Quality standards for predialysis education: results from a consensus conference.

This position statement was compiled following an expert meeting in March 2013, Zurich, Switzerland. Attendees were invited from a spread of European renal units with established and respected renal replacement therapy option education programmes. Discussions centred around optimal ways of creating an education team, setting realistic and meaningful objectives for patient education, and assessing the quality of education delivered.

Clinical Characteristics and Management of Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Feasibility Analysis of Electronic Health Records Using Natural Language Processing.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of applying natural language processing (NLP) to analyze real-world data (RWD) and resolve clinical problems in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis (SHPT/CKD-HD). The primary objective was to evaluate how well the guideline-recommended analytical goals are achieved in a Spanish cohort of SHPT/CKD-HD patients based on RWD. Methods: Unstructured data in the electronic health records (EHRs) from 8 hospitals were retrospectively analyzed using the EHRead® technology, based on NLP and machine learning. Variables extracted from EHRs included demographics, CKD-related clinical characteristics, comorbidities and complications, mineral and bone disorder parameter levels, and treatments at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up. Results: A total of 623 prevalent SHPT/CKD-HD patients were identified; of those, 282 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. They were predominantly elderly males with cardiovascular comorbidities, and the first cause of CKD was diabetic nephropathy. Diagnosis of SHPT was associated with an improvement in median values for PTH, calcium, and phosphate. However, the percentage of patients with normal PTH ranges remained stable during the study period (52.8-60.4%), while the percentage of patients with within-target range serum calcium or phosphate values showed an increasing trend (43.2-60% and 38.8-50%). At baseline, 74.1% of patients were using SHPT-related medication, including at least one vitamin D or analog (63.1%), phosphate binders (46.8%), and/or calcimimetics (9.6%). Conclusions: This study represents the first attempt to use clinical NLP to analyze SHPT/CKD-HD patients based on unstructured clinical data. This methodology is useful to address clinical problems based on RWD and identified a high rate of out-of-range mineral-bone analytical values in patients with HPT/CKD-HD and an increasing trend of out-of-range values for serum calcium and phosphate.

Etiopathogenesis of chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus: putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

Defined as the unpleasant sensation that causes the desire to scratch, pruritus is the most common skin symptom associated with uremia and appears in almost half of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Beyond its direct impact on quality of life, CKD-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is an independent predictor of mortality that also has a synergistic effect with other quality of life-related symptoms, such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Although different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the origin of Pa-ERC, its etiopathogenesis is still not fully understood. Since new therapeutic targets have been identified and several clinical trials have recently shown promising results, our current understanding of the interrelationships has expanded significantly and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CKD-aP are now considered to be multifactorial. The potential triggers of pruritus in patients with CKD are discussed in this review, including hypotheses about skin xerosis, accumulation of uremic toxins, dysregulation of the immune system and systemic inflammation, uremic neuropathy, and imbalances in the endogenous opioid system. Other non-uremic causes of pruritus are also discussed, with the aim of guiding the physicians to apply an adequate aetiopathogenic approach to CKD-aP in their day-to-day clinical practice.

Perception of Spanish nephrologists on an old unsolved problem: Pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD-aP).

INTRODUCTION: Pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease is defined as the sensation of itching, in people with chronic kidney disease, in a one area or all over the body that causes the need to scratch, after having ruled out other dermatological or systemic causes. It is an old and known problem whose prevalence has been able to decrease with the improvement of dialytic techniques but which still persists and is underdiagnosed. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyse the current perception of nephrologists about this problem that influences the quality of life of people with chronic kidney disease through a survey. RESULTS: 135 nephrologists, most of them engaged in haemodialysis, participated. 86% considered that pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease is still a problem today that affects the quality of life. Most nephrologists believe that the main pathophysiological cause is uremic toxins (60%) and only 16% believe that it is due to the dysregulation of the opioid system/endorphins-dynorphins. Only 16% comment that the prevalence of pruritus in their centre is greater than 20%. 40% believe that the diagnosis is made because it is manifested by the patient and only 27% because it is asked by the doctor. Moreover, it is not usual to use scales to measure it or the codification in the medical records. The main treatment used is antihistamines (96%), followed by moisturizers/anaesthetics (93%) and modification of the dialysis regimen (70%). CONCLUSIONS: Pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease is still a current problem, it is underdiagnosed, not codified and with a lack of indicated, effective and safe treatments. Nephrologists do not know its real prevalence and the different pathophysiological mechanisms involved in its development. Many therapeutic options are used with very variable results, ignoring their efficacy and applicability at the present time. The new emerging kappa-opioid-receptor agonist agents offer us an opportunity to reevaluate this age-old problem and improve the quality of life for our patients with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus and Quality of Life: Learning from Our Patients.

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus is itching directly related to kidney disease that cannot be explained by any other condition. Despite technological advances in the different aspects of dialysis sessions and the best treatment for chronic kidney disease patients, it is still a common problem in our patients. The many complex physiological mechanisms involved, the different hypotheses made over the years on the aetiology of the condition, and the great clinical variability may partially explain the limited knowledge about this problem and the difficulties in treating it. The presence of all these factors leads to the persistence of unpleasant symptoms, which must affect the disease burden and quality of life of kidney patients. Through the presentation of an illustrative clinical case, the aim of this review article is to highlight the need for adequate diagnosis and an improved approach to all aspects of chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus, in view of the heavy burden of the disease and the huge impact on the patient's quality of life.

Evidence on outsourcing dialysis services: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease represents an important health problem, due to its high incidence and prevalence, as well as its significant morbidity and mortality and socioeconomic cost. AIMS: compare the effectiveness and economic consequences of outsourcing versus hospital dialysis. METHOD: A scoping review, for which different databases were consulted, using controlled and free terms. Those articles that compared concerted versus in hospital dialysis in terms of effectiveness were included. Likewise, those publications that compared, in the Spanish field, the cost between both modes of service provision and the public price rates of the different Autonomous Communities were included. RESULTS: 11 articles were included in this review: 8 on comparison of effectiveness, all of them in the USA, and 3 on costs. A higher rate of hospitalization was observed in subsidized centers, but no differences in mortality were observed. Additionally, greater competition among providers was associated with lower hospitalization rates. The cost studies reviewed show that hospital hemodialysis is more expensive than in subsidized centers, due to the structural costs. The data of the public rates of the different Autonomous Communities show a wide heterogeneity in the payment of the concerts. CONCLUSIONS: the coexistence in Spain of public and subsidized centers, the variability in the provision and costs of dialysis techniques, and the low of evidence on the effectiveness of outsourcing treatment show all the need to continue promoting strategies that result in improvement in the care for Chronic Kidney Disease.

Management of Kidney Failure in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: What Are the Best Options?

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most frequent cause of kidney failure (KF). There are large variations in the incidence rates of kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Late referral to nephrology services has been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. In many countries, when patients reach severely reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), they are managed by multidisciplinary teams led by nephrologists. In these clinics, efforts will continue to halt chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and to prevent cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. In patients with diabetes and severely reduced GFR and KF, treating hyperglycemia is a challenge, since some drugs are contraindicated and most of them require dose adjustments. Even more, a decision-making process will help in deciding whether the patient would prefer comprehensive conservative care or KRT. On many occasions, this decision will be conditioned by diabetes mellitus itself. Effective education should cover the necessary information for the patient and family to answer these questions: 1. Should I go for KRT or not? 2. If the answer is KRT, dialysis and/or transplantation? 3. Dialysis at home or in center? 4. If dialysis at home, peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis? 5. If transplantation is desired, discuss the options of whether the donation would be from a living or deceased donor. This review addresses the determinant factors with an impact on DKD, aiming to shed light on the specific needs that arise in the management and recommendations on how to achieve a comprehensive approach to the diabetic patient with chronic kidney disease.

Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Units in Spain: a national survey on standards of structure, resources, results and patient safety. / Unidades de Enfermedad Renal Crónica Avanzada en España: una encuesta nacional sobre los estándares de estructura, recursos, resultados y seguridad del paciente.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recently, the Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Units (UERCA, in Spanish) have been developed in Spain to offer a better quality of life to patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD), improving their survival and reducing morbidity in this phase of the disease. Nowadays, there is not much evidence in the Spanish and international literature regarding the structure and how to achieve these objectives in the UERCA. From the ERCA working group of the Spanish Society of Nephrology (SEN), this project is promoted to improve care for ERCA patients through the definition of quality standards for the operation of the UERCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An initial proposal for quality standards concerning the operation of the UERCA was configured through consultation with the main sources of references and the advice of an expert working group through face-to-face and telematic meetings. Base on this initial proposal of standards, a survey was conducted and sent it via email to 121 nephrology specialist and nursing professionals with experience in Spanish UERCA to find out, among others, the suitability of each standards, that is, its mandatory nature or recommendation as standards. The access to the survey was allowed between July 16th, 2018, until September 26th, 2018. RESULTS: A total of 95 (78.5%) professionals participated out of the 121 who were invited to participate. Of these, 80 of the participants were nephrology specialists and 15 nursing professionals, obtaining a varied representation of professionals from the Spanish geography. After analyzing the opinions of these participants, the standards were defined to a total of 68, 37 of them (54.4%) mandatory and 31 of them (45.5%) recommended. Besides, it was observed that the volume of patients attended in the UERCA is usually above 100 patients, and the referral criteria is generally below 25-29 mL/min/1.73 m2 of glomerular filtration. CONCLUSIONS: This work constitutes a first proposal of quality standards for the operation of UERCA in Spain. The definition of these standards has made it possible to establish the bases for the standardization of the organization of UERCA, and to subsequently work on the configuration of a standards manual for the accreditation of ERCA Units.

Evolution Over Time of Volume Status and PD-Related Practice Patterns in an Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Cohort.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Volume overload is frequent in prevalent patients on kidney replacement therapies and is associated with outcome. This study was devised to follow-up volume status of an incident population on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and to relate this to patient-relevant outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: This prospective cohort study was implemented in 135 study centers from 28 countries. Incident participants on PD were enrolled just before the actual PD treatment was started. Volume status was measured using bioimpedance spectroscopy before start of PD and thereafter in 3-month intervals, together with clinical and laboratory parameters, and PD prescription. The association of volume overload with time to death was tested using a competing risk Cox model. RESULTS: In this population of 1054 participants incident on PD, volume overload before start of PD amounted to 1.9±2.3 L, and decreased to 1.2±1.8 L during the first year. At all time points, men and participants with diabetes were at higher risk to be volume overloaded. Dropout from PD during 3 years of observation by transfer to hemodialysis or transplantation (23% and 22%) was more prevalent than death (13%). Relative volume overload >17.3% was independently associated with higher risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.08 to 2.33) compared with relative volume overload ≤17.3%. Different practice patterns were observed between regions with respect to proportion of patients on PD versus hemodialysis, selection of PD modality, and prescription of hypertonic solutions. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of incident participants on PD, with different treatment practices across centers and regions, we found substantial volume overload already at start of dialysis. Volume overload improved over time, and was associated with survival.

Etiopatogenia del prurito asociado a la enfermedad renal crónica: recomponiendo las piezas del puzle / Etiopathogenesis of chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus: Putting the pieces of the puzzle together

Definido como la sensación desagradable que provoca el deseo de rascarse, el prurito es el síntoma cutáneo más frecuente asociado a la uremia, pudiendo aparecer en casi la mitad de los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) avanzada. Más allá de su repercusión directa sobre la calidad de vida, el prurito asociado a la ERC (Pa-ERC) es un predictor independiente de mortalidad que además ejerce un efecto sinérgico con otros síntomas también relacionados con la calidad de vida, como la depresión y el insomnio. Aunque se han propuesto diferentes mecanismos para explicar su origen, la etiopatogenia del Pa-ERC sigue sin conocerse por completo. Dado que se han identificado nuevas dianas terapéuticas y recientemente varios ensayos clínicos han mostrado resultados prometedores, nuestra comprensión actual de las interrelaciones se ha ampliado significativamente, considerando multifactoriales los mecanismos fisiopatológicos subyacentes al Pa-ERC. En la presente revisión se discuten los potenciales factores desencadenantes de prurito en el paciente con ERC, incluyendo las hipótesis sobre la xerosis cutánea, el acúmulo de toxinas urémicas, la desregulación del sistema inmune y la inflamación sistémica, la neuropatía urémica y los desequilibrios en el sistema opioide endógeno, así como otras causas no urémicas de prurito, con el objetivo de orientar al clínico para realizar un adecuado abordaje etiopatogénico del Pa-ERC en su día a día. (AU)

Defined as the unpleasant sensation that causes the desire to scratch, pruritus is the most common skin symptom associated with uremia and appears in almost half of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Beyond its direct impact on quality of life, CKD-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is an independent predictor of mortality that also has a synergistic effect with other quality of life-related symptoms, such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Although different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the origin of Pa-ERC, its etiopathogenesis is still not fully understood. Since new therapeutic targets have been identified and several clinical trials have recently shown promising results, our current understanding of the interrelationships has expanded significantly and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CKD-aP are now considered to be multifactorial. The potential triggers of pruritus in patients with CKD are discussed in this review, including hypotheses about skin xerosis, accumulation of uremic toxins, dysregulation of the immune system and systemic inflammation, uremic neuropathy, and imbalances in the endogenous opioid system. Other non-uremic causes of pruritus are also discussed, with the aim of guiding the physicians to apply an adequate etiopathogenic approach to CKD-aP in their day-to-day clinical practice. (AU)

Worldwide Experiences with Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is common in the elderly population, and renal replacement therapy (RRT) is often required. However, in this particular subgroup of patients, the choice between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) is often not an easy decision to make. Published literature has adequately demonstrated that PD prevalence is significantly less than HD across all patient age groups despite several advantages. We also know that elderly patients are less likely to complete a PD assessment, due to both medical and social barriers. Additionally, elderly patients are often reluctant to go ahead with PD despite being eligible PD candidates, mainly due to the fear of performing self-therapy. Recently, many new assisted PD (asPD) programs have cropped up in several countries. The main aim of these programs is to overcome barriers to PD and to promote PD utilization among elderly and non-self-sufficient patients. Although asPD has proven to be associated with good clinical results, there still remain concerns about its greater use. In this review, we will first describe an ideal asPD model and then enumerate examples of strategies and outcomes associated with successful asPD programs worldwide.

How a Bottom-Up Multi-Stakeholder Initiative Helped Transform the Renal Replacement Therapy Landscape in Spain.

Healthcare reforms aim to change certain parts of the health system to improve quality of care, access, or financial sustainability. Traditionally, healthcare reform is understood as an action undertaken by a government at a national or local level. However, bottom-up changes can also lead to improvements in the health system. This paper describes the efforts of a coordinated multi-stakeholder advocacy group in Spain to promote a more cost-effective and patient-centred treatment for people receiving renal replacement therapy and assesses the outcomes of their advocacy for health system financing and patient satisfaction. It concludes that bottom-up initiatives do indeed have the power to change health policy and that policy makers should pay attention to their arguments.

Evidencia sobre la externalización de los servicios de diálisis: Una revisión de alcance / Evidence on outsourcing dialysis services: A scoping review

Introducción: La enfermedad renal crónica representa un importante problema de salud, tanto por su elevada incidencia y prevalencia, como por su importante morbimortalidad y coste socioeconómico. Objetivo: Comparar la efectividad y consecuencias económicas de la diálisis concertada frente a la diálisis hospitalaria. Metodología: Revisión de alcance, para lo cual se consultaron diferentes bases de datos, mediante términos controlados y libres. Se incluyeron aquellos artículos que comparasen la diálisis concertada frente a la hospitalaria en términos de efectividad. Igualmente, se incluyeron aquellas publicaciones que comparasen, en el ámbito español, el coste entre ambas modalidades de prestación de servicios y las tarifas de precios públicos de las diferentes Comunidades Autónomas. Resultados: En esta revisión se incluyeron 11 artículos: ocho sobre comparación de la efectividad, todos ellos en EE. UU. y tres sobre costes. Se observó una mayor tasa de hospitalización en aquellos centros concertados, pero no se observaron diferencias en mortalidad. Además, una mayor competencia entre proveedores se asoció a menores tasas de hospitalización. Los estudios de costes revisados muestran que la hemodiálisis hospitalaria es más costosa que en centros concertados, debido a los costes de estructura. Los datos de las tarifas públicas de las diferentes Comunidades Autónomas muestran una amplia heterogeneidad en el pago de los conciertos. Conclusiones: La coexistencia en España de centros públicos y concertados, la variabilidad en la prestación y costes de las técnicas de diálisis y la escasa evidencia sobre la efectividad de la externalización del tratamiento ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de seguir potenciando estrategias que redunden en una mejora de la atención a la enfermedad renal crónica. (AU)

