Articles tagged with Hemodialysis
A study found that 16% of dialysis patients have limited health literacy, with those having lower educational levels and certain racial/ethnic groups more affected. This limitation can impact patient adherence to treatment and overall kidney health outcomes.
A population-based retrospective study found that taking statins before major elective surgery reduces potentially serious kidney complications and premature death. Statin use was associated with lower incidence of acute kidney injury, dialysis need, and mortality.
A study found that daily home hemodialysis significantly improved restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms and sleep disturbances in dialysis patients. The treatment reduced RLS-related symptoms by over 12 months, leading to lasting improvements.
A retrospective study found three-year catheter survival rates of over 91% for patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent peritoneal dialysis. Non-infectious complications, such as obstruction and trauma, were significantly associated with catheter failure.
A study found that dialysis patients receive high doses of radiation, increasing their cancer risk. The researchers recommend tracking radiation exposure to develop alternative strategies and justify CT scans.
A multi-cultural study highlights low awareness of kidney risks in diabetes patients, particularly from South Asian communities. Many patients expressed surprise and regret upon learning about the connection between diabetes and kidney disease.
Researchers have developed bioengineered veins that can be used in life-saving vascular surgeries, offering a promising solution for patients lacking suitable veins. The technology has shown promise in reducing complications and costs associated with traditional grafts used in coronary artery bypass grafting and hemodialysis.
Researchers have found that rt-PA can help prevent both catheter malfunction and blood stream infections in hemodialysis patients. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a significant reduction in complications among patients who received rt-PA.
A new study found that patients who return to dialysis after a kidney transplant failure can survive just as well on home dialysis as hospital dialysis. However, only 18% of these patients choose the home version due to concerns and limited education about its benefits.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that home-based peritoneal dialysis can be just as effective as hemodialysis for patients returning to dialysis after a kidney transplant failure. The research showed similar mortality rates for both types of dialysis, providing hope for patients who may have previously been...
A study finds that MCP-1 protein contributes to dialysis AV fistula failure. Researchers suggest using MCP-1 blockers as a possible therapeutic approach to promote AV fistula maturation and function.
A study of over 29,796 dialysis patients found that naturally high hemoglobin levels were not associated with increased mortality. In fact, the researchers discovered that patients with higher hemoglobin concentrations had a similar risk of dying as those with lower levels, after adjusting for other factors.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that restricting dietary phosphate does not improve survival rates among hemodialysis patients. In fact, patients with more liberal phosphate restrictions were 27% less likely to die than those on restrictive diets.
A study of 25,910 adult patients found that starting dialysis too early is associated with a higher risk of death. In contrast, early referral to a nephrologist is consistently linked to improved survival rates.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment option for dialysis-related anemia using FG-2216, which increases erythropoietin (EPO) production in both healthy individuals and patients with end-stage renal disease. The study's findings suggest that the kidneys of dialysis patients retain significant EPO production capacity.
Research highlights disparities in kidney donation, particularly among low-income individuals and black patients. Efforts are needed to minimize barriers and increase access to transplant care for underrepresented groups.
Research shows that moderate drinking can help prevent diabetes and premature death in kidney transplant recipients, but excessive weight may be detrimental. On the other hand, low dialysis calcium levels have been linked to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest among patients on dialysis.
Patients with end-stage renal disease admitted on weekends experience delays in dialysis treatment and have a significantly higher mortality rate compared to those admitted during the week. The study highlights the need to redesign hospital staffing models to improve staff and dialysis availability over weekends.
A recent study found that patients who started dialysis at higher levels of kidney function had an increased risk of premature death. In contrast, home-based hemodialysis was shown to be cost-effective and provide potential benefits for kidney disease patients.
A study found that pomegranate juice reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to fewer hospitalizations due to infections. It also improved cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting better heart health for hemodialysis patients.
Patients on dialysis face a heightened risk of sudden cardiac death from cardiovascular disease, with mortality rates as high as 43%. Research is underway to understand the connection between renal disease and cardiovascular disease, with medicinal options and dialysate prescription modification being explored as prevention methods.
