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A skilled dietitian will consider the following in a comprehensive dietary history medications that raise blood sugar buy furadantin 100 mg line. Feeding history includes information on who is involved with preparation and offering of food (supervised or unsupervised child vs primarily from caregivers); how the food is prepared; how the feed is delivered. Elements of the diet history include any dietary or fluid restrictions, compliance with these restrictions, and appetite changes affecting intake. Other important clinical information includes urinary output, usual body weight (and trends), food stability (capacity of family to afford feeds consistently), level of activity, and current dialysis prescription (may impact nutritional requirements based on glucose concentration of dialysis fluids and intake;. Physical Examination A thorough physical examination is an important part of the nutritional assessment. The hydration status, presence or absence of edema, and blood pressure can provide useful guides as to the true dry weight. The skin may be dry with excess flaking and uneven pigmentation, and the hair may be brittle, dry, and easily shed. Angular cheilosis and stomatitis, hepatomegaly, and certain neurologic abnormalities may each point to vitamin deficiencies. Adequacy of Dialysis It is important to remember that inadequate dialysis may result in poor appetite, nausea, deranged biochemical indices, hypertension, and edema. Children younger than 3 934 Nutritional Management of Children Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis years old with length- or height-for-age standard deviation score below -1. A balance of calories from carbohydrate and unsaturated fats within the physiologic recommended ranges is suggested (Table 80. By the National Academy of Sciences, Courtesy of the National Academies Press, Washington, D. There are, however, safety concerns, including prolonged bleeding times, difficult glycemic control in patients with diabetes, and environmental contaminants in fish oil products. Fiber Dietary fiber is found in most vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which may be restricted in low potassium and phosphorus diets. Many meat-based protein sources contain significant amounts of phosphate; this should be calculated in the daily phosphate intake. Calcium and Vitamin D Normal skeletal development depends on adequate calcium intake and normal metabolism. These include decreased intestinal absorption of calcium as endogenous production of calcitriol (1. Intestinal calcium absorption may be boosted by increasing calcium intake (diet or tube feeds and calciumcontaining phosphate binders) and by supplementation with -calcidiol or calcitriol. Calcium salts should be taken between meals and separately from iron supplementation to achieve maximum effects. It is therefore recommended to limit total oral and/or enteral calcium intake (Table 80. It is suggested that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels be measured at least yearly. If the serum level is below 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L), the child should be supplemented with ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) or cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). After commencement of or alteration in vitamin D doses, serum levels should be repeated in 1 month. Elevated phosphate levels can stimulate hyperparathyroidism and defects in bone mineralization and bone resorption. Subnormal serum phosphate levels should also be avoided because rickets may occur as a result in infants and children. Micronutrients: Vitamins and Trace Elements Micronutrients are essential components of a balanced diet and contribute to adequate growth and development in children. Fluids and Electrolytes Fluid and electrolyte requirements vary based on primary kidney disease, residual kidney function, and renal replacement therapy modality. Children with oliguria or anuria should limit their daily fluid intake to avoid complications of volume overload (most notably hypertension). Restriction of sodium is usually within the range of 1 to 2 mmol/kg/day but should be individualized. Potassium the vast majority of potassium excretion occurs via urinary losses; only about 10% occurs through intestinal losses. The risk of hyperkalemia can also be increased by acidosis, urinary obstruction, medications (angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics), hemolysis (blood transfusions and tumor lysis), and urinary obstruction. Both hyper- and hypokalemia cause alterations in skeletal, myocardial, and smooth muscle contractility, and cardiac arrhythmias may result. For this subgroup, potassium may need to be supplemented orally or via addition to dialysis fluids. If oral supplementation fails, nasogastric or gastrostomy tube feeding should be considered. The schedule of tube feeding (top-up boluses versus overnight continuous gavage) and the formula will depend on age, significant gastroesophageal reflux, and nutrient requirements. In the relatively rare situation in which an older child requires tube feeding, it may be beneficial to have the majority of tube feeds overnight to encourage daytime hunger and oral intake and allow for normalization of daytime activities. Gastrostomy tube feeding has some advantages over nasogastric tube feeding such as decreased risk of gastroesophageal reflux and of maxillary and nasal inflammation, less social stigma (because the gastrostomy is not visible), and avoidance of negative oral stimulation. Linear growth targets should take into account the genetic predisposition via midparental height calculations. With a team approach including a dietitian, nephrologist, renal nurses, parents or other caregivers, and patients, normal growth patterns can be achieved. Nutritional management of water, sodium, potassium, chloride and magnesium in renal disease and renal failure. Effect of growth hormone treatment on the adult height of children with chronic renal failure. This landmark study showed that persistent catch-up growth with recombinant human growth hormone therapy, leading to a majority achieving normal final adult height. European Study Group for Nutritional Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure in Childhood. This study describes hypo- instead of hyperkalemia in a significant number of patients on continuous peritoneal dialysis. Improved growth in young children with severe chronic renal insufficiency who use specified nutritional therapy. This study suggests that adequate nutrition in combination with enhanced dialytic clearance can promote normal growth and even catch-up in children treated with long-term hemodialysis. Its popularity and success largely derive from its simplicity and effectiveness as a means of removing solute and fluid in even the smallest patients, and because it is a well-tolerated procedure by most patients. In most cases, congenital malformations such as renal dysplasia or posterior urethral valves do not compromise kidney function so severely that dialysis is required in the newborn period. Instead, acquired renal disorders, usually related to perinatal asphyxia, hypoxia, sepsis, or hypovolemia make up the majority of insults that mandate acute replacement therapy. Access can be placed emergently at the bedside in patients who are too unstable to undergo a surgical procedure. The Cook catheter offers the advantage of bedside placement by a nephrologist or intensivist via the Seldinger technique. Because only local anesthesia is required, it can be placed promptly, even in an unstable patient. However, its use has been associated with a high rate of complications, such as leakage of dialysis fluid from the catheter entry site on the abdominal wall and catheter obstruction. In comparison, they found that more than 90% of surgically placed Tenckhoff catheters were free of complications at the same time point.

