Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41193982›Full record

ArticleBMC nephrology2025

Sustainable and accessible hemodialysis: life cycle assessment on central acid delivery system.

Chang-Lung Tsai, Abass Fehintola, Guus Crooijmans, Jeroen Vollenbroek, Brett Duane, Karin Gerritsen

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC nephrology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Chang-Lung Tsai *Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands. c.tsai@umcutrecht.nl.
Abass Fehintola *School of Dental Science, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Guus CrooijmansDepartment of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands.
Jeroen VollenbroekDepartment of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands.
Brett DuaneSchool of Dental Science, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Karin GerritsenDepartment of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands.

Funding

Horizon Europe European Innovation Council No. 101137054 - KitNewCare
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionThe healthcare sector contributes over 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. As healthcare systems pursue carbon reduction targets, sustainable innovations in clinical operations are essential. Hemodialysis (HD) relies heavily on dialysate concentrates as one of its major consumables. This study evaluates the environmental impact of implementing a central acid concentrate delivery system (CCDS) using dry concentrate powder at the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht) and examines its broader global applicability.

methodsA comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to assess the environmental impacts of acid concentrate delivery via single-use liquid canisters versus CCDS using dry powder in reusable barrels at UMC Utrecht. The analysis includes additional scenarios involving long-distance distribution to Italy in Europe, Kenya in Africa, and the Philippines in Asia.

resultsImplementation of CCDS at UMC Utrecht reduced carbon emissions by 58%. Endpoint impacts on human health, ecosystem quality, and resource scarcity were reduced by more than half. Despite longer transport distances in global scenarios, CCDS consistently outperformed the canister system across most impact categories, driven by reuse of packaging and reduced transport volume and weight.

conclusionsCCDS offers a more sustainable alternative, with substantial environmental benefits even in long-distance applications. Operational advantages include reduced manual handling and simplified logistics. By enabling local dialysate production and decreasing reliance on imported disposables, CCDS may also improve accessibility in low-resource settings. Widespread adoption could thereby advance environmental sustainability globally.

Indexed as

Hemodialysis SolutionsRenal DialysisHumansHemodialysis SolutionsCentral concentrate delivery systemGlobal healthGreen nephrologyHemodialysisSustainability

Identifiers

PMID41193982
PMCPMC12587493

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.