A one-year trial of in-center daily hemodialysis with an emphasis on quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
Hemodialysis is associated with acute changes in several physiologic factors. Previous studies have suggested significant clinical and quality of life (QOL) benefits of daily hemodialysis (DHD) compared with 3 times weekly hemodialysis (CHD). We conducted a prospective trial to evaluate the effects of switching chronic hemodialysis patients to in-center DHD for a 12-month period.


METHODS
There were no exclusion criteria. Patients received hemodialysis 6 times per week. The study set a standardized weekly Kt/V (stdKt/V) goal of 3.0. A broad array of clinical parameters was determined. QOL was assessed with multiple instruments.


RESULTS
Eleven subjects completed 12 months and 12 completed 6 months on DHD. Significant changes relative to baseline at 12 months of DHD included decreased BP and improvements in QOL parameters by multiple techniques. 100% of patients at 12 months wished to continue DHD.


CONCLUSIONS
DHD offers advantages over CHD with respect to improved QOL and BP control.
Reynolds
Jeffrey T
JT
Nephrology/Internal Medicine, Hospital of St. Raphael, New Haven, CT, USA. reynoljt@comcast.net
Homel
Peter
P
Cantey
Lisa
L
Evans
Ellen
E
Harding
Pamela
P
Gotch
Frank
F
Wuerth
Diane
D
Finkelstein
Susan
S
Levin
Nathan
N
Kliger
Alan
A
Simon
David B
DB
Finkelstein
Fredric O
FO
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors