From Dialysis to Destinations: Safe Travel Strategies for Patients With CKD
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
24680249
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105020811191
Journal Title
Kidney International Reports
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Kidney International Reports (2025)
Suggested Citation
Kim S.G., Chao C.T., Vareesangthip K., Fung W., Miyazaki M., Ishigaki S., Kim J., Lee D., Park H.C., Lee Y.K., Yoo K.D. From Dialysis to Destinations: Safe Travel Strategies for Patients With CKD. Kidney International Reports (2025). doi:10.1016/j.ekir.2025.09.035 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/113037
Title
From Dialysis to Destinations: Safe Travel Strategies for Patients With CKD
Author's Affiliation
Tohoku University
Chinese University of Hong Kong
National Taiwan University Hospital
University of Ulsan
Siriraj Hospital
Inje University Paik Hospital
Hallym University, College of Medicine
Gangnam Severance Hospital
Ulsan University Hospital
Min-Sheng General Hospital
Hamamatsu University Hospital
National Medical Center
Beomil Yonsei Clinic & Hemodialysis Center
Chinese University of Hong Kong
National Taiwan University Hospital
University of Ulsan
Siriraj Hospital
Inje University Paik Hospital
Hallym University, College of Medicine
Gangnam Severance Hospital
Ulsan University Hospital
Min-Sheng General Hospital
Hamamatsu University Hospital
National Medical Center
Beomil Yonsei Clinic & Hemodialysis Center
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) represent growing global health burdens, driven by aging populations and increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. Patients with ESKD face significant lifestyle limitations, particularly regarding mobility and travel, because of treatment schedules, medical complexity, and heightened vulnerability to complications. Air and long-distance travel pose distinct risks—cardiovascular stress, infection, and logistical challenges—that demand tailored assessment and preparation. This review outlines key travel-related complications in CKD and patients on dialysis, including cardiovascular and thromboembolic events, infection, jet lag, and vascular access risks. It further examines aeromedical considerations, such as hypobaric hypoxemia and venous thromboembolism (VTE), and evaluates airline-specific medical clearance protocols in major global carriers. Detailed recommendations are provided for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, including pre-travel assessment, medication and supply management, international dialysis coordination, and inflight precautions.