Comparison the effect of high flux and low flux dialyzer on quality of life in hemodialysis patients; a clinical trial

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a worldwide public health problem. ESRD reduces health-related quality of life. Quality of life is an important determinant in the mortality and morbidity of hemodialysis patients. However, several studies have suggested that high flux dialyzers increase dialysis adequacy and reduce mortality and morbidity in these patients. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of high flux and low flux dialyzers on the quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: In this clinical trial, 93 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups of high flux and low flux dialyzers. Before intervention, both groups filled demographic and quality of life questionnaires. They were undergone dialysis with two dialyzers (one group by high flux and another by low flux) three times a week for 6 weeks. Then quality of life questionnaire was filled by both groups once again. Results: The overall quality of life score was not significantly different in both groups before intervention (P = 0.121). After intervention, however, high flux group attained a significantly higher mean score (54 +/- 10.4) than low flux group (43.89 +/- 11.64) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the use of high flux dialyzers can be a useful method to increase the quality of life in hemodialysis patients.