Initiating haemodialysis twice-weekly as part of an incremental programme may protect residual kidney function

Incremental hemodialysis and vascular access complications: a 12-year experience in a hospital hemodialysis unit

BACKGROUND

Incremental hemodialysis (HD) is considered a valid alternative for patients with residual kidney function. Evidence concerning its effect on vascular access is scarce. We present our 12-year experience of an incremental hemodialysis program with the aim of evaluating survival and complications of arteriovenous fistula in these patients compared to the thrice-weekly scheme.

METHODS

From January 1st, 2006 to December 31st, 2017, 220 incident patients started hemodialysis, 132 (60%) of whom began hemodialysis with two sessions per week and 88 (40%) with three sessions per week. Demographic and clinical variables were assessed at the start of treatment. Data regarding arteriovenous fistula survival and complications were collected.

RESULTS

Both groups had similar baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. A total of 188 (85%) patients were dialyzed with an arteriovenous fistula during follow-up. Eighty-three patients had one or more fistula complications, with no differences between incremental and conventional groups (p = 0.55). Fistula survival rates showed no significant difference between the two groups, whether analyzed from the date of fistula creation (Log Rank p = 0.810) or from the date of initial fistula cannulation (Log Rank p = 0.695).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no differences in arteriovenous fistula survival or complication rate between patients who started HD with an incremental versus a conventional treatment scheme. Randomized controlled clinical trials may be warranted to achieve a higher degree of evidence.

A practical approach to implementing incremental haemodialysis

The majority of end-stage kidney disease patients are treated with haemodialysis (HD). Starting HD can pose physical, social, and psychological challenges to patients, and mortality rates within the first 6 months are disproportionately high, with intensive HD regimens implicated as a potential factor. Starting HD with an incremental approach, taking residual kidney function (RKF) into account, potentially allows for a gentle start with reduced dialysis intensity. Dialysis intensity (session time or frequency) can then be proportionally increased as RKF reduces. This approach to starting HD has been reported in observational studies to result in better patient self-reported health quality of life and reduced costs, and now several definitive randomised controlled trials are underway comparing an incremental approach to the conventional thrice weekly paradigm. Physician concerns over the risk of inadequate dialysis, with consequent increased emergency admissions, and practical challenges of how to estimate RKF and implement incremental dialysis have impeded widespread adoption. Addressing these challenges is paramount to increasing the uptake of incremental HD. Careful patient selection lies at the heart of a successful incremental HD programme. Generally, patients with a residual urea clearance of > 3 ml/min/1.73 m2 can be considered suitable for starting with incremental HD provided they comply with fluid intake, salt and other dietary recommendations. Calculating RKF from regular interdialytic urine collections and appropriately adjusting sessional HD clearance targets are practical and conceptual challenges. In this report we aim to disentangle these complexities and provide a step-by-step guide for patient selection and adjusting dialysis sessional targets.

Incremental versus conventional haemodialysis in end-stage kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Appropriate dialysis prescription in the transitional setting from chronic kidney disease to end-stage kidney disease is still challenging. Conventional thrice-weekly haemodialysis (HD) might be associated with rapid loss of residual kidney function (RKF) and high mortality. The benefits and risks of incremental HD compared with conventional HD were explored in this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to April 2023 for studies that compared the impacts of incremental (once- or twice-weekly HD) and conventional thrice-weekly HD on cardiovascular events, RKF, vascular access complications, quality of life, hospitalization and mortality.

Results

A total of 36 articles (138 939 participants) were included in this meta-analysis. The mortality rate and cardiovascular events were similar between incremental and conventional HD {odds ratio [OR] 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI)] 0.72-1.04 and OR 0.67 [95% CI 0.43-1.05], respectively}. However, hospitalization and loss of RKF were significantly lower in patients treated with incremental HD [OR 0.44 (95% CI 0.27-0.72) and OR 0.31 (95% CI 0.25-0.39), respectively]. In a sensitivity analysis that included studies restricted to those with RKF or urine output criteria, incremental HD had significantly lower cardiovascular events [OR 0.22 (95% CI 0.08-0.63)] and mortality [OR 0.54 (95% CI 0.37-0.79)]. Vascular access complications, hyperkalaemia and volume overload were not statistically different between groups.

