DENVER— DaVita Inc. said August 28 that it has 1,000 patients receiving nocturnal dialysis in more than 90 centers around the United States.
DaVita started nocturnal dialysis in July 2004. It is gentler on the system than conventional dialysis, taking place over approximately six to eight hours while the patient sleeps instead of the three to four hours of daytime treatments, according to DaVita.
The longer treatment time allows for reduced flow rates, which can be helpful for patients who have complications from conventional dialysis, according to DaVita. Patients on nocturnal dialysis often enjoy reduced dependency on blood-pressure medications and an overall improved feeling of wellness.
"DaVita continues to improve care by moving toward a patient-centric approach to modality offerings, which pairs patients with the right modality for their medical needs and social circumstances," said Allen R. Nissenson, MD, DaVita's chief medical officer. "DaVita's nocturnal program is an integral part of this approach that continues to grow and better our patients' lives."
