Quantification of dissolved H2 and continuous monitoring of hydrogen-rich water for haemodialysis applications: An experimental study

Abstract

The prevalence of oxidative and inflammatory stress in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients has often been associated with chronic haemodialysis therapies. Over the past decades, several reports have shown the potential of hydrogen molecule as an antioxidant in the treatment of various medical conditions in animal models, as well as in pilot studies with human patients. Recently, a hydrogen-enriched dialysate solution has been introduced, holding promise in reducing the oxidative and/or inflammatory complications arising during haemodialysis. To this end, a standardised measuring method to determine the levels of hydrogen in dialysate and subsequently in blood is required. This study explores the possibility of quantifying hydrogen concentration using a novel contactless sensor that detects dissolved hydrogen in liquids. An experimental circuit is assembled to validate the sensitivity and accuracy of the hydrogen monitoring system (Pureron Japan Co., Ltd) through in vitro investigations with physiological solutions. Measurements of dissolved molecular hydrogen concentration are corroborated by an established oxygen sensor providing continuous partial pressure readings. The relationship between the applied H2 content in the gaseous mixture and the H2 concentration value at equilibrium is linear. At the same time, the hydrogen monitoring system has a rather long response time, and its readings seem to slightly diverge from sensor to sensor as well as at different temperatures. For this reason, a sensor recalibration might be necessary, which could become part of the product’s ongoing development. Nevertheless, the aforementioned minor deficiencies can be mostly considered negligible in applications such as haemodialysis.

Study details

Article type

Original Research

Disease / injury model

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) / Haemodialysis model (in vitro)

Dose comparison

Tested different H2:Air gas ratios (1:40, 1:20, 1:10) corresponding to different H2 concentrations (approx. 47, 100, 211 ppb) and compared sensor readings at these concentrations.

Dose-dependent effect

Yes

Outcome

Positive

Findings

A novel contactless hydrogen sensor (HWMS) can accurately and continuously quantify dissolved hydrogen in liquids relevant to haemodialysis, with a linear relationship between applied H2 content and measured concentration. The sensor shows some limitations, such as slow response time and minor discrepancies between sensors and at different temperatures, but these are negligible for haemodialysis applications. Sensor recalibration may improve accuracy.