Comparison of clinical therapeutic effects between high-flux dialysis and low-flux dialysis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of, as well as effects on micro-inflammatory and metabolic acidosis between high-flux and low-flux dialysis in the hemodialysis population. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study, based on pre-defined blood sample data completeness criteria, screened and included treatment records of 187 patients undergoing high-flux dialysis and 189 patients undergoing low-flux dialysis from 2016 to 2018. Ultimately, 374 dialysis sessions meeting the completeness criteria from the high-flux group and 378 sessions from the low-flux group were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics, clinical tolerance, dialysis efficiency, serum laboratory parameters, micro-inflammatory status, and metabolic acidosis indicators were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Both groups exhibited good biocompatibility, with effective removal of excess water and uremic toxins from the body. Contrastingly, high-flux dialysis was better than low-flux dialysis in removing moderate and small molecule toxins, maintaining blood pressure and acid-base balance in the body. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides useful insights into the comparative efficacy, micro-inflammation, and metabolic acidosis of high-flux and low-flux dialysis. These findings support the preferential use of high-flux dialysis to enhance solute clearance and correct acidosis, while affirming that both modalities are well-tolerated. The choice should be individualized based on patient characteristics and treatment goals.