Design and methodology of the impact of HemoDiaFIlTration on physical activity and self-reported outcomes: a randomized controlled trial (HDFIT trial) in Brazil.

Background: End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients require a renal replacement therapy (RRT) to filter accumulated toxins and remove excess water, which are associated with impaired physical function. Hemodialysis (HD) removes middle-molecular weight (MMW) toxins less efficiently compared to hemodiafiltration (HDF); we hypothesized HDF may improve physical function. We detailed the design and methodology of the HDFIT protocol that is testing whether changing from HD to HDF effects physical activity levels and various outcomes.

Temporal Trends and Factors Associated with Medication Prescription Patterns in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Introduction: Patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) suffer from a high burden of comorbidities, which are managed with multiple medications. Determinants of prescription patterns are largely unknown in this population. This study assesses temporal changes and factors associated with medication prescription in a nationally representative population of patients on PD under the universal coverage healthcare system in Brazil.

Peritonitis as a risk factor for long-term cardiovascular mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients: The case of a friendly fire?

Aim: Since the impact of peritonitis on long-term non-infectious mortality has not been investigated until the present, the aim of this study was to analyze the impact of peritonitis on long-term cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a large peritoneal dialysis (PD) cohort.

Methods: The analysis was based on BRAZPD II, a national prospective cohort study that recruited patients in Brazilian centres from December 2004 to January 2011. Incident adult PD patients with at least 90 days on treatment were included in the analysis.

Icodextrin reduces insulin resistance in non-diabetic patients undergoing automated peritoneal dialysis: results of a randomized controlled trial (STARCH).

Background: Insulin resistance is a common risk factor in chronic kidney disease patients contributing to the high cardiovascular burden, even in the absence of diabetes. Glucose-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions are thought to intensify insulin resistance due to the continuous glucose absorption from the peritoneal cavity. The aim of our study was to analyse the effect of the substitution of glucose for icodextrin on insulin resistance in non-diabetic PD patients in a multicentric randomized clinical trial.

Associations between global population health indicators and dialysis variables in the Monitoring Dialysis Outcomes (MONDO) consortium.

Background: The number of patients receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) increases annually and worldwide. Differences in the RRT incidence, prevalence, and modality vary between regions and countries for reasons yet to be clarified.

Aims: Gain a better understanding of the association between hemodialysis (HD)-related variables and general population global health indicators.

Characterization of the BRAZPD II cohort and description of trends in peritoneal dialysis outcome across time periods.

Observational studies from different regions of the world provide valuable information in patient selection, clinical practice, and their relationship to patient and technique outcome. The present study is the first large cohort providing patient characteristics, clinical practice, patterns and their relationship to outcomes in Latin America. The objective of the present study was to characterize the cohort and to describe the main determinants of patient and technique survival, including trends over time of peritoneal dialysis (PD) initiation and treatment.

The chronic kidney disease outcomes and practice patterns study Brazil (CKDopps-Brazil): design, data and methodology.

Introduction: The chronic kidney disease outcomes and practice patterns study (CKDopps) is an international observational, prospective, cohort study involving patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-5 [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, with a major focus upon care during the advanced CKD period (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2)].