The Effect of High-flux Hemodialysis and On-line Hemodiafiltration on Endothelial Function.

The main aim of this project is to evaluate, in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD5D), the role of adhesion molecules in leukocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration involved in atherogenesis. This trial is a prospective randomized crossover study in CKD5D hemodialysis patients followed in the Nephrology Unit of the Reina Sofia University Hospital (Cordoba, Spain). The estimated inclusion period is two years, with a follow-up of 24 months. Patients will be randomized to high-flux hemodialysis versus online hemodiafiltration with high convective transport (above 21 liters); after 6 months in each dialysis modality they will be switched the other technique for another 6 months. Then, patients will be maintained during 4 weeks in conventional hemodialysis "wash out period", before being started in the other dialysis modality. Patients will be stratified by age, gender and the presence of diabetes. Routine analytical determinations (urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chlorine, total CO2, calcium, phosphorus, FA, PTH, levels 25OH, β2m, ALT, hemoglobin, leukocytes, platelets, glucose, uric acid, total proteins, albumin , PCR, IL-6, ferritin, TSAT and homocysteine), characteristics of hemodialysis and dialysis dose (Kt / V and Kt) will be recorded. Residual renal function will be analysed every three months. In plasma, microRNAs profile and FGF23 levels will be determined. Markers of endothelial dysfunction (CD31 +, CD41-, CD144, CD62E) and subclinical atherosclerosis markers (CD11b, CD41 +) will be measured. The hospitalization and mortality rate due to cardiovascular causes and concurrent cardiovascular events throughout the study (acute myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack and peripheral vascular disease) will be assessed along the study period.