ScienceDaily (Nov. 8, 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.

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