HDF, which has been in place at the hospital for just over 2 weeks, removes more toxins than standard dialysis therefore making the blood cleaner. HDF reduces the risk of low blood pressure during dialysis, and also reduces the risk of some of the long-term side effects of dialysis such as damage to the joints.
In one shift in the renal unit there are 12/13 patients on dialysis and 2 of these are now on HDF and the patients are already feeling the benefits.
Dr Stewart Lambie, Consultant Nephrologist for NHS Highland, explains:
“HDF is more efficient at removing the different toxins in the blood and patients who have been on it have come back to us saying that they feel better. We also have exercise bikes in the unit, while patients are receiving their dialysis we are encouraging them to use the bikes to build up strength in their legs and improve their cardiovascular fitness. The patients who have taken us up this are very enthusiastic about the benefits.”
Haemodiafiltration filters the blood as well as dialyzing it, removing more of the larger toxins that aren’t removed as efficiently by dialysis alone.