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease represents an important health problem, due to its high incidence and prevalence, as well as its significant morbidity and mortality and socioeconomic cost. Aims: Compare the effectiveness and economic consequences of outsourcing versus hospital dialysis. Method: A scoping review, for which different databases were consulted, using controlled and free terms. Those articles that compared concerted versus in hospital dialysis in terms of effectiveness were included. Likewise, those publications that compared, in the Spanish field, the cost between both modes of service provision and the public price rates of the different Autonomous Communities were included. Results: 11 articles were included in this review: 8 on comparison of effectiveness, all of them in the USA, and 3 on costs. A higher rate of hospitalization was observed in subsidized centers, but no differences in mortality were observed. Additionally, greater competition among providers was associated with lower hospitalization rates. The cost studies reviewed show that hospital hemodialysis is more expensive than in subsidized centers, due to the structural costs. The data of the public rates of the different Autonomous Communities show a wide heterogeneity in the payment of the concerts. Conclusions: The coexistence in Spain of public and subsidized centers, the variability in the provision and costs of dialysis techniques, and the low of evidence on the effectiveness of outsourcing treatment show all the need to continue promoting strategies that result in improvement in the care for chronic kidney disease. (AU)

The Concordance between Patients' Renal Replacement Therapy Choice and Definitive Modality: Is It a Utopia?

INTRODUCTION: It is desirable for patients to play active roles in the choice of renal replacement therapy (RRT). Patient decision aid tools (PDAs) have been developed to allow the patients to choose the option best suited to their individual needs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, prospective registry was conducted in 26 Spanish hospitals between September 2010 and May 2012. The results of the patients' choice and the definitive RRT modality were registered through the progressive implementation of an Education Process (EP) with PDAs designed to help Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients choose RRT. RESULTS: Patients included in this study: 1044. Of these, 569 patients used PDAs and had made a definitive choice by the end of registration. A total of 88.4% of patients chose dialysis [43% hemodialysis (HD) and 45% peritoneal dialysis (PD)] 3.2% preemptive living-donor transplant (TX), and 8.4% conservative treatment (CT). A total of 399 patients began RRT during this period. The distribution was 93.4% dialysis (53.6% HD; 40% PD), 1.3% preemptive TX and 5.3% CT. The patients who followed the EP changed their mind significantly less often [kappa value of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.86-0.95)] than those who did not follow it, despite starting unplanned treatment [kappa value of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.75-0.95]. A higher agreement between the final choice and a definitive treatment was achieved by the EP and planned patients [kappa value of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.98)]. Those who did not go through the EP had a much lower index of choosing PD and changed their decision more frequently when starting definitive treatment [kappa value of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.55-0.91)]. CONCLUSIONS: Free choice, assisted by PDAs, leads to a 50/50 distribution of PD and HD choice and an increase in TX choice. The use of PDAs, even with an unplanned start, achieved a high level of concordance between the chosen and definitive modality.

