Nocturnal Hemodialysis

Nocturnal hemodialysis (NDHD) or night hemodialysis is done at home or in-centre at night. 

This is done with an aim to provide higher dose of dialysis. Nocturnal dialysis is therefore scheduled for 3-5 times a week, each session lasting for 6-8hrs.

Benefits of nocturnal dialysis include

·          

      Mimics native kidney function

·     Blood pressure control improves allowing some patients to cut down their blood pressure pills

·     Beneficial effect on cardiovascular function due to better hemodynamic profile

·     Better nutritional status as appetite improves

·     Symptoms like shortness of breath, itching, dry skin, tiredness disappear.

·     Improved quality of life

·     Sexual drive and function improve

·     Requirement of erythropoietin may decrease

·     Better control of phosphorus and reduced need for phosphate binders

·     Reduced intradialytic problems like hypotension, cramps

Risks/ Drawback

·          

      Safety concern especially if done at home

·     Initial investment for home sessions is considerable as renovations needed to establish setup

·     Needs good infrastructure and backup.

DR. ANUPAM ROY, NEPHROLOGIST, GURGAON