The associations between orthostatic blood pressure changes and extracellular volume in hemodialysis patients.

Introduction: Extracellular volume (ECV) predicts mortality in hemodialysis patients, but it is difficult to assess clinically. Peridialytic blood pressure (BP) measurements can help ECV assessment. Orthostatic BP is routinely measured clinically, but its association with ECV is unknown.

The effects of extracellular volume and intradialytic peripheral resistance changes on ambulatory blood pressure in hemodialysis patients with and without recurrent intradialytic hypertension.

Background: Hypertension and extracellular volume (ECV) overload are interrelated mortality risk factors in hemodialysis (HD) patients, but confounding related to changes in ECV and vasoconstriction during and between treatments obfuscate their relationship. We sought to clarify independent contributions of post-HD ECV and intradialytic changes in vasoconstriction on ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in patients with and without recurrent intradialytic hypertension (IH).

Methods: In this prospective observational study, we obtained measurements of pre- and post-HD ECV with bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), pre- and post-HD total peripheral resistance index and 44-h ambulatory BP.

The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois KidneyMobile: a mobile resource for community based screenings of chronic kidney disease and its risk factors.

Background: Early detection and treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its risk factors improves outcomes; however, many high-risk individuals lack access to healthcare. The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) developed the KidneyMobile (KM) to conduct community-based screenings, provide disease education, and facilitate follow-up appointments for diabetes, hypertension, and CKD.

Methods: Cross-sectional design.

Self-reported Medication Adherence and CKD Progression.

Introduction: In the general population, medication nonadherence contributes to poorer outcomes. However, little is known about medication adherence among adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We evaluated the association of self-reported medication adherence with CKD progression and all-cause death in patients with CKD.

CKD Self-management: Phenotypes and Associations With Clinical Outcomes.

Background: To slow chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and its complications, patients need to engage in self-management behaviors. The objective of this study was to classify CKD self-management behaviors into phenotypes and assess the association of these phenotypes with clinical outcomes.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

A question prompt sheet for adult patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly have unmet information needs. Greater patient participation in healthcare discussions can address these needs and improve health outcomes. We developed a patient-centered question prompt sheet (QPS) to engage CKD patients in healthcare conversations.

Barriers to effective communication between veterans with chronic kidney disease and their healthcare providers.

Background: Many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have insufficient knowledge about CKD, which is associated with poorer health outcomes. Effective patient-provider communication can improve CKD patients' knowledge, thereby augmenting their participation in self-care practices. However, barriers to addressing CKD patients' information needs have not been previously characterized.