Advised by his nephrologist not to skip the dialysis session, Prasad finally found a centre offering 'nocturnal dialysis' , underwent the procedure at night and attended the meeting the next day. Nocturnal dialysis - dialysis at night - is gaining popularity, especially among working people who cannot afford to take 2-3 days leave every week, say nephrologists.

They say 2 lakh to 4 lakh Indians develop end-stage kidney disease (kidney failure) every year, indicating an alarming rise in incidence of the disease. Dialysis requires them to be tied to dialysis centres and putting a full stop to their regular life. Nocturnal dialysis, however, allows patients to work during day and get treated in night.

Said Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, senior nephrologist and medical director, Manipal Hospital: "Patients undergoing nocturnal dialysis respond well to treatment because it is a slower procedure compared to the routine hemodialysis . Nocturnal dialysis takes about eight hours and is done even as the patient is resting. It is turning into a good option for working people as they cannot afford to take leave every alternate day to undergo dialysis."

"Nocturnal dialysis helps reduce stress level among patients. It is popular among corporate executives and young kidney patients, who have a hectic professional life," said Dr Krishnan , medical director, NephroPlus.

Sharing her experience, Meenakshi Shastri , a teacher, said: "My mother was diagnosed with kidney failure three years ago. She has been on dialysis since then. My father used to take her for dialysis twice every week for about two years, but he passed away last year. As I don't have siblings, my mother was all alone and it was difficult for me to accompany her to her sessions because I had to attend to work as well as to my family. Our family physician suggested nocturnal dialysis and life is much easier now. My mother has now moved in with me and I take her at night to a centre near my home."

Dr Ranjanna Shridhar, consultant nephrologist , Fortis Hospital, said: "As it is a slow and lengthy process compared to normal hemodialysis , it purifies the blood better. This in turn improves the health of the patients and they are allowed to live less restrictive life."

Home dialysis

Home nocturnal hemodialysis is a form of hemodialysis performed for six to eight hours at night, six days a week, at the patient's home in the US, Canada and Europe. The patient dialyzes at slower dialysate and blood flow rates, and can perform this therapy alone or with a partner. An important aspect is that experts monitor it through the internet.

Cost factor

Nocturnal dialysis is costlier compared to routine hemodialysis as it is a lengthier procedure and takes double the time consumed by the latter. While normal dialysis is given for 3 to 4 hours 2-3 times a week, nocturnal dialysis is administered for 8-10 hours, possibly six nights a week. A normal dialysis costs Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 whereas nocturnal dialysis is Rs 2,000-Rs 3,000.

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