Dialysis quality and quantity: How much and how often?

Hemodialysis is accepted as standard therapy for end-stage renal failure but despite four decades of experience the morbidity and mortality associated with the treatment remains unacceptably high. Quality of dialysis is traditionally measured with reference to urea clearance but it is becoming increasingly apparent that other solutes across the range of molecular size are also important. More prolonged or more frequent therapy may improve dialysis delivery and enhance survival in patients with end-stage renal disease.