Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that, contrary to long-held beliefs, not all African American dialysis patients fare as well as their white counterparts. After studying 1.3 million ESRD patients, they found that young African Americans under 50 actually do much worse. The news comes as a surprise because earlier studies had never analyzed outcomes … Continue reading Young African Americans More Likely to Die on Dialysis, More Transplants Needed
Cells That Help Protect Blood Vessels Work Better in Patients on Home Dialysis
Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto have discovered that special cells found in bone marrow and blood do a better job of promoting blood vessel growth in nocturnal home hemodialysis patients than in patients undergoing dialysis in a hospital setting. Longer and more frequent nightly dialysis sessions greatly reduce the amount of toxins in … Continue reading Cells That Help Protect Blood Vessels Work Better in Patients on Home Dialysis
Top Kidney Research Breakthroughs of the Week 2/10/11
Here are two top kidney research breakthroughs that would compliment dialysis and one, involving a study of zebra fish, which could eliminate the need for dialysis and transplantation altogether! The biological artificial kidneys described in this Medical Minute audio segment wouldn’t eliminate dialysis altogether, but they have fascinating potential. – Investigators Developing Biological Artificial Kidneys … Continue reading Top Kidney Research Breakthroughs of the Week 2/10/11
Top News on Dialysis and the Home Alternative
In the wake of ProPublica’s eye-opening series on the risks and cost of dialysis, there have been some interesting articles suggesting ways to improve care. And given current changes in health care and Medicare, home hemodialysis may prove to be a viable option for more patients in the near future. Here’s a doctor’s take on … Continue reading Top News on Dialysis and the Home Alternative
Diary of a Kidney Lover, August 20, 2010
DIARY OF A KIDNEY LOVER This was meant to be a quick entry to share the trends – some alarming, some inspiring – I’ve been noticing lately. Somehow it grew. First of all, kidney disease is a worldwide problem. It’s getting a lot of press these days, particularly in Australia, where the number of people … Continue reading Diary of a Kidney Lover, August 20, 2010
Diary of a Kidney Lover, August 10, 2010
DIARY OF A KIDNEY LOVER This is the diary entry I didn’t want to write because I have to tell you that my Uncle Bob passed away a few weeks ago. I have been thinking about this a lot, trying to figure out how to start this blog, how to include all the things I … Continue reading Diary of a Kidney Lover, August 10, 2010