Implantable artificial kidney—progress

Three key bits of technology are needed to make an implantable artificial kidney possible: high efficiency membranes to remove water, a way to keep blood from clotting, and a way to mimic the selective action of kidney cells for removing wastes. Progress is occurring in each area.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-10-27)

Tags: Chronic kidney disease

Antioxidant improves residual kidney function in PD

Four weeks of twice-daily oral N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant, significantly increased residual kidney function of people on PD in a small study (n=10).

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-10-27)

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Mucomyst does not prevent nephrogenic systemic sclerosis

A new study randomized 2,308 people at risk for kidney injury from contrast dye into two groups. One group was given acetylcysteine (Mucomyst®) by mouth, a strong antioxidant. The other group was given a placebo. Both groups had the same rate of kidney injury and need for dialysis.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

Tags: Chronic kidney disease

U.S. barriers to home dialysis treatments

Home dialysis is underused in the U.S., and a committee of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis has looked at why that may be. The group organized the barriers into three groups: educational, government/regulatory, and dialysis practice, and is looking at strategies to address each.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

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A new look at dialysis treatment length

There is increasing proof that dialysis treatments shorter than 4 hours are not long enough. A new paper reviews the literature knowing what we know now—and concludes that most people should get at least 4 hours per treatment.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

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Using L-carnitine instead of sugar for PD fluid

Over time, sugar can harm the peritoneal membrane so it can't be used for PD. L-carnitine is a substance the body needs for energy. In a new rat study, PD fluid with L-carnitine removed as much—or more—water and wastes as sugar-based fluid. The new fluid was well tolerated and did not damage the peritoneum.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

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PD as a treatment for severe heart failure

In a small study, people whose CKD had not yet caused kidney failure were helped by peritoneal dialysis. After 2 months, the 19 study participants lost water weight, breathed easier, could sleep lying flat, and had no hospital stays for fluid overload.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

Tags: Chronic kidney disease

Basing dialysis dose on REAL toxins

Dialysis "adequacy" is based on removing urea—a waste that is not all that toxic. A new article points out that finding and choosing wastes that truly are toxic could change the way we measure dialysis for the better.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

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Patients educated about options are more likely to choose home

A new UK study surveyed 118 people with CKD who were not yet on dialysis. Those who were educated about their options were much more likely to plan for home treatment. The most important factor in their choice: fit of a treatment option with the preferred lifestyle.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

Tags: Chronic kidney disease

Standard PD fluids work just as well as biocompatible ones

A randomized controlled trial compared standard PD fluid to biocompatible PD fluid in 267 patients (for 7000+ dialysis months). There were no differences in PD technique survival or peritonitis between the groups.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-08-25)

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