Research in brief: Nocturnal home hemodialysis

In this episode of Research in Brief, Brigitte Schiller, MD, FACP, FASN, highlights the importance of nocturnal home hemodialysis — a treatment approach that allows patients to dialyze overnight in the comfort of their own homes.

The paper, How I Treat Nocturnal Home Hemodialysis — An Underprescribed but Essential Home Dialysis Modality in the United States, outlines a practical guide for nephrologists who want to learn how to safely and effectively prescribe this modality. Dr. Schiller also emphasizes the need to begin a nationwide conversation about how more people can benefit from nocturnal home hemodialysis (HHD).

Home dialysis in general may provide eligible patients with more freedom and flexibility. With nocturnal HHD, patients can free up their days by shifting treatment to nighttime, offering even more flexibility. The therapy is delivered over longer periods of time while the patient sleeps, and observational studies over many years have shown that extended dialysis sessions are associated with improved outcomes, including better survival rates and fewer hospitalizations. Dr. Schiller underscores that dialysis should fit into a patient’s life, not the other way around.

Despite its benefits, nocturnal HHD remains underutilized. By providing clear, practical guidance, this paper aims to empower more clinicians to offer nocturnal home hemodialysis and enable more patients to experience its advantages.

Watch the video below: