Blood B-type natriuretic peptide and dialysis: present assessment and future analyses.

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is elevated in hemodialysis (HD) patients and predicts increased mortality. Intra- and interdialytic changes in BNP have not been fully described. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients were prospectively recruited at three dialysis centers.

A survey of subjective sleepiness and consequences in attending physicians.

This article surveyed attending physicians on their work hours, sleep schedule, daytime sleepiness, and the perceived relation of these factors to patient safety, quality of care, and personal well-being. Physicians answered demographic and workload questions and attitudinal questions regarding work-hour limitations; the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used to measure subjective sleepiness, and an 18-item Impact Questionnaire was also used. Of 180 participants, 41 (23%) attending physicians manifested abnormal ESS scores (11 or greater).