Submit to JCM Review for JCM Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Current Updates and Advances in Hemodialysis

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Nephrology & Urology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2026) | Viewed by 5486

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Edita Žiginskienė

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Nephrology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių 2, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: chronic kidney disease; acute kidney injury; kidney replacement therapy; hemodialysis; peritoneal dialysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hemodialysis is a key treatment for end-stage kidney disease and severe acute kidney injury. Despite advancements in technology, patient care protocols, and outcomes, challenges like vascular access, dialysis adequacy, quality of life, and long-term complications remain. The field continues to be a major area of research, focusing on improving treatment options, enhancing safety, and developing more personalized care strategies.

This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advancements in hemodialysis, focusing on cutting-edge research and new technologies. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, innovative dialysis techniques, new dialysis membranes, dialysis-related complications, and patient-centered care. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of current trends, clinical applications, and future directions.

Recent studies highlight promising innovations, such as biocompatible membranes, wearable dialysis devices, and personalized treatment regimens. Research on dialysis adequacy, optimal timing, and individualized strategies is advancing rapidly, alongside efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality. Breakthroughs in vascular access and monitoring technologies are poised to transform clinical practice.

We invite original research articles, clinical studies, and reviews that address the latest advancements and trends in hemodialysis, focusing on improving patient outcomes and the dialysis process.

Dr. Edita Žiginskienė
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

kidney replacement therapy
hemodialysis
hemodiafiltration
vascular access
dialysis membranes
dialysis complications
dialysis adequacy
outcomes

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

15 pages, 283 KB

Open AccessArticle

Global View of Ocular Parameter Changes Induced by a Single Hemodialysis Session

by Joanna Roskal-Wałek, Joanna Gołębiewska, Jerzy Mackiewicz, Kamila Bołtuć-Dziugieł, Agnieszka Bociek, Paweł Wałek, Dominik Odrobina and Andrzej Jaroszyński

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020592 - 12 Jan 2026

Viewed by 401

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hemodialysis (HD) is the commonest life sustaining form of kidney replacement therapy in the world; however, this method of treatment have many adverse effects, and even a single HD session affects many organs, including the eyes. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a single HD session on the ophthalmologic findings in patients with End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The second aim of the study was to examine the correlation of these changes with each other and between changes in systemic stressors related to the HD session. Methods: This was a single-center cross-sectional observational study conducted on 32 patients undergoing HD. Selected parameters of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye as well as systemic parameters were assessed before and after a single HD session. Results: Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved, and lens thickness (LT), axial length (AXL), average macular thickness (MT), central MT and total vessel density (VD) of the deep capillary plexus DCP increased significantly after a single HD session. The Schirmer test results, tear break up time (TBUT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), central and average choroidal thickness (CT) decreased significantly after HD. Body weight loss was the only significant systemic change. Decrease in TBUT correlated positively with Schirmer’s test results decrease. Increase in CCT correlated positively with AXL increase. Decrease in central and average CT correlated positively with IOP decrease. Increase in central MT correlated positively with increase in average MT. Decrease in central CT correlated positively with average CT decrease. Change in VD of the SCP correlated positively with change in VD of DCP. Apart from the positive correlation between SBP change and Schirmer’s test results change, there were no correlations between systemic and ophthalmic parameters changes. Conclusions: Our study showed that HD affected the parameters of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Numerous correlations between these changes suggest that they are interrelated and represent the complex response of the eye to the HD process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Updates and Advances in Hemodialysis)

14 pages, 1476 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploratory Assessment of Muscle Thickness and Stiffness Around Arteriovenous Fistulas Using Shear Wave Elastography

by Mohammed J. Alsaadi, Rana Alotaibi, Lina Fahmi Hammad, Maram AlOthman, Shagran Binkhamis and Abdulrahman M. Alfuraih

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(24), 8874; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248874 - 15 Dec 2025

Viewed by 536

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Muscle thickness and stiffness near the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) site may influence vascular access function in hemodialysis patients. This exploratory study aimed primarily to describe differences in muscle thickness and stiffness between the AVF-bearing and contralateral limbs, and secondarily to examine whether these parameters were associated with AVF maturation. This study aimed to compare these muscle parameters between the AVF and contralateral sides and to evaluate their relationship with AVF maturation status. Methods: Thirty participants undergoing hemodialysis were included, comprising 22 with mature AVFs and 8 with non-mature AVFs. Ultrasound examinations measured muscle thickness and stiffness using Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) of the biceps brachii and brachioradialis muscles. Volume flow was recorded in the draining vein and feeding artery. Statistical analyses included paired comparisons, group comparisons, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression models. Results: Brachioradialis thickness was significantly reduced on the AVF side compared with the contralateral side (p = 0.013, Cohen’s d = –0.95), particularly in forearm (radiocephalic) fistulas (Wilcoxon p = 0.014, Cohen’s d = –0.95), indicating localized muscle atrophy. No significant side-to-side differences were found for biceps brachii thickness or for stiffness in either muscle (all p > 0.1). Comparisons between mature and non-mature AVF groups showed no significant differences in muscle parameters on the AVF side (all p > 0.4). Conclusions: AVF may lead to asymmetric muscle changes, especially a reduction in brachioradialis thickness, regardless of maturation status, which could affect forearm function. Nevertheless, muscle thickness and stiffness do not appear to predict AVF maturity or vascular access success directly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Updates and Advances in Hemodialysis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1699 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sleep Quality and Its Association with Quality of Life and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

by Norihito Yoshida, Tatsuki Tanaka, Yusuke Suzuki, Sadamu Takahashi, Mai Hitaka, Shingo Ishii, Keisuke Yamazaki and Yasushi Ohashi

