Journal Watch
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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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Home dialysis boosts patient employment in Finland
A new study looked at employment results among 2,637 people ages 15 to 64 on dialysis or with kidney transplants in Finland. While just 19% of those on standard in-center HD were working, 39% of those on home HD, 40% of those with working transplants, and 44% on cycler PD were employed.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-10-27)
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Antioxidant improves residual kidney function in PD
Four weeks of twice-daily oral N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant, significantly increased residual kidney function of people on PD in a small study (n=10).
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-10-27)
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Implantable artificial kidney—progress
Three key bits of technology are needed to make an implantable artificial kidney possible: high efficiency membranes to remove water, a way to keep blood from clotting, and a way to mimic the selective action of kidney cells for removing wastes. Progress is occurring in each area.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-10-27)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease
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Patients educated about options are more likely to choose home
A new UK study surveyed 118 people with CKD who were not yet on dialysis. Those who were educated about their options were much more likely to plan for home treatment. The most important factor in their choice: fit of a treatment option with the preferred lifestyle.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease
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Using L-carnitine instead of sugar for PD fluid
Over time, sugar can harm the peritoneal membrane so it can't be used for PD. L-carnitine is a substance the body needs for energy. In a new rat study, PD fluid with L-carnitine removed as much—or more—water and wastes as sugar-based fluid. The new fluid was well tolerated and did not damage the peritoneum.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)
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PD as a treatment for severe heart failure
In a small study, people whose CKD had not yet caused kidney failure were helped by peritoneal dialysis. After 2 months, the 19 study participants lost water weight, breathed easier, could sleep lying flat, and had no hospital stays for fluid overload.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease
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A new look at dialysis treatment length
There is increasing proof that dialysis treatments shorter than 4 hours are not long enough. A new paper reviews the literature knowing what we know now—and concludes that most people should get at least 4 hours per treatment.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)
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U.S. barriers to home dialysis treatments
Home dialysis is underused in the U.S., and a committee of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis has looked at why that may be. The group organized the barriers into three groups: educational, government/regulatory, and dialysis practice, and is looking at strategies to address each.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)
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Mucomyst does not prevent nephrogenic systemic sclerosis
A new study randomized 2,308 people at risk for kidney injury from contrast dye into two groups. One group was given acetylcysteine (Mucomyst®) by mouth, a strong antioxidant. The other group was given a placebo. Both groups had the same rate of kidney injury and need for dialysis.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease