BACKGROUND This study examines the patients' need for information and guidance in the selection of dialysis modality, and in establishing and practicing home dialysis. The study focuses on patients' experiences living with home dialysis, how they master the treatment, and their views on how to optimize communication with health services and the potential of telemedicine. METHODS We used an in...

BACKGROUND A recent survey puts the global dialysis population at 535100; of those on peritoneal dialysis, 85% are on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Current hyperosmolar dialysis fluids are toxic to peritoneal cells and inhibit certain host-defence functions. An alternative preparation, glucose polymer, has recently been developed. METHODS Mesothelial cell viability, interleukin-6...

In order to estimate the risk of pyrogenic reactions in haemodialysis patients due to contaminated dialys-bacteria; pyrogens ate, bacteriological methods have to be adjusted for bacteria found in water in order to obtain relevant results. In addition to the culture of dialysate samples to determine bacterial growth, assays should be