Journal Watch
New Xylitol-based PD Fluid with L-Carnitine May be More Biocompatible
It is ironic that the glucose-based fluid that made PD possible can also harm the membrane so it stops working. A new PD fluid uses xylitol and l-carnitine to remove water instead of glucose. When tested on human cells, the new fluid kept more cells alive and reduced inflammation.
Read the abstract » | (added 2021-01-12)
Yet Another Study Demonstrates the Superiority of Home HD over In-Center
A cohort registry study matched 181 home HD patients with 413 in-center HD patients in Australia and New Zealand by age, gender, and cause of ESKD. After adjusting for BMI, smoking, race, and comorbidities, home HD had almost half the death risk of in-center HD, as well as significantly lower phosphate levels. Both groups had similar rates of transplant and graft survival 6 months after a transplant.
Read the abstract » | (added 2021-01-12)
Remote Monitoring May Reduce PD Technique Failure
In a study looking back at 558 adult APD patients, 148 who had used remote monitoring were matched to 148 patients from the 410 who had not. The researchers found a significantly lower rate of PD technique failure in the remote-monitored group. More studies are needed.
Read the abstract » | (added 2021-01-12)
Tags: Technique Failure, Telemedicine.
Chevron and Butterfly Taping Reduces Venous Needle Dislodgement in HD
Every clinic seems to have its own preferred method of taping HD needles to prevent dislodgement. This important new study tested Chevron, Butterfly and Overlapping tape patterns in a mechanical engineering laboratory to measure the adhesive force and ability to withstand dislodgement and lateral stress.
Read the abstract » | (added 2021-01-12)
Tags: Dialysis, Hemodialysis
Will Silicone Be the Future of HD Membranes?
Silicone nanoporous membranes (SNMs) have an average pore size of 8 nanometers. Tested with urea and creatinine, the new material was able to clear about 81% of high concentration uremic toxins in 45 minutes. This material could make more compact and portable dialysis systems possible.
Read the abstract » | (added 2021-01-12)
Tags: Silanization, Silicon Nanoporous
Mobile Health Readiness of Home vs. In-Center Dialysis Patients
Smartphones and other mobile devices can be used to deliver health messages. In a survey of 949 patients from 14 home and 21 in-center dialysis clinics, 81% had mobile devices to get online, and 72% used the Internet, some (18%) despite concerns about data privacy and security. Younger, non-Hispanic, and more educated patients were more likely to use mobile health, and working patients had the highest rates of proficiency. After adjustment, in-center and home patients were equally proficient with mobile health.
Read the abstract » | (added 2021-01-12)
Tags: Kidney Disease, Hemodialysis, Telehealth, Telemedicine
Are In-center Hemodialysis Patients Interested in Self-Care?
In-center self-care can be a bridge to home hemodialysis. A survey of 91 patients and 31 nurses revealed higher interest among the patients than the nurses (2.43+0.93 vs. 2.19+0.77). Patients also considered themselves to be capable of performing self-care tasks. Greater interest and perceived capability were linked with years of education, patient activation, disease severity, and age.
Read the abstract » | (added 2020-12-10)
Tags: Renal Dialysis, Self‐care, Self‐management
The Influence of Perceptions on PD Burnout
A focus group study conducted with 81 PD patients and 45 care partners in Australia, Hong Kong, and the United States identified relentlessness and feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities as a factor in burnout. Building resilience and finding a new normal and meaning in other activities may be protective.
Read the abstract » | (added 2020-12-10)
Prolonged PD Training Linked with Higher Peritonitis Risk
A single center retrospective analysis of all PD training sessions from 2001 to 2018 (135 patients) found that the 23% whose training lasted longer than 13 sessions had a significantly higher risk of peritonitis, though technique survival was not reduced. Factors associated with prolonged PD training included older age, diabetes, and unemployment.
Read the abstract » | (added 2020-12-10)
Benefits of Remote PD Monitoring
Compared to 38 standard care PD patients, 35 who received remote monitoring (RM) for 6 months had better outcomes despite higher Charlson Comorbidity scores. The RM group lived further from the clinic or had mobility issues, but were more satisfied with their care, and they had fewer emergency room visits and nephrology-related hospitalizations.
Read the abstract » | (added 2020-12-10)
Tags: Quality Of Life, Remote Monitoring