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Techniques of extracorporeal cytokine removal: a systematic review of the literature treatment wrist tendonitis purchase furadantin 100mg free shipping. Techniques of extracorporeal cytokine removal: a systematic review of the literature on animal experimental studies. Septic acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: clinical characteristics and outcomes. Variability in uremic control during continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration in trauma patients. Acute renal failure in intensive care units-causes, outcome, and prognostic factors of hospital mortality; a prospective, multicenter study. Shows that hospital mortality rate of patients with severe acute renal failure in patients requiring intensivecareremainshigh. High-volume hemofiltration for septic acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. This takes into account filter function, filter duration, and effective time of treatment. Continuous renal replacement therapies in patients with acute neurological injury. Economics of dialysis dependence following renal replacement therapy for critically ill acute kidney injury patients. Specific nutritional problems in acute kidney injury, treated with non-dialysis and dialytic modalities. Early initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy improves clinical outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Fluid overload at initiation of renal replacement therapy is associated with lack of renal recovery in patients with acute kidney injury. Nutritional and metabolic alterations during continuous renal replacement therapy. A comparison of early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Continuous renal replacement therapy does not have a clear role in the treatment of poisoning. Lithium poisoning treated by high-performance continuous arteriovenous and venovenous hemodiafiltration. Timing of initiation of dialysis in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. Efficacy of continuous hemodiafiltration with a cytokine-adsorbing hemofilter in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Evidence-based recommendations for macronutrient and micronutrient requirements are provided. Patient characteristics, dialysis status, and major outcomes were determined and stratified by clinical site. Found that in critically ill patients with acute renal failure, there are a large burden of comorbid disease, extensive extrarenal complications, and the need for dialysis in the majority of patients. A randomized trial of catheters of different lengths to achieve right atrium versus superior vena cava placement for continuous renal replacement therapy. The effect of hypertonic sodium chloride on intracranial pressure in patients with acute liver failure. Acute kidney injury in the critically ill patient: a current review of the literature. Assessing continuous renal replacement therapy as a rescue strategy in cardiorenal syndrome 1. Brain density changes during renal replacement in critically ill patients with acute renal failure. This includes a short review of hybrid therapies, adsorption, and polymyxin B hemoperfusion. Choice of renal replacement therapy modality and dialysis dependence after acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Demographic characteristics of pediatric continuous renal replacement therapy: a report of the prospective pediatric continuous renal replacement therapy registry. Survival is best for those who have acute, specific abnormalities and lack multipleorganinvolvement. Acute renal failure in critically ill patients: a multinational, multicenter study. Effect of continuous high-volume hemofiltration in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Clotting of the hemofilter reduces total therapy time and leads to decreased dialysis efficacy, blood loss in the extracorporeal circuit, and increased cost because of frequent hemofilter replacements. It should be inexpensive and readily available with simple monitoring methods and have an antidote for easy reversal. They recommend no anticoagulation in patients with contraindications to citrate use and who are at increased risk of bleeding. Optimal regional anticoagulation is attained when the postfilter iCa++ concentration in the extracorporeal circuit reaches less than 0. These hypertonic citrate formulations often require compensatory hyponatremic replacement or dialysate solutions with either no or reduced bicarbonate concentrations to prevent the development of metabolic alkalosis. The most commonly used hypertonic citrate formulations in the United States include: 2. Electrolyte abnormalities specific to citrate anticoagulation include hypernatremia from the use of hypertonic citrate formulations, metabolic alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypo- or hypercalcemia. Metabolic alkalosis can occur with an excessive citrate load or the administration of exogenous bicarbonate with citrate anticoagulation. Metabolic acidosis can occur when citrate accumulates in patients who cannot metabolize citrate, such as those with liver failure or severe lactic acidosis, resulting in negative buffer balance. Severe ionized hypocalcemia can cause hypotension, arrhythmias, and eventual cardiac arrest. Adequate citrate anticoagulation is assessed by measuring the postfilter iCa++ concentrations periodically and titrating the citrate to maintain the circuit iCa++ less than 0. Citrate should be avoided or used cautiously in patients with severe liver failure or shock liver from hypoperfusion. The protocol is seldom used because of its technical difficulties and variability in the amount of protamine needed to neutralize heparin. Apart from these disadvantages, protamine infusion can cause hypotension, anaphylaxis, cardiac depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. The efficacy of this modality in prolonging filter lifespan has been variable, although studies have demonstrated its feasibility and safety. Argatroban is metabolized in the liver and has a short half-life of 35 minutes even in patients on chronic dialysis. Bivalirudin is used as an alternative to argatroban in patients who have both liver and renal failure because it has both extrarenal and extrahepatic clearance. There is only limited clinical experience with prostacyclin use with few published reports about its safety and efficacy. Nafamostat mesylate is another prostacyclin analog that does not cause hypotension and is currently not available in the United States. It is a synthetic serine protease inhibitor that is administered at a dosage of 0. This choice is also influenced by local expertise, nursing comfort, ease of monitoring, and issues related to pharmacy. Regional citrate versus systemic heparin for anticoagulation in critically ill patients on continuous venovenous haemofiltration: a prospective randomized multicentre trial.

