Risk assessment of failure during transitioning from in-centre to home haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Introducing a de-novo home haemodialysis (HHD) program often raises safety concerns as errors could potentially lead to serious adverse events. Despite the complexity of performing haemodialysis at home without the supervision of healthcare staff, HHD has a good safety record. We aim to pre-emptively identify and reduce the risks to our new HHD program by risk assessment and using failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to identify potential defects in the design and planning of HHD. METHODS: We performed a general risk assessment of failure during transitioning from in-centre to HHD with a failure mode and effects analysis focused on the highest areas of failure. We collaborated with key team members from a well-established HHD program and one HHD patient. Risk assessment was conducted separately and then through video conference meetings for joint deliberation. We listed all key processes, sub-processes, step and then identified failure mode by scoring based on risk priority numbers. Solutions were then designed to eliminate and mitigate risk. RESULTS: Transitioning to HHD was found to have the highest risk of failure with 3 main processes and 34 steps. We identified a total of 59 areas with potential failures. The median and mean risk priority number (RPN) scores from failure mode effect analysis were 5 and 38, with the highest RPN related to vascular access at 256. As many failure modes with high RPN scores were related to vascular access, we focussed on FMEA by identifying the risk mitigation strategies and possible solutions in all 9 areas in access-related medical emergencies in a bundled- approach. We discussed, the risk reduction areas of setting up HHD and how to address incidents that occurred and those not preventable. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a safety framework for a de-novo HHD program by performing FMEA in high-risk areas. The involvement of two teams with different clinical experience for HHD allowed us to successfully pre-emptively identify risks and develop solutions.

The high-volume haemodiafiltration vs high-flux haemodialysis registry trial (H4RT): a multi-centre, unblinded, randomised, parallel-group, superiority study to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of high-volume haemodiafiltration and high-flux haemodialysis in people with kidney failure on maintenance dialysis using linkage to routine healthcare databases for outcomes.

BACKGROUND: More than a third of the 65,000 people living with kidney failure in the UK attend a dialysis unit 2-5 times a week to have their blood cleaned for 3-5 h. In haemodialysis (HD), toxins are removed by diffusion, which can be enhanced using a high-flux dialyser. This can be augmented with convection, as occurs in haemodiafiltration (HDF), and improved outcomes have been reported in people who are able to achieve high volumes of convection. This study compares the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of high-volume HDF compared with high-flux HD in the treatment of kidney failure. METHODS: This is a UK-based, multi-centre, non-blinded randomised controlled trial. Adult patients already receiving HD or HDF will be randomised 1:1 to high-volume HDF (aiming for 21+ L of substitution fluid adjusted for body surface area) or high-flux HD. Exclusion criteria include lack of capacity to consent, life expectancy less than 3 months, on HD/HDF for less than 4 weeks, planned living kidney donor transplant or home dialysis scheduled within 3 months, prior intolerance of HDF and not suitable for high-volume HDF for other clinical reasons. The primary outcome is a composite of non-cancer mortality or hospital admission with a cardiovascular event or infection during follow-up (minimum 32 months, maximum 91 months) determined from routine data. Secondary outcomes include all-cause mortality, cardiovascular- and infection-related morbidity and mortality, health-related quality of life, cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. Baseline data will be collected by research personnel on-site. Follow-up data will be collected by linkage to routine healthcare databases - Hospital Episode Statistics, Civil Registration, Public Health England and the UK Renal Registry (UKRR) in England, and equivalent databases in Scotland and Wales, as necessary - and centrally administered patient-completed questionnaires. In addition, research personnel on-site will monitor for adverse events and collect data on adherence to the protocol (monthly during recruitment and quarterly during follow-up). DISCUSSION: This study will provide evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HD as compared to HDF for adults with kidney failure in-centre HD or HDF. It will inform management for this patient group in the UK and internationally. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN10997319 . Registered on 10 October 2017.

