The advantages and disadvantages of home hemodialysis

In Australia, 12% of the hemodialysis population dialyze at home. Until recently, the majority of these patients dialyzed for similar hours to those in satellite dialysis. However, in the past 5 years there has been a new departure such that in many centers the concept of home hemodialysis is now synonymous with extended hours dialysis. Registry data supports the concept that increased frequency and duration of dialysis may result in improved patient survival and a reduction in cardiovascular risk profile. It is hoped, therefore, that the long recognized survival benefit observed in home hemodialysis patients may be further augmented by the swing to extended hours dialysis in this patient population. In addition to the physiological benefits of extended hours home dialysis, there are clear quality of life, social, and economic advantages associated with dialyzing at home. There are however a number of perceived disadvantages to home hemodialysis including the application and time commitment required for training, the potential for relationship strain or "burnout," and reluctance to "hospitalize" the home. Overall, however, in this new era of extended hours dialysis, the advantages both physiological and lifestyle of home hemodialysis far outweigh the disadvantages.     

Case of Mycobacterium mucogenicum in a home hemodialysis patient

We present a case of a patient on home hemodialysis who developed Mycobacterium mucogenicum bacteremia. While infections with this particular organism are rare, disseminated infections have been reported and have been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis required appropriate cultures, understanding of natural habitat of organism and complete environmental analysis including blood, dialysis sample port, reverse osmosis and incoming water supply cultures. The patient was treated successfully with systemic antibiotics, removal of central venous catheter, patient education and complete exchange of the hemodialysis circuit.     

Survey of home hemodialysis patients and nursing staff regarding vascular access use and care

Vascular access infections are of concern to hemodialysis patients and nurses. Best demonstrated practices (BDPs) have not been developed for home hemodialysis (HHD) access use, but there have been generally accepted practices (GAPs) endorsed by dialysis professionals. We developed a survey to gather information about training provided and actual practices of HHD patients using the NxStage System One HHD machine. We used GAP to assess training used by nurses to teach HHD access care and then assess actual practice (adherence) by HHD patients. We also assessed training and adherence where GAPs do not exist. We received a 43% response rate from patients and 76% response from nurses representing 19 randomly selected HHD training centers. We found that nurses were not uniformly instructing HHD patients according to GAP, patients were not performing access cannulation according to GAP, nor were they adherent to their training procedures. Identification of signs and symptoms of infection was commonly trained appropriately, but we observed a reluctance to report some signs and symptoms of infection by patients. Of particular concern, when aggregating all steps surveyed, not a single nurse or patient reported training or performing all steps in accordance with GAP. We also identified practices for which there are no GAPs that require further study and may or may not impact outcomes such as infection. Further research is needed to develop strategies to implement and expand GAP, measure outcomes, and ultimately develop BDP for HHD to improve infectious complications.     

Relative risk of home hemodialysis attrition in patients using a telehealth platform

Introduction : Home hemodialysis (HHD) facilitates increased treatment frequency, which may improve patient outcomes. However, attrition due to technique failure limits the clinical effectiveness of the modality. Nx2me Connected Health is a telehealth platform that enables ongoing assessment of HHD patients using NxStage equipment, and that may reduce patient burden. We aimed to assess whether use of Nx2me was associated with risk of HHD attrition. Methods : We compared risks of all‐cause attrition, dialysis cessation (i.e., death or transplant), and technique failure in Nx2me users and matched control patients, using a retrospective cohort study. We also compared the likelihood of HHD training graduation in patients who initiated use of Nx2me during training with the likelihood in matched control patients. Matching factors included date of HHD initiation, NxStage treatment duration at initiation of follow‐up, and prescribed treatment frequency. We used stratified Fine‐Gray and Cox regression to compare risks, with adjustment for demographic factors and vascular access modality, and stratification by matched cluster. Findings : We identified 606 Nx2me users; 49.5% initiated use of Nx2me in <3 months after initiation of HHD with NxStage equipment. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) of all‐cause attrition, dialysis cessation, and technique failure were 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.68–0.95), 1.10 (0.86–1.41), and 0.71 (0.57–0.87), respectively, for Nx2me users vs. matched controls. AHRs were similar in patients who initiated use of Nx2me in <3 months after initiation of HHD. The AHR of HHD training graduation was 1.61 (1.10–2.36) in patients who initiated use of Nx2me within 2 weeks of training initiation vs. matched controls. Discussion : Use of Nx2me was associated with lower risk of all‐cause attrition, lower risk of technique failure, and higher likelihood of HHD training graduation. Further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms by which use of a telehealth platform may improve clinical outcomes and reduce patient burden.     