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Baseline levels and trimestral variation of triiodothyronine and thyroxine and their association with mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients osteoporosis treatment buy cheap furadantin 50mg on-line. Prevalence of clinical and subclinical thyroid disease in a peritoneal dialysis population. Nutritional state alters the association between free triiodothyronine levels and mortality in hemodialysis patients. Levothyroxine treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism, fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, and mortality. Thyroid functional disease: an under-recognized cardiovascular risk factor in kidney disease patients. The relationship between thyroid function and estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with chronic kidney disease. Association of thyroid functional disease with mortality in a national cohort of incident hemodialysis patients. Comparison between serum free triiodothyronine levels and body fluid distribution in hemodialysis patients. This study reports an association between low triiodothyronine levels and interstitial edema in hemodialysis patients. Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with end-stage renal disease and the role of serum albumin: a cross-sectional study from South India. Preservation of renal function by thyroid hormone replacement therapy in chronic kidney disease patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Measuring serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormones, thyroid-directed antibodies, and transport proteins. The prevalence of low triiodothyronine according to the stage of chronic kidney disease in subjects with a normal thyroid-stimulating hormone. Associations of triiodothyronine levels with carotid atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients. The association between thyroid hormones and arterial stiffness in peritoneal dialysis patients. Correction of metabolic acidosis improves thyroid and growth hormone axes in haemodialysis patients. Thyroid hormone levels and incident chronic kidney disease in euthyroid individuals: the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study. This large observational study reports the association between elevated thyrotropin levels and incident chronic kidneydisease. Common disturbances include erectile dysfunction in men, menstrual abnormalities in women, and decreased libido and fertility in both sexes. These abnormalities are primarily organic in nature and are related to uremia as well as the other comorbid conditions that frequently occur in the chronic kidney failure patient. Fatigue and psychosocial factors related to the presence of a chronic disease are also contributory factors. Sexual Dysfunction in Uremic Men Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common manifestations of sexual dysfunction in men with chronic kidney disease. In addition to abnormalities in blood flow and neural input to the penis, abnormalities in the pituitary-gonadal axis play a prominent role in the genesis of this disorder. Chronic kidney disease is associated with impaired spermatogenesis and testicular damage, often leading to infertility. Semen analysis typically shows a decreased volume of ejaculate, either low or complete azoospermia, and a low percentage of motility. Histologic findings include damage to the seminiferous tubules and interstitial fibrosis and calcifications in the epididymis and corpora cavernosa. The factors responsible for testicular damage in uremia are not well understood but chronic exposure to phthalates in dialysis tubing may play a role. The endocrine function of the testes is also abnormal in chronic kidney disease (Table 58. Low serum testosterone levels are associated with increased mortality in dialysis patients. Elevated plasma prolactin levels are commonly found in dialyzed men primarily as a result of increased production and to a lesser extent reduced metabolic clearance. Both increased parathyroid hormone and zinc deficiency have been implicated as playing a contributory role in the increased levels. This problem most often develops during the initial months of dialysis and then tends to regress as dialysis continues. Although elevated prolactin levels and an increased estrogen-toandrogen ratio seem attractive possibilities, most data fail to support a primary role for abnormal hormonal function. Alternatively, a mechanism similar to that responsible for gynecomastia following refeeding of malnourished patients may be involved. In addition, the psychological effects of a chronic illness and lifestyle limitations may negatively impact sexual function. A history of normal erectile function prior to the development of kidney failure is suggestive of a secondary cause of impotence. Symptoms or physical findings of a neuropathy as in a patient with a neurogenic bladder would be particularly suggestive of a neurologic etiology. Similarly, symptoms or signs of peripheral vascular disease may be a clue to the presence of vascular obstruction to penile blood flow. One should look for the presence of secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial, axillary, and pubic hair. The lack of these findings and the presence of small soft testicles suggest primary or secondary hypogonadism as the cause of the impotence. Neurogenic and vascular causes are more likely to be associated with normal-sized testicles. Even when the history and physical examination point to a specific abnormality, one must also consider that an individual patient may have more than one factor responsible for the erectile dysfunction, and other causes may need to be ultimately evaluated. Antihypertensive medications are common offenders, with centrally acting agents and beta-blockers being the most commonly implicated agents in causing impotence. The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers are associated with a lower incidence of impotence and represent a useful alternative in kidney failure patients with hypertension. Other drugs commonly implicated include cimetidine, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, and metoclopramide. If the history and physical examination reveal no obvious cause, then a psychological cause of erectile dysfunction may need to be considered. The basis for this test is that during the rapid eye movement stage of sleep, males normally have an erection. The assumption is that a man with a psychological cause of impotence would still experience erections while asleep whereas the absence of an adequate erection would make an organic cause more likely. If a patient is found to have nocturnal erections, then psychological testing and evaluation are indicated. There are tests that may aid the discrimination between a neurogenic and vascular cause of impotence. Tests used to exclude a vascular etiology of impotence include Doppler studies to measure penile blood flow, measurement of penile blood pressure, and penile pulse palpation. Neurogenic impotence is suggested by detecting a prolonged latency time of the bulbocavernous reflex or confirming the presence of a neurogenic bladder. With the availability of sildenafil (see below) to use as a therapeutic trial, such tests are generally reserved for nonresponders who may eventually be considered for surgical placement of a penile prosthesis. As discussed previously, hormonal abnormalities are frequently detected in chronic kidney failure patients. It should be noted that only a small percentage of uremic patients will have prolactin levels greater than 100 ng/mL. Administration of recombinant human erythropoietin has been shown to enhance sexual function likely through the associated improvement in well-being that comes with the correction of anemia although improvement in the pituitary gonadal feedback mechanism has also been reported. Controlling the degree of secondary hyperparathyroidism with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D may be of benefit in lowering prolactin levels and improving sexual function in some patients.

