Frailty and depressive symptoms in older kidney transplant recipients: opportunities for collaboration between transplant nephrologists and geriatricians.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is one of the key syndromes in geriatric medicine and an important factor for post-transplant outcomes. We aimed to describe the prevalence of frailty and examine the correlates of frailty and depressive symptoms in older kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 112 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) aged 70 and above. Frailty syndrome was assessed using the Fried frailty criteria, and patients were categorized as frail, pre-frail, or non-frail based on five frailty components: muscle weakness, slow walking speed, low physical activity, self-reported exhaustion, and unintentional weight loss. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The relationship between frailty and depressive symptoms was evaluated using multinomial logistic regression, with the three frailty categories as the dependent variable and the severity of depressive symptoms as the independent variable, while controlling for age, gender, renal graft function, and time since transplant surgery. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 73.3 ± 3.3 years, and 49% were female. The prevalence of frailty syndrome was 25% (n = 28), pre-frailty was 46% (n = 52), and 29% (n = 32) of the KTRs were non-frail. The mean score for depressive symptoms was 3.1 ± 2.4 points, with 18% scoring above the clinical depression cutoff. Depressive symptoms were positively correlated with frailty (r = .46, p < .001). Among the frailty components, self-reported exhaustion (r = .43, p < .001), slow walking speed (r = .26, p < .01), and low physical activity (r = .44, p < .001) were significantly positively correlated with depressive symptoms, while muscle strength (p = .068) and unintentional weight loss (p = .050) were not. A multinomial logistic regression adjusted for covariates indicated that, compared to being non-frail, each additional point on the GDS increased the odds of being pre-frail by 39% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.96) and roughly doubled the odds of being frail (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.39-2.89). CONCLUSION: There is a strong association between frailty and depression in KTRs aged 70 years and older. Targeted detection has opened up a new avenue for collaboration between geriatricians and transplant nephrologists.

Peritoneal dialysis: Status report in South and South East Asia.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) as a modality of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is largely underutilized globally. We analyzed PD utilization, impact of economic status, projected growth and impact of state policy(s) on PD growth in South Asia and Southeast Asia (SA&SEA) region. METHODS: The National Nephrology Societies of the region responded to a questionnaire on KRT practices. The responses were based on the latest registry data, acceptable community-based studies and societal perceptions. The representative countries were divided into high income and higher-middle income (HI & HMI) and low income and lower-middle income (LI & LMI) groups. RESULTS: Data provided by 15 countries showed almost similar percentage of GDP as health expenditure (4%-7%). But there was a significant difference in per capita income (HI & HMI -US$ 28 129 vs. LI & LMI - US$ 1710.2) between the groups. Even after having no significant difference in monthly cost of haemodialysis (HD) and PD in LI & LMI countries, they have poorer PD utilization as compared to HI & HMI countries (3.4% vs. 10.1%); the reason being lack of formal training/incentives and time constraints for the nephrologist while lack of reimbursement and poor general awareness of modalities has been a snag for the patients. The region expects ≥10% PD growth in the near future. Hong Kong and Thailand with 'PD first' policy have the highest PD utilization. CONCLUSION: Important deterrents to PD underutilization were lack of PD centric policies, lackadaisical patient/physician's attitude, lack of structured patient awareness programs, formal training programs and affordability.

Variability and trends over time and across centres in haemodialysis weekly duration in Australia and New Zealand.

