Journal Watch
Canadian Home Dialysis by Race: Access vs. Outcomes
Unlike the US, Canada’s universal healthcare system does not limit access to home dialysis by racial minorities. However, compared to whites, Asians, blacks, and some others had better survival on PD, while Aboriginals had poorer survival. No survival differences were found among home HD patients based on race—but event numbers were lower.
Read the abstract » | (added 2017-09-15)
Tags: Choosing The Right Path Through ‘The System’ Education Issues: For Patients And Professionals
PD in PKD?
There is yet more evidence that people with PDK can successfully do PD. Researchers in Peking analyzed survival data from people with PKD between1993 and 2015 on PD vs. HD. Additionally, they matched PD patients who did and did not have PKD. Neither PD nor PKD independently predicted mortality.
Read the abstract » | (added 2017-09-15)
Predicting Cardiovascular Risk in PD
What are the cardiovascular risk factors in PD? In a small (N=112) retrospective study among incident PD patients followed for more than a year, traditional risk factors did not predict heart problems—however, excess blood volume, low serum albumin levels, and mitral valve calcification did.
Read the abstract » | (added 2017-09-15)
Bone Mineral Balance in Short Daily HD: A Cautionary Tale
A new case report suggests that bone mineral balance may need extra attention for those doing short daily HD. A patient who had multiple fractures and bone pain severe enough to require a wheelchair for more than a year was found on biopsy to have osteomalacia, likely due to chronically low levels of serum phosphorus and calcium. Increasing these minerals in the dialysate enabled the patient to leave the wheelchair and walk pain-free.
Read the abstract » | (added 2017-09-15)
Can PD Treat Alzheimer’s Disease?
A build up of amyloid beta (Aβ) is believed to cause dementia in Alzheimer’s disease, and the organs and tissues can help clear Aβ from the blood. Plasma Aβ levels were measured before and after PD in 30 new PD patients. Daily PD was also done in mice for one month, with Aβ levels measured. In both groups, PD significantly reduced Aβ levels.
Read the abstract » | (added 2017-08-17)
Preventing Fibrosis in PD
A new review paper covers how fibrosis occurs on PD and treatment options to stop it.
Read the abstract » | (added 2017-08-17)
Tags: How Dialysis Works , What Is The Best Dialysis Option For Me
How Best to Disinfect PD Bag Ports
Which is better to clean PD bag ports: 70% alcohol or 2% chlorhexidine—and how long should each product be used? Among 300 PD bags inoculated with five microbes, a scrub with 2% chlorhexidine for at least 5 seconds had the best results, followed by an alcohol scrub for at least 10 seconds.
Read the abstract » | (added 2017-08-17)
Pregnancy Outcomes with Short Daily HD
A case report from France observed two pregnant women who chose to continue doing short daily HD. The resulting babies were moderately premature but had no other complications.
Read the abstract » | (added 2017-08-17)
Hydrogels as Scaffolding for Kidney Regeneration
This review article discusses the potential for hydrogels to be used as a structure and cell carrier for regenerating kidneys. Cutting-edge biofabrication approaches such as micromolding, microfluidics, and stem cells are also covered.
Read the abstract » | (added 2017-08-17)
Video Telemedicine for Home HD in the UK
The UK Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust began offering video based telemedicine to home HD patients in 2013. Interviews with ten members of the renal care team using the service revealed more efficient use of staff time, reduced travel, peace of mind, and higher job satisfaction. The team members believed the video communications boosted patients’ confidence.
Read the abstract » | (added 2017-07-14)
Tags: Education Issues: For Patients And Professionals, Making Dialysis Better