PD with PKD: Yes, it's possible

A Chinese study matched 42 people with and 84 without PKD as they started PD. After 5 years, survival in both groups was the same. There was no difference in the rate of peritonitis, though the PKD group was more likely to get hernias.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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NAC protects PD membrane from sugar damage in rats

Over time, caramelized sugars in PD fluid can scar the peritoneal membrane to the point where PD may no longer work. In a rat study, an antioxidant (N-acetylcysteine, or NAC) reduced this damage. NAC may one day prove to be a treatment for humans.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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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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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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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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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

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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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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A prospective study of 4 vs. 8 hours of HD in-center 3 times a week

Which is better, standard HD or more HD? A new study matched 247 people who agreed to try nocturnal in-center HD with people on standard HD. A year later, survival rates were 3.5 times higher (and hospital stays were lower) with more HD. Heart health and cognitive function were far better with more HD, too, while quality of life dropped in the standard HD group. (Now, why are we NOT surprised?)

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

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