Journal watch: PD

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Standard PD fluids work just as well as biocompatible ones

A randomized controlled trial compared standard PD fluid to biocompatible PD fluid in 267 patients (for 7000+ dialysis months). There were no differences in PD technique survival or peritonitis between the groups.

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