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In the immediate postoperative period medicine 7 purchase cheapest furadantin, care is taken to avoid risk factors for infection. This includes immobilization of the exit site with a nonocclusive gauze and tape dressing. Dressings should be changed only once a week under sterile conditions until the exit site is well healed unless the dressing becomes saturated with fluid or visibly dirty. Finally, sponge baths should be used until the catheter site is fully healed, avoiding the exit site area. Ideally, the catheter should not be used for at least 14 days after insertion to allow adequate healing time. Furthermore, the guidelines emphasize the need for written materials to supplement the training process, as well as a posttraining assessment to ensure competency. As with all infection prevention strategies, handwashing is a crucial component of preventive care. An initial washing with soap and water is recommended followed by use of an alcohol-based gel. Daily or alternate-day dressing changes, the use of an antiseptic cleansing agent such as chlorhexidine, and administration of a topical antibiotic ointment such as mupirocin or gentamicin have been associated with fewer infections. Gentamicin may be preferable to mupirocin because of its efficacy against Pseudomonas spp. Diagnosis of Peritonitis Peritonitis should be suspected whenever a cloudy effluent is present. Fever, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and vomiting are other commonly seen symptoms that should raise suspicion. Because a cell count may show a false-negative result in the absence of an adequate dwell time, ideally, the fluid should be collected after at least 2 hours of dwelling. Management of Peritonitis Intraperitoneal antibiotic administration represents the mainstay of management for peritonitis. Empiric treatment should begin with both gram-positive and gram-negative coverage and should be adjusted accordingly based on culture results. Cefepime has adequate coverage of both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms and is recommended as first-line treatment. Alternatively, a first-generation cephalosporin plus ceftazidime (a third-generation cephalosporin) or an aminoglycoside can be used in combination. For intermittent therapy, the dose should be applied once daily in the long dwell unless otherwise specified. Aminoglycosides and penicillins should not be mixed in dialysis fluid because of the potential for inactivation. In patients with residual renal function, glycopeptide elimination may be accelerated. If intermittent therapy is used in such a setting, the second dose should be time-based on a blood level obtained 2 to 4 days after the initial dose. Redosing should occur when the blood level is below 15 mg/L for vancomycin, or below 8 mg/L for teicoplanin. Intermittent therapy is not recommended for patients with residual renal function unless serum levels of the drug can be monitored in a timely manner. The duration of antibiotic treatment for peritonitis depends on the organism isolated and severity of the infection. For that reason, the addition of an aminoglycoside to the treatment regimen is recommended for synergy. Fungal peritonitis is almost always preceded by bacterial infection and antibiotic use, whether for peritonitis or other infection. Consensus guidelines for the prevention and treatment of catheter-related infections and peritonitis in pediatric patients receiving peritoneal dialysis: 2012 update. Multiple studies in the adult population examining the use of prophylactic antifungal administration at the time of antibiotic use demonstrated lower rates of fungal peritonitis in those who received prophylaxis. Therefore, prophylaxis with either nystatin or fluconazole is recommended at times of antibiotic therapy. Early catheter removal has been shown to decrease the risk of peritoneal membrane failure. Centers that have higher than 20% culture-negative rates should be encouraged to review their culture techniques with staff. Adjunctive Therapies In addition to appropriate antimicrobial therapy, adjunctive treatments may be useful in the management of peritonitis. There is evidence to suggest that heparin added to the dialysate during peritonitis may have a beneficial effect on treatment outcomes and catheter patency. Refractory and Relapsing Peritonitis Refractory peritonitis is defined as lack of symptom resolution after 5 days of appropriate antibiotics. This is frequently seen in the setting of concomitant tunnel infection; in these cases, catheter removal is recommended as part of management, with a waiting period of 2 to 3 weeks before a new catheter is placed. Relapsing peritonitis is defined as recurrence of peritonitis with the same organism within 4 weeks of antibiotic completion for the initial episode, or alternatively, two culturenegative episodes within 4 weeks. Treatment should follow standard recommendations for peritonitis management; however, duration should be lengthened to 3 weeks regardless of the isolated organism. In addition, fibrinolytics are recommended in order to break up any biofilms or clots that may be present in the catheter lumen, and consideration of catheter removal must be made. A score of 2 or more along with a positive exit site culture, or of 4 or more without a culture, is considered diagnostic. Treatment duration is generally 2 to 4 weeks and for at least 7 days after resolution of external symptoms. First-generation cephalosporins or ciprofloxacin (which has anti-Pseudomonal activity) is recommended as empiric oral treatment pending culture results. Intermittent versus continuous intraperitoneal glycopeptide/ceftazidime treatment in children with peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis. Nevertheless, some pediatric data from single-center studies are available, and information has also been applied from adult data and from general guidelines on pediatric venous catheter care. Epidemiology and Risk Factors In multiple studies, the average rate of infection leading to catheter failure is about 1. Risk factors for catheter-related infections include young age, colonization with S. Tunneled cuffed catheters are associated with lower infection risk than temporary catheters. Interestingly, femoral catheters have been shown in more than one study to have infection rates similar to nonfemoral catheters. Although subclavian catheters have shown lower rates of infection, they are often not used because of the risk of stenosis. The patient should also have clinical manifestations of infection such as fever or chills and no other apparent source of infection. Some recommend catheter dressing changes with every dialysis session, but other centers use once-weekly regimens. Catheter exit sites must be covered with sterile gauze and are not allowed to get wet between catheter dressing changes. Semipermeable polyurethane dressings enable bathing and showering without soaking the dressing and are gaining in popularity; however, a recent Cochrane database review of six studies found a higher rate of infection with these dressings compared with gauze and tape. Prophylactic topical antibiotics and use of antibiotic catheter lock solutions are not routinely recommended because of the risk of inducing resistant strains of bacteria. However, heparin locks, which have both anticoagulant and antimicrobial activity, are recommended and reduce the risk of clot formation and infection. Initial empiric treatment with either vancomycin or nafcillin as well as a third-generation cephalosporin is recommended pending culture results. Antibiotics should be administered through the catheter, or alternatively, through a peripheral vein along with antibiotic locks to the catheter. The date of first negative culture is considered the first day of antibiotic treatment. Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of intravascular catheter-related infection: 2009 update by the Infectious Disease Society of America.

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In general symptoms gestational diabetes discount furadantin online, the preponderance of evidence is that any patient suitable for hemodialysis is suitable for the best autogenous access site possible. Tissue laxity and thinned skin may make cannulation of arm veins difficult for some dialysis technicians, and very elderly patients may be more prone to development of ecchymoses and periconduit hematomas. These problems are addressed by education and training of the dialysis center staff and not by placing dialysis catheters in this population. Temporal risk profile for infectious and noninfectious complications of hemodialysis access. Interventional nephrology: Physical examination as a tool for surveillance for the hemodialysis arteriovenous access. Nonmaturation of arm arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis access: A systematic review of risk factors and results of early treatment. Heparin bonding does not improve patency of polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous grafts. Correlation of pre-existing radial artery macrocalcifications with late patency of primary radiocephalic fistulas in diabetic hemodialysis patients. Partial aneurysmectomy for salvage of autogenous arteriovenous fistula with complicated venous aneurysms. Anatomical vascular variations and practical implications for access creation on the upper limb. Long-term outcomes of arteriovenous thigh grafts in hemodialysis patients: a comparison with tunneled dialysis catheters. Associations between hemodialysis access type and clinical outcomes: a systematic review. Prediction of graft patency and mortality after distal revascularization and interval ligation for hemodialysis access-related hand ischemia. Hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula-related complications and surgery in kidney graft recipients. Complications of endovascular grafts in the treatment of pseudoaneurysms and stenoses in arteriovenous access. Moreover, 44% of hospitalizations related to access infection resulted in death, an intensive care unit stay, or prolonged (7 days) hospitalization. In a large single-center study of catheter-dependent hemodialysis patients, 88% of the infections were accessrelated, whereas only 12% were non-access-related. Unfortunately, the use of "buttonhole" cannulation has markedly increased this risk. This technique has been associated with reduced needle infiltration and formation of pseudoaneurysms. In contrast, buttonhole cannulation requires two separate antiseptic applications. After swabbing the skin with chlorhexidine, the scab is removed, and then the skin is swabbed a second time with chlorhexidine. Bacteria may also be colonized within the multiple subcutaneous tracks that may be created if buttonhole cannulation is performed incorrectly. While the buttonhole cannulation technique has been touted as an approach to decrease pain and improve the ease of cannulation, not all prospective studies have supported these claims and have instead uncovered a greater risk of infection. Ten of the bacteremic episodes were caused by Staphylococcusaureus, and four resulted in metastatic infections. In a minority of cases with very localized infection, partial excision and placement of a jump graft may be sufficient. Exit-site infections present with erythema, tenderness, or exudate at the catheter exit site and are almost exclusively caused by Staphylococcusaureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis infection. Tunnel infections present with exquisite tenderness and erythema over the subcutaneous tunnel, and a large amount of purulence can be expressed by applying pressure to the overlying skin. However, because of the logistic difficulties in obtaining cultures from peripheral veins in dialysis outpatients and the need to save veins for future vascular access creation, the second set of blood cultures is usually obtained from the dialysis bloodline, once the dialysis session has been initiated. If the symptoms occur during the dialysis session, the dialysis nurse obtains two separate bloodline cultures separated by about 10 minutes. Therefore, empiric systemic antibiotics should be initiated pending blood culture results. Given these considerations, empiric antibiotics should be initiated with a combination of vancomycin or cefazolin and an antibiotic with broad-spectrum gram-negative coverage (third-generation cephalosporin or an aminoglycoside). Once the specific organism and its sensitivities are available, it is important to switch to a more narrow spectrum antibiotic, in order to minimize the risk of the development of antibiotic resistance. If the blood cultures grow a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus, the patient should be switched from vancomycin to cefazolin or another organism-sensitive antibiotic. Similarly, if the gram-negative organism is susceptible, the patient should be switched from a thirdgeneration cephalosporin to a more narrow spectrum one, to avoid antibiotic resistance. Given their favorable pharmacokinetics in dialysis patients, all four discussed antibiotics (vancomycin, cefazolin, ceftazidime, and aminoglycosides) can be administered thrice weekly after dialysis. However, it is important to gain familiarity with other effective antibiotics that are locally and commonly used. Although they may temporarily treat the bacteremia, positive blood cultures recur in up to 75% of cases once the course of antibiotics has been completed. Unfortunately, such an approach creates significant logistic obstacles, namely, the continued need for an access to provide hemodialysis thrice weekly. These bacteria are in turn derived from organisms colonizing the skin around the exit site, and are introduced into the catheter lumen during almost any form of catheter manipulation, including connection and disconnection of the catheter to the dialysis tubing. The dialysis nurse prepares the antibiotic lock by mixing an aliquot of antibiotic from the solution used for systemic administration with an aliquot of heparin into a single syringe. Note that the final antibiotic concentration in the lock is approximately 100-fold higher than therapeutic plasma antibiotic concentrations. The antibiotic-heparin lock solution is instilled into each catheter port at the end of the dialysis session and aspirated immediately before initiation of the next dialysis session. If the systemic antibiotic regimen is changed, then the antibiotic lock components are changed accordingly. Once the course of systemic antibiotics is completed, standard heparin locks are resumed. Of some concern, prolonged prophylactic antibiotics may select for resistant organisms. Likewise, prolonged use of exit-site polysporin has been associated with exit site yeast colonization, which may potentially lead to fungemia. Nevertheless, prolonged prophylactic use of any form of antibiotic must be monitored carefully for adverse effects. A second alternative is to instill an antibiotic or antimicrobial solution into the catheter lumen after each dialysis session, in an attempt to prevent biofilm formation. Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of intravascular catheterrelated infection: 2009 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Five trials used an antibiotic lock, one used taurolidine, and one used 30% citrate. A portion of the lock solution invariably leaks into the bloodstream and may cause toxicity. Thus, for example, gentamicin locks caused ototoxicity in one study, and 30% citrate solutions caused frequent paresthesias (presumably due to hypocalcemia) in another study. In contrast, two other large studies with prolonged patient follow-up did not observe a similar problem. Systematic review and meta-analysis on management of hemodialysis catheter-related bacteremia. Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of intravascular catheter-related infection: 2009 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

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Strategy Manage Underlying Cardiomyopathy Systolic heart dysfunction Possible Intervention Assess left ventricular systolic and diastolic function within 3 months of dialysis initiation and every 3 years thereafter symptoms white tongue furadantin 100mg overnight delivery. Account for acetate in dialysis acid concentrate to determine total buffer; avoid high-dialysate bicarbonate concentrations in patients who are alkalotic. Acute lowering of serum potassium concentration during dialysis may further exacerbate toxicity. They are often a reflection of underlying structural heart disease, which should be aggressively sought and treated. Rate- and rhythm-control therapies in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review. Should patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation receive chronic anticoagulation Automated external defibrillators and survival from cardiac arrest in the outpatient hemodialysis clinic. Systematic review and meta-analysis of incidence, prevalence and outcomes of atrial fibrillation in patients on dialysis. Most of the landmark studies on the pathogenesis and treatment of uremic bleeding were carried out in the 1970 and 1980s, when the key role of platelet dysfunction was clearly demonstrated. The clinical manifestations vary from minor events, such as ecchymoses, epistaxis, mucosal bleeds, or bleeding from venipuncture sites