Would appreciate your knowledge and expertise re Home Dialysis....

I am considering assisting a relative begin home dialysis rather than at dialysis center where the she currently visits three times a week.

Would appreciate if one of the experts here could make some general comments on home dialysis and some specific comments:

1. Comparing it to Clinic based dialysis in terms of efficacy?

2. Is it safe? Has anyone heard of or experience problems with home dialysis?

3. My relative is fairly able, but does the patient ever initiate their own vascular access?

4. Does a technician/nurse have to be present during the dialysis.

5. What are the best machines for home dialysis?

Thank you in advance for your kind assistance.

Hal, heres my personal thoughts:

1. Comparing it to Clinic based dialysis in terms of efficacy?

Home dialysis for many is extremely effective. This is due to a variety of factors. First home hemo patients tend to be in better overall health. They have the luxary of dialyzing on their schedule not the facility's, in the home environment which I think makes the treatment less stressful. They have control over their treatment time, dialyzing longer or shorter, depending on how they feel.


2. Is it safe? Has anyone heard of or experience problems with home dialysis?
The home hemo treatment is safe as long as the patient and helper are properly trained and adhere to proper procedure.

3. My relative is fairly able, but does the patient ever initiate their own vascular access?

Some patients do and prefer to self cannulate.

4. Does a technician/nurse have to be present during the dialysis.

No. Most home hemo patients have a family member or friend to assist with the treatment.

5. What are the best machines for home dialysis?

I think the particular machine has less to do with being the "best". I've had had home hemo patients dialyze on just about every type available and do fine regardless of the brand. Satisfaction with a machine is rooted in training. I think most would choose the best technology available over the easiest to use.

Finally, home hemo is not for everyone. It requires significant training for both patient and their helper. Dilligence in following procedure and schedule, and communicating with the support facility is a must.

The patient's home environment needs to be conducive to accommodating the water treatment and dialysis equipment (space for the equipment and supplies, proper electrical and water connections etc). Homelife needs to allow time for the treatment.

Hope this provides some answers and that others will give you their onservations.

Thanks for your reply!

Are the patients on home dialysis monitored (e.g via the internet/phoneline etc) by a computer/technician at a central facility?

Do you or anyone else here have experience with dialyzers that are "specifically" manufactured for home use. e.g. Aksys or others?

Thanks again.