Articles tagged with Hemodialysis
Scientists aim to improve vein health for patients undergoing heart bypass surgery and dialysis. They discovered that two genes play a crucial role in smooth muscle cell differentiation, enabling veins to mature and function like arteries.
A new USC analysis found that the largest Medicare Advantage plans pay 27% more for outpatient dialysis treatment compared to traditional Medicare. This significant markup is attributed to the consolidation of the dialysis industry, with two large chains supplying over three-quarters of all dialysis services in the US.
A qualitative study highlights the importance of timely and balanced information exchange in shared decision-making for vascular access placement. This collaborative approach involves presenting choices, sharing personalized knowledge, and eliciting patients' values and preferences to strengthen treatment plans.
A recent study found that patients undergoing dialysis face a higher risk of dying in the 30 days after a hurricane. The risk is especially high immediately after storms and wanes over time.
Lumasiran, an RNA interference therapeutic, has been shown to reduce oxalate levels in patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) who have relatively preserved kidney function. In the ILLUMINATE-C study, lumasiran resulted in substantial reductions in plasma oxalate with acceptable safety in patients on hemodialysis.
Researchers found that factory-calibrated continuous glucose monitors are sufficiently accurate for estimating blood-sugar levels in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. The devices showed 'clinical reliability', with almost 99% of readings accurate enough to be used without confirmatory fingerstick blood sugar readings.
A study found that over 60% of parents of children with kidney disease or hypertension are unsure or unwilling to vaccinate their child against COVID-19. Effective vaccines exist to protect children from COVID-19, and the findings highlight the need for clear communication to address parental concerns.
A study found that US adults receiving hemodialysis with high air pollution exposure have more heart attacks and strokes compared to those with low exposure. The strongest associations were noted among patients who were Asian, older, or had chronic lung disease at dialysis initiation.
A study found that patients with IgD multiple myeloma have a worse prognosis than other types, with higher mortality rates and more kidney damage. The rare blood cancer produces excessive light chains that can damage the kidneys if left untreated.
A large randomized controlled trial found that treatment with methylprednisolone reduces the risk of kidney function loss and failure in patients with IgA nephropathy. The study's results suggest a lower dose regimen may be effective while minimizing side effects.
Patients with mild to moderate kidney disease and kidney transplant recipients had a higher risk of cancer. They also faced a higher risk of dying from cancer, particularly from cancers such as bladder, kidney, and multiple myeloma, compared to those with normal kidney function.
A systematic review of 41 studies found that patients with advanced kidney disease who forgo dialysis have improved survival rates and quality of life. The study also showed a significant reduction in healthcare resource utilization and end-of-life care expenses.
Dialysis facilities referred more incident patients, transplant centers evaluated more, but fewer were placed on the waitlist following KAS implementation. This led to a decline in overall waitlisting nationwide.
A study published in JASN found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly protected individuals with kidney failure undergoing dialysis against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19. Vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalization by 52% and mortality rate by 10% compared to unvaccinated individuals.
Young adults are disproportionately excluded from kidney transplantation, with only 1.8% of Black and 4.4% of Hispanic patients receiving the treatment compared to 10.9% of White patients within this age group. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
Researchers found that current screening protocols for compassionate dialysis are putting too much strain on emergency rooms, leading to longer wait times. The protocols can be adjusted to relieve congestion, but only if implemented effectively.
A recent study published in CJASN found that patients who undergo retransplantation after a failed first kidney transplant have a longer average survival time compared to those on dialysis. The study analyzed data from 2,346 adults and showed that retransplantation resulted in an additional 5.8 months of life expectancy.
Researchers have developed a gel that improves the formation of arteriovenous fistulas, a vital connection site for kidney failure patients undergoing dialysis. The gel helps reduce intimal hyperplasia and vein narrowing, leading to better blood flow and increased success rates.
A large-scale trial found that high-dose intravenous iron therapy reduces heart attacks in patients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis. The study analyzed 2141 patients and reported a significant reduction in type 1 heart attacks, which are often caused by blood clots or blockages.
A recent study compared immune responses in patients with and without kidney failure following different COVID-19 vaccines. The findings suggest that higher doses of the mRNA-1273 vaccine may improve SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effectiveness in hemodialysis patients.
A study led by Oliver Königsbrügge and Cihan Ay found that current anticoagulants used to prevent strokes in dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation do not provide adequate protection. The VIVALDI study highlights the need for improved stroke prevention methods in this group.
Researchers investigated the impact of mRNA vaccines on dialysis patients' immunity against Sars-Cov-2 variants. They found that while many produce reactive T cells, protective antibodies are formed less frequently. This immunological memory can be strengthened through vaccination and repeated contact with the pathogen.
Researchers developed a new compound based on Nobel Prize-winning discoveries that raised hemoglobin levels in patients with kidney disease undergoing dialysis and those not on dialysis. The oral medication was found to be as safe and efficacious as conventional treatment for anemia, offering a transformative approach to patient care.
Researchers found that certain urinary biomarkers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1, were associated with increased risk of severe acute kidney injury or death in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. These biomarkers may help identify patients at high risk for adverse kidney outcomes.
A research team from the University of Zurich has identified a common genetic variant in the AQP1 gene that affects treatment efficacy and patient survival on peritoneal dialysis. Patients carrying this variant have a higher risk of death, but researchers found a way to circumvent the problem using colloid osmotic agents.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients with acute kidney injury who receive continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) have a high incidence of needing CRRT reinstitution after removal. This contributes to poor 90-day outcomes. Successful CRRT liberation is marginally associated with fewer major adverse k...
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 30% decline in patients seeking treatment for kidney failure, with Black patients experiencing significantly worse kidney function. The decline was attributed to changes in healthcare delivery and may reflect delays in treatment due to fear of infection or logistical barriers.
A study found that patients affected by dialysis facility closures experienced higher rates of hospitalizations (7-9%) and a higher risk of dying within 6 months (8%). The researchers highlight the need for policies to reduce the risk of closures to safeguard patient health.
The study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 damages the kidneys by interacting with ACE2, leading to an imbalance in blood pressure regulation and inflammation. This can result in impaired kidney function, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and increased risk of acute renal injury.
A new ex vivo drug delivery system has been shown to keep MSCs viable longer and reprogram the peripheral immune response toward organ repair. The study's results suggest that SBI-101 can impact a peripheral immune response that can be transmitted to local tissue damage in vital organs, including the kidney.
A study found that many family members of patients with kidney failure on chronic dialysis lack a clear understanding of their end-of-life wishes. Despite having spoken with the patient about treatment preferences, fewer than one-third had discussed specific aspects of care, such as hospice or mechanical ventilation.
Research reveals a significant decline in kidney function among COVID-19 long-haulers and even those with mild infections. The study highlights the critical need for paying attention to kidney function and disease in caring for patients who have had COVID-19, as kidney problems can be silent and untreated until it's too late.
A study found that PAM scores were associated with lower health literacy and higher levels of depression and anxiety, but not with missed dialysis sessions or weight gain. The measurement may be picking up on other issues known to interfere with engaged care.
Research finds that immunocompromised dialysis patients who received the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine have higher levels of neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta. A third dose of an mRNA vaccine is recommended to protect this vulnerable group.
A recent study found that weight fluctuations are associated with higher risks of cardiovascular-related problems and early death in adults with chronic kidney disease. The study included 84,636 patients with CKD who were listed in a national health screening database in South Korea.
A recent study published in CJASN found that patients with kidney failure did not report better experiences with care from more frequent face-to-face visits with kidney specialists. In fact, more frequent visits were linked to slightly lower patient-reported experiences with kidney-related care.
A qualitative study explored nurses' experiences and beliefs on pain management practices in hemodialysis units. The study identified five themes and subcategories to improve pain management education and practices.
A new study reveals that many patients with high-priority kidney transplants are not being placed on the transplant waiting list, despite having long expected post-transplant survival. African Americans, uninsured individuals, and those living in lower-income communities face significant barriers to expedited waitlist placement.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new way to design grafts that decreases the risk of clotting in hemodialysis patients. By tailoring the angle of connection between the graft and vein, surgeons can reduce thrombosis rates substantially.