to life-threatening hemorrhages. Hemorrhagic pericarditis is a well-known serious complication of uremia, which is still rarely seen in patients with advanced renal failure or inadequate dialysis. Of note, prothrombotic abnormalities in coagulation and fibrinolysis pathways often coexist with platelet defects in uremic patients, who represent a unique population at simultaneously increased risk of both bleeding and thrombosis. Numerous platelet biochemical changes and functional abnormalities have been documented in uremic patients, together leading to defective primary hemostasis. Arachidonic acid and prostaglandin metabolism is deregulated in uremia; synthesis or release of thromboxane A2 is impaired, resulting in reduced platelet adhesion and aggregation, and plasma levels of prostacyclin, a platelet inhibitor and vasodilator, are increased. Intracellular calcium content is increased in platelets from uremic patients, and mobilization of these calcium stores after different stimuli is abnormal, which can result in functional platelet defects. The platelet cytoskeletal contraction system is dysfunctional in the uremic milieu, hindering platelet motility and secretory function. Soluble plasma factors play a key role in determining platelet defects, consistent with the observation that, after mixing with plasma from healthy subjects, uremic platelets show improvement of many functional parameters, but mixing of uremic plasma with normal platelets leads to platelet dysfunction. The already cited elevation in prostacyclin and fibrinogen fragments, together with reduced thromboxane A2 in uremia, partially account for these findings. On the other hand, several uremic solutes such as urea, creatinine, and guanidoacetic acid do not significantly interfere with platelet function when added to normal plasma. The putative pathogenic mechanism entails venous hypertension, predisposing to small venous tears of dural bridging veins. At a low hematocrit, platelets tend to be dispersed along the blood vessels, which impairs their interaction with the vascular walls. At a hematocrit above 30%, erythrocytes mainly localize at the center of the vessels, and platelets are displaced more peripherally, closer to the endothelial surface, where their efficiency in forming a plug, when exposed to the subendothelium, is optimized. On the one hand, it allows removal of the uremic toxins that induce platelet dysfunction and hemostatic derangements. As a proof of concept, for example, skin bleeding time is significantly shortened, albeit rarely normalized, in uremic patients after the initial dialysis sessions. However, dialysis cannot effectively remove all uremic retention solutes, especially those with high molecular weight or protein bound, and thus only partially corrects uremia. As well documented also in the setting of cardiopulmonary bypass, continual platelet activation can bring about mild thrombocytopenia and transient functional platelet exhaustion caused by reiterated degranulation and loss of glycoprotein receptors. In particular, heparin, the drug most widely used for this purpose, is known to promote platelet self-aggregation and activation through nonimmunogenic mechanisms, which can exacerbate the functional alterations generated by the extracorporeal circulation. These effects of heparin are distinct from the rare idiosyncratic heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a serious immunomediated thrombophilic condition. Compared with the general population, these drugs increase bleeding risk more markedly in uremic patients, likely through both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms. Bleeding risk caused by bioaccumulation is significantly raised also with the new oral anticoagulants, targeting either thrombin. Furthermore, -lactam antibiotics accumulate in advanced renal failure and may perturb platelet membrane, interfering with the adenosine diphosphate receptor and therefore inhibiting platelet aggregation. These effects are dose and duration dependent and resolve after discontinuation of the drugs. Among 338 Prevention and Therapeutic Management of Bleeding in Dialysis Patients the -lactam antibiotics, third-generation cephalosporins may affect hemostasis the most because of concomitant interference with the coagulation cascade, in addition to platelet inhibition. On the other hand, the uremic milieu might also alter pharmacologic activity; this has been demonstrated for aspirin, which causes a transient, cyclooxygenaseindependent marked prolongation of the bleeding time in uremic patients but not in normal subjects. Clinical and Laboratory Findings the most common bleeding complications in uremia are minor skin and mucosal hemorrhages, such as petechiae, blood blisters, ecchymoses at venipuncture sites, and trivial bleeds from the oral and nasal mucosa. Moreover, women on dialysis frequently present with abnormal uterine bleeding, for which as many as 10% of patients may require gynecologic intervention. Other severe, albeit less common, hemorrhagic events are intracranial bleedings, including subdural hematomas, intracerebral hemorrhages, and subarachnoid hemorrhages. These alterations, known as cerebral microbleeds, are closely associated with other cerebral small-vessel diseases and likely contribute to cognitive dysfunction; age and high blood pressure are significant risk factors. Limited, fibrinous pericardial and pleural effusions are common findings in patients with advanced renal failure. Without adequate dialysis, serous effusion can Prevention and Therapeutic Management of Bleeding in Dialysis Patients 339 undergo hemorrhagic transformation, leading to life-threatening uremic pericarditis, with possible tamponade, or pleuritis. These presentations used to be frequent in the predialysis era and are now rarely encountered, but they remain medical emergencies that require prompt recognition and treatment, the core of management being intensive, anticoagulant-free dialysis. Renal cysts frequently occur in dialysis-associated renal cystic disease and can occasionally give rise to unprovoked bleeding, ranging from asymptomatic, trivial intracystic hemorrhage to massive retroperitoneal hematomas. Spontaneous severe intraocular bleedings have been occasionally reported in dialysis patients; minor subconjunctival hemorrhages or self-limited bleeds after cataract surgery are by far more common. Subcapsular liver hematoma is another serious hemorrhagic complication that has been rarely observed in uremic patients. Finally, despite the current improvements in standards of care, major surgery and invasive procedures, including kidney or liver biopsy, still entail perioperative hemorrhagic risks that are elevated to a greater extent in dialysis patients than in the general population, with subsequent higher morbidity and mortality. Extensive efforts have been made to find out which abnormal laboratory findings in uremia can best predict clinically significant bleeding. Thrombocytopenia is rarely severe enough (<50,000/mmc) to significantly raise bleeding risk, but low hematocrit (<30%) is significantly associated with hemorrhagic diathesis in uremic patients. The single assay that best correlates with uremic bleeding is skin bleeding time, an in vivo test measuring the primary phase of hemostasis. A blood pressure cuff is applied above the cubital fossa and inflated at 40 mm Hg to elevate venous pressure and increase test sensitivity. The cut is done quickly by an automatic device, which provides a standardized width and depth. The blood is blotted away every 30 seconds by filter paper until the platelet plug forms and the bleeding terminates. The time it takes for the bleeding to stop is measured and represents the skin bleeding time. Normal values are below 7 minutes; prolongation above 10 minutes correlates with a significantly increased risk of bleeding in uremic patients. However, none of these tests has been validated in clinical practice in the setting of uremic bleeding, and their use remains investigational. The minimum dose of heparin effective in preventing circuit clotting should be determined for each patient. Regional citrate anticoagulation, if locally implemented, is a useful alternative. Low-dose heparin (1000 units/mL) or 4% citrate are safe and effective alternatives as lock solutions. Use of recombinant human erythropoietin has largely replaced transfusions and significantly lowered hemorrhagic risk, after its widespread introduction into clinical practice in the late 1980s.