Determinants of active energy expenditure in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Less active haemodialysis patients have an increased risk of mortality. We wished to determine which factors were associated with active energy expenditure (AEE). METHODS: We used the validated recent physical activity questionnaire to determine AEE and estimated dietary protein intake and creatinine generation rates. We measured extracellular and total body water ratio (ECW/TBW) and appendicular lean muscle with bioimpedance and arm strength by hand grip strength (HGS). Patients were graded using the Charlson co-morbidity and the Clinical Frailty Score (CFS). RESULTS: AEE was calculated in 98 patients (64 male), mean age 62.1 ± 15.5 years, and AEE was negatively associated with CFS (r = -0.48), ECW/TBW (r = -0.47) and age (r = -0.4), all p < 0.001, Charlson co-morbidity score (-0.27, p = 0.007), and positively with serum creatinine (r = 0.38, p < 0.010), and HGS (r = 0.25, p = 0.016). Although protein nitrogen accumulation and creatinine generation were associated with resting energy expenditure (r = 0.70 and r = 0.44 respectively, both p < 0.0001), neither were associated with AEE. On multivariable analysis only CFS remained independently associated with AEE (ß = -0.031, 95% limits: -0.057 to -0.004, p = 0.024), although both age (negative p = 0.07), and ALM (positive p = 0.081) were retained in the model. CONCLUSIONS: We found that AEE was lower with increasing frailty, age, loss of cell mass, co-morbidity and inflammation, and greater AEE in patients with higher serum creatinine and albumin, and greater muscle strength on univariate analysis, but only frailty remained independently associated on multivariable analysis. Whether exercise programmes designed to increase AEE in haemodialysis patients can improve frailty scores, and so reduce mortality risk reman to be determined.

Energy expenditure estimates in chronic kidney disease using a novel physical activity questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) levels are low in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), and associate with increased morbidity and mortality. Reliable tools to assess PA in CKD are scarce. We aimed to develop and validate a novel PA questionnaire for use in CKD (CKD-PAQ). METHODS: In Phase 1, a prototype questionnaire was developed based on the validated recent PAQ (RPAQ). Structured feedback on item relevance and clarity was obtained from 40 CKD patients. In Phase 2, the questionnaire was refined in three iterations in a total of 226 CKD patients against 7-day accelerometer and RPAQ measurements. In Phase 3, the definitive CKD-PAQ was compared with RPAQ in 523 CKD patients. RESULTS: In the final iteration of Phase 2, CKD-PAQ data were compared with accelerometer-derived and RPAQ data in 60 patients. Mean daily metabolic equivalent of task (MET) and total energy expenditure (TEE) levels were similar by all methods. Intraclass correlation coefficients showed fair (MET) and good (TEE) agreement between accelerometry and both CKD-PAQ and RPAQ. Agreement between questionnaires was excellent. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] daily MET bias was 0.035 (0.312) for CKD-PAQ and 0.018 (0.326) for RPAQ. The mean (SD) TEE bias was 91 (518) for CKD-PAQ and 44 (548) kcal for RPAQ. Limits of agreement (LOA) were wide for both parameters, with less dispersion of CKD-PAQ values. In Phase 3, agreement between questionnaires was good (MET) and excellent (TEE). Bias of CKD-PAQ-derived mean (SD) daily MET from RPAQ-derived values was 0.031 (0.193), with 95% LOA -0.346 to 0.409. Corresponding mean (SD) values for TEE were 48 (325) and -588 to 685 kcal/day. CKD-PAQ appeared to improve discrimination between low activity groups. CONCLUSIONS: CKD-PAQ performs comparably to the RPAQ though it is shorter, easier to complete, and may better capture low-level activity and improve discrimination between low activity groups.

Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Management of Hepatorenal Syndrome.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common presentation in patients with advanced cirrhosis hospitalized with acute decompensation. A new revised classification now divides AKI in cirrhotic patients into two broad subgroups: hepatorenal syndrome AKI (HRS AKI) and non-hepatorenal syndrome AKI (non-HRS AKI). HRS AKI represents the end-stage complication of decompensated cirrhosis with severe portal hypertension and is characterized by worsening of renal function in the absence of prerenal azotemia, nephrotoxicity, and intrinsic renal disease. Non-HRS AKI may be caused by prerenal hypoperfusion, bile acid nephropathy, nephrotoxicity, or acute parenchymal insult. There have been several mechanisms proposed to explain the pathophysiology of HRS AKI and non-HRS AKI, and a number of biomarkers have been suggested to aid in differentiation between these types of AKI and to act as prognostic indicators. The standard of care clinical management for patients with HRS AKI is to exclude other etiologies of AKI, followed by volume expansion with human albumin solution and then the introduction of vasopressors. However, some 40% of patients treated for HRS AKI fail to respond. In this review, we discuss the current and recent data about classification, pathophysiology, and management of AKI in general, with specific insight about the treatment of HRS AKI.

