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  • PD (vs. in-center HD) and less bad breath

    After 3 months on PD, 42 people in a new study had more saliva—and less bad breath.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-03-30)

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  • Better fluid removal with icodextrin PD fluid - Meta-analysis

    A new study of 9 randomized controlled trials has found that people using icodextrin removed much more water than those using glucose based fluid—with no change in residual kidney function or increase in peritonitis or death. Rash was more common in those using icodextrin.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-03-30)

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  • AAKP's study of patient satisfaction with kidney education and dialysis (hint: not so good)

    977 patients completed a 46-item survey asking about satisfaction with current treatment for kidney failure and education on a scale of 1–10 (with 1 low). Standard in-center HD rated 4.5. PD rated 5.2, home HD was 5.5, and transplant was 6.1. About 31% of participants felt the treatment options were not equally and fairly presented, and 32% had not been educated about home HD.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-03-30)

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  • Benefits of switching from 3x/week in-center HD to 6x/week home HD

    Among 11 people who switched treatments, blood pressure dropped, hemoglobin levels rose (with lower ESA doses), the calcium-phosphorus product dropped (with no change in binder doses), and BMI and serum albumin levels went up. We are so not surprised!

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-03-30)

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  • Simpler pill regimen needed by those using nocturnal home HD

    Among 35 people who switched from standard in-center HD to nocturnal home HD, the number of pills per day did not drop—but the regimen was much simplified—and health-related quality of life was significantly improved.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-03-30)

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  • On PD, higher uric acid levels predict faster loss of kidney function

    Keeping as much of your kidney function as you can is a plus on PD or HD. A new study from Korea has found that people on PD whose levels of uric acid were higher had a faster decline in their kidney function. Those with higher blood pressure tended to have higher uric acid levels.

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

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  • Need a bone density test on PD? Be sure you're empty

    A new study has found that having fluid in your belly when you have a bone density test (called DXA) can change the results.

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

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  • Phosphorus in colas linked to CKD progression

    Soda is already worthless nutritionally—and some types can also raise the risk of chronic kidney disease. A recent study found almost 2 1/2 times the risk of CKD in those who drank 2 or more cola's a day (regular or diet). If you must drink the stuff, looks like it's safest to switch to a non-cola flavor.

    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

  • 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