| [ Summary ] |
Few studies have examined the impact of dialysis procedures on nutritional parameters. Previous prospective studies have demonstrated that usage of high-flux membranes or increased dialysis dosage failed to improve clinical outcomes such as overall mortality or poor nutritional status in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Recently, several observational studies have demonstrated the possibility that longer HD treatments or short daily HD administration are beneficial to prevent the onset of malnutrition. In addition, the purification of dialysis fluid ameliorates poor nutritional status. To date, longer treatment times, along with provision of sufficient energy and protein intake, are considered the most effective methods to improve the nutritional status of malnourished HD patients. |