Sensing Savvy

Multiple Comorbidities Increases Risk of Early Dialysis Initiation
Patients who have CKD along with other comorbidities face an increased risk of early dialysis initiation, researchers found. Smoking, older age and proteinuria significantly increased the risk for  two or more comorbidities. The most common comorbidities found in these patients are diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

What’s your No. 1 goal for patient care? As a nephrologist or nephrology care professional, it’s likely keeping your patients alive. But, according to a recent study performed at the Icahn School of Medicine in Mount Sinai, NY, many patients have a different leading objective.

Life-threatening bleeds (LTB) from arteriovenous fistulas or grafts are significant bleeds which are not stopped by application of a normal amount of pressure as is commonly used to stop bleeding after dialysis needle removal. In many cases they occur spontaneously at home between dialysis sessions, away from the clinic or caregiving team. Although access-related LTBs are not common, they can result in the loss of the patient’s access and even be fatal.

As a healthcare professional, you know your treatment plans are only as powerful as your patients’ commitment. Your patients’ quality of life not only depends on your expertise but also on how well they implement their care plan after they leave your office. And when it comes to patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), non-adherence to dialysis and supporting factors such as diet and medication can lead to severe complications and an increased risk of mortality. Unfortunately, at least 50 % of hemodialysis patients are believed to be non-adherent, according to a study by the Department of Internal Medicine at Cairo University.

In February, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 was signed into law, expanding Medicare reimbursement for a small list of telehealth services, including home dialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), according to the Clinical Journal of American Society of Nephrology. 

DaVita’s Medical Group Division to Pay $270 Million Over Inflated Charges

The division, which is being sold to UnitedHealth Group, agreed to pay the sum to settle claims it provided inaccurate information on patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, which led to overpayment from Medicare.

Source: Nephrology News & Issues

One of the most devastating hurricanes in the history of the United States, Hurricane Katrina caused $75 billion in damage in New Orleans and along the Mississippi coast. Beyond its toll on infrastructure and the lives of the area’s citizens, the hurricane exposed several gaps in emergency preparedness for hemodialysis patients. Many clinics in the area didn’t have sufficient emergency preparedness plans in place; patients didn’t know how to adequately prepare for the storm; and public health officials were unaware of how much of the population was dependent on dialysis.

Otsuka Acquires Visterra
Otsuka has acquired antibody therapy maker Visterra for $430 million. Otsuka hopes to take advantages of Visterra’s therapies for CKD and other conditions.

Not surprisingly, many patients undergoing care for chronic kidney disease often experience an emotional toll along with their physical symptoms. The emotional health of patients is often overlooked by their care teams, though they are either unaware patients are experiencing these issues or are focused entirely on maintaining patients’ physical health. 

Here is your latest kidney care news for September 2018.