Hydrogen-Enhanced Dialysis Solution Protects Kidney Patients' Membranes
Translational Research of Peritoneal Dialysis Solution with Dissolved Molecular Hydrogen
- Authors
- Masaaki Nakayama, Kimio Watanabe, Yoshimitsu Hayashi, Hiroyuki Terawaki, Wan-Jun Zhu, Shigeru Kabayama, Sadayoshi Ito
- Journal
- Contributions to Nephrology
- Year
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.1159/000485717
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Body System
- Renal
TL;DR
Adding molecular hydrogen to peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) may protect the lining of the abdomen and improve the treatment's safety and effectiveness.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-enriched peritoneal dialysis solution preserved the abdominal membrane lining better than standard solution in animal studies and showed no safety issues in a small 6-patient trial.
Summary
Peritoneal dialysis is a kidney treatment that uses fluid placed in the abdomen to filter waste, but the fluid can damage the membrane lining the abdomen over time. This study tested whether adding molecular hydrogen (a gas) to the dialysis fluid could reduce this damage. In animal experiments, hydrogen-enriched fluid preserved more of the protective cell lining and reduced membrane thickening. A small 2-week trial in 6 patients using hydrogen-enriched fluid showed no safety concerns and some signs of improved cell regeneration.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage research suggests hydrogen-enriched dialysis solution may help protect the peritoneal membrane in kidney patients, but the human evidence is very limited (only 6 patients over 2 weeks). Much larger and longer clinical trials would be needed before any conclusions about real-world benefit could be drawn.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: Improved biocompatibility of peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) is crucial for peritoneal membrane preservation, thereby ensuring long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) and preventing encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis. We previously reported the protective effect of molecular hydrogen (H2)…