Dialysis product manufacturer NxStage Medical Inc. announced the latest interim results from its ongoing FREEDOM (Following Rehabilitation, Economics and Everyday-Dialysis Outcome Measurements) study that shows patients experience a better overall quality of life while undergoing more frequent dialysis with the NxStage System One, including more satisfaction with physical intimacy.  In addition, patients who had received more frequent dialysis with the System One for 12 months were motivated and unlikely to consider returning to their prior dialysis modality.

The ongoing FREEDOM study is the largest study of its kind to measure the clinical and economic benefits of daily home hemodialysis treatment, as compared to conventional, thrice-weekly in-center hemodialysis treatment for patients requiring dialysis therapy. The following interim results from the FREEDOM study were self-reported after a 12-month period. Specifically, significant improvements identified in this planned interim analysis included:

• Patients reported a better overall quality of life (as reported on a 10-point Likert scale with 0 = worst, 10 = best). The baseline score improved from 6.4 to 7.0. (Index: P<0.0001)

• Patients reported more satisfaction with physical intimacy (as reported on a 10-point Likert scale with 0 = least satisfied, 10 = most satisfied). The baseline score improved from 4.9 to 5.7. (Index: P=0.0005)

• Patients reported they are less likely to return to their prior dialysis regimen (as reported on a 10-point Likert scale with 0 = most likely to return, 10 = least likely to return). The baseline score improved from 8.1 to 9.1. (Index: P=0.002)

Michael A Kraus, MD, Medical Director, Professor of Clinical Medicine and Clinical Coordinator, Division of Nephrology, Indiana University School of Medicine and Clarian Health Partners and presenter of the FREEDOM study data at Kidney Week 2011 said, "The data we presented once again show that patients benefit from daily home hemodialysis over an extended period of time. Not only is it significant that patients are seeing marked improvements in their health and quality of life, but they are making the decision to stay with this life-changing treatment option."