Personal Support Worker (PSW)‐supported home hemodialysis: A paradigm shift

Introduction: Despite improving clinical outcomes associated with the use of home hemodialysis (HD), its utilization is low in most countries. The inability or unwillingness of patients and their families to participate in their own treatment is one of the most important barriers to the adoption of home HD. Methods: We hypothesized that paid helper‐delivered home HD supported by public funds would be successful and welcomed by patients and be delivered at an affordable cost. We conducted a pilot project to dialyze six patients at home using Personal Support Workers (PSW) and resolve regulatory, organizational and financial constraints. Findings: cWe provided publically‐funded PSW‐supported home HD to six patients. We describe the administrative structure of the pilot project allowing scalability and turnkey operation in the province of Ontario. Regulatory and insurance concerns were resolved and patients and staff were enthusiastic. The projected total dialysis cost, when economies of scale are met, are expected to be lower than the cost of in‐center HD. Discussion: A second phase of the project is currently under way including 8 hospitals and 67 patients. If equally successful, it may have significant implications for the delivery of care for End Stage Renal Disease in Ontario and similar jurisdictions. It promises to increase the utilization of home dialysis possibly at a lower cost than in‐center HD. This would be particularly important in providing dialysis in underserviced and geographically hard to access areas.     

The impact of extended-hours home hemodialysis and buttonhole cannulation technique on hospitalization rates for septic events related to dialysis access

Few studies adequately document adverse events in patients receiving long, slow, and overnight hemodialysis (NHD). Concerns about high rates of dialysis access complications have been raised. This is an observational cohort study comparing hospital admission rates for vascular access complications between alternate nightly NHD (n=63) and conventional hemodialysis (n=172) patients established on chronic hemodialysis for at least 3 months. Overall, hospital admission rates and hospital admission rates for cardiac and all infective events are also reported. The NHD cohort was younger and less likely to be female, diabetic, or have ischemic heart disease than the conventional hemodialysis cohort. When NHD and buttonhole cannulation technique were used simultaneously, there was a demonstrated increased risk of septic dialysis access events: incidence rate ratio 3.0 (95% confidence interval 1.04-8.66) (P=0.04). The majority of blood culture isolates in NHD patients were gram-positive organisms, particularly Staphylococcus aureus. Alternate nightly NHD did not significantly change total hospital admissions or hospital admissions for indications other than dialysis access complications, compared with conventional hemodialysis. Our data suggest that buttonhole cannulation technique should be used with caution in patients performing extended-hours hemodialysis as this combination appears to increase the risk of septic access complications. Randomized-controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.     

The renaissance of home hemodialysis: where we are, why we got here, what is happening in the United States and elsewhere

Home hemodialysis has been around since 1964, but its use has declined over the years in most countries, this despite its advantages, particularly improved patient survival and quality of life and significant cost savings. Experience has shown that home hemodialysis can be performed successfully by many more patients than at present. Recently, with the demonstration of even better results with more frequent hemodialysis that is obviously best performed at home and with the development of new, more patient-friendly machines, the use of home hemodialysis is beginning to increase again.     

Adaptation of home nocturnal hemodialysis for a patient with epidermolysis bullosa: A call to personalized care!

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genetic disease characterized by skin fragility presenting with blistering and skin erosions. Recurrent skin infections are noted to be associated with the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy. End stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a rare complication in patients with EB (Ducret F., et al., Nephrol Ther, 2008). Kidney replacement therapy is very challenging in this vulnerable patient population (Fine JD. et al., Am J Kidney Dis, 2004). Herein, we describe the adaptations to our home nocturnal hemodialysis training and operations to facilitate a patient with EB and ESKD to undergo personalized home nocturnal hemodialysis therapy.     

Adiponectin and atherosclerosis risk factors in African hemodialysis patients: a population at low risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Adiponectin (ADPN), a recently discovered collagen-like protein, is secreted exclusively by adipocytes. It has anti-atherogenic properties and reduced serum ADPN levels have been shown to be predictive of cardiovascular events. In this study, we determined the atherosclerotic risk and the significance of ADPN levels in our HD patients and also examined its relationship to other traditional CVD risk factors. A cross-sectional study of 84 patients on maintenance HD (58 Blacks and 26 non-Blacks) and 63 healthy controls matched for age, sex and race (35 Blacks and 28 non-Blacks) was undertaken. Serum ADPN levels and other risk factors, including blood pressure, serum lipid, and C-reactive protein, were studied in HD patients and were compared with the controls. Carotid artery intima-media thickness and plaque occurrence was measured by B-mode ultrasonography while echocardiography was done according to American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Serum ADPN levels were higher in the HD group compared with the control subjects (22.19 ± 0.98 mg/mL vs. 9.93 ± 0.68 mg/mL; P < 0.001). Higher ADPN levels in HD patients were associated with lower triglyceride levels. ADPN correlated positively (r = 0.49, P < 0.0001) with left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in the total study population. ADPN levels were raised in HD patients and correlated with LVMI, possibly because of the confounding effect of low glomerular filtration rate. ADPN levels were inversely related to risk factors for atherosclerosis and may provide possible targets for therapeutic interventions.     

