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This paper focuses on Medicare's End-Stage Renal Disease Quality Incentive Program (QIP). QIP aims to promote high-quality services in outpatient dialysis facilities by tying their payments to their performance on pre-specified quality measures. In this paper, employing principal-agent theory, we examine the effectiveness of QIP by exploring the changes in various clinical/operational measures when they become a part of the program as a performance measure. We study five QIP quality measures; two are operational: hospitalization and readmission. And three others are clinical: blood transfusion, hypercalcemia, and dialysis adequacy. Overall, we observe a significant improvement in all QIP quality measures after being included in the program, except for readmission. We recommend adjusting the weight and redesigning the readmission measure for Medicare to incentivize providers to reduce readmission. We also discuss establishing care coordination and employing data-driven clinical decision support systems as opportunities for dialysis facilities to improve the care delivery process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the establishment of the Turkish Republic on October 29, 1923, the main targets in the field of health were determined as combating contagious diseases, increasing the number of physicians and healthcare personnel, improving the interregional distribution of physicians, giving women the right to receive medical education, and granting only Turkish citizens the right to practice medicine (except formerly working foreign physicians and those working in hospitals established by foreign states). Modern medical education was introduced in the Ottoman Empire with the "Tıphane ve Cerrahhane-i Amire (Mekteb-i Tıbbiye-i Şahane)" school opened on March 14, 1827. After the implementation of the University reform in Turkey in 1933, Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine became one of the most important centres in Europe with the contributions of well-known foreign scholars and Turkish faculty members. After World War II, the first medical school of the republican era was opened in Ankara in 1945. This article provides a chronological review of the developments in Turkish nephrology during the Republican period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peritoneal dialysis is one of the renal replacement therapy modality for patients with end-stage renal disease. Hypertension is a common comorbidity in these patients and calcium channel blockers are the most commonly prescribed drugs. Chyloperitoneum is a non-infectious cause of cloudy peritoneal effluent. Lercanidipine is a lipophilic, third generation calcium channel blocker and a widely used antihypertensive agent. Herein, we presented a case of geriatric peritoneal dialysis patient admitted to hospital cloudy effluent after the use of lercanidipine for hypertension. The peritoneal effluent returned to normal after after the cessation of lercanidipine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on Sepsis being defined based on an adaptation of the Sepsis-3 criteria. Topics include suspected or confirming infection being defined at least one antimicrobial order and at least one microbiologic culture order; and patients spending time in a transient location between the ED and the first inpatient location such as radiology or dialysis.

A novel infectious disease, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), spread globally since December 2019. Without effective treatment and vaccination, the strategies to restrain this disease are only keeping social distance, maintaining personal hygiene, quarantine, and isolation. However, thrice-a-week treatment is inevitable for all hemodialysis patients. In addition to the high risk of cluster infection and compromised immunity in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), an atypical disease presentation could also make the medial system neglect these patients during CVOID-19 pandemic. To avoid COVID-19 transmission among patients on dialysis, the major societies of nephrology around the world have provided their guidelines for screening, dialysis facilities adjustment, and health education, respectively. In this review, we summarized the main contents and differences of these guidelines and addressed the prompt management for patients with ESRD to reduce the risk of infection during COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biocompatible fluids for peritoneal dialysis (PD) have been introduced to improve the dialysis adequacy and patient outcomes in end-stage renal disease. However, being buffered with lactate, these fluids may insufficiently correct metabolic acidosis and lead to changes in peritoneal structure. Bicarbonate buffered fluids might mitigate these complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a bicarbonate dialysis fluid on clinical and laboratory indices of dialysis adequacy. Methods: Twenty PD patients treated with standard lactate solutions, were divided into two groups. Patients in the study group started treatment with a 34 mmol/L bicarbonate-buffered solution, whereas those in the control group continued on a lactate-buffered fluid. Assessment of urine output, dialysis ultrafiltration, hydration status as well as metabolic acidosis, dialysis adequacy and potential inflow pain was performed at baseline and at six weeks intervals for 24 weeks. Results: In the studied group, pH was 7.36 ± 0.03, HCO3 22.1 ± 1.8 mmol/l at baseline and 7.36 ± 0.04, and 21.2 ± 2.3 mmol/l at the end of the study, while in the control group the pH was 7.35 ± 0.12, with HCO3 22.2 ± 1.4 mmol/l, and 7.40 ± 0.03, and 22.3 ± 1.8 mmol/l, respectively. No statistically significant differences were noted. Dialysis effectiveness, measured as urea Kt/V, urine output and dialysis ultrafiltration did not differ between the groups, either at baseline or at the study termination. Only one patient in the studied group reported inflow pain and following conversion to bicarbonate-buffered PD fluid he reported reduction of its intensity. Conclusion: Bicarbonate-buffered PD solution appears to be similar to standard fluid in terms of the impact on residual renal function and ultrafiltration as well as on acid-base balance and infusion pain. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the long-term advantages of this biocompatible solution in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restricted mean survival time (RMST) has gained increased attention in biostatistical and clinical studies. Directly modeling RMST (as opposed to modeling then transforming the hazard function) is appealing computationally and in terms of interpreting covariate effects. We propose computationally convenient methods for evaluating center effects based on RMST. A multiplicative model for the RMST is assumed. Estimation proceeds through an algorithm analogous to stratification, which permits the evaluation of thousands of centers. We derive the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators and evaluate finite sample performance through simulation. We demonstrate that considerable decreases in computational burden are achievable through the proposed methods, in terms of both storage requirements and run time. The methods are applied to evaluate more than 5000 US dialysis facilities using data from a national end-stage renal disease registry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medicare uses a quality incentive program (QIP) criteria to evaluate care in dialysis facilities and apply monetary penalties on underperforming facilities. Smaller dialysis facilities are likely to be rural and operate on lower profit margin; therefore, such facilities are likely to underperform and face Medicare penalties. The variation in QIP scores by facility size is not yet known. We investigated the association between freestanding dialysis facility size and QIP scores.Methods: Our cross-sectional analysis compared QIP scores across levels of facility size for 5,193 freestanding dialysis facilities that received QIP scores in 2015. We used Medicare facility data including Dialysis Facility Compare, Performance Scores, Facility-Level Impact, and Area Health Resource and United States Renal Data System files for the payment year 2015. We measured the facility size using the number of dialysis stations per dialysis facility. QIP scores were used to determine the quality of care. A generalized linear model was estimated at an alpha level of 0.05.Results: Facilities operating more than 10 dialysis stations scored higher than those operating fewer. Further, facilities in the South and Northeast, not offering peritoneal dialysis, affiliated with chains (except chain 3) and spending more hours per dialysis achieved higher QIP scores. Facilities reporting a higher proportion of Hispanic patients and of patients with access to pre-end-stage renal disease (ESRD) nephrologist care achieved higher QIP scores. Conversely, facilities with a higher Black patient population and higher patient travel distances scored lower.Conclusions: The current study provides important finding about the performance of the dialysis facilities with ≤10 dialysis stations. Quality improvement strategies are needed, especially for the dialysis facilities with ≤10 stations, to prevent penalties and eventual closure of such facilities due to financial insolvency. Failure to address these issues will increase further disparities in ESRD care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is commonly performed to ensure safe and effective use of the antibiotic. Aim of Study To evaluate appropriateness of vancomycin TDM and its outcomes in Singapore General Hospital. Method A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 January 2014 and 28 February 2014 involving patients who received ≥ 1 dose of intravenous vancomycin with TDM. Patient demographics and relevant vancomycin TDM data were collected from medical records. Results Of 746 vancomycin troughs measured among 234 patients, 459 troughs (61.5%) were taken inappropriately, with a median time of 2.6 h (interquartile range 1.1-4.3) before the next scheduled dose. Inappropriate interpretation of vancomycin troughs resulted in 41 unnecessary dose suspensions, 24 dose changes, and 102 unchanged vancomycin doses. The cost incurred due to inappropriate interpretation and measurement after discontinuation of treatment was US$7286. No differences in rates of vancomycin related nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, recurrent infection, development of infection secondary to vancomycin resistant microorganism and mortality were observed (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study highlighted a high incidence of inappropriate vancomycin TDM which has led to increased healthcare cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing target to tumor sites and reducing accumulation at normal tissue sites of anticancer drugs are essential to improve the cancer chemotherapy efficiency. In this study, we have developed a novel pentablock polymeric poly(ethylene glycol)- b -(poly(2-(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)- b -poly (hydroxyethyl methacrylate)- g -folic acid) 2 [PEG- b -(PDEAEMA- b -PHEMA- g -FA) 2 ] micelles as anticancer drug nanocarrier. The carriers could target tumor cells rapidly, and response to the tumor sites pH to control drug release. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the intermediates copolymers was 4.37–7.08 mg/L, which indicated that the self-assembled micelles had comparatively good internal circulation stability. The drug loaded micelles were prepared using dialysis method, resulting in an average particle size of below 120 nm, and the drug loading content and entrapment efficiency were 21% and 48% respectively. The pH-responsiveness and in vitro drug release of the micelles were studied, and the results showed a higher doxorubicin (DOX) cumulative amount at pH 5.0 (~ 90%) compared to pH 7.4 (~ 20%) owing to the protonation of the tertiary amino groups. In vitro cytotoxicity and endocytosis experiments showed that the tumor-suppressing effect of drug-loaded micelles was close to those of free DOX. The loaded DOX could be delivered into the cancer cells in a short time, and about 80% of the tumor cells were killed after 48 h incubation. The results indicate that the pentablock polymeric micelles have the potential to be applied for targeting anticancer drug delivery and control release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We examined the association of dialysis facility characteristics with payment reductions and change in clinical performance measures during the first year of the United States Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) End Stage Renal Disease Quality Incentive Plan (ESRD QIP) to determine its potential impact on quality and disparities in dialysis care.Methods: We linked the 2012 ESRD QIP Facility Performance File to the 2007-2011 American Community Survey by zip code and dichotomized the QIP total performance scores-derived from percent of patients with urea reduction rate > 65, hemoglobin < 10 g/dL, and hemoglobin > 12 g/dL-as 'any' versus 'no' payment reduction. We characterized associations between payment reduction and dialysis facility characteristics and neighborhood demographics, and examined changes in facility outcomes between 2007 and 2010.Results: In multivariable analysis, facilities with any payment reduction were more likely to have longer operation (OR 1.03 per year), a medium or large number of stations (OR 1.31 and OR 1.42, respectively), and a larger proportion of African Americans (OR 1.25, highest versus lowest quartile), all p < 0.05. Most improvement in clinical performance was due to reduced overtreatment of anemia, a decline in the percentage of patients with hemoglobin ≥ 12 g/dL; for-profits and facilities in African American neighborhoods had the greatest reduction.Conclusions: In the first year of CMS pay-for-performance, most clinical improvement was due to reduced overtreatment of anemia. Facilities in African American neighborhoods were more likely to receive a payment reduction, despite their large decline in anemia overtreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little information on hospital and nursing facility stays during the transition from pre-dialysis