Online hemofiltration in incremental dialysis prescription

Abstract

Incremental dialysis is increasingly recognized as a safe and beneficial method of initiating dialysis. Different centers use distinct prescription methods. We discuss the advantages of incremental hemodialysis and the potential benefit of preserving residual renal function as we present our experience. We reviewed the data from 20 incident patients, with a mean follow‑up of 9.5 months, who started dialysis with our prescription method, using hemofiltration as the preferred depurative technique. All patients tolerated treatment well; no major complications were reported. Dialysis adequacy targets were achieved. While data are clearly limited, we raise the hypothesis that convective techniques could bring additional benefit in preserving residual renal function in incident patients, and that this strategy should be studied and compared with others.