Are you or a loved one a hemodialysis patient? If so, did you know the frequency of dialysis treatments can affect post-dialysis symptoms and health? Research shows patients who dialyze at least five times per week have a better quality of life and improved heart health. 

One study, published in Hemodialysis International, analyzed the dialysis effects on older patients in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to learn how more frequent treatments may benefit them. Learn more about the study findings and what they may mean for you.  

What they did

Researchers recruited and evaluated 2,309 older adults (average age 68 years) with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), who resided in an SNF and were on dialysis between November 4, 2019 and June 11, 2021. 

All participants received at least five dialysis treatments per week, comprising at least 14 treatment hours per week. After each treatment, patients were asked to describe their dialysis recovery time (DRT) using the following options:

• 0 to 0.5 hour
• 0.5 to 1 hour
• 1 to 2 hours
• 2 to 4 hours
• 4 to 8 hours
• 8 to 12 hours
• By the next morning
• Not even by the next morning

The surveys were administered after each treatment for an average of 4.3 weeks. 

What they found

Analysis of the survey results revealed that 92% of patients who received at least five treatments a week reported a DRT of less than or equal to 2 hours, and 80% recovered within one hour, despite advanced age, frailty, and comorbidities. 

What it means

According to Allen M. Kaufman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Clinical and Scientific Affairs at Dialyze Direct, the study findings are encouraging, and could lead to improved engagement and quality of life for facility residents. 

“The results are highly promising in potentially enhancing the ability of these patients to participate in rehabilitation and restorative services while living in the SNF,” he said. “This will be the subject of our next set of studies.” 

*Keenan, J. S. (2022a, May 6). Older adults on frequent dialysis in skilled nursing facilities report rapid recovery. Healio. https://www.healio.com/news/nephrology/20220506/older-adults-on-frequent-dialysis-in-skilled-nursing-facilities-report-rapid-recovery