Journal Watch

  • Antibiotic ointment reduces PD exit site infections, but not peritonitis

    Researchers studied 1,270 people who used mupirocin ointment on their PD catheters, 502 used gentamycin, and 1,203 did not use an antibiotic ointment. While the ointments helped prevent exit site infections, they did not reduce the rate of peritonitis.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2012-01-26)

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  • Pregnancy and HD: More is better (Review)

    It is harder for women with ESRD to become pregnant and to carry healthy babies to term. Careful team follow up and more intensive dialysis have been shown to improve pregnancy outcomes. This article reviews fertility issues in young women with ESRD, pregnancy outcomes, and management suggestions.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2012-01-26)

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  • Green dialysis: using solar power for HD

    Our own Dr. John Agar and other researchers from Australia report on their experience using the sun to power a dialysis clinic and reduce electricity costs by 76.5% In the second and third decades, the new system will pay for itself and contribute power to the grid.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2012-01-26)

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  • Home HD costs in Canada

    Learn the costs of standard in-center HD vs. short daily and nocturnal in this new review article. (Home costs less!)

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • Alternate night nocturnal HD in Australia

    Every other night nocturnal HD is a popular option in Australia. Patients who use this option have lower phosphorus levels and better volume control and well-being—at about the same cost as standard in-center HD.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • More home HD in Australia and New Zealand—because doctors believe in it

    In contrast to the rest of the world, Australia and New Zealand have an average of 12.9% of patients using home HD. Why? Because nephrologists, nurses, and funding agencies hold strong beliefs in the clinical and economic benefits of this option.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • Green dialysis – reducing energy use and landfill space

    Worldwide, dialysis uses an estimated 156 billion liters of water per year, 1.62 billion kilowatt hours of power, and generates 625,000 tons of plastic waste. Our own Dr. John Agar suggests ways to reduce the carbon footprint of dialysis through water conservation, solar power, and other ideas.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • Nocturnal HD protects arteries

    In a year-long study, 60 people on standard in-center HD were compared to a similar group of 60 people on 8-hour nocturnal HD three nights per week. The nocturnal group needed fewer blood pressure medications and had lower serum phosphorus and calcium-phosphorus products. Their arteries were less stiff than those of people doing standard in-center HD.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • Mupirocin beats polysporin triple ointment (P3) for preventing PD catheter infections

    In an 18-month long randomized, controlled study, twice as many patients had redness at the PD catheter exit site and more fungal infections occurred in those using P3 than mupirocin.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • Longer life on PD with statins

    A study from Korea has found that people on PD who were prescribed statin drugs (used for high cholesterol) had a 41% lower risk of death than those who were not given statins. The effect held true for people who had diabetes as well. Future randomized, controlled studies are suggested.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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