Home Hemodialysis Linked to Reduced Cardiovascular Risks

A new study has recently found that dialysis patients who use a traditional home hemodialysis procedure have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease as compared to patients who use a less invasive peritoneal catheter for dialysis at home. 

This study was recently published in Kidney360. In this study, researchers involved 68645 people who were on dialysis in the United States. They divided them into two groups such as the home hemodialysis group and the peritoneal catheter dialysis group. The home hemodialysis group consisted of people who received a traditional hemodialysis at home.

On the other hand, the peritoneal dialysis group consisted of people who received peritoneal catheters for dialysis at home. Researchers wanted to check if they increase the risk of any cardiovascular diseases in these people.  

When researchers observed the collected data, they found that people in the home hemodialysis group had a 42% lower risk of stroke, 22% lower risk of cardiovascular death, 17% lower risk of acute coronary syndrome and 8% lower risk of death as compared to those who were in the peritoneal dialysis group.  

Hemodialysis is a common treatment for kidney diseases. Patients typically start in a center and transition to home hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis is another option that can be managed at home. Dialysis centers connect patients to a machine for blood filtering, while home hemodialysis can be performed using a conventional machine or a peritoneal catheter attached to the abdomen. 

Going to dialysis centers takes a lot of time, about four to six hours a day. Doing dialysis at home is expensive and needs proper training. Peritoneal dialysis is easier and can be done while sleeping. It gives more freedom during the day. 

Researchers of this study said that these findings can help dialysis patients decide which type of treatment is best for them. They can consider some factors such as costs, quality of life, and health outcomes. They should discuss these findings with their doctor to make a good decision. 

One of the researchers said that patients can choose what treatment they want. But she also informs that this study has found that home hemodialysis reduces the risk of many cardiovascular diseases and is linked to better heart health.  

The result of this study clearly shows that a traditional home hemodialysis procedure can effectively reduce the risk of many cardiovascular diseases. Hence healthcare professionals should consider this study and suggest home hemodialysis to patients.