By Mary Obaebor

For millions of people undergoing hemodialysis, managing fluid retention is a daily struggle that can mean the difference between stable health and life-threatening complications. Excess fluid in the body puts immense strain on the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, hospitalisations, and even death.

Despite medical advancements, many patients still rely on outdated or ineffective methods to control their hydration levels. A new study, presented by Olufemi Fabusoro at the 22nd International Conference on Dialysis, held yesterday, explores an approach that could change the way volume overload is managed in dialysis patients.

Fabusoro, a researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, delivered his findings at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, through a grant fellowship sponsored by the Renal Research Institute. His study examines the effects of a structured volume reduction protocol on hydration status, blood pressure control, and medication use. The goal is to address one of the most persistent challenges in hemodialysis therapy with practical, evidence-based strategies that can be applied in real-world settings.

Fabusoro’s commitment to kidney disease research is rooted in personal experience. After losing his uncle to complications from chronic kidney disease, he dedicated his career to improving treatment options and patient outcomes. His background in nephrology and public health gave him the tools to investigate solutions for hemodialysis patients who struggle with volume overload.

The study recruited patients from two clinics in Central Illinois, all of whom had been on dialysis for at least three months. Participants received weekly counselling focused on reducing sodium intake, managing fluid retention, and optimizing blood pressure medications. Over six months, bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy showed measurable reductions in overhydration levels. Sodium intake dropped from 2,886 mg per day to 2,315 mg. Although changes in blood pressure readings were modest, the number of prescribed antihypertensive medications decreased from an average of three to two per patient (p = 0.003). Interdialytic weight gain also declined, indicating improved fluid balance.

Fabusoro and his team acknowledge that while the protocol produced measurable improvements, additional studies are needed to refine hydration and blood pressure management strategies. Patient adherence and clinic-based adaptations could further enhance effectiveness.

With over half a million dialysis patients in the U.S., volume overload remains a serious health concern, contributing to hospital admissions, increased healthcare costs, and diminished quality of life. The volume reduction protocol presented in this study provides a structured, evidence-based approach to tackling this issue. Beyond the U.S., the findings could be especially relevant for regions where kidney disease is on the rise and access to specialized care is limited.

The presentation sparked interest among conference attendees, prompting discussions on its long-term implications and the potential integration of digital health tools for real-time monitoring. Future research may focus on sustainability, patient engagement, and further refinement of the intervention. Fabusoro’s work highlights an ongoing need for research and innovation in dialysis care, offering a path toward better health outcomes for those living with kidney disease.