Journal Watch
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Alternate night nocturnal HD in Australia
Every other night nocturnal HD is a popular option in Australia. Patients who use this option have lower phosphorus levels and better volume control and well-being—at about the same cost as standard in-center HD.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)
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More home HD in Australia and New Zealand—because doctors believe in it
In contrast to the rest of the world, Australia and New Zealand have an average of 12.9% of patients using home HD. Why? Because nephrologists, nurses, and funding agencies hold strong beliefs in the clinical and economic benefits of this option.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)
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Green dialysis – reducing energy use and landfill space
Worldwide, dialysis uses an estimated 156 billion liters of water per year, 1.62 billion kilowatt hours of power, and generates 625,000 tons of plastic waste. Our own Dr. John Agar suggests ways to reduce the carbon footprint of dialysis through water conservation, solar power, and other ideas.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)
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Nocturnal HD protects arteries
In a year-long study, 60 people on standard in-center HD were compared to a similar group of 60 people on 8-hour nocturnal HD three nights per week. The nocturnal group needed fewer blood pressure medications and had lower serum phosphorus and calcium-phosphorus products. Their arteries were less stiff than those of people doing standard in-center HD.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)
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HD offers better survival than PD for congestive heart failure
A study of 933 people with CHF on PD and 3468 on HD in the French dialysis registry found that for people with congestive heart failure, HD is a safer choice. The risk of death with PD was 48% higher.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)
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Protein intake improves after a switch from standard to nocturnal HD
After 8 months of nocturnal HD, 15 people who switched from standard in-center HD had significantly higher protein intake. Their phosphate intake rose as well—but their serum phosphate levels did not, even without binders.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-11-28)
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Alternate-night HD improves bone minerals & blood pressure
Among 63 people in Australia who switched from standard HD to alternate-night HD, bone mineral balance and blood pressure improved after 18–24 months. Left ventricular mass did not improve, but remained stable.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-11-28)
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Urgent-start PD is feasible with a plan
In this small study, 9 people who had an urgent start for PD were compared to 9 people who started PD with more time. A standard protocol was written to support urgent start PD. After 90 days, both groups were doing equally well.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-11-28)
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Working fistula rate doubled with procedures
Are repeated fistula procedures worth it? Yes, says a new study of 294 people who had 347 fistulas made, with 736 procedures between them. While only 36.8% of fistulas were working on their own after 2 years, 77.8% were working 2 years later after procedures to fix them. (One patient had 11 interventions.)
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-11-28)
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Yes, PD can be done with diabetes
PD is gentle on the blood vessels. With use of icodextrin and other steps to optimize glucose and volume control, it can be a good option for those with diabetes.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-11-28)
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