kidney disease to end-stage renal disease treated with dialysis.Objectives: To examine hospital and nursing facility stays in the years pre- and post-dialysis initiation, and to develop a novel method for visualizing these data.Design: Observational study of patients in the US Renal Data System initiating dialysis from October 2011 to October 2012.Participants: Patients aged ≥67 years with Medicare Part A/B coverage for 1 year pre-dialysis initiation.Main Measures: Proportion of patients with ≥1 facility day, and among these, the mean number of days and the mean proportion of time spent in a facility in the first year post-dialysis initiation. We created "heat maps" to represent data visually.Key Results: Among 28,049 patients, > 60% initiated dialysis in the hospital. Patients with at least 1 facility day spent 37-42 days in a facility in the year pre-dialysis initiation and 59-67 facility days in the year post-dialysis initiation. The duration of facility stay varied by age: patients aged 67-70 years spent 60 (95% CI 57-62) days or 25.8% of the first year post-dialysis initiation in a facility, while patients aged >80 years spent 67 (CI 65-69) days or 36.8% of the first year post-dialysis initiation in a facility. Patterns varied depending on the presence or absence of certain comorbid conditions, with dementia having a particularly large effect: patients with dementia spent approximately 50% of the first year post-dialysis initiation in a facility, regardless of age.Conclusions: Older patients, particularly octogenarians and patients with dementia or other comorbidities, spend a large proportion of time in a facility during the first year after dialysis initiation. Our heat maps provide a novel and concise visual representation of a large amount of quantitative data regarding expected outcomes after initiation of dialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal decreases in blood pressure during hemodialysis are frequent in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with hemodialysis, and thought to be largely due to an inadequate cardiovascular response to the rapid blood volume decline. Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) and cardiac instability during dialysis can increase risks for negative health consequences and is possibly preventable though several types of interventions. One intervention that holds promise for prevention of IDH in hemodialysis patients is to reduce the temperature of the dialysate to or below the patient's core temperature. A considerable number of randomized studies have demonstrated a short term benefit of using a cooler dialysate temperature for the prevention of IDH and improved cardiac stability. Despite this, a key observational study was not able to show long term improvements with lower dialysate temperatures utilized in routine clinical practice, albeit possibly confounded by indication. It appears that cooling the dialysate may be reasonable to consider on an individual basis for patients who suffer from persistent IDH if they can tolerate the adjustment and it is effective. However, careful assessment of the etiology of IDH should be performed when considering treatment options. In this review, we detail the current body of evidence on the effectiveness of using low dialysate temperatures for prevention of IDH in ESRD patients, and suggest areas where further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) with dialytic support for renal replacement therapy can be life sustaining and permit recovery from critical illness. Like any interventional therapy, however, renal replacement therapy with intermittent hemodialysis or continuous therapy can cause complications. Intradialytic hypotension is a common complication and can cause further ischemic injury to the recovering kidneys, thereby reducing the probability of renal recovery. The optimal dialytic technique-continuous or intermittent-has not been conclusively demonstrated in randomized controlled trials. In general, treatment or prophylactic strategies for intradialytic hypotension in AKI have not been comprehensively tested. Given the frequency of intradialytic hypotension in dialytic treatment of AKI and its adverse clinical consequences, future research should rigorously compare dialytic techniques and other prevention strategies in adequately powered, randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a five star rating system as part of ‘Dialysis Facility Compare’ to help patients identify and choose high performing clinics in the US. Eight dialysis-related measures determine ratings. Little is known about the association between surrounding community sociodemographic characteristics and star ratings. Using data from the U.S. Census and over 6000 dialysis clinics across the country, we examined the association between dialysis clinic star ratings and characteristics of the local population: 1) proportion of population below the federal poverty level (FPL); 2) proportion of black individuals; and 3) proportion of Hispanic individuals, by correlation and regression analyses. Secondary analyses with Quality Incentive Program (QIP) scores and population characteristics were also performed. We observed a negligible correlation between star ratings and the proportion of local individuals below FPL; Spearman coefficient, R = -0.09 (p<0.0001), and a stronger correlation between star ratings and the proportion of black individuals; R = -0.21 (p<0.0001). Ordered logistic regression analyses yielded adjusted odds ratio of 0.91 (95% confidence interval [0.80–1.30], p = 0.12) and 0.55 ([0.48–0.63], p<0.0001) for high vs. low level of proportion below FPL and proportion of black individuals, respectively. In contrast, a near-zero correlation was observed between star ratings and the proportion of Hispanic individuals. Correlations varied substantially by country region, clinic profit status and clinic size. Analyses using clinic QIP scores provided similar results. Sociodemographic characteristics of the surrounding community, factors typically outside of providers’ direct control, have varying levels of association with clinic dialysis star ratings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the clinical profile and outcomes of women with pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (AKI) undergoing dialysis at Saint Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, where the first publicly funded large-scale dialysis service in Ethiopia was established.Methods: In a hospital-based retrospective study, clinical records were reviewed for all women with pregnancy-related AKI attending the hemodialysis unit at the study center between August 2013 and July 2015.Results: In total, 42 pregnant women with pregnancy-related AKI underwent dialysis. Their mean age was 28.9 ± 5.9 years. The most common cause of pregnancy-related AKI was pre-eclampsia or eclampsia (31/42, 74%), followed by puerperal sepsis (6/42, 14%). The mean number of dialysis sessions was 4.8 ± 4.6; the most common indication for dialysis was refractory fluid overload (35/42, 83%). Overall, 35 (83%) women were discharged with improvement, 5 (12%) died, and 2 (5%) absconded. Of the five maternal deaths, three women had