Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Reducing Blockage Fails to Improve Access to the Bloodstream for Kidney Dialysis

Reducing Blockage Fails to Improve Access to the Bloodstream for Kidney Dialysis

May 23, 2008

Reducing early blockages in bloodstream access for kidney failure treatment does not increase the likelihood that the access will function adequately for long-term treatments, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Results were published May 14, 2008, in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"Since most of the 470,000 Americans with kidney failure depend on hemodialysis for survival, there is a clear and compelling need to evaluate therapies that reduce or prevent access failure," said NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. "These results tell us we need to keep looking for solutions."




Hemodialysis filters waste and extra fluid from the bloodstream and requires a vascular access - a site on the body where blood is removed and returned. Fistulas are the preferred type of access since they clot less often, experience fewer infections, and are less costly; patients with fistulas also have lower mortality. A fistula is created by joining a section of an artery and a vein to make one large vessel capable of handling high volumes of blood during hemodialysis. But maintaining any access site is a major clinical challenge. Blood clotting in the fistula is the most frequent cause of early fistula failure. Clotting, infection and low blood-flow rates in the access site are common reasons for hospitalizations requiring multiple treatments or surgeries. Read about vascular access at http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/vascularaccess.

The Dialysis Access Consortium (DAC) found that only 12 percent of patients developed blood clots in the fistula when treated with the clot-preventing drug clopidogrel, compared to nearly 20 percent of patients treated with placebo. Nevertheless, about 60 percent of new fistulas in each group could not be used for long-term dialysis treatments. Complications such as bleeding were similar across the study groups.

DAC studied nearly 900 patients at 9 U.S. medical centers in academic and community practices in urban and rural settings. Participants received a new fistula and took the anti-platelet drug clopidogrel (Plavix) or a placebo tablet daily for 6 weeks to determine if the drug would maintain blood flow in fistulas and increase the number suitable for dialysis.

"Because vascular access is critical for delivering lifesaving care, we are already organizing another multi-center study to look for other ways to improve fistulas," said co-author Catherine M. Meyers, M.D., a kidney specialist in charge of DAC at NIH's National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), which funded the study.

The DAC Fistula Trial is the largest multi-center trial to look at preventing blood clots in new fistulas and the first to test whether prevention would allow more fistulas to be useable for dialysis. NIDDK has funded DAC since 2000. Clopidogrel and placebo were donated by what is now Sanofi Aventis/Bristol-Myers Squibb.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a component of the NIH, conducts and supports research in diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutrition, and obesity; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases. Spanning the full spectrum of medicine and afflicting people of all ages and ethnic groups, these diseases encompass some of the most common, severe, and disabling conditions affecting Americans. For more information about NIDDK and its programs, see www.niddk.nih.gov.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) - The Nation's Medical Research Agency - includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH)



Related Kidney Failure Current Events and Kidney Failure News Articles Kidney Failure Current Events and Kidney Failure News RSS Kidney Failure Current Events and Kidney Failure News RSS
Key player identified in cascade that leads to hypertension-related kidney damage
A key player in a cascade that likely begins with stress and leads to high blood pressure and kidney damage has been identified by researchers who say the finding may lead to better ways to control both.

Kidney transplants generally safe for lupus patients
Individuals with a history of lupus who receive a kidney transplant rarely develop the serious inflammatory condition lupus nephritis in their new organ, according to a paper being presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego, CA.

A decade later, lifestyle changes or metformin still lower type 2 diabetes risk
Intensive lifestyle changes aimed at modest weight loss reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes by 34 percent compared with placebo in people at high risk for the disease, researchers conclude based on 10 years of data.

Calculate benefit before dialysis for frail elders
Kidney specialists should weigh the potential quality of life for frail elders with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in opting for dialysis over more conservative therapies, a nephrologist and a palliative care specialist suggest in an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Study questions need for routine intervention in patients with renovascular disease
Some invasive procedures that are becoming increasingly common as a first line of treatment for patients diagnosed with narrowed arteries in and around the kidneys may not be necessary.

Ironing out the genetic cause of hemoglobin problems
A gene with a significant effect on regulating hemoglobin in the body has been identified as part of a genome-wide association study, which looked at the link between genes and hemoglobin level in 16,000 people.

National report shines light on lupus 50-year treatment drought
Today, The Lewin Group, a national health care consulting firm, issued recommendations on ways to overcome the barriers that have obstructed lupus drug development resulting in no new drug approval for this disease in more than 50 years - since the Eisenhower Administration.

Kidneys from deceased donors with acute renal failure expand donor pool
Kidneys recovered from deceased donors with acute renal failure (ARF) - once deemed unusable for transplant - appear to work just as well as kidneys transplanted from deceased donors who do not develop kidney problems prior to organ donation.

Study details safe, effective, minimally invasive mitral valve repair
Surgical treatment for mitral valve disease includes either repairing the patient's diseased valve or replacing it with a metal, mechanical valve or an animal tissue valve.

Rare genetic disease successfully reversed using stem cell transplantation
A recent study by Scripps Research Institute scientists offers good news for families of children afflicted with the rare genetic disorder, cystinosis.
More Kidney Failure Current Events and Kidney Failure News Articles
Kidney Failure: the Facts

Kidney Failure: the Facts
by J. Stewart Cameron (Author)

Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, U.K. Practical patient-education text on kidney disease, for patients and their families. Explains in laylanguage the causes and symptoms of kidney failure and the options available for treatment, including dialysis and transplantation. Softcover.

