Summary and current status of hemodiafiltration

In this last chapter, the contents of the Hemodiafiltration: Theory, Technology and Clinical Practice are summarized according to the various subjects discussed, instead of reviewing all 25 chapters separately. First, a short overview is given of the various hemodiafiltration (HDF) modalities, including some of their pros and cons. As most clinical studies were performed in the online postdilution mode, most attention is paid to this type of HDF. Most important, of course, are the results of online HDF on clinical outcome parameters and various biomarkers. After that, attention is paid to the potential mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of high volume HDF on outcome. After a short discussion on topics which should be further exploited, some disadvantages and practical issues when implementing a HDF program are reviewed. This chapter comes to an end with a vision on the future, including the responsibility of institutions and the nephrology community.