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Higher Serum Phosphorus Predicts More Residual Function Loss—in Men Only

A retrospective analysis of 1,245 CAPD patients followed for up to 11 years divided participants into tertiles based on their baseline serum phosphorus levels. One third of patients lost residual renal function (RRF) during the study, and those with the highest baseline phosphorus levels had a 51% higher risk of RRF loss than those in tertiles 1 and 2 combined. The risk of RRF loss was significantly higher for men.

Read the abstract » | (added 2019-12-10)

In-center Nocturnal HD: Fewer Complications than PD in Patients with PKD

An analysis that matched PDK patients who did conventional HD (26) or PD (26) to in-center nocturnal HD (NHD; 13) found no significant difference in mortality—but after a median follow up of 5.5 years, NHD had significantly fewer complications than PD—and higher serum albumin levels as well.

Read the abstract » | (added 2019-12-10)

Transplant Survival Better After PD Than Standard In-center HD

Is there an advantage to PD over standard in-center HD for transplant graft survival? YES, suggests a 15-year retrospective study of 2,277 transplant recipients. Those who did PD prior to transplant were 34.5% more likely to survive, and had less frequent rejection. Living donor kidneys did best among patients who received transplants before starting dialysis—or did PD.

Read the abstract » | (added 2019-11-16)

PD vs. Standard In-center HD for Quality of Life

A 24-month observational study compared 45 standard HD and 30 PD patients, and assessed their quality of life, cognitive function, and depression at study start and every 12 months. Over the 24 months, PD patients had significant improvement in physical and social well-being—while HD patients stayed the same. Cognitive function held steady in PD patients—but declined in HD patients. Depression increased among those on standard HD—but not those on PD.

Read the abstract » | (added 2019-11-16)

Tablo HD Machine Safe and Effective at Home and In-center

Safety and efficacy human trials of the easy-to-use Tablo were conducted with 28 participants who received 4 treatments per week in-center and then at home for a total of 21 weeks. Home adherence (99%) was slightly better than in-center (96%), with average prescribed—and delivered—treatments of 3.4 hours, and an average weekly standard Kt/Vurea of 2.8 in both settings. Adverse events were not related to the Tablo, and alarm resolution time was 8 seconds in-center and 5 seconds at home.

Read the abstract » | (added 2019-11-16)

A Post-op Surgical Girdle for Pain and Catheter Tunnel Infections in Urgent Start PD

Urgent start PD can be associated with pain and tunnel infections. In a study of 85 consecutive PD catheter placements, a surgical girdle was used from days 1-3 while patients were supine. Among the 23 patients who completed pain surveys, the girdle helped significantly. Tunnel infections were reduced as well.

Read the abstract » | (added 2019-11-16)

Antibiotics Before Colonoscopy May Reduce Peritonitis Risk in PD Patients

In a retrospective study of 236 CAPD patients who had colonoscopies, 9 developed peritonitis within a week of the procedure. No patient who received prophylactic antibiotics developed peritonitis. Randomized controlled trials are recommended.

Read the abstract » | (added 2019-11-16)

Is PD Unwise for Patients with Lupus Nephritis?

A small study found 92.4% (1 year), 84.7% (3 year) and 67.6% (5 year) patient survival among 28 non-diabetic lupus patients doing PD—compared to 100% (1 year), 93.5% (3 year), and 82.9% (5 year) among 56 controls. While the lupus was not directly associated with mortality, it was a risk factor for PD technique failure, infection, and hospitalizations.

Read the abstract » | (added 2019-11-16)

Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Peritonitis Risk in PD

In a single-center, 36-month retrospective look at 230 Japanese PD patients, those who took PPIs were 72% more likely to develop peritonitis than those who did not.

Read the abstract » | (added 2019-11-16)

Home Dialysis “Virtual Ward” Addresses Gaps in Care Transitions

Following hospital discharge, a procedure, antibiotics, or completion of home training, 2 weeks of telephonic follow-up was provided to 193 PD or home HD patients as a “home dialysis virtual ward” (HDVW). The HDVW identified a median of 1 care gap per patient, with newer patients at higher risk of gaps. Patients were highly satisfied with the HDVW.

Read the abstract » | (added 2019-11-16)