Estimated dietary sodium intake in peritoneal dialysis patients using food frequency questionnaires and total urinary and peritoneal sodium losses and assessment of extracellular volumes.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are advised to restrict sodium intake. For best use of resources, rapid screening tools are required for dietary assessments to allow for targeting of patients. We wished to evaluate the usefulness of food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) for estimating dietary sodium. METHODS: Sodium intake was estimated using the Derby Salt Questionnaire (DSQ), and Royal Free Sodium Questionnaire (RFSQ). Body composition was determined by bioimpedance. RESULTS: 90 peritoneal dialysis patients, 52 men (57.8%), mean age 62 ± 15.8 years, were asked to complete the DSQ and RFSQ questionnaires. 88 completed one or more questionnaire, with 87 completing the DSQ and 86 the RFSQ. The median estimated dietary sodium intake 104 (72-145) mmol/day (2.39 (1.64-3.34) g sodium/day) DSQ, and 92 (60-114) mmol/day (2.11 (1.38-2.62) g sodium/day) RFSQ. Younger patients, aged ≤52 years had greater dietary sodium intake compared to those ≥76 years (RFSQ 105.4 (73-129) vs 96 (71-116) mmol/day), p < 0.05. Extracellular water to total body water (ECW/TBW) was greater in those with higher DSQ estimated dietary sodium intake (0.40 ± 0.01 vs 0.39 ± 0.01, p < 0.05). A multivariable model showed that increased dietary sodium intake was independently associated with increased SMM (DSQ odds ratio (OR) 1.17 (95% confidence limits 1.05-1.32, RFSQ OR 1.15 (1.04-1.27, p < 0.05) and raised ECW/TBW (DSQ OR 1.88 (1.22-2.92) p = 0.004, and ECW/height (RFSQ OR 1.42 (1.02-1.98) p = 0.04. CONCLUSIONS: Both questionnaires were acceptable to patients, and the majority were found to be consuming more dietary sodium than recommended. Dietary sodium estimation was associated with SMM and increased ECW.

Comparison of Various Scaling Parameters and Energy Expenditure in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) dosing is determined by urea clearance scaled to total body water (TBW). However, studies delivering greater peritoneal Kt/V urea have failed to demonstrate improved survival. Body surface area (BSA) has been suggested as an alternative scaling factor. Cellular metabolism generates toxins, and thus total energy expenditure (TEE) might be a preferable scaling factor. Because TEE is cumbersome to determine, we set out to determine the association of anthropomorphic scaling factors with TEE.The TEE was determined using the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire combined with resting energy expenditure by validated equations that use doubly labelled isotopic water and body composition by multi-frequency bioimpedance.In 148 adult PD patients [97 men (65.5%)], mean age was 60.6 ± 20.6 years, and median PD treatment duration was 9.1 months (range: 3.5 - 25.2 months). Mean weight in the group was 73.6 ± 16.7 kg, body mass index (BMI) was 26.0 ± 4.9 kg/m2, and BSA was 1.86 ± 0.24 m2. The mean TEE was 1974 ± 414 kcal daily, and it correlated with BMI (men: r = 0.48, p < 0.001; women r = 0.36, p = 0.018), BSA (men: r = 0.56; women: r = 0.63; both p < 0.001), and TBW (men: r = 0.62; women: r = 0.65; both p < 0.001). Skeletal muscle mass correlated with BMI (men: r = 0.48; women: r = 0.50), BSA (men: r = 0.72; women: r = 0.63), and TBW (men: r = 0.98; women: r = 0.99), all p < 0.001.Comparing scaling factors, correlations with TEE were stronger for TBW and BSA than for BMI. Skeletal muscle mass was most strongly associated with TBW. Our study did not demonstrate any advantage for BSA compared with TBW as a scaling factor to adjust the dose of PD.

Haemodialysis at home: review of current dialysis machines.

