Abstract
Protein-bound uraemic toxins (PBUTs), such as indoxyl sulphate (IS) and p-cresyl sulphate (PCS), are poorly cleared by conventional haemodialysis (HD) or haemodiafiltration (HDF). Haemoadsorption combined with HD (HAHD) using the novel pHA130 cartridge may increase PBUT removal, and this trial aimed to compare its efficacy and safety with HDF in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this single-centre, open-label trial, 30 maintenance HD patients were randomized (1:1:1) to HDF once every two weeks (HDF-q2w), HAHD once every two weeks (HAHD-q2w), or HAHD once weekly (HAHD-q1w) for 8 weeks, with the primary endpoint being the single-session reduction ratio (RR) of IS. The combined HAHD group (n = 20) demonstrated a significantly greater IS reduction than the HDF-q2w group (n = 10) (46.9% vs. 31.8%; p = 0.044) and superior PCS clearance (44.6% vs. 31.4%; p = 0.003). Both HAHD regimens significantly reduced predialysis IS levels at Week 8. Compared with HDF, weekly HAHD provided greater relief from pruritus and improved sleep quality, with comparable adverse events among groups. In conclusion, HAHD with the pHA130 cartridge is more effective than HDF for enhancing single-session PBUT removal and alleviating uraemic symptoms in patients with ESRD, with weekly application showing optimal symptomatic benefits.