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Nephrol Dial Transplant (2003) 18: 19-23
© 2003 European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association
Editorial Comments
PHD®: the technological solution for daily haemodialysis?
University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
Keywords: daily haemodialysis; haemodialysis machine; home haemodialysis
| The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below. |
Introduction
Quotidian (daily) haemodialyses have been tried with excellent clinical results for more than three decades, but the attempts were short lived because of a lack of suitable equipment and adequate reimbursement. In recent years, groups in Europe and America established quotidian dialysis programs, either short, performed during the daytime or long, performed during the night. A brief history of the development of quotidian dialysis has been published [1,2].
All reports confirm beneficial effects of quotidian haemodialysis. These include improved blood pressure control, cardiac morphology and function, haematocrit, nutrition, sexual function, physical activity, vitality, energy, mental health, social functioning, patient survival, technique survival, endocrine function, mineral metabolism, bone disease and blood access function [2–13].
Moreover, the use of drugs, morbidity and hospitalization requirements are decreased. Therefore, despite the higher cost of dialyses, the global cost of treatment of ESRD patients is lower; however,
Outline of the machine design
Brief description of machine operation
Heat disinfection and integrity of filters test prior to each dialysis
Preparation of dialysis solution for each dialysis
Dialysis
Preparation of the machine for the next dialysis
Results of the clinical trial
Advantages of PHD®
Saving of labour
Saving of money, storage space and volume of wastes
Saving of time
Conclusions