Improving assessment and escalation of threatened haemodialysis access: results of a nursing-led program.

Background: Optimal vascular access is critical to successful haemodialysis. Acute thrombosis of haemodialysis access often leads to unplanned hospital admissions and interventions to restore patency. Western Health is a large health service in Victoria, Australia.

Tuberculosis screening practices and outcomes in an australian dialysis unit.

Background: The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends all dialysis patients undertake routine screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in high income countries such as Australia. However, we employ a targeted screening approach in our Australian dialysis unit in line with local and some international guidelines. We analysed our practices to assess the validity of our approach.

Development of a novel strategy to target CD39 antithrombotic activity to the endothelial-platelet microenvironment in kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is common during transplantation. IRI is characterised by inflammation and thrombosis and associated with acute and chronic graft dysfunction. P-selectin and its ligand PSGL-1 are cell adhesion molecules that control leukocyte-endothelial and leukocyte-platelet interactions under inflammatory conditions.

Differential effects of phosphate binders on pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate in end-stage kidney disease patients on maintenance haemodialysis.

Background: Phosphate binders' constituents have alkalotic or acidotic properties and may contribute to acid base balance in haemodialysis patients. This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of phosphate binders on pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate in End Stage Kidney Disease patients on maintenance haemodialysis.

Methods: Stable out-patients having satellite haemodialysis for at least 3 months were retrospectively studied for 18 months, excluding those with other medical causes for metabolic acidosis.