Journal Watch
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More dialysis, longer life
In 2003, researchers from the 12-nation Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns (DOPPS) study found that HD treatments shorter than 3.5 hours had a 33% higher risk of death. A new DOPPS paper reports that each extra 30 minutes of HD reduces the relative risk of death by 7%. Unfortunately, this study also documented mean US in-center treatment times of...3.5 hours.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
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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
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Depressed and on PD? Sertraline (Zoloft) may help
Of 32 people on PD who had clinical depression, 25 agreed to try Zoloft. Twelve weeks later, the Zoloft group was less depressed and had better physical and mental function, with no adverse drug effects.
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
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Nocturnal HD improves cognitive function
Fuzzy thinking on in-center HD? A new study suggests that nocturnal HD can help. Patients who switched to nocturnal HD had a 22% fewer cognitive symptoms and 32% better attention and working memory after 6 months.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
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Switching from standard to nocturnal HD improves vitamin D levels
In 35 patients who did nocturnal HD for 6 months or more, levels of active vitamin D rose significantly. The study patients had no diet limits, and their serum phosphorus levels fell after the switch from in-center HD. Normalizing phosphorus levels may help the body to produce more active vitamin D.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
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Prevent buttonhole infections with Mupirocin
The Buttonhole technique for fistulas lessens needle pain, missed cannulations, and bumpy aneurysms. The only downside? A higher risk of staph infection. A new study finds that prescription mupirocin (Bactroban®) ointment, an antibiotic, reduced that risk by 35 times!
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
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Why Canadians choose self-care dialysis
A new study randomized 70 new ESRD patients into standard options classes or to have the benefits of self-care taught with a booklet, video, and small group brainstorms. Compared to the group getting standard education, benefits group patients who valued lifestyle were 7 times more likely to choose self-care; those who valued freedom were 9.1 times more likely.
Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)
Tags: Chronic kidney disease