Loss of Kidney Function Slowed After Starting PD

In 77 new PD patients, the rate of decline of kidney function was significantly slower after they started PD than it was when they were predialysis (p<0.01).

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-04-12)

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Milk Thistle Extract Improved Hemoglobin and Albumin in PD

Silymarin is an antioxidant. Among 50 people on PD randomly assigned to take silymarin (n=28) or a control (n=22) for 2 months, those who took the supplement three times a day had significantly higher antioxidant levels. They also had significant increases in hemoglobin and albumin levels at the p<0.05 level. (NOTE: Always inform a nephrologist of any supplement use.)

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-04-12)

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Survival on PD is Better with Normal Magnesium Levels

A retrospective study of 253 incident PD patients followed for up to 10 years found that deaths due to cardiovascular causes (58.3%) were linked with low serum magnesium levels. Low serum albumin, and levels of triglycerides, potassium, calcium, and phosphate were also important. Those in the group with the lowest magnesium had significantly higher all-cause mortality (p<0.001).

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-04-12)

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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

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

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

Sleep Problems With Automated PD

Compared to people with stage 3b-5 CKD (n=89), those using a cycler for PD (n=22) had about the same, higher level of sleep problems as those on standard HD (n=75). In-home sleep measures and surveys found low levels of oxygen during sleep, and disrupted sleep cycles.

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

Tags: Hemodialysis

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

ISPD Releases Free PD Teaching Syllabus

The Nursing Liaison Committee of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) has reviewed PD training programs from around the world. An expert group has developed a consensus document to help PD nurses train patients and care partners. The free curriculum is flexible, based on adult learning principles, and includes checklists.

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

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Metaanalysis: Better PD Catheter Outcomes Via Laparoscope

An analysis of five randomized trials and 11 cohort studies compared laparoscopic PD catheter placement to surgery. The laparoscopic approach had less catheter migration and the catheters lasted longer, though there was a slightly higher risk of bleeding.

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

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