Background A direct outcome comparison between skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients receiving on-site more frequent dialysis (MFD) targeting 14 hours of treatment over five sessions weekly compared with on-site CONVENTIONAL dialysis for death, hospitalization, and speed of returning home has not been reported. Methods From January 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, in a retrospective prospective observational design, using an intention-to-treat and competing risk strategy, all new admissions for an on-site SNF dialysis service done to nursing homes with on-site MFD were compared with admissions to nursing homes providing on-site CONVENTIONAL dialysis for the outcome goal of 90-day cumulative incidence of discharge to home, while monitoring safety issues represented by the competing risks of hospitalization and death. Results In total, 10,246 MFD dialytic episodes and 3451 CONVENTIONAL dialytic episodes were studied in 195 nursing homes in 12 states. At baseline, the MFD population was consistently sicker than CONVENTIONAL dialysis population with a first systolic BP of <100 mm Hg in 13% versus 7.6% (P < 0.001), lower mean hemoglobin (9.3 versus 10.4 g/dl; P < 0.001), lower iron saturation (25.7% versus 26.6%; P = 0.02), higher Charlson score (3.5 versus 3.0; P < 0.001), higher mean age (67.6 versus 66.7; P < 0.001), more complicated diabetes (31% versus 24%; P < 0.001), cerebrovascular disease (12.6% versus 6.8%; P<0.001), and congestive heart failure (24% versus 18%). At 42 days, discharge to home was 25% greater in the MFD than CONVENTIONAL dialysis group (17.5% versus 14%) without worsened hospitalization or death. Conclusions Despite a handicap of sicker patients at baseline, real-world application of MFD appears to hasten return to home from SNFs compared with CONVENTIONAL dialysis. The findings suggest that MFD allows for SNF acceptance of sicker patients, presumably permitting earlier discharge from hospital, without safety compromise as measured by death or rehospitalization, benefitting hospitals, patients, and payers.

Abstract Background and Aims Measurements of relative blood volume (RBV, %) are used to monitor the relative change in blood plasm during hemodialysis (HD). Continuous measurement of calf extracellular volume (cECV) during HD allows the calculation of relative change in cECV (RCE). RCE was defined as the ratio of cECV to its initial value, cECV0 (RCE = 100 × cECV/cECV0, %). The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between RBV, RCE and the occurrence of intradialytic hypotension (IDH). Method Fifty-five HD patients were studied. We reduced the HD target weight stepwise by 0.1 to 0.2 kg per HD session until clinically defined IDH symptoms occurred. RBV was monitored using the blood volume monitor (BVM, Fresenius Medical Care, Germany). Whole body bioimpedance spectroscopy (wBIS) provided whole body ECV (wECV) and intracellular volume (wICV) pre and post HD. Continuous calf bioimpedance (Hydra 4200, Xitron Technologies, San Diego, CA USA) provided cECV during HD. Pre HD overhydration (OH) was calculated according to whole body composition model (Chamney et al, Am J Clin Nutr 2007; 85:80). Total number of HD sessions in all patients were divided into three groups according to the pre HD OH: 1) normal OH (NOH, OH < 1 L), 2) moderate OH (MOH, 1 ≤ OH < 4 L) and 3) severe OH (SOH, OH ≥ 4 L). Furthermore, patients were stratified by the presence or absence of IDH in each hydration group. Ultrafiltration rate (UFR), pre HD body weight, body mass index (BMI) were measured. Minimal RBV (RBVMin) and minimal RCE (RCEMin) in each HD session were recorded. These measures represent maximum reduction of fluid in the intravascular and interstitial spaces, respectively. Reducing cECV can be considered as refilling fluid from interstitial transferring to intravascular space driving by ultrafiltration. The difference between RCEMin and RBVMin was defined as vascular refilling capacity. Linear mixed-effect logistic regression (LMELR) analysis was applied to explore relationships between IDH with RBVMin, RCEMin, wECV and BMI. Results We studied 621 HD sessions in 55 patients. MOH was present in 57%, SOH in 22% and NOH in 21% of total number of HD sessions respectively. There were significant differences in age, UFR, RBVMin, RCEMin, pre HD wECV, BMI between three groups, while the IDH rate did not differ significantly (Table 1). RBVMin was inversely correlated with UFR (Fig. 1) in all measurements. Pre HD wECV was the only factor associated with IDH in overall measurement. Pre HD wECV was significantly lower in IDH than in non-IDH patients in the NOH group (Fig. 2). In the MOH group, UFR and RCEMin-RBVMin were higher in IDH than in non-IDH patients (Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b). In the SOH group, Pre HD OH is the major factor associated with IDH (Fig. 4). Conclusion This study found that the major factors leading to IDH are 1) lower hydration status; 2) relative higher UFR; and 3) the limited refilling capacity. RBVMin correlated with UFR, but it did not predict IDH. Combined analysis of RBV and calf bioimpedance may provide a means to quantitate the fluid transport between intravascular and interstitial compartments and could add to an early IDH warning system.

Drinking water contaminated by pathogenic micro-organisms increases the risk of infectious gastrointestinal disease which could potentially lead to acute kidney injury and even death, particularly amongst the young and the elderly. Earlier studies have shown a substantial reduction in the incidence of diarrheal disease over a period of one year using a polysulfone membrane water gravity-powered water filtration device. The current report is a continuation of these studies to assess the long-term effects of the innovative method on diarrheal incidence rates over a 4-year follow-up period. This follow-up study monitored the trend of self-reported diarrheal events in all households in the previously studied villages for 5 months, in the last half of each study year, using the same questionnaire utilized in the earlier study. Three villages that had no device yet installed served as controls. We computed monthly diarrheal incidence rates for all study years (standardized to per 100 person-months) and compared these to the pre-device incidence rate in 2018 and in the control group, using the Wilcoxon rank sum exact test. The average diarrheal incidence rates of 1.5 p100pm in 2019, 2.19 p100pm in 2021, and 0.54p100pm in 2022 were significantly different from an earlier study that reported 17.8 p100pm rates before the devices were installed in 2018, (all p-values < 0.05). Concomitantly, self-reported diarrheal infections were substantially higher in the “control villages” not yet having the filtration device installed (80.9, 77.6, and 21.5 per 100 pm). The consistent and large reduction in diarrhea incidence documents the long-term efficacy of the use of the membrane filtration device. This simple water purification method using gravity flow improves public health in remote regions with limited resources.

INTRODUCTION:For end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients residing in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), the logistics and physical exhaustion of life-saving hemodialysis therapy often conflict with rehabilitation goals. Integration of dialysis care with rehabilitation programs in a scalable and cost-efficient manner has been a significant challenge. SNF-resident ESRD patients receiving onsite, more frequent hemodialysis (MFD) have reported rapid post-dialysis recovery. We examined whether such patients have improved Physical Therapy (PT) participation.METHODS:We conducted a retrospective electronic medical records review of SNF-resident PT participation rates within a multistate provider of SNF rehabilitation care from January 1, 2022 to June 1, 2022. We compared three groups: ESRD patients receiving onsite MFD (Onsite-MFD), ESRD patients receiving offsite, conventional 3×/week dialysis (Offsite-Conventional-HD), and the general non-ESRD SNF rehabilitation population (Non-ESRD). We evaluated physical therapy participation rates based on a predefined metric of missed or shortened (<15 min) therapy days. Baseline demographics and functional status were assessed.FINDINGS:Ninety-two Onsite-MFD had 2084 PT sessions scheduled, 12,916 Non-ESRD had 225,496 PT sessions scheduled, and 562 Offsite-Conventional-HD had 9082 PT sessions scheduled. In mixed model logistic regression, Onsite-MFD achieved higher PT participation rates than Offsite-Conventional-HD (odds ratio: 1.8, CI: 1.1-3.0; p < 0.03), and Onsite-MFD achieved equivalent PT participation rates to Non-ESRD (odds ratio: 1.2, CI: 0.3-1.9; p < 0.46). Baseline mean ± SD Charlson Comorbidity score was significantly higher in Onsite-MFD (4.9 ± 2.0) and Offsite-Conventional-HD (4.9 ± 1.8) versus Non-ESRD (2.6 ± 2.0; p < 0.001). Baseline mean self-care and mobility scores were significantly lower in Onsite-MFD versus Non-ESRD or Offsite-Conventional-HD.DISCUSSION:SNF-resident ESRD patients receiving MFD colocated with rehabilitation had higher PT participation rates than those conventionally dialyzed offsite and equivalent PT participation rates to the non-ESRD SNF-rehabilitation general population, despite being sicker, less independent, and less mobile. We report a scalable program integrating dialysis and rehabilitation care as a potential solution for ESRD patients recovering from acute hospitalization.

