Creating arteriovenous fistulas for children in Guatemala.

OBJECTIVE: The Guatemalan Foundation for Children with Kidney Diseases was established in 2003 as the first and only comprehensive pediatric nephrology program and hemodialysis unit in Guatemala. Bridge of Life (BOL) is a not-for-profit charitable organization focused on chronic kidney disease and supplied equipment, training and support during formation of the hemodialysis unit. Pediatric permanent vascular access (VA) expertise had not been established and noncuffed dialysis catheters provided almost all VA, many through subclavian vein access sites. BOL assistance was requested for establishing a VA surgical program, resulting in recurring BOL surgical missions to create arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) in these children. This study analyzes the BOL pediatric VA missions to Guatemala. METHODS: Three surgical pediatric VA missions were conducted in Guatemala from 2015 to 2017. Each mission was led by two or three surgeons. All supplies and equipment (including ultrasound units) were taken as part of each mission. The BOL surgical VA mission teams work with local pediatric surgeons, pediatric nephrologists, and dialysis nurses to establish collegial relationships and foster teaching interactions. We retrospectively reviewed the patient demographic data, procedures, and outcomes for these missions. RESULTS: AVFs were created in 54 new pediatric patients. Ages were 8 to 19 years (13.4 ± 2.8 years) and 29 patients (54%) were male. Patient weights were 28 to 50 kg (30.8 ± 8.3 kg) with body mass indexes of 12 to 25 kg/m2 (17.9 ± 2.9 kg/m2). Radiocephalic AVFs were created in 21 children (39%), proximal radial artery AVFs in 12 (22%). and brachial artery inflow AVFs in 5 (9%). Sixteen patients (30%) required transpositions and one a translocation; two of these were femoral procedures. Primary and cumulative patency rates were 83% and 85% at 12 months and 62% and 85% at 36 months, respectively. The median follow-up was 17 months. Interventions with fistulagram and balloon angioplasty options were not available for AVF dysfunction or access salvage during the study period. However, six patients underwent an AVF revision and salvage during subsequent missions or by one of the Guatemalan surgeons (R.S.). Four individuals underwent successful transplantation during the study period. There were no operative deaths or major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric VA missions to Guatemala created safe and functional AVFs in concert with local pediatric surgeons and pediatric nephrologists. Three surgical missions included access operations in 54 new patients. Cumulative AVF patency was 85% at 36 months.

Improved long-term survival with home hemodialysis compared with institutional hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: a matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The survival rate for dialysis patients is poor. Previous studies have shown improved survival with home hemodialysis (HHD), but this could be due to patient selection, since HHD patients tend to be younger and healthier. The aim of the present study is to analyse the long-term effects of HHD on patient survival and on subsequent renal transplantation, compared with institutional hemodialysis (IHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD), taking age and comorbidity into account. METHODS: Patients starting HHD as initial renal replacement therapy (RRT) were matched with patients on IHD or PD, according to gender, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index and start date of RRT, using the Swedish Renal Registry from 1991 to 2012. Survival analyses were performed as intention-to-treat (disregarding changes in RRT) and per-protocol (as on initial RRT). RESULTS: A total of 152 patients with HHD as initial RRT were matched with 608 IHD and 456 PD patients, respectively. Median survival was longer for HHD in intention-to-treat analyses: 18.5 years compared with 11.9 for IHD (p <  0.001) and 15.0 for PD (p = 0.002). The difference remained significant in per-protocol analyses omitting the contribution of subsequent transplantation. Patients on HHD were more likely to receive a renal transplant compared with IHD and PD, although treatment modality did not affect subsequent graft survival (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: HHD as initial RRT showed improved long-term patient survival compared with IHD and PD. This survival advantage persisted after matching and adjusting for a higher transplantation rate. Dialysis modality had no impact on subsequent graft survival.

