NKF plans to pilot home dialysis, latest news from Singapore

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) plans to pilot home dialysis in the coming years.

Associate Professor Jimmy Teo, head of nephrology at the National University Hospital, said that hemodialysis would allow kidney patients to undergo dialysis. More frequently, at their convenience.

"They would have a better quality of life and fewer dietary restrictions," he said.

In 2016, 1,890 people lost the use of their kidneys. For two out of three, the cause was diabetes. The Ministry of Health said that 1,200 of them had undergone a transplant or turned to dialysis, which allowed the kidneys to eliminate poisons and excess fluid.

Nearly nine people on dialysis live more than a year overall. Those who have dialysis in a center go there three times a week. At home, this can be done daily, which means that toxins and excess fluid do not accumulate for days.

Professor Teo said, "Frequent dialysis means that they can eat more freely. 19659006] Home hemodialysis is being used more and more in some countries as machines become smaller, more user-friendly and cheaper.

More frequent and gentler dialysis is preferable because it helps preserve the remaining kidney function. Prof Teo.

In Singapore, this is only possible with peritoneal dialysis, where a solution is inserted into the abdominal cavity to extract toxins and excess fluid. This is done four times a day and takes about 30 to 40 minutes, or in one night session.

Home hemodialysis will give patients another option, although Professor Teo estimates that one in three hemodialysis patients may be able to do it at home. They need to be motivated, to have space for the machine and not to have severe medical problems requiring close supervision.

million. Tim Oei, chief executive of NKF, who dialysed two out of three patients with kidney failure He said: "Home hemodialysis can be a feasible option for peritoneal dialysis patients who need to switch to hemodialysis, but who prefer a home environment. "

But he does not see hemodialysis centered on hemodialysis in the center.

The NKF, which supports nearly 3800 hemodialysis patients, has built about two new centers a year to cope with the growing demand. It has 35 dialysis centers, and it will have five more by 2020. It also supports nearly 550 people on peritoneal dialysis.

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