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(24), 8729; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248729 - 10 Dec 2025

Viewed by 880

Abstract

Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients and are associated with impaired quality of life (QOL) and poor outcomes. However, the independent impact of sleep quality on QOL and mortality in this population remains unclear. Methods: In this multicenter observational study, 346 HD patients completed the Kidney Disease Quality of Life–Short Form (KDQOL-SF). A composite sleep score was derived from sleep-related items, and patients were stratified into tertiles (Q1–Q3). Clinical characteristics, QOL outcomes, and survival were compared across tertiles. Associations between sleep quality and QOL domains were assessed using linear regression, while Cox proportional hazards models were applied to evaluate mortality risk. Results: Patients in the lowest tertile (Q1) consistently demonstrated significantly lower scores across multiple SF-36 and kidney-disease-specific QOL domains compared with Q2 and Q3 (all p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed lower cumulative survival in Q1 (log-rank p = 0.012). In Cox models, Q1 was associated with higher mortality compared to Q3 in both unadjusted (HR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.46–4.54; p = 0.001) and adjusted models (Model 3: HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.11–3.77; p = 0.023). The associations between Q1 and Q2 were attenuated after full adjustment (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 0.98–3.60; p = 0.058). Conclusions: Poor sleep quality was independently associated with impaired QOL and increased all-cause mortality in HD patients. These associations remained significant even after adjustment for inflammation and dialysis adequacy, suggesting that sleep quality reflects a distinct pathophysiological condition and may serve as an important, potentially modifiable indicator of patient well-being and prognosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Updates and Advances in Hemodialysis)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 1496 KB

Open AccessArticle

Empowering CKD and Hemodialysis Patients with mHealth: Implementation of the NephroGo App in Europe

by Giedrė Žulpaitė, Karolis Vyčius, Urtė Deinoravičiūtė, Edita Saukaitytė-Butvilė, Laurynas Rimševičius and Marius Miglinas

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(17), 6219; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14176219 - 3 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2036

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires intensive dietary and lifestyle management, yet patient engagement and access to tailored education remain limited, particularly outside clinical settings. This study describes the development and implementation of NephroGo, and evaluates its usability, user engagement, and perceived acceptability among patients with CKD. Methods: The app was developed based on clinical and dietary guidelines, incorporating personalized nutrient recommendations, dialysis tracking, and educational content. Technically, it features a Django backend, Flutter mobile frontend, and secure cloud-based hosting. User feedback was collected through one-time interviews (n = 10) and a standardized Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) survey (n = 32). Longitudinal usage data over four years were also analyzed. Results: Initially, NephroGo was downloaded by 204 users, of whom 93.6% were considered active users based on defined behavioral engagement thresholds. Over a four-year period, the app accumulated a total of 1670 downloads. This study focuses on evaluating user engagement, usability, and perceived acceptability of the NephroGo app over a four-year period. Most users were female (52.3%) and aged 30–65. Stage 5 CKD patients and those undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) had the highest engagement. The most-used feature was the personalized nutrition calculator, with sodium being the most frequently exceeded nutrient. The average MARS score was 4.09 ± 0.66, with functionality rated highest (4.27 ± 0.74). App ratings were significantly higher among users referred by physicians (p = 0.039). Conclusions: NephroGo offers a scalable digital tool to support dietary management and health monitoring, with potential to complement standard nephrology care in a resource-conscious manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Updates and Advances in Hemodialysis)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

9 pages, 1814 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Four-Year Outcomes of aXess Arteriovenous Conduit in Hemodialysis Patients: Insights from Two Case Reports of the aXess FIH Study

by Monika Vitkauskaitė, Laurynas Rimševičius, Rokas Girčius, Martijn A. J. Cox and Marius Miglinas

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(24), 8768; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248768 - 11 Dec 2025

Viewed by 681

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are critical for hemodialysis access in patients with inadequate native vasculature. The Xeltis aXess graft, a novel bioresorbable vascular access conduit, promotes endogenous tissue restoration. While early outcomes have been promising, longer-term data remain limited. This report presents the longest reported, four-year follow-up on two of the first implanted aXess devices. Case Summaries: Case 1: A 64-year-old woman underwent aXess graft placement on 10 June 2021, between the right brachial artery and vein. She experienced graft thrombosis after 12 months and 18 months, both of which were successfully resolved with thrombectomy, in one instance in combination with drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. The graft remains functional. Case 2: A 76-year-old man received an aXess graft on 11 June 2021, in the left arm. After 6 months, he underwent balloon and DCB angioplasty for graft–vein (G–V) anastomosis stenosis. After 28 months, to resolve multiple pseudoaneurysms, followed by aneurysm resection and AVG reconstruction at month 29, a tunneled catheter was placed to perform dialysis sessions in the meantime. At month 44, graft-venous (G–V) angioplasty with DCB was performed to resolve G–V and axillary vein stenoses diagnosed at month 43. The graft remains in use. Results: Both patients retained functional dialysis access after four years, despite requiring multiple interventions for thrombosis, stenosis, and pseudoaneurysms. Conclusions: These cases demonstrate that the aXess graft can maintain functionality over four years with appropriate management, although close surveillance and reinterventions may be required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Updates and Advances in Hemodialysis)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Current Updates and Advances in Hemodialysis

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Research

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI