Introduction: Assessment of the hemodialysis adequacy is one of the key factors in evaluating health service system. This would provide a good background for effective future planning by healthcare authorities. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the hemodialysis adequacy in Iran.
Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty-seven hemodialysis centers affiliated to 30 medical universities in Iran participated in this cross-sectional multicenter national study. All demographic data as well as hemodialysis prescription data, including blood flow rate, length of the hemodialysis session, hemodialysis membrane type, and composition of the dialysis solution were recorded for each patient. In addition, urea reduction ratio and Kt/V were calculated to determine the hemodialysis adequacy.
Results: A total of 4004 patients were included in this study, 2345 men (58.6%) and 1659 women (41.4%). Bicarbonate-based solutions and low-flux membranes were prescribed for 77.0% and 97.6% of the patients, respectively. The mean blood flow rate was 242.9 ± 39.2 mL/min. The mean length of hemodialysis session was 229.2 ± 22.2 minutes. The mean urea reduction ratio and Kt/V were calculated to be 61.0 ± 11.8% and 1.2 ± 0.4, respectively. A Kt/V less than 1.2 and a urea reduction ratio less than 65% were found in 56.7%, and 65.2% of the hemodialysis patients, respectively.
Conclusions: This study showed a substantial inadequate hemodialysis in Iran as compared with the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. Considering the impact of dialysis adequacy on quality of life and survival rates, as well as healthcare costs, rigorous attempts to achieve the desired goals are necessary.