Hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion with and without acetate-free dialysis solutions: effect on ESA requirement.

Background: Hemofiltrate reinfusion (HFR) is a form of hemodiafiltration (HDF) in which replacement fluid is constituted by ultrafiltrate from the patient 'regenerated' through a cartridge containing hydrophobic styrene resin. Bicarbonate-based dialysis solutions (DS) used in routine hemodialysis and HDF contain small quantities of acetate (3-5 mM) as a stabilizing agent, one of the major causes of intradialytic hypotension. Acetate-free (AF) DS have recently been made available, substituting acetate with hydrochloric acid. The impact of AF DS during HFR on Hb levels and erythropoietic-stimulating agent (ESA) requirement in chronic dialysis patients was assessed.

Patients And Methods: After obtaining informed consent, 30 uremic patients treated by standard bicarbonate dialysis (BHD, DS with acetate) were randomized to treatment in 3-month cycles: first AF HFR, followed by HFR with acetate, and again AF HFR. At the beginning and end of each period, Hb and ESA requirements were evaluated.

Results: A significant increase in the Hb level was observed throughout all periods of HFR versus BHD (from 11.1 to 11.86 g/dl; p = 0.04), with a significant decrease of ESA requirements from 29,500 to 25,033 IU/month (p = 0.04).

Conclusion: Regardless of the presence or absence of acetate in DS, HFR per se allows a significant lowering of ESA dosage versus BHD, while at the same time increasing Hb levels. Taking for granted the clinical impact produced, HFR seems to provide a relevant decrease in end-stage renal disease patient costs.