Role of peritoneal dialysis in the era of the resurgence of home hemodialysis

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of home hemodialysis (HHD) therapies. Given the small percentage of prevalent patients in the United States currently on home dialysis, an appropriate question is: What is the role of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in this era? Data suggest that in centers that are promoting the growth of HHD, their PD programs also tend to be very active. Furthermore, our experience and other data suggest that one should not worry about cannibalizing PD in order to grow HHD. Most HHD patients come from in‐center hemodialysis or those patients transitioning from PD to another therapy. In fact, data suggest that in order to promote the growth of HHD, a certain minimal infrastructure is needed in terms of staff. An active PD program not only supports a robust infrastructure that allows for HHD growth but also fosters profitability of a home program.     

Salvage of exhausted neck access using a novel inside‐out device in dialysis‐dependent patients

Chronic central venous occlusion represents a challenge for upper body central dialysis access for both surgical and endovascular interventions. The Surfacer (Surfacer Inside‐Out Access Catheter System) is a novel technique that offers a device‐based solution over various physician‐modified techniques in salvaging exhausted right‐sided neck veins for catheter placement. We report a retrospective series of four cases in which this system is used to gain upper body venous access from a single center in Singapore. This report seeks to integrate the understanding of the technical aspects of a new inside‐out device and its utility in recanalization of occluded right‐sided neck veins as it relates to Asian patients.     

Relationship between erythropoietin resistance index and left ventricular mass and function and cardiovascular events in patients on chronic hemodialysis

The response to erythropoietin (EPO) treatment varies considerably in individual patients on chronic hemodialysis. The EPO resistance index (ERI) has been considered useful to assess the EPO resistance and can be easily calculated in the clinic. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between ERI and left ventricular mass (LVM) and function and to determine whether ERI was associated with cardiovascular events in patients on hemodialysis. This study was designed prospectively. Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic variables were assessed in 72 patients on hemodialysis. The ERI was determined as the weekly weight-adjusted dose of EPO (U/kg/week) divided by hemoglobin concentration (g/dL). Patients were divided into three groups by tertiles of ERI. Patients with higher tertiles of ERI had a higher LVM index and lower LV ejection fraction compared with those with lower tertiles of ERI (P = 0.019 and P = 0.030, respectively). The median follow-up period was 53 months. The Kaplan-Meier plot showed increased frequency of cardiovascular events in patients with higher tertiles of ERI, compared with those with lower tertiles of ERI (P = 0.011, log-rank test). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard models showed that the ERI was the significant independent predictor of cardiovascular events (HR 3.00, 95% CI, 1.04-8.62, P = 0.042). Our data show that ERI was related with LVM index, LV systolic function and cardiovascular events in patients with hemodialysis. By monitoring of ERI, early identification of the EPO resistance may be helpful to predict the cardiovascular risk in hemodialysis patients.     

Left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease and the effects of hemodialysis

Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is a known cause of mortality in patients with heart failure and may possibly play a similar role in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in whom sudden death is one of the most common and as yet not fully explained cause of death. LV synchronicity and its relationship with increased volume load and various biomarkers was analyzed in 145 patients including 53 patients with CKD stages 3 and 4 and in 92 CKD stage 5 patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) using color tissue Doppler imaging and tissue synchronization imaging. The HD patients were evaluated both before and after a single HD session. LV dyssynchrony was defined as a regional difference in time to peak systolic myocardial velocity, between 12 LV segments > 105 milliseconds. LV dyssynchrony was present in 54% of the patients with no difference between CKD 3 and 4 (58%), HD (48%), and PD (51%). LV dyssynchrony was independently associated with LV mass index and increased estimation of LV end‐diastolic pressure. A single HD session resulted in significant changes in LV synchronicity variables—with improvement in 50% of the patients—especially in patients with higher myocardial systolic velocities and lower LV mass index. Abnormalities in LV synchronicity are highly prevalent in CKD patients already prior to dialysis treatment and are associated with LV hypertrophy, LV dysfunction and load conditions, underlining the importance of volume status for LV synchronicity in CKD patients.