Seattle, Wash. – November 06, 2006 – A study recently published in Hemodialysis International found that more frequent hemodialysis treatments (five or more weekly) can significantly increase the survival rate of patients suffering from irreversible kidney failure. Typical treatment in the U.S. generally involves three sessions weekly.
The study examines the mortality rate of 117 U.S. patients. Those receiving five or more treatments per week were shown to have a 61% better chance of survival when compared to patients receiving conventional treatment.
"More frequent hemodialysis has been shown to improve patient well-being, reduce symptoms during and between treatments and have beneficial effects on clinical outcomes," according to Christopher R. Blagg M.D., lead researcher of the study.
U.S. hemodialysis patients continue to have a high annual mortality rate, despite many improvements in dialysis and overall medical care. Increasing the frequency of dialysis may be an effective means of improving patient survival.
This study is published in Hemodialysis International. Media who would like to receive a PDF of the study should contact: medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.
Christopher R. Blagg MD, FRCP is Executive Director Emeritus of the Northwest Kidney Centers and Professor Emeritus of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Blagg can be reached for questions and interviews at blaggc@hotmail.com.
Hemodialysis International is published quarterly and contains original papers on clinical and experimental topics related to dialysis in addition to the Annual Dialysis Conference supplement. This journal is a must-have for Nephrologists, Nurses and Technicians worldwide. The journal contains original articles, review articles, commentary and latest news to keep readers completely updated in the field of hemodialysis. Edited by international and multidisciplinary experts, Hemodialysis International disseminates critical information in the field. For more information visit www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/hdi
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