Once-weekly hemodialysis, Infrequent dialysis, Low protein diet, End-stage renal failure, Dialysis adequacy, Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology, RC870-923

Abstract Background For patients with end-stage renal failure (ESFR), thrice-weekly hemodialysis is a standard care. Once-weekly hemodialysis combined with low-protein and low-salt dietary treatment (OWHD-DT) have been rarely studied. Therefore, here, we describe our experience on OWHD-DT, and assess its long-term effectiveness. Methods We instituted OWHD-DT therapy in 112 highly motivated patients with creatinine clearance below 5.0 mL/min. They received once-weekly hemodialysis on a diet of 0.6 g/kg/day of protein adjusted for sufficient energy intake, and less than 6 g/day of salt intake. Serial changes in their clinical, biochemical and nutritional parameters were prospectively observed, and the weekly time spent for hospital visits as well as their monthly medical expenses were compared with 30 age, sex- and disease-matched thrice-weekly hemodialysis patients. Results The duration of successfully continued OWHD-DT therapy was more than 4 years in 11.6% of patients, 3 years in 16.1%, 2 years in 24.1% and 1 year in 51.8%. Time required per week for hospital attendance was 66.7% shorter and monthly medical expenses were 50.5% lower in the OWHD-DT group than in the thrice-weekly hemodialysis group (both p