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Following this type of sterilization symptoms anemia discount furadantin online master card, dialyzers must be rinsed with saline before use to ensure the removal of destroyed bacteria. Dialysis Membrane Structure and Characteristics As previously mentioned, the membrane can be divided into two families: membranes derived from cellulose and membranes derived from synthetic polymers. These two families can be further divided into subfamilies depending on the chemical and physical characteristics of the polymers and their process of production. According to this classification membranes present common characteristics and can be classified as described below. Selecting a Dialyzer: Technical and Clinical Considerations 231 Thus in the synthetic family membrane, fibers are either symmetric or asymmetric and this characteristic can be seen in their cross-sectional views. Symmetric membranes are derived either from cellulose or entirely from synthetic polymers. These types of membranes have a homogeneous configuration throughout the membrane wall with both the inner and outer layers usually containing similar pore sizes. Conversely, asymmetric membranes are derived from synthetic polymers only and present a thin inner selective layer and an outer thick support layer. Whereas cellulose-derived fibers are naturally wavelike, synthetic fibers may be crimped to produce a rippled pattern that more evenly distributes the dialysate flow. This allows for better matching of blood and dialysate flows across all sections of the fiber bundle. For each membrane, one can identify a molecular weight cut-off for the largest molecule that can pass through it. This parameter allows the removal of solutes of particular concern in an individual patient. There is also a new generation of super high-flux membranes that have a cut-off closer to 65,000 Da. Thanks to nanotechnology, we can obtain membranes with a superior uniformity of pore size, in contrast to earlier membranes that had a wide range of pore sizes with fewer large pores resulting in limited removal of middle-molecular-weight uremic toxins. Applying these concepts, membranes with homogeneous pore size and a narrow pore size distribution present a sharper cut-off in the sieving coefficient, leading to improved passage of low-molecular-weight proteins and a reduced loss of albumin. This membrane has specific characteristics: low hydraulic permeability and good diffusive performance for low molecular weight clearance because of its small membrane wall thickness. Unfortunately, these membranes have poor biocompatibility and are generally unable to adsorb small bacterial products. It is also possible to create hydrophobic domains on a hydrophilic membrane surface by the substitution of less than 1% of the hydrophilic hydroxyl groups by hydrophobic benzyl groups through ether bonds. All of these membranes are not completely biocompatible because of the hydrophilicity of their surface that can activate complement, platelets, and leukocytes. In this regenerated cellulose graft membrane (Excebrane), the desirable performance properties of a highly porous cellulosic membrane are combined with the needed biocompatibility features of a synthetic copolymer resulting in reduction of oxidative stress due to the radical scavenger vitamin E. In this membrane, at least two (substitution grade 2) of three hydroxyl groups of the cellulosic glucose monomer are replaced by acetyl groups. Synthetic Membranes the main purpose of developing synthetic membranes was to create more porous membranes which could better simulate the filtration process of the natural kidney. In this way one can improve the removal of middle molecules and higher molecular weight uremic toxins (2-microglobulin). In fact, this characteristic may result in an undesirable adsorption of platelets, with an effect on fibrin formation that can decrease the efficiency of the dialytic process during the time of treatment. It exhibits a much better biocompatibility than membranes made from regenerated cellulose. The hydrophilic property of the membrane can reduce the interaction between the blood and the membrane surface resulting in less cell activation and heparin need for anticoagulation. It also has a unique surface that prevents adsorption of not only proteins and platelets but also medication, including anticoagulants. This structure results in an asymmetric membrane with three distinguishable regions: 1. Pore size increases dramatically from the blood side to the dialysate side, being smallest at the skin layer at around 5 nm. The result of this structure is low complement activation and low cell activation with lower oxidative stress. Polysulfones According to the chemical definition, the term polysulfone comprises simply a group of polymers containing a sulfone group and alkyl- or aryl- groups. Only all such polymers, which additionally contain isopropylidene groups, are termed polysulfones (Fresenius polysulfone, Helixone, Asahi polysulfone, Toraysulfone, -polysulfone). Polysulfone and poly(aryl)ethersulfone membranes can be sterilized with all common methods, demonstrate excellent biocompatibility, and have high physical strength and chemical resistance. Both the low-flux and the high-flux versions exhibit good performance characteristics, and the high-flux type removes considerable amounts of 2-M by filtration. In addition, polysulfones, but not poly(aryl) ethersulfone, are suitable for use as endotoxin adsorbers because of their structure. In this way, it was possible to create a uniform pore distribution at the dense innermost layer as well as a homogeneous pore size, which results in a sharper molecular weight cut-off. Clinical Implication of Membranes, Structure and Characteristics Generally, the material used to make hollow fiber membranes includes polysulfones, polyethersulfone, cellulose triacetate, polymethylmethacrylate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, or polyacrylonitrile. Nowadays, the use of poorly biocompatible unmodified Selecting a Dialyzer: Technical and Clinical Considerations 235 cellulose dialyzer membranes is discouraged. In fact, most dialyzers are made from synthetic polymers from the family of polysulfone/polyethersulfone. Cellulose Triacetate: this type of membrane presents a high solute permeability that can remove 2-microglobulin by diffusion. The efficiency in diffusion is very high as the fibers are thin and the structure results in a uniform dialysate flow distribution. Clinical benefits have been reported related to high antithrombogenicity, impact on lipid metabolism, and reduction of homocysteine and glycation end products. The phenomenon of albumin adsorption on the membrane surface suggests that this family of membrane may offer the potential for a lower activation of the coagulation cascade than polysulfone membranes. Polyacrylonitile: this family of membrane is hydrophilic and attracts water to form a hydrogel structure that confers high diffusive and hydraulic permeability. The permeability to fluid is high and the membrane presents a broad spectrum of uremic toxins with a very high biocompatibility. An interesting characteristic of this family is the possibility to introduce membranes coated with polyethylene glycol or vitamin E in order to decrease the migration and activation of monocytes and granulocytes with improved biocompatibility. From the point of view of performing extracorporeal treatment in patients with a high risk of bleeding, this family of membranes was modified on the surface to bind heparin. Polymethylmethacrylate: this family of membranes has high adsorptive properties because of its homogeneous structure, in which the entire membrane contributes to the adsorption. Ethylenevinylalcohol: this family consists of hydrophilic and uncharged membranes with a smooth surface that retains water resulting in less plasma protein adsorption and weak blood cells interaction. The pore size increases dramatically from the blood side to the dialysate side, being smallest at the skin layer at around 5 nm. The result of this structure is low complement activation and low cell activation, resulting in lower oxidative stress. Polysulfones: these membranes have the capacity to remove a broad range of uremic toxins and effectively retain endotoxins. Thanks to their structure, these membranes provide intrinsic biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. They present a higher sieving coefficient with an increased hydraulic permeability that promotes efficient transport by convection. Finally, there are significant differences among polysulfone membranes because of variations in both the relative amounts of copolymers used in a particular blend and the fiber-spinning process employed. Polyethersulfones: the new generation of this type of membrane has been developed through an advanced fiber-spinning process able to create large, uniform, and densely distributed pore size.

