ABSTRACT
Patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease receive Renal Replacement Therapies in order to ensure their survival. In the long run, dialysis sessions are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and diminished functionality and well-being. Conventional dialysis regimen is, usually, consisted of three four hours sessions per week. Nocturnal hemodialysis is a new novel intensive dialysis method. Compared to conventional hemodialysis it has longer duration, higher frequency and dose of dialysate. Moreover, there are improved biochemical factors, urea levels and cardiovascular system enhancement. Drugs administration, such as antihypertensives and phosphate binding agents, is reduced. Patients have the chance to sleep during the night and they show improved quality of sleep. It is observed an increase in survival and symptom remission. Despite the fact that it is not widely implemented, it has been shown to offer to the patients better clinical outcomes and improved quality of life compared to those undergoing conventional hemodialysis treatment.
Key-words: conventional hemodialysis, nocturnal hemodialysis, quality of life