Continuing education: preparing patients to choose a renal replacement therapy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with progressive chronic kidney disease face a series of treatment decisions that will impact the quality of life of themselves and their family. Renal replacement therapy option education (RRTOE), generally provided by nurses, is recommended by international guidelines OBJECTIVES: To provide nurses with advice and guidance on running RRTOE. DESIGN: A consensus conference. PARTICIPANTS: Four nurses, 5 nephrologists and 1 clinical psychologist (9 renal units; 6 European countries) from units that had extensive experience in RRTOE or were performing research in this field. APPROACH: Experts brainstormed and discussed quality standards for the education team, processes, content/topics, media/material/funding and quality measurements for RRTOE. RESULTS: Conclusions and recommendations from these discussions that are particularly pertinent to nurses are presented in this paper. CONCLUSIONS: Through careful planning and smooth interdisciplinary cooperation, it is possible to implement an education and support programme that helps patients choose a form of RRT that is most suited to their needs. This may result in benefits in quality of life and clinical outcomes. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: There are large differences between renal units in terms of resources available and the demographics of the catchment area. Therefore, nurses should carefully consider how best to adapt the advice offered here to their own situation. Throughout this process, it is crucial to keep in mind the ultimate goal - providing patients with the knowledge and skill to make a modality choice that will enhance their quality of life to the greatest degree.

Análisis del tiempo de entrenamiento y su relación con los episodios de peritonitis / Analysis of training time and its relationship with episodes of peritonitis

INTRODUCCIÓN: El entrenamiento es fundamental para garantizar el éxito de la Diálisis Peritoneal. OBJETIVO: Valorar la relación entre el tiempo de aprendizaje y la aparición del primer episodio de peritonitis, comparando entre pacientes jóvenes y ancianos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo. Se incluyó a los pacientes entrenados entre el 1 enero 2014 a 31 diciembre 2018, en el Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León. Se estudiaron variables demográficas, nivel de autonomía, tiempo de entrenamiento, primera peritonitis y germen causante. El punto de corte para diferenciar entre jóvenes y ancianos fue 70 años. Los datos se obtuvieron de la base de datos existente en nuestra unidad. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 112 pacientes, 68% hombres, edad media 62,68 ±15,69 años, 40% mayores de 70 años, el 82% eran autónomos para realizar la diálisis. La media de horas de entrenamiento fue 14,82±6,55; ancianos 18,13±7,93 horas, jóvenes 12,73±4,27, (p = 0,004). El 25% tuvieron peritonitis, 64% por gérmenes Gram+. La media al primer episodio fue 266±283 días. Los ancianos tardan 84 días menos de media en tener peritonitis. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque aparecieron más peritonitis en los pacientes que necesitaron más horas de entrenamiento, no se pudo establecer relación estadística alguna entre ambas variables; si bien los ancianos necesitan más tiempo para completar el entrenamiento y el primer episodio de peritonitis aparece más precozmente

INTRODUCTION: Training is essential to ensure the success of peritoneal dialysis. OBJECTIVE: Assess the relationship between learning time and the appearance of the first episode of peritonitis, comparing between young and older patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, retrospective study. Trained patients were included between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018, in the University Assistance Complex of León. Demographic variables, level of autonomy, training time, first peritonitis and causative germ were studied. The cut-off point to differentiate between young and older was 70 years. The data was obtained from the unit's databases. RESULTS: 112 patients were studied, 68% men, mean age 62.68 ± 15.69 years, 40% over 70 years, 82% were autonomous to perform dialysis. The average training hours were 14.82±6.55; older 18.13±7.93 hours, younger 12.73±4.27, (p = 0.004). 25% had peritonitis, 64% for Gram+ germs. The mean appearance of the first episode was 266 ± 283 days. It takes 84 days less for the older patients to have peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS: Although more peritonitis appeared in patients who needed more training hours, no significant differences were found. Older patients need more time to complete the training and the first episode of peritonitis appears earlier

Análisis de fragilidad y riesgo de peritonitis en pacientes ancianos en diálisis peritoneal / Analysis of fragility and risk of peritonitis in elderly patients on peritoneal dialysis