A new study examines COVID-19 among patients receiving home dialysis, finding that these patients are equally vulnerable to infection as in-center dialysis patients. The study also highlights the devastating mortality rate among home dialysis patients, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and public health precautions.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 vaccination leads to strong T cell responses against the virus in all patients on dialysis, and nearly 58% of kidney transplant recipients. However, low antibody responses were observed in kidney transplant recipients, raising concerns about their protection from COVID-19.
A study found that using ultrasound to monitor lung congestion in hemodialysis patients with high cardiovascular risk improved patient outcomes. The technique reduced episodes of decompensated heart failure and cardiovascular events by 37% and 63%, respectively.
A study found substantial racial/ethnic disparities in COVID-19 rates among adults with kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis in New York City. Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to develop symptomatic COVID-19, with neighborhood social vulnerability factors not explaining the disparities.
Abbreviated lung ultrasound protocols show similar diagnostic sensitivity to 28-zone studies, suggesting they can efficiently diagnose volume overload. Researchers found no mortality differences between patients with mild and moderate-to-severe pulmonary congestion.
Researchers are using new analysis models to better understand mortality factors in dialysis patients. The study aims to identify the effects of co-morbidities such as depression and cardiovascular diseases on patient outcomes.
Researchers found COVID-19 risks higher in older, diabetic patients with higher community rates and larger clinics. Risks were lower in clinics with more side rooms and mask policies for asymptomatic patients.
A randomized controlled trial found that tai chi is as effective as conventional exercise in reducing waist circumference and improving HDL cholesterol levels among middle-aged and older adults with central obesity. The study's findings are good news for those who may prefer tai chi due to limited mobility or preference.
Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict patients requiring dialysis or critical illness leading to death in COVID-19 hospitalizations. The XGBoost without imputation method outperformed other models with higher precision and recall, using data from electronic health records.
A large cohort study reveals that despite impaired immunity, dialysis patients maintain SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels for at least 6 months following infection. The researchers found no indication that subgroups with impaired immunity had a shorter-lived humoral response compared to healthy individuals.
A nationwide survey of US patients on dialysis found that 20% were hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with rates higher among certain groups. The study highlights the need for targeted outreach efforts to address concerns about vaccine safety and side effects.
A recent study found that etelcalcetide slowed FGF23 levels and left ventricular mass growth by 6-8% in dialysis patients. The treatment could potentially reduce sudden cardiac death risk in this population with high cardiovascular risk.
A new study estimates the years of employment loss experienced by working-aged adults with kidney failure, finding that most lost time is due to patients' loss of life expectancy. The study analyzed data from patients initiating dialysis in Taiwan and found that men had a higher rate of employment than women.
The study reveals that COVID-19 hospitalizations peaked between March 22 and April 25, with rates 40 times higher than in the general population. Patients undergoing dialysis had a 17% increase in death rates compared to 2017-2019 rates.
Patients with kidney failure who cycled during dialysis showed improved heart health, including reduced scarring and stiffness of major blood vessels. The study found significant savings in healthcare costs, potentially benefiting the NHS.
Patients with kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis developed a positive antibody response after COVID-19 vaccination, but at lower levels than healthy individuals. The findings highlight the need to reconsider vaccination schedules for this patient group.
Researchers developed a new tool to capture patients' opinions on home dialysis care, highlighting the importance of communication and care coordination. The Home Dialysis Care Experience instrument will be valuable for future research, clinical care, and quality improvement initiatives among home dialysis facilities.
Aerobic exercise has been shown to lessen several hemodialysis-related symptoms, including restless leg syndrome, symptoms of depression, muscle cramping, and fatigue. However, more research is needed to determine the extent of benefits from aerobic exercise for individuals with kidney failure who are undergoing dialysis.
A recent study developed an AI-based system to predict optimal medication dosages for patients with kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. The system achieved high prediction accuracy rates, providing clinically appropriate classifications at even higher rates.
A new virtual reality program has been shown to reduce the physical side effects of hemodialysis in patients, such as fatigue and nausea. The program, which involves a mindfulness/meditation exercise, was found to greatly improve symptoms in patients who used it during their treatment sessions.
A retrospective study by LSU Health New Orleans found that 63% of patients who dropped out of peritoneal dialysis did so due to psychosocial reasons. The researchers suggest that counseling and assisted dialysis programs may improve patient outcomes and quality of life.