Hemodiafiltration in a pediatric nocturnal dialysis program.

BACKGROUND

To overcome the deleterious consequences of conventional dialysis, intensified dialysis programs have been developed and their feasibility and beneficial effects in children demonstrated. To investigate whether such a program can be further improved, we implemented hemodialfiltration within an established pediatric in-center, nocturnal hemodialysis program.

METHODS

After being started on conventional hemodialysis (HD), seven patients were switched to intermittent nocturnal hemodialysis (NHD) for 3 months, then to intermittent nocturnal online-hemodiafiltration (NHDF) for a further 3 months and finally back to NHD. Uremia-associated parameters, predialytic blood pressure, intradialytic events, protein catabolic rate and levels of albumin, vitamins and trace elements were investigated. Dialysis-related medication and dietary restrictions were also registered.

RESULTS

Phosphate and intact parathyroid hormone levels were reduced after the switch from HD to NHD and NHDF. Dialysis dose (Kt/V) was increased in patients on NHD and NHDF; however, Kt/V was significantly higher with NHDF than NHD. Blood pressure was significantly reduced in patients on NHD and NHDF despite the reduction in antihypertensive medication; albumin levels were significantly higher on NHD and NHDF, indicating improved nutritional status; protein catabolic rate was also increased. Vitamins and trace elements remained unchanged. All dietary restrictions could be lifted in patients on NHD and NHDF.

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of a nocturnal dialysis program to an existing intensified HD program significantly improved the uremia-associated parameters, nutrition and hemodynamic stability of our seven patients. At least during our observational period, hemodiafiltration was able to further improve the existing HD program by increasing the Kt/v.