INTRODUCTION: Only a minority of patients with chronic kidney disease treated by hemodialysis are currently treated at home. Until relatively recently, the only type of hemodialysis machine available for these patients was a slightly smaller version of the standard machines used for in-center dialysis treatments. AREAS COVERED: There are now an alternative generation of dialysis machines specifically designed for home hemodialysis. The home dialysis patient wants a smaller machine, which is intuitive to use, easy to trouble shoot, robust and reliable, quick to setup and put away, requiring minimal waste disposal. The machines designed for home dialysis have some similarities in terms of touch-screen patient interfaces, and using pre-prepared cartridges to speed up setting up the machine. On the other hand, they differ in terms of whether they use slower or standard dialysate flows, prepare batches of dialysis fluid, require separate water purification equipment, or whether this is integrated, or use pre-prepared sterile bags of dialysis fluid. EXPERT COMMENTARY: Dialysis machine complexity is one of the hurdles reducing the number of patients opting for home hemodialysis and the introduction of the newer generation of dialysis machines designed for ease of use will hopefully increase the number of patients opting for home hemodialysis.

Comparison of equations of resting and total energy expenditure in peritoneal dialysis patients using body composition measurements determined by multi-frequency bioimpedance.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Waste products of metabolism accumulate in patients with kidney failure and it has been proposed that the amount of dialysis treatment patients require be adjusted for energy expenditure. This requires validation of methods to estimate energy expenditure in dialysis patients. METHODS: We compared values of resting energy expenditure (REE) estimated in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients using a selection of available equations with estimates derived using a novel equation recently validated in chronic kidney disease patients (CKD equation). We also determined the relationship of these estimates of REE and of total energy expenditure (TEE - which is REE plus physical activity associated energy expenditure (PAEE) estimated using the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire) - to bioimpedance-derived parameters of body composition. RESULTS: We studied 118 adult PD patients; 75 male (63.6%), 33 diabetic (28.5%), Caucasoid (42.4%), mean age 59.3 ± 18.2 years and weight 73.1 ± 16.6 kg. REE with the CKD equation was 1532 ± 237 kcal/day, which was more than that for Mifflin-St. Joer 1425 ± 254, Harris-Benedict 1489 ± 267, Katch-McArdle 1492 ± 243, but less than Cunningham 1648 ± 248 kcal/day. Bland Altman mean bias ranged from -107 to 111 kcal/day. TEE was 1924 (1700-2262) kcal/day, and on multi-variate analysis was associated with appendicular muscle mass and nitrogen appearance rate (ß 34.3, p < 0.001 and ß 5.6, p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: With reference to the CKD equation, the majority of standard equations underestimate REE in PD patients. Whereas the Cunningham equation overestimates REE. TEE was associated with appendicular muscle mass and estimated dietary protein intake.

Comparison of resting energy equations and total energy expenditure in haemodialysis patients and body composition measured by multi-frequency bioimpedance.

AIM: Waste products of metabolism are retained in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Cellular metabolism generates energy, and patients with greater energy expenditure may therefore require more dialysis. The aim of the present study was to determine the amount of dialysis required, to determine equations estimating the required resting and total energy expenditure (REE, TEE). METHODS: Estimates of REE in HD patients were compared using established equations with a novel equation recently validated in HD patients (HD equation). TEE was derived from REE (HD equation) and estimates of physical activity obtained by questionnaire. REE and TEE relationships with bioimpedance measured body composition were then determined. RESULTS: A total of 317 HD patients were studied: 195 males (61.5%), 123 diabetic (38.9%), mean age 65.0 ± 15.3 and weight 73.1 ± 16.8 kg. REE from HD Equation was 1509 ± 241 kcal/day, which was greater than for Mifflin St Joer 1384 ± 259, Harris-Benedict 1437 ± 244, Katch-McArdle 1345 ± 232 (all P < 0.05 vs. HD Equation), but less than Cunningham 1557 ± 236 kcal/day. Bland-Altman mean bias ranged from -263 to 55 kcal/day. TEE was 1727 (1558-1976) kcal/day, and on multi-variable analysis was positively associated with skeletal muscle mass (ß 23.3, P < 0.001), employment (ß 406.5, P < 0.001), low co-morbidity (ß 105.1, P = 0.006), and protein nitrogen appearance (ß 2.7, P = 0.015), and negatively with age (ß -7.9, P < 0.001), and dialysis vintage (ß -121.2, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Most standard equations underestimate REE in HD patients compared to the HD Equation. TEE was greater in those with higher skeletal muscle mass and protein nitrogen appearance, lower co-morbidity, age, and dialysis vintage, and the employed. More metabolically active patients may require greater dialytic clearances.

Effect of Self-Reported Distress Thermometer Score on the Maximal Handgrip and Pinch Strength Measurements in Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness is a risk factor for mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Muscle strength measurements are routinely used as a screening tool but depend on patient cooperation and motivation. We wished to determine whether measuring maximal voluntary muscle strength was affected by patient self-reported distress. METHODS: We measured pinch strength (PS) and handgrip strength (HGS) in 382 adult HD patients with a corresponding self-reported distress thermometer (DT) scores. Postdialysis body composition measurements were made using multifrequency bioelectrical assessments and patients assessed for frailty. RESULTS: Mean age was 66.4 ± 14.9 years, with 238 males (62%), 48% diabetic, and dialysis vintage 36 (15-75) months. The mean DT score was 4.4 ± 3.3, with a frailty score of 4.6 ± 1.5. On multivariable analysis, DT scores were associated with frailty (ß = 0.35, P = .003), prescription of aspirin for cardiac disease (ß = 1.0, P = .004), lean body mass (ß = 0.04, P = .004), and negatively with age (ß = -0.05, P < .001), hematocrit (ß = -8.2, P = .004), and maximum PS (ß = -1.4, P = .003). CONCLUSION: Paradoxically higher self-reported DT scores were associated with younger age and lean body mass. As such, younger healthier, rather than more comorbid, patients may have greater expectations for their health and therefore report more distress. We found no association between DT scores and HGS, and as such, although HGS is a voluntary test, it appears to be a robust test independent of patient stresses. However, PS was lower in patients with higher DT scores, and as such, greater care may be required in interpreting these measurements.

Rationale and design of BISTRO: a randomized controlled trial to determine whether bioimpedance spectroscopy-guided fluid management maintains residual kidney function in incident haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Preserved residual kidney function (RKF) and normal fluid status are associated with better patient outcomes in incident haemodialysis patients. The objective of this trial is to determine whether using bioimpedance technology in prescribing the optimal post-dialysis weight can reduce the rate of decline of RKF and potentially improve patient outcomes. METHODS/DESIGN: 516 pateints commencing haemodialysis, aged >18 with RKF of > 3 ml/min/1.73 m2 or a urine volume >500 ml per day or per the shorter inter-dialytic period will be consented and enrolled into a pragmatic, open-label, randomized controlled trial. The intervention is incorporation of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BI) determination of normally hydrated weight to set a post-dialysis target weight that limits volume depletion, compared to current standard practice. Clinicians and participants will be blinded to BI measures in the control group and a standardized record capturing management of fluid status will be used in all participants. Primary outcome is preservation of residual kidney function assessed as time to anuria (≤100 ml/day or ≤200 ml urine volume in the short inter-dialytic period). A sample size of 516 was based upon a cumulative incidence of 30% anuria in the control group and 20% in the treatment group and 11% competing risks (death, transplantation) over 10 months, with up to 2 years follow-up. Secondary outcomes include rate of decline in small solute clearance, significant adverse events, hospitalization, loss of vascular access, cardiovascular events and interventions, dialysis efficacy and safety, dialysis-related symptoms and quality of life. Economic evaluation will be carried out to determine the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Analyses will be adjusted for patient characteristics and dialysis unit practice patterns relevant to fluid management. DISCUSSION: This trial will establish the added value of undertaking BI measures to support clinical management of fluid status and establish the relationship between fluid status and preservation of residual kidney function in incident haemodialysis patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISCCTN Number: 11342007 , completed 26/04/2016; NIHR Portfolio number: CPMS31766; Sponsor: Keele University.