AIM: Haemodialysis treatment prescription varies widely internationally. This study explored patient- and centre-level characteristics associated with weekly haemodialysis hours. METHODS: Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) Registry data were analysed. Characteristics associated with weekly duration were evaluated using mixed-effects linear regression models with patient- and centre-level covariates as fixed effects, and dialysis centre and state as random effects using the 2017 prevalent in-centre haemodialysis (ICHD) and home haemodialysis (HHD) cohorts. Evaluation of patterns of weekly duration over time analysed the 2000 to 2017 incident ICHD and HHD cohorts. RESULTS: Overall, 12 494 ICHD and 1493 HHD prevalent patients in 2017 were included. Median weekly treatment duration was 13.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 12-15) hours for ICHD and 16 (IQR 15-20) hours for HHD. Male sex, younger age, higher body mass index, arteriovenous fistula/graft use, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethnicity and longer dialysis vintage were associated with longer weekly duration for both ICHD and HHD. No centre characteristics were associated with duration. Variability in duration across centres was very limited in ICHD compared with HHD, with variation in HHD being associated with state. Duration did not vary significantly over time for ICHD, whereas longer weekly HHD treatments were reported between 2006 and 2012 compared with before and after this period. CONCLUSION: This study in the Australian and New Zealand haemodialysis population showed that weekly duration was primarily associated with patient characteristics. No centre effect was demonstrated. Practice patterns seemed to differ across states/countries, with more variability in HHD than ICHD.

Predialysis nephrology care amongst Palestinian hemodialysis patients and its impact on initial vascular access type.

Referral time for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to nephrologists and initial vascular access method are considered significant factors that impact health outcomes at the time of hemodialysis (HD) initiation. Native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is strongly recommended as initial access. However, little is known about the referral rate among ESRD receiving HD in Palestine and its correlation with AVF creation. In Ramallah Hemodialysis Center, we investigated the pre-dialysis nephrology care and AVF usage in 156 patients. Type of access at HD initiation was temporary central venous catheter (CVC) in 114 (73%), tunneled hemodialysis catheter (TDC) in 21 (13%) and AVF in 21 (13%). Out of all participants, 120 (77%) were seen by nephrologist prior to dialysis. Of the participants who initiated dialysis with a CVC, 36 (31%) had not received prior nephrology care. All participants who initiated dialysis with functional AVF had received prior nephrology care. Patients who were not seen by a nephrologist prior to HD initiation had no chance at starting HD with AVF, whereas 17% of those who had nephrology care >12 months started with AVF. In conclusion, a relatively large percentage of Palestinian HD patients who were maintained on HD did not have any predialysis nephrology care. In addition, patients who received predialysis nephrology care were significantly more likely to start their HD through AVF whereas all those without predialysis nephrology care started through CVC. More in-depth national studies focusing on improving nephrology referral in ESRD patients are needed to increase AVF utilization.

Trends in Percutaneous Embolization Procedures by Radiologists and Other Specialists.

PURPOSE: To evaluate utilization trends in percutaneous embolization among radiologists and nonradiologist providers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nationwide Medicare Part B fee-for-service databases for 2005-2016 were used to evaluate percutaneous embolization codes. Six codes describing embolization procedures were reviewed. Physician providers were grouped as radiologists, vascular surgeons, cardiologists, nephrologists, other surgeons, and all others. RESULTS: The total volume of Medicare percutaneous embolization procedures increased from 20,262 in 2005 to 45,478 in 2016 (+125%). Radiologists performed 13,872 procedures in 2005 (68% of total volume) and 33,254 in 2016 (73% of total volume), a 140% increase in volume. While other specialists also increased the number of cases performed from 2005 to 2016, radiologists strongly predominated, performing 87% of arterial and 30% of venous procedures in 2016, more than any other single specialty. In 2014 and 2015, a sharp increase in venous embolization cases performed by nonradiologists preceded a sharp decrease in 2016, likely the result of complicated billing codes for venous procedures. Radiologists maintained a steady upward trend in the number of cases they performed during those years. CONCLUSIONS: The volume of percutaneous embolization procedures performed in the Medicare population increased from 2005 to 2016, reflecting a trend toward minimally invasive intervention. In 2016, radiologists performed nearly 10 times more arterial embolization procedures than the second highest specialty and more venous embolization procedures than any other single specialty.

