Publications by authors named "Mercedes Moreiras-Plaza"

Article Synopsis
  • The concept of adequacy in peritoneal dialysis has evolved from focusing mainly on specific goals like solute clearance to prioritizing the overall quality of life for patients.
  • This document aims to provide updated recommendations regarding peritoneal dialysis adequacy, covering key areas such as residual kidney function and different types of dialysis methods.
  • A systematic approach (GRADE) was employed to highlight the quality of evidence for recommendations, and the document references a recent guide by experts from the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis for additional support.
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The fact that self-locating catheters have a piece of metal at the tip leads to doubt and uncertainty around performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with this type of catheter. We simulated a peritoneum with a weighted catheter to ascertain how the catheter behaved during MRI scans in 1.5 T and 3 T machines.

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The fact that self-locating catheters have a piece of metal at the tip leads to doubt and uncertainty around performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with this type of catheter. We simulated a peritoneum with a weighted catheter to ascertain how the catheter behaved during MRI scans in 1.5T and 3T machines.

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Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinical and radiological entity with acute or subacute neurological presentation associated with brain lesions that primarily affect the white matter of the posterior regions. It is often associated with the rapid onset of severe hypertension and/or with kidney failure (acute and chronic), but it has also been reported as a neurological complication in several medical conditions. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases and related publications due to the advance of diagnostic imaging techniques.

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Despite the 40 years history, the comparable survival of Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), and the improved PD technique survival, the percentage of patients performing PD is low. After a short history review and data description, we analyze the many non-medical factors (“the vicious circle”) that contribute to the underutilization of PD: inadequate medical training, lack of infrastructures, small PD units, inadequate patient education for choice of dialysis modality, lack of multidisciplinary end-stage renal disease units, the proliferation of hemodialysis centers, or the trends in government reimbursement. Several of these factors are modifiable, and we propose future strategies to increase the use of PD.

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Breakage of peritoneal catheters is an emergency of the technique that is uncommon but which requires immediate action when there is leakage of the dialysate and risk of infection. Early and adequate intervention can save broken catheters without interrupting peritoneal dialysis. We report our experience repairing damaged catheters using the Quinton® Peri-Patch repair kit (Quinton Instrument Co.

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The studies of quality of life (QoL) are becoming increasingly interesting in clinical setting because their findings have implications for making decisions on resource allocation and health policies. The assessment of health-related QoL is especially directed to patients with chronic illnesses that cause progressive deterioration and limitations, and consume the bulk of financial resources for health. Among these chronic kidney disease and, more specifically the renal replacement therapy, is an important condition.

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Peritoneal catheter malfunction is commonly related to omental wrapping, although entrapment owing to other different intraperitoneal structures is possible but rare. The authors report a case of catheter obstruction owing to fallopian tube wrapping, diagnosed and resolved by laparoscopic surgery. A brief review of this rare problem is presented.

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