Conclusions

Incremental HD has been shown to be safe and may provide superior benefits in clinical outcomes, particularly in appropriately selected patients. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these potential advantages.

Australian Workshops on Patients' Perspectives on Hemodialysis and Incremental Start

Introduction

Most patients with kidney failure commence and continue hemodialysis (HD) thrice weekly. Incremental initiation (defined as HD less than thrice weekly) is increasingly considered to be safe and less burdensome, but little is known about patients' perspectives. We aimed to describe patients' priorities and concerns regarding incremental HD.

Methods

Patients currently, previously, or soon to be receiving HD in Australia participated in two 90-minute online workshops to discuss views about HD focusing on incremental start and priorities for trial outcomes. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Outcomes were ranked on the basis of the sum of participants' priority scores (i.e., single allocation of 3 points for most important, 2 for second, and 1 for third most important outcome).

Results

All 26 participants (1 caregiver and 25 patients) preferred an incremental HD approach. The top prioritized outcomes were quality of life (QOL) (56 points), residual kidney function (RKF) (27 points), and mortality (16 points). The following 4 themes underpinning outcome priorities, experience, and safety concerns were identified: (i) unpreparedness and pressure to adapt, (ii) disruption to daily living, (iii) threats to safety, and (iv) hope and future planning.

Conclusion

Patients with kidney failure preferred an incremental start to HD to minimize disruption to daily living and reduce the negative impacts on their education, ability to work, and family life. QOL was the most critically important outcome, followed by RKF and survival.

Impact of incremental initiation of haemodialysis on mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Incremental haemodialysis initiation entails lower sessional duration and/or frequency than the standard 4 h thrice-weekly approach. Dialysis dose is increased as residual kidney function (RKF) declines. This systematic review evaluates its safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library databases from inception to 27 February 2022. Eligible studies compared incremental haemodialysis (sessions either fewer than three times weekly or of duration <3.5 h) with standard treatment. The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included treatment-emergent adverse events, loss of RKF, quality of life and cost effectiveness. The study protocol was prospectively registered. Risk of bias assessment used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool, as appropriate. Meta-analyses were undertaken in Review Manager, Version 5.4.

RESULTS

A total of 644 records were identified. Twenty-six met the inclusion criteria, including 22 cohort studies and two randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Sample size ranged from 48 to 50 596 participants (total 101 476). We found no mortality differences (hazard ratio = 0.99; 95% CI 0.80-1.24). Cohort studies suggested similar hospitalization rates though the two small RCTs suggested less hospitalization after incremental initiation (relative risk = 0.31; 95% CI 0.18-0.54). Data on other treatment-emergent adverse events and quality of life was limited. Observational studies suggested reduced loss of RKF in incremental haemodialysis. This was not supported by RCT data. Four studies reported reduced costs of incremental treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Incremental initiation of haemodialysis does not confer greater risk of mortality compared with standard treatment. Hospitalization may be reduced and costs are lower.

Twice versus thrice weekly hemodialysis: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Thrice weekly hemodialysis (HD) is currently the norm in high income countries but there is mounting interest in twice weekly HD in certain settings. We performed this systematic review to summarize the available evidence comparing twice to thrice weekly HD.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify cohort and randomized controlled trials evaluating outcomes of twice versus thrice weekly HD. The bibliographies of identified studies were hand searched to find any additional studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies.

FINDINGS

No randomized controlled trials and 21 cohort studies were identified. Overall study quality was modest with high risk of selection bias and inadequate controlling for confounders. The most commonly evaluated outcome measures were survival and residual kidney function. No studies assessed quality of life. Study results were variable and there was no clear signal for overwhelming risk or benefit of twice versus thrice weekly HD with the exception of residual kidney function which consistently showed slower decline in the twice weekly group.

