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

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)

Tags:

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)

Tags:

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)

Tags:

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)

Tags:

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)

Tags:

NxStage and 2008K@Home Head-to-Head

Compared to NxStage users, those who dialyzed on a 2008K@Home did fewer treatments per week but had significantly higher standardized weekly Kt/V’s. NxStage users tended to use less ESA medication. No differences were found in other parameters, including levels of albumin, calcium, phosphorus, PTH, or in hospital stays.

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

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

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