Journal Watch - Chronic kidney disease

« Back to Most Recent

  • Straight talk: Improve CKD outcomes by prescribing better dialysis

    Longer or more-frequent treatments, better access choices, ultrapure water, and better removal of fluid and toxic middle molecules could improve survival on dialysis, say researchers.

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • Matching home dialysis to lifestyle

    A "continuum home program concept" described in a new article would help people with kidney failure continue their lifestyles with dialysis—rather than disrupt them with treatment. The aim is for a continuous flow of services from education to treatment choice, dialysis access, and option changes when needed.

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • Toronto: 61% of dialysis patients went home

    Imagine what US dialysis would look like if we could do what our neighbors do! A study of 486 people with CKD from 2001-2007 found that, of the 153 who started dialysis, most went home (79 on PD, 15 on home HD). Why (or why not)?

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • Somebody does it better

    Like the U.S., Australia now requires folks with CKD to be educated about all treatment options. Unlike the U.S., they are following up to see if this is happening. A new study of 721 people with CKD found that 84% had options education before starting treatment. (We'd bet that the rates here are still far, far lower!)

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • Vytorin® reduced heart attacks & strokes in those with CKD

    In a study of more than 9,000 people, the cholesterol-lowering (statin) drug Vytorin significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes. One-third of those who took part were on dialysis; the rest had stage 3,4, or 5 CKD.

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • Naturally higher red blood cell counts do NOT reduce survival

    It never made sense to us that a "normal" hemoglobin level would somehow become harmful in kidney failure. And, in fact, it's not the Hgb itself that causes harm. A new DOPPS study of 545 people on dialysis whose Hgbs were normal without ESA drugs found no difference in survival.

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • Future of the artificial kidney

    Learn the latest on futuristic dialysis with wearable and miniaturized devices!

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • If you have CKD, EAT!

    We know that malnutrition in people on dialysis is a killer. Turns out that the same holds true with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A new study found that people with CKD who had lower levels of protein (albumin) in their blood were 70% more likely to die.

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • No tested CKD decision aids available

    A meta-analysis of 40 studies looks at how people with CKD decide which treatment to choose. The 4 key factors were:

    1. Personal relationships
    2. Keeping current well-being, normality, and quality of life
    3. Need for control
    4. Benefits vs. risks
    No reliable, tested decision aids are available—yet.

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • CKD patients report lack of kidney knowledge

    Folks can't choose a home therapy if they don't know it exists. In a new study of 676 people with stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease, most reported having limited or no understanding of their options. The new Conditions for Coverage should help.

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease