Articles tagged with Hemodialysis
A study of 27 patients with late-stage CKD found that interactions with clinicians and the health system can take a large emotional toll. Patients struggle to make sense of their illness, blame themselves, and feel abandoned or isolated.
A new observational study reveals that apixaban is potentially safer than warfarin in dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation, with a significantly lower risk of major bleeding. The study found that patients on apixaban had a 30% lower risk of major bleeding without a difference in stroke rate.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion increased the number of chronic kidney disease patients with Medicaid coverage who were placed on the kidney transplant waiting list. States that expanded Medicaid saw a significant boost in Medicaid-covered preemptive listings, especially among racial and ethnic minority patients.
Medicaid expansion has helped place many low-income individuals with chronic kidney disease on the kidney transplant waiting list before starting dialysis. The findings show larger gains in pre-emptive listing for minorities with Medicaid coverage than for whites.
Clinicians in safety-net hospitals feel morally distressed by policies preventing them from performing hemodialysis to undocumented immigrants, except in emergency situations. Emergency-only hemodialysis has a high mortality rate and is associated with burnout among clinicians.
Researchers discovered a protective protein activated by vitamin K is inactive and abundant in African-Americans on dialysis. High levels of the protein, matrix Gla protein (MGP), correlate with increased arterial stiffness and impaired endothelial function.
Researchers found that poor functional status is associated with a higher incidence of initiating hemodialysis and increased risk of central venous catheter use. Elderly patients with poor functional status have an increased one-year mortality by 48 percent.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that only 20% of Medicare patients with end-stage renal disease used hospice, and those who did were more likely to have short stays. This can limit access to palliative care services and increase costs.
A new analysis found that opioid pain medications may pose higher risks of altered mental status, falls, and fractures in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Opioid use was associated with increased risks even at lower doses and with certain types of medication recommended for this population.
A recent study reveals that dialysis providers' awareness of racial disparities in kidney transplant waitlisting is low. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in reducing these disparities, but education and training are necessary to improve equity in access to transplantation.
Researchers have developed a microsensor that can monitor and adjust the composition of kidney dialysis fluid in real-time, potentially alleviating serious side effects. The microsensor, made by Eindhoven University of Technology, measures sodium concentrations accurately and live.
Hemodialysis patients are vulnerable to life-threatening infections that can spread to others in dialysis facilities. A series of articles highlights the urgency of preventing these infections, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices and leadership from nephrologists.
A new study reveals that hemodialysis can decrease cerebral blood flow by 10% in older patients, affecting brain regions including frontal and temporal lobes. This finding may help explain previous studies' links between hemodialysis and worsening cognitive function in elderly patients.
A new study reveals that nearly one in four PICC placements are made for less than five days, resulting in complications such as blocked lines, infections, blood clots, and serious kidney problems. This raises concerns about the risks associated with short-term IV device use.
An analysis of published studies found that children with CKD had lower intellectual functioning compared to children in the general population, particularly those on dialysis. Deficits were evident for attention, memory, and executive function domains.
Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience deficits in academic skills, visual and verbal memory, and executive function, according to a new study. The analysis of 34 studies found that CKD patients have an average IQ 10 points lower than healthy children, with those on dialysis showing an even greater decline.
A portable ultrasound helps nephrologists detect fluid in the lungs of patients with end-stage kidney disease, allowing for more targeted dialysis treatments. This technology could save around $21 million annually by reducing ER dialysis costs and unnecessary hospitalizations.
A new measure, STReR, is developed to assess how well dialysis facilities refer patients for transplantation. The study found that most variation in referrals was due to characteristics within the dialysis facilities rather than patient factors.
A study examining employment trends among patients with kidney failure found that employment was low throughout the study period at 23-24%. Approximately 120,000 adults in the US develop kidney failure each year, a majority of whom undergo dialysis. The probability of employment in kidney failure patients increased slightly over time.
Patients with chronic kidney disease prefer home dialysis due to flexibility, independence, and better survival rates. Transplantation improves brain function and enables patients to assume family obligations and careers, increasing its appeal.
