Vitamin D supplementation and recombinant human erythropoietin utilization in vitamin D-deficient hemodialysis patients.

Introduction: We sought to examine the impact of ergocalciferol (ERGO) on recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) use in a cohort of 25-OH vitamin D (25-D)-deficient hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods: Baseline 25-D levels were obtained for all patients who received HD >6 months in our unit. Patients with levels between 10 and 30 ng/mL received ERGO 50,000 IU x 4 doses and patients with levels <10 ng/mL received 50,000 IU x 6 doses over a 4-month period.

Comparison of outcomes of peritoneal dialysis catheters placed by the fluoroscopically guided percutaneous method versus directly visualized surgical method.

Purpose: To compare complications in catheters placed by the fluoroscopically guided percutaneous method versus directly visualized surgery.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed. Mechanical complication rate data, including catheter leakage, malfunction, malposition, and bleeding, were compared between the two groups over a 1-year follow-up period.