Clinical characteristics at the renal replacement therapy initiation of Japanese pediatric patients: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Although there is debate regarding the timing of initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in adults with end-stage renal disease, there is a paucity of reliable epidemiological data on pediatric patients. The present study was performed to investigate current practice in Japan with regard to the timing of initiation of RRT in children based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). METHODS: A total of 649 pediatric patients < 20 years old with eGFR at the initiation of RRT between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2013 were included in the study. Baseline eGFR was calculated for each patient using the Schwartz formula. RESULTS: eGFR at the start of RRT was 12.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 [interquartile range (IQR) 8.4-16.3]. A total of 209 children (32.2%) had high eGFR (eGFR > 15 mL/min/1.73 m2) at the initiation of RRT. Initiation of RRT was more likely in those undergoing preemptive transplantation (PEKT) with high eGFR [odds ratio (OR) 4.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.95-8.90, P < 0.001]. There were 31 deaths of various causes during follow-up, with infections representing the leading causes of death. CONCLUSIONS: The median eGFR at the initiation of RRT in children showed a wide range of variation. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of the decision regarding when to initiate RRT in individual pediatric patients.

Current practice in dialysis central venous catheter management: Multi-disciplinary renal team perspectives.

AIM: To explore the current practices related to the insertion, management and removal of dialysis central venous catheters (CVCs) used in patients with chronic kidney disease requiring haemodialysis. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study involved semi-structured interviews with surgeons, interventional radiologists, renal physicians, dialysis nurses, renal access nurses and renal researchers involved in the care of patients with chronic kidney disease requiring haemodialysis. Data were collected from staff at eight hospitals in six states and territories of Australia. Thirty-eight face-to-face interviews were conducted. A modified five-step qualitative content analysis approach was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Improved visualization technology and its use by interventional radiologists has steered insertions to specialist teams in specialist locations. This is thought to have decreased risk and improved patient outcomes. Nurses were identified as the professional group responsible for maintaining catheter access integrity, preventing access failure and reducing access-related complications. While best practice was considered important, justifications for variations in practice related to local patient and environment challenges were identified. CONCLUSION: The interdisciplinary team is central in the insertion, maintenance, removal and education of patients regarding dialysis CVCs. Clinicians temper research-based decision-making about central dialysis access catheter management with knowledge of individual, environmental and patient factors. Strategies to ensure guidelines are appropriately translated for use in a wide variety of settings are necessary for patient safety.

Current state of vascular access in Singapore.

This article described the current state of vascular access management for patients with end-stage renal disease in Singapore. Over the past 10 years, there has been a change in the demographics of end-stage renal disease patients. Aging population and the increase in prevalence of diabetes mellitus has led to the acceleration of chronic kidney disease and increase in incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal disease. Vascular access care has, therefore, been more complicated, with the physical, psychological, and social challenges that occur with increased frequency in elderly patients and patients with multiple co-morbidities. Arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft are created by vascular surgeons, while maintenance of patency of vascular access through endovascular intervention has been a shared responsibility between surgeons, interventional radiologists, and interventional nephrologists. Pre-emptive access creation among end-stage renal disease patients has been low, with up to 80% of new end-stage renal disease patients being commenced on hemodialysis via a dialysis catheter. Access creation is exclusively performed by a dedicated vascular surgeon with arteriovenous fistula success rate up to 78%. The primary and cumulative patency rates of arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft were consistent with the results from many international centers. Vascular access surveillance is not universally practiced in all dialysis centers due to its controversies, in addition to the cost and the limited availability of equipment for surveillance. Timely permanent access placement, with reduced dependence on dialysis catheters, and improved vascular access surveillance are the main areas for potential intervention to improve vascular access management.

