Abstract
Introduction: Various parameters such as increased blood flow and high flux filter increase
dialysis adequacy. Each parameter is associated with specific complications.
Objective: The aim of this study was comparison of two interventions of increased blood flow
rate and high-flux filter on hemodialysis adequacy and complications.
Patients and Methods: This was a single-group quasi-experimental before-and-after
intervention study. Twenty-two patients undergoing dialysis three times a week in the last 6
months consented to participate in the study. The participants were selected using random
sampling method. They were reevaluated prior to dialysis and every 30 minutes until the
end of each hemodialysis session using dialysis complication checklist. Dialysis adequacy was
measured at the end of the fourth session for each patient.
Results: The paired t test results showed a significant increase in dialysis adequacy in dialysis
with increased blood flow and dialysis with high flux filter (high-flux hemodialysis) compared
to routine dialysis (P =0.01). A significant increase was found in incidence of muscular cramp
in dialysis with increased blood flow compared to routine dialysis based on McNemar’s
statistical test (P = 0.02).
Conclusion: Dialysis adequacy improved in both increased blood flow intervention and highflux
hemodialysis compared to routine dialysis. On the other hand, increased blood flow
intervention was associated with less complications than high-flux hemodialysis. In addition,
increased blood flow intervention was more efficient and safer than high-flux hemodialysis.