and Better Patient Outcomes At NNH, we believe that continuing education and collaboration among healthcare professionals are essential to delivering excellent kidney care. Dialysis nurses and staff make critical decisions about fluid management during every treatment. Providing them with a deeper understanding of the underlying physiology helps support safer treatments, fewer complications, and improved quality of life for patients living with kidney failure. **We are proud of Dr. Hurwitz and Krrynne for sharing their knowledge and clinical experience with the regional nephrology nursing community.** Their participation reflects NNH's ongoing commitment to education, clinical excellence, and advancing the care of patients with kidney disease throughout our region. **Better volume assessments. Safer dialysis treatments. Better lives for our patients.**
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