Hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion of the regenerated ultrafiltrate (HFR): towards a convective, diffusive, and adsorptive dialysis

Abstract

Hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion of the ultrafiltrate (HFR) is a dialysis technique characterized by a resin cartridge with adsorptive properties that combines the mechanisms of diffusion, convection, and adsorption in a single therapeutic regimen. After nearly 20 years of clinical experience with HFR, this article reviews the accumulated evidence with this technique, considering whether adsorption reduction, as a third purification mechanism, should be the next step in the treatment of hemodialysis patients. HFR, beyond producing an extensive removal of uremic toxins, has demonstrated to reduce the loss of nutrients and other physiological components during the dialysis session as compared to online hemodiafiltration, ameliorating the inflammatory state and oxidative stress in this population. In addition to its ease of use, the technique is also highly biocompatible and can be used in patients with a compromised vascular access. Based on these observations, HFR appears to be an especially useful therapy for high-comorbidity patients, including those with frailty, malnutrition, or cardiovascular disease. In this review, we, as a consensus panel of nephrologists experienced with HFR, survey existing literature and summarize our views on when to use this technique, which patients may be best suited for HFR, and how to effectively prescribe and monitor this modality of dialysis in daily clinical practice.

Keywords: Adsorción; Adsorption; HFR; Hemodiafiltración con reinfusión endógena del ultrafiltrado; Hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion of ultrafiltrate; Hemodialysis; Hemodiálisis; Protein-bound uremic toxins; Toxinas urémicas ligadas a proteínas.