Comparative evolution of hemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis in elderly.

Unlabelled: The prevalence of treated patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has considerably increased in the last decade mainly in the elderly age groups. The type of optimal mode of dialysis therapy in elderly is difficult to establish and most studies comparing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in elderly failed to demonstrate the superiority of one therapy versus the other. The present article uses Charlson Co morbidity Index to compare evolution of an elderly population in HD versus PD.

Vascular calcifications in chronic kidney disease--clinical management.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients could present various types of calcifications causing different pathological conditions that would contribute to the renal disease progression and high risk of mortality. Extra-skeletal calcifications represent a common consequence of mineral bone disorders in CKD patients. Vascular calcifications represent a complex systemic manifestation caused by phospho-calcium homeostasis disorders, by imbalance among promoters and inhibitors of calcification and the presence of various arterial diseases and other risk factors.

Potassium level changes--arrhythmia contributing factor in chronic kidney disease patients.

Unlabelled: As the renal function progressive decline is often correlated to diuresis impairment, potassium level changes represent a major pathophysiological factor in monitoring chronic kidney disease. Even more, potassium level imbalance could lead to life-threatening situations with the risk of severe rhythm disorders appearance. The aim of the study was to determine in which degree the serum potassium changes are implicated in arrhythmias development in CKD patients.

[Acute-on-chronic renal disease caused by pancreatitis--impact of renal replacement therapy].

Acute pancreatitis is often complicated by acute renal failure, either isolated or part of multiple organ failure. Preexisting chronic kidney disease worsens the prognosis, especially when the pancreatitis is severe and/or other major comorbidities are present. In case of acute-on-chronic renal failure secondary to acute pancreatitis, an early application of renal replacement therapy has improved the prognosis of patients included in the present clinical study.