Baxter Korea said Wednesday it highlighted the benefits of expanded hemodialysis (HDx) using its Theranova at a symposium for nephrologists during the 42nd International Academic Conference of the Korean Society of Nephrology (KSN 2022).

Professor Choi Hoon-young of Gangnam Severance Hospital presented “Expanded HD: Closer Look at Clinical Effectiveness and Health Economic Outcomes."

She noted new grounds for the safety and effectiveness of HDx treatments, patients' self-assessment results (PRO), and health and economic benefits.

Choi explained that HDx treatment with the Theranova dialysis membrane showed superior results in the removal rate of large mesomeric uremic substances while maintaining stable albumin levels. Heavy molecular urea accumulated in the body is a potential cause of cardiovascular disease, a major cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease.

"In terms of safety, HDx treatment removed only 1 to 4 grams of albumin for each treatment, maintaining stable plasma albumin levels for 12 months,” she said. “In terms of effectiveness, it also improved the removal of large mesomeric uretic substances compared to conventional hemodialysis."

The CARTOON study is the first worldwide to compare HDx treatment with online hemodialysis filtration (OL-HDF) indicators, according to the professor. The study proved the non-thermality of online hemodialysis filtration and emphasized that HDx treatment can be used as an alternative to online hemodialysis filtration."

To deal with the improvement of patient quality of life in HDx therapy, Professor Choi conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing Theranova with high-flow hemodialysis membranes for dialysis patients in Korea.

Consequently, HDx therapy with Theranova showed better results than high-flow hemodialysis in physical function and role and significantly reduced the morning itchiness and sleep scratching behavior.

Professor Choi added that HDx treatment lowered the average annual cost compared to conventional high-flow hemodialysis by reducing the use of hematopoietic hormone (ESA) and hospitalization period and rate.

"This symposium helped share new data on Theranova-based HDx treatments that improved various symptoms which hemodialysis patients can experience," said Lim Kwang-hyuk, Baxter Korea’s vice president for the kidney division.