PD with PKD: Yes, it's possible

A Chinese study matched 42 people with and 84 without PKD as they started PD. After 5 years, survival in both groups was the same. There was no difference in the rate of peritonitis, though the PKD group was more likely to get hernias.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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More frequent HD linked with less cardiac stunning

During standard HD, the heart gets less blood, which causes damage called "stunning." In a study of 46 people on standard, short daily, or nocturnal HD, those whose treatments were done more often had less cardiac stunning. Those on nocturnal had the least.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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Fresenius options education program boosts PD & venous access use

The 3,165 people who attended a treatment options program (TOPs) were more than 8 times more likely to choose PD than those who didn't attend—and twice as likely to get a fistula or graft if they chose HD. TOPs attendees were also more likely to survive the first 90 days of treatment.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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NAC protects PD membrane from sugar damage in rats

Over time, caramelized sugars in PD fluid can scar the peritoneal membrane to the point where PD may no longer work. In a rat study, an antioxidant (N-acetylcysteine, or NAC) reduced this damage. NAC may one day prove to be a treatment for humans.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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Statin use may boost PD survival

A new study from Korea has found that taking a statin drug to lower cholesterol helped people on PD live longer—whether or not they had diabetes. The researchers suggest that larger, randomized studies are now needed.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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Risk factors linked to renal cell cancer (RCC) after long-term dialysis

RCC occurs at higher rates in those who have been on dialysis for many years. If you know the risk factors, you can ask for screening. Those at highest risk in a large study were men; older people; ESRD caused by an obstruction, FSGS, or tuberous sclerosis; and those whose kidneys grew new cysts.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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Pilot results of a wearable artificial kidney

Eight people on HD have now tested a new wearable HD device for 4-8 hours. Fluid was removed with no heart problems, and some wastes were removed as well. The safety devices for needle disconnection and clotting worked quickly. A step forward!

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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Better survival on home HD than PD in England and Wales

A study from the UK compared 225 people on home HD from 1997 to 2005 with age and sex matched people on PD and standard HD. Those on home HD lived significantly longer than those on PD—even when the researchers adjusted for those who received transplants or were on the wait list.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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Cycler PD has better outcomes than manual PD for those under age 65

Among 282 people on PD, younger people were much more likely to keep doing PD—and much more likely to survive—if they used a cycler.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

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A prospective study of 4 vs. 8 hours of HD in-center 3 times a week

Which is better, standard HD or more HD? A new study matched 247 people who agreed to try nocturnal in-center HD with people on standard HD. A year later, survival rates were 3.5 times higher (and hospital stays were lower) with more HD. Heart health and cognitive function were far better with more HD, too, while quality of life dropped in the standard HD group. (Now, why are we NOT surprised?)

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

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