Barriers to reducing hemodialysis time and frequency in patients with residual kidney function

Abstract

Having residual kidney function should lessen the requirement for hemodialysis. If the kidney still removes waste solutes to some extent, less dialysis is necessary to limit their accumulation in the body. A well-reasoned case has been made for reducing the intensity of dialysis in patients with residual function, particularly in those initiating dialysis.1,2 However, major barriers hinder reducing hemodialysis time, frequency, or both for patientswith residual kidney function.