Clinical Factors and Outcomes of Dialysis-Dependent End-Stage Renal Disease Patients with Emergency Department Septic Shock.

BACKGROUND: Infection is the second leading cause of death in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Prior investigations of acute septic shock in this specific population are limited. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation and factors associated with outcome among ESRD patients with acute septic shock. METHODS: We reviewed patients prospectively enrolled in an emergency department (ED) septic shock treatment pathway registry between January 2014 and May 2016. Clinical and treatment variables for ESRD patients were compared with non-ESRD patients. A second analysis focused on ESRD septic shock survivors and nonsurvivors. RESULTS: Among 4126 registry enrollees, 3564 (86.4%) met inclusion for the study. End-stage renal disease was present in 3.8% (n = 137) of ED septic shock patients. Hospital mortality was 20.4% and 17.1% for the ESRD and non-ESRD septic shock patient groups (p = 0.31). Septic shock patients with ESRD had a higher burden of chronic illness, but similar admission clinical profiles to non-ESRD patients. End-stage renal disease status was independently associated with lower fluid resuscitation dose, even when controlling for severity of illness. Age and admission lactate were independently associated with mortality in ESRD septic shock patients. CONCLUSION: ESRD patients comprise a small but important portion of patients with ED septic shock. Although presentation clinical profiles are similar to patients without ESRD, ESRD status is independently associated with lower fluid dose and compliance with the 30-mL/kg fluid goal. Hyperlactatemia is a marker of mortality in ESRD septic shock.

Complications in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread condition that predisposes patients to a myriad of complications, including cardiovascular disease, electrolyte and acid-base derangements, anemia, mineral-bone disease, and volume excess. The frequency of CKD complications increases with the stage of disease, becoming nearly ubiquitous in later stages. The complications of CKD have profound implications for patient management, laboratory monitoring, medication prescribing, and follow up. Management of CKD seeks to slow disease progression and mitigate the risks posed by these complications.

Pain management for patients with chronic kidney disease in the primary care setting.

Pain is routinely reported in patients with chronic kidney disease. Pain is often multifaceted, making the treatment of this complex patient population even more challenging. Understanding pain types as well as treatment options for this patient population is an important skillset for the primary care provider.