Though an estimated US $ 100 Billion is spent annually for over 3 Million patients for treating end stage renal diseases globally, very little research is done. In recent years the areas of dialysis-related research is concentrated in the efficiency of the dialysis machines mainly funded by a few western players. India as a country is almost nonexistent in this field. A research oriented Dialysis facility in the area will not only cater to the deprived patient base of the region but can also generate significant patient data for pioneering analysis and research in the following untouched areas. These have immense commercial potential. The following seven areas calls for immediate research and that may not even attract huge investments to complete the research. 1. Real time monitoring of major electrolyte levels: 100% patients have muscle cramp and fatigue. It requires real time monitoring and measurement of major electrolytes. There are no machines available currently that monitors all the electrolytes at a real time. A small device that can be fitted to the dialysis machine to monitor and measure the electrolyte levels. 2. Oral Electrolyte formulation as per the monitored levels: Research is required to create one or multiple oral electrolyte formulation, which will be in three categories – mild, moderate and severe. That will ensure vast majority of patients coming out of a dialysis session without any fatigue or muscle cramp. 3. Control the level of Epotin by various methods: Erythropoietin is used to increase the Hemoglobin level. But the patients do get affected by the over use of Erythropoietin. A potential research is needed in this area to optimize the use of erythropoietin 4. Plumbing and Flow Dynamics reengineering: To reduce the risk of infections and contamination there is a tremendous requirement for research and reengineering with smart filtration and plumbing methods. 5. Compact Reverse Osmosis Unit: Normally RO plants are big. If we need to do a mobile clinic so that patients who cannot travel can undergo dialysis, a compact RO facility is required with high quality standards which can give better water quality than portable RO systems. A huge amount of engineering research is required for that. 6. Low cost highly efficient single-use dialyzer: The single use dialyzer cost should be brought down to $1 (US). We will have to work on the fibres/membrane. Is Polysulfone the right choice? The surface area, ultra filtration coefficient and absorption ability needs to be thoroughly researched. Furthermore, the ability and technique to replace the fibre membrane without replacing the cartridge holds the key. 7. Various other studies like optimum dosage calculation (pre, peri & post dialysis) for diabetic & cardiac patients. And various other researches on optimizations on medical management. A tremendous amount of research potential is awaited in these areas. Written by – Partha Banerjee
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