Trasplante renal y disminución de la mortalidad en los programas de diálisis crónica / The role of kidney transplantation in reducing mortality in a chronic dialysis program

El trasplante renal (TR) presenta mejor supervivencia, calidad de vida y costos que la diálisis en la insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC). Estudiamos pacientes en diálisis que recibieron TR durante 2010, las causas de finalización del tratamiento y la supervivencia en diálisis. Evaluamos si criterios más amplios para la aceptación de trasplantes hubieran afectado los resultados del procedimiento en ese período. Incluimos 118 pacientes en diálisis, edad media 56.9 ± 18.4 años, tiempo en diálisis 45.5 ± 59.6 meses, 35 (30%) presentaban diabetes como causa de IRC, y 58 (49%) estaban en espera del TR. Treinta y cuatro finalizaron diálisis, 18 por TR y 12 por fallecimiento. Las principales causas de muerte fueron cardiovasculares, 6 (50%) e infecciones, 2 (17%). La supervivencia al año fue 85% para el grupo total, 98% para los pacientes inscriptos en lista de espera y 72% para no inscriptos. Durante 2010 se realizaron 88 TR (62 con donantes cadavéricos [DC], 18 donantes vivos y 8 dobles trasplantes páncreas-riñón). Los receptores de DC tenían en promedio 50.7 años, 67 meses en diálisis, 8 (13%) eran diabéticos, 12 (20%) con TR previos y 3 cross match contra panel de anticuerpos > 20%. Los donantes tenían edad media 45 años, 28 (45%) con criterios expandidos y 27.7 h de isquemia fría. A los 11.4 meses de seguimiento, 13 (21%) presentó rechazo agudo, la supervivencia para injerto fue de 88% y 93% para pacientes. La principal causa de finalización de diálisis fue TR, sin detectarse que el empleo de DC afectara la supervivencia del TR.

For patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), kidney transplant (KT) is a better alternative to dialysis in terms of survival, life quality and costs. We studied the general characteristics, causes and survival rate of the dialysis population in 2010. We evaluated broader criteria for acceptance of transplants has affected the results of the procedure in that period. A total of 118 dialysis patients were included; mean age 56.9 ± 18.4 years, dialysis duration 45.5 ± 59.6 months, main cause of CRF was diabetes in 35 (30%), and 58 (49%) were included in waiting list for KT. Of the 34 patients who finished dialysis in 2010, 18 (53%) were KT, while 12 (35%) died (cardiovascular 50%, infectious 17%). Survival at 12 months was 85% for the total group, 98% on waiting list and 72% those who were not enrolled. During 2010 there were 88 KT, 62 with cadaveric donors (CD), 18 with living donors and 8 with double pancreas-kidney transplants. Recipients of CD were 50.7 years old, with 67 months on dialysis, 8 (13%) diabetics, and 12 (20%) with previous KT. Donors had a mean age of 45 years, 28 (45%) expanded criteria, and 27.7 hours of cold ischemia time. During an approximate follow-up of 11.4 months, 13 (21%) suffered acute graft rejection, survival was 88% for graft and 93% for patients. We emphasize KT as the main cause of success as regards dialysis. No differences in risk factors were found to significantly affect graft or patient survival.

UK Renal Registry 16th annual report: chapter 2 UK RRT prevalence in 2012: national and centre-specific analyses.

INTRODUCTION: This chapter describes the characteristics of adult patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the UK in 2012. METHODS: Data were electronically collected from all 71 renal centres within the UK. A series of crosssectional and longitudinal analyses were performed to describe the demographics of prevalent RRT patients in 2012 at centre and national level. RESULTS: There were 54,824 adult patients receiving RRT in the UK on 31st December 2012. The UK adult prevalence of RRT was 861 pmp. This represented an annual increase in absolute prevalent numbers of approximately 3.7%, although there was variation between centres and Primary Care and Health Board areas. The actual number of patients increased across all modalities: 2.3% haemodialysis (HD), 0.3% peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 5.6% for those with a functioning transplant. The number of patients receiving home HD has increased by 19.3% since 2011. Median RRT vintage for patients on HD was 3.4 years, PD 1.7 years and for those patients with a transplant, 10.2 years. The median age of prevalent patients was 58 years (HD 66 years, PD 63 years, transplant 52 years) compared to 55 years in 2005. For all ages the prevalence rate in men exceeded that in women. The most common recorded renal diagnosis was glomerulonephritis (biopsy proven/not biopsy proven) (18.8%). Transplantation was the most common treatment modality (50.4%) CONCLUSIONS: The HD and transplant population continued to expand; the decline in the size of the prevalent PD population has plateaued. There were national, regional and dialysis centre level variations in prevalence rates. Prevalent patients were on average three years older than the prevalent RRT cohort 7 years ago. This has continued implications for service planning and ensuring equity of care for RRT patients.