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los pacientes ancianos en diálisis peritoneal tienen mayor riesgo de presentar fragilidad, pérdida de autonomía, comorbilidad y disminución de calidad de vida. OBJETIVO: evaluar la fragilidad, dependencia, depresión y calidad de vida, analizando la repercusión de la fragilidad sobre el tiempo de aprendizaje de la técnica y la aparición del primer episodio de peritonitis. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 70 años, desde septiembre 2016 a 2017, las peritonitis hasta final de 2018. Se estudiaron variables demográficas, modalidad dialítica, índices de Charlson, Barthel y escala de depresión de Yesavage Escala de fragilidad clínica, calidad de vida, tiempo de entrenamiento y primera peritonitis. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 25 pacientes, 56% hombres, edad media 76,77±5,34 años, el 72% estaban en diálisis peritoneal manual. La media del Charlson 7,88±2,06, del Barthel 88,27±24,66 y del Short form 12 health survey 32,96±8,61. El 40% tenían algún grado de fragilidad, 24% depresión, el 28% precisaban ayuda o estaban institucionalizados. Tiempo medio de entrenamiento en pacientes frágiles fue 16,77±7,93 horas vs no frágiles 15,20±5,06 (p = 0,42). Se recogieron 16 episodios de peritonitis, repartidos al 50%, tiempo medio de aparición frágiles 315,13±212,73 días vs no frágiles 320,25±224,91 (p = 0,44). CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los pacientes realizan diálisis peritoneal manual de forma autónoma. Tienen un nivel de fragilidad bajo, no presentan depresión y gozan de buena calidad de vida para su edad. No existe diferencia en el tiempo de aprendizaje entre los dos grupos. Las peritonitis se reparten al 50% en frágiles y no frágiles

INTRODUCTION: Elderly patients on peritoneal dialysis have a higher risk of presenting fragility, loss of autonomy, comorbidity and decreased quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess frailty, dependency, depression and quality of life, analysing the repercussion of frailty on the learning time of the technique and the appearance of the first episode of peritonitis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: descriptive retrospective study. Patients older than 70 years were included, from September 2016 to 2017, episodes of peritonitis until the end of 2018. Demographic variables, dialysis modality, Charlson index, Barthel index, Yesavage geriatric depression scale, clinical fragility scale, quality of life scale, training time and first peritonitis were collected. RESULTS: 25 patients were included, 56% men, mean age 76.77±5.34 years, 72% were on manual peritoneal dialysis. The mean value for the Charlson index was 7.88±2.06, for Barthel index 88.27±24.66 and for the Short form 12 health survey 32.96±8.61. 40% had some degree of frailty, 24% depression, 28% needed help or were institutionalized. Average training time in fragile patients was 16.77±7.93 hours versus non-fragile 15.20±5.06 (p = 0.42). 16 episodes of peritonitis were collected, distributed to 50% between both groups. The mean time of appearance of fragile people was 315.13±212.73 days versus 320.25±224.91 days for non-fragile ones (p = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients perform manual peritoneal dialysis autonomously. They have low frailty levels, no depression and enjoy a good quality of life for their age. There is no difference in learning time between the two groups. Peritonitis is equally distributed in fragile and non-fragile patients

Predialysis education in practice: a questionnaire survey of centres with established programmes.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that renal replacement therapy option education (RRTOE) can result in enhanced quality of life, improved clinical outcomes, and reduced health care costs. However, there is still no detailed guidance on the optimal way to run such programmes. To help address this knowledge gap, an expert meeting was held in March 2013 to formulate a position statement on optimal ways to run RRTOE. Experts were selected from units that had extensive experience in RRTOE or were performing research in this field. Before the meeting, experts completed a pilot questionnaire on RRTOE in their own units. They also prepared feedback on how to modify this questionnaire for a large-scale study. METHODS: A pilot, web-based questionnaire was used to obtain information on: the renal unit and patients, the education team, RRTOE processes and content, how quality is assessed, and funding. RESULTS: Four nurses, 5 nephrologists and 1 clinical psychologist (9 renal units; 6 EU countries) participated. Nurses were almost always responsible for organising RRTOE. Nephrologists spent 7.5% (median) of their time on RRTOE. Education for the patient and family began several months before dialysis or according to disease progression. Key topics such as the 'impact of the disease' were covered by every unit, but only a few units described all dialysis modalities. Visits to the unit were almost always arranged. Materials came in a wide variety of forms and from a wide range of sources. Group education sessions were used in 3/9 centres. Expectations on the timing of patients' decisions on modality and permanent access differed substantially between centres. Common quality assurance measures were: patient satisfaction, course attendance, updated materials. Only 1 unit had a dedicated budget. CONCLUSIONS: There were substantial variations in how RRTOE is run between the units. A modified version of this questionnaire will be used to assess RRTOE at a European level.