Kidney Care News to Know
DaVita Begins Clinical Trials to Better Understand How COVID-19 Affects CKD Patients
The two trials will assess the presence of COVID-19 antibodies in dialysis patients and determine the role genetics may play in disease severity. The first study will monitor participants during the fall and winter months to investigate how COVID-19 antibodies may influence immunity and future virus infection. The second study seeks to determine the association between genetic markers and the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
Modified Low-Phosphorus Diet May Help Safely Broaden Dietary Options for Dialysis Patients
A study has shown that dialysis patients who received a modified low-phosphorus diet had similar phosphate levels as those receiving the standard diet. It also found that the diet allowed patients to expand their food choices and increase their fiber intake.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty Superior for AVF Patency
New study findings suggest that drug-coated balloon angioplasty maintains patency better than standard balloon angioplasty in patients with dysfunctional hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas. The study found that over six months, significantly more patients treated with the paclitaxel-coated balloon had target-lesion primary patency: 82.2% vs 59.5%.
Source: Renal & Urology News
High Prevalence of Asymptomatic COVID Infections Among Hemodialysis Patients
A substantial portion of patients receiving in-center dialysis have antibodies to COVID-19, but don’t display symptoms of infection, a new study finds.
Source: Renal & Urology News
End-Stage Kidney Disease Increases the Risk of Mortality in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Patients treated for COVID-19 who also had ESKD had a higher rate of death than those who did not have ESKD, a study found. Study authors note that ESKD patients often have comorbid conditions, which can influence how they fare against infectious agents.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues