Journal Watch
Lower B2M levels linked with WORSE survival on PD
Unlike HD, a new study of 725 incident PD patients divided into three beta-2 microglobulin tertiles found that the lowest third of B2m levels was associated with a higher risk of death. The increased risk was especially seen in females; older patients; and those with comorbidities, low BMI, low serum albumin, and less residual kidney function. Read the abstract.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-07-13)
Tags: PD, B2m, Morbidity Rate
Nephrologists’ attitudes toward intensified HD
Among German nephrologists, 44% believe there is not enough evidence in favor of intensified HD, whether or not they offer it. Respondents cited a need for more funding and more staff to support the therapy. Among the 44% who did offer the option, most reserved it for patients who were not receiving adequate treatment with conventional HD, and just 19% offered it routinely. Read the abstract.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-07-13)
Tags: Intensified HD
APD May Rapidly Improve Left Heart Failure
A single-center observational study of 47 CAPD patients with left-sided heart failure found that using a cycler for short-term APD improved ultrafiltration significantly in just 3 days.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-06-12)
Tags: CAPD, Cycler, Short term APD, Ultrafiltration
PKD and PD – a Metaanalysis
Among 9 studies totaling 7,197 patients—of whom 882 had polycystic kidney disease—survival was better among the PKD patients. There were no differences in peritonitis or technique survival between those who did and did not have PKD, though those with PKD did have a higher risk of hernias.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-06-12)
Tags: PKD, PD, Metaanalysis, Polycystic Kidney Disease
Residual Kidney Function and Sleep Apnea Severity in PD
A small (n=15), exploratory study of 15 APD patients with home apnea monitors found obstructive sleep apnea in 33%, which correlated with having less residual renal function.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-06-12)
New Ideas for Incremental PD
Starting incremental PD without the exclusive focus on residual plus peritoneal clearances may ease transitions of new patients onto dialysis—and reduce our “obsession” with small moleule kinetics.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-06-12)
Whey Protein for PD Malnutrition
A 6-month multicenter, randomized controlled trial tested protein powder plus dietary counseling vs. counseling only for CAPD patients with low serum albumin and BMI. Significantly more of the protein powder group were able to take in enough protein, and they also had significant increases in serum urea and a normalized protein catabolic rate.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-06-12)
Tags: Malnutrition, Peritoneal Dialysis, Protein Supplementation, Whey Protein
New Danish Dialysis Decision Aid
A shared decision-making tool developed and pilot tested in Denmark was well-received by 137 patients, and resulted in 80% of them choosing a home dialysis option—vs. just 23% without the tool.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-05-11)
Tags: Patient Involvement, Dialysis Choice, Dialysis Decision Aid
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Instant Messaging for PD Patients
Among 160 PD patients, the half assigned to instant messenger had significantly higher levels of satisfaction, serum albumin, and hemoglobin—and lower levels of serum phosphorus and calcium-phosphate product than controls.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-05-11)
Lack of Education Predicts Peritonitis on PD
An analysis of socioeconomic—and educational—deprivation in 233 patients who had PD catheters placed found a trend toward higher peritonitis rates in more deprived patients.
Read the abstract » | (added 2018-05-11)
Tags: Educational Deprivation, PD catheter Insertions, PD Peritonitis