Comparison of estimates of resting energy expenditure equations in haemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: Waste products of metabolism accumulate in patients with chronic kidney disease, and require clearance by haemodialysis (HD). We wished to determine whether there was an association between resting energy expenditure (REE) and total energy expenditure (TEE) in HD patients and body composition. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We determined REE by recently validated equations (CKD equation) and compared REE with that estimated by standard equations for REE, and TEE calculated from patient reported physical activity, in HD patients with corresponding body composition measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning. RESULTS: We studied 107 patients, 69 male (64.5%), mean age 62.7 ± 15.1 years. The CKD equation REE was 72.5 ± 13.3 watts (W) and TEE 83.2 ± 9.7 W. There was a strong association between REE with body surface area (BSA) (r2 = 0.80), total soft lean and fat lean tissue mass (r2 = 0.69), body mass index (BMI) (r2 = 0.34), all p<0.001. REE estimated using the modified Harris Benedict, Mifflin St. Jeor, Katch McArdle, Bernstein and Robertson equations underestimated REE compared to the CKD equation. TEE was more strongly associated with BSA (r2 = 0.51), appendicular muscle mass (r2 = 0.42), than BMI (r2 = 0.15) all p<0.001.TEE was greater for those employed (104.9 ± 10.7 vs. 83.1 ± 12.3 W, p<0.001), and with no co-morbidity (88.7 ± 14.8 vs. 82.7 ± 12.3 W, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Standard equations underestimate REE in HD patients compared to the CKD equation. TEE was greater in those with more skeletal muscle mass, in those who were employed and in those with the least co-morbidity. More metabolically active patients may well require greater dialytic clearances.

New Dialysis Technology and Biocompatible Materials.

Although haemodialysis is an established treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease, sustaining life for more than 2 million patients world-wide, the mortality of dialysis patients remains high and is greater than that for some of the more common solid organ cancers. As such, the question arises as to whether more efficient clearance of the waste products of metabolism which accumulate would improve outcomes. Recent reports of an association between improved patient survivals with higher-volume on-line haemodiafiltration exchanges would support this hypothesis. This has led to both the development of newer dialyser designs based on microfluidics using convective clearances to increase middle-molecule clearances and also a generation of superflux dialysers designed to remove larger-molecular-weight azotaemic toxins which have yet to be studied in large randomised prospective clinical trials. However, haemodiafiltration and superflux dialysers do not affectively clear protein-bound azotaemic toxins, and there is accumulating evidence that some of these toxins increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This has led to resurgence in the interest of developing adsorption devices, using activated carbon technology, and the development of composite dialyser membranes by either adding carbons or other biomaterials to increase adsorption capacity to the standard dialyser. While anaphylactoid reactions used to be a recognised complication of haemodialysis, improvements in dialyser membrane bioincompatibility and changing sterilisation techniques have markedly reduced these reactions. Organic chemicals can leach out from the plastics in the blood lines and dialyser, and attention is required to adequately rinse the extracorporeal circuit to reduce patient exposure.

Can radiological assessment of abdominal computerized scans diagnose encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in long-term peritoneal dialysis patients?

AIM: Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but potentially devastating complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Changes to the peritoneal membrane occur with duration of PD therapy. To determine the potential effect of prospective computerized tomography (CT) scanning, we reviewed the scans of patients who had developed EPS compared with those without EPS. METHODS: We retrospectively compared CT scans that had been prospectively performed in a screening program for PD patients after 4 years of PD and compared scans from 18 patients with confirmed EPS and 26 vintage matched controls without EPS. Anonymized scans were reported independently by two blinded experienced radiologists. RESULTS: Peritoneal thickening, calcification, bowel tethering, thickening and dilatation were significantly more commonly reported in the EPS group. Total combined radiological scores, also including septation within peritoneal fluid, were significantly higher in the EPS group and the greatest for those who died as a consequence of EPS. Simplified scoring based on presence or absence, then for a score of ≥3.0, gave a receiver operating characteristic value of 0.87 for EPS, with a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 85%, respectively. Inter-observer agreement varied from poor to good, being the greatest for calcification and bowel dilatation and the lowest for peritoneal thickening. CONCLUSION: CT scan reporting can differentiate EPS from peritoneal changes associated with duration of PD therapy. Severity of abnormalities was associated with clinical outcomes. However, inter-observer agreement varies with different radiological appearances, and future studies are required to determine weighting of radiological changes to provide prognostic information for clinicians and patients.

High convection volume in online post-dilution haemodiafiltration: relevance, safety and costs.

