Hemodialysis & Systemic Complications

Hemodialysis is a life-saving therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease, yet it is associated with an exceptionally high burden of morbidity and mortality. Patients undergoing hemodialysis face a markedly increased risk of cardiovascular events, driven by profound disturbances in coagulation pathways and repeated episodes of hemodynamic instability during treatment.

LCRC PIs: prof. dr. Line Heylen, prof. dr. Ben Sprangers, prof. dr. Bart De Moor

Why it matters

Hemodialysis patients experience both bleeding and thrombotic complications, while recurrent drops in blood pressure during dialysis can lead to subclinical ischemic injury in vulnerable organs. Despite their major clinical impact, these mechanisms remain poorly understood, limiting the ability to predict cardiovascular risk and personalise treatment strategies in this growing patient population.

Ongoing PhD project

Dysregulated Hemostasis in Renal Health

Eline Hoes (LCRC PhD – UHasselt/ZOL & Synapse Research Institute)

This project investigates the biological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular and systemic complications.

In a longitudinal cohort study, coagulation and thrombosis profiles are assessed at regular intervals throughout the disease course. By repeatedly measuring key hemostatic factors before dialysis sessions, including during dialysis initiation and following kidney transplantation, the study aims to characterise dynamic changes in coagulation and their association with cardiovascular outcomes.

Promotor: prof. dr. Line Heylen (UHasselt)

Co-promotor: dr. Bas de Laat (Synapse Research Institute), prof. dr. Joris Penders (UHasselt)

Support 

This research is supported by the Fund Kidney Disease of UHasselt, which funds scientific research into kidney diseases and their systemic complications, contributing to improved care and outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease.