Journal Watch
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Factors Driving Thirst in PD Patients
A cross-sectional study of 387 adult PD patients explored reasons for thirst and assessed thirst intensity, identifying a low-thirst group (n=121), a moderate thirst group (n=136), and a high thirst group (n=130), based on a visual analogue scale. Women tended to be more thirsty than men (p=0.03). Lower total weekly urea clearance and higher daily net sodium removal were also factors.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-05-15)
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Patient Employment Rates in PD vs. In-center HD (IHD)
A study followed 18,408 PD and IHD patients who were employed full-time at dialysis start and had employer health insurance for 3 to 30 months, while 104,952 PD and IHD patients who were unemployed and did not have employer insurance were followed as well. Patients receiving IHD were more likely than PD patients to lose their employer health plans.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-05-15)
Tags: PD, IHD, Employment, Insurance, Health Plan
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PD Comparable to HD for Patients with AKI
The choice of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) for AKI requiring dialysis is a modifiable factor that can impact outcomes. The comparative effectiveness of PD vs. HD in AKI is controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis of seven studies compared mortality outcomes, recovery of kidney function, and infectious complications between PD and HD in patients with AKI. No significant mortality differences were found and kidney function recovery was similar between groups, though PD led to a significantly shorter time to kidney function recovery. Infection rates were also similar.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-05-15)
Tags: Kidney Replacement Therapy, KRT, PD, AKI
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Bacterial Biofilm on PD Catheters
A retrospective study on PD patients from January 2007 to January 2024 looked at reasons for PD catheter removal, scanning electron microscopy results from removed catheters, and bacterial cultures from PD effluent. Patients either had catheter removal due to peritonitis or for other reasons. Peritonitis-caused catheter removal occurred after a significantly longer duration than the non-peritonitis group. Bacterial biofilm (cocci) was found in 71.4% of 28 patients; 90% of those who had peritonitis vs. 25% in the non-peritonitis group.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-05-15)
Tags: Bacterial Biofilm, PD Catheters, Peritonitis
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Assessing Self-care Ability Prior to Dialysis Start Increases PD Use
A total of 263 patients with non-dialysis CKD and no contraindications to PD were randomized to an intervention group that received self-care competency assessment by a team of nephrologists, PD nurses, and a close family member, and a control group. The intervention group had a significantly higher rate of PD selection (54.6% vs. 38.3%).
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-05-15)
Tags: Self care Ability, CKD, PD
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Care Partner Roles In-center and at Home
A multi-center longitudinal cohort study investigated caregiver responsibilities during the first year of in-center vs. home hemodialysis in 202 patient-caregiver dyads. Both groups experienced a decline in measures including depressive symptoms, physical and general health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and perceived health status. Caregiver burden and mental HRQOL did not change. The types of support desired by each group differed.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)
Tags: Care Partner, HHD, Quality Of Life, Caregiver Burden
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Lived Experience of Home Dialysis
A meta-analysis aimed at understanding the lived experiences of home dialysis patients identified 10 international studies (n=325 participants) and identified eight themes. The authors found that patients can feel both positively and negatively about home dialysis at the same time.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)
Tags: Lived Experiences, Home Dialysis
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Chronic Inflammation and PD Outcomes
Among 111 PD patients stratified by C-reactive protein (CRP) into “normal” (<3mg/L) and “inflammation” (>3mg/dL) groups, the inflammation group had significant differences, including lower urine volume, hemoglobin, prealbumin, potassium, magnesium, and TSAT—but higher serum ferritin and WBC counts (p < 0.05). Systemic inflammation can interfere with nutrition, anemia treatment, and is linked with reduced residual kidney function.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)
Tags: PD, C reactive Protein
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Alternative Quality Metrics for Kt/V-free PD
This article explores the historic origins of Kt/V and its adaptation to PD and the limitations of using urea removal as a surrogate for other uremic toxins. Are residual kidney and dialytic urea clearances equivalent? Is urea distribution volume accurate? The authors don’t think so! They propose a shift away from Kt/V and “adequacy” to person-centered care.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)
Tags: Kt/V, PD, Urea Removal, Person centered Care
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Dry, Itchy Skin and Peritonitis on PD
Among 702 PD patients from two data sources, the risk of PD catheter-related infections rose among those with xerosis (hazard ratio 2.71; 95% confidence interval)—particularly S. aureus infections, which were higher in patients who had severe pruritus. Pet owners were also at risk for severe xerosis, as were those with higher serum creatinine levels and calcium-phosphorus products.
Read the abstract » | (added 2026-04-14)