Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN
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Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Jan 2019
Association of Continuation of Loop Diuretics at Hemodialysis Initiation with Clinical Outcomes.
Loop diuretics are commonly used to manage nondialysis-dependent CKD. Despite benefits of augmented urine output, loop diuretics are often discontinued after dialysis initiation. Here, we assessed the association of the early decision to continue loop diuretics at hemodialysis start with clinical outcomes during the first year of dialysis. ⋯ Continuation of loop diuretics after hemodialysis initiation was associated with lower rates of hospitalization and intradialytic hypotension as well as lower interdialytic weight gain, but there was no difference in mortality over the first year of dialysis.
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Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Jan 2019
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of the Potassium-Binding Polymer Patiromer on Markers of Mineral Metabolism.
Patiromer is a sodium-free, nonabsorbed, potassium-binding polymer that uses calcium as the counter-exchange ion and is approved for treatment of hyperkalemia. The 4-week TOURMALINE study in patients with hyperkalemia previously demonstrated that patiromer administered once daily reduces serum potassium similarly when given with or without food. We report a prespecified exploratory efficacy analysis as well as a post hoc efficacy and safety analysis of the TOURMALINE study on circulating markers of mineral metabolism. ⋯ Patiromer lowered urine phosphate in all patients, and lowered both serum and urine phosphate in a small subset of patients with hyperphosphatemia. Intact parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D decreased, with no change in serum calcium.
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Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Oct 2018
The Relationship between Intradialytic Hypotension and Hospitalized Mesenteric Ischemia: A Case-Control Study.
Mesenteric ischemia is a rare but devastating condition caused by insufficient blood supply to meet the demands of intestinal metabolism. In patients with ESKD, it can be difficult to diagnose and has a >70% mortality rate. Patients on hemodialysis have a high prevalence of predisposing conditions for mesenteric ischemia, but the contribution of intradialytic hypotension, a potential modifiable risk factor, has not been well described. ⋯ Patients with hospitalized mesenteric ischemia had significantly higher odds of having had intradialytic hypotension in the preceding 30 days than controls, as defined by nadir-based definitions.
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Pharmacogenomics is a tool for practitioners to provide precision pharmacotherapy using genomics. All providers are likely to encounter genomic data in practice with the expectation that they are able to successfully apply it to patient care. Pharmacogenomics tests for genetic variations in genes that are responsible for drug metabolism, transport, and targets of drug action. ⋯ Successful use of pharmacogenomics in practice requires that providers are familiar with how to access and use pharmacogenomics resources. Similarly, clinical decision making related to whether to use existing data, whether to order testing, and if data should be used in practice is needed to deliver precision medicine. Pharmacogenomics is applicable to virtually every medical specialty, and nephrologists are well positioned to be implementation leaders.
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Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Sep 2018
Clinical and Economic Benefits of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Hemodialysis Facilities: A Decision Analytic Model.
Infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and Clostridium difficile are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality as well as excess costs. Antimicrobial exposure is the leading cause for these infections. Approximately 30% of antimicrobial doses administered in outpatient hemodialysis facilities are considered unnecessary. Implementing an antimicrobial stewardship program in outpatient hemodialysis facilities aimed at improving prescribing practices would have important clinical and economic benefits. ⋯ The model suggests that implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs in outpatient dialysis facilities would result in substantial reductions in infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and C. difficile, infection-related deaths, and costs.