pre-eclampsia-related AKI and two had puerperal sepsis-related AKI.Conclusion: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were the leading cause of pregnancy-related AKI, which can be easily prevented with early diagnosis and timely intervention. Improving the quality of prenatal care to recognize hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, coupled with prompt management, might help to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality related to AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that healthcare providers face a tradeoff between increasing the number of patients they treat and improving their quality of care. To measure the magnitude of this quality-quantity tradeoff, we estimate a model of dialysis provision that explicitly incorporates a centre's unobservable and endogenous choice of treatment quality while allowing for unobserved differences in productivity across centres. We find that a centre that reduces its quality standards such that its expected rate of septic infections increases by 1 percentage point can increase its patient load by 1.6%, holding productivity, capital and labour fixed; this corresponds to an elasticity of quantity with respect to quality of -0.2. Notably, our approach provides estimates of productivity that control for differences in quality, whereas traditional methods would misattribute lower-quality care to greater productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after Percutaneous Vascular Intervention (PVI) in contemporary medical practice are largely unknown.Methods: A total of 13 126 patients undergoing PVI were included in the analysis. CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine from pre-PVI baseline to post-PVI peak Cr of ≥0.5 mg/dL.Results: CIN occurred in 3% (400 patients) of the cohort, and 26 patients (6.5%) required dialysis. Independent predictors of CIN were high and low body weight, diabetes, heart failure, anemia, baseline renal dysfunction, critical limb ischemia, and a higher acuity of the PVI procedure and a contrast dose that was greater than three times the calculated creatinine clearance (CCC) (adjusted OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8, P = 0.003). CIN was strongly associated with adverse outcome including in-hospital death (adjusted OR 18.1, CI 10.7-30.6, P < 0.001), myocardial infarction (adjusted OR 16.2, CI 8.9-29.5, P < 0.001), transient ischemic attack/stroke (adjusted OR 5.5, CI 3.2-14.9, P = 0.001), vascular access complications (adjusted OR 3.4, CI 2.3-5, P < 0.001), and transfusion (adjusted OR 7, CI 5.4-9, P < 0.001). Hospital stay was longer in patients who developed CIN versus those who did not.Conclusions: CIN is not an uncommon complication associated with PVI, can be reliably predicted from pre-procedural variables, including a contrast dose of greater than three times the CCC and is strongly associated with the risk of in-hospital death, MI, stroke, transfusion, and increased hospital length of stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home hemodialysis (HD) was first introduced in the 1960s with a rapid increase in its use due to inability of dialysis units to accommodate patient demand. A sharp decline was subsequently seen with expanding outpatient dialysis facilities and changes in reimbursement policies. In the last decade, with emerging reports of benefits with home HD and more user-friendly equipment, there has been resurgence in home HD. However, home HD remains underutilized with considerable variations between and within countries. This paper will review the history of home HD, elaborate on its established benefits, identify some of the barriers in uptake of this modality and expand on potential strategies to overcome these barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the relationship between distance to dialysis provider and patient selection of dialysis modality, informed by the absolute distance from a patient's home and relative distance of alternative modalities.Data Sources: U.S. Renal Data System.Study Design: About 70,131 patients initiating chronic dialysis and 4,795 dialysis facilities in 2006. The primary outcome was patient utilization of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Independent variables included absolute distance between patients' home and the nearest hemodialysis (HD) facility, relative distance between patients' home and nearest PD versus nearest HD facilities, and their interaction. Logistic regression was used to model distance on PD use, controlling for patient and market characteristics.Principal Findings: Nine percent of incident dialysis patients used PD in 2006. There was a positive, nonlinear relationship between absolute distance to HD services and PD use (p < .0001), with the magnitude of the effect increasing at greater distances. In terms of relative distance, odds of PD use increased if a PD facility was closer or the same distance as the nearest HD facility (p = .006). Interaction of distance measures to dialysis facilities was not significant.Conclusions: Analyses of patient choice between alternative treatments should model distance to reflect all relevant dimensions of geographic access to treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unintentional human errors are the source of most safety breaches in complex, high-risk environments. The environment of dialysis care is extremely complex. Dialysis patients have unique and changing physiology, and the processes required for their routine care involve numerous open-ended interfaces between providers and an assortment of technologically advanced equipment. Communication errors, both within the dialysis facility and during care transitions, and lapses in compliance with policies and procedures are frequent areas of safety risk. Some events, such as air emboli and needle dislodgments occur infrequently, but are serious risks. Other adverse events include medication errors, patient falls, catheter and access-related infections, access infiltrations and prolonged bleeding. A robust safety system should evaluate how multiple, sequential errors might align to cause harm. Systems of care can be improved by sharing the results of root cause analyses, and 'good catches.' Failure mode effects and analyses can be used to proactively identify and mitigate areas of highest risk, and methods drawn from cognitive psychology, simulation training, and human factor engineering can be used to advance facility safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IMPORTANCE Dialysis facilities in the United States are required to educate patients with end-stage renal disease about all treatment options, including kidney transplantation. Patients receiving dialysis typically require a referral for kidney transplant evaluation at a transplant center from a dialysis facility to start the transplantation process, but the proportion of patients referred for transplantation is unknown. OBJECTIVE To describe variation in dialysis facility–level referral for kidney transplant evaluation and factors associated with referral among patients initiating dialysis in Georgia, the US state with the lowest kidney transplantation rates. