Articles tagged with Hemodialysis
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.
Patients who transition to home dialysis after an unplanned start experience a higher risk of death compared to those who never made the switch. However, researchers found that younger patients and those with private insurance were more likely to make the transition to peritoneal dialysis.
Researchers at UCSF have successfully implanted a bioreactor containing human kidney cells into pigs without triggering an immune reaction or blood clots. The device, similar to the size of a deck of cards, maintained healthy kidney function and demonstrated progress towards eliminating dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease.
Community house hem dialysis allows patients to perform treatment independently in a shared community space, reducing burden on family and promoting flexibility. The study found that this approach supports extended-hour dialysis and fosters social connections among patients of Maori and Pacific ethnicity.
A recent analysis found that home remote monitoring can benefit patients on peritoneal dialysis by preventing hospitalizations and extending treatment time. The successful implementation of the program requires effective communication, technical support, and patient engagement.
Researchers at Duke University found that acquisitions by large, for-profit dialysis companies hurt patient health, survival rates and transplant rates. After acquisition, patients were more likely to be hospitalized, survived lower rates, and had reduced access to life-saving transplants.
A new study has found that syphilis infection rates are significantly higher in dialysis patients compared to the general population. The study, published in the Clinical Kidney Journal, screened over 759,000 patients and found a rate more than three times that of the general population.
The University of Illinois Chicago has received $2.8 million in NIH funding to investigate non-opioid pain management solutions for adults with kidney disease. The study aims to find effective treatments to alleviate chronic pain and improve quality of life for patients on maintenance dialysis.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati reveals racial disparities in pregnancy rates among women on dialysis, with Native American, Hispanic, and black women experiencing higher rates. The study found that these groups were 77%, 51%, and 33% more likely to become pregnant than white women, respectively.
A study of nearly 1.5 million patients found that receiving dialysis at for-profit facilities was linked to lower likelihoods of being placed on the kidney waiting list and receiving a transplant. The authors suggest that more research is needed to understand this association.
Kaiser Permanente research finds that at-home peritoneal dialysis is safe and effective for managing advanced-stage kidney disease, improving lifestyle and quality of life. The study shows a significant increase in at-home dialysis rates over 10 years, with 80% of patients remaining on it one year after starting.
Bereaved family members rate end-of-life care higher for patients who received palliative and hospice care, rather than intensive patterns of life extension. Patients treated with dialysis have more aggressive end-of-life care, which is associated with lower quality ratings.
The study found a significant increase in pre-emptive kidney transplants covered by Medicaid in states that expanded the program, with a 66% rise compared to non-expansion states. Medicaid-covered living-donor kidney transplants also increased, particularly in expansion states.
Researchers found that extreme heat days were associated with increased risk of same-day hospital admission and death among ESRD patients. The risk was higher among those with congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or diabetes, and varied by city and race/ethnicity.
Researchers at MIT have developed a portable sensor that can accurately measure patients' hydration levels using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry. The device has the potential to improve dialysis treatment for patients with kidney disease and could also benefit people with congestive heart failure, athletes, and elderly ind...
A recent analysis of US data over 20 years shows that children with kidney failure are being started on dialysis with higher levels of kidney function. Initiating dialysis at these higher levels is linked to lower patient survival, suggesting that asymptomatic children may benefit from delaying treatment.
A recent analysis found that home dialysis use increased across all racial and ethnic groups in the US from 2005 to 2013, with racial differences narrowing. Minority patients continued to have lower mortality rates than White patients, while transplantation rates remained lower for Blacks.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that polyphosphate induces the formation of amyloid fibrils from beta-2 microglobulin proteins in dialysis patients. High levels of polyphosphate promote the formation of thicker, more stable amyloid fibrils under normal pH conditions.
A study found that 40% of older adults initiating dialysis experienced a decline in functional status, with higher risks in those with advanced age and frailty. Caregivers also reported an increased burden after dialysis initiation.
A study of 496,989 US patients found that those employed 6 months prior to dialysis initiation had lower mortality rates and higher transplant rates compared to unemployed individuals. The study highlights the importance of employment in improving quality of life and health outcomes for haemodialysis patients.
A study found that one-fifth of US surgeons perform the less-recommended AV graft procedure too often, even when unnecessary. The research suggests that older, specialized surgeons are more likely to use this method.
