HbA1c levels do not predict survival in PD patients with diabetes

Researchers seeking a hemoglobin A1c target for PD patients with diabetes were not able to find any change in survival among 91 patients whose A1c levels were <6.5%, 6.5–8%, or >8%.

Read the abstract » | (added 2012-12-19)

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Modality choice is a factor in AV fistula creation

Canadian researchers compared the predialysis modality preferences of 508 people to their actual modality, and looked at their vascular accesses. The chance of having a fistula was much less in those who chose PD but started HD (39%), or who made no choice (50%), than in those who preferred HD and started on HD (79%).

Read the abstract » | (added 2012-12-19)

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Improve PD uptake by addressing misconceptions

In Singapore, interviews with predialysis patients and their families, people on dialysis, and health care professionals were done to explore how a treatment option choice is made. Fear of PD, daily commitment to PD, and misperceptions of PD were barriers that kept people from choosing the option. Patients were strongly influenced by other patients and wanted to hear what day-to-day life would be like before making a choice.

Read the abstract » | (added 2012-12-19)

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Neutral pH PD fluid protects peritoneal membranes

Standard PD fluid may have an acidic pH and contain high levels of glucose degradation products (GDPs). Japanese researchers followed 12 patients using standard fluid and 12 using a neutral pH fluid with low GDPs. The low GDP group had less membrane fibrosis, blood vessel sclerosis, and build up of AGEs, and had higher ultrafiltration volume than the high GDP group.

Read the abstract » | (added 2012-12-19)

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Home HD for obese patients

In Australia, a 215 Kg man has successfully dialyzed at home for 8 years, after training by a program that has trained 23 obese (BMI >30) people to date. Home HD is a cost effective option with good outcomes in this group.

Read the abstract » | (added 2012-11-27)

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Biocompatible PD solution preserves residual kidney function

Researchers in Korea looked at the long-term impact of using Fresenius Balance® (FB) fluid vs. standard PD fluid. After 24 months, the GFR of patients using FB was twice that of those using standard fluid. Patients using FB also had better correction of metabolic acidosis, and higher levels of cancer fighting antigens.

Read the abstract » | (added 2012-11-27)

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CAPD improved outcomes in hard to treat CHF

In a study in Spain, 28 people with advanced congestive heart failure were treated with PD, while 34 controls were not. Sixteen months later, those who did PD were 40% more likely to survive.

Read the abstract » | (added 2012-11-27)

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Chest ultrasound finds some lung congestion in asymptomatic PD patients

Italian researchers did chest ultrasounds on 88 PD patients. Just under half had moderate to severe lung congestion—even though 57% had no shortness of breath, and only 27% had foot swelling.

Read the abstract » | (added 2012-10-25)

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Outcomes of extended-hours HD (mainly at home)

Among 286 people in Australia who did 24 hours or more of HD per week (96% at home), survival was 98% for 1 year, 92% for 3 years, and 83% for 5 years. Technique survival was 90% for 1 year, 77% for 3 years, and 68% for 5 years. This study did find higher rates of access problems with more frequent HD, but there was no control group.

Read the abstract » | (added 2012-10-25)

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How to overcome barriers and set up a successful home HD program

Want to establish a home HD program, but don't know how to overcome the barriers? Look no further. This review article by giants in the field will help you get started.

Read the abstract » | (added 2012-10-25)

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