Journal Watch
Vitamin D and Cinacalcet linked to PD survival—but not residual kidney function
In a retrospective look at 581 PD patients, use of Vitamin D and cinacalcet (which have antiinflammatory properties) were linked with 56% and 54% lower risks of death, respectively. But, neither drug slowed the loss of residual function. Read the abstract.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-07-13)
Tags: Vitamin D, Cinacalcet, Risidual Function
Nephrologists’ attitudes toward intensified HD
Among German nephrologists, 44% believe there is not enough evidence in favor of intensified HD, whether or not they offer it. Respondents cited a need for more funding and more staff to support the therapy. Among the 44% who did offer the option, most reserved it for patients who were not receiving adequate treatment with conventional HD, and just 19% offered it routinely. Read the abstract.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-07-13)
Tags: Intensified HD
New Ideas for Incremental PD
Starting incremental PD without the exclusive focus on residual plus peritoneal clearances may ease transitions of new patients onto dialysis—and reduce our “obsession” with small moleule kinetics.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-06-12)
APD May Rapidly Improve Left Heart Failure
A single-center observational study of 47 CAPD patients with left-sided heart failure found that using a cycler for short-term APD improved ultrafiltration significantly in just 3 days.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-06-12)
Tags: CAPD, Cycler, Short term APD, Ultrafiltration
Whey Protein for PD Malnutrition
A 6-month multicenter, randomized controlled trial tested protein powder plus dietary counseling vs. counseling only for CAPD patients with low serum albumin and BMI. Significantly more of the protein powder group were able to take in enough protein, and they also had significant increases in serum urea and a normalized protein catabolic rate.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-06-12)
Tags: Malnutrition, Peritoneal Dialysis, Protein Supplementation, Whey Protein
Residual Kidney Function and Sleep Apnea Severity in PD
A small (n=15), exploratory study of 15 APD patients with home apnea monitors found obstructive sleep apnea in 33%, which correlated with having less residual renal function.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-06-12)
PKD and PD – a Metaanalysis
Among 9 studies totaling 7,197 patients—of whom 882 had polycystic kidney disease—survival was better among the PKD patients. There were no differences in peritonitis or technique survival between those who did and did not have PKD, though those with PKD did have a higher risk of hernias.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-06-12)
Tags: PKD, PD, Metaanalysis, Polycystic Kidney Disease
APD Remote Monitoring Boosts Patient Independence
An observation study of 37 automated PD patients followed by remote monitoring found that prescriptions were modified more often than when monitoring was not done—personalizing treatments better to patients’ needs—and fewer emergency visits were needed, for more efficient use of healthcare resources.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-05-11)
Tags: Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, Remote Monitoring, Patient Independence, Prescription Of Dialysis
Head to Head: 8-hour Hemodialysis vs. 4-hour Hemodiafiltration
A randomized trial assigned 12 nocturnal HD patients to either two weeks of 8-hour HD or 4-hour HDF, followed by a crossover to the other option. Participants were also randomized to one of two dialyzers: a Fresenius FX80 or a Nipro Elisio. The 8-hour HD treatments removed significantly more urea and creatinine. But, the HDF removed more FGF23—and several other toxin levels were the same. The FX80 dialyzer cleared somewhat more B2M.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-05-11)
Tags: Nocturnal HD, Extended hours Haemodialysis, Haemodiafiltration
Lack of Education Predicts Peritonitis on PD
An analysis of socioeconomic—and educational—deprivation in 233 patients who had PD catheters placed found a trend toward higher peritonitis rates in more deprived patients.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-05-11)
Tags: Educational Deprivation, PD catheter Insertions, PD Peritonitis