Dialysis-Less Frequently In The Elderly

Thrice-weekly dialysis is the accepted standard of care for hemodialysis (HD) patients. Observational studies suggest that elderly HD patients do as well and have better quality of life with less dialysis (ie twice-weekly). We propose a single-center pilot study of 40 patients to determine the feasibility of a large randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to determine the impact of HD frequency on well-being in new HD patients above the age of 70. The primary outcomes will be metrics of feasibility and safety. We hypothesize that an adequately powered RCT that will determine whether elderly patients who dialyze twice weekly have improved well-being compared to thrice-weekly is feasible