More Frequent Dialysis Enhances Recovery for AKI Patients
04/18/2025
More frequent dialysis provides a slower rate of dialytic fluid removal and stabilizes intradialytic hemodynamics. In those patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who require dialysis therapy, this gentler dialysis model of care may enhance the chances of kidney recovery and liberation from dialytic care.
Key points on why this approach may lead to better outcomes for AKI patients.
Improved Clinical Outcomes for AKI Patients
More frequent dialysis sessions improve the way toxins and excess fluids are removed, help maintain stable electrolyte levels, and enhance hemodynamic stability. This model of care can be especially beneficial for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), as it mitigates complications like pulmonary edema, arrhythmias, and hypotension—ultimately supporting faster recovery and protecting vital organs and permits on-site management of patients with higher levels of medical complexity and more comorbid conditions
Reduced Risk of Complications
Dialysis removes fluid more gently (1) and can lower the risk of cardiovascular events, and other complications associated with more crude methods of fluid removal.
Reduced Hospitalizations and Continuity of Care
When AKI patients receive dialysis onsite at a SNF, any health events or complications can be managed immediately by the facility’s clinical team, avoiding unnecessary hospital transfers. Instead of being sent to the hospital, patients are returned to their rooms for prompt care and monitoring, supporting faster stabilization and continuity of treatment.
More Time for Rehab
Onsite dialysis with more frequent dialysis eliminates the need for time-consuming transportation to offsite clinics, reduces post-dialysis recovery time 2, and frees up valuable hours in the day. This results in patients spending up to 70% more time participating in rehab, which can accelerate recovery and improve overall outcomes, including moving up the date of discharge home.
At Dialyze Direct, where home-based and SNF (skilled nursing facility) dialysis models prioritize patient-centric care, a more frequent dialysis schedule aligns well with improving outcomes for AKI patients, particularly those with comorbidities.
- Bellin EY, AM Hellebrand, WT Markis, JG Ledvina, SM Kaplan, NW Levin, AM Kaufman.
On-site More Frequent Dialysis May Hasten Return Home for Nursing Home End-Stage Renal Disease Patients. Kidney 360. 2024; 10-34067.
- Bellin EY, AM Hellebrand, SM Kaplan, JG Ledvina, WT Markis, NW Levin, AM Kaufman.
Post-dialysis recovery time in ESRD patients receiving more frequent hemodialysis in skilled nursing facilities. Hemodialysis International. 2022;26(3):424-434.
Medically Reviewed: This content has been reviewed for clinical accuracy and reliability by Dr. Allen Kaufman, Chief Medical Officer at Dialyze Direct.
Dr. Allen Kaufman is the Chief Medical Officer and Senior VP for Clinical & Scientific Affairs at Dialyze Direct, with over four decades of experience in Nephrology. He began his career in 1980 and has held leadership roles including Chief of Nephrology & Hypertension at Beth Israel Medical Center (1998–2004), Chief of Dialysis at the Bronx VA Medical Center (1982–1990), and Chief of the Yorkville Dialysis Unit at Beth Israel and the Renal Research Institute (1990–2000). Dr. Kaufman has authored over 100 scientific publications and served as Principal or Co-Investigator on numerous NIH-funded research studies. A Fellow of the American College of Physicians, he is board-certified in Nephrology and Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Mount Sinai in New York. Dr. Kaufman is widely recognized with multiple “Best Doctor” and “Patients’ Choice” awards.