[Daily dialysis: evaluation of the first year of experience at home and in a limited care center].
BACKGROUND
Among self dialysis treatments, daily dialysis is encountering a growing interest. Aim of this study was to evaluate results of the first year of daily dialysis in our Center.


METHODS
Since November 1998, twelve patients started daily dialysis. One patient started RRT on daily dialysis; one patient was in training; 8 were on home dialysis, 3 in the limited care center. Selection of patients was performed according to wide acceptance criteria as for age (range 33-61 years), dialysis follow-up (range 1-23 years), comorbidity (=/>1 comorbid factor present in 8). Dialysis schedule consisted of 6 sessions per week (2-3 hours), blood flow 250-320 ml/min, individualized dialysate. Occasional shift to 3-4 times per week were allowed for logistic or working reasons.


RESULTS
Results were analyzed taking into account patient satisfaction and main clinical parameters. In 9/12 the choice of treatment resulted from both clinical reasons and patient preferences, while in 3 was due to clinical indications (1/3 dropped out). The main reasons of choice were logistic or research of the best treatment. The most common fears regarded fistula and needle puncturing. Despite the time unconvenience, the rapidly regained well being was the reason for choosing this treatment. Also in this relatively short follow-up the favorable results reported as for weight gain, blood pressure control and metabolic pattern are confirmed. The few side effects were multifactorial (fistula thrombosis after blood pressure normalization, 2 recurrences of atrial fibrillation).


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, daily dialysis resulted also in our centre as a promising alternative even in difficult patients.
Piccoli
G B
GB
Cattedra di Nefrologia, Università degli Studi, Turin, Italy.
Iadarola
A M
AM
Bechis
F
F
Iacuzzo
C
C
Gai
M
M
Anania
P
P
Mezza
E
E
Vischi
M
M
Biancone
L
L
Pacitti
A
A
Jeantet
A
A
Segoloni
G P
GP
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006437:Hemodialysis, Home; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors