Home Dialysis Central update
[Vol.4, No.1, January 26, 2007]
Happy New Year! Do your home patients know about Home Dialysis Central? Give them a universe of information and support with our handy FREE POSTCARD HANDOUTS. Order yours today!
Register by Feb. 9th for the Annual Dialysis Conference!
Plan to attend the most home-dialysis-focused industry meeting of the year. Don't miss the ADC in Denver, CO, Feb. 18-20. Register on-line today, and come visit our Home Dialysis Central booth! A preconference workshop on Saturday, Feb. 17, will focus on how to start a home HD program.
See an Interview about Home Dialysis Plus—nanotechnology for home dialysis
View a KVAL TV (Eugene, OR) segment about new, portable hemodialysis technology in the pipeline from Home Dialysis Plus. (NOTE: there is a 10-second ad first.)
First wearable artificial kidney (WAK) test in humans reported at ASN
An abstract presented at the American Society of Nephrology meeting (San Diego, Nov. 2006) reports that a 2.5 lb. device with a hollow fiber filter, battery-operated blood pump, and micropumps for heparin and ultrafiltration was tested in 6 patients for 6 hours. The WAK was found to be safe and effective, and further testing will be done. (Gura V, Nalesso F, Brendolan A, Beizai M, Ezon C, Rambod E, Ronco C. The wearable artificial kidney is feasible. The first human data. J Am Soc Nephrol 17:2006. Abstract F-FC106.)
Author suggests PD for disaster preparedness
A new article in this month's Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease suggests that PD is a good option for people whose dialysis lives are disrupted by hurricanes or other natural disasters. Home dialysis with PD, portable HD, or HD machines that do their own water treatment can help make dialyzors more self-sufficient in any emergency—from a storm to a flu epidemic. It's something to think about...
Diabetes and kidney failure haven't stopped Mary—with CCPD
A lot can happen in just one year! In March 2005, Mary Karon Lewis was 61 years old, happily settled with her husband in their retirement dream home in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, working part-time in a local hospital lab, and living the good life. A year later, she was training to do home dialysis. Read her story!
Topic of the month: PD in a pinch: low-volume, recumbent-only (LVRO) PD
If you run into a temporary snag with PD, short-term hemo with a catheter is not always the only option. Several small studies have shown that low-volume recumbent-only (LVRO) PD can safely be used for short periods of time. Find out how it works.
Innovative papers: improved growth in an infant on intensive dialysis (HD + CAPD)
Infants and small children with kidney failure often suffer from growth retardation. In a 2.5 month old, Dr. Avi Katz and colleagues tried CAPD and 3 HD sessions per week—and found that the baby's growth rate was normal. The authors recommend studying the effects of intensified dialysis on infants and children. Read the story.
How much can a Method II supplier charge Medicare as a primary payer for PD patients?
Click here to learn the answers to this & other questions about Medicare payment for PD and home hemo.
Read all about it!
Review home dialysis-related news, courtesy of Nephrology News & Issues. This week's stories include:
- AAKP needs candidates for 2007 Speakers Bureau
- Aksys shuts down, will file for bankruptcy
- Dialysis deaths prompt warning
- Handbook teaches dialysis basics to doctors and nurses
Featured link: find a home dialysis consultant!
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