Journal Watch
Prevent buttonhole infections with Mupirocin
The Buttonhole technique for fistulas lessens needle pain, missed cannulations, and bumpy aneurysms. The only downside? A higher risk of staph infection. A new study finds that prescription mupirocin (Bactroban®) ointment, an antibiotic, reduced that risk by 35 times!
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
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Phosphorus in colas linked to CKD progression
Soda is already worthless nutritionally—and some types can also raise the risk of chronic kidney disease. A recent study found almost 2 1/2 times the risk of CKD in those who drank 2 or more cola's a day (regular or diet). If you must drink the stuff, looks like it's safest to switch to a non-cola flavor.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease
CKD patients report lack of kidney knowledge
Folks can't choose a home therapy if they don't know it exists. In a new study of 676 people with stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease, most reported having limited or no understanding of their options. The new Conditions for Coverage should help.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease
No tested CKD decision aids available
A meta-analysis of 40 studies looks at how people with CKD decide which treatment to choose. The 4 key factors were:
- Personal relationships
- Keeping current well-being, normality, and quality of life
- Need for control
- Benefits vs. risks
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease
If you have CKD, EAT!
We know that malnutrition in people on dialysis is a killer. Turns out that the same holds true with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A new study found that people with CKD who had lower levels of protein (albumin) in their blood were 70% more likely to die.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease
Slow the rate of CKD with baking soda?
A small UK pilot study found that a group of people with CKD who were randomly assigned to take a tablet of sodium bicarbonate each day had kidney function that fell 2/3 more slowly than controls. The baking soda group was less likely to need dialysis. More research is needed—and a doctor should supervise any medication use in CKD. But this is promising, and more studies may prove the benefit.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease
CKD education saves lives
A new study from Taiwan found that people who got CKD education were about 3 times less likely to need dialysis during the study period (about a year), and more than 5 times more likely to live than a control group that did not receive the education.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease
Need an MRI? Ask for NAC + bicarb
MRI contrast dye can damage kidneys. A new meta-analysis (study of studies) has found that two approaches are better than one in preventing this damage. N-acetylcystein (NAC, or Mucomyst®) plus bicarbonate-based IV fluid reduced the risk of damage by 35%. The authors say this combo treatment should be used for all high-risk patients—including those with CKD.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease
PKD is not a barrier to successful PD
In a study that compared 56 people with polycystic kidney disease on PD to 56 non-diabetic people with small kidneys on PD, there were no differences between the two groups after 37 months.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
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On PD, higher uric acid levels predict faster loss of kidney function
Keeping as much of your kidney function as you can is a plus on PD or HD. A new study from Korea has found that people on PD whose levels of uric acid were higher had a faster decline in their kidney function. Those with higher blood pressure tended to have higher uric acid levels.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
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