A new approach is needed for clinical trials in dialysis patients to address high morbidity and mortality. Innovative RCT designs, such as pragmatic clinical trials and adaptive platform designs, can improve the success of testing interventions in ESRD.
A new study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found significant growth in hemodialysis conduit angiography utilization, increasing by 1700% nationally from 2001 to 2015. This trend was particularly pronounced among nephrologists, with a 24.0% increase in procedures performed annually in office settings.
A study of 1,054 patients found substantial volume overload at initiation, improving over time, but with variations in practice across regions associated with differences in volume overload. Males and patients with diabetes were at higher risk of experiencing volume overload.
A new study has found that for-profit dialysis providers are charging private insurers up to four times more than government payers for the same treatment. DaVita alone controls 37% of the U.S. market and operates over 2,500 clinics, with annual financial statements revealing significantly higher prices paid by private insurers.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that nearly half of older adults who start dialysis die within a year, with death rates being almost twice as high as previously reported statistics. The study's results can help inform patient decisions and physician choice of treatment for end-stage kidney disease.
Public health researchers suggest adjustments to Medicare rules to accommodate frequent hemodialysis treatment, which has shown mixed results. The proposed changes aim to give nephrologists greater clarity on payment for dialysis care, enabling them to identify better treatment options.
Kidney transplant patients face a higher risk of cardiovascular complications and mortality due to existing damage and immunosuppressive drug side effects. The current post-transplantation care is fragmented, leading to undertreatment of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.
A recent clinical trial found that longer hemodialysis sessions did not improve patient outcomes, while also highlighting the need for effective strategies to engage clinicians and patients in trials embedded within routine care. The study's findings suggest a pressing need for data-driven guidance in dialysis practice.
The Kidney Health Atlas reveals that 14.5 million people will have end-stage kidney disease by 2030, yet only 5.4 million will receive treatment due to economic and social factors. The atlas highlights significant gaps in kidney care globally, particularly in low-income countries.
Tenapanor, a novel agent blocking intestinal phosphate absorption, significantly reduces serum phosphate levels in patients with kidney failure on hemodialysis. The study found tenapanor showed significant benefits over placebo during the withdrawal period.
A new analysis shows that men are affected by kidney failure much more often than women, with a 2.7 times higher incidence in older patients. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing blood pressure through exercise and losing weight, may help prevent kidney function decline.
Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy and the drug sertraline effectively reduce depression among people undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests that physicians should select the treatment available to patients, considering each comes with its own burdens.
A new study found that kidney failure patients on dialysis and transplants have significantly higher risks of dying from cancer than the general population. Cancer deaths were mainly driven by cancers present prior to dialysis or arising after transplantation, particularly those related to immune deficiency and viral infection.
A recent study found that CPR initiated by dialysis staff can improve survival rates for patients experiencing cardiac arrest at outpatient facilities. However, this life-saving intervention is not always performed, with a rate of only 81% in cardiac arrest events.
Regular and careful assessment of target weight and fluid balance is crucial for dialysis patients' health and survival. The study highlights the importance of protocols that specify dry weight assessments and routine postural blood pressure measurements to lower all-cause and cardiovascular deaths.
A new study found that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables may be associated with a lower risk of premature death in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The findings suggest that more studies are needed to fine-tune dietary recommendations for patients with kidney failure.
A study examining barriers to exercise among dialysis patients reveals that fatigue and weakness are major obstacles. Patients would like to improve their energy, strength, and quality of life through exercise, with most preferring aerobic and resistance training at home.
This observational study found scheduled dialysis to be associated with reduced mortality, healthcare utilization and costs among patients with end-stage renal disease. The researchers call for scheduled dialysis to be the standard of care for any patient with ESRD in the US.
A study found that peritoneal dialysis clinical trials frequently disregard the most important outcomes for patients and caregivers. The researchers conducted focus groups with 81 patients and 45 caregivers from Australia, the US, and Hong Kong to identify their top priorities.
A new study examines dialysis reimbursement policies worldwide, revealing significant disparities in access to care. The research suggests that high-income countries spend more on dialysis but have a lower percentage of healthcare budget allocated to it compared to low- and middle-income countries.
