Breast cancer drug offers hope for encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS)

Tamoxifen has been shown to improve survival in EPS--a rare, but sometimes deadly PD complication that can lead to bowel obstruction. In a study of 63 people with severe EPS, those treated with the drug had significantly better survival.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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News from the FHN Study

Results are starting to trickle in from the Frequent Hemodialysis Network study. The most common reasons why people did not want to do home HD were lack of motivation, not wanting to change from in-center treatment, and fear of putting in their own needles.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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Green dialysis: Saving the planet

Dialysis uses a lot of power and a lot of water. Reusing those resources saves water, energy, and money. Our own Dr. John Agar has a new paper out about his solar dialysis and water reuse practices in Australia.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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New formula finds residual renal function with just ONE urine sample

24-hour urine tests are not a lot of fun. Japanese researchers have found that a ratio of two cystatin-C and creatinine in the urine predicts residual function just about as well, without all of the hassle.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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NAC appears to improve residual kidney function in people on PD

A supplement called N-acetylcysteine improved residual kidney function by about 50% in people on PD. (ALWAYS talk to your doctor before taking ANY over the counter meds.)

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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Low GDP PD fluid protects residual kidney function

Researchers think GDPs—caramel formed when sugar is heated up during PD fluid production—harm the peritoneum. Now, a randomized study proves it. Those using low GDP fluid had 3x as much kidney function after 18 months.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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Nocturnal HD: MUCH better survival

On standard in-center HD, 5-year survival is about 20%. A new study of 247 dialyzors from Canada found a 5-year survival on nocturnal HD of about 80%. Those who were younger and did not have diabetes did even better.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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Daily HD: Less depression, shorter recovery after treatment

More news from the NxStage FREEDOM study: after 12 months on daily HD, people were much less depressed. And, instead of taking about 8 hours to feel well after a treatment, most felt well after only ONE hour.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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Avoid some radiation—go home!

People on standard HD have high rates of cancer vs. the general public. Perhaps this is due to their high number of X-rays and CT scans, suggests a new study. Each one counts—and in-center HD folks have more access procedures, hospital stays, etc.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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Fear of needles, change barriers to nocturnal HD

The Frequent HD Network study compared nocturnal to standard home HD. Schedule control and less commute time were big home HD pluses. Fear of self-cannulation, change from in-center, and lack of motivation were the main reasons some said no.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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