Is fetuin-A a biomarker of dialysis access dysfunction?

Background: The arteriovenous (AV) access function of hemodialysis (HD) patients can be impaired by afferent artery stiffness due to preexisting microcalcification and by venous stenosis secondary to neointimal hyperplasia in whose development participates an upregulated local inflammatory process. Fetuin-A is a circulating potent inhibitor of vascular calcification and plays an important anti-inflammatory role. The aims of this prospective study were to investigate the relationship between baseline serum fetuin-A levels and: blood flow (Q) values at baseline, AV access failure (thrombosis or intervention for stenosis) during follow-up and primary unassisted AV access patency.

Spanish Clinical Guidelines on Vascular Access for Haemodialysis.

Vascular access for haemodialysis is key in renal patients both due to its associated morbidity and mortality and due to its impact on quality of life. The process, from the creation and maintenance of vascular access to the treatment of its complications, represents a challenge when it comes to decision-making, due to the complexity of the existing disease and the diversity of the specialities involved. With a view to finding a common approach, the Spanish Multidisciplinary Group on Vascular Access (GEMAV), which includes experts from the five scientific societies involved (nephrology [S.

Effects of rotigotine on clinical symptoms, quality of life and sleep hygiene adequacy in haemodialysis-associated restless legs syndrome.

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterised by bothersome symptoms associated with impaired quality of life and sleep hygiene. Rotigotine is a novel therapeutic alternative, although few studies have been published in patients on haemodialysis (HD) with RLS treated with rotigotine.

Objectives: 1.

The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on muscle strength, functional capacity and body composition in haemodialysis patients.

Introduction: Haemodialysis (HD) patients are characterised by significant muscle loss. Recently, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has emerged as a new therapeutic alternative to improve these patients' physical condition. To date, no studies on the effects of NMES on body composition in HD patients have been published.

Benefits of a low intensity exercise programme during haemodialysis sessions in elderly patients.

Background: Elderly patients on haemodialysis (HD) are a steadily increasing group. They show a high complexity, dependency and comorbidity. Multiple benefits from exercise in HD patients have been reported; however, they have not been specifically evaluated in an elderly population.

Complete low-intensity endurance training programme in haemodialysis patients: improving the care of renal patients.

Background: Patients on haemodialysis (HD) have a decreased physical and functional capacity. Several studies have reported the beneficial effects of exercise on the physical, functional and psychological functioning of HD patients. Despite these results, exercise programmes on HD are not commonplace.

The search for a new marker of renal function in older patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-4: usefulness of cystatin C-based equations.

Background/aim: Cystatin C (Cys C) is an endogenous marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) unaffected by body composition. The aim of the present study was to assess the utility of Cys C-based GFR prediction equations (Hoek, Larsson and Stevens) and creatinine (modification of diet in renal disease-isotope dilution mass spectrometry--MDRD-IDMS, and Cockcroft-Gault--CG) compared with 51Cr-EDTA.

Methods: This study was carried out in 40 Caucasian older patients with advanced age (> or = 60) and chronic kidney disease stages 3-4.

Is the new Mayo Clinic Quadratic equation useful for the estimation of glomerular filtration rate in type 2 diabetic patients?

Objective: To test the Mayo Clinic Quadratic (MCQ) equation against isotopic glomerular filtration rate, compared with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and the Cockcroft-Gault formulas, in type 2 diabetes.

Research Design And Methods: Based on values obtained with iothalamate, 118 type 2 diabetic patients were divided into three groups according to renal function: hyperfiltration (26), normal function (56), or chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-4 (36). ANOVA, the Bland-Altman procedure, and Lins coefficient (Rc) were performed to study accuracy.