Thrice-weekly in-center nocturnal hemodialysis: An effective strategy to optimize chronic dialysis therapy

P. Cravedi, P. Ruggenenti, G. Mingardi, M. C. Sghirlanzoni, Giuseppe Remuzzi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: Daily nocturnal hemodialysis (NHD) has been proposed as a valuable strategy to improve outcomes for patients on conventional hemodialysis (CHD), but it is burdened by high costs and logistic issues. Thrice NHD might represent a more affordable approach to improve hemodialysis patient outcome. Methods: Here we retrospectively analyzed the data on blood pressure, body weight, and hematochemical parameters in a cohort of 7 patients (mean age 50.4 ± 11.0 years, duration of CHD 14.3 ± 11.5 years) who registered in the NHD program at the dialysis unit of Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo, Italy. Data for the 2 first years of NHD were compared with those of the last year on CHD. Results: At 2 years after start of NHD, we found a significant decrease in systolic (149.4 ± 16.6 vs. 128.4 ± 26.0 mm Hg, p<0.001) and diastolic (87.7 ± 11.1 vs. 79.6 ± 16.7 mm Hg, p<0.05) blood pressure, along with a significant reduction in the use of per-patient antihypertensive agents (1.17 ± 1.19 vs. 0.47 ± 0.89, p<0.05) and an increase in dry body weight (61.4 ± 21.8 vs. 67.1 ± 16.4 kg, p<0.001). Moreover, patients had a significant reduction in phosphate levels (6.2 ± 2.4 vs. 5.4 ± 3.0 mg/dL, p<0.01). The procedure was safe and well tolerated and did not require extra cost for ad hoc facilities. Conclusion: NHD is an effective approach to optimize chronic dialysis therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12-19
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal of Artificial Organs
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Blood pressure
  • Cost-effective
  • Dry body weight
  • Nocturnal hemodialysis
  • Phosphorus

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