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Calcitriol enhances the antimicrobial function of macrophages by improving superoxide production and intracellular killing medications during pregnancy discount furadantin. However, reports describing a significant reduction in peritonitis rates using these agents are limited and small in study size. The colony-stimulating factors have shown clinical benefit in many studies of patients with pathologic states associated with abnormal phagocytic cell function and increased risk of infection. This approach is based on the logic that enhanced opsonic activity, leukocyte function, and possibly lymphatic removal will ensue, thereby allowing either less aggressive antibiotic therapy or reduced potential for relapse. The acidic pH of commercially available dialysis fluids, in combination with their high lactate concentration, can inhibit phagocytosis and oxidative metabolism of peritoneal phagocytes, as well as the ability of mesothelial cells to secrete cytokines. Similarly, the concentrations of glucose degradation products (again, especially in the highest glucose levels) can suppress cell function in vitro. Several animal models have also shown an improvement in peritoneal membrane function with more biocompatible solutions. Abnormalities of local peritoneal immunity include the dilution and bioincompatible effects of the dialysis solution itself, specific leukocyte functional defects, and the presence of functional leukocyte inhibitory uremic molecules. Association of biocompatible peritoneal dialysis solutions with peritonitis risk, treatment, and outcomes. The authors emphasize the need for further randomized studies adequately powered for a primary peritonitis outcome. Human peritoneal mesothelial cells respond to bacterial ligands through a specific subset of toll-like receptors. The first report of mesothelial cell activation with bacterial ligands via Toll-like receptors. This review provides a detailed description of the pathophysiological mechanisms driving peritoneal fibrosis, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal cell transition, inflammation, and leukocyte trafficking. Macrophages and translymphatic absorption represent the first line of host defense of the peritoneal cavity. An early seminal study defining lymphatic absorption and peritoneal macrophages as primary elements of fist line of host defense using animal models. This review describes vaccines development strategies for Staphylococcus aureus, the clinical experience to date and future prospects. The milky spots of the peritoneum and pleura: Structure, development and pathology. This review provides an in-depth characterization of the structure and function of the milky spots in the greater omentum, including their role in the first line of peritoneal host defense. Characterization of human peritoneal dendritic cell precursors and their involvement in peritonitis. This contribution describes the role of peritoneal dendritic cells in the host response to peritonitis. A seminal research study describing pivotal cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the regulatory role of neutrophils during peritonitis. A scholarly overview describing the role of mesothelial cells in peritoneal host defense. This article focuses on the risk factors for their occurrence, as well as optimal strategies for their prevention and management. Furthermore, a positive culture from an exit site in the absence of purulent drainage should be interpreted with caution because it may simply reflect colonization of the skin. In addition to the paucity of reported data on the frequency of their occurrence, the existing studies suggest an extremely wide variation in the rates of catheter infections. For example, an exit site that is located under the pannus of an obese patient may lead to poor visualization of the exit site by the patient and a reduced likelihood of the area remaining dry and clean. Another important consideration is the direction of the catheter as it emerges from the skin. Based on observational data, a downwarddirected tunnel has been associated with a reduced risk of infection, presumably by minimizing the risk of debris and organisms getting into the exit site. If the latter strategy is adopted, the initial choice of antibiotics should cover S. After the causative organism is known, the antibiotics should be adjusted accordingly. Tunnel sonography can be a useful adjunct for both diagnostic purposes as well as for identifying response to therapy. In the few reports of its use by experienced surgeons, there is a high rate of catheter salvage, but the data on this strategy remain quite limited. Although most exit sites are located in the lower abdomen, consideration should be given to upper abdominal or presternal exit sites in the presence of a stoma or obesity with a large pannus. In all cases, the exit site should be visible to the patient so as to optimize chronic catheter care and early identification of changes in the appearance of the exit site. The superficial catheter cuff should be located approximately 2 to 3 cm deep to the exit site in order to avoid extrusion of the cuff, which can irritate the exit site and augment the risk of infection. The placement of an anchoring stitch or sutures at the exit site should be avoided because it may serve as an unnecessary nidus for infection. After the catheter is placed, a semiocclusive dressing should be used, and this dressing should not be removed or manipulated for the first week after catheter placement unless the dressing becomes soaked. Avoidance of frequent early dressing changes can help to prevent the introduction of organisms at the exit site (even if aseptic technique is used). In addition, this will minimize trauma and catheter movement, such that healing and epithelialization of the tunnel tract will be optimized. The catheter should be properly stabilized on the skin to minimize the mechanical stress transmitted to the exit site and tunnel, particularly during the healing period. After the exit site is healed, the dressing can be changed every day or every other day using aseptic technique. At the time of each dressing change, cleansing of the exit site should be performed. Several cleansing strategies have been used, including use of antibacterial soap and water, povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine, and sodium hypochlorite. No studies to date have definitively shown one strategy to be superior to another. A more favorable strategy was identified in the form of mupirocin, a topical agent known to have excellent antibacterial activity against gram-positive organisms, including S. Several studies have reported on the use of topical mupirocin, either intranasally in S. Despite some reports of the development of mupirocin resistance over time, the widespread adoption of mupirocin prophylaxis has led to a dramatic decrease in the frequency of S. This led to the idea that topical gentamicin, an agent with antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, might provide further benefit over mupirocin. However, three subsequent observational studies have not been able to confirm the superiority of gentamicin over mupirocin, and some have raised questions about the possibility of gentamicin resistance over time with routine and prolonged use. Two subsequent randomized trials of other exit site strategies have been performed. In the second trial, exit-site application of antibacterial honey in all patients was compared with intranasal mupirocin in S. Because the choice of the topical agent is left to the discretion of the clinician, it should ideally be based on local patterns of infection (including the frequency of Pseudomonas catheter infections) and local antibiotic resistance. A final point is that topical mupirocin ointment (as opposed to mupirocin cream) should not be used at the exit sites of polyurethane catheters because of the potential for structural damage to the catheter over time. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical in order to improve the likelihood of resolution of the infection. Randomized double-blind trial of antibiotic exit site cream for prevention of exit site infection in peritoneal dialysis patients. Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage and infection in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Nasal mupirocin prevents Staphylococcus aureus exit-site infection during peritoneal dialysis. This randomized trial demonstrates the effectivenessof intranasal mupirocin for the prevention of S. Position statement on reducing the risks of peritoneal dialysis-related infections.