Chapter 6 Survival and causes of death of UK adult patients on renal replacement therapy in 2010: national and centre-specific analyses.

INTRODUCTION: These analyses examine a) survival from the start of renal replacement therapy (RRT), based on the total incident UK RRT population reported to the UK Renal Registry, including the 18% who started on PD and the 7% who received a pre-emptive transplant and b) survival of prevalent patients. Changes in survival between 1997 and 2009 are also reported. METHODS: Survival of incident patients (starting RRT during 2009) was calculated both from the start of RRT and from 90 days after starting RRT, both with and without censoring at transplantation. Survival of prevalent dialysis patients was calculated to exclude patients once they were transplanted. Both Kaplan-Meier and Cox adjusted models were used to calculate survival. Causes of death were analysed for both groups. Relative risk of death was calculated compared with the general UK population. RESULTS: The 2009 unadjusted 1 year after 90 day survival for patients starting RRT was 86.6% (87.3% in 2008). In incident patients aged 18-64, the unadjusted 1 year survival had increased from 86.0% in 1997 to 91.3% in 2009. In incident patients aged ≥ 65, unadjusted 1 year survival had improved from 64.1% to 76.2%. There were no survival differences between genders. The relative risk of death compared to the general population decreased from 25 times at age 30-34 to 2.7 times at age 85+. Cause of death data completeness has improved 18% since last year. Cardiac disease is the most common cause of death in prevalent dialysis patients and malignancy most frequent in prevalent transplant patients. CONCLUSIONS: Survival of patients starting RRT has improved for all ages since 1997. The frequency of cardiac disease as the cause of death has decreased since 1997.

Chapter 8 Haemoglobin, ferritin and erythropoietin amongst UK adult dialysis patients in 2010: national and centre-specific analyses.

BACKGROUND: The UK Renal Association (RA) and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have published clinical practice guidelines which include recommendations for management of anaemia in established renal failure. AIM: To determine the extent to which the guidelines for anaemia management are met in the UK. METHODS: Quarterly data were obtained regarding haemoglobin (Hb) and factors that influence Hb from renal centres in England, Wales, Northern Ireland (EWNI) and the Scottish Renal Registry for the incident and prevalent renal replacement therapy (RRT) cohorts for 2010. RESULTS: In the UK, in 2010 53.6% of patients commenced dialysis therapy with Hb ≥ 10.0 g/dl (median Hb 10.1 g/dl). The median Hb of haemodialysis (HD) patients was 11.5 g/dl with an interquartile range (IQR) of 10.5-12.3 g/dl. Of HD patients 84.6% had Hb ≥ 10.0 g/dl. The median Hb of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in the UK was 11.6 g/dl (IQR 10.6-12.5 g/dl). Of UK PD patients, 87.2% had Hb ≥ 10.0 g/dl. The median ferritin in HD patients in EWNI was 444 µg/L (IQR 299-635) and 96% of HD patients had a ferritin ≥ 100 µg/L. The median ferritin in PD patients was 264 µg/L (IQR 148-426) with 86% of PD patients having a ferritin ≥ 100 µg/L. In EWNI the mean Erythropoietin Stimulating Agent (ESA) dose was higher for HD than PD patients (9,020 vs. 6,202 IU/week). CONCLUSIONS: Of prevalent HD patients, 52.7% had Hb ≥ 10 and ≤ 12 g/dl. Of prevalent PD patients, 54.3% had Hb 10.5-12.5 g/dl.

