In sodium profiling, the sodium concentration in the dialysis fluid, instead of being constant, follows a time-dependent profile over the course of a hemodialysis session. The main aim of this manipulation is to avoid osmotic disequilibrium by keeping plasma osmolality in the physiological range. Further advantages of sodium profiling are a reduction in the incidence of muscle cramps, improved sodium removal, and improved vascular stability. Many different profiles have been used by various investigators. However, if sodium profiling is not appropriately conducted, sodium accumulation with resulting augmented thirst, increase of interdialytic weight gain, and hypertension may result. Sodium accumulation may, in fact, explain the reduced intradialytic morbidity reported in some short-term sodium profiling studies. Randomized, double-blind studies meeting strict statistical criteria and providing a careful control to maintain equivalent sodium balances between the compared treatments are difficult to perform and have not yet been published. However, because sodium profiling has potential benefits, provided that sodium balance is carefully controlled, it should nevertheless be regarded as a tool that experienced nephrologists can use for the treatment of patients who experience intolerable side effects during standard dialysis.

A higher convective mass transfer during HF and HDF, in comparison with high-flux HD caused by a greater total ultrafiltration volume was associated with increased procoagulatory activity in the extracorporeal circuit. Molecular markers assessing the activation of coagulation are appropriate to adjust the anticoagulation regime to high UF volumes in order to minimize bleeding risk and optimize patency of the extracorporeal circuit.

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Therapeutic apheresis and immunoadsorption are used to deplete efficiently pathogenic autoantibodies in crises in several acute autoimmune driven diseases. This prospective, non-comparative cohort study was conducted at a single study center under standardized conditions in 10 healthy volunteers. Efficient immunoglobulin G (IgG) removal (-86% versus baseline) was achieved after 3 apheresis treatments on 3 consecutive days. The treatments were well tolerated. Safety laboratory parameters did not show unexpected or pathological changes. The effects were transient, with most parameters exhibiting complete recovery between treatments. Minimal complement activation and moderate transient fibrinogen depletion were observed. Immunoadsorption with LIGASORB® provides a safe and effective treatment alternative to TPE in acute episodes of peripheral neurological diseases mediated by pathogenic IgG autoantibodies.

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