A multimethods international maPping exercise of Arts Interventions in reNal uniTs: the PAINT project.

Introduction Due to the chronic nature of kidney disease and the challenges of symptom burden, reduced mortality and co-morbidity, individuals living with the condition experience substantial anxiety and depression. Incorporating the arts into clinical practice is encouraged to promote and support mental health and wellbeing. The aim of the PAINT project was to undertake an international mapping exercise to identify the current provision of arts programmes in kidney centres for people living with kidney disease.

Premature mortality and disparities in kidney healthcare for people with chronic kidney disease and severe mental health difficulties.

Background: People with severe mental health difficulties, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and psychosis, have higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Little was known regarding clinical outcomes and utilisation of kidney care for people with CKD and severe mental health difficulties.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of individuals with CKD attending a tertiary renal unit in London, between 2006 and 2019.

Effectiveness of interventions for informal caregivers of people with end-stage chronic illness: a systematic review.

Background: People living with advanced, non-malignant chronic conditions often have extensive and complex care needs. Informal or family caregivers often provide the care and support needed by those with advanced chronic conditions at home. These informal caregivers experience many challenges associated with their caring role, which can impact their own wellbeing.

Vestibular schwannoma causing normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Vestibular schwannoma is a common benign tumour that may cause local complications. However, vestibular schwannoma has a known association with communicating hydrocephalus presenting with symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus and requiring treatment by ventricular shunting or tumour resection. We report a 79-year-old woman who presented with subacute gait apraxia, cognitive impairment and urinary incontinence.

Shunting for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Background: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) occurs when the brain ventricles expand, causing a triad of gait, cognitive, and urinary impairment. It can occur after a clear brain injury such as trauma, but can also occur without a clear cause (termed idiopathic, or iNPH). Non-randomised studies have shown a benefit from surgically diverting ventricular fluid to an area of lower pressure by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-shunting in iNPH, but historically there have been limited randomised controlled trial (RCT) data to confirm this.