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  • Stacking up intensive HD against standard in-center HD

    We know that the risk of death is far higher for patients after two days with no HD. Do longer and/or more frequent HD regimens successfully address this problem and save lives? This review compares the impact of different HD regimens on a number of factors, including access problems, burden of therapy, quality of life, residual kidney function, heart disease, bone disease, anemia, hospitalization, and survival.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2013-11-06)

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  • One way to reduce oxidative stress in PD patients

    Oxygen is a great thing—in the right amounts. But, too much can wreak cellular havoc and even damage the heart. In people on PD, oxidative stress can hurt the peritoneum, too. Antioxidants to the rescue! A Greek study looked at the impact of vitamins C and E (alone and combined) in 20 people on PD vs. 10 healthy controls. Both of the vitamins reduced oxidative stress markers. (Talk to your doctor before taking any medication, vitamin, or supplement).

    Read the abstract » | (added 2013-10-02)

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  • Impact of frequent HD on residual kidney function

    We know that PD can help residual kidney function last longer. What happens with longer and/or more frequent HD? Results from the FHN trials suggest that residual kidney function loss may be faster with these options. [Editor's note: But, if more kidney replacement therapy is given, does it matter?]

    Read the abstract » | (added 2013-05-24)

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  • New hope for stopping peritoneal fibrosis

    There are vitamin D receptors all over the body. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked with severe fibrosis. This study gave mice peritoneal fibrosis and then looked at the impact of treatment with a vitamin D analog (22-oxacalcitriol). The treatment significantly prevented fibrosis and thickening of the peritoneum.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2013-04-29)

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  • Icodextrin metaanalysis – no impact on patient survival

    Australian researchers analyzed 11 studies of icodextrin vs. glucose PD fluid (1222 patients). Icodextrin did help reduce fluid overload without harming residual kidney function. But, it did not help reduce peritonitis, technique failure, or other adverse events. And, patients who used icodextrin did not live any longer.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2013-04-29)

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  • Alert: Icodextrin PD fluid can mask hypoglycemia

    A case report of an 80 year old man in the emergency room highlights the need for healthcare providers to be aware of the impact of icodextrin PD fluid on blood sugar. Handheld glucose meters can overestimate blood sugar. A lab test can verify blood sugar if symptoms of hypoglycema are present and the glucometer reading is normal.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2013-02-27)

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  • Biocompatible PD solution preserves residual kidney function

    Researchers in Korea looked at the long-term impact of using Fresenius Balance® (FB) fluid vs. standard PD fluid. After 24 months, the GFR of patients using FB was twice that of those using standard fluid. Patients using FB also had better correction of metabolic acidosis, and higher levels of cancer fighting antigens.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2012-11-27)

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  • Ratios of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fats may impact health in kidney disease

    Western diets tend to have too much omega 6 and not enough omega 3 fatty acids. In 145 people on standard in-center HD, having too much omega 6 was linked with significantly higher inflammation.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-07-26)

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • November 2006 Kidney International supplement focuses on PD

    Is survival better on PD or HD? What factors predict PD success? What are best practices in PD catheter placement? Does use of biocompatible PD solution reduce peritonitis? Learn the answers to these and many other key PD questions in the November 2006 supplement of KI. (For kidney professionals who don't subscribe to Kidney International, we've compiled the links to all of the abstracts from the special supplement on PD (November 2006). You can find them below.

    Note to dialyzors: Kidney International is a medical journal for professionals. Feel free to read the abstracts—and please write and let us know if there is information you think we should focus on for a future "Life@Home" article. We'd love to hear from you!

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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  • Lipid-lowering drugs save lives on PD

    A new look at data from 1,053 people on PD from the USRDS has found that statins and other drugs that lower blood lipid (fat) levels seem to have a big impact on survival. Death rates from all causes or heart disease dropped by 26% and 33%, respectively.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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