ASN's Mission

To create a world without kidney diseases, the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health elevates care by educating and informing, driving breakthroughs and innovation, and advocating for policies that create transformative changes in kidney medicine throughout the world.

learn more

Contact ASN

1401 H St, NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20005

email@asn-online.org

202-640-4660

The Latest on X

Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO0428

Predictors of Recovery of Dialysis-Independent Kidney Function in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

Session Information

Category: Dialysis

  • 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis

Authors

  • Killen, John P., Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  • Teh, Tobias T K, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  • Wang, Amanda Y., Northern Beaches Hospital, Frenchs Forest, New South Wales, Australia
  • Johnson, David W., Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
Background

Recovery of residual kidney function (RKF) to a level allowing dialysis independence in patients with kidney failure receiving hemodialysis (HD) is uncommon. We aim to explore characteristics and determine measurable predictors in patients with kidney failure on HD who regain kidney function and achieve dialysis independence.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analysed data from Northern Beaches Hospital in Sydney, Australia from December 2018 to December 2024. All patients starting kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in this period, with the intention of commencing long-term dialysis beyond 90 days, were eligible for inclusion. Regaining kidney function was defined as dialysis independence beyond 30 days. Patients’ demographic features, clinical parameters including interdialytic weight changes, blood pressure, and routine biochemistry results, were collected and analysed. Quality of life was assessed by self-completion of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SFTM) survey and conducting of patient interviews based on Standardised Outcomes in Nephrology-Hemodialysis (SONG-HD) core outcomes.

Results

Six adult patients regained kidney function and became dialysis independent for at least nine months between years 2018-2024. Five patients were male, and one was female. The mean age was 67 (range 50-79 years old). All patients were of White background. Cause of kidney failure in these patients included diabetic nephropathy, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatorenal failure secondary to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis. Three patients who discontinued HD were required to restart HD (dialysis-free period ranged 295-1721 days). Patients who discontinued HD had an interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) that trended negative. KDQOL-SFTM survey results indicated patients independent of dialysis improved in most quality of life parameters.

Conclusion

IDWG trend identified patients with kidney failure who successfully discontinued regular HD. IDWG is a routine measure and could be used to identify these patients.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)