Abstract: Increasing the dialysis blood flow rate enhances the blood volume through dialyzer and thereby improves solute clearance, which is a critical factor in ensuring adequate hemodialysis. Adequate dialysis is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. However, data from Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) indicate significant international variations in dialysis blood flow rate. Due to the differences in dialysis practice across countries, establishing an optimal dialysis blood flow rate for MHD patients remains controversial. This review examines the current status of dialysis blood flow rate, their relationship with clinical outcomes in MHD patients, and the underlying mechanisms.

Key words: Dialysis blood flow rate, Hemodialysis, Prognosis, Cardiovascular, Arteriovenous fistula