The highlights of dialysis in 2024

Abstract

In 2024, dialysis is experiencing advancements, particularly in environmental sustainability. “Green dialysis” is emerging as a priority, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of dialysis centers (water and resource consumption, patient transportation). Innovative strategies, such as adjusting dialysate flow rate and temperature, have demonstrated similar effectiveness to standard dialysis in terms of Kt/V while reducing water consumption. A recent Cochrane review confirms the equivalence between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) in terms of mortality. Additionally, hemodiafiltration (HDF) is regaining attention thanks to the CONVINCE study and its ancillary studies, which show a reduction in mortality risk and an improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, technical adaptations are making HDF more environmentally friendly. Anticoagulation strategies are also evolving: heparin-free dialysis, using calcium-free dialysate and reinjection controlled by ionic dialysance, has proven effective. A large French study based on the Rein registry and the National Health Data System database shows that direct oral anticoagulants, particularly apixaban, although not officially approved for dialysis (off-label use), offer promising prospects for reducing thromboembolic risk. Chronic inflammation, a major cardiovascular risk factor in dialysis patients, is the focus of therapeutic trials targeting IL-6 (clazakizumab), with encouraging phase II results. Meanwhile, dialysate sodium management is being reassessed: individualized reductions can help better control blood pressure but must be used cautiously in certain patients. Finally, in elderly patients contraindicated for transplantation, initiating hemodialysis provides only a modest survival benefit, sometimes at the cost of reduced time spent at home. Decisions between dialysis and conservative management (opting not to dialyze) should therefore be guided by patient preferences and quality of life.