Successful use & placement of AVF vascular accesses: US AVF placement trend of concern People who receive chronic hemodialysis depend on a functional vascular access to allow use of this predominant form of treatment for end stage kidney failure. Vascular access practice varies greatly internationally, and researchers sought to further understand international differences by examining data from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS). Read more... Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Optimal IV iron dosing to manage anemia in hemodialysis patients Almost all patients on hemodialysis experience anemia, a deficiency of red blood cells causing fatigue and weakness. Nephrologists treat anemia in hemodialysis patients with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and intravenous (IV) iron, but there is currently no consensus on the optimal IV iron dose without very high ferritin or TSAT levels and without excessive use of ESAs. Read more... Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Hemodiafiltration vs. hemodialysis: Comparing mortality risk In standard low flux hemodialysis (HD), toxins composed of large molecules are not cleared from the blood as effectively as toxins composed of small molecules. Hemodiafiltration (HDF) uses a greater volume of fluid to clear more molecules of larger size compared to both low flux and high flux HD. Although there is a widespread notion that HDF provides better patient survival than HD, results of previous studies have been mixed. Read more... Monday, October 16, 2017
Nephrology clinics in the US can join the CKDopps The CKDopps is seeking nephrology clinics in the United States to join our study of variations in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatment practices and associations with best outcomes for patients. Wednesday, September 27, 2017 Read more ...
Severe skin itching remains a problem for hemodialysis patients Pruritus, severe and chronic itching of the skin, is common in people with chronic kidney disease. While mild pruritus may be a nuisance, severe pruritus has a major negative effect on patients’ lives. In a recent paper, investigators studied the prevalence, awareness, and treatment of pruritus to assess how well this important condition is currently managed internationally. Read more... Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Starting sevelamer may reduce mortality risk among hemodialysis patients People with end-stage renal disease often have abnormally high levels of phosphorus in their blood, which raises their risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Calcium-based phosphate binders have been the standard treatment for many years, but a newer treatment, sevelamer hydrochloride or sevelamer carbonate, is becoming increasingly common as an add-on or alternative therapy. Monday, July 24, 2017 Read more ...
Expansion of the DOPPS Practice Monitor to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) is expanding the DOPPS Practice Monitor (DPM) to display hemodialysis data for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Monday, April 10, 2017 Read more ...
The DOPPS Program marks its 20th anniversary with an overview of major findings The DOPPS is celebrating its 20-year anniversary of uncovering new clinically useful information for the practicing nephrologist. In a new paper, investigators provide an overview of major findings and comment on the analytical approaches used. Friday, February 17, 2017 Read more ...
Outcomes for hemodialysis patients with hepatitis C infection Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among hemodialysis patients worldwide. Although guidelines recommend treatment of all patients infected with HCV, it is rarely treated in hemodialysis patients. In a recent paper, investigators evaluated the burden of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients. Friday, December 2, 2016 Read more ...
Interdialytic weight gain and patient outcomes in the DOPPS High interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) is associated with adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients. In a recent paper published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, researchers used data from the DOPPS to identify trends in IDWG, predictors of IDWG, and associations of IDWG with clinical outcomes. Thursday, November 17, 2016 Read more ...