Daily News Short-Time Archive

RenalWEB's Daily News Archive

Mon	Feb. 22	Mar. 1
Tues	Feb. 23	Mar. 2
Wed	Feb. 24	Mar. 3
Thurs	Feb. 25	Mar. 4
Fri-Sat-Sun	Feb. 26	Mar. 5

Tuesday, March 9

	Grandfathered Drug for High Potassium Has No Proven Benefit Press release from the American Society of Nephrology.
	Pfizer Faces Criminal Investigation Over Rapamune Marketing Article from AboutLawsuits.com.
	Europeans Set to Crack Chronic Kidney Disease Puzzle Article from Cordis News.
	Amgen Inc to Sell $1 Billion Senior Notes in Two Parts
	Cantel Medical Reports 29% Increase in Net Income for Quarter Ended January 31

Mar. 9, 2010

Previous

	First Successful Chronic Dialysis Treatment Was 50 Years Ago on March 9, 1960 Blog entry by Bill Peckham from Dialysis from the Sharp End of the Needle. Same 1-page pdf from Northwest Kidney Centers. *That first treatment lasted over 70 hours.*
	Clinical Observations vs. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in Dialysis Research — The Debate at the Annual Dialysis Conference Blog entry by Bill Peckham from Dialysis from the Sharp End of the Needle. Editor's Note: This turned into a battle on scientific truth and physician duty regarding more frequent hemodialysis. The dangers and benefits of both approaches were convinciing at times. There were jaw dropping moments. Dr. Twardowski compared the continued use of short 3-times a week hemodialysis to the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Dr. Kjellstrand estimated that up to 240,000 patients have died needlessly early. An audience vote at the end showed that 25-35% of those wanted more RCTs and 65-75% believed that existing observational studies were enough to justify longer and more frequent hemodialysis treatments. It was also distressing to hear that many nephrologists expect the coming results from the NIH trials on longer/more frequent hemodialysis will be inconclusive. So then what? I believe a simple, practical, non-scientific approach could bring daily/longer dialysis treatments to many more patients and will provide the insurmountable observational data we need. If Congress was to extend the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) provision period for as long as patients are employed, the higher reimbursements would drive providers to deliver tens of thousands of well-dialyzed, healthy, inspiring, tax-paying citizens who happen to be CKD5 patients. When successful dialysis care is once again defined as "rehabilitation" — as it was 40 years ago — everything will change.
	IL-6 and Mortality in Both Hemodialysis and Pre-Dialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Free, full-text article from Kidney International.
	British "Pooled" Kidney Transplants Point to More Article from Reuters.
	Knowing Your Kidney Number Could Save Your Life Dallas Nephrology Associates highlight World Kidney Day with public education.
	Scientists Find Why "Sunshine" Vitamin D is Crucial Article from Reuters.
	Sudden Protein Intake Harmful for Some Hospitalized Patients Article from Healthday News.
	NxStage Announces New FREEDOM Data Showing the Positive Impact of its Daily Home Hemodialysis Therapy on Sleep Quality and Restless Legs Syndrome Press release.
	Tax Soda, Pizza to Cut Obesity, Researchers Say Article from Reuters

	Obama Health Reform Speech Rallies Pa. Audience, Challenges Insurers Summary from Kaiser Health News. Related articles from Reuters and The Hill.
	The Benefits of Conflict Article from H&HN.
	Obesity as Protection Against Metabolic Syndrome, Not Its Cause Release from Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism.
	Australian Researchers Say Fat is 'Sixth Taste'

	Medicare Payment Issues Raise Questions, Concerns Summary from Kaiser Health News.
	Comment Period Closing on Proposed Rule for Electronic Health Record Incentive Program

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Monday, March 8

NxStage Announces New FREEDOM Data Showing the Positive Impact of its Daily Home Hemodialysis Therapy on Sleep Quality and Restless Legs Syndrome
Press release.

Mar. 8, 2010

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	DaVita Says CFO Rich Whitney To Step Down News item from AP and press release.
	NY Lawmakers Ask CMS Administrator To Consider Requiring AV Access Testing for Dialysis Centers Article from the Ithaca Journal.
	The Annual Dialysis Conference: Seattle 2010 - A Day of Hope Blog entry from Dr. Peter Laird from Dialysis from the Sharp End of the Needle. Bill Peckham is blogging live daily from the ADC.
	Law Firm Successfully Defends Fresenius Medical Care in Complex False Claims Act Lawsuit in Texas - Month Long Trial Ends with 45 Minutes of Jury Deliberation Press Release.
	Officials: Grady in Stable Condition Article from the Atlanta Jounal-Constitution.
	UK 12-year-old Helps Design Pioneering Kidney Unit at Birmingham's Children's Hospital Article from the Ludlow Advertiser.
	Poverty, Race, and CKD in a Racially and Socioeconomically Diverse Urban Population Article in Press abstract from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
	A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial of Taurolidine-Citrate Catheter Locks for the Prevention of Bacteremia in Patients Treated With Hemodialysis Article in Press abstract from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
	Compensation for Living Organ Donation! A Taboo No More but.... Blog by Jamil Azzi from the Renal Fellow Network.
	Patient and Health Professional Preferences for Organ Allocation and Procurement, End-of-Life Care and Organization of Care for Patients with CKD Using a Discrete Choice Experiment Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	Stent Graft Versus Balloon Angioplasty for Failing Dialysis-Access Grafts American College of Cardiology Foundation summary.
	Xcellerex, Humacyte Enter Pact to Develop New Vascular Grafts Article from Pharmabiz.
	Renal Support Network Hosting Live Twitter Chat on World Kidney Day, March 11
	Occupational Sunlight Exposure and Kidney Cancer Risk in Men

