Journal watch: PD

Arterial stiffness is equally high in PD and standard in-center HD

Arteries are supposed to be flexible. In a study of 35 people on PD and 26 doing standard HD, both groups had equally stiff arteries that were more rigid than those of the general public.

Antibiotic ointment reduces PD exit site infections, but not peritonitis

Researchers studied 1,270 people who used mupirocin ointment on their PD catheters, 502 used gentamycin, and 1,203 did not use an antibiotic ointment. While the ointments helped prevent exit site infections, they did not reduce the rate of peritonitis.

Coiled vs. straight PD catheters—is one better than the other?

Researchers in China randomly assigned 80 people doing PD to a straight or a coiled catheter and looked at results from an 493 more people on PD. No differences were found in migration of the catheter tips, catheter failure, infection, stopping PD, or death between the two types of catheters. In the larger analysis, coiled catheters had far more problems than straight ones.

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 more | (added Dec 22, 2011)

Longer life on PD with statins

A study from Korea has found that people on PD who were prescribed statin drugs (used for high cholesterol) had a 41% lower risk of death than those who were not given statins. The effect held true for people who had diabetes as well. Future randomized, controlled studies are suggested.

Read more | (added Dec 22, 2011)

Mupirocin beats polysporin triple ointment (P3) for preventing PD catheter infections

In an 18-month long randomized, controlled study, twice as many patients had redness at the PD catheter exit site and more fungal infections occurred in those using P3 than mupirocin.

Read more | (added Dec 22, 2011)

Cycler PD done longer than manual PD

Among 179 people doing CAPD and 441 using cyclers, survival and the rates of loss of residual kidney function and peritonitis were about the same. But technique survival was significantly better among those who used a cycler.

Read more | (added Dec 22, 2011)

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.

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.

Eating more protein linked with longer life on PD

In a study of 305 people on PD, those who ate the most protein (≥0.94 g/kg/day) were stronger and at less risk for heart disease, peritonitis, and death than those who ate the less.

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