If adequate choice is given, out-center HD offers a reliable and safe modality of dialysis with better survival results than survival in full-care in-center HD. In addition, out-center HD ensures a striking financial benefit as compared with the higher costs if the same patients were treated with full-care in-center HD. These modalities should be encouraged for all HD patients who are able to be treated by out-center modalities.
Observational studies from several groups have shown consistent beneficial effects in patients treated with short daily hemodialysis (SDHD). The cardiovascular and nutritional changes appear during the first few months after the initiation of SDHD. An extensive review of 17 patients from a group of 36 ESRD patients treated for up to 6 years with SDHD was undertaken to compare the clinicobiologic results during the initial period of standard hemodialysis (3 x 4 hr/week) and the short daily hemodialysis period at 1 year (SDHD(1)) and subsequent years (SDHD(2)). The statistical analysis of the clinicobiologic data clearly shows that the initial favorable results obtained during the first year of SDHD do persist in the mid and long term, which shows the more physiologic nature of this dialytic approach. The amelioration of left ventricular hypertrophy is of particular interest, showing a regression of ventricular dilation during the first year followed by a reduction of interventricular septum and posterior wall thickness during the subsequent years.
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