Recurrent intradialytic heparin induced anaphylaxis: workup and management.

Heparin has been widely used for intradialytic anticoagulation since the 1940s. Heparin induced anaphylaxis can be life threatening, mandating early recognition and intervention. However, due to its relative rarity many physicians remain unaware.

The effects of biocompatible compared with standard peritoneal dialysis solutions on peritonitis microbiology, treatment, and outcomes: the balANZ trial.

Background: A multicenter, multi-country randomized controlled trial (the balANZ study) recently reported that peritonitis rates significantly improved with the use of neutral-pH peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions low in glucose degradation products ("biocompatible") compared with standard solutions. The present paper reports a secondary outcome analysis of the balANZ trial with respect to peritonitis microbiology, treatment, and outcomes.

Methods: Adult incident PD patients with residual renal function were randomized to receive either biocompatible or conventional (control) PD solutions for 2 years.

The effect of low glucose degradation product, neutral pH versus standard peritoneal dialysis solutions on peritoneal membrane function: the balANZ trial.

Background: The balANZ trial recently reported that neutral pH, low glucose degradation product (biocompatible) peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions significantly delayed anuria and reduced peritonitis rates compared with conventional solutions. This article reports a secondary outcome analysis of the balANZ trial with respect to peritoneal membrane function.

Methods: Adult, incident PD patients with residual renal function were randomized to receive either biocompatible or conventional (control) PD solutions for 2 years.

Effects of biocompatible versus standard fluid on peritoneal dialysis outcomes.

The clinical benefits of using "biocompatible" neutral pH solutions containing low levels of glucose degradation products for peritoneal dialysis compared with standard solutions are uncertain. In this multicenter, open-label, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned 185 incident adult peritoneal dialysis patients with residual renal function to use either biocompatible or conventional solution for 2 years. The primary outcome measure was slope of renal function decline.

Novel trends in haemodialysis: where are we heading?

The mortality and morbidity of end-stage renal failure patients undergoing conventional thrice weekly in-centre haemodialysis remain alarmingly high despite continuing advances in haemodialysis technologies and improvements in clinical care. Home haemodialysis continues to be under-utilised in many parts of the world despite the reported benefits. Alternative haemodialysis regimens including longer and/or more frequent dialysis (e.

Predictors of hospitalization in patients on peritoneal dialysis: the Missouri experience.

Background: We analyzed a large number of demographic and biochemical variables to identify predictors of hospitalization in subjects on peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods: All patients initiated on PD at our center from January 1990 through December 1999 were included. The following variables at the initiation of PD were included: demographics, clinical data, nutritional and adequacy parameters, transport characteristics, and various co-morbidities.

Predictors of death in patients on peritoneal dialysis: the Missouri Peritoneal Dialysis Study.

Background: The study was designed to identify predictors of death in subjects on peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods: The population consisted of patients initiated on PD at the University of Missouri-Columbia and Dialysis Clinic Incorporated from January 1, 1990, through December 31, 1999. Baseline variables included demographics, clinical data, initial measures of nutritional status, adequacy, and transport characteristics.