The key message from the 1958 Edelman study states that combinations of external gains or losses of sodium, potassium and water leading to an increase of the fraction (total body sodium plus total body potassium) over total body water will raise the serum sodium concentration ([Na] S ), while external gains or losses leading to a decrease in this fraction will lower [Na] S . A variety of studies have supported this concept and current quantitative methods for correcting dysnatremias, including formulas calculating the volume of saline needed for a change in [Na] S are based on it. Not accounting for external losses of sodium, potassium and water during treatment and faulty values for body water inserted in the formulas predicting the change in [Na] S affect the accuracy of these formulas. Newly described factors potentially affecting the change in [Na] S during treatment of dysnatremias include the following: (a) exchanges during development or correction of dysnatremias between osmotically inactive sodium stored in tissues and osmotically active sodium in solution in body fluids; (b) chemical binding of part of body water to macromolecules which would decrease the amount of body water available for osmotic exchanges; and (c) genetic influences on the determination of sodium concentration in body fluids. The effects of these newer developments on the methods of treatment of dysnatremias are not well-established and will need extensive studying. Currently, monitoring of serum sodium concentration remains a critical step during treatment of dysnatremias.

The provision of clean water to remote communities is a major goal of both the World Health Organization and the United Nations. We report on the long-term sustainability of filter-sterilizing polluted water in remote villages in Ghana that lack electricity. Contaminated water pumped several times a week via a gasoline pump into a 1000 L elevated tank is filtered through polysulfone hemodialyzers on demand. The 3 nm fiber pore size rejects all bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Villagers flush organic matter from the dialyzers thrice daily to maintain a flow of up to 250 L/h. Having previously reported a 73% reduction in diarrheal episodes, we now address system sustainability. After passing through the hemodialyzer filters, a fecally polluted water source remains consistently free of pathogens even after the system has been in place for >1 year in most villages. Filters are easily replaced when needed. Daily cost for unlimited clean water is less than USD 2.22 per village over five years. Villagers have continued to independently fill the tank and flush the system, because they appreciate the clean water and health benefits. We demonstrate that over 2–6 years this system providing pathogen-free drinking water can be maintained independently by villagers for long-term sustainability. It does not require electricity nor disinfectants to be added to the product water and is ready for far broader application in similarly remote settings.

We found that fluid overload (FO) in patients with nondialysis CKD was largely underestimated by clinical assessment compared with bioimpedance methods, which was majorly due to lack of appropriate techniques to assess FO. In addition, although degree of FO by bioimpedance markers positively correlated with the age in healthy subjects (HSs), no difference was observed in the three hydration markers between groups of 50 ≤ age <70 yr and age ≥70 yr in the patients with CKD.

