Comparing Twice vs Thrice Weekly Hemodialysis for Elderly Patients

A Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial: Twice-weekly vs Thrice-weekly Incident hemoDialysis in Elderly Patients

Not applicable Interventional Soonchunhyang University Hospital · NCT06141798

This study tests whether doing hemodialysis twice a week instead of three times can help elderly patients with kidney disease feel better and stay out of the hospital.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment428 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSoonchunhyang University Hospital Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Bucheon-si and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06141798 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of initiating hemodialysis treatment twice weekly versus the standard thrice weekly regimen in elderly patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The study aims to assess whether a less frequent dialysis schedule can reduce hospitalization rates and improve quality of life for frail elderly patients who may have multiple comorbidities. By focusing on patients with residual renal function, the trial seeks to validate a potentially safer and more effective approach to renal replacement therapy in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients aged 60 years and older who are starting maintenance hemodialysis and have some residual renal function.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiac issues, liver cirrhosis, active malignancies, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of less frequent hemodialysis is being explored, this specific comparison in elderly patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥60 years
* Clinical diagnosis of end stage kidney disease
* Starting maintenance hemodialysis within one month
* 24-hour urine output ≥ 500 ml at randomization
* Sufficient understanding of the study procedures and requirements.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Left ventricular ejection fraction \< 40%)
* Liver cirrhosis
* Current treatment for an active malignancy or active infection
* Onability or refusal to provide written informed consent
* enrollment in another clinical trial.

Where this trial is running

Bucheon-si and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Age ProblemDialysisComplicationsFrailtyQuality of Life
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.