The impact of e-alerts on inpatient diagnosis and management of acute kidney injury.

Aims/background: Electronic alerts can help with the early detection of acute kidney injury in hospitalised patients. Evidence for their role in improving patient care is limited. The authors have completed an audit loop to evaluate the impact of electronic alerts, and an associated acute kidney injury management pathway, on patient care.

The Use of Automated Electronic Alerts in Studying Short-Term Outcomes Associated with Community-Acquired Acute Kidney Injury.

Background/aims: The use of electronic alerts (e-alerts) may increase the detection rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) since they are sensitive to small changes in serum creatinine. Our aim was to follow-up a cohort of patients presenting to hospital from the community with AKI (community-acquired AKI [c-AKI]), detected through the use of e-alerts, and describe their short-term outcomes regardless of whether they were subsequently admitted to hospital.

Methods: Blood samples for all hospital attenders from the community either to the Accidents and Emergency department or one of the acute care areas of the hospital during a 6-month period (November 1, 2013-April 30, 2014) were screened for presence of c-AKI using a locally developed e-alerts system based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria.

Examining determinants of patient outcome in a low clearance clinic.

Background: With an aging population and limited resources, the incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease is increasing. We aimed at assessing the impact of the low clearance clinic (LCC) on not only the natural history of patients with deteriorating renal function but also the timing of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and mortality.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study involving 271 patients who entered the LCC at Hull from July 2007 to December 2010 was conducted.

Efficacy and tolerability of accelerated-dose low-molecular-weight iron dextran (Cosmofer) in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Introduction: The Renal NSF advocates correction of anaemia in chronic kidney disease patients. Oral iron is often insufficient, while intravenous supplementation replenishes and maintains iron stores. There is a need to administer high doses of iron in a single rapid infusion to enable efficient costs, effective utilisation of time for patients and staff and optimal use of resources.

Improving efficiency and value in health care. Intravenous iron management for anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease: linking treatment to an outpatient clinic, optimizing service provision and patient choice.

Rationale: The National Service Framework advocates correction of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Oral iron is insufficient, while intravenous (IV) supplementation replenishes and maintains iron stores. In Yorkshire numerous peripheral clinics exist to reduce travel for patients, but patients must travel to the main unit for IV iron therapy.