Home haemodialysis in Ireland

Abstract

A home haemodialysis programme (HHD) was established in Ireland in 2009 following studies suggesting better outcomes and a survival advantage when compared to conventional in-centre dialysis. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes in patients commenced on the HHD programme. Baseline characteristics, standard dialysis parameters, blood pressure control, antihypertensive usage, vascular access problems, hospitalisation rates and technical issues related to dialysis were analysed. Seventeen patients were followed over a 2-year period. Time spent travelling for dialysis-related treatments was reduced with time on dialysis per week increased. There was a trend towards lower blood pressure with nine patients, either discontinuing or having a reduction in antihypertensive medications. There were eight episodes of hospitalisation with the majority of complications related to vascular access. Home haemodialysis is a community-based therapy, offering an alternative to conventional in-centre haemodialysis in a select patient population.