Dialysis treatment now offered at night

05 April 2012 - 15:05 By Sapa
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People suffering from kidney failure can now receive dialysis treatment at night, private service provider National Renal Care (NRC) said on Thursday.

While haemodialysis is usually done over a four-hour period, overnight dialysis is performed over a period of eight hours.
While haemodialysis is usually done over a four-hour period, overnight dialysis is performed over a period of eight hours.
Image: Gallo Images/Thinkstock
While haemodialysis is usually done over a four-hour period, overnight dialysis is performed over a period of eight hours.
While haemodialysis is usually done over a four-hour period, overnight dialysis is performed over a period of eight hours.
Image: Gallo Images/Thinkstock

"Going for haemodialysis at night frees patients up during the day, allowing them to be more productive, working, attending school or university and sharing in family activities," said NRC CEO Noeleen Phillipson.

While haemodialysis is usually done over a four-hour period, overnight dialysis is performed over a period of eight hours.

This allows for a slower blood and dialysate flow rate, which tends to have a less severe effect on the vascular system. Patients reported feeling stronger and less tired.

"Another important advantage of the overnight procedure is that it usually removes more toxins and fluids from the blood than the traditional form of therapy," said Phillipson.

She said a study published in the Journal of Nephrology indicated that those undergoing the treatment had an improved survival rate.

Research had also shown a reduction in medication usage.

The overnight option was offered at centres in Greenacres, Port Elizabeth, Netcare Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg and at Netcare Umhlanga Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.

A fourth facility would be available at Netcare Garden City Hospital in Mayfair West, Johannesburg towards the end of the year.

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