A recent study found that treatment with active vitamin D did not decrease cardiovascular events in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Researchers tested oral alfacalcidol, an active form of vitamin D, to see if it improved clinical outcomes. The results showed no significant benefit for patients without secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Researchers at Drexel University developed a wearable artificial kidney using MXene materials that can filter out urea from blood with high efficiency. The material has shown better ability to adsorb urea molecules compared to other known sorbents, paving the way for a more portable dialysis machine.
Patients with newly diagnosed kidney failure may experience delays in accessing preferred dialysis methods due to lack of insurance coverage. Uninsured patients were less likely to use arteriovenous fistulas or grafts and had a higher risk of dialysis-related infections compared to those with Medicare or Medicaid.
A new study has found that frequent home hemodialysis is associated with a lower mortality risk compared to traditional hemodialysis. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 patients and found that HHD patients were 23% less likely to die during follow-up than IHD patients.
Recent clinical trials have shown promising results in reducing progression of kidney disease and improving cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. These trials investigated the effects of linagliptin, a DPP inhibitor, on kidney outcomes, as well as high-dose versus low-dose intravenous iron therapy for hemodialysis p...
A new study found that Medicaid expansion led to a significant decrease in mortality rates among patients with end-stage kidney disease. In states that expanded Medicaid, the number of deaths within a year of starting dialysis decreased by 0.8 percentage points compared to non-expansion states.
A new study suggests that high-dose influenza vaccine is associated with lower risk for hospitalizations in kidney failure patients on dialysis. The findings indicate a significant reduction in hospitalizations among dialysis patients who received the high-dose vaccine, while standard dose vaccine showed no difference.
Researchers have created a nanomaterial called MXene that can capture urea from dialysis waste, paving the way for a more comfortable and effective artificial kidney. The material is lightweight, safe, and can hold onto urea even at body temperature.
A new study found that factors such as extraversion, openness, independence, and social support positively impact mental wellbeing in young adults with kidney failure. Higher medication adherence was linked to living with parents, conscientiousness, and physician access satisfaction.
A new study suggests that ultrasound measurements after surgery can predict the likelihood of arteriovenous fistula maturation in individual dialysis patients. At 6 weeks after AVF creation, ultrasound measurements of AVF blood flow, diameter, and depth predicted future AVF maturation with moderate accuracy.
A new study found that technology-based positive psychology exercises can significantly improve the quality of life and reduce depressive symptoms in hemodialysis patients. Patients who completed the five-week pilot study reported improved coping skills and emotional well-being.
Nephrologists and health policy experts advocate for greater transparency in joint-venture dialysis clinics to ensure patient referrals and clinical outcomes are not influenced by financial ties. The lack of disclosure poses a significant barrier to evidence-based research, depriving patients of critical information.
Researchers found that extending specialized care to patients with advanced kidney disease before their kidneys fail could save the US healthcare system more than $1 billion annually. Improving care coordination among these patients is crucial for reducing costs and improving health outcomes.
A new study finds that proton pump inhibitors are associated with a 19% higher risk of hip fractures in dialysis patients, regardless of usage level. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists were not linked to increased fracture risk. The findings highlight the need for individualized assessment and caution in PPI use among hemodialysis patients.
Despite changes to the US kidney allocation system, low-income and minority patients still face significant barriers to timely diagnosis and transplant. Early disease diagnosis and preemptive waitlisting are critical strategies to improve survival chances, but many vulnerable populations lack access to these essential care pathways.
A new minimally-invasive surgical technique has been developed to create dialysis access for patients with severe kidney disease. The WavelinQ endoAVF System allows vascular surgeons to create a connection between an artery and vein using magnets, reducing the risk of complications and surgeries.
Implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in out-patient dialysis facilities can significantly reduce infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms, infection-related deaths, and costs. The programs promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials, leading to a 4.8% reduction in infections and a 4.6% reduction in death rates.
A new study reveals that older adults who initiate hemodialysis for kidney failure are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that age, Black race, female sex, and institutionalization were the strongest risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A study of over 350,000 patients found elderly kidney disease patients on dialysis have a substantially higher risk of dementia than healthy community-dwelling older adults. The study calls for more monitoring and prevention measures to address this pressing issue.