DISCUSSION

There is a paucity of high quality data comparing the risks and benefits of twice vs thrice weekly HD. Randomized controlled trial evidence is required to inform clinicians and HD prescription guidelines.

Benefits of Incremental Hemodialysis Seen in a Historical Cohort Study

Purpose

Previous research on incremental hemodialysis transition has mainly focused on one or two benefits or prognoses. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis by investigating whether incremental hemodialysis was simultaneously associated with adequate dialysis therapy, stable complication indicators, long-lasting arteriovenous vascular access, and long-lasting preservation of residual kidney function (RKF) without increasing mortality or hospitalization.

Patients and Methods

Incident hemodialysis patients from Huashan Hospital in Shanghai, China, over the period of 2012 to 2019, were enrolled and followed every three months until death or the time of censoring. Changes in complication indicators from baseline to all post-baseline visits were analyzed by mixed-effects models. The outcomes of RKF loss, arteriovenous vascular access complications, and the composite of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events were compared between incremental and conventional hemodialysis by Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Of the 113 patients enrolled in the study, 45 underwent incremental and 68 conventional hemodialysis. There were no significant differences in the changes from baseline to post-baseline visits in complication indicators between the two groups. Incremental hemodialysis reduced the risks of RKF loss (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14–0.82), de novo arteriovenous access complication (HR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.08–0.82), and recurrent arteriovenous access complications under the Andersen–Gill (AG) model (HR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.10–0.74) and the Prentice, Williams and Peterson Total Time (PWP-TT) model (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12–0.80). There were no significant differences in all-cause hospitalization or the composite outcome between groups.

Conclusion

Incremental hemodialysis is an effective dialysis transition strategy that preserves RKF and arteriovenous access without affecting dialysis adequacy, patient stability, hospitalization risk and mortality risk. Randomized controlled trials are warranted.

A multicenter feasibility randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of incremental versus conventional initiation of hemodialysis on residual kidney function

Twice-weekly hemodialysis, as part of incremental initiation, has reported benefits including preservation of residual kidney function (RKF). To explore this, we initiated a randomized controlled feasibility trial examining 55 incident hemodialysis patients with urea clearance of 3 ml/min/1.73 m² or more across four centers in the United Kingdom randomized to standard or incremental schedules for 12 months. Incremental hemodialysis involved twice-weekly sessions, upwardly adjusting hemodialysis dose as RKF was lost, maintaining total (Dialysis+Renal) Std Kt/V above 2. Standard hemodialysis was thrice weekly for 3.5-4 hours, minimum Dialysis Std Kt/V of 2. Primary outcomes were feasibility parameters and effect size of group differences in rate of loss of RKF at six months. Health care cost impact and patient-reported outcomes were explored. Around one-third of patients met eligibility criteria. Half agreed to randomization; 26 received standard hemodialysis and 29 incremental. At 12 months, 21 incremental patients remained in the study vs 12 in the standard arm with no group differences in the urea clearance slope. Ninety-two percent of incremental and 75% of standard arm patients had a urea clearance of 2 ml/min/1.73 m² or more at six months. Serious adverse events were less frequent in incremental patients (Incidence Rate Ratio 0.47, confidence interval 0.27-0.81). Serum bicarbonate was significantly lower in incremental patients indicating supplementation may be required. There were three deaths in each arm. Blood pressure, extracellular fluid and patient-reported outcomes were similar. There was no signal of benefit of incremental hemodialysis in terms of protection of RKF or Quality of Life score. Median incremental hemodialysis costs were significantly lower compared to standard hemodialysis. Thus, incremental hemodialysis appears safe and cost-saving in incident patients with adequate RKF, justifying a definitive trial.

A mixed-method feasibility study of a novel transitional regime of incremental haemodialysis: study design and protocol

Background

Incremental haemodialysis/haemodiafiltration (HD) may help reduce early mortality rates in patients starting HD. This mixed-method feasibility study aims to test the acceptability, tolerance and safety of a novel incremental HD regime, and to study its impact on parameters of patient wellbeing.