A study found that starting dialysis earlier in advanced kidney disease was associated with a greater risk of death. Patients who began dialysis early had a higher mortality rate compared to those who started later, especially those with lower albumin levels.
A new registry based on electronic health records could help physicians improve care for patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. The registry, developed at the Cleveland Clinic, houses information on 57,276 CKD patients and has been validated as reliable for tracking disease progression.
Dialysis patients with little social support are more likely to ignore doctors' orders, experience a poorer quality of life, and die prematurely. Strong social networks are important for maintaining dialysis patients' health.
Patients with higher muscle mass tend to live longer if they have kidney disease, according to a recent study. Researchers found that increased mid-arm muscle circumference was associated with improved mental health scores and longer survival rates.
Research highlights that kidney disease patients' blood pressure management needs are not one-size-fits-all, with age, race, and diabetes affecting mortality risk. The rate of kidney function decline also significantly impacts patient prognosis, suggesting a need for tailored strategies to protect kidney function.
Characteristics such as patient engagement, physician communication, and staff coordination contribute to higher dialysis center survival rates. Top-performing centers also report stronger interpersonal relationships and more resourceful dietitians.
Dialysis patients can reduce their risk of hospitalization by addressing depression and physical inactivity, and modifying blood access from catheters to arteriovenous access. A recent study found that converting to arteriovenous access reduced hospitalization risk by about 30%.
Dialysis patients face health problems including heart disease, vascular calcification, and muscle loss. A five-year study aims to improve their health by administering protein supplements and promoting intradialytic cycling during treatments.
A study of 5037 European hemodialysis patients found that fluctuating hemoglobin levels do not increase the risk of mortality. Patients with consistently low hemoglobin levels had a higher risk of dying, however.
Patients with DVA/DoD insurance are more likely to undergo an arteriovenous fistula, a procedure that improves survival rates. The study highlights the need for improved kidney-related care for patients before they start dialysis.
Research shows that community poverty is linked to lower rates of arteriovenous fistula use among newly diagnosed dialysis patients in poorer communities. This suggests that targeted interventions are needed to improve pre-dialysis care for these patients.
A Canadian study found First Nations people on peritoneal dialysis experience higher rates of peritonitis and mortality, despite living in either rural or urban areas. The high prevalence of diabetes and obesity among First Nations populations contributes to the growth of kidney disease and renal failure, necessitating dialysis care.
Researchers found that discontinuing epoetin was more effective than reducing dose in normalizing hemoglobin levels, but also increased risk of lower-than-recommended levels. Study results suggest a balance between administering epoetin and achieving target hemoglobin levels is necessary for kidney disease patients.
A study found substantial regional differences in treatment practices for end-stage renal disease, including hospice care and dialysis before death. Regional variations were not explained by patient characteristics, highlighting the need for personalized and evidence-based decision-making.
A study found pronounced regional differences in treatment practices for older adults with kidney failure, including decisions on starting or stopping dialysis. Higher-spending regions tend to have more intensive care, but patients don't necessarily fare better.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that dialysis patients taking digoxin had a 28% higher risk of death compared to those not taking the medication. The increased risk was greatest among patients with higher levels of digoxin in their blood.
Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in peritoneal dialysis patients, with a history of corticosteroid therapy and daily pill intake positively correlated to GI symptoms. Residual renal function is negatively correlated to GI symptoms, suggesting its role in predicting complications.
Researchers found that compstatin, a drug that targets the complement system, can reduce blood clotting during dialysis for end-stage kidney disease. In severe sepsis, compstatin also blocks the activation of both complement and coagulation systems, potentially preventing multiple organ failure and death.
A UNC study finds that most kidney dialysis patients are unprepared for emergencies like hurricanes, which could disrupt life-saving treatment. The survey of North Carolina patients highlights the need for better disaster preparedness education and awareness.
A recent study suggests that N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is not a reliable biomarker for cardiac dysfunction in dialysis patients. Instead, high NT-pro-BNP levels are more closely associated with fluid overload and require adjustment of dry weight to prevent complications.
