Frequent In-Center Hemodialysis: Who Can Benefit From a Frequent Dialysis Approach?

Frequent (a.k.a daily hemodialysis) has continued to spark interest in the nephrology community as a way to possibly improve outcomes for the end-stage renal disease population. This is a patient population with a very high disease burden and mortality rate. The concept of dialysis adequacy in its current form has consolidated mainly around three times weekly dialysis, which has become the worldwide accepted standard. The current drive to encourage more home hemodialysis (which is a frequent dialysis regimen) has made the lessons from daily in-center hemodialysis more relevant. Frequent hemodialysis has been shown in both observational and randomized controlled studies to have some cardiovascular, mineral metabolism, and quality of life benefits. Some of what is learned from this body of literature is applicable today with increasing emphasis on home hemodialysis. This review will focus on the benefits and potential harms of daily hemodialysis to assist the practitioner in shared decision making with patients about the expected benefits and drawbacks of frequent in-center dialysis and what the expected goals should be for a frequent dialysis regimen.