	Democrats & Republicans Invoking Recent Insurance Analysis to Bolster Arguments on Health Reform Summary from Kaiser Health News.
	3 Dems Unsure About Changing Votes for Health Care (Registration required, but free.) Article from The Washington Post.
	US Health Lobbyists Outnumbered Members of Congress by Eight to One in 2009 British Medical Journal abstract.
	Major Depression More Than Doubles Risk Of Dementia Among Adults With Diabetes Article from eNews Park Forest.
	Do You Hold Staff Accountable for Safety? Article from H&HN.
	Poll Reveals Sleep Differences among Ethnic Groups Press release from the National Sleep Foundation.

Medicare Physician Pay Cut Delayed as Senate Clears Logjam
Article from amednews.

Fri./Sat., March 5-6

	DaVita Says CFO Rich Whitney To Step Down Item from AP and press release.
	Renal Support Network Hosting Live Twitter Chat on World Kidney Day, March 11

Mar. 5, 2010

Previous

	Fresenius Medical Care of North America Announces Acquisition of National Vascular Care Press release.
	Hawaii Dialysis Patient Gets "Kicked Out" of Hospice, Now Training To Run Marathon Article from the Honolulu Advertiser.
	Large Kidneys Predict Poor Renal Outcome in Subjects with Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease Provisional abstract and full-text article (26-page pdf) from BMC Nephrology.
	Evaluation of Peritoneal Membrane Characteristics: a Clinical Advice for Prescription Management by the ERBP Working Group Free, full-text editorial comment from NDT.
	Association of Relatively Low Serum Parathyroid Hormone With Malnutrition-Inflammation Complex and Survival in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients Article in Press abstract from the Journal of Renal Nutrition.
	Kidney Transplantation and HIV: Does Recipient Privacy Outweigh the Donor’s Right to Information? CJASN Express abstract.
	Cholecalciferol Supplementation in Hemodialysis Patients: Effects on Mineral Metabolism, Inflammation, and Cardiac Dimension Parameters CJASN Express abstract.
	Serum Potassium and Outcomes in CKD: Insights from the RRI-CKD Cohort Study CJASN Express abstract.
	Effect of Membrane Permeability on Inflammation and Arterial Stiffness: A Randomized Trial CJASN Express abstract.
	Is Goal-Directed Therapy for Sepsis Appropriate for Chronic Dialysis Patients? (Registration required, but free.) Video blog from Medscape Nephrology.
	Statin Reduces Cardiovascular Events, Mortality in CKD
	Davita Inc. (DVA) CFO Richard K Whitney sells 11,000 Shares
	Baxxter Sells $600 Million of Senior Notes in 2 Parts
	Performance Awards for Amgen Corporate Officers

	The White House Full Court Press On Health Care Summary from Kaiser Health News.
	Let Nurse Practitioners and MD Assistants Provide Primary Care, Panel Urges News item from AHANews.com and report (7-page pdf) from the Josiah Macy Foundation.

Medicare Therapy Cap Exceptions Process Extended Through March 31

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Thursday, March 4

Mar. 4, 2010

Previous

	Taking Kidney Disease to the Hill: It Pays To Be Organized Blog entry by Anna Bennett from Dialysis from the Sharp End of the Needle. "I eventually started having a physical reaction each time I heard a person with a microphone (either from the audience or the podium) say "a person on dialysis can't work." The people at my table were worried I may explode. But I took a deep breath, and then on a one-to-one basis, I spoke with people about the options that are out there. I described myself as an "Advocate for dialysis reform with PKD". I told my story, I pulled up my sleeve and I showed off my fistula. I recommended them to online sites Home Dialysis Central, Kidney School and IHD. I was in a room with 100 socially charged advocates for a debilitating kidney disease, and I found myself correcting misinformation." "My own personal mission is to let as many people out there know that they need not accept minimum treatment for kidney disease." Editor's note: Wonderful piece, Anna. It perfectly illustrates the pervasive "nocebo" effect in ESRD care, the power of negative beliefs. The largest dialysis providers and leading nephrologists do not emphasize patient employment and renal rehabiliatation as essential components of ESRD care. Yet to the patients, they are often the most important issues in their lives. I believe that history will show that the misapplication of Kt/V and URR was — and continues to be — a perfect formula for creating disabled and depressed citizens. Current nephrology training is woefully lacking in these psychosocial issues and does not address the WHOLE patient. A shift in that direction could produce a significant