CKD Case Management Boosts PD Use

A Fresenius program of renal care coordinators (RCCs) in late-stage CKD helped ease the transition onto dialysis. Compared to non-participants (693), the 738 patients with RCC case managers were more likely to start PD or have a permanent vascular access for HD, and have a serum albumin level >4.0g/dL.

Read the abstract » | (added 2016-03-10)

Tags: Hemodialysis

6-minute Walk Test Predicts PD Technique and Patient Survival

Being able to walk for 6 full minutes in a row could predict who would be able to keep doing PD and who would live longer, in a study of 145 people. A poor score on the walk test was linked with poor heart function as well.

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

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Some PD Patients at Risk for New Onset Diabetes

Among 612 people who did not have diabetes, 32 were diagnosed with the disease after starting PD. The risk of new diabetes was higher in those who were older, had higher BMIs, and whose blood had more markers of inflammation.

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

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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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Surgery for EPS May Help in the Long Term

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is a rare but severe side effect of long-term PD. In a small case series, four patients who developed EPS after a kidney transplant had good results, and good kidney transplant function.

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

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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

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

Cost Effectiveness: Conventional vs. High Dose HD

An analysis of seven studies of high dose HD found that it is cost effective when delivered at home.

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

Tags: Hemodialysis