A new tool predicts the likelihood of a child progressing to kidney failure with high accuracy, enabling better planning for transplant. The tool could reduce the need for interim dialysis and increase transplantation rates in children with kidney disease.
A study found that undocumented immigrants with emergency-only dialysis were more likely to die after three and five years, as well as spend more days in the hospital. The study highlights the need for states to consider the human and economic toll of providing access to less-than-standard dialysis for these patients.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that expanding the geographic range of donated kidneys could save lives and increase kidney transplants. The analysis showed an expected annual increase in procured organs ranging from 58 to 174, depending on regional sharing.
UC researchers analyzed data from the USRDS to find that elderly patients with poor functional status have a 48% higher risk of one-year mortality. Additionally, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians are less likely to die within one year of initiating dialysis than whites, while females are also at lower risk.
Longtime advocates Paul T. Conway and Richard Knight received the ASN's President's Medal for their significant contributions to the fight against kidney diseases, including improving access to treatment and increasing funding for research and treatment innovations.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created lab-grown blood vessel replacements that are non-living yet can be repopulated with cells by the recipient's own cells. The grafts performed well in a recent study with adult baboons, showing healthy cell growth and resistance to infection.
The US Renal Data System report highlights the high burden of kidney disease in the US, with over 30 million adults affected, and a significant cost to healthcare. However, there is low awareness about the condition among patients, especially those with early stages of CKD.
A recent analysis found that kidney transplant recipients lived longer than those who stayed on dialysis for at least 10 years. The benefit was observed after 657 days post-transplant, with a 40% lower risk of death compared to patients on dialysis.
A new study found that acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with significant healthcare costs, with the mildest forms of AKI resulting in 1.2 to 1.3 times greater costs than patients without AKI. The study estimates the incremental cost of AKI in Canada to be over $200 million per year.
Researchers propose active sieving to fine-tune filtration systems for improved separation abilities. The technology could also filter molecules based on movement dynamics, opening a new avenue in membrane science.
A study published by JAMA Network found that recent immigrants in Ontario, Canada, received significantly more aggressive end-of-life care compared to other residents. This disparity was seen in higher rates of intensive care admissions, mechanical ventilation, and dialysis.
A study found nearly a quarter of dialysis patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, often for a diagnosis different from their initial hospitalization. Patient characteristics such as female gender, younger age, and certain medical conditions were linked to a high likelihood of readmission.
A new analysis reveals that US dialysis patients are at high risk of early death, discontinuation of dialysis, and hospitalization due to excessive opioid use. The study found that more than 20% of dialysis patients received chronic opioid prescriptions, three times the rate in the general Medicare population.
The UCLA-led study highlights the success of the kidney voucher program, which enables individuals to donate a kidney now and prioritize family members for future transplants. The program has led to 25 lifesaving transplants across the US, thanks to the altruistic donations of living donors.
A new study found that poor nitric acid responsiveness may lead to arteriovenous fistula failure in hemodialysis patients. Researchers discovered that improving nitric oxide responsiveness through manipulation of local mediators can prevent fistula maturation failure and potentially improve patient outcomes.
A study published in BMC Nephrology found that patients receiving non-renal solid organ transplants are at a higher risk of death due to acute kidney injury. The research suggests that reducing AKI-D diagnoses can improve health outcomes and reduce the financial burden on the healthcare system.
A study found that hemodialysis patients with hypothyroidism exhibit impairments in health-related quality of life, including physical function and pain. The findings suggest a potential link between thyroid hormone levels and patient outcomes.
A recent analysis of US dialysis facility data found that central venous catheters are associated with the most bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated pathogen, with 40% of isolates resistant to antibiotic methicillin.
MIT engineers have developed a functional graphene-based dialysis membrane that filters nanometer-sized molecules at an unprecedented rate. The membrane, made from a single layer of carbon atoms, separates molecules quickly due to its exceptional diffusion properties.
A new minimally invasive system using radiofrequency energy has been shown to reliably create access for hemodialysis patients with minimal complications. The study found that 98% of arteriovenous fistulas were successfully created, and 87% were physiologically suitable for dialysis within three months.
The new UNOS system reduced disparities in national kidney transplant rates for blacks and Hispanics, with significant increases in transplant rates for these groups after implementation. However, disparities may return if the most disadvantaged patients are cleared from the list.
