Journal Watch
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PD Comparable to HD for Patients with AKI
The choice of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) for AKI requiring dialysis is a modifiable factor that can impact outcomes. The comparative effectiveness of PD vs. HD in AKI is controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis of seven studies compared mortality outcomes, recovery of kidney function, and infectious complications between PD and HD in patients with AKI. No significant mortality differences were found and kidney function recovery was similar between groups, though PD led to a significantly shorter time to kidney function recovery. Infection rates were also similar.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-05-15)
Tags: Kidney Replacement Therapy, KRT, PD, AKI
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Factors Driving Thirst in PD Patients
A cross-sectional study of 387 adult PD patients explored reasons for thirst and assessed thirst intensity, identifying a low-thirst group (n=121), a moderate thirst group (n=136), and a high thirst group (n=130), based on a visual analogue scale. Women tended to be more thirsty than men (p=0.03). Lower total weekly urea clearance and higher daily net sodium removal were also factors.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-05-15)
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Lived Experience of Home Dialysis
A meta-analysis aimed at understanding the lived experiences of home dialysis patients identified 10 international studies (n=325 participants) and identified eight themes. The authors found that patients can feel both positively and negatively about home dialysis at the same time.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)
Tags: Lived Experiences, Home Dialysis
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Alternative Quality Metrics for Kt/V-free PD
This article explores the historic origins of Kt/V and its adaptation to PD and the limitations of using urea removal as a surrogate for other uremic toxins. Are residual kidney and dialytic urea clearances equivalent? Is urea distribution volume accurate? The authors don’t think so! They propose a shift away from Kt/V and “adequacy” to person-centered care.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)
Tags: Kt/V, PD, Urea Removal, Person centered Care
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PD for Frail Seniors
For the frail elderly in the UK, PD offers quality of life, cognitive, and treatment satisfaction benefits over HD. Assisted PD can support those with physical or cognitive impairments and alleviate some caregiver burden. Improved funding and access to assisted PD programs are needed going forward to ensure PD is a viable treatment option.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)
Tags: Quality Of Life, PD, Impairments, Burden
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Chronic Inflammation and PD Outcomes
Among 111 PD patients stratified by C-reactive protein (CRP) into “normal” (<3mg/L) and “inflammation” (>3mg/dL) groups, the inflammation group had significant differences, including lower urine volume, hemoglobin, prealbumin, potassium, magnesium, and TSAT—but higher serum ferritin and WBC counts (p < 0.05). Systemic inflammation can interfere with nutrition, anemia treatment, and is linked with reduced residual kidney function.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)
Tags: PD, C reactive Protein
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Diabetes, Incremental PD, and Residual Kidney Function
A retrospective study analyzed 76 patients with diabetes, of whom 57.9% (44) started PD incrementally. Incremental PD significantly slowed the loss of residual kidney function (~60%) vs. full-dose PD and did not increase risk of transfer to hemodialysis or death. Overall, iPD appears safe and RRF-preserving, with glycemic control critical for outcomes.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)
Tags: Diabetes, Incremental PD, Residual Kidney Function, Mortality
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Dry, Itchy Skin and Peritonitis on PD
Among 702 PD patients from two data sources, the risk of PD catheter-related infections rose among those with xerosis (hazard ratio 2.71; 95% confidence interval)—particularly S. aureus infections, which were higher in patients who had severe pruritus. Pet owners were also at risk for severe xerosis, as were those with higher serum creatinine levels and calcium-phosphorus products.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)
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Care Partner Roles In-center and at Home
A multi-center longitudinal cohort study investigated caregiver responsibilities during the first year of in-center vs. home hemodialysis in 202 patient-caregiver dyads. Both groups experienced a decline in measures including depressive symptoms, physical and general health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and perceived health status. Caregiver burden and mental HRQOL did not change. The types of support desired by each group differed.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)
Tags: Care Partner, HHD, Quality Of Life, Caregiver Burden
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Effect of Common Salt on Granulomas at Exit Sites of PD Catheters
Granulomas are a common and painful exit-site complication that can cause infection and discomfort. This study compared the effectiveness of common salt with a salt-vinegar solution—and salt was better, with no adverse reactions in either group.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-03-12)
Tags: Granulomas, Salt, Exit site Complication