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Examination of United States Renal Data System data from a cohort of 15 279 incident, adult (18-69 years) patients with end-stage renal disease from 308 Georgia dialysis facilities from January 2005 to September 2011, followed up through September 2012, linked to kidney transplant referral data collected from adult transplant centers in Georgia in the same period. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Referral for kidney transplant evaluation within 1 year of starting dialysis at any of the 3 Georgia transplant centers was the primary outcome; placement on the deceased donor waiting list was also examined. RESULTS The median within-facility percentage of patients referred within 1 year of starting dialysis was 24.4% (interquartile range, 16.7%-33.3%) and varied from 0% to 75.0%. Facilities in the lowest tertile of referral (<19.2%) were more likely to treat patients living in high-poverty neighborhoods (absolute difference, 21.8% [95% CI, 14.1%-29.4%]), had a higher patient to social worker ratio (difference, 22.5 [95% CI, 9.7-35.2]), and were more likely nonprofit (difference, 17.6% [95% CI, 7.7%-27.4%]) compared with facilities in the highest tertile of referral (>31.3%). In multivariable, multilevel analyses, factors associated with lower referral for transplantation, such as older age, white race, and nonprofit facility status, were not always consistent with the factors associated with lower waitlisting. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In Georgia overall, a limited proportion of patients treated with dialysis were referred for kidney transplant evaluation between 2005 and 2011, but there was substantial variability in referral among facilities. Variables associated with referral were not always associated with waitlisting, suggesting that different factors may account for disparities in referral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemodialysis patients in Japan are aging and thus more patients need support for attending hemodialysis facilities. This study aimed to clarify how dialysis patients utilize the services covered by Japan's public long-term care insurance (LTCI) system. This cross-sectional study was based on LTCI data of March 31, 2009, the latest available data provided by Niigata City, located on the northwest coast of Honshu. Among 30,349 LTCI users in Niigata City, there were 234 dialysis patients. To clarify the characteristics of the dialysis patients, we compared the utilization of LTCI services between the dialysis patients (234 users) and randomly selected 765 non-dialysis users. We also calculated the annual transportation service costs per patient for dialysis patients who continued home care (home care group) and those who switched to longterm hospital care at LTCI care levels 4 and 5 (hospital admission group). These care levels indicate difficulty in walking or maintaining a sitting posture without assistance. The dialysis group more frequently utilized home care and equipment services, such as renting or purchasing care-support products and support for home equipment repair, and utilized facility services and short-stay services (respite care) less frequently (both p < 0.001). Cost per patient was higher in the home care group than in the hospital admission group, because the transportation services for dialysis patients at care levels 4 and 5 involve higher costs. These findings indicate that LTCI services usable for dialysis patients were limited. Therefore, instead of merely subsidizing transportation expenses, transportation services must be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the direct cost of anemia treatment in hemodialysis patients and to evidence factors predictive of 1-year cost. Methods: Retrospective study which included hemodialyzed patients during year 2009 in five centers. Patients were evaluable if they had at least one hemoglobin (Hb) assay per month and were monitored for at least 4 months. Patients were classified in different 'annual Hb category' according to their monthly mean Hb [Hb categories: Ideal (10 ≤ Hb ≤ 12 g/dL); High (Hb > 12 g/dL) and Low (Hb < 10 g/dL) if >75 % of time in respective category, otherwise classified in the Fluctuating category]. Results: We analyzed 636 patients (male, 59.4 %) with a mean age of 67 years who underwent 144 hemodialysis sessions (median number per patient) in 2009. The cost of anemia treatment was largely driven by erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) (68 % of total cost for Low Hb category and approximately 90 % for the other Hb categories). Adjusted predictive factors for 1-year direct cost of anemia treatment ( p < 0.0001) were dialysis center (€2,518-€5,617), death (€6,091 vs. €4,911), age (€4,911 for ≤55 years and €5,378 for 65-75 years), female gender (€4,911 vs. €4,398 for male), Low Hb category (€13,005 vs. €5,034 for Ideal, €4,911 for Fluctuating and €2,418 for High), serum ferritin level (€5,102 for 200-500 μg/mL and €4,646 for ≥500 μg/mL) and duration of dialysis (€4,911 if ≤2 years and €2,952 if 4-6 years). Limitations: Retrospective study, and low number of patients in the Low Hb category. Conclusions: The main factors that were predictive of 1-year cost of anemia treatment in hemodialysis patients were centers, patients in the Low Hb category, and dialysis duration of less than 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the Brenner`s theory of the 'workload' in the remnant nephrons, due to the largely available access to the dialysis facilities, many patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) were given low-protein diets (LPDs) apparently with great success. Four main diets are today accepted for achieving a balanced intake of 0.6 g protein/kg/day diet and together with a very low-protein diet of 0.3 g protein/kg/day with keto-analogues and amino-acids supplementation, known as keto-diet, are recommended in specific situations. Still, some questions have debatable answers and are waiting for more conclusive studies: are low and very low-protein diets (VLPDs) really effective in diabetic CKD?; which LPD should be given? and what strategy should be used in order to get maximum compliance and best outcomes? