CKD Case Management Boosts PD Use

A Fresenius program of renal care coordinators (RCCs) in late-stage CKD helped ease the transition onto dialysis. Compared to non-participants (693), the 738 patients with RCC case managers were more likely to start PD or have a permanent vascular access for HD, and have a serum albumin level >4.0g/dL.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-03-10)

Tags: Hemodialysis

Update on Implantable and Bioengineered Kidneys

A new review focuses on two implantable innovations that may reduce the need for dialysis. An artificial kidney is a biohybrid system that will mimic renal structure and function. A bioengineered kidney will be based on native kidneys.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-03-10)

Tags: Hemodialysis

Kidney to Kidney: 2008K@Home and NxStage System One

Among home HD patients followed for a year, there were a few differences between users of the 2008K@Home and the NxStage System One. 2008K@Home users did not do treatments as often—but their mean standardized Kt/Vs were significantly higher (2.75 vs. 1.99). System One users tended to use less EPO. Other outcomes and lab test values were largely similar.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-03-10)

Tags: Hemodialysis

Less Severe Itching With PD Than In-center HD

Among 380 people on PD or in-center HD, fewer on PD had uremic pruritus (itching) (28.6% vs. 38.2%). And, the itching was less severe in those who did PD, and affected less of the body. Those with higher levels of active vitamin D had less intense itching. Those with higher blood levels of phosphorus, triglycerides, and AST had more itching problems.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-03-10)

Tags: Hemodialysis

Transplant Beat Nocturnal HD for Boosting Cognitive Function

Among 28 patients who got a kidney transplant, cognitive testing found better learning and memory compared to 18 who did frequent nocturnal HD or 31 on standard HD. Read the abstract.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-02-09)

Tags: Hemodialysis

Patient Attitude and Motivation Matters for Long-term Survival

Long-term dialysis survivor Judy Weintraub shares her personal experience and the importance of relating to patients as people, individualizing treatment, and tapping into motivation.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-02-09)

Tags: Hemodialysis

Nanomembranes for Miniature HD

Dialyzors with membranes that are more permeable could be much smaller—in fact, small enough for wearable dialysis. Ultra-thin silicon may be a candidate, and a prototype miniature membrane is predicted to clear toxins at “near-ideal levels.”

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-01-10)

Tags: Hemodialysis

Why Do People Stop Doing Home HD?

Among 2,840 people who started home HD between 2007 and 2009, nearly one in four stopped within a year, while 1-year mortality was 7.6%. The risks of stopping home HD were higher among those with diabetes, and substance use (alcohol, tobacco, drugs). Those who were listed for transplant or lived in rural areas were less likely to stop home HD.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-01-10)

Tags: Hemodialysis

Cost Effectiveness: Conventional vs. High Dose HD

An analysis of seven studies of high dose HD found that it is cost effective when delivered at home.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-01-10)

Tags: Hemodialysis

NxStage and 2008K@Home Head-to-Head

Compared to NxStage users, those who dialyzed on a 2008K@Home did fewer treatments per week but had significantly higher standardized weekly Kt/V’s. NxStage users tended to use less ESA medication. No differences were found in other parameters, including levels of albumin, calcium, phosphorus, PTH, or in hospital stays.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-01-10)

Tags: Hemodialysis