Native Remedies Kidney Doctor and UT Tonic ComboPack

Native Remedies Kidney Doctor and UT Tonic ComboPack
by Native Remedies

The ComboPack of Kidney Dr. and UT Tonic consists of multiple remedies that work well together to provide increased support for your condition. This ComboPack helps promote kidney and bladder health and assists with the prevention and treatment of kidney stones. The Kidney Dr. improves the functioning of both healthy and diseased kidneys and acts as a tonic for the entire urinary system while the UT Tonic promotes systemic balance in the urinary system.

Canine Kidney Solution II

Canine Kidney Solution II
by Healthy Pet Solutions

Kidney Solution II for Dogs is a natural herbal supplement with anti-oxidants, cellular cleansing and cellular energy enhancing activities. Kidney Solution II supports healthy canine kidney function that is important for proper kidney filtration and protection from toxic damage. Depending on the severity of the canine kidney disease, Kidney Solution Booster for Dogs may be needed in conjunction with Kidney Solution II for optimum function.

Crisis of Conscience

Crisis of Conscience
Also With: Warner Bros. (Producer)



60 Minutes - A Thousand Lives a Month (February 17, 2008)

60 Minutes - A Thousand Lives a Month (February 17, 2008)

Airdate: 02/17/08 Trasylol is a surgical drug designed to control bleeding in complex heart surgery, and on that score, it did its job well. But Trasylol has also been linked to the deaths of many patients by causing kidney failure. Could thousand of lives have been saved if the FDA and Bayer Corporation had acted earlier on Trasylol? Scott Pelley investigates.

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

Coping with Kidney Disease: A 12-Step Treatment Program to Help You Avoid Dialysis

Coping with Kidney Disease: A 12-Step Treatment Program to Help You Avoid Dialysis
by Mackenzie Walser (Author), Betsy Thorpe (Author)

A revolutionary program that can indefinitely postpone the need for dialysis

If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney failure, this book could save your life. If you suffer from diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or any of a host of conditions that put you at risk for kidney disease, you owe it to yourself to read what is in this book. If you are among the 60,000 North Americans who go on dialysis each year, the information in this book could substantially improve your quality of life.

In Coping with Kidney Disease, a leading expert tells you, in plain English, what you need to know to: Understand kidney failure Recognize early warning signs of kidney failure Get a proper diagnosis Talk with your doctors about it Confidently evaluate treatment options Take charge...

Beyond The Barriers: Learning To Live with Kidney Failure

Beyond The Barriers: Learning To Live with Kidney Failure
by Alvieno Stinson (Author)

Terrifically written inspirational story about true events! You will enjoy reading about the physical, mental and spiritual journey Alvieno Stinson experiences as he learns to live with kidney failure. If you want to change your Health behavior or the health behavior of any man with a chronic disease like Kidney failure, prostate cancer, diabetes or Heart disease this book is a MUST READ! "Beyond The Barriers Learning to Live with Kidney Failure" is destined to be #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list! "I read your book over and over again because it inspires me so Much!" says Pamela Johnson, owner and operator of Bronzeville's 1st Bed and Breakfast, Chicago Illinois. "AMAZING!" says Dr. Dennis Kimbro, author of Think and Grow Rich A Black Choise and Daily Motivations for African...

You Have the Power to Prevent Kidney Disease: A Health Education Video [For People with Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Family Member with Kidney Failure

You Have the Power to Prevent Kidney Disease: A Health Education Video [For People with Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Family Member with Kidney Failure
Also With: National Kidney Disease Education Program (Producer)

You Have the Power to Prevent Kidney Disease: A Health Education Video [For People with Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Family Member with Kidney Failure. Can be used in dialysis centers, doctor's offices, and health fairs.

Caring for a Cat with Kidney Failure

Caring for a Cat with Kidney Failure
by Sarah Caney (Author)

'Caring for a cat with kidney failure' has been written as an information source and support tool primarily aimed at cat owners whose cats have been diagnosed with kidney failure. It is also designed to be a resource for student vets, veterinary nurses and technicians. The science and emotional aspects of dealing with a diagnosis of kidney failure are addressed. The book explains what a diagnosis of kidney failure means and how best to treat this. A case study is included to show how treatment can be successful and there is a glossary of terms used by vets.

Kidney Transplantation: Principles and Practice (Morris,Kidney Transplantation)

Kidney Transplantation: Principles and Practice (Morris,Kidney Transplantation)
by Peter Morris AC FRS FRCS (Author), Stuart J. Knechtle MD (Author)

Updated to reflect today's practice guidelines, the new edition of this comprehensive text remains the definitive resource on all aspects of renal transplantation, including immunological, pathological, psychological and ethical considerations. It examines evaluation, management, and procurement of living and deceased donor kidneys, the selection of suitable recipients, interpretation of graft dysfunction, and expected survival based upon a large database of information. There are comprehensive chapters on pediatric renal transplantation and on renal transplantation in the developing world. Extensive tables and figures and comprehensive lists of references with each chapter enhance its value to the transplant team. A multidisciplinary approach from internationally renowned contributors...

© 2009 BrightSurf.com