Research Award Recipients

Effects of expanded hemodialysis on patient-reported outcomes: substudy of a randomized controlled trial.

Co-applicant(s): Amit X Garg, Andrea Cowan, Ayodele Odutayo, Brenden Cote, Christopher McIntyre, Claire Harris, Edward Clark, Emilie Trinh, Frank Ansell, Gihad Nesrallah, Guangyong Zou, Istvan Mucsi, Karthik Tennankore, Matthew Weir, Mercedeh Kiaii, Michael Walsh, Reena Khanna, Ron Wald, Samuel Silver, Susan Q. McKenzie, Tyrone Harrison, Victoria Lebedeva

Lay Abstract

Background: Living with advanced kidney disease is a daily challenge for many people. Hemodialysis is the most common treatment to maintain life when kidneys can no longer filter waste and excess fluids. This process involves using a machine to clean the blood, typically requiring patients to spend several hours at a dialysis unit multiple times a week. While conventional hemodialysis is life-saving, it does not remove all harmful substances that can build up in the body. As a result, patients often continue to feel unwell, experiencing symptoms like fatigue, pain, sleep disturbances, difficulty thinking, and emotional stress. These symptoms can significantly impact their quality of life, making everyday activities difficult and less enjoyable. There is a pressing need for treatments that can improve how patients feel day to day. Enhancing patients’ quality of life is just as important as extending their lives. By reducing symptom burden, patients may have more energy, better moods, and a greater ability to participate in activities they enjoy. Exploring expanded hemodialysis Our research focuses on a new approach called expanded hemodialysis. This method uses an advanced blood filter, approved by Health Canada, to remove a wider range of toxins from the blood compared to conventional dialysis. Early studies suggest that expanded hemodialysis might help patients feel better by reducing symptoms associated with toxin buildup. However, these studies have had important limitations, and more rigorous research is needed to confirm these potential benefits. Our study We are conducting a clinical trial to study the effect of expanded hemodialysis compared to conventional hemodialysis on how patients receiving chronic hemodialysis feel and function. Over the next year, we will enroll 700 patients and ask them to regularly share information about their symptoms and overall well-being through simple questionnaires. By collecting this personal feedback, we aim to understand how patients feel and learn directly about the symptoms they experience. We want to determine whether expanded hemodialysis reduces specific symptoms like fatigue, pain, or sleep problems. This information will help us enhance patient care by improving treatment approaches that prioritize patients’ comfort and well-being. Why this study matters This research has the potential to significantly improve the lives of people undergoing hemodialysis. By focusing on patients’ quality of life, we aim to reduce symptom burden and help patients feel better physically and emotionally, making daily activities more manageable and enjoyable. Alleviating fatigue and sleep disturbances may improve patients’ energy levels and overall mood, reducing feelings of anxiety or depression associated with chronic illness. Ultimately, this could enable patients to engage more fully in social, recreational, or work-related activities they enjoy.