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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
04:36
Measurement of Tissue Oxygenation Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Published on: October 2, 2020
Differences in heart rate variability during haemodialysis and haemofiltration
Simonetta Genovesi1, Oscar Bracchi, Paolo Fabbrini
1Clinica Nefrologica - Università degli studi di Milano Bicocca-Ospedale S Gerardo, Milan, Italy. simonetta.genovesi@unimib.it
Summary
Haemofiltration (Hf) may offer autonomic advantages over haemodialysis (Hd) in stable patients. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) suggests Hf promotes better autonomic adjustments during and after dialysis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
Background:
- Dialysis techniques like haemofiltration (Hf) and haemodialysis (Hd) are used for kidney failure.
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS) function can be affected by dialysis treatments.
- Understanding ANS adjustments is crucial for patient well-being during dialysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare autonomic nervous system (ANS) adjustments between convective (Hf) and diffusive (Hd) dialysis.
- To evaluate short- and long-term ANS changes in hemodynamically stable dialysis patients.
Main Methods:
- Ten stable haemodialysis (Hd) patients underwent six sessions of Hd followed by six sessions of Hf.
- Continuous beat-to-beat measurements of systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded.
- Spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) assessed ANS activity before and during dialysis.
Main Results:
- Baseline autonomic parameters differed, with higher normalized LF in Hf and higher HF in Hd.
- Both techniques maintained stable SAP and reduced HR during dialysis.
- Normalized LF increased (and HF decreased) only with Hd, with these changes persisting post-dialysis.
Conclusions:
- Spectral analysis of HRV suggests Hf may provide an autonomic advantage over Hd.
- Hf's potential benefit complements its known superior hemodynamic stability.
- These findings indicate Hf may lead to more favorable ANS regulation in dialysis patients.
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