Home Dialysis Central update
[Vol.4, No.5, May 30, 2007]
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New buttonhole technique study suggests benefits
Patient self-cannulation is a bridge to home HD—and the buttonhole technique makes it easier. In ESRD Network 16, 38% of centers use the technique to cannulate AV fistulas. An article in this month's Nephrology Nursing Journal highlights four centers' experiences. The finding: the buttonhole technique "has fewer complications than site rotation and a higher level of patient satisfaction." Read the abstract.
Make your own PD fluid?
Okay, it's a long way off. But what if you could make pure water at home for PD, instead of having to ship bags of PD fluid across the country? Think of the space you'd save. Researchers in Italy used a dialyzer to purify used PD fluid and create pure water. Read the abstract.
Nocturnal HD helps bone mineral status
Doing nocturnal home HD every other night helps boen minerals stay at more normal levels than standard treatments, say researchers from Australia in a new study. After 26 patients switched from standard (home) to nocturnal HD, their serum phosphorus and calcium-phosphorus products fell, most needed no binders, and bone mineral density was stable. Plus, blood vessel calcification improved or at least was stable in 87.5%. Read the abstract.
"We're happy!" says Larry, whose wife of 49 years, Janet, has been on PD for 2 years
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) presents a new challenge not only for you as a patient, but for your partner and/or family, as well. For 66-year-old Larry, a positive approach has made all the difference. Read their story.
Topic of the month: saying yes to PD: separating myth from fact
Is it possible to do PD if you can only use one arm? If you're blind? You can't hear? What if you have a hernia? If you're 87 years old? A transplant failed? The answer to all of these (and more!) is YES. Read more.
Why should patients take Medicare if they have EGHP coverage?
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:
- Amgen subpoenaed over promotions
- Hillary Clinton outlines health plan
- SUNY Downstate hails 'founders of nephrology'
- Sleep apnea increases risk of heart attack and diabetes
Featured link: AAKP's My Health
When you do home dialysis, it's a lot easier for you to travel. AAKP's My Health site can help you keep track of your care while you're on the road—free! Store information on your doctor visits, medications, blood tests, and more, and access it from any Internet connection. Learn more.
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