Hemodialysis prescriptions are classified in terms of frequency of treatments, duration of therapy, and time of day. With respect to the time of day, hemodialysis can be performed during the daytime hours or overnight while the patient sleeps. Frequency refers to the number of treatment days, which can range from three to seven times per week, and duration refers to the length of the dialysis session, anywhere from two to eight hours per treatment. Based on these parameters, different prescriptions can be created, which gives the possibility to individualize treatments per patient (Table 1). These various hemodialysis treatment schedules can be applied in-center or at home, but the most convenient treatment location to intensify HD treatment by increasing dialysis frequency and/or duration is at home.

 

Table 1: HHD Prescriptions can vary based on time of day, frequency, and duration. This naming convention for HD classification was proposed by Marshall et al¹, considers the various combinations of these parameters that can be customized and individualized for each patient.

References:

1. Marshall MR. Intensive hemodialysis—keeping the faith. Kidney Int. 2018;93(1):10-12.

GMO-001397  Rev A  11/2024