Quantification of dissolved H₂ and continuous monitoring of hydrogen-rich water for haemodialysis applications: An experimental study

Abstract

The prevalence of oxidative and inflammatory stress in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients has often been associated with chronic haemodialysis therapies. Over the past decades, several reports have shown the potential of hydrogen molecule as an antioxidant in the treatment of various medical conditions in animal models, as well as in pilot studies with human patients. Recently, a hydrogen-enriched dialysate solution has been introduced, holding promise in reducing the oxidative and/or inflammatory complications arising during haemodialysis. To this end, a standardised measuring method to determine the levels of hydrogen in dialysate and subsequently in blood is required. This study explores the possibility of quantifying hydrogen concentration using a novel contactless sensor that detects dissolved hydrogen in liquids. An experimental circuit is assembled to validate the sensitivity and accuracy of the hydrogen monitoring system (Pureron Japan Co., Ltd) through in vitro investigations with physiological solutions. Measurements of dissolved molecular hydrogen concentration are corroborated by an established oxygen sensor providing continuous partial pressure readings. The relationship between the applied H2 content in the gaseous mixture and the H2 concentration value at equilibrium is linear. At the same time, the hydrogen monitoring system has a rather long response time, and its readings seem to slightly diverge from sensor to sensor as well as at different temperatures. For this reason, a sensor recalibration might be necessary, which could become part of the product’s ongoing development. Nevertheless, the aforementioned minor deficiencies can be mostly considered negligible in applications such as haemodialysis.

Application of Electrolyzed Hydrogen Water for Management of Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Treatment—Perspective View

“…The H 2 concentration in the dialysis solution influenced the patients' reported outcome, i.e., more anti-fatigue effects at 150 ppb than an average of 50 ppb [106]. Future studies applying a novel device, which could simultaneously monitor H 2 concentration in the dialysate [107], are expected to investigate the optimal H 2 levels for the comprehensive patients' outcome via randomized controlled study.…”