Immune Response to Influenza Vaccine in ESRD Patients

Immune Response to Influenza Vaccination in ESRD Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis vs. Hemodiafiltration

On-line hemodiafiltration (HDF) clears more azotaemic toxins compared to high-flux hemodialysis (HD). The response to vaccination is impaired in dialysis patients. We aimed to study the immune responses to influenza vaccine in dialysis patients treated by HDF vs. HD.

Inclusion Criteria:

- ESRD patients aged 18 years or older, who had been treated for more than one month of either thrice weekly on-line hemodiafiltration (HDF) or conventional high flux hemodialysis (HD), with a session dialyzer urea clearance (Kt/V urea) of 1.2 and greater, with a convection volume target of 20 L/session for the HDF group

Exclusion Criteria:

• Had received any vaccination within the previous four weeks, or influenza vaccination within six months
• Patient who reported upper respiratory tract symptoms within three days prior to the study vaccination
• A history of allergy to influenza vaccine or egg
• Thrombocytopenia
• In receipt of immunosuppressant medications, chemotherapy, or had immunodeficiency