Relatório do censo brasileiro de diálise de 2010 / 2010 report of the Brazilian dialysis census

INTRODUÇÃO: Dados nacionais sobre diálise crônica são essenciais para o planejamento do tratamento de tal enfermidade. OBJETIVO: Apresentar dados do Censo da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia (SBN) sobre os pacientes com doença renal crônica que estavam em diálise de manutenção em 1 de julho de 2010. MÉTODOS: Levantamento dos dados de unidades de diálise de todo o país. A coleta de dados foi feita utilizando questionário preenchido online pelas unidades de diálise do Brasil cadastradas na SBN. RESULTADOS: Das unidades consultadas, 340 (53,3 por cento) responderam ao Censo. A partir dessas respostas foram feitas estimativas nacionais para a população em diálise. Em julho de 2010, o número estimado de pacientes em diálise foi de 92.091. As estimativas nacionais das taxas de prevalência e de incidência de insuficiência renal crônica em tratamento dialítico foram de 483 e 100 pacientes por milhão da população, respectivamente. O número estimado de pacientes que iniciaram tratamento em 2010 foi 18.972. A taxa anual de mortalidade bruta foi de 17,9 por cento. Dos pacientes prevalentes, 30,7 por cento tinham idade igual ou superior a 65 anos; 90,6 por cento estavam em hemodiálise e 9,4 por cento em diálise peritoneal; 35.639 (38,7 por cento) estavam em fila de espera para transplante; 28 por cento eram diabéticos; 34,5 por cento tinham fósforo sérico > 5,5 mg/dL e 38,5 por cento, hemoglobina < 11 g/dL. O cateter venoso era usado como acesso vascular em 13,6 por cento dos pacientes em hemodiálise. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de pacientes em diálise tem apresentado aumento progressivo. Os dados dos indicadores da qualidade diálise de manutenção melhoraram em relação a 2009 e destacam a importância do censo anual para o planejamento da assistência dialítica.

INTRODUCTION: National chronic dialysis data are fundamental for treatment planning. OBJECTIVE: To report data of the annual survey of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology about patients with chronic renal failure who were on dialysis in 1 July, 2010. METHODS: A national survey based on data from the country's dialysis centers. Data collection was performed by using a questionnaire filled out online by the dialysis centers. RESULTS: 340 (53.3 percent) centers answered the questionnaire. National data were estimated for the overall dialysis population. In July 2010, the estimated total number of patients on dialysis was 92,091. The estimated prevalence and incidence rates of end-stage chronic kidney disease patients on maintenance dialysis were 483 and 100/million population, respectively. The estimated number of patients starting a dialysis program in 2010 was 18,972. The annual crude mortality rate was 17.9 percent. Of those on maintenance dialysis, 30.7 percent were aged 65 years or older, 90.6 percent were on hemodialysis and 9.4 percent on peritoneal dialysis, 35,639 (38.7 percent) were on a kidney transplant waiting list, 28 percent were diabetics, 34.5 percent had serum phosphorus levels > 5.5 mg/dL, and 38.5 percent had hemoglobin levels < 11 g/dL. Vascular access was through a venous catheter in 13.6 percent of the hemodialysis patients. CONCLUSIONS: The number of end-stage kidney disease patients on maintenance dialysis is increasing in Brazil. Data concerning the indicators of the quality of maintenance dialysis improved compared to the prior year, and they highlight the importance of the census to guide chronic dialysis therapy.

Methods used to reduce the prevalence of hepatitis C in a dialysis unit.

In the present study, we report on the follow-up of the epidemiology of hepatitis C viremia in our dialysis unit after our previous report, over the period from July 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005. The methods to reduce the prevalence of hepatitis C viremia in our center included: strict adherence to universal infection control precautions, separation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive patients from the negative patients and using specially designated machines for them, and from July 2003, periodic testing of all patients for HCV-RNA. Following the application of the above mentioned methods, we have not had, since 31 December 2005, any case of sero-conversion from HCV-negative to HCV-positive in our dialysis unit and the only HCV-positive patients present were those who were already positive at entry. The overall prevalence of HCV-RNA positive patients in our unit has presently come down to 6.5%. Although isolation and use of designated machines for HCV-RNA positive patients is not recommended following the latest guidelines of "Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes" (KDIGO, 2008), the present study supports previous reports that these measures might be beneficial, when there is a high prevalence of HCV-RNA positive patients, and in units where due to understaffing or other causes, break in infection control procedures is likely to occur.

