Factors Affecting Intermittent Infusion Hemodiafiltration

Background: Intermittent infusion hemodiafiltration ­(I-HDF) has been performed for a number of years since this mode of dialysis became available with dialyzers used in Japan. It has been effective in some cases and ineffective in others. In this study, we analyzed and clarified these differences. Summary: We conducted a retrospective study to determine the factors affecting the effectiveness of I-HDF treatment in some patients and ineffectiveness in others and classified the complex causes associated with volume load that were identified. Key Messages: Bolus dialysate infusion in I-HDF affects the volume load (preload), and repeated bolus dialysate infusion influences both preload and afterload in patients with valvular heart disease. In this study, I-HDF was effective when brain natriuretic peptide levels, cardiothoracic ratio, and ultrafiltration rate were well controlled and cardiac load was low. I-HDF was shown to be effective in patients who are prone to developing hypotension at the end of a dialysis session. There were several factors, including different types of load, involved in inefficiency of I-HDF.