Nocturnal Hemodialysis: Why Aren't More People Doing It?

Nocturnal hemodialysis is a form of intensive hemodialysis, which may be done in center or at home. Despite the documented clinical and economic benefits of ncturnal hemodialysis, uptake of this modality has been relatively low. In this review, we aim to address the potential barriers and possible mitigation strategies. Among the patient-related barriers, lack of knowledge and awareness remains the most common barrier, while administrative inertia to change from conventional in-center hemodialysis continues to be a challenge. Current global effort to grow home dialysis will re-focus the need for better patient education, innovate home dialysis technology, and evolve new models of care. New patient-focused policy will allow changes in reimbursement and develop appropriate momentum toward an integrated "home first model" to kidney replacement therapy.

Sleep apnea is not associated with worse outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.

Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders in kidney transplant recipients, however its long-term consequences have only rarely been investigated. Here, we hypothesized that the presence of OSA would be associated with higher risk of mortality and faster decline of graft function in kidney transplant recipients. In a prospective cohort study 100 prevalent kidney transplant recipients who underwent one-night polysomnography at baseline and were followed for a median 75 months. Generalized linear mixed-effects models and Cox regression models were used to assess the association between OSA and the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease(CKD) and mortality. The estimated slopes of estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) in patients with and without OSA were compared using a two-stage model of eGFR change including only OSA as a variable. In this model patients with OSA (eGFR versus time was -0.93 ml/min/1.73 m(2)/yr(95%CI:-1.75 to-0.11) had a similar slope as compared to patients without OSA(eGFR versus time was -1.24 ml/min/1.73 m(2)/yr(95%CI: -1.67 to -0.81). In unadjusted Cox proportional regression analyses OSA was not associated with higher all-cause mortality risk (Hazard Ratio(HR) = 1.20; 95% Confidence Interval(CI): 0.50-2.85). No association was found between the presence of OSA and the rate of progression of CKD or all-cause mortality in prevalent kidney transplant recipients.

The outcome of nephrectomy in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Data regarding the outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients undergoing nephrectomy are limited. In the 20-year retrospective study reported here, we included patients who underwent nephrectomy and then subsequently started PD within 1 year (group A) and those who underwent nephrectomy while already on PD (group B). We examined mechanical complications including incisional hernia, peritoneal leak, and wound infection or dehiscence. Among biochemical outcomes (group B only), we analyzed serum creatinine, albumin, potassium, and phosphate for 1 year pre- and post-nephrectomy. Among the 8 patients identified (4 in group A, 4 in group B), 7 underwent unilateral nephrectomy, and 1, bilateral nephrectomy. Surgery was laparoscopic in 1 patient and open in 7 patients. The approach was transperitoneal in 5 patients, and retroperitoneal in 3 patients. Incisional hernia occurred in 4 patients (2 in each group), and retroperitoneal leak was seen in 1 patient in group B after 2 months. No wound dehiscence or other complications occurred. In group B, 2 patients required hybrid therapy in the form of once-weekly hemodialysis with continuous ambulatory PD. Among the biochemical complications, we noted that serum creatinine increased (as expected), and serum albumin significantly declined and remained lower post-nephrectomy. Our data show that, post-nephrectomy, PD patients have a high incidence of incisional hernia. They also experience a significant decline in serum albumin and a substantial loss in residual kidney function potentially requiring intensified dialysis. The retroperitoneal approach may on occasion predispose to retroperitoneal leak of dialysate.