Journal Watch
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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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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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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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Is Shower Water without Dressings Linked with Increased PD Infections?
No surprises here. Catheter-related infection and peritonitis are common and serious. Among 146 PD patients at one clinic from January 2019 to December 2022, showering without covering the exit site was an independent predictor of catheter associated infections.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-03-12)
Tags: Catheter related Infection, Peritonitis, Exit Site Care
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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
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Health Disparities in UK Kidney Replacement Therapy Modality Transitions
93,451 patients initiated KRT in England from 2005 to 2020. Compared with White patients, findings from Asian, Black, and patients in deprived areas demonstrated inequalities in the KRT pathway.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-03-12)
Tags: KRT, Kidney Replacement Therapy, Modality Transitions, Ethnic Disparities
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PD Patients Exhibit Cognitive Deficits but Not Ischemic Brain Injury
How does PD affect the brain? In this small imaging and cognitive study, researchers observed patterns of impairment and unexpected metabolic changes. The findings raise new questions about the neurological effects of PD that merit closer investigation.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-03-12)
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Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous PD Cather Insertion Technique to Reduce Migration
PD catheter migration can interrupt treatment and compromise outcomes, but it is challenging to prevent. In a two-center study, researchers examined whether adding musculofascial tunnelling during catheter insertion improves catheter stability.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-03-12)
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The European Renal Calculator (EuReCa) App: Calculating Incremental HD Dose
Incremental HD can reduce treatment burden for patients with residual kidney function. Researchers have developed the EuReCa app to help nephrologists calculate the parameters needed to maintain adequate total clearance.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-03-12)
Tags: Incremental HD, Treatment Burden, EuReCa App, Total Clearance