Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
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Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. · Jun 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA randomized, controlled parallel-group trial on efficacy and safety of iron sucrose (Venofer) vs iron gluconate (Ferrlecit) in haemodialysis patients treated with rHuEpo.
The objectives of the present trial were to compare the efficacy and safety of two i.v. iron preparations with respect to haemoglobin levels, iron status and recombinant human erythropoetin (rHuEpo) dosage requirements in stable, rHuEpo-treated haemodialysis patients (maintenance phase of iron treatment) over 6 months. ⋯ High doses of iron sucrose (Venofer((R)) at a dose of 250 mg/month) was equally effective in maintaining haemoglobin and equally well tolerated as low doses of iron gluconate (Ferrlecit((R)) at a dose of 62.5 mg once per week) in stable, rHuEpo treated haemodialysis patients.
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Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. · Jun 2001
Inferior vena cava diameter: a useful method for estimation of fluid status in children on haemodialysis.
An accurate assessment of fluid status in haemodialysis patients presents a significant challenge especially in growing children. Clinical parameters of hydration are not always reliable, and invasive methods such as measurement of central venous pressure cannot be used routinely. We evaluated the usefulness of inferior vena cava diameter (IVCD) measured by echocardiography in the estimation of hydration in children on haemodialysis. ⋯ Our findings support the applicability of VCD measurement in the estimation of hydration status in paediatric haemodialysis patients. The combination of clinical parameters and measurement of IVCD may enable more accurate evaluation of hydration of children on haemodialysis.
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Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. · May 2001
Procalcitonin for accurate detection of infection in haemodialysis.
Infection results in considerable morbidity and mortality in haemodialysis patients. Diagnosis of infection can be difficult because currently applied laboratory parameters may be non-specifically altered due to uraemia or haemodialysis (HD). This study investigated the diagnostic value and kinetics of serum procalcitonin (PCT), a low-molecular-weight protein, in patients receiving intermittent HD. ⋯ Serum PCT is an accurate indicator of severe infection and sepsis in patients receiving intermittent HD. High-flux membranes substantially decrease PCT. When utilizing high flux membranes, serum PCT concentrations should be determined prior to the start of HD.
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Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. · May 2001
Procalcitonin: a new marker of inflammation in haemodialysis patients?
Although procalcitonin (PCT) has been described as a new marker of infection and inflammation, it has not been extensively studied in dialysis patients. ⋯ PCT in haemodialysis patients is positively correlated with currently used markers of inflammation such as CRP and fibrinogen, and negatively correlated with markers of nutritional status such as albumin. The concomitant elevations in PCT and CRP could be more sensitive in the evaluation of inflammation than each marker separately.