Septicemia in dialysis patients: incidence, risk factors, and prognosis.
(1/2404)
BACKGROUND: Infection is second to cardiovascular disease as a cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and septicemia causes a majority of these infectious deaths. To identify patients at high risk and to characterize modifiable risk factors for septicemia, we examined the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis for septicemia in a large, representative group of U.S. dialysis patients. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of incident ESRD patients in the case-mix study of the U.S. Renal Data System with seven years of follow-up from hospitalization and death records. Poisson regression was used to examine independent risk factors for hospital-managed septicemia. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to assess the independent effect of septicemia on all-cause mortality and on death from septicemia. Separate analyses were performed for patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). RESULTS: Over seven years of follow-up, 11.7% of 4005 HD patients and 9.4% of 913 PD patients had at least one episode of septicemia. Older age and diabetes were independent risk factors for septicemia in all patients. Among HD patients, low serum albumin, temporary vascular access, and dialyzer reuse were also associated with increased risk. Among PD patients, white race and having no health insurance at dialysis initiation were also risk factors. Patients with septicemia had twice the risk of death from any cause and a fivefold to ninefold increased risk of death from septicemia. CONCLUSIONS: Septicemia, which carries a marked increased risk of death, occurs frequently in patients on PD as well as HD. Early referral to a nephrologist, improving nutrition, and avoiding temporary vascular access may decrease the incidence of septicemia. Further study of how race, insurance status, and dialyzer reuse can contribute to the risk of septicemia among ESRD patients is indicated. (+info)
Value of scintigraphy in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients.
(2/2404)
BACKGROUND: A variety of factors can adversely impact chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) as an effective renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. These factors include peritonitis, poor clearances, loss of ultrafiltration, and a variety of anatomic problems, such as hernias, peritoneal fluid leaks, loculations, and catheter-related problems caused by omental blockage. This study reviews our experience with peritoneal scintigraphy for the evaluation of some of these difficulties. METHODS: From 1991 to 1996, 50 peritoneal scintigraphy scans were obtained in 48 CPD patients. Indications for scintigraphy were evaluated, and the patients were placed into four groups: group I, abdominal wall swelling; group II, inguinal or genital swelling; group III, pleural fluid; and group IV, poor drainage and/or poor ultrafiltration. A peritoneal scintigraphy protocol was established and the radiotracer isotope that was used was 2.0 mCi of 99mtechnetium sulfur colloid placed in two liters of 2.5% dextrose peritoneal dialysis solution. RESULTS: Ten scans were obtained to study abdominal wall swelling, with seven scans demonstrating leaks; six of these episodes improved with low-volume exchanges. Twenty scans were obtained to evaluate inguinal or genital swelling, and 10 of these had scintigraphic evidence for an inguinal hernia leak (9 of these were surgically corrected). One of four scans obtained to evaluate a pleural fluid collection demonstrated a peritoneal-pleural leak that corrected with a temporary discontinuation of CPD. Sixteen scans were obtained to assess poor drainage and/or ultrafiltration. Five of these scans demonstrated peritoneal location, and all of these patients required transfer to hemodialysis. The other 11 scans were normal; four patients underwent omentectomies, allowing three patients to continue with CPD. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal scintigraphy is useful in the evaluation and assessment of CPD patients who develop anatomical problems (such as anterior abdominal, pleural-peritoneal, inguinal, and genital leaks) and problems with ultrafiltration and/or drainage. (+info)
Effect of renal dialysis therapy modality on T cell cytokine production.
(3/2404)
INTRODUCTION: Dialysis has been associated with acute changes in the complement activation status, granulocyte markers, macrophage function, T cell activation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The most common analysis of cytokine production in patients on dialysis has focused on the changes in monokines (particularly IL-1 and TNF alpha), however it is becoming clear that T cell cytokines play a major role in the impaired lymphocyte function of dialysis patients. METHODS: To assess the effect of dialysis modality on T cell function we analysed the ability of T cells within peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations (PBMC) to produce cytokines after mitogen (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate; PMA and lonomycin; I) stimulation in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) compared to low flux haemodialysis (HD) and normal individuals (controls). RESULTS: In control PBMC, PMA + I stimulation significantly increased the percentage of CD3+ cells expressing IL-2, IFN gamma, TNF alpha, IL-4 and IL-10, as expected. However, although mitogen stimulation significantly enhanced the percentage of the classical Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN gamma and TNF alpha) in the low flux HD PBMC, it had no effect on CD3+ IL-2 or CD3+ TNF alpha producing cells in the PD group. In contrast, the percentage of T cells producing Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) could not be consistently enhanced by mitogen in either dialysis group. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that PD alters the ability of T cells to produce cytokines, possibly by causing an 'exhaustion' of the Th1 cells, thereby preventing cells to produce cytokine on ex vivo stimulation. Furthermore, since T cells from both low flux HD and PD groups could not be induced to produce Th2 cytokines we suggest that uraemia or dialysis per se inhibits T cells from producing Th2 cytokines. (+info)
The impact of an amino acid-based peritoneal dialysis fluid on plasma total homocysteine levels, lipid profile and body fat mass.
