2.5. HD Prescription and Standard Medication in Dialysis Units
ARTERIAL STIFFNESS
All of the patients underwent conventional HD using high-flux dialyzers at a blood flow rate of 250–400 mL/min and a dialysate flow rate of 500–800 mL/min. HD frequency was at least twice weekly, with 4 h per session. Dialysate calcium concentration was determined at 2.5–3.5 mEq/L. All of the patients maintained single pool Kt/V values ≥ 1.2 per HD session or standard kt/V ≥ 2.1 in thrice-weekly HD. All patients were advised to continue their regular medications, such as antihypertensive drugs, phosphate binders, and lipid-lowering agents during the study period. Important medications that might contribute to a change in arterial stiffness such as phosphate binders, vitamin D, and calcimimetic drugs, were not allowed to be adjusted throughout the study period.