Home hemodialysis and remote monitoring: current technology, requirements and capabilities.

The changing patterns of utilization of home hemodialysis (HHD) are reviewed with special reference to the factors responsible for its decline and recent revival. Equipment and monitoring systems dedicated to HHD have been recently introduced in response to the demand for more frequent therapies at home. The advantages and disadvantages of novel technology versus time-tested, reliable and versatile platforms are discussed. Despite the significant technological progress achieved, much remains to be done in our quest to make HHD a simple, cost-effective and very safe renal replacement therapy. Copyright 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.