Upper Abdominal PD Exit Site May Reduce Infection

A change in the exit site location may matter for PD. A non-randomized study of 147 catheter placements compared standard straight catheters to longer, swan-neck ones placed in the upper abdomen. Those with the upper abdominal catheters had far less exit site and tunnel infections. Peritonitis rates were similar.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-02-09)

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Patient Attitude and Motivation Matters for Long-term Survival

Long-term dialysis survivor Judy Weintraub shares her personal experience and the importance of relating to patients as people, individualizing treatment, and tapping into motivation.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-02-09)

Tags: Hemodialysis

Transplant Beat Nocturnal HD for Boosting Cognitive Function

Among 28 patients who got a kidney transplant, cognitive testing found better learning and memory compared to 18 who did frequent nocturnal HD or 31 on standard HD. Read the abstract.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-02-09)

Tags: Hemodialysis

Well Nourished PD Patients Live Longer

Among 106 PD patients, body weight and BMI did not predict survival. But, those who had low serum albumin levels, low lean body mass, and were in the lowest 25% for cholesterol levels were less likely to survive. Some overweight or obese patients did not have good nutrition.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-02-09)

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Anxiety, Depression, and PD Technique Survival

Among 201 PD patients, those whose testing revealed higher levels of anxiety were more likely to die or to switch to another option than those with lower levels. Other predictors included needing help from a care partner, comorbidities, and low albumin levels.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-01-10)

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Using Plant-Protectant Resveratrol to Preserve the Peritoneum

Resveratrol is a phenol found in the skins of grapes and some berries that can help keep blood vessels from growing to support tumors. A new prospective, randomized, controlled, double blind study looked at its use to keep blood vessels from growing in the peritoneum, which can cause PD technique failure. Participants (n=72) were given 12 weeks of low- or high-dose resveratrol or placebo. Those who received a high dose of resveratrol had significantly better ultrafiltration.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-01-10)

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Nanomembranes for Miniature HD

Dialyzors with membranes that are more permeable could be much smaller—in fact, small enough for wearable dialysis. Ultra-thin silicon may be a candidate, and a prototype miniature membrane is predicted to clear toxins at “near-ideal levels.”

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-01-10)

Tags: Hemodialysis

PD After Loss of Residual Kidney Failure

Once residual kidney function is gone, it is vital to address fluid volume, finds a new study that followed 183 people. During the 10.5-36 months of follow up, 65% either switched to HD or died. Their inflammation rates (measured by C-reactive protein levels) were high, as were their extracellular water levels (measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis).

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-01-10)

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Why Do People Stop Doing Home HD?

Among 2,840 people who started home HD between 2007 and 2009, nearly one in four stopped within a year, while 1-year mortality was 7.6%. The risks of stopping home HD were higher among those with diabetes, and substance use (alcohol, tobacco, drugs). Those who were listed for transplant or lived in rural areas were less likely to stop home HD.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-01-10)

Tags: Hemodialysis

CT Scans Can Help Find Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis

Finding EPS early can make treatment of this devastating problem more successful. This study had experienced radiologists look at CT scan results from 18 people with confirmed EPS and 26 matched controls with it. The radiologists were blinded to who had the disorder. Peritoneal thickening, calcification, and other findings were more common in the EPS group. Some radiologists were better than others at detecting the differences that suggested EPS.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-01-10)

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