INTRODUCTION:Post-dialysis recovery time (DRT) has an important relationship to quality of life and survival, as identified in studies of ESRD patients on conventional dialysis. ESRD patients are often discharged from hospitals to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) where on-site treatment using home hemodialysis technology is increasingly offered, but nothing is known about DRT in this patient population.METHODS:From November 4, 2019 to June 11, 2021, within a dialysis organization providing service across 12 states and 154 SNFs, patients receiving in-SNF, more frequent dialysis (MFD) (modeled to deliver 14 treatment hours minimum per week and stdKt/V ≥2.0) were asked to describe their post-dialysis recovery time following their previous treatment, within predefined categoric choices: 0-½, ½-1, 1-2, 2-4, 4-8, 8-12 h, by next morning, or not even by next morning. Patients reporting DRT following at least one full-week treatment opportunity were included in a mixed model logistic regression of rapid recovery (DRT ≤2 h).FINDINGS:Two thousand three hundred and nine patients met the statistical modeling inclusion criteria, providing DRT on 108,876 dialysis sessions, while receiving mean (SD) 4.3 (0.96) weekly dialysis treatments. 2118 (92%) reported DRT ≤2 h. Results appeared biologically plausible, as lower odds of rapid DRT were observed for patients who were older, missed their previous treatment, or experienced intradialytic hypotension. Greater odds of rapid DRT were observed in patients receiving five dialyses in the previous week or having 160-179 mmHg pre-hemodialysis systolic blood pressure. Rapid recovery was associated with reduced mortality or hospitalization.DISCUSSION:SNF dialysis patients receiving 5x per week MFD report rapid recovery time ≤2 h in 92% of dialyses despite advanced age, frailty, and comorbidities. Future studies will assess the practical ramifications of rapid DRT perception/experience on nursing home rehabilitation programs, which could impact patient health beyond the nursing home stay.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasingly encountered in community settings and contributes to morbidity, mortality, and increased resource utilization worldwide. In low-resource settings, lack of awareness of and limited access to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions likely influence patient management. We evaluated the feasibility of the use of point-of-care (POC) serum creatinine and urine dipstick testing with an education and training program to optimize the identification and management of AKI in the community in 3 low-resource countries. Methods and findings Patients presenting to healthcare centers (HCCs) from 1 October 2016 to 29 September 2017 in the cities Cochabamba, Bolivia; Dharan, Nepal; and Blantyre, Malawi, were assessed utilizing a symptom-based risk score to identify patients at moderate to high AKI risk. POC testing for serum creatinine and urine dipstick at enrollment were utilized to classify these patients as having chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney disease (AKD), or no kidney disease (NKD). Patients were followed for a maximum of 6 months with repeat POC testing. AKI development was assessed at 7 days, kidney recovery at 1 month, and progression to CKD and mortality at 3 and 6 months. Following an observation phase to establish baseline data, care providers and physicians in the HCCs were trained with a standardized protocol utilizing POC tests to evaluate and manage patients, guided by physicians in referral hospitals connected via mobile digital technology. We evaluated 3,577 patients, and 2,101 were enrolled: 978 in the observation phase and 1,123 in the intervention phase. Due to the high number of patients attending the centers daily, it was not feasible to screen all patients to assess the actual incidence of AKI. Of enrolled patients, 1,825/2,101 (87%) were adults, 1,117/2,101 (53%) were females, 399/2,101 (19%) were from Bolivia, 813/2,101 (39%) were from Malawi, and 889/2,101 (42%) were from Nepal. The age of enrolled patients ranged from 1 month to 96 years, with a mean of 43 years (SD 21) and a median of 43 years (IQR 27–62). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (418/2,101; 20%). At enrollment, 197/2,101 (9.4%) had CKD, and 1,199/2,101 (57%) had AKD. AKI developed in 30% within 7 days. By 1 month, 268/978 (27%) patients in the observation phase and 203/1,123 (18%) in the intervention phase were lost to follow-up. In the intervention phase, more patients received fluids (observation 714/978 [73%] versus intervention 874/1,123 [78%]; 95% CI 0.63, 0.94; p = 0.012), hospitalization was reduced (observation 578/978 [59%] versus intervention 548/1,123 [49%]; 95% CI 0.55, 0.79; p < 0.001), and admitted patients with severe AKI did not show a significantly lower mortality during follow-up (observation 27/135 [20%] versus intervention 21/178 [11.8%]; 95% CI 0.98, 3.52; p = 0.057). Of 504 patients with kidney function assessed during the 6-month follow-up, de novo CKD arose in 79/484 (16.3%), with no difference between the observation and intervention phase (95% CI 0.91, 2.47; p = 0.101). Overall mortality was 273/2,101 (13%) and was highest in those who had CKD (24/106; 23%), followed by those with AKD (128/760; 17%), AKI (85/628; 14%), and NKD (36/607; 6%). The main limitation of our study was the inability to determine the actual incidence of kidney dysfunction in the health centers as it was not feasible to screen all the patients due to the high numbers seen daily. Conclusions This multicenter, non-randomized feasibility study in low-resource settings demonstrates that it is feasible to implement a comprehensive program utilizing POC testing and protocol-based management to improve the recognition and management of AKI and AKD in high-risk patients in primary care.

Background: Dialysis patients admitted to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) are characterized by advanced age, frailty, and multiple comorbidities. Based on prior studies which demonstrated shortened dialysis recovery time (DRT) with more frequent dialysis (MFD) in populations aged ∼50s living at home (FREEDOM Study 2010, FHN trial 2006), it was postulated that dialysis patients in a SNF would benefit from MFD. Methods: Patients studied were admitted to SNFs in OH, TX, FL, NY, and PA from November-December 2019 (pre-COVID) and could reliably answer questions about DRT. 80% were undergoing subacute rehabilitation and 20% were permanent residents of the SNF. Patients received NxStage on-site staff assisted MFD 5x (80%) or 4x (20%) per week. StdKt/V was ≥2.1. At every dialysis, patients were asked by their RN caregiver How long did it take you to recover from your last? HD session Responses were deemed unreliable if a patient had cognitive impairment. Reliable responses were used for outcome analysis. In the present study, DRT data was collected by a caregiver nurse, differing from the methodology of the FREEDOM/FHN studies which collected DRT data via KDQOL form or phone interview. The implications of these differences in data collection methods are currently unknown. Results: 485 unique patients were included in the study. Demographics included 53% males, mean age 67.5 +/-13 years, African American 19%, Caucasian 25%, Hispanic 5%, Asian 0.4%, unknown or other 51%. Mean DRT was 1.5 +/-2.6 hours. Mean DRT was calculated using the midpoint recovery time for intervals, or 18 hours when DRT was the next morning or beyond. In 69%, DRT was < 2 hours. Conclusions: In the FREEDOM and FHN conventional HD 3x per week study arms, DRT averaged 6-8 hours. MFD reduced DRT to ∼1.0 hour in those relatively young patients living at home. In our study, HD patients residing in a SNF and receiving MFD experienced DRT of 1.5 hours. Age, frailty and comorbid conditions therefore do not prevent DRT benefits of MFD. DRT benefits could stem from more effective, gentler fluid management by MFD. Further studies are needed to fully explore the impact of shortened DRT on rehabilitation scores, hospitalizations and deaths in elderly patients residing in SNFs.

