100 Years of Dialysis at University Hospital Giessen.

Abstract

This review commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first human hemodialysis, which was performed by Georg Haas in 1924 at University Hospital Giessen. Haas' groundbreaking innovation, which included the development of the first functional artificial kidney, laid the foundation for modern hemodialysis therapies. Despite the technical and clinical challenges of his time, Haas' contributions marked a pivotal moment in the history of nephrology. The review also traces the evolution of dialysis at University Hospital Giessen in the decades following Haas' achievements. Key advancements include the introduction of refined hemodialysis technologies, the establishment of a kidney transplant center, an AV Fistula Center, and a regional peritoneal dialysis competence center. Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist worldwide, including the reduced life expectancy of patients undergoing dialysis and global disparities in access to renal replacement therapy. The growing incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects 850 million people worldwide, highlights the urgent need for preventive strategies and early interventions. Emerging pharmacological therapies, such as treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, offer promising opportunities to slow CKD progression and mitigate the associated complications.