News & Events
Discover new information and educational offerings that we provide. Explore our newsletters, blogs and upcoming webinars/conference calls.
Contents:
In-Center Hemodialysis
Currently, in-center hemodialysis is the most utilized form of dialysis treatment for Americans with end stage renal disease. With in-center hemodialysis a patient goes to a dialysis center where a staff of nurses and technicians administer treatment. Generally, in-center hemodialysis occurs three days a week for between three to five hours per session. During dialysis treatment the blood is removed from the body via an access (fistula, graft or catheter), filtered through an artificial kidney (dialyzer) and returned back to the body through the access. This blood is filtered many times during treatment to remove waste and maintain the chemical balance in the body. A nephrologist will prescribe the treatment and determine how long it [...]
Peritoneal Dialysis
One advantage of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is that people who choose PD can do it while they sleep using a cycler. The cycler is a machine that fills and drains dialysate into the peritoneal cavity in the abdomen several times during the night. While the dialysate is in the peritoneal cavity, it helps pull toxins from the blood through the peritoneal lining. After a time of dwelling, the dialysate is drained from the peritoneal cavity which is refilled with fresh dialysate. While it may seem difficult to sleep during dialysis, many who choose Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) report that they get used to it and it isn’t an issue. Another PD option is to [...]
Home Hemodialysis
For people on dialysis who are stable, and who desire more control and flexibility over their treatments, home hemodialysis is another treatment option. With home hemodialysis a patient, along with a partner in most cases, will set up a dialysis machine in his or her home and learn to perform dialysis. This requires a patient, and/or partner, to learn how to self-cannulate, or put the needles into the access, set up the dialysis machine, monitor the machine, take and record vital statistics during treatment. Home hemodialysis patients must have a room in their home capable of accommodating the dialysis machine and water treatment (depending of the type of machine selected). They will go through [...]
Surgeons to Attempt Transplants and Drug Treatment with Hepatitis C Positive Kidneys
For several years, kidneys infected with Hepatitis C have been considered unfit for transplants due to the risk for transmission. However, with a new wave of antiviral medications shown to cure Hepatitis C, doctors at the University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins University are planning to attempt transplants with kidneys from deceased Hepatitis C carriers. The patient who receives the kidney would then undergo a 12-week antiviral drug regimen to treat the disease. The trial’s leaders caution that the drugs won’t work for every participant, but argue the process has the potential to eliminate the waste that comes with the disposal of infected kidneys. Researchers say more research is needed to determine an exact cost [...]
Revamped CDC Website Aims to Educate About Diabetes
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure and currently affects more than 29 million people in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently relaunched the National Diabetes Education Program, a website that contains educational resources on the disease. The information, which has been scientifically tested and verified, is available in the form of fact sheets, webinars, videos and other materials. The website is free, open to anyone, and can be found here. The DPC Education Center’s Education Call on diabetes can be viewed here.
Helping Your Patients Live Well on Dialysis
Dialysis is often a stressful and emotional experience. But renal healthcare professionals can help patients improve their quality of life. As a renal healthcare professional, you are understandably focused on your patients’ physical health outcomes. Given that physical and mental health are closely intertwined, you are in a prime position to positively impact a patient’s overall health. Although this information is not new to you, it can still be difficult addressing mental health issues with your patients. Knowing that untreated mental health issues can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for better health, many providers find ways to address these concerns more effectively. Research indicates that approximately 20 percent of patients with chronic kidney [...]