Introduction: The Frequent Hemodialysis Network (FHN) Daily and Nocturnal trials aimed to compare the effects of hemodialysis (HD) given 6 versus 3 times per week. More frequent in-center HD significantly reduced left-ventricular mass (LVM), with more pronounced effects in patients with low urine volumes. In this study, we aimed to explore another potential effect modifier: the predialysis serum sodium (SNa) and related proxies of plasma tonicity. Methods: Using data from the FHN Daily and Nocturnal Trials, we compared the effects of frequent HD on LVM among patients stratified by SNa, dialysate-to-predialysis serum-sodium gradient (GNa), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, time-integrated sodium-adjusted fluid load (TIFL), and extracellular fluid volume estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: In 197 enrolled subjects in the FHN Daily Trial, the treatment effect of frequent HD on ∆LVM was modified by SNa. When the FHN Daily Trial participants are divided into lower and higher predialysis SNa groups (less and greater than 138 mEq/L), the LVM reduction in the lower group was substantially higher (−28.0 [95% CI −40.5 to −15.4] g) than in the higher predialysis SNa group (−2.0 [95% CI −15.5 to 11.5] g). Accounting for GNa, TIFL also showed more pronounced effects among patients with higher GNa or higher TIFL. Results in the Nocturnal Trial were similar in direction and magnitude but did not reach statistical significance. Discussion/Conclusion: In the FHN Daily Trial, the favorable effects of frequent HD on left-ventricular hypertrophy were more pronounced among patients with lower predialysis SNa and higher GNa and TIFL. Whether these metrics can be used to identify patients most likely to benefit from frequent HD or other dialytic or nondialytic interventions remains to be determined. Prospective, adequately powered studies studying the effect of GNa reduction on mortality and hospitalization are needed.

BACKGROUND:Hypertension in dialysis patients is common. In daily practice, it is not always clear whether adjustment of dry weight or vasodilatory medication should be administered and treatment strategy is often based on clinical impression. We used a whole-body bio-impedance based, non-invasive, hemodynamics monitoring technology to acquire hemodynamic data in order to evaluate the incidence and causes of hypertension in dialysis patients.METHODS:Novel noninvasive impedance based technique was used to collect hemodynamic data from patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in four different dialysis units. Patients were defined as having hypertension if their predialysis systolic or diastolic BP results were >140mmHg or >90 respectively and as hypervolemic if their total body water (TBW) was greater than normal according to the Kushner formula+1SD. Vasoconstriction was defined as total peripheral resistance index (TPRI) greater than 3000 dyn*sec/cm5*m2.RESULTS:Of 144 hemodialysis patients, 81 (56%) were male; mean age was 67.3±12.1 years and 67 (47%) had hypertension. Among the hypertensive patients, only 18(27%) met hypervolemia criteria and thirty (45%) met vasoconstriction criteria (mean TPRI of 4474±1592dyn*sec/cm5*m2). Patients with hypertension due to vasoconstriction had higher vintage (50±45 vs 20±8 months 0=0.018), lower heart rate (71±11 vs 79±11 BPM p=0.002), lower stroke index (28±7 vs 44±8ml/m2 p<0.001) and cardiac index (2.1±0.5 vs 3.5±0.6 p=0<0.001) compared to patients without vasoconstriction.CONCLUSIONS:Vasoconstriction was the main etiology for pre-dialysis hypertension in chronic hemodialysis patients. This calls for individualized, hemodynamic-based therapeutic intervention.

Dialysis patients are often discharged from hospitals to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), but little has been published about their natural history.

Achievement of equity in health requires development of a health system in which everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their full health potential. The current, large country-level variation in the reported incidence and prevalence of treated end-stage kidney disease indicates the existence of system-level inequities. Equitable implementation of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) programs must address issues of availability, affordability, and acceptability. The major structural factors that impact equity in KRT in different countries are the organization of health systems, overall health care spending, funding and delivery models, and nature of KRT prioritization (transplantation, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and conservative care). Implementation of KRT programs has the potential to exacerbate inequity unless equity is deliberately addressed. In this review, we summarize discussions on equitable provision of KRT in low- and middle-income countries and suggest areas for future research.

Given the need for treating polluted drinking water, our NGO Easy Water for Everyone has produced pure water in remote villages without power and achieved health benefits. With the goal of reaching more needy populations we report our experience and successful implementation in Ghana. In 20 villages polluted water is pumped every few days to an elevated water tank connected to a filtration device leading to a faucet. Repurposed hemodialyzers with polysulfone membranes, having a filter pore size of 0.003 micrometres, prevent passage of pathogens. Gravity from a 3 m height pushes water through the membrane whenever the faucet is open. Backflushing of the hemodialyzer membrane three times daily removes built-up organic material and maintains flow rates of 250 L/hour for at least two years. Filtered water has been culture-negative. Management of problems and optimization are reported. The five-year cost per village of <1,500 population averaged <2 US$ per day.

