News & Events
Discover new information and educational offerings that we provide. Explore our newsletters, blogs and upcoming webinars/conference calls.
Contents:
Study Finds Affluent Patients Might Have Advantage for Organ Transplants
Registering with more than one organ transplant center appears to work for wealthy patients over those with the most medical need, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2015. Researchers studied the national database of organ donors from 2000 to 2013 and found that patients who simultaneously listed at more than one center had higher transplant rates; lower death rates while waiting, were wealthier and were more likely to be insured. These findings suggest an advantage for wealthier patients who have the money for travel, temporary housing and other costs of multiple listing that are not covered by health insurance, said Raymond Givens, M.D., Ph.D., study lead author and advanced heart [...]
Clinical Trial Results in Early Success for Wearable Artificial Kidney
A portable dialysis machine called the Wearable Artificial Kidney (WAK) is now on the fast track for FDA review within a few years. The status is the result of a clinical trial involving seven ESRD patients undergoing dialysis using the WAK for 24 hours. The device is worn like a tool belt and attached to the patient with a catheter. Researchers say the WAK successfully cleaned the patients’ blood while keeping the fluid and electrolyte levels in a safe range. Patients did not experience any adverse side effects. Since the WAK works continuously, patients were also able to eat a non-restricted diet in the time frame of the trial. While more work is needed on the WAK [...]
Report Connects High Intakes of Salt And Potassium To Quicker CKD Progression
An increased intake of salt and potassium could lead to an increased chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, according to a study out of the Tulane University in New Orleans. Scientists studied urinary sodium and potassium levels from 3,900 4 CKD patients over a period of three years. CKD progression was defined as developing End State Renal Disease (ESRD) or experiencing a decreased renal function. Results found that CKD patients with the highest salt levels were 54 percent more likely to experience CKD progression and a 45 percent chance of early death. For those with high potassium levels, 59 percent were more likely to experience CKD progression. The report’s authors suggest the results indicate that a [...]
Diabetes Basics Recording
If you missed our last education call on diabetes, be sure to watch the recording below:
Drug Candidate Offers Treatment for Chronic Itch Condition Without Side Effects
“Chronic irritable itch” is defined as a constant itchy sensation that’s difficult to treat, and is a common medical condition among dialysis patients. A study from the Florida campus of the Scripps Research Institute focused on a medication that could treat the condition without the adverse side effects normally associated with medicating the condition. Researchers tested the compound, a combination of opioids and other chemicals, on mouse models to determine effectiveness. The drug compounds target receptors in the central nervous system that moderate pain perception and stress responses. It was found that the combination was successful in stopping the itch without sedation in the models. You can find more information about the study in [...]
Tips to Prepare for Flu Season
With flu season starting, it’s important to protect yourself and others from getting sick. The Kidney Community Emergency Response Program (KCER) offers a few tips for influenza preparedness. Suggestions include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, staying home if you are ill and practicing proper hygiene to prevent the spread of germs. More information can be found on the KCER website.
November Education Call Aims to Increase Diabetes Awareness
Diabetes is one of the primary causes of Chronic Kidney Disease. November is Diabetes Awareness month, which provides the perfect opportunity to further education on the disease and how it can affect your kidney health. Join us Monday, November 2 at 3:00 PM to hear a discussion on ways to manage diabetes to stay as healthy as possible. The call can be viewed online by visiting www.dpcedcenter.org/education-calls or by phone at 1-877-388-5186 conference code: 433-459-5474.
Drug Trial Focuses on Potential Hepatitis C Cure for ESRD Patients
Nearly 8 percent of ESRD patients have Hepatitis C. Medications like Sovaldi have offered a chance to cure Hepatitis C, but are unavailable to ESRD patients due to chemical contents. However, a recent new drug combination has shown potential in curing the Hepatitis C virus in ESRD patients. The drug combination, developed by Merck, was the focus of a recent study involving 224 ESRD patients. The participants were divided into two groups; 116 took a single pill with the two drugs for 12 weeks, while the rest received the placebo. Results showed that 99 percent of the group who took the real pill showed no sign of the virus. Some side effects were reported, but none [...]
Report Finds Longer Interval Between Treatments Leads to Increased Hospitalization
The two-day treatment gap between in-center hemodialysis patients is associated with more hospital admissions and an increased mortality rate, according to a report published in Kidney International. Researchers looked at 5,800 hemodialysis patients in Sheffield, United Kingdom. They found that hospitalization was more likely for patients who had a 2-day interval between treatments than those with a 1-day interval. Health officials attributed this to a build-up of fluid and toxins. The study also offered potential solutions, such as more frequent dialysis treatments and a lower fluid removal goal.
