The effect of extended‐hours hemodialysis on outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The NightLife study - the clinical and cost-effectiveness of thrice-weekly, extended, in-centre nocturnal haemodialysis versus daytime haemodialysis using a mixed methods approach: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In-centre nocturnal haemodialysis (INHD) offers extended-hours haemodialysis, 6 to 8 h thrice-weekly overnight, with the support of dialysis specialist nurses. There is increasing observational data demonstrating potential benefits of INHD on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). There is a lack of randomised controlled trial (RCT) data to confirm these benefits and assess safety.

METHODS

The NightLife study is a pragmatic, two-arm, multicentre RCT comparing the impact of 6 months INHD to conventional haemodialysis (thrice-weekly daytime in-centre haemodialysis, 3.5-5 h per session). The primary outcome is the total score from the Kidney Disease Quality of Life tool at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include sleep and cognitive function, measures of safety, adherence to dialysis and impact on clinical parameters. There is an embedded Process Evaluation to assess implementation, health economic modelling and a QuinteT Recruitment Intervention to understand factors that influence recruitment and retention. Adults (≥ 18 years old) who have been established on haemodialysis for > 3 months are eligible to participate.

DISCUSSION

There are 68,000 adults in the UK that need kidney replacement therapy (KRT), with in-centre haemodialysis the treatment modality for over a third of cases. HRQoL is an independent predictor of hospitalisation and mortality in individuals on maintenance dialysis. Haemodialysis is associated with poor HRQoL in comparison to the general population. INHD has the potential to improve HRQoL. Vigorous RCT evidence of effectiveness is lacking. The NightLife study is an essential step in the understanding of dialysis therapies and will guide patient-centred decisions regarding KRT in the future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration number: ISRCTN87042063. Registered: 14/07/2020.

Evaluating the clinical experience of a regional in-center nocturnal hemodialysis program: The patient and staff perspective

INTRODUCTION

End-stage kidney disease causes significant morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. Despite improvements in conventional hemodialysis, these problems persist. In-center nocturnal hemodialysis (INHD) has been shown to be beneficial in observational studies. This report outlines a 4-year renal network experience of INHD from the patient and frontline staff perspective.

METHODS

Staff and patients' experiences of INHD were evaluated through two work streams. Work stream one: 12 patients who chose to stop INHD and 24 patients who chose to continue with INHD completed an anonymous survey. Work stream two: one-to-one interviews with 20 patients receiving INHD and seven staff working INHD shifts were conducted. Clinical incident reporting for conventional hemodialysis and INHD from April 2014 to December 2018 was reviewed.

FINDINGS

Work stream one: Five themes were identified; facilities, time, health and well-being, sleep, and transport. A patient "starter pack" was developed and improvements to the dialysis unit were completed. Work stream two: Patient interviews demonstrated starter packs to aid sleep were well received; sleep itself was not a single reason to discontinue INHD. Staff indicated that their greatest concern was staffing levels; although staff-to-patient ratio remains unchanged, total numbers on INHD shifts were fewer, causing concern around less colleague availability for support during an emergency.

SAFETY

363 clinical incidents were reported across all dialysis shifts; for conventional hemodialysis, a larger proportion were due to medical interventions, infection control, and transport; for INHD, most incidents centered around communication with patients and relatives, delays in patient transfer, and issues with medical equipment or facilities.

DISCUSSION

Patients continue with INHD due to increased social time and perceived health benefits. Patient starter packs and adjustments to the dialysis unit may enhance sleep. This experience has optimized the design of the NightLife study; a randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of INHD on quality of life.

Reconciling the Current Status of Home Hemodialysis With the 2019 Executive Order-Realistic or Obtainable?

The Advancing American Kidney Health Initiative places financial incentives largely aimed at nephrologists and dialysis providers, but including other health care providers, in an attempt to improve clinical outcomes and lower costs in the chronic kidney disease population. Both peritoneal and home hemodialysis utilization will need to be markedly increased to achieve these policy goals. This article looks at some of the concerns that may stand in the way of achieving those goals.