Predialysis nephrology care and its impact on initial vascular access type in hemodialysis patients in Jordan.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who reach end-stage renal disease (ESRD) require early nephrology referral and appropriate vascular access. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred access for hemodialysis (HD). Referral to nephrology of CKD patients starting HD in Jordan and its impact on AVF utilization is unknown. Patients on in-center HD in a large Jordan Ministry of Health dialysis unit were interviewed, and medical records reviewed to assess prior nephrology care and AVF use. Of 104 total patients, 93 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 50 ± 16 years, with 44% being females. The average body mass index was 25 ± 5. The cause of ESRD was diabetes mellitus in 28 (30%), hypertension in 28 (30%), and polycystic kidney disease in three (3%). Type of HD access at the initiation of dialysis was central venous catheter (CVC) in 80 (86%) and AVF in 12 (13%). Of the overall group, 50 (54%) were seen by nephrology before initiating dialysis, and of these, 39 patients (78%) were seen >1 year before HD initiation. Of the patients who initiated dialysis with a CVC, 38 (48%) had received prior nephrology care. All 12 patients who initiated dialysis with AVF had received prior nephrology care. Of the 50 patients who received nephrology care before dialysis initiation, 12 patients (24%) had started dialysis with an AVF; in patients without prior nephrology care, all were started with a CVC. In conclusion, our study suggests that a large percentage did not have nephrology care before initiating dialysis. The ones who were seen by nephrology before dialysis were significantly more likely to initiate dialysis using an AVF. A national focus on improving nephrology referral in advanced CKD may allow better utilization of AVF as the method of access at dialysis initiation.

Evaluation of dialysis practice patterns in children having end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis at a pediatric nephrology unit.

Hemodialysis (HD) involves purifying the blood of waste products through diffusion through a semipermeable membrane. We aimed to evaluate dialysis practice patterns among children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance HD (MHD). This cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 children with ESRD on MHD at the pediatric nephrology unit of Menoufia University and 18 age- and sex-matched children who served as the control group. Consent was obtained from children more than seven years old and their parents and from parents of younger children. They were all subjected to full history, complete physical examination, efficiency measures estimation (for cases), and laboratory investigations. Risk factors for death were determined using the logistic regression model; data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. The study showed that the causes of ESRD in children were unknown in 43.3%; about 73.3% of cases were short-statured and 53.3% were underweight. About 40% of the cases were hypertensive showing a significant difference from controls (P <0.01). A double-lumen jugular catheter (DLJC) was the initial access in 80% of cases. The urea reduction ratio and Kt/V were significantly higher in children with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) than those with DLJC (P <0.0001 and 0.004), respectively. About 66.7% of cases had anemia showing a significant difference from controls (P <0.01). Hypoalbuminemia, anemia, elevated C-reactive protein, and left ventricular hypertrophy were the significant risk factors resulting in death (P <0.0001). Although the most common initiating vascular access used for HD patients was a DLJC, the efficiency of dialysis was significantly higher in patients who had AVF. Stature was affected more than weight in HD patients in the study group.

Arteriovenous access practices in Australian and New Zealand dialysis units.

BACKGROUND: The creation and maintenance of dialysis vascular access is associated with significant morbidity. Structured management pathways can reduce this morbidity, yet practice patterns in Australia and New Zealand are not known. We aimed to describe the arteriovenous access practices in dialysis units in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS: An online survey comprising 51 questions was completed by representatives from dialysis units from both countries. In addition to descriptive analysis, responses were compared between units inside and outside of major cities. RESULTS: Of 64 contacted units, 48 (75%) responded (Australia 43, New Zealand 5), representing 38% of dialysis units in Australia and New Zealand. While 94% of units provided pre-dialysis education, only 60% reported a structured pre-dialysis pathway and 69% had a dedicated vascular access nurse. Most units routinely monitored fistula/graft function using flow rate measurement (73%) or recirculation studies (63%). A minority used routine ultrasound (35%). Thrombectomy, fistuloplasty and peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion were rarely performed by nephrologists (4%, 4% and 17% of units, respectively). Units outside of a major city were less likely to have access to a local vascular access surgeon (6/13 (46%) vs 35/35 (100%), P < 0.001). There were no other significant differences between units on the basis of location. CONCLUSION: Much variation exists in unit management of arteriovenous access. Structured pre-dialysis pathways and dedicated vascular access nurses may be underutilised in Australia and New Zealand. The use of regular access blood flow measurement and ultrasound is common in both countries despite a lack of data supporting its effectiveness. There is room for both practice improvement and a need for further evidence to ensure optimal arteriovenous access care.

Transcatheter Dialysis Conduit Procedures: Changing National and State-Level Medicare Use Patterns over 15 Years.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changing use of transcatheter hemodialysis conduit procedures. METHODS: Multiple Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services datasets were used to assess hemodialysis conduit angiography. Use was normalized per 100,000 beneficiaries and stratified by specialty and site of service. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2015, hemodialysis angiography use increased from 385 to 1,045 per 100,000 beneficiaries (compound annual growth rate [CAGR], +7.4%)]. Thrombectomy use increased from 114 to 168 (CAGR, +2.8%). Angiography and thrombectomy changed, by specialty, +1.5% and -1.3% for radiologists, +18.4% and +14.4% for surgeons, and +24.0% and +17.7% for nephrologists, respectively. By site, angiography and thrombectomy changed +29.1% and +20.7% for office settings and +0.8% and -2.4% for hospital settings, respectively. Radiologists' angiography and thrombectomy market shares decreased from 81.5% to 37.0% and from 84.2% to 47.3%, respectively. Angiography use showed the greatest growth for nephrologists in the office (from 5 to 265) and the greatest decline for radiologists in the hospital (299 to 205). Across states in 2015, there was marked variation in the use of angiography (0 [Wyoming] to 1173 [Georgia]) and thrombectomy (0 [6 states] to 275 [Rhode Island]). Radiologists' angiography and thrombectomy market shares decreased in 48 and 31 states, respectively, in some instances dramatically (eg, angiography in Nevada from 100.0% to 6.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Dialysis conduit angiography use has grown substantially, more so than thrombectomy. This growth has been accompanied by a drastic market shift from radiologists in hospitals to nephrologists and surgeons in offices. Despite wide geographic variability nationally, radiologist market share has declined in most states.

Current state of dialysis access management in Korea.

The prevalence rate and the incidence rate of hemodialysis and functioning kidney transplant recipients have continuously increased; on the contrary, those of peritoneal dialysis have continuously decreased since 2006. Dialysis patients have been getting older and have been maintained on dialysis longer. Diabetic nephropathy was the leading cause of end stage renal disease. The type of hemodialysis vascular access has been stable during the last 5 years (arteriovenous fistulas 76%, arteriovenous grafts 16%, central venous catheters 8% at 2016). Peritoneal dialysis catheter was mostly inserted surgically (67%), and swan neck straight tip peritoneal dialysis catheter was the most commonly used (48%). Vascular access was managed by radiologists and surgeons, and the management was fragmented among them in the past. However, since the nephrologists became interested in and knowledgeable about the vascular access, they began to play roles in vascular access management. Vascular access has been mostly created by vascular surgeons (≈60%); tunneled central venous hemodialysis catheter insertion and endovascular intervention such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and thrombectomy have been mostly performed by radiologists (≈70%). Tunneled hemodialysis catheter insertion and endovascular intervention by nephrologists have slowly but consistently increased. Recently, the number of central venous hemodialysis catheter insertion has decreased, and tunneled hemodialysis catheter has been inserted more than non-tunneled hemodialysis catheter, indicating that vascular access has been created timely and the vascular access team has been educated about and following international guidelines.

Current state of dialysis treatment and vascular access management in Japan.

