Aspirin use is linked with better HD graft survival

Taking a low-dose aspirin each day led to about 30% better graft survival in a year-long study.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

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Bone loss in women on dialysis—the role of estrogen

A study of 112 postmenopausal women on HD in Japan found that estrogen was closely linked to bone density. The authors conclude that taking estrogen may help prevent bone loss throughout life in women on HD.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

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A randomized, controlled trial of nutrition on standard HD vs. nocturnal

Canadian researchers randomly assigned a small group of 23 people to standard in-center HD or nocturnal HD. At the end of 6 months, most of those doing nocturnal HD were able to reduce or stop taking binders, and their serum albumin (protein) levels improved. Protein levels dropped for those on standard in-center HD.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

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Eating more protein improves survival on PD

How much protein is enough on PD? In a study of 305 people on PD, getting 0.94 grams of protein per kilo of body weight per day was linked to much better survival. So if you weigh 68 kilos (150 lbs.'), you'd need at least 64 grams of protein a day—about 2 and a quarter ounces. You can do that!

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

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Australian nephrologists say PD first, then nocturnal HD

A lengthy survey of Australian nephrologists found strong agreement that long HD is a good option—most easily done at home, and that PD is a great first choice for dialysis. In fact, 34% of respondents said their clinic had a "PD First" policy.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

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New model using routine lab tests can predict progression to kidney failure

Researchers looked at data from a total of 8,391 people with stages 3–5 CKD to see if lab test results could predict who would progress to end-stage. A model that included age, sex, GFR, and protein in the urine worked best.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

Tags: Chronic kidney disease

CKD education rates in Australia (they're FAR better than in the US!)

It's hard to choose a treatment option for kidney failure that fits your life when you don't know what the options are, or how they might affect you. A study of 721 people new to dialysis in Australia found that 603 (84%) had options education before they started treatment.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

Tags: Chronic kidney disease

Better PD technique survival in people with diabetes who use icodextrin

In the first randomized control trial using icodextrin in lieu of glucose for PD solution, 41 people with diabetic nephropathy were assigned one or the other. After 2 years, 71.4% of the icodextrin group was still doing PD, while only 45% who used glucose-based solution still did PD.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-04-25)

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87 people on nocturnal home HD for 12 years had just 30% the mortality of standard HD

How does survival of people on nightly home HD compare to those in the USRDS? A single-center study of 87 people who got 40±6 hours a week of HD found that 79% lived 5 years, and 64% lived for 10 years—a mortality rate just 30% of the USRDS average. Higher levels of education and more hours of dialysis were the only factors independently linked with survival.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-04-25)

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Chemical ablation to correct recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism post parathyroidectomy

Reoperation after a parathyroidectmy can be risky. In a study of 49 people, injecting ethanol (alcohol) into the gland, guided by ultrasound, helped to lower PTH levels without more surgery.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-04-25)

Tags: Chronic kidney disease