Articles tagged with Hemodialysis
A new Ontario study found that dialysis patients are almost 4 times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to uninfected counterparts. The researchers recommend prioritizing these patients for vaccination and implementing infection control measures, including paid sick leave and regular testing.
Researchers used MRI technology to investigate a new strategy for managing sodium levels in hemodialysis patients. Four weeks of low-sodium meals significantly reduced weight gain, thirst, and phosphorus levels in participants.
China's kidney disease burden is expected to increase significantly, with an estimated 874,373 patients receiving dialysis by 2025. The study used insurance claims data to estimate the national prevalence of dialysis in China.
A survey of adults with kidney failure reveals that most own mobile devices and have intermediate or advanced mobile health proficiency. The main reasons for using mobile health include making appointments, communicating with healthcare personnel, and obtaining laboratory results.
A nationwide registry study found frequent low blood pressure episodes during hemodialysis associated with a higher incidence of diagnosed peripheral arterial disease. Patients experiencing more intradialytic hypotension may warrant careful examination for PAD.
A large study of 6,510 healthcare workers found that community exposure was the main driver of COVID-19 infections. Nurses were at higher risk once community exposure was accounted for, while high-flow oxygen therapy and hemodialysis increased antibody production to SARS-CoV-2.
Half of patients with advanced CKD delay AVF creation, often starting with temporary vascular access despite education. Researchers found that beliefs about the value of vascular access predict intentions to prepare for hemodialysis and access outcomes.
A recent analysis found that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) may reduce the cost of medical care for patients undergoing dialysis. The study discovered modest cost savings for Medicare beneficiaries in ACOs, especially those who received regular primary care physician visits.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology developed a non-invasive method to measure electrolyte levels, particularly potassium, through electrocardiogram. This can help prevent life-threatening conditions among people with chronic kidney disease.
A study assessing US nephrology fellows' perceptions on home dialysis training found moderate preparedness for peritoneal dialysis and low confidence in home hemodialysis. The majority of trainees participated in continuity clinics and education, yet desired more focused teaching on PD and HHD.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati found that only 5.3% of women with kidney failure on dialysis in the US use contraceptives, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancies. The study emphasizes the importance of family planning and counseling for this high-risk population.
The minimally invasive Ellipsys system uses a small needle puncture to create a permanent vascular access for dialysis patients, resulting in improved patency rates and high levels of patient satisfaction. The system has been shown to outperform surgically created fistulas, with a reported 96% one-year patency rate.
A study analyzing 60,229 patients found that Black patients are less likely to be referred for transplantation and more likely to receive a transplant after referral, but ultimately less likely to receive a transplant overall. Racial disparities in the transplant process emerge at listing stage and persist through organ allocation
A new AI-based algorithm can predict which hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are at risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis. The model achieved high accuracy using data from over 3,000 patients and key features such as creatinine and potassium levels, age, and vital signs.
Recent clinical trials have shown promising results for finerenone, which slows diabetic kidney disease progression and reduces cardiovascular events when added to standard care. Empagliflozin also demonstrated benefits in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease. These findings suggest new treatment options for patients ...
A new patient-reported outcome measure, SONG-HD Fatigue, has been validated to assess fatigue in patients receiving long-term dialysis treatments. The instrument calculates average fatigue over a period of 1 week, gauging tiredness, energy, and impact on life participation.
A study of 3,503 patients found beta blocker use reduced mortality by 21% among those starting dialysis. This association supports the routine use of beta blockers for heart failure patients initiating dialysis.
A nationwide US study of dialysis patients reveals fewer than 10% had COVID-19 antibodies by July 2020 and fewer than 10% were diagnosed. The study highlights the need for targeted public health efforts to prioritize minority communities and densely populated areas.
This study compares native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) patencies across countries, revealing significant variation in rates and predictors of long-term function. New AVFs that fail to mature successfully associate with increased mortality risk, emphasizing the need for individualized access selection and clinical pathways.
Researchers developed a tailored education system called 'Your Path to Transplant' that increases patient knowledge and readiness to pursue kidney transplant. The program, tested on over 800 patients, showed significant improvements in transplant preparedness and living donor transplant rates.
The new study found that both Ellipsys and WavelinQ systems enabled patients to start dialysis sooner compared to surgery, offering significant quality-of-life benefits. The Ellipsys System demonstrated higher technical success rate and more durable access, with 82% of Ellipsys fistulas still functional at 12 months.