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the relative efficiency of dialysis facilities in the United States and identify factors that are associated with efficiency in the production of dialysis treatments. Data Sources/Study Setting Medicare cost report data from 4,343 free-standing dialysis facilities in the United States that offered in-center hemodialysis in 2010. Study Design A cross-sectional, facility-level retrospective database analysis, utilizing data envelopment analysis ( DEA) to estimate facility efficiency. Data Collection/Extraction Methods Treatment data and cost and labor inputs of dialysis treatments were obtained from 2010 Medicare Renal Cost Reports. Demographic data were obtained from the 2010 U.S. Census. Principal Findings Only 26.6 percent of facilities were technically efficient. Neither the intensity of market competition nor the profit status of the facility had a significant effect on efficiency. Facilities that were members of large chains were less likely to be efficient. Cost and labor savings due to changes in drug protocols had little effect on overall dialysis center efficiency. Conclusions The majority of free-standing dialysis facilities in the United States were functioning in a technically inefficient manner. As payment systems increasingly employ capitation and bundling provisions, these institutions will need to evaluate their efficiency to remain competitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine the structure, processes, and outcomes of American dialysis facilities that predominantly treat racial-ethnic minority patients. Data Sources/Study Setting Secondary analysis of data from all patients who initiated dialysis during 2005-2008 in the United States. Study Design In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the associations of the racial-ethnic composition of the dialysis facility with facility-level survival and achievement of performance targets for anemia and dialysis adequacy. Data Collection/Extraction Methods We obtained dialysis facility- and patient-level data from the national data registry of patients with end-stage renal disease. We linked these data with clinical performance measures from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Principal Findings Overall, minority-serving facilities were markedly larger, more often community based, and less likely to offer home dialysis than facilities serving predominantly white patients. A significantly higher proportion of minority-serving dialysis facilities exhibited worse than expected survival as compared with facilities serving predominantly white patients ( p < .001 for each). However, clinical performance measures for anemia and dialysis adequacy were similar across minority-serving status. Conclusions While minority-serving facilities generally met dialysis performance targets mandated by Medicare, they exhibited worse than expected patient survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the author discusses the occurrence of chronic kidney disease in the aging population and rapid growth of the disease in the lower income and middle income groups. Topics discussed include socioeconomic development and increasing prosperity of aging, benefits of dialysis to older people with kidney failure, and organ allocation policies for transplantation.

Introduction: The UK Renal Association clinical practice guidelines include clinical performance measures for biochemical variables in dialysis patients. The UK Renal Registry (UKRR) annually audits dialysis centre performance against these measures as part of its role in promoting continuous quality improvement. Methods: Cross sectional performance analyses were undertaken to compare dialysis centre achievement of clinical audit measures for prevalent haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) cohorts in 2012. The biochemical variables studied were phosphate, adjusted calcium, parathyroid hormone, bicarbonate and total cholesterol. In addition, longitudinal analyses were performed (2002-2012) to show changes in achievement of clinical performance measures over time. Results: Fifty-six percent of HD and 61% of PD patients achieved a phosphate within the range recommended by the RA clinical practice guidelines. Seventy-seven percent of HD and 78% of PD patients had adjusted calcium between 2.2-2.5 mmol/L. Fifty-eight percent of HD and 65% of PD patients had parathyroid hormone between 16-72 pmol/L. Fifty-nine percent of HD and 80% of PD patients achieved the audit measure for bicarbonate. There was significant inter-centre variation for all variables studied. Conclusions: The UKRR consistently demonstrates significant inter-centre variation in achievement of biochemical clinical audit measures. Understanding the causes of this variation is an important part of improving the care of dialysis patients in the UK. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dialysis access should be timely, minimise complications and maintain functionality. Good functional access is required for renal replacement therapy (RRT) to be successful. The aim of the combined vascular and peritoneal dialysis access audit was to examine practice patterns with respect to dialysis access and highlight variations in practice between renal centres. Methods: The UK Renal Registry collected centre-specific information on vascular and peritoneal access outcome measures including patient demographics, dialysis access type (at start of dialysis and three months after start of dialysis), surgical assessment and access functionality. The combined access audit covered incident haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in 2012 from England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Centres who had reported data on incident PD patients for the previous audit in 2011 were additionally asked to provide one year follow up data for this group. Results: Fifty-one centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (representing 82% of all centres) returned data on first access from 3,720 incident HD patients and 1,018 incident PD patients. A strong relationship was seen between surgical assessment and the likelihood of starting HD with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Type of first access was related to the length of time known to renal services with higher numbers of AVFs and PD catheters used in patients known to renal services for at least one year. Three month and one year outcomes of HD and PD access were poorly reported. Conclusions: This audit provides information on important patient related outcome measures with the potential to lead to an improvement in access provision. This represents an important advance, however data collection remains suboptimal. There is wide practice variation across the England, Wales and Northern Ireland in provision of both HD and PD access which requires further exploration. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialysis water quality is one of the important parameters all over the world because of its direct influence on the health of kidney patients. In Iraq, there are more than 20 dialysis centers; most of them contain identical units for the production of dialysis water. In this work, the quality of water used for dialysis in six dialysis centers located within Baghdad hospitals was evaluated. Samples of product water from each of the six dialysis centers were examined for total heterotrophic bacteria, endotoxin, and chemical contaminants. Endotoxin was measured on-site using a portable instrument. Bacteriological and chemical examinations were done in the laboratory after collecting samples from each dialysis center. The results showed a fluctuation in the produced water quality that makes the produced water unaccepted when compared with international standards. Bacterial counts for 60% of the analyzed samples were above the action level (50 colony-forming units[ CFU]/m L), while five out of the six dialysis centers showed values higher than the maximum value (100 CFU/m L). Chemical analysis showed that the dialysis water quality suffers from elevated aluminum concentration for all dialysis centers. All hemodialysis centers need thorough monitoring and