Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
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Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. · Jul 2007
Multicenter StudyItchy skin--a clinical problem for haemodialysis patients.
Uraemic pruritus affects many patients receiving chronic dialysis therapy for end-stage renal disease. It is a distressing symptom which has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL) of the patients. The condition is also very frustrating for both patients and physicians since no effective treatment for relief of the itch has been demonstrated. The pathophysiological mechanisms of pruritus are mainly unknown despite several hypotheses presented. Recent concepts refer to changes in the opioidergic system and derangements of the immune system. ⋯ The self-reported prevalence of pruritus in HD patients is relatively high, 40-50%. Pruritus is associated with poor outcomes and a higher mortality risk, probably attributed to poor sleep quality. Better therapeutic treatments are needed for relief of distressing uraemic itching in HD patients.
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Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. · Jul 2007
A ten-year single-centre experience in children on chronic peritoneal dialysis--significance of percutaneous placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters.
Chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) in children is an important modality of renal replacement therapy. The ideal method for inserting CPD catheters remains still controversial. Minimal invasive techniques are becoming more popular. This study was performed in order to evaluate the efficiency, the complication profile and the survey of percutaneously placed CPD catheters in children, retrospectively. ⋯ The percutaneous technique performed by experienced nephrologists is a reliable, safe and cost-effective method for placement of PD catheters. In our opinion, the skill for CPD catheter placement must be part of the paediatric nephrologist training.
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Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. · Jul 2007
Editorial Comment Historical ArticleSerendipity: a necessity for the progress of dialysis therapy.
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Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. · May 2007
Hyperleptinaemia and chronic inflammation after peritonitis predicts poor nutritional status and mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis.
The serum leptin level is elevated in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and associated with a loss of lean body mass. The nutritional status of PD patients may further be worsened following peritonitis. We investigated the association between hyperleptinaemia, inflammation and malnourishment in PD-related peritonitis. ⋯ Our study confirmed an increase in serum leptin during acute peritonitis and a prolonged course of systemic inflammation after apparent clinical remission of peritonitis. These factors related to the persistent chronic inflammation may contribute to the development of malnourishment and poor survival rate.