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month
As part of National Emergency Preparedness Month, the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) has designated this week Kidney Patient Disaster Awareness week. KCER is offering resources such as information cards and fact sheets on how dialysis patients can prepare for natural disasters. One of KCER’s tips involves putting together supplies for a three-day emergency diet. While it won’t replace dialysis, it will help reduce the effects of being off dialysis for a few days should an emergency occur. KCER recommends stocking bottled or distilled water, foods low in phosphorous, sodium and sugar, and limiting fluid intake. More information can be found on their website. If you want to learn more, you can also listen to a recording of a [...]
Study Examines the Effects of Kidney Donations on Patients
A study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases found that the health of kidney donors did not decline after a three-year period when compared to healthy non-donors. Researchers studied cholesterol levels, blood pressure and protein levels. Two sets of groups, kidney donors and healthy volunteers, participated in follow-up checkups for three years. Scientists found the levels of protein, cholesterol and blood pressure did not differ between the two groups. It was also found that kidney functions in the donor group improved over time, while the healthy group experienced age-related kidney function issues. While the area needs more research, scientists say it is a starting point in studying the effects of living kidney [...]
Report Links Hypertension Medication to Increased Likelihood of Fall Injuries
A recent study finds that elderly patients can have an increased risk of falling after starting a blood pressure medication. Researchers at the University Medical Center in New York studied 90,000 Medicaid patients who experienced fall injuries. Data indicated that patients who began taking hypertension medication had a 36 percent increase in the likelihood of falling within two weeks. Those who were already on blood pressure drugs had a 16 percent chance of falling after starting a new class of medication. The report mirrors another study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, although data in Hypertension contradicts the findings. While the association between falls and blood pressure medications is contested, patients should be [...]
Experts Offer Tips on Care Coordination
Managing health care for a patient with multiple health conditions can involve many medications and specialists. A recent article by Sumathi Reddy in the Wall Street Journal features suggestions for both physicians and patients on how they can help coordinate care. For physicians, suggestions include considering a patient’s other conditions when prescribing medications. For example, if patients are on drugs for hypertension, their doctors should ensure an arthritis prescription won’t affect them negatively. Experts also encourage communication between specialists to help keep each of them updated on a patient’s health. For patients, tips focus on maintaining awareness of one’s health, including bringing a list of medications to appointments and asking doctors any questions they may have about [...]
FDA Increases Focus on Warning Labels for Everyday Painkillers
The Food and Drug Administration is stepping up to improve the warning labels on non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS. Studies find that using these medications are linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The move comes 10 years after warnings were added to prescription pain relievers, but researchers have found that over-the-counter medication also contains risks. Health officials caution patients not to take more than one drug containing NSAIDs at a time and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Patients should contact their physician with any questions about NSAIDs. Kidney patients in particular should talk to their doctors before NSAID usage, as prolonged [...]
Report Finds Boiling Meat Can Reduce Phosphorous Content
Part of a dialysis diet involves eating foods low in phosphorous. A new study suggests that preparing meat in a certain way can reduce phosphorous levels while still retaining protein. Researchers in Japan experimented with cooking beef, cutting the meat in different ways and switching up the cooking liquid. They found that boiling the meat in a pressure cooker with soft water and discarding the cooking liquid afterward worked the best. Data also suggests using sliced meat, as the high surface area allows the phosphorous to exit easily. For kidney patients, the National Kidney Foundation suggests a daily intake of 10 to 12 mg of phosphorous per gram of protein. For more information on the [...]
The Kidney Citizen Issue 1
The basics of chronic kidney disease, hemodialysis access for patients and guidelines for eating and exercise
Are You Getting Enough High-Quality Sleep?
We all know that sleep is important, yet many of us never seem to get enough of it. The journal Sleep Review recently found that 67% of end-stage renal disease patients said they were impacted by sleep disorders that prevented them from getting enough sleep. These sleep disorders include periodic leg movement syndrome (PLMS), restless legs syndrome (RLS), insomnia and sleep apnea. Researchers from Monash University reported in the journal Renal Failure that lack of sleep, especially when coupled with chronic kidney disease, leads to hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, lower quality of life and shorter life expectancy. This leaves many kidney patients wondering how they can get more high-quality sleep. Fortunately, there are several actions you [...]
Bone and Mineral Disease Patient Education Call on June 16
The DPC Education Center will hold an educational conference call on bone and mineral metabolism (BMM) disease on Tuesday, June 16 at 3pm Eastern Standard Time (EST). Chronic kidney disease patients sometimes experience BMM problems, and many dialysis patients also have some form of BMM disorder. If BMM disease is left untreated, you may suffer severe bone pain, joint pain and fractures. In addition, lack of control over minerals in your vascular system increases the risk of heart disease. Dr. Mehul Raval will provide tips on what you can do to help control your phosphorus, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels to reduce the incidence of BMM disease. To participate in the call, dial (877) 399-5186 [...]