A new study shows that the Ellipsys Vascular Access System reduces the time before patients with kidney failure can start lifesaving dialysis treatments, while requiring fewer secondary procedures. The technology uses a small needle puncture and catheter to create an endovascular AVF, reducing the average time from fistula creation to ...
Residents undergoing hemodialysis in nursing homes are more likely to contract and spread SARS-CoV-2, increasing their risk of severe COVID-19. The Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that dialysis patients accounted for nearly half of all positive cases among the facility's residents.
A new study found that routinely assessing symptoms in patients with kidney failure who are undergoing hemodialysis can improve patient and provider symptom awareness. However, there is a need for better support to help providers manage these symptoms, including training and education.
A study found that nearly 85% of dialysis patients prefer CPR in the event of a cardiac arrest, despite having poor survival rates. The respondents' appreciation for life is acknowledged, but the findings highlight the need for better discussions between doctors and patients about resuscitation and end-of-life care.
A new surgical technique developed by a Yale-led research team improves blood flow in surgically made blood vessels used in dialysis, resulting in longer-lasting and more robust fistulas. The RADAR procedure also reduces complications compared to the standard technique.
A new study has identified a better treatment option for arteriovenous fistulas used in hemodialysis, reducing the need for repeated hospital visits and procedures. The drug-coated balloon angioplasty treatment has shown promising results, with patients being 25% more likely to have a functioning access point after 6 months.
A new surgical procedure called RADAR has been shown to create arteriovenous fistulae that mature more quickly, remain accessible longer, and are less likely to require reintervention. The study suggests this approach may improve clinical outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis.
A new study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery found that the Ellipsys System created durable vascular access for ESRD patients who require hemodialysis, with a patency rate of 96% after one year. This minimally invasive procedure reduces reliance on riskier vascular access options and improves patient safety.
Researchers analyzed patient preferences for waiting time, post-graft life expectancy, infection risk, and neoplastic risk. Including patient preferences in the algorithm improves patient satisfaction and expected graft survival rates.
A large international study found that starting dialysis early in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury did not reduce mortality after three months. The accelerated renal-replacement therapy strategy did not show significant difference in survival between the two treatment approaches.
A major multinational trial found that fast-tracking dialysis for critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury did not improve outcomes. The study included over 3,000 patients in 168 hospitals across 15 countries and suggested a more conservative approach to treatment may be warranted.
Two new studies investigate COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients, finding most don't need hospitalization, and patients on dialysis may experience different symptoms. Additionally, another study reveals distinct clinical features of dialysis patients with COVID-19, highlighting the need for more research and guidance.
A study analyzed 363 young dialysis patients and identified key risk factors for 5-year mortality, including low albumin and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Multimodal intervention strategies are crucial to reduce mortality risk among pediatric and adolescent dialysis patients.
A study of COVID-19 cases among dialysis patients in Spain found a significantly higher rate of infection and mortality compared to the general population. The mortality rate among these patients was found to be influenced by factors such as age, lymphopenia, and elevated LDH levels.
A recent study found that COVID-19 patients with kidney disease have a poor prognosis and increased risk of in-hospital death. The study also showed that the kidneys are a target organ for the virus, with viral load detected in renal tubules and glomerular cells.
A new study found that 21% of patients with kidney failure treated with dialysis experience regret, particularly those who choose dialysis due to external pressures. Discussing life expectancy and completing a living will can help mitigate this regret.
A study found that taking short-acting benzodiazepines and opioids together increases the risk of premature death in patients with kidney failure. The analysis of over 69,000 US adults with kidney disease who initiated hemodialysis revealed a 1.9-fold higher risk of dying among those taking both medications.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a method to detect red blood cell damage in real-time, which could improve patient safety during dialysis. The technique uses mechanical resistance to measure changes in blood conductivity caused by damaged red blood cells.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine tracked COVID-19 spread in a pediatric dialysis unit using antibody testing on patients, staff, and healthcare workers. The study found a high occurrence of COVID-19 antibodies among individuals interacting in the unit, suggesting that more healthcare workers may be antibody-positive.
