Publications by authors named "Charani Kiriwandeniya"

Introduction: The GOAL trial, a cluster randomized controlled trial, investigated the effect of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) on frail older people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This paper describes the following: (i) participant baseline characteristics, and (ii) their relationship with CKD stage and frailty severity.

Methods: Sixteen kidney outpatient clinics (clusters) were randomly allocated 1:1 to CGA or usual care.

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Introduction: Inequitable access to health care based on demographic factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status and geographical location has been consistently found in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, little is known about the perspectives of caregivers on accessing health care. We described caregivers' perspectives on accessing health care for children with CKD from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and/or rural or remote areas.

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Article Synopsis
  • Patient navigators help adult patients navigate complex health systems, aiming to improve access and health outcomes; this study focused on the effects of such a program for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • In a multi-center trial, children with CKD from low socioeconomic backgrounds were randomly assigned to receive immediate patient navigation or waitlisted for six months.
  • Results showed no significant difference in self-rated health between the two groups after six months, but caregivers reported gaining skills for better care coordination and support despite some challenges in the process.
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Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infections, such as peritonitis, exit site, and tunnel infections, substantially impair the sustainability of PD. Accordingly, PD-related infection is the top-priority research outcome for patients and caregivers. While PD nurse trainers teach patients to perform their own PD, PD training curricula are not standardized or informed by an evidentiary base and may offer a potential approach to prevent PD infections.

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Background: Delayed graft function (DGF) is a major adverse complication of deceased donor kidney transplantation. Intravenous fluids are routinely given to patients receiving a transplant to maintain intravascular volume and optimise graft function. Saline (0·9% sodium chloride) is widely used but might increase the risk of DGF due to its high chloride content.

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Unlabelled: Delayed graft function (DGF) is a major complication of deceased donor kidney transplantation. Saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is a commonly used intravenous fluid in transplantation but may increase the risk of DGF because of its high chloride content.

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Article Synopsis
  • A validated measure of vascular access (VA) function is essential for effective hemodialysis (HD), but currently, there is no reliable method to assess this outcome in clinical practice.
  • The VALID study aims to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of measuring VA function using a defined standard over a 6-month period, comparing routine clinical assessments to expert evaluations.
  • The study will include approximately 612 participants from diverse dialysis units across multiple countries, focusing on gathering data on the effectiveness, time, and acceptability of the VA function measurement process.
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Background: Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) require multidisciplinary care to meet their complex healthcare needs. Patient navigators are trained non-medical personnel who assist patients and caregivers to overcome barriers to accessing health services through care coordination. This trial aims to determine the effectiveness of a patient navigator program in children with CKD.

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Background: This update summarises key changes made to the protocol since the publication of the original protocol for the NAVKIDS trial of patient navigators for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experiencing social disadvantage and provides the statistical analysis plan (SAP) which has not previously been published.

Methods/design: The original protocol was published in BMC Nephrology ( https://doi.org/10.

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The unprecedented demand placed on healthcare systems from the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a reassessment of clinical trial conduct and feasibility. Consequently, the Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN), an established collaborative research group known for conducting investigator-initiated global clinical trials, had to efficiently respond and adapt to the changing landscape during COVID-19. Key priorities included ensuring patient and staff safety, trial integrity and network sustainability for the kidney care community.

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