Advantages of expanded hemodialysis (HDx) over standard hemodialysis

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease leads to the accumulation of a wide range of uremic toxins. Negative effects of uremic toxins are most likely due to the combined effects of many uremic solutes, including small molecules, middle molecules, and soluble protein-linked substances. Large and medium-sized molecules are directly associated with chronic inflammation and adverse effects, including major cardiovascular risks and consequently poor prognosis. Recent advances in chemical composition and new production techniques led to improved biocompatibility and selective permeability of dialysis membranes. Specifically, the creation of a new class of membranes provided the possibility to improve the clearance of medium to high molecular weight (MW) solutes (i.e. uremic toxins in the range of 5–50 kDa). The new HDx therapy (expanded HD) is the next evolution in hemodialysis, as it effectively targets the removal of large middle molecules. The HDx therapy is enabled by the THERANOVA dialyzer featuring an innovative membrane that combines a higher permeability than regular high-flux dialyzers with effective selectivity for large proteins. Expanded hemodialysis is an advanced therapy targeting large and medium-sized molecules that are currently not possible to remove by modern dialysis methods including traditional hemodialysis (HD) and hemodiafiltration (HDF). HDx became possible due to THERANOVA, a new dialyzer with an innovative membrane. The THERANOVA-based HDx provides a great new opportunity for dialysis patients, providing unique high-efficiency hemodialysis with the usage of already available infrastructure and standard HD workflows.

Keywords

• dialysis membranes, expanded hemodialysis, THERANOVA, HDx, uraemic toxins, haemodiafiltration.