Estimación del tamaño óptimo de una unidad de hemodiálisis con base en el potencial de su infraestructura

Objetivo. Obtener estimaciones para el tamaño óptimo de unidades de hemodiálisis considerando los factores en la producción de este servicio. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio en México en 2009. Se analizan algunos métodos para calcular el tamaño óptimo de una unidad de hemodiálisis bajo diferentes condiciones: mercado monopolístico, en competencia perfecta y maximización de producción. Resultados. Una unidad óptima con base en los supuestos de este ejercicio de estimación debería de contar con: 16 dializadores (15 activos, uno de reserva) y una purificadora de agua que pueda abastecerlos. Además son necesarios un médico nefrólogo y cinco enfermeras por cada dos turnos, con cuatro turnos por día. Conclusión. Comparando lo óptimo con lo observado en estudios recientes de México, se observan ineficiencias en la operación, particularmente por desaprovechar tanto el potencial del equipo de filtrado de agua como el equipo de salud.

Objective. To estimate the optimum size for hemodialysis units to maximize production given capital constraints. Materials and Methods. A national study in Mexico was conducted in 2009. Three possible methods for estimating a unit’s optimum size were analyzed: hemodialysis services production under monopolistic market, under a perfect competitive market and production maximization given capital constraints. Results. The third method was considered best based on the assumptions made in this paper; an optimal size unit should have 16 dialyzers (15 active and one back up dialyzer) and a purifier system able to supply all. It also requires one nephrologist, five nurses per shift, considering four shifts per day. Conclusion. Empirical evidence shows serious inefficiencies in the operation of units throughout the country. Most units fail to maximize production due to not fully utilizing equipment and personnel, particularly their water purifier potential which happens to be the most expensive asset for these units.

Motivo de escolha de diálise peritoneal: exaustão de acesso vascular para hemodiálise? / Reason for choosing peritoneal dialysis: exhaustion of vascular access for hemodialysis?

Introdução: Pouco se conhece sobre a evolução de pacientes que iniciam DP como única alternativa. Objetivos: Descrever o perfil clínico-demográfico e a ocorrência de peritonite em uma amostra de pacientes convertidos de HD para DP por exaustão de acesso vascular. Métodos: Revisão dos prontuários de todos os pacientes do programa de DP do HGRS. resultados: Foram estudados 22 pacientes com idade mediana de 47,9 anos, 54,5% de homens, 84,2% negros ou mulatos, 68,2% procedentes do interior da Bahia. DP foi a modalidade inicial de TRS em apenas quatro pacientes. Os 18 pacientes restantes iniciaram TRS através de cateter duplo-lúmen (CDL). Em uma mediana de 7,7 meses em HD, a maioria dos pacientes (64,7%) usou mais de quatro CDL. Em apenas 7/18 (39%) pacientes, a conversão de HD para DP foi feita por escolha do paciente; na maioria dos casos, 11/18 (61%), o motivo de conversão foi exaustão de acesso vascular para HD. Peritonite foi mais frequente nos pacientes que entraram em HD por exaustão de acesso vascular que no restante do grupo. Conclusões: O início de TRS de forma emergencial através de HD utilizando CDL pode levar a uma rápida exaustão de acesso vascular, deixando a DP como única alternativa viável. Este modo inadequado de "seleção" de pacientes para DP está associado a maiores chances de ocorrência de peritonite.

Introduction: Little is known about the evolution of patients starting PD as the only alternative. Objectives: To describe the clinical and demographic profile and the occurrence of peritonitis in a sample of patients converted from HD to SD by exhaustion of vascular access. Methods: The charts of all patients of the DP program HGRS. Results: We studied 22 patients with median age of 47.9 years, 54.5% men, 84.2% black or mulatto, 68.2% from the interior of Bahia. PD was the initial modality of RRT in only four patients. The 18 remaining patients started RRT using double-lumen catheter (CDL). At a median of 7.7 months in HD, most patients (64.7%) used more than four CDL. In only 7 / 18 (39%) patients, conversion from HD to SD was performed by patient choice, in most cases, 11/18 (61%), the reason for conversion was exhaustion of vascular access for HD. Peritonitis was more frequent among patients who entered HD exhaustion of vascular access in the rest of the group. Conclusions: The early form of TRS emergency by using HD CDL can lead to rapid exhaustion of vascular access, leaving the PA as the only viable alternative. This improperly "select" patients for PD is associated with higher probability of occurrence of peritonitis.

