Current Trends in Hemodialysis Therapy

Abstract

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/22-4-14317

There are approximately 100,000 patients on dialysis in the U.S. Hemodialysis techniques appear to be in a stagnant phase in comparison to other medical achievements made between 1960-1980. However, despite the lack of major breakthroughs in the management of end stage renal disease, a steady improvement in technology has occurred.

This article describes our experience of chronic dialysis patients managed at our center over many years, with emphasis on certain longterm complications associated with dialysis treatment and end stage renal disease. The biochemical abnormalities in these patients included chronic anemia (HCT 24.9% ± 4.97), secondary hyperparathyroidism, metabolic acidosis and hyperphosphatemia. The majority of our patients received adequate dialysis as assessed by measuring KT/V, the dialysis index.

Current strategies in the management of end stage renal disease patients consist of administering correct prescription dialysis (KT/V), parenteral Vitamin D3 (1,25(OH2)D3), Erythropoetin (R-HuEPO) and high flux dialysis with bicarbonate dialysate. The future for dialysis patients is promising because R-HuEPO and high flux dialysis techniques will soon be widely available, which will dramatically improve both the patient's physical well-being and rehabilitation potential.