Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is an important form of kidney replacement therapy. Most patients presenting with an unplanned, urgent need for dialysis are prescribed haemodialysis, leading to peritoneal dialysis underutilisation. Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis refers to treatment that is commenced within 2 weeks of catheter placement. Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis represents an efficacious, cost-effective alternative to the conventional approach of commencing dialysis. There is a paucity of evidence to guide management, however experience with the technique is increasing. This article overviews the rationale and practical application of urgent-start peritoneal dialysis.

Analysis of clinical outcomes of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis access in a Mexican elderly population

OBJECTIVE

The increased survival rates of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have impacted directly in the proportion of elderly patients requiring a reliable hemodialysis (HD) access; this group clearly demands an individualized approach. We aim to analyze maturation and patency rates of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) in elderly patients.

METHODS

This was retrospective review of a database of patients that underwent AVF creation in our institution. The maturation and patency rates were analyzed divided in groups based on age (equal and greater of 65 years, and patients under 65 years). Patency rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty patients ≥ 65 years old (mean 73, SD ± 5.4) were analyzed. The overall maturation rate in this group was 75% compared to 84.1% (p = 0.33) in the younger group (mean age 48 years, SD ± 17). The primary patency at 6 and 12 months for the ≥ 65 years group was 93% and 86%, respectively, compared with 85% and 81% for the younger group (p = 0.77).

CONCLUSION

Autogenous AVF remains the preferred and durable option for elderly patients. We found no difference in terms of maturation and patency rates compared to younger patients. Standardized protocols are needed to optimally select vascular accesses.

Frailty in end stage renal disease: Current perspectives

Frailty is common in end stage renal disease (ESRD) and is a marker of poor outcomes. Its prevalence increases as chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses. There are different measurement tools available to assess frailty in ESRD. The pathogenesis of frailty in ESRD is multifactorial including uraemia and dialysis related factors. In this current review, we discuss the importance of frailty, its pathogenesis, screening methods, prognostic implications and management strategies in context of ESRD.