β2-microglobulin, a uremic toxin with a double meaning

Abstract

β2M is a strong and independent indicator of hemodialysis patient outcomes and an excellent surrogate for middle molecules, and deserves to be routinely monitored and incorporated into dialysis adequacy targets. β2M has a double meaning, reflecting both dialysis efficacy in terms of solute mass transfer and patient bioactivity. The work of Ward et al. in this issue warrants a study to test the hypothesis that long daily hemodiafiltration treatment would be the optimal renal replacement modality to improve dialysis patient outcomes.