According to the data from the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, the number of dialysis patients was about 330,000 at the end of 2016. The mean age of newly initiated patients was 69.4 years and that of maintenance was 68.2 years. And, diabetic nephropathy is the most common primary disease, with an incidence rate of 43.2%. These results mean that the systemic vascular condition is getting worse. In spite of these backgrounds, the patients of 97.3% were treated by hemodialysis; therefore, careful management of vascular access is essential to better maintain the condition of patients. The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study shows that vascular access modalities are an important factor in determining prognoses of patients and that prognosis in Japan is one of the best worldwide. In Japan, the use of arteriovenous fistulae accounts for 95% of vascular access modalities. However, a statistic by Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy suggests that the use of arteriovenous graft has been increasing. In 2005, Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Guidelines recommended percutaneous transluminal angioplasty be the first choice for the treatment of vascular access stenosis. Since then, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty has become an important procedure for long-term maintenance of the morphology and function of vascular access. In Japan, approximately 60% of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty are conducted by nephrologists and urologists; in addition, arteriovenous fistulae creation procedures are also performed by them. According to my private opinion, such conditions above show that even in the absence of standardized training on vascular access management, doctors on site perform their duties in an appropriate manner. However, the problems of how we evaluate the specificity in Japan and pass it down the generations still remain.

No consensus on physicians' preferences on vascular access management after kidney transplantation: Results of a multi-national survey.

OBJECTIVE:: Arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis vascular access are a burden for the cardiovascular system. After successful kidney transplantation, prophylactic arteriovenous fistula ligation may improve cardiac outcomes; however, evidence is scarce. This survey investigates physicians' preference for management of arteriovenous fistulas and identifies the factors associated with preference for either arteriovenous fistula ligation or maintenance. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: A survey was sent to members of eight national and international Nephrology and Vascular Surgery societies. The survey comprised eight case vignettes of asymptomatic patients with a functioning arteriovenous fistula after kidney transplantation. Characteristics possibly associated with treatment preferences were arteriovenous fistula flow, left ventricular ejection fraction, and patient age. Respondents were asked to state preference to maintain or ligate the arteriovenous fistula. Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate the association of treatment preference with case characteristics. RESULTS:: A total of 585 surveys were returned. A reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of 30% (beta 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.55; 0.65) and a high flow of 2500 mL/min (beta 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.41; 0.51) were associated with a higher preference for arteriovenous fistula ligation. Disagreement among respondents was considerable, as in four out of eight cases less than 70% of respondents agreed on the arteriovenous fistula management strategy. CONCLUSION:: Although respondents recognize a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and a high flow as the risk factors, the high disagreement on management preferences suggests that evidence is inconclusive to recommend arteriovenous fistula ligation or maintenance after kidney transplantation. More research is needed to determine optimal arteriovenous fistula management after successful kidney transplantation.

Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology in Spain: A snapshot of current situation.

BACKGROUND:: Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology has been a rising field in recent years worldwide. Catheter insertion, renal biopsy, renal ultrasound, and peritoneal dialysis catheter or permanent dialysis catheter insertion are vital to our specialty. At present, many of these procedures are delegated to other specialties, generating long waiting lists and limiting diagnosis and treatment. METHODS:: An online survey was emailed to all Nephrology departments in Spain. One survey response was allowed per center. RESULTS:: Of 195 Nephrology departments, 70 responded (35.8%). Of them, 72.3% (52) had ultrasound equipment, 77.1% insert temporary jugular catheters, and 92.8% femoral. Up to 75.7% (53 centers) perform native renal biopsies, of which 35.8% (19) are real-time ultrasound guided by nephrologists. Transplant kidney biopsies are done in 26 centers, of which 46.1% (12) by nephrologists. Tunneled hemodialysis catheters are inserted in 27 centers (38.5%), peritoneal catheter insertion in 18 (31.6%), and only 2 centers (2.8%) perform arteriovenous fistulae angioplasty. In terms of ultrasound imaging, 20 centers (28.5%) do native renal ultrasound and 16 (22.8%) transplanted kidneys. Of all units 71.4% offer carotid ultrasound to evaluate cardiovascular risk, only in 15 centers (21%) by nephrologists. AVF ultrasound scanning is done in 55.7% (39). CONCLUSION:: Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology is slowly spreading in Spain. It includes basic techniques to our specialty, allowing nephrologists to be more independent, efficient, and reducing waiting times and costs, overall improving patient care. Nowadays, more nephrologists aim to perform them. Therefore, appropriate training on different techniques should be warranted, implementing an official certification and teaching programs.