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Early intervention dramatically improves outcomes for new dialysis patients

A study found that a structured quality improvement program called RightStart improved outcomes for new dialysis patients, including significant reductions in mortality and hospitalization rates. The program, which included education, close medical follow-up, and self-empowerment, was associated with better nutrition, less anemia, and ...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 18, 2007

Statins linked to lower risk of infection

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that statins significantly reduce the risk of sepsis in patients undergoing kidney dialysis. The study, published in JAMA, followed 1041 patients for 10 years and found a 41-case risk in the statin group compared to 110 cases in the non-statin group.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateApr 5, 2007

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, August 2, 2005

A new analysis of existing studies reveals that individuals with overweight or obesity are at a higher risk of experiencing GERD symptoms, erosive esophagitis, and esophageal cancer. In contrast, researchers found no significant difference in mortality rates between patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis for end-stage ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 1, 2005

Study shows that a kidney transplant can reverse heart failure

A University of Maryland study found that more than 86% of dialysis patients with severe heart failure experienced improved cardiac function after a kidney transplant. The study, which followed 103 patients between 1998 and 2002, suggests that a timely transplant can significantly improve heart health for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 5, 2005

'Sit-down' rounds improve outcomes for kidney dialysis patients

Studies found that sit-down rounds significantly improved patient outcomes, including healthy levels of albumin and hemoglobin, lower hospitalization rates, and reduced mortality. Patients treated at clinics with regular sit-down rounds had better care team communication and were more likely to be white, married, or high school graduates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 19, 2004

Occult hepatitis B in dialysis patients

A recent study published in Hepatology found that occult HBV infection is prevalent in adult hemodialysis patients, with a rate four to five times higher than standard HBsAg testing. The majority of infections were associated with low viral loads and the sG145R-mutant.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateNov 5, 2004

Worldwide approach tackles kidney disease

A new global approach aims to combat the growing threat of kidney disease by promoting early detection and proper care. This strategy has been shown to be effective in treating kidney disease, particularly when combined with evidence-based guidelines and actual clinical practice.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalKidney International·DateOct 25, 2004

Patients who receive kidneys from older donors do well

Researchers found that patients with kidney transplants from donors aged 55-79 had comparable allograft survival rates as those from younger donors. The study also revealed that older recipient patients may benefit from receiving kidneys from older deceased or living donors, particularly those facing prolonged waiting times on dialysis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateApr 12, 2004

Patients give nod to kidney dialysis at home

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that patients on peritoneal dialysis rate their care as excellent, citing independence, access to staff, and quality of treatment. In contrast, hemodialysis patients report lower satisfaction rates, with many citing inadequate information and economic factors as barriers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 10, 2004

Study reveals staph infection risk

A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that people undergoing hemodialysis are 257 times more likely to contract Staphylococcus aureus (ISA) than the general population. Those with HIV, solid organ transplant recipients, and heart disease patients are also at increased risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 15, 2003

Jacuzzi danger?

A man with kidney disease experienced severe abdominal pain after using a whirlpool in a Jacuzzi, highlighting potential health risks. The case study suggests that whirlpooling may cause mechanical injury to the kidneys, particularly under conditions like hypertension or anticoagulation.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 6, 2003

More dialysis, highly permeable artificial kidney may not aid some, UT Southwestern researcher finds

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that higher doses of hemodialysis and more permeable artificial kidneys did not improve survival rates for all patients with end-stage kidney disease. However, selected subgroups, such as women and those treated with a more permeable membrane, showed significant impr...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 18, 2002