Croatia launches home dialysis program, first patient performs self-treatment

Mladen Horvat has become the first patient in Croatia to perform hemodialysis independently at home, marking a significant shift in kidney patient care. For the past four months, Horvat has been managing his dialysis treatments in his own home, a process that typically requires three visits per week to a hospital, each lasting four hours and often involving transport.

Currently, seven patients with chronic kidney failure are undergoing home hemodialysis. Previously, these patients received treatment at major hospitals including KB Dubrava, KBC Sestre milosrdnice, KBC Split, and KBC Rijeka. Horvat, who began the home procedure on February 12, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "It's a big change for the better. It gives me independence; I no longer travel to the hospital, I do everything myself." He highlighted the increased freedom and control over his schedule, recommending the home dialysis option to others who can access it.

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It's a big change for the better. It gives me independence; I no longer travel to the hospital, I do everything myself.

Prim. Ivan Durlen, acting head of the Dialysis Department at KB Dubrava, explained that home dialysis significantly eases the lives of patients and their families. Patients can connect to the device themselves for two and a half hours, five times a week, at their convenience. The device is user-friendly and portable, allowing for dialysis even during travel and reducing dependence on dialysis centers.

KB Dubrava initiated training for home hemodialysis in January, with KBC Sestre milosrdnice, KBC Split, and KBC Rijeka joining soon after. Prof. Ivan Bubić, president of the Croatian Society for Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation, stated that this development completes the hemodialysis process in Croatia, placing the country among those offering the most advanced treatments for kidney patients. Prof. Karmela Altabas noted that while a few patients previously managed home dialysis at their own expense, this program integrates it into the public healthcare system. The program has drawn on best practices from England, France, Germany, and Spain.

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Home dialysis significantly eases the lives of patients and their families. Patients can connect to the device themselves for two and a half hours, five times a week, at their convenience.