Hemodiafiltraatio

Hemodiafiltration is a renal replacement therapy that combines hemodialysis and hemofiltration. It is used to treat patients with kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease. This therapy aims to remove waste products, excess fluid, and electrolytes from the blood more efficiently than traditional hemodialysis alone.

The process involves circulating the patient's blood through an artificial kidney, or dialyzer. In hemodiafiltration, both convective and diffusive transport mechanisms are utilized. Diffusion, as in hemodialysis, relies on a concentration gradient to move solutes across a semipermeable membrane. Convection, as in hemofiltration, involves the movement of solutes along with water as it is pulled across the membrane by a pressure gradient. This dual action allows for the removal of a broader range of solutes, including larger molecules that may not be effectively cleared by hemodialysis alone.

Hemodiafiltration can be performed online, where sterile replacement fluid is infused directly into the circuit before the dialyzer, or offline, where pre-made bags of replacement fluid are used. The therapy is typically administered several times a week, with each session lasting several hours. Patients often report feeling better and experiencing fewer complications, such as fatigue and muscle cramps, when undergoing hemodiafiltration compared to conventional hemodialysis. However, the equipment and expertise required for hemodiafiltration are more complex.