Dialyzors prefer buttonholes

A new study of standard in-center HD dialyzors who have used the buttonhole technique for a year found that satisfaction averaged 8.5 (out of 10); 96% said they would recommend it; and 83% said it was easier for the nurses. (Of course, we'd far rather see folks putting in their own needles!)

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

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Kidney pros would choose home dialysis

A survey of kidney professionals done by Satellite Healthcare found that more than 90% would choose a home treatment if their kidneys failed—about half choosing PD and half choosing some type of home HD.

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

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NSF from gadolinium contrast dye is very rare

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a life-threatening problem that has been linked to gadolinium MRI contrast dye in people with kidney problems. The good news is that the rate of NSF is very low—just 1.6% even among those who did receive gadolinium.

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

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Vitamin E-coated dialyzers may reduce inflammation

One cause of heart disease is a build-up of "free radicals" in the blood. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, which mops up free radicals. In Japan, Vitamin E-coated dialyzors have been linked with a need for less heparin and less anemia. Immune function seems better, too. Perhaps these will one day come to the U.S.?

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

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High transporters live just as long on cycler PD

In a study that followed 117 people who started PD in Korea, those who were older, or had diabetes or heart disease had poorer survival. But being a high transporter (wastes move quickly through the peritoneum but water removal is poor) did not reduce survival.

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

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15+ hours/week of short daily home HD boosts survival

Folks on standard HD have a 50% greater chance of dying on the day after the 2-day no-treatment weekend. Not so with short daily HD! A new study by Kjellstrand et al also finds that just being home boosted survival by 50%, and getting 15+ hours of treatment helped by 16%. Kt/V had no relationship with survival.

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

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Rapid fluid removal during HD linked with heart damage and death

Short, fast, thrice weekly treatments are hard on the heart. Among 1,846 people on standard HD, those whose fluid removal was the slowest and most gentle were most likely to survive. Rates of fluid removal lower than 10 milliliters per hour per kilo were safest.

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

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Nocturnal HD? Watch those buttonholes!

Poor buttonhole technique led to a higher rate of hospital stays for sepsis (blood poisoning) among 63 people doing nocturnal in-center HD vs. 172 on standard HD. (Use a sterile tweezers to remove buttonhole scabs to reduce infection.)

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

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Survival with diabetes and kidney failure is better

Diabetes plus kidney failure is a tough blow. But, since 1980, survival for people with both health problems has more than doubled. And that was with standard in-center HD. Imagine how much better survival might be with more dialysis!

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

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New saliva test measures testosterone levels

Kidney failure and low libido often go hand in hand. Low testosterone levels can be treated--if they are found. A new study finds that a morning saliva test gives results that compare well to blood tests.

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

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