Factors that influence access to the national renal transplant waiting list.

BACKGROUND: Registry data can be used to examine whether there are differences between individual renal units in the proportion of dialysis patients listed for renal transplantation, to investigate possible reasons for any differences observed, and to discover whether highlighting these anomalies can influence practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 12, 401 prevalent adult dialysis patients from 41 renal units across England and Wales was performed. The proportion of patients registered on the deceased donor transplant waiting list was determined for each renal unit. Patient- and center-specific factors that influence the probability of being listed for transplantation were identified and used to adjust for differences observed between units. The annual change in the size of the transplant waiting list was examined before and after presentation of these data. RESULTS: A total of 23.3% of patients were active on the transplant waiting list. PATIENT: Specific variables significantly associated with listing were age, primary renal disease, graft number, social deprivation, and ethnicity but not gender. Centre-specific variables included size of renal unit, size of living donor program, and listing practice for living donor transplantation. Whether the renal unit was also a transplant unit was not significant. After adjusting for these variables, there remained unexplained variation between renal units in the proportion of dialysis patients on the waiting list. An increase in the number of patients listed for transplantation has been observed since presenting these data. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in listing practice exist between centers that cannot be explained by the patient case mix or center characteristics examined.

Vascular access for hemodialysis: experience of a team of nephrologists.

A survey conducted by Bonucchi et al. underlined the different types of doctors placing arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis in the United States and Europe (in particular Italy). In fact, nephrologists definitely prevail in Italy, where almost 48.8% of nephrologists place an AVF themselves or with the help of a vascular surgeon (26.4%). In Europe, only 35% do so, whereas 89% of AVF are performed by surgeons in the United States. In 98% of the cases occurring at our center, the AVF was placed and reviewed by the nephrologists. This paper reports surgery cases related to the period between January 1983 and September 2006. Over this time, 1386 operations for placing and reviewing vascular access were conducted. Among these, 47 (3.3%) were related to a cuffed central venous catheter (CVC); 1138 (80.2%) related to a distal AVF; 201 (10.6%) related to a proximal AVF; and 51 (3.6%) related to an arteriovenous graft (AVG). In addition, 33 (2.3%) operations performed before January 1983 relating to AV Scribner shunts were included. Arteriovenous fistulas or AVGs were provided to our patients (only 2.6% of them have a CVC), and AVF rescue operations were performed in the shortest possible time with advantages for the patient and his vascular access.

Modelling access to renal transplantation waiting list in a French healthcare network using a Bayesian method.

Evaluation of adult candidates for kidney transplantation diverges from one centre to another. Our purpose was to assess the suitability of Bayesian method for describing the factors associated to registration on the waiting list in a French healthcare network. We have found no published paper using Bayesian method in this domain. Eight hundred and nine patients starting renal replacement therapy were included in the analysis. The data were extracted from the information system of the healthcare network. We performed conventional statistical analysis and data mining analysis using mainly Bayesian networks. The Bayesian model showed that the probability of registration on the waiting list is associated to age, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, serum albumin level, respiratory disease, physical impairment, follow-up in the department performing transplantation and past history of malignancy. These results are similar to conventional statistical method. The comparison between conventional analysis and data mining analysis showed us the contribution of the data mining method for sorting variables and having a global view of the variables' associations. Moreover theses approaches constitute an essential step toward a decisional information system for healthcare networks.