Researchers found that lowering salt intake is more effective than antihypertensive medications in controlling blood pressure for kidney patients. Achieving dry-weight through diet and dialysis prescription can also provide benefits to the heart.
Chronic kidney disease patients with depression are more likely to be hospitalized, progress to long-term dialysis treatments or die within a year compared to those without depression. Depression is associated with poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of hospitalization, dialysis, and mortality.
A study of 269,717 new hemodialysis patients found that dialysis centers using larger doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with low hematocrit levels had lower mortality rates. Conversely, centers using more frequent iron dosing in higher hematocrit ranges showed increased mortality risk.
Researchers found more-aggressive ESA treatment practices among severely anemic patients led to better outcomes, while aggressive treatment of mildly anemic patients was associated with increased mortality. The study analyzed data from 4,500 U.S. dialysis units and supported guidelines for safer ESA use in end-stage renal disease patie...
A study found that dialysis patients with high fatigue scores are more than twice as likely to have cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack or stroke. Fatigue was the strongest predictor of cardiovascular risk, even in patients without known risk factors.
A study found that 79% of dialysis patients were vitamin D deficient, with black race, female sex, and winter season being strong predictors. Low blood albumin levels may lead to protein loss in the urine, affecting vitamin D transport.
A third of seniors over 65 wait too long for lifesaving kidney transplants because their doctors don't list them for organs suitable for younger patients but not for themselves. Older adults have shorter life spans than younger recipients, but accepting older kidneys can increase survival rates.
Patients admitted to high-intensity end-of-life care hospitals live longer than those with low-intensity approaches, according to a University of Pittsburgh study. The researchers found a survival benefit up to 30 days post-admission, but this benefit decreased over time.
A randomized multicenter study of 190 patients shows stent grafts are more effective in treating blocked access in kidney failure patients undergoing dialysis. The study found nearly 51% of dialysis accesses remained open at six months with stent grafts, compared to just 23% with balloon angioplasties.
A new FDA-approved stent graft keeps blood vessels open longer in dialysis patients, reducing the need for repeated invasive procedures and cost savings. The study found that patients with the stent were more than twice as likely to have open vessels after six months.
A new study by University of Cincinnati nephrologists reveals that dialysis patients admitted to long-term care hospitals experience high readmission rates and often do not recover full kidney function. Only 30% of patients with acute kidney failure recovered enough to come off dialysis, while 70% remained dependent.
A study found that 22.3% of dialysis patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) received contraindicated antithrombotic medications, leading to increased rates of in-hospital major bleeding and death. The researchers emphasize the need for educational efforts targeting clinicians and quality improvement interventions.
A new clinical tool helps determine if kidney disease patients on dialysis are likely to die within the next few months. The model considers a doctor's estimate of prognosis, nutritional status, age, and additional illnesses or conditions.
A team of researchers from Emory University, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Georgia Tech has developed a novel continuous renal replacement therapy device designed specifically for children. The device addresses safety concerns and size limitations associated with adult kidney dialysis equipment, which can lead to dehydration an...
A study models a 100 patient dialysis center and a program with 7,500 hemodialysis patients, finding that improved survival increases costs by $5 million over 10 years and $400 million over the same period. Research into less costly treatments could help address these concerns.
Researchers found that dialysis patients with very low body fat are at a higher risk of death compared to those with average or high body fat percentage. The study suggests that body fat may be protective for dialysis patients and contradicts the 'obesity paradox' theory.
A study found that dialysis patients who travel on vacation risk infections, anemia, and other complications. Travelers are advised to take extra precautions to minimize these risks.
A new study suggests that the proposed bundled payment system for dialysis could have a significant impact on dialysis units nationwide. The research found that facilities in certain regions, particularly the south and east, are likely to face adverse financial consequences under the new plan.
Research estimates cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality rates in patients receiving dialysis, finding that noncardiovascular death is the most common cause. The study suggests that excess mortality in patients starting dialysis may not be specific to cardiovascular deaths.