Hemodiafiltration: A Mini Review

Abstract

Hemodialysis allows people with kidney failure to survive vital organ failure; however, most do not recover premorbid functional status. Despite early efforts focused on increased removal of small molecular weight solutes, high levels of morbidity and mortality persist due to the condition underlying kidney failure, comorbid medical conditions, and poor clearance of larger molecules. Early studies demonstrated that hemodiafiltration increases the removal of larger molecules through convective clearance. Recent studies have documented improvements in cardiovascular events, quality of life, and mortality. We review the mechanics of hemodiafiltration and the scientific data supporting improved outcomes.

Keywords: chronic kidney disease; hemodiafiltration; uremic symptoms.