Journal Watch
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Urgent start PD: Better for Budgets than Urgent Start HD
A number of studies have found that urgent start PD is safe. But, does it save money, too, vs. placing a central venous catheter? Yes, finds a new study that surveyed practitioners: first 90 days costs for urgent start PD were estimated at $16,398, while for urgent start HD, the tab was $19,352.
Read the abstract » | (added 2015-01-08)
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PD Catheter Placement with Nitrous Oxide
In a series of 87 patients, placement of PD catheters was done using nitrous oxide—including removal of the omentum and any adhesions. Just five patients required conversion to general anesthesia. After a year, 97.6% of the catheters were still working, and had not required any revisions.
Read the abstract » | (added 2015-01-08)
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Should Home Dialysis Be Mandatory for Suitable Patients?
Considering improved survival, dramatically better quality of life, and reduced cost, should home dialysis be the default option?
Read the abstract » | (added 2015-01-08)
Tags: Home dialysis
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Pilot Study: Flex Dialysis Facilitates Weight Loss
Patients who need to lose weight for better health or to obtain a transplant can be stymied by the strict diet limits of standard in-center HD. In a small series (four obese and two overweight patients), combining 2-6 sessions of flex, incremental HD with a coach-assisted weight loss program led to 5.7-20 kg weight loss over 12-30 months, better metabolic markers, and high patient satisfaction.
Read the abstract » | (added 2015-01-08)
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Review of Bioartificial Kidney Development
This article looks at state-of-the art efforts to duplicate kidney functions, including cell-based therapies, cell sourcing, organ scaffolding, and immune response.
Read the abstract » | (added 2015-01-08)
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Nocturnal HD reduces blood endotoxin levels
Endotoxin drives inflammation throughout the body. Which type of HD is most effective at reducing endotoxin in the blood? This study compared standard in-center HD (n=56) to short daily HD (n=20) and nocturnal HD (N=10). Endotoxin levels were highest when ultrafiltration rates were highest (standard in-center HD) and lowest among those doing nocturnal HD.
Read the abstract » | (added 2014-12-09)
Tags: Nocturnal Hemodialysis
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How to prescribe intensive home HD: A guide for the nephrologist
This article describes each of the types of intensive home HD, and offers prescription guidance from experts.
Read the abstract » | (added 2014-12-09)
Tags: Home dialysis
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More protein intake with nocturnal HD—but no change in body composition
Among 11 people doing nocturnal HD, protein intake increased significantly compared to matched standard in-center HD controls. But, one year later, total body mass, fat-free mass, and fat mass did not change.
Read the abstract » | (added 2014-12-09)
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Cochrane database review favors home HD over standard in-center HD
Just one, small (n=9) randomized controlled trial (RCT) lasting 8 weeks could be found that looked at home HD (extended) vs. standard in-center HD in adults. But, based on this, the Cochrane Database Systematic Review was able to get a paper published. Home HD reduced 24 hour blood pressure and improved uremic symptoms. The authors recommend more RCTs.
Read the abstract » | (added 2014-12-09)
Tags: Home dialysis
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Is low blood sodium as harmful in PD as it is in HD?
Hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels) raise the risk of death in people who do standard in-center HD. A prospective observational study of 441 incident PD patients found a higher mortality risk among those who did PD, too. In fact, after 3 years, the 1/3 of study participants whose sodium was lowest had a 79% higher risk of death than those whose levels were higher.
Read the abstract » | (added 2014-12-09)
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