Journal Watch

  • HD offers better survival than PD for congestive heart failure

    A study of 933 people with CHF on PD and 3468 on HD in the French dialysis registry found that for people with congestive heart failure, HD is a safer choice. The risk of death with PD was 48% higher.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • Green dialysis – reducing energy use and landfill space

    Worldwide, dialysis uses an estimated 156 billion liters of water per year, 1.62 billion kilowatt hours of power, and generates 625,000 tons of plastic waste. Our own Dr. John Agar suggests ways to reduce the carbon footprint of dialysis through water conservation, solar power, and other ideas.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • More home HD in Australia and New Zealand—because doctors believe in it

    In contrast to the rest of the world, Australia and New Zealand have an average of 12.9% of patients using home HD. Why? Because nephrologists, nurses, and funding agencies hold strong beliefs in the clinical and economic benefits of this option.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • Alternate night nocturnal HD in Australia

    Every other night nocturnal HD is a popular option in Australia. Patients who use this option have lower phosphorus levels and better volume control and well-being—at about the same cost as standard in-center HD.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • Home HD costs in Canada

    Learn the costs of standard in-center HD vs. short daily and nocturnal in this new review article. (Home costs less!)

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • Normalizing "unphysiology" with longer and/or more frequent HD

    Studies of intensified HD regimens have found superior results to standard in-center HD, including better cardiac outcomes. This review article surveys the evidence that supports the hypothesis that more physiologic dialysis leads to better outcomes.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-12-22)

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  • Eating more protein linked with longer life on PD

    In a study of 305 people on PD, those who ate the most protein (≥0.94 g/kg/day) were stronger and at less risk for heart disease, peritonitis, and death than those who ate the less.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-11-28)

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  • Protein intake improves after a switch from standard to nocturnal HD

    After 8 months of nocturnal HD, 15 people who switched from standard in-center HD had significantly higher protein intake. Their phosphate intake rose as well—but their serum phosphate levels did not, even without binders.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-11-28)

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  • Alternate-night HD improves bone minerals & blood pressure

    Among 63 people in Australia who switched from standard HD to alternate-night HD, bone mineral balance and blood pressure improved after 18–24 months. Left ventricular mass did not improve, but remained stable.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-11-28)

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  • Urgent-start PD is feasible with a plan

    In this small study, 9 people who had an urgent start for PD were compared to 9 people who started PD with more time. A standard protocol was written to support urgent start PD. After 90 days, both groups were doing equally well.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-11-28)

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