Journal Watch

  • Take your vitamins

    A new study finds that HD—with regular or high flux membranes—removes large amounts of water soluble vitamins.

    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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  • Need high doses of EPO? Might want to check for CMV

    A new study from the Netherlands has found that people who have ESRD and have been exposed to the cytomegalovirus (CMV) have immune changes. With fewer working T-cells, they can't respond as well to anemia drugs.

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • 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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  • PKD is not a barrier to successful PD

    In a study that compared 56 people with polycystic kidney disease on PD to 56 non-diabetic people with small kidneys on PD, there were no differences between the two groups after 37 months.

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

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  • Need an MRI? Ask for NAC + bicarb

    MRI contrast dye can damage kidneys. A new meta-analysis (study of studies) has found that two approaches are better than one in preventing this damage. N-acetylcystein (NAC, or Mucomyst®) plus bicarbonate-based IV fluid reduced the risk of damage by 35%. The authors say this combo treatment should be used for all high-risk patients—including those with CKD.

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • CKD education saves lives

    A new study from Taiwan found that people who got CKD education were about 3 times less likely to need dialysis during the study period (about a year), and more than 5 times more likely to live than a control group that did not receive the education.

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • Slow the rate of CKD with baking soda?

    A small UK pilot study found that a group of people with CKD who were randomly assigned to take a tablet of sodium bicarbonate each day had kidney function that fell 2/3 more slowly than controls. The baking soda group was less likely to need dialysis. More research is needed—and a doctor should supervise any medication use in CKD. But this is promising, and more studies may prove the benefit.

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

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • If you have CKD, EAT!

    We know that malnutrition in people on dialysis is a killer. Turns out that the same holds true with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A new study found that people with CKD who had lower levels of protein (albumin) in their blood were 70% more likely to die.

    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