Type of Referral, Dialysis Start and Choice of Renal Replacement Therapy Modality in an International Integrated Care Setting.

Introduction: Integrated Care Settings (ICS) provide a holistic approach to the transition from chronic kidney disease into renal replacement therapy (RRT), offering at least both types of dialysis.

Objectives: To analyze which factors determine type of referral, modality provision and dialysis start on final RRT in ICS clinics.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 626 patients starting dialysis in 25 ICS clinics in Poland, Hungary and Romania during 2012.

Antibodies against Nε-homocysteinylated proteins in patients on different methods of renal replacement therapy.

Background: High levels of antibodies against Nε-homocysteinylated (Nε-Hcy) proteins have been observed in patients on long-term hemodialysis (HD). We sought to investigate whether these antibodies are present in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) in comparable titers and to characterize the factors that determine levels of those antibodies in both patient groups.

Methods: The study involved 80 patients on HD and age- and sex-matched 75 subjects on PD.

Relationship between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine and left ventricular structure and function in patients with end‑stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis.

Introduction:  Asymmetric dimethylarginin (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, considered an effector of endothelial dysfunction. Among multiple diseases associated with elevated ADMA, chronic renal disease is often mentioned. ADMA is thought to be related to certain adverse cardiovascular effects of chronic uremia.

Identifying chronic kidney disease in an emergency department: a chance for an early diagnosis.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has relatively asymptomatic course, but even at its onset, it worsens the prognosis of patients, mainly because of the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Several population-based screening programs as well as initiatives focused on certain risk groups were undertaken to better diagnose early stages of CKD. It appears that an emergency department (ED) of a hospital may be the right place to screen for early CKD.