Ankle-brachial index associates with arteriovenous fistula stenosis.

Background: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis is associated with pre-existing arterial atherosclerosis of AVF and results in significant morbidity and hospitalization for hemodialysis patients. The ankle brachial index (ABI) is a noninvasive method of assessing atherosclerosis. This study was to examine whether ABI is a significant predictor for AVF stenosis.

Reduction in hemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infections after implementation of a novel care program.

Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) due to dialysis is the major factor causing morbidity and mortality factor for patients undergoing hemodialysis and is associated with additional costs for these patients. This study investigated the effect of a novel care program in terms of reducing CRBSIs for hemodialysis patients with nontunneled (temporary) catheters inserted in their femoral veins.

Methods: This study included dialysis patients (inpatients and outpatients) from July 2018 to September 2019, covering two periods, pre-intervention (baseline period) and intervention with a novel care program (novel care period).

Effects of Electrical Stimulation of Acupoints on Xerostomia for Patients Who Undergo Hemodialysis.

Xerostomia plays a major role in higher interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), which causes cardiovascular complications in patients who undergo hemodialysis. However, few studies have determined a method to manage xerostomia. This study determines the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on hemodialysis patients with xerostomia and the percentage of IDWG.

Predictive value of ankle-brachial index for long-term events of ischemic stroke in hemodialysis patients.

Objectives: The ankle-brachial index is a noninvasive modality to evaluate atherosclerosis and is a predictive role for future cardiovascular events and mortality. However, few studies have evaluated its relation to long-term future ischemic stroke in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, we examined the relationship between ankle-brachial index and ischemic stroke events among hemodialysis patients in a seven-year follow-up.