(4/2404)
BACKGROUND: The caloric load from glucose-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluids contributes to hypertriglyceridaemia, adiposity and, as result of anorexia, protein malnutrition in PD patients. It has been suggested that replacement of a glucose-based by an amino acids-based PD fluid (AA-PDF) for one exchange per day might improve the nutritional status and lipid profile. Due to the uptake of methionine from the dialysate, however, exposure to AA-PDF might aggravate hyperhomocysteinaemia, a frequently occurring risk factor for atherosclerosis in uraemic patients. METHODS: We studied the impact of a once daily exchange with 1.1% AA-PDF instead of glucose-based PD fluid for 2 months on plasma methionine and total homocysteine (tHcy) levels, lipid profile, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and body fat mass of seven stable PD patients. Results are expressed as mean+/-SEM. RESULTS: Methionine levels did not increase significantly during therapy, but tHcy levels increased substantially from 60+/-12 to 84+/-19 micromol/l after 1 month (P=0.039), and to 85+/-22 micromol/l after 2 months of AA-PDF treatment. Serum triglyceride concentration decreased from 3.0+/-0.4 mmol/l at entry to 2.6+/-0.5 mmol/l (at 1 month, P=0.041 vs baseline). Serum BChE also decreased from 6.9+/-0.4 U/ml at entry to 6.3+/-0.4 U/ml after 2 months (P=0.014). Total cholesterol concentration and cholesterol fractions did not change. The reduced exposure to glucose-based PD fluid for 2 months resulted in a 0.5 kg reduction in fat mass which was due mainly to a reduction in fat mass of the trunk region (0.3 kg, P=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that methionine-containing AA-PDF induces an increase in the plasma tHcy level. This might, potentially, offset the beneficial effects of an improved serum lipid profile and reduced fat mass on the risk of cardiovascular disease in PD patients. Lowering the methionine content of the fluid, therefore, may be required to overcome this adverse effect. (+info)
How can videolaparoscopy be used in a peritoneal dialysis programme?
(5/2404)
BACKGROUND: Recently videolaparoscopy is considered to have a vaster use in surgery due to the undeniable benefits such as low operatory traumatism, quick recovery of canalization, a short stay in the hospital and minor scarring. METHODS: Forty patients were treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD); 15 videolaparoscopic procedures were performed on 13 patients before starting PD and two during the course of PD. The videolaparoscopy procedure was started by inducing pneumoperitoneum after initiation of general anaesthesia through endotracheal intubation. RESULTS: Peritoneal catheter placement was carried out in 11 ESRD patients showing abdominal scars due to previous laparotomies; their abdominal condition precluded safe PC placement using conventional non-laparoscopic procedures with local anaesthesia. Release of adhesions was performed only in two patients. Videolaparoscopy was also used in three patients for elective cholecystectomy; 2/3 underwent concomitant PC insertion. One patient was submitted to cholecystectomy during the course of CAPD; following the procedure we left the peritoneum dry overnight and then we started temporary IPD, using small volumes, avoiding haemodialysis (HD). Regular CAPD was resumed 6 days later. Finally, videolaparoscopy was also used for diagnostic purpose i.e. in one 59-year-old man patient who had a peritoneal catheter obstruction. Repeated rescue attempts using urokinase solution to irrigate the peritoneal catheter had been used in vain attempts prior to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Videolaparoscopy proves to be a useful tool in a PD programme. Firstly, it may be used as a technique for catheter implantation, not as a routine procedure but in patients with extensive abdominal scars due to previous laparotomy, i.e. at risk for accidental viscera perforation due to the possibility of adhesions between intestinal loops and parietal peritoneum. Secondly, videolaparoscopy used for abdominal surgery allows the resumption of PD immediately after surgical procedure and thus avoiding HD. Videolaparoscopy is fundamental for diagnosis and rescue of catheter dysfunction and has an integral role in the successful management of these patients in extending catheter function and permitting safe replacement of peritoneal catheter if it becomes necessary. Along with the undeniable advantages, remains the disadvantages that it must be carried out by an expert surgeon in an operating theatre while the patient is under general anaesthesia. (+info)
Distribution of Fos immunoreactivity in rat brain after sodium consumption induced by peritoneal dialysis.