preventive maintenance to ensure good water quality. In addition, it is important to revise the design of the water treatment units according to the feed and product water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by the national evaluation of readmission rates among kidney dialysis facilities in the United States, we evaluate the impact of including discharging hospitals on the estimation of facility-level standardized readmission ratios (SRRs). The estimation of SRRs consists of two steps. First, we model the dependence of readmission events on facilities and patient-level characteristics, with or without an adjustment for discharging hospitals. Second, using results from the models, standardization is achieved by computing the ratio of the number of observed events to the number of expected events assuming a population norm and given the case-mix in that facility. A challenging aspect of our motivating example is that the number of parameters is very large and estimation of high-dimensional parameters is troublesome. To solve this problem, we propose a structured Newton-Raphson algorithm for a logistic fixed effects model and an approximate EM algorithm for the logistic mixed effects model. We consider a re-sampling and simulation technique to obtain p-values for the proposed measures. Finally, our method of identifying outlier facilities involves converting the observed p-values to Z-statistics and using the empirical null distribution, which accounts for overdispersion in the data. The finite-sample properties of proposed measures are examined through simulation studies. The methods developed are applied to national dialysis data. It is our great pleasure to present this paper in honor of Ross Prentice, who has been instrumental in the development of modern methods of modeling and analyzing life history and failure time data, and in the inventive applications of these methods to important national data problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a theoretical framework of holistic hospital management based on performance indicators that can be applied to dialysis hospitals, clinics or departments in Japan. Selection of a key indicator set and its validity tests were performed primarily by a questionnaire survey to dialysis experts as well as their statements obtained through interviews. The expert questionnaire asked respondents to rate the degree of 'usefulness' for each of 66 indicators on a three-point scale (19 responses collected). Applying the theoretical framework, we selected a minimum set of key performance indicators for dialysis management that can be used in the Japanese context. The indicator set comprised 27 indicators and items that will be collected through three surveys: patient satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and safety culture. The indicators were confirmed by expert judgment from viewpoints of face, content and construct validity as well as their usefulness. This paper established a theoretical framework of performance measurement for holistic dialysis management from primary healthcare stakeholders' perspectives. In this framework, performance indicators were largely divided into healthcare outcomes and performance shaping factors. Indicators of the former type may be applied for the detection of operational problems or weaknesses in a dialysis hospital, clinic or department, while latent causes of each problem can be more effectively addressed by the latter type of indicators in terms of process, structure and culture/climate within the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Examine the mediating effect of injectable drugs in the relationship between dialysis facility organizational status and patient mortality. Study Setting Medicare dialysis population. Study Design Data from the U.S. Renal Data System ( USRDS) were used to identify 3,884 freestanding dialysis facilities and 37,942 Medicare patients incident to end-stage renal disease ( ESRD) in 2006. The role of injectable medications was evaluated during a 2-year follow-up period by mediational analyses using mixed-effect regression models. Data Collection USRDS data were matched with Dialysis Facility Report data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( CMS) and census data. Principal Findings There was a strong association found between organizational status and use of injectable drugs. Large for-profit chains used significantly higher injectable medications compared with nonprofit chains and independent facilities. However, the relationship between facility organizational status and patient mortality was not found to be mediated through the higher use of injectable drugs. Conclusions Large for-profit chain facilities administered higher IV epoetin, iron, and vitamin D dosages, but this did not result in improved survival. Given the associated costs and lack of a survival benefit, the overuse of injectable medications among the U.S. dialysis patients will likely end under the recent bundling of injectable medications without jeopardizing patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a validated tool to monitor enterprise performances against specific objectives. Through the choice and the evaluation of strategic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), it provides a measure of the past company's outcome and allows planning future managerial strategies. The Fresenius Medical Care (FME) BSC makes use of 30 KPIs for a continuous quality improvement strategy within its dialysis clinics. Each KPI is monthly associated to a score that summarizes the clinic efficiency for that month. Standard statistical methods are currently used to analyze the BSC data and to give a comprehensive view of the corporate improvements to the top management. We herein propose the Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs) as an innovative approach to extrapolate information from the FME BSC data and to present it in an easy-readable informative form. A SOM is a computational technique that allows projecting high-dimensional datasets to a two-dimensional space ( map), thus providing a compressed representation. The SOM unsupervised ( self-organizing) training procedure results in a map that preserves similarity relations existing in the original dataset; in this way, the information contained in the high-dimensional space can be more easily visualized and understood. The present work demonstrates the effectiveness of the SOM approach in extracting useful information from the 30-dimensional BSC dataset: indeed, SOMs enabled both to highlight expected relationships between the KPIs and to uncover results not predictable with traditional analyses. Hence we suggest SOMs as a reliable complementary approach to the standard methods for BSC interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the history of the Seattle Artificial Kidney Center, the world's first out-of-hospital dialysis which is celebrating its 50th anniversary on January 8, 2011. The contributions of Belding Scribner, King County Medical Society (KCMS) president James Haviland and the KCMS Board of Trustees for the success of the community-based not-for-profit artificial kidney center are highlighted.