The hospital created a specialized respiratory isolation unit from an existing medical-surgical unit, equipped with dialysis access. The framework published in The Hospitalist aims to provide a model for other institutions to establish similar units quickly, minimizing cross-contamination and exposure risk.
A BU MED student, Thomas Cheng, received a $3,000 award and two-year Journal of Vascular Surgery subscription for studying patient presentation and outcomes for dialysis in immigrant and refugee populations. The goal is to identify areas for improvement in this vulnerable population.
A study of Southeastern US patients found that living far from a transplant center did not affect referral and evaluation initiation. Key findings indicate that other factors like travel time or transportation options may have a larger impact.
A new study published in NDT found that elderly patients (older than 75 years) who received kidney transplants from similarly aged donors remained dialysis-free for the rest of their lives. The study's results suggest that transplantation is beneficial for this age group, with excellent graft survival rates.
Researchers at SKI Vascular Center in Arizona have pioneered a minimally invasive procedure, Ellipsys, which provides easier access to a patient's bloodstream for dialysis treatments. The new technology shows promise in reducing complications and improving quality of life for patients with kidney failure.
A study published in JAMA Network Open highlights the strain on Texas emergency departments from uninsured kidney disease patients seeking lifesaving dialysis. The researchers found that over 10,000 uninsured patients incurred $21.8 million in hospital costs for emergency dialysis treatments.
Using HCV-infected donor kidneys can reduce average wait time for dialysis patients from four years to 1.56 years and improve quality of life. Patients receiving transplants with HCV-infected kidneys gain nearly 10 months in quality-adjusted life expectancy compared to those who waited longer.
A new study reveals chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of death globally, resulting in an estimated 1.23 million deaths in 2017. The disease's impact varies widely across countries, with some nations experiencing rates nearly 15 times higher than others.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that more than half of existing kidney disease quality metrics are of middle or low quality, which hampers efforts to improve patient care. The team advocates for shifting focus to metrics that matter most to patients and accurately reflect kidney health or disease progression.
A study by University of Limerick researchers found that patients treated with PD had similar survival rates to those on in-centre HD, regardless of diabetes status or country of origin. The findings suggest that PD may be a more cost-effective and better quality-of-life option for patients approaching kidney failure.
Hemodialysis patients who used an online patient portal were more likely to receive a donor kidney transplant and reduce wait times compared to non-users. The study found that active users logged into the portal at least once every two months had shorter wait times for transplantation.
A new study found that patients on dialysis who experience cardiac arrest while in the hospital have similar survival rates to those not on dialysis. However, they had lower scores for resuscitation quality and were less likely to receive defibrillation within 2 minutes.
A new study reveals that non-profit and hospital-based dialysis facilities are disproportionately caring for uninsured patients with kidney failure and those who only qualify for Medicaid. These facilities have a higher relative risk of starting dialysis compared to other types of facilities.
A recent analysis reveals higher mortality rates among Hispanic and Asian patients undergoing dialysis in the US territories compared to their counterparts in the 50 US states. The study highlights the need for research into potential kidney disease-related disparities in these territories.
Researchers found that nearly 92 percent of Ellipsys fistulas were still functional after two years, with patients reporting high levels of satisfaction. The study's results confirm the Ellipsys system provides good vascular access while reducing pain and discomfort associated with traditional fistula surgery.
A new study reports high patient satisfaction with a minimally invasive approach to creating vascular access for kidney patients requiring hemodialysis. The Ellipsys Vascular Access System showed nearly all dialysis access sites remained functional after two years, significantly improving upon surgically created fistulas.
The use of peritoneal dialysis increased significantly among US patients with kidney failure following a Medicare payment policy implemented in 2011. More patients initiated dialysis with peritoneal dialysis and switched from hemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis, indicating a positive impact on an underutilized form of dialysis.
Recent advancements in wearable and implantable hemodialysis devices have the potential to revolutionize treatment for patients with kidney failure. These devices aim to provide a more patient-friendly alternative to traditional hemodialysis, allowing patients to lead healthier lives.
A study of 4,567 hemodialysis patients found that those in residential areas with a high percentage of Black residents had significantly higher hospitalization rates. The association remained after adjusting for individual and community factors, suggesting unidentified health determinants at play.
Researchers tested an Automated Wearable Artificial Kidney (AWAK) device for effective toxin removal in patients with kidney failure. The study found no serious adverse events, improving portability and flexibility of treatment.