Nefropatia Diabética nas Unidades de Diálise da Região Sul de Santa Catarina: perfil clínico-epidemiológico / Diabetic Nephropaty in Dialisis Units of South Santa Catarina State: clinic-epidemiological outline

Objetivos: Conhecer a prevalência de Nefropatia Diabética (ND) nas Unidades de Diálise (UD) na Região Sul de Santa Catarina e o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos pacientes. Método: Estudo descritivo, observacional, retrospectivo, transversal, quantitativo, dos pacientes com nefropatia diabética, em tratamento dialítico, de julho de 2003 a julho de 2005 nas Unidades de Diálise de Araranguá, Criciúma e Tubarão.Resultados: Dos 211 pacientes, 86 (40,75%) tinham o diagnóstico de ND. O Diabetes Melito tipo 2 (DM 2) foi o mais prevalente com 89,5% dos pacientes. O sexo masculino correspondeu a 52% dos casos, e o feminino a 48%. Em 69 pacientes a história familiar para DM 2 foi positiva. Quarenta e um fumavam e 45 não fumavam. Sessenta e sete pacientes (78%) eram brancos, 6 (7%) negros, 13 (15%) pardos. A média de idade dos pacientes em foi de 58,27 anos. A média de tempo entre o diagnóstico e início do tratamento foi de 13,6 anos. A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica ocorreu associada ao DM 2 em 71% dos pacientes, a Neuropatia Periférica em22%, a Retinopatia Diabética e a Doença Cardiovascular em 24,4% e o Acidente Vascular Cerebral em 11,6%. Conclusão: A ND gera grande morbidade,mortalidade e altos custos quando está em um estágio que necessita de diálise. Medidas preventivas são úteis para evitar que os fatores de risco estabeleçam um quadro de ND.

Objectives: To know the prevalence of Diabethic Nefropaty in Dialisis Units of Southern Santa Catarina State and the pacients clinic-epidemiological outline. Methods: Descritive, observacional, retrospective, transversal, qualitative study, of Diabethic Nefropaty pacients, in dialitic treatment, beetwen July 2003 and July 2005 in Dialisis Units of Araranguá, Criciúma and Tubarão.Results: There were 211 pacients, and 86 (40,75%) with Diabethic Nefropaty. The Diabetes Melito type 2 (DM 2) was the most prevalent (89,5% of pacients).The male sex was present in 52%, and the female in 48% . In 69 pacients the familiar history to DM 2 was present. . Forty-one pacients smoking and forty-five doesn't smoking. Sixty seven pacients (78%) were whites, 6 (7%) blacks, 13 (15%) mixed. The mean agewas 58,27. The time between diagnostic and treatment started was 13,6 years. Hypertension was present with DM 2 in 71% pacients, Periferic Neuropaty in 22%, Diabethic Retinopaty and Cardiovascular disease in 24,4% , and the Stroke in 11,6%. Conclusion: Diabethic Nefropaty causes highmorbidity, mortality and high costs when is in the stage that needs of dialisis. Preventive measures are avaliableto impede that risc factors lead to ND.

Patient characteristics associated with defects of the peritoneal cavity boundary.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting literature exist regarding the patient characteristics that may confer an increased risk for anatomic complications of the peritoneal cavity boundaries. METHODS: We collected data from 75 randomly selected units in the United States and Canada, representing a total of 1864 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. RESULTS: 200 of these patients experienced a total of 217 anatomic complications between July 2000 and June 2001; 16 patients had more than 1 complication. Hernias comprised 60.4% of all complications: 24.9% inguinal, 18.9% umbilical, 13.8% ventral, 2.3% femoral, and 0.5% intrathoracic. Other complications included pericatheter or subcutaneous leak (25.3%), hydrothorax (6.0%), and miscellaneous (8.3%). Peritoneal dialysis modalities in use at the time of complication were automated PD (52.3%), continuous ambulatory PD (38.6%), and nocturnal intermittent PD (9.1%). The overall incidence of hernias was 7%. CONCLUSIONS: Logistic regression analysis found no association between hernias and age, body surface area, PD modality, volume of dialysate, time of largest dwell (day/upright vs night/recumbent), or type of catheter used. Cystic disease conferred a 2.5-fold increase in risk for anatomic complications (p < 0.001); female gender conferred an 80% reduction in risk (p < 0.0001), and Kt/V > or = 2.0 conferred a 52% reduction in risk (p < 0.05) for hernia.

