Large Dialysis Providers have Strong Growth in Home Dialysis
According to a survey from Nephrology News & Issues, the 10 largest dialysis providers 
had 35% of patients on home dialysis, that‘s 15 percentage points higher than survey results from 2018 and 2017. Among the providers, home hemodialysis grew from 5,783 patients in 2013 to 8,807 patients in 2019.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
Fresenius Partners with FirstNet to Continue Dialysis in Emergencies
During emergencies, FirstNet will facilitate communication between first responders and providers like Fresenius’ disaster response team. FirstNet will help employees stay connected to keep providing patients access to dialysis treatments.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
Re-Hospitalization in the First Year of Hemodialysis Linked to Poorer Outcomes
Hemodialysis patients who had hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge had a 3.3-fold increased risk of death and a 4.5-fold increased risk of rehospitalization in the second year of dialysis, a new study found. The study also found these patients had a 48% decreased likelihood of kidney transplantation. Study authors noted that hospital readmission “could be a marker for patients with a poor long-term prognosis.”
Source: Renal & Urology News
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use in Hemodialysis Patients Increases Bone Fracture Risk
A new study suggests that hemodialysis patients who use proton pump inhibitors have a 35% increased risk of hip fracture and a 22% increased risk of fractures in other bones than those who do not use the drugs.
Source: Renal & Urology News
Functional Status Declines Six Months After Starting Dialysis for Many Older Adults
A study has found that 40% of older adults with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) experience functional decline six months after starting dialysis. This decline, researchers found, also negatively affected caregivers. At a six month follow up, researchers found caregiver burden increased from 23% to 38%.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
Dialysis Patients Overestimate Survival
Regular dialysis patients routinely overestimate their survival, according to a new study. These survival expectations were compared with U.S. Renal Data System (USDR). In the USDR data, 60% of patients died within five years and 19% within five to 10 years, while 21% survived for more than 10 years. Those figures contrasted with the survey, in which the selected prognosis was less than five years for 11% of patients, five to 10 years for 15%, and more than 10 years for 33%. Forty percent were unsure of expected survival.
Source: Kidney News Online