Increasing evidence suggests that treatment with online post-dilution haemodiafiltration (HDF) improves clinical outcome in patients with end-stage kidney disease, if compared with haemodialysis (HD). Although the primary analyses of three large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed inconclusive results, post hoc analyses of these and previous observational studies comparing online post-dilution HDF with HD showed that the risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality is lowest in patients who are treated with high-volume HDF. As such, the magnitude of the convection volume seems crucial and can be considered as the 'dose' of HDF. In this narrative review, the relevance of high convection volume in online post-dilution HDF is discussed. In addition, we briefly touch upon some safety and cost issues.

Does the presence of an arteriovenous fistula alter changes in body water following hemodialysis as determined by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance assessment?

Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance assessments (MFBIAs) aid clinical assessment of hydration status for hemodialysis (HD) patients. Many MFBIA devices are restricted to whole body measurements and as many patients dialyze using arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), we wished to determine whether AVFs affected body water measurements. We reviewed pre- and post-HD segmental MFBIA measurements in 229 patients attending for midweek HD sessions. Up to 144 were dialyzed with a left arm AVF (L-AVF), 42 with a right arm AVF (R-AVF), and 43 by central venous access catheter (CVC). Water content and lean tissue were greater in the left compared to right arm in those patients with L-AVFs both pre and post dialysis (pre 2.1 ± 0.7 vs. 2.0 ± 0.7 L, and post 1.9 ± 0.6 vs. 1.8 ± 0.6 L and pre 2.65 ± 0.9 vs. 2.56 ± 0.8 kg, and post 2.34 ± 0.8 vs. 2.48 ± 0.8 vs. 2.34 ± 0.8 kg, respectively) and were also greater in the right compared to left arm for those patients dialyzing with R-AVFs (pre-HD 1.92 ± 0.5 vs. 1.86 ± 0.6 L and post-HD 1.79 ± 0.5 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 L, and pre-HD 2.47 ± 0.6 vs. 2.38 ± 0.7 kg and post-HD 2.3 ± 0.74 vs. 1.28 ± 0.7 kg, respectively), all Ps < 0.05. There were no significant differences in arm volumes or composition pre or post dialysis in those dialyzing with CVCs. Segmental MFBIA detects differences in arm water and lean mass in patients with AVFs. The presence on an AVF increases the water content in the ipsilateral arm both pre and post HD. This increased water content of the fistula arm will not be detected by whole body bioimpedance devices.

Do we need a different organ allocation system for kidney transplants using donors after circulatory death?

BACKGROUND: There is no national policy for allocation of kidneys from Donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors in the UK. Allocation is geographical and based on individual/regional centre policies. We have evaluated the short term outcomes of paired kidneys from DCD donors subject to this allocation policy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of paired renal transplants from DCD's from 2002 to 2010 in London. Cold ischemia time (CIT), recipient risk factors, delayed graft function (DGF), 3 and 12 month creatinine) were compared. RESULTS: Complete data was available on 129 paired kidneys.115 pairs were transplanted in the same centre and 14 pairs transplanted in different centres. There was a significant increase in CIT in kidneys transplanted second when both kidneys were accepted by the same centre (15.5 ± 4.1 vs 20.5 ± 5.8 hrs p<0.0001 and at different centres (15.8 ± 5.3 vs. 25.2 ± 5.5 hrs p=0.0008). DGF rates were increased in the second implant following sequential transplantation (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Paired study sequential transplantation of kidneys from DCD donors results in a significant increase in CIT for the second kidney, with an increased risk of DGF. Sequential transplantation from a DCD donor should be avoided either by the availability of resources to undertake simultaneous procedures or the allocation of kidneys to 2 separate centres.

Changing the paradigm from contraction of peritoneal dialysis programs to increasing prevalent peritoneal dialysis numbers.

Compared with other European and North American countries, the United Kingdom traditionally had proportionally more dialysis patients treated by peritoneal dialysis. However as in many economically developed countries, peritoneal dialysis numbers have fallen in the United Kingdom, particularly since the early 2000s. In an effort to increase home-based dialysis therapies, the U.K. Department of Health introduced a new system of reimbursement tariffs favoring peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis compared with standard hospital-based hemodialysis. Here, we report how our own center responded to the impending change in reimbursement rates and turned what had been a declining peritoneal dialysis program into one that almost doubled in size within 3 years.