Method

We aim to enrol 20 patients who will commence HD twice-weekly with progressive increases in duration and frequency, achieving conventional treatment times over 15 weeks (incremental group). Participants will be followed-up for 6 months and will undergo regular tests including urine collections, bio-impedance analyses and quality-of-life questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted to explore patients’ prior expectations from HD, their motivations for participation and experiences of receiving incremental HD. For comparison of safety and indicators of dialysis adequacy, a cohort of 40 matched patients who previously received conventional HD will be constructed from local dialysis records (historical controls).

Results

Data will be recorded on the numbers screened and proportions consented and completing the study (primary outcome). Incremental and conventional groups will be compared in terms of differences in blood pressure control, interdialytic weight changes, indicators of dialysis adequacy and differences in adverse and serious adverse events. In analyses restricted to incremental group, measurements of RRF, fluid load and quality-of-life during follow-up will be compared with baseline values. From patient interviews, a narrative description of key themes along with anonymised quotes will be presented.

Conclusion

Results from this study will address a significant knowledge gap in the prescription HD therapy and inform the development novel future therapy regimens.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10157-021-02072-1.

Evaluation of Residual Kidney Function during Once-Weekly Incremental Hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

The initial once-weekly administration of incremental hemodialysis to patients with residual kidney function (RKF) has recently attracted considerable interest.

METHODS

The aim of our study was to assess the performance of a series of different methods in measuring serum urea nitrogen and serum Cr (sCr) RKF in patients on once-weekly hemodialysis (1WHD). Evaluations were carried out by means of 24-h predialysis urine collection (Kr-24H) or 6-day inter-dialysis collection (Kr-IDI) and estimation of glomerular filtration rate based on (KrSUN + KrsCr)/2 for the purpose of identifying a simple reference calculation to be used in assessing RKF in patients on 1WHD dialysis. Ninety-five urine samples were collected from 12 1WHD patients. A solute solver urea and Cr kinetic modeling program was used to calculate residual urea and Cr clearances. Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's correlation coefficient (R), and linear determination coefficient (R2) were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

1WHD patients displayed a mean KrSUN-IDI of 4.5 ± 1.2 mL/min, while KrSUN-24H corresponded to 4.1 ± 0.9 mL/min, mean KrsCr-IDI to 9.1 ± 4.0 mL/min, and KrsCr 24H to 8.9 ± 4.2 mL/min, with a high regression between IDI and 24-h clearances (for IDI had R2 = 0.9149 and for 24H had R2 = 0.9595). A good correlation was also observed between KrSUN-24H and (KrSUN + KrsCR/2) (R2 = 0.7466, p < 0.01.

DISCUSSION

Urine collection over a 24-h predialysis period yielded similar results for both KrSUN and KrsCr compared to collection over a longer interdialytic interval (KrSUN + KrsCr)/2 could be applied to reliably assess RKF in patients on 1WHD.

CONCLUSION

The parameters evaluated are suitable for use as a routine daily method indicating the commencement and continued use of the 1WHD Incremental Program.

Impact of incremental versus conventional initiation of haemodialysis on residual kidney function: study protocol for a multicentre feasibility randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Preserving residual kidney function (RKF) may be beneficial to patients on haemodialysis (HD) and it has been proposed that commencing dialysis incrementally rather than three times a week may preserve RKF. In Incremental HD, target dose includes a contribution from RKF, which is added to HD dose, allowing individualisation of the HD prescription. We will conduct a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing incremental HD and conventional three times weekly treatments in incident HD patients. The study is designed also to provide pilot data to allow determination of effect size to power a definitive study.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