Chronic fluid overload increases the risk of early death in kidney failure patients on hemodialysis, comparable to coronary artery disease and heart failure. The study found that cumulative exposure to fluid overload over 1 year predicted a higher risk of death than a single measurement at the start of dialysis treatment.
Researchers at Indiana University identified a therapy that rapidly restores blood flow in the organ, reduces inflammation and improves overall kidney function after acute kidney injury. The therapy has the potential to eliminate the need for dialysis treatment.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects one-third of the population, with 9 out of 10 people unaware of their condition. The Global Kidney Health Atlas highlights gaps in care and prevention worldwide, with many countries not prioritizing kidney health.
A recent study examines how new kidney specialists feel their training has prepared them to care for patients, highlighting areas for improvement in nephrology fellowship structure and content. The findings suggest that fellows may be underprepared for home dialysis modalities and emphasize the need for more education in core nephrolog...
A new analysis reveals that dialysis patients are being screened at a higher rate than their counterparts without kidney failure, with the healthiest patients being more likely to receive screening. The findings suggest that there is substantial over-screening among patients on dialysis, and physicians should carefully evaluate patient...
A new study suggests that a low dose of apixaban, an oral anticoagulant, can be maintained at safe levels in dialysis patients to potentially prevent strokes. The research indicates that this dosage may be effective for stroke prevention in these patients.
A new study found that states pay higher costs for care and patients face greater pain and psychological distress when they do not receive scheduled dialysis treatments. The research highlights the need to reconsider professional and societal approaches to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) for undocumented patients.
A study of undocumented immigrants with kidney failure found that lack of access to hemodialysis results in significant physical and psychological distress. The patients also experienced anxiety, work disruption, and family distress due to their life-threatening illness.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that doubling dialysis hours did not improve overall quality of life for patients with kidney failure. However, some intermediate outcomes improved, such as blood pressure parameters and biochemistry measurements.
Patients with kidney failure receiving chronic hemodialysis often have depressive symptoms but refuse treatment. When willing, doctors commonly don't prescribe anti-depressant therapy, citing underlying reasons including physiological and psychological changes associated with kidney failure.
Hemodialysis patients have altered blood clots that increase cardiovascular and other cause mortality risks. Dense blood clots found in kidney failure patients also affect fibrinogen protein modifications.
A simple home-based walking program improved physical capacity and quality of life in patients undergoing long-term dialysis. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, found that regular exercise can have positive effects on dialysis patients.
A world-first MRI study has investigated the heart function of kidney patients undergoing dialysis treatment, revealing significant cardiovascular effects with both standard haemodialysis and hemodiafiltration. Both treatments caused falls in cardiac performance, with partial recovery after dialysis, highlighting the need for intervent...
Researchers found that diabetes patients with all three risk factors (AKI, proteinuria, and poor blood sugar control) lose renal function at nearly 5% annually, accelerating dialysis need to within 12 years. Patients with two or one of these risk factors still face accelerated loss of renal function.
A study by Eugene Lin and colleagues found that multi-disciplinary care is a cost-effective intervention, costing $24,613 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), compared to dialysis which costs $129,090 per QALY. This approach can improve the health of patients with kidney disease while reducing medical costs.
A telemedicine program in partnership with a national dialysis provider and a rural hospital in Kentucky has successfully treated over a dozen patients with more than 20 dialysis treatments, achieving 67% success rate. The program also provides 24/7 nephrology care for patients with kidney and electrolyte disorders.
A recent study found that nearly half of kidney failure patients receiving dialysis had advance directives, but only a small minority specifically addressed dialysis management at the end of life. The simple presence or absence of an advance directive is not enough to fully address important aspects of dialysis patients' end-of-life care.
An educational and outreach program increased rates of referral for kidney transplant evaluation, especially among African American patients. The program reduced racial disparities in referral, with a significant increase in African Americans referred for transplant from 10% to 16%.
A new 6-part series on core curriculum for kidney specialists has been released by the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease, covering treatments for kidney failure and management of related complications. The series aims to enhance education and practice among nephrologists, students, and educators.