Endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease--a cross-sectional study of predialysis, dialysis and kidney-transplantation patients.

Background: Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are high in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients compared to the general population. Systemic inflammation may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis in CKD patients. We assessed the relationship among, endothelial dysfunction, early atherosclerosis and inflammation in predialysis, dialysis and post kidney-transplantation CKD patients.

Pulse pressure and inhibition of renin-angiotensin system in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Elevated pulse pressure (PP) is an indicator of poor outcome in hypertensives in the general population and on haemodialysis. The prognostic value of PP in pre-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 4/5 and its interaction with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors is unknown.

Methods: This retrospective study of 349 patients from the pre-dialysis clinic analysed the effect association of PP and RAS inhibition on adverse outcomes in CKD stages 4/5.

A training programme for healthcare support workers.

Healthcare support workers (HCSWs) are at the front line of patient care delivery. It is essential that they are appropriately trained and competent in the skills required to deliver the fundamentals of care. There is also a need for HCSWs to have access to continuing professional development that offers a career pathway.