After screening to ensure native renal urea clearance >3 mL/min/1.73 m², the study will randomise 54 patients within 3 months of HD initiation to conventional in-centre thrice weekly dialysis or incremental in-centre HD commencing 2 days a week. Subjects will be followed up for 12 months. The study will be carried out across four UK renal centres.The primary outcome is to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a definitive RCT and to estimate the difference in rate of decline of RKF between the two groups at 6 and 12 months time points. Secondary outcomes will include the impact of dialysis intensity on vascular access events, major adverse cardiac events and survival. Impact of dialysis intensity on patient-reported outcomes measures, cognition and frailty will be assessed using EQ-5D-5L, PHQ-9, Illness Intrusiveness Rating Score, Montreal Cognitive assessment and Clinical Frailty Score. Safety outcomes include hospitalisation, fluid overload episodes, hyperkalaemia events and vascular access events.This study will inform the design of a definitive study, adequately powered to determine whether RKF is better preserved after incremental HD initiation compared with conventional initiation.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval has been granted by Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee, United Kingdom(REC17/EE/0311). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03418181.

Can incremental haemodialysis reduce early mortality rates in patients starting maintenance haemodialysis?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Early mortality rates after the start of maintenance haemodialysis therapy are high. Compared with three-times weekly haemodialysis, incremental haemodialysis is associated with better preservation of residual renal function (RRF) and at least equivalent mid-term to long-term survival. However, there is paucity of data in relation to its use as a means of helping patients through the transitional period, when they first become dialysis dependent.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies of incremental haemodialysis have overlooked early mortality as an outcome measure. This is primarily due to their retrospective design which makes it difficult to link early deaths to the frequency of haemodialysis. New data confirm previous observations associating incremental haemodialysis with favourable outcomes. They also raise the possibility that in selected groups and for short periods, the pursuit of set clearance targets during the early days of dialysis may not necessarily bring additional short-term gains.

SUMMARY

We argue that, while simpler ways of estimating RRF are being explored, future trials must consider implementing incremental haemodialysis focusing on practical aspects of care in the transitional period; safety monitoring in such regimes should be undertaken using conventional methods. Such an approach is likely to benefit a larger subset of haemodialysis population.

Moderate Protein Restriction in Advanced CKD: A Feasible Option in An Elderly, High-Comorbidity Population. A Stepwise Multiple-Choice System Approach

Background: Protein restriction may retard the need for renal replacement therapy; compliance is considered a barrier, especially in elderly patients. Methods: A feasibility study was conducted in a newly organized unit for advanced kidney disease; three diet options were offered: normalization of protein intake (0.8 g/kg/day of protein); moderate protein restriction (0.6 g/kg/day of protein) with a “traditional” mixed protein diet or with a “plant-based” diet supplemented with ketoacids. Patients with protein energy wasting (PEW), short life expectancy or who refused were excluded. Compliance was estimated by Maroni-Mitch formula and food diary. Results: In November 2017–July 2018, 131 patients started the program: median age 74 years (min–max 24-101), Charlson Index (CCI): 8 (min-max: 2–14); eGFR 24 mL/min (4–68); 50.4% were diabetic, BMI was ≥ 30 kg/m² in 40.4%. Normalization was the first step in 75 patients (57%, age 78 (24–101), CCI 8 (2–12), eGFR 24 mL/min (8–68)); moderately protein-restricted traditional diets were chosen by 24 (18%, age 74 (44–91), CCI 8 (4–14), eGFR 22 mL/min (5–40)), plant-based diets by 22 (17%, age 70 (34–89), CCI 6.5 (2–12), eGFR 15 mL/min (5–46)) (p < 0.001). Protein restriction was not undertaken in 10 patients with short life expectancy. In patients with ≥ 3 months of follow-up, median reduction of protein intake was from 1.2 to 0.8 g/kg/day (p < 0.001); nutritional parameters remained stable; albumin increased from 3.5 to 3.6 g/dL (p = 0.037); good compliance was found in 74%, regardless of diets. Over 1067 patient-months of follow-up, 9 patients died (CCI 10 (6–12)), 7 started dialysis (5 incremental). Conclusion: Protein restriction is feasible by an individualized, stepwise approach in an overall elderly, high-comorbidity population with a baseline high-protein diet and is compatible with stable nutritional status.