EDTNA/ERCA journal (English ed.)
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There is a growing demand for human organs for transplantation, particularly of the kidney among the UK's South Asian population which, due to problems with histocompatibility can only be met with a significant increase in the number of Asian donors. Specific attempts have only recently been made to attract donors from South Asian communities using 'ethnically-targeted mass media'. ⋯ The findings show that detailed information related to transplantation activity had been learned only through the experience of people undergoing transplants within the community and has been transmitted through various informal networks rather than through the resources provided by the Department of Health. This paper provides an overview of who the South Asians are and how these community networks were established.
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Intermittent renal replacement therapy is a problem in haemodynamically unstable intensive care patients. Continuous renal replacement therapy may be of more benefit. 24 hour continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH) treatment on the intensive care is attainable by adequate instruction of the intensive care staff.
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Palliative care has been described as the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. The principles of palliative care are applicable to patients living with non-malignant disease such as end stage renal failure. This paper describes the development of standards of palliative care in a renal care setting. It emphasises the need for a multidisciplinary basis for palliative care and specifies standards of practice in six core areas: Assessment and Referral, Pain and Symptom Control, Communication and giving information, Sexuality, Spirituality and Bereavement.
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After the earthquake in Armenia, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) Commission on Acute Renal failure, in cooperation with the United States National Kidney Foundation, has created a Disaster Relief Task Force to deal with post-disaster nephrology assistance to the affected victims (1). Its main purpose is to prevent and treat crush injury-induced ARF that occurs following traumatic rhabdomyolysis.
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Patency and function of permanent vascular access appears to be one of the most important elements of an adequate haemodialysis session. Since, it has been established that adequate haemodialysis is closely related to the mortality and morbidity of these patients, we all realise the importance of the strategies involved in handling the av fistula (1).