Yes, PD can be done with diabetes

PD is gentle on the blood vessels. With use of icodextrin and other steps to optimize glucose and volume control, it can be a good option for those with diabetes.

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

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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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Adsorptive column removes B2m

Too-high levels of B2m cause amyloidosis in people on dialysis, with joint and bone pain. In Japan, people dialyzed using the Lixelle S-15 adsorptive column had significantly less B2m in their blood after a year of 3x/week treatments. They were also stronger and had less joint pain.

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

Tags: Chronic kidney disease

Implantable artificial kidney—progress

Three key bits of technology are needed to make an implantable artificial kidney possible: high efficiency membranes to remove water, a way to keep blood from clotting, and a way to mimic the selective action of kidney cells for removing wastes. Progress is occurring in each area.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-10-27)

Tags: Chronic kidney disease

Home dialysis boosts patient employment in Finland

A new study looked at employment results among 2,637 people ages 15 to 64 on dialysis or with kidney transplants in Finland. While just 19% of those on standard in-center HD were working, 39% of those on home HD, 40% of those with working transplants, and 44% on cycler PD were employed.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-10-27)

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Antioxidant improves residual kidney function in PD

Four weeks of twice-daily oral N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant, significantly increased residual kidney function of people on PD in a small study (n=10).

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-10-27)

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PD as a treatment for severe heart failure

In a small study, people whose CKD had not yet caused kidney failure were helped by peritoneal dialysis. After 2 months, the 19 study participants lost water weight, breathed easier, could sleep lying flat, and had no hospital stays for fluid overload.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

Tags: Chronic kidney disease

Using L-carnitine instead of sugar for PD fluid

Over time, sugar can harm the peritoneal membrane so it can't be used for PD. L-carnitine is a substance the body needs for energy. In a new rat study, PD fluid with L-carnitine removed as much—or more—water and wastes as sugar-based fluid. The new fluid was well tolerated and did not damage the peritoneum.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

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Basing dialysis dose on REAL toxins

Dialysis "adequacy" is based on removing urea—a waste that is not all that toxic. A new article points out that finding and choosing wastes that truly are toxic could change the way we measure dialysis for the better.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

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Mucomyst does not prevent nephrogenic systemic sclerosis

A new study randomized 2,308 people at risk for kidney injury from contrast dye into two groups. One group was given acetylcysteine (Mucomyst®) by mouth, a strong antioxidant. The other group was given a placebo. Both groups had the same rate of kidney injury and need for dialysis.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

Tags: Chronic kidney disease