Clinical management. Where medicine meets management. Pumping iron.

Non-haemodialysis renal patients requiring intravenous iron therapy are increasing the pressure on renal units. A new form of iron therapy can dramatically reduce patient visits, but takes longer to administer. Sunday provision of nurse-led clinics has enabled a switch to this new therapy. Cost savings have more than offset the additional nurse-led sessions and eliminated waiting lists for this group.

[Importance of the "adequate blood phosphorus" concept as a risk factor for hyperphosphatemia]. / Importancia del concepto "fosfatemia adecuada" como factor de riesgo de hiperfosfatemia.

Hyperphosphatemia is an important risk factor of secondary hyperparathyroidism and extraosseous calcifications in chronic renal failure patients. In this study our hypothesis is that physicians misconception of adequate phosphatemia is a risk factor for hyperphosphatemia. In 1999 GEMOR sent a renal osteodystrophy inquiry to different hemodialysis centers in Argentina. It included 80 dialysis centers in 17 Argentinian provinces. The enquire had 33 questions about renal osteodystrophy. Here we report the section related to phosphorous metabolism. We obtained responses from 80 dialysis centers (4,512 dialysis patients), which represents about 24% of Argentinian dialysis centers. Physicians considered phosphorous levels between 4.5 to 5.5 mg/dl in 83.5% of centers as adequate, and between 5.5 to 6.5 mg/dl in 10.1%. Five out of 77 centers reported that they had no patients with hyperphosphatemia. The percentage of hemodialysis patients that had more than 6 mg/dl in each center was 28.8 +/- 15.9%. Those centers that aimed for phosphatemia between 5.5 and 6.5 mg/dl, had a higher percentage of patients with phosphatemia above 6 mg/dl than those aiming for between 4.5 and 5.5 mg/dl (42.8 +/- 16.7 vs 27.1 +/- 15.2% respectively, p = 0.007), and had higher mean of phosphatemia (6.4 +/- 0.7 vs 5.3 +/- 0.7 mg/dl respectively, p = 0.0001), than the last group. In conclusion, a higher mean phosphate level was obtained in hemodialysis centers where physicians considered higher pre-dialysis target levels. Some centers had no patients with hyperphosphatemia (neglect or good control?).

Development of a continuous renal replacement program in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients encounter many obstacles, such as acute renal failure, that increases length of stay as well as hospital cost. Dialysis in these patients is often ineffective thereby prolonging the inevitable and significantly increasing the cost of care. A dialysis program that could improve patient care, potentially improve outcome and be "revenue neutral" would be ideal. METHODS: A continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) program was developed to significantly impact the care of critically ill patients Using the latest CRRT equipment along with an innovative hands-on CRRT training program, a specialized CRRT team was created. Working in conjunction with the hospital business office, new revenue charge codes were created and existing codes were updated. Patients who underwent CRRT had their financial records reviewed for: hospital cost to perform CRRT, total hospital billing to the payer, CRRT revenue 881 (billing units) charged to the payer, total charges and reimbursement for the account, percentage of reimbursement, collected revenue, and payer. RESULTS: From April 2000 to February 2002, 39 critically ill patients underwent CRRT. Initial set-up cost was US$79,622.80 and the cost of CRRT was US$222,323.98. The hospital billed for US$656,090.63 and assuming 100% reimbursement, the potential profit was US$427,678.50. However, loss of revenue, mainly from noncompliance with charge capture resulted in the hospital billing only US$386,794.32 with a total reimbursement of US$165,779.86. The 21 burn patients who underwent CRRT yielded a net profit of US$10,294.12, with the highest reimbursement from workman's compensation and private payers. The overall mortality rate was 59% and 65% for the burn patients; significantly lower than published national averages. CONCLUSIONS: An in-house CRRT program improved patient care by providing dialysis in patients who normally would not tolerate the procedure. Although there was a loss of revenue, CRRT in the burn patients appeared "revenue neutral." Although not specifically studied in this review, based on published data, mortality rates in this population were lower than expected especially in critically ill burn patients.