Background: Patients have to travel long distances to undergo hemodialysis (HD) in some regions. We aimed to search for an association of the distance between patients' residence and the dialysis unit with quality of life, depression and coping among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing maintenance HD. Methods: We studied 161 ESRD patients undergoing HD during April 2009. Quality of life, depression and coping were assessed by the SF-36, the 10-item CES-D and the Jalowiec Coping Scale, respectively. The sample was stratified in three groups: I-patients residing in Sobral (where the dialysis unit is located); II-patients residing in towns up to 100 km from Sobral; and III-patients residing in towns distant greater than 100 km from Sobral. Analysis of variance was used to detect differences in quality of life and coping scores between the groups. Logistic regression was used to test distance as a predictor of depression. Results: There were 47 (29.2%) patients residing in Sobral, 46 (28.6%) up to 100 km away and 68 (42.2%) greater than 100 km from Sobral. There were no differences related to quality of life and coping scores between the groups. Distance was not a predictor of depression. Conclusions: Social and cultural factors may explain the lack of differences. Studies from other regions are needed to clarify the distance effects on self-perceived outcomes among HD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Haemodialysis results in a left ventricular hypertrophic response. It is unclear whether tight blood pressure control or particular medications might attenuate this response. We sought to determine, in a pre-dialysis cohort on atenolol, whether Losartan might attenuate left ventricular hypertrophy post arteriovenous fistula creation in end stage kidney disease. Materials and methods: Placebo controlled double blind randomisation of 26 patients to fixed dose atenolol plusf ixed dose losartan or placebo occurred 1 day prior to fistula creation. Pre-randomisation echocardiography was repeated at 1 week and 1-month. Measurement was undertaken of blood pressure, heart rate, brain natriuretic peptide, serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate. The primary pre-specified endpoint was the change in left ventricular mass at 1 month. Non-parametric statistical comparison was performed within and between groups. Results: There was no difference in left ventricular mass between our groups 1-month post fistula creation. In the entire cohort, change in left ventricular mass was driven by changes in blood pressure and volume loading. Blood pressure changes correlated with left ventricular mass changes seen shortly post arteriovenous fistula creation, suggesting blood pressure control during this time period may be an important part of the management of end stage kidney disease.Conclusions: We did not see an advantage with the use of losartan with respect to diminution of the LVM response. However, our demonstrated change in LVM was relatively small compared to previous literature and suggests a possible role for beta blockade as a neurohormonal modulator around the time of arteriovenous fistula creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study regarding the gene encoding of adiponection, an adipocyte-derived hormone in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It mentions that the parameters including serum adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied on seventy-eight advanced CKD pediatric patients undergoing conservative treatment (CT) and maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). It says that there was an association between the adiponectin gene the 270 GT+TT genotypes with a higher level of adiponectin.

To examine the association between dialysis facility chain affiliation and patient mortality. Medicare dialysis population. Data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) were used to identify 3,601 free-standing dialysis facilities and 34,914 Medicare patients' incidence to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 2004. Mixed-effect regression models were used to estimate patient mortality by dialysis facility chain and profit status during the 2-year follow-up. USRDS data were matched with facility, cost, and census data. Of the five largest dialysis chains, the lowest mortality risk was observed among patients dialyzed at nonprofit (NP) Chain 5 facilities. Compared with Chain 5, hazard ratios were 19 percent higher (95 percent CI 1.06-1.34) and 24 percent higher (95 percent CI 1.10-1.40) for patients dialyzed at for-profit (FP) Chain 1 and Chain 2 facilities, respectively. In addition, patients at FP facilities had a 13 percent higher risk of mortality than those in NP facilities (95 percent CI 1.06-1.22). Large chain affiliation is an independent risk factor for ESRD mortality in the United States. Given the movement toward further consolidation of large FP chains, reasons behind the increase in mortality require scrutiny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]