Treatment with the artificial kidney (dialysis)

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Renal Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Hemodialysis offers rehabilitation and extends life expectancy for chronic renal disease patients.
• Dialysis inadequately replaces kidney endocrine, metabolic, and excretory functions.
• The "middle molecule" theory and residual renal function importance necessitate reassessment of dialysis adequacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reassess the definition of adequate dialysis based on recent studies.
• To explore advancements in dialysis frequency, time, and techniques.
• To investigate the impact of new dialysis technologies on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent controlled studies on dialysis parameters.
• Analysis of theoretical and hardware developments in dialysis.
• Evaluation of sorbent-based dialysis and wearable dialyzer concepts.

Main Results:

• Studies have led to a complete reassessment of adequate dialysis.
• Sorbent-based dialysis is advancing towards wearable dialyzer technology.
• Theoretical and hardware developments enhance treatment adequacy and patient rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• Dialysis technology and understanding have significantly advanced.
• New developments promise more adequate treatment and better rehabilitation for dialysis patients.
• Continued research is crucial for optimizing chronic dialysis therapy.