2020) Survival rate in acute kidney injury superimposed COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Renal Failure, 42:1, 393-397,

This study highlights important factors influencing patient choice of end-stage renal disease treatment modality including CM. While some of these are non-modifiable, such as age and degree of co-morbidity, others draw attention to the importance of good information provision and pre-dialysis education in empowering socially able patients to choose self-care therapies. Furthermore, the overwhelming association of having a strong social support network and being functionally able with choosing PD emphasizes the need for assisted PD.

Background: Pruritus (skin irritation or itching) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 4 and 5. It is associated with disrupted sleep, reduced quality of life, depression and increased mortality. A video of a patient describing the symptoms is at vimeo.com/49458473. Methods: We used gabapentin or pregabalin in 71 consecutive patients, 82% male. 25 had CKD stage 4 or 5, median eGFR = 17, range 9-30; 40 were on haemodialysis; 6 on peritoneal dialysis. Median itch severity score out of 10 = 8, range 6-10; median duration of itching = 6 months, range 0.5-240. Serum calcium ≤2.60 mmol/l (≤10.4 mg/dl) in 87% patients, phosphate ≤1.8 mmol/l (≤5.6 mg/dl) in 75%. 63% had used antihistamines and not gained relief. Starting dose of gabapentin 100 mg after dialysis or daily. Patients intolerant of gabapentin were offered pregabalin, starting dose 25 mg after dialysis or daily. Results: Gabapentin relieved itching in 47 patients (66%). A video of a patient describing the effect is at vimeo.com/49455976. 26 patients (37%) suffered side effects from gabapentin. Of 21 patients who stopped gabapentin due to side effects, 16 started pregabalin. Pregabalin relieved itching in 13 patients (81%). In total, gabapentin or pregabalin relieved itching in 60 patients (85%), median follow-up 2 months (range 1-8 months). Median itch severity out of 10 reduced from 8 to 1. Conclusions: Gabapentin or pregabalin relieved itching in 85% of 71 consecutively treated CKD patients. Patients should be advised about side effects and the drug initiated at a low dose. Patients intolerant of gabapentin may tolerate pregabalin.

This is the first national study to describe ARF treated with RRT in all hospital locations. The hypothesis that ARF occurs more frequently than previously thought has been confirmed. This study provides data upon which to base effective decision making for prevention, patient care and resource planning for patients with ARF.