Journal Watch

  • More frequent HD linked with less cardiac stunning

    During standard HD, the heart gets less blood, which causes damage called "stunning." In a study of 46 people on standard, short daily, or nocturnal HD, those whose treatments were done more often had less cardiac stunning. Those on nocturnal had the least.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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  • Fresenius options education program boosts PD & venous access use

    The 3,165 people who attended a treatment options program (TOPs) were more than 8 times more likely to choose PD than those who didn't attend—and twice as likely to get a fistula or graft if they chose HD. TOPs attendees were also more likely to survive the first 90 days of treatment.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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  • Statin use may boost PD survival

    A new study from Korea has found that taking a statin drug to lower cholesterol helped people on PD live longer—whether or not they had diabetes. The researchers suggest that larger, randomized studies are now needed.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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  • Risk factors linked to renal cell cancer (RCC) after long-term dialysis

    RCC occurs at higher rates in those who have been on dialysis for many years. If you know the risk factors, you can ask for screening. Those at highest risk in a large study were men; older people; ESRD caused by an obstruction, FSGS, or tuberous sclerosis; and those whose kidneys grew new cysts.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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  • Pilot results of a wearable artificial kidney

    Eight people on HD have now tested a new wearable HD device for 4-8 hours. Fluid was removed with no heart problems, and some wastes were removed as well. The safety devices for needle disconnection and clotting worked quickly. A step forward!

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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  • A prospective study of 4 vs. 8 hours of HD in-center 3 times a week

    Which is better, standard HD or more HD? A new study matched 247 people who agreed to try nocturnal in-center HD with people on standard HD. A year later, survival rates were 3.5 times higher (and hospital stays were lower) with more HD. Heart health and cognitive function were far better with more HD, too, while quality of life dropped in the standard HD group. (Now, why are we NOT surprised?)

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

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  • Aspirin use is linked with better HD graft survival

    Taking a low-dose aspirin each day led to about 30% better graft survival in a year-long study.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

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  • Bone loss in women on dialysis—the role of estrogen

    A study of 112 postmenopausal women on HD in Japan found that estrogen was closely linked to bone density. The authors conclude that taking estrogen may help prevent bone loss throughout life in women on HD.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

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  • New model using routine lab tests can predict progression to kidney failure

    Researchers looked at data from a total of 8,391 people with stages 3–5 CKD to see if lab test results could predict who would progress to end-stage. A model that included age, sex, GFR, and protein in the urine worked best.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

    Tags: Chronic kidney disease

  • Australian nephrologists say PD first, then nocturnal HD

    A lengthy survey of Australian nephrologists found strong agreement that long HD is a good option—most easily done at home, and that PD is a great first choice for dialysis. In fact, 34% of respondents said their clinic had a "PD First" policy.

    Read the abstract » | (added 2011-05-23)

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