BackgroundKidney disease is prevalent in low-resource settings worldwide, but tests for its diagnosis are often unavailable. The saliva urea nitrogen (SUN) dipstick is a laboratory and electricity independent tool, which may be used for the detection of kidney disease. We investigated the feasibility and performance of its use in diagnosing kidney disease in community settings in Africa.MethodsAdult patients at increased risk of kidney disease presenting to three community health centres, a rural district hospital and a central hospital in Malawi were recruited between October 2016 and September 2017. Patients underwent concurrent SUN and creatinine testing at enrolment, and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months thereafter.ResultsOf 710 patients who presented at increased risk of kidney disease, 655 (92.3%) underwent SUN testing at enrolment, and were included (aged 38 (29-52) years, 367 (56%) female and 333 (50.8%) with HIV). Kidney disease was present in 482 (73.6%) patients and 1479 SUN measurements were made overall. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) correlated with SUN (r=−0.39; p<0.0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.61 for presenting SUN to detect acute or chronic kidney disease, and 0.87 to detect severe (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2) kidney disease (p<0.0001; sensitivity 82.3%, specificity 81.8%, test accuracy 81.8%). In-hospital mortality was greater if enrolment SUN was elevated (>test pad #1) compared with patients with non-elevated SUN (p<0.0001; HR 3.3 (95% CI 1.7 to 6.1).ConclusionsSUN, measured by dipstick, is feasible and may be used to screen for kidney disease in low resource settings where creatinine tests are unavailable.

In rural regions with limited resources, the provision of clean water remains challenging. The resulting high incidence of diarrhea can lead to acute kidney injury and death, particularly in the young and the old. Membrane filtration using recycled hemodialyzers allows water purification. This study quantifies the public health effects. Between 02/2018 and 12/2018, 4 villages in rural Ghana were provided with a high-volume membrane filtration device (NuFiltration). Household surveys were collected monthly with approval from Ghana Health Services. Incidence rates of diarrhea for 5-month periods before and after implementation of the device were collected and compared to corresponding rates in 4 neighboring villages not yet equipped. Data of 1,130 villagers over 10 months from the studied communities were studied. Incidence rates showed a decline following the implementation of the device from 0.18 to 0.05 cases per person-month (ppm) compared to the control villages (0.11 to 0.08 ppm). The rate ratio of 0.27 for the study villages is revised to 0.38 when considering the non-significant rate reduction in the control villages. Provision of a repurposed hemodialyzer membrane filtration device markedly improves health outcomes as measured by diarrhea incidence within rural communities.

Substantial heterogeneity in practice patterns around the world has resulted in wide variations in the quality and type of dialysis care delivered. This is particularly so in countries without universal standards of care and governmental (or other organizational) oversight. Most high-income countries have developed such oversight based on documentation of adherence to standardized, evidence-based guidelines. Many low- and lower-middle-income countries have no or only limited organized oversight systems to ensure that care is safe and effective. The implementation and oversight of basic standards of care requires sufficient infrastructure and appropriate workforce and financial resources to support the basic levels of care and safety practices. It is important to understand how these standards then can be reasonably adapted and applied in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Contaminated water supplies for drinking water is are a source of health problems in poor communities. Hemodialyzers with a pore size of 0.003 micrometers have been known to be effective in preventing transfer of bacteria and most viruses. Our NGO, “Easy Water for Everyone,” investigated prospectively the incidence of diarrhea, before and after implementation of water treatment utilizing reused hemodialyzers in poor villages lacking power sources and sanitation, along the Volta River in Ghana.