(6/2404)
Fos immunoreactivity was used to map the neuronal population groups activated after sodium ingestion induced by peritoneal dialysis (PD) in rats. Oxytocin immunoreactivity in combination with Fos immunoreactivity was also analyzed to evaluate whether the oxytocinergic neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) are activated during the satiety process of sodium appetite. Sodium ingestion stimulated by PD produced Fos immunoreactivity within defined cells groups of the lamina terminalis and hindbrain areas such us the nucleus of the solitary tract, area postrema, and lateral parabrachial nucleus. On the other hand, particular parvocellular and magnocellular oxytocinergic subdivisions of the PVN and supraoptic nucleus were double labeled after PD-induced sodium consumption. Approximately 27 and 2.1%, respectively, of the activated dorsomedial cap and parvocellular posterior subnuclei of the PVN, which project to the hindbrain, were oxytocinergic. Our data indicate that specific neuronal groups are activated during the satiety process of sodium appetite, suggesting they may form a circuit subserving sodium balance regulation. They also support a functional role for the oxytocinergic neurons in this circuit. (+info)
Prevalence and determinants of hyperhomocysteinemia in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
(7/2404)
BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic complications in patients with end-stage renal disease, although the mechanisms remain unclear. The major determinants of plasma homocysteine concentration are usually folate, vitamin B12, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B6), and glomerular filtration rate. METHODS: We measured factors, including plasma folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, creatinine, as well as the dose and duration of dialysis, that might affect plasma homocysteine concentrations in 130 patients on hemodialysis (HD) and compared these observations with those in 46 patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Independent determinants of total homocysteine were identified using a multiple logistical regression analysis. RESULTS: Total homocysteine values averaged 29.8 mumol/liter in HD patients, significantly higher than the mean value of 19.9 mumol/liter observed in patients on PD (P < 0.001). The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 90.8% among HD patients, significantly higher than the prevalence of 67.4% among PD patients. Folate values in HD patients averaged 45.5 nmol/liter and were significantly lower than in PD patients (104.2 nmol/liter, P < 0.001). For patients on HD, the only determinant of total homocysteine concentration was plasma folate (r = -0.31, P < 0.001). In contrast, for PD patients, total homocysteine did not correlate with plasma folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin B6. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperhomocysteinemia is more prevalent and intense in HD patients compared with those on PD. The homocysteine response may become refractory to excess folate supplementation in PD patients. (+info)
Mortality and technique failure in patients starting chronic peritoneal dialysis: results of The Netherlands Cooperative Study on the Adequacy of Dialysis. NECOSAD Study Group.
(8/2404)
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown an association between small solute clearance and patient survival. Thus far, little attention has been paid to the potential effects of fluid overload. The aim of this study was to determine the relative importance of baseline patient and treatment characteristics to mortality and technique failure in patients starting peritoneal dialysis. METHODS: One hundred and eighteen consecutive new patients were included in this prospective multicenter cohort study. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to predict mortality and technique failure. RESULTS: There were 33 deaths and 44 technique failures. The two-year patient survival was 77%, and the two-year technique survival was 64%. Age, systolic blood pressure, and the absolute quantity of small solutes removed at baseline were independent predictors of mortality. A one-year increase in age was associated with a relative risk (RR) of death of 1.05 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.09) and a 10 mm Hg rise in systolic blood pressure, with a RR of 1.42 (95% CI, 1.17 to 1.73). The removal of 1 mmol/week/1.73 m2 of urinary and dialysate creatinine was associated with a RR of death of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92 to 0.98) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89 to 0.98). The removal of urea had a similar association with the RR of death. Predictors for technique failure were urine volume, peritoneal ultrafiltration, and systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Dialysate solute removal was an independent predictor of mortality. The association between systolic blood pressure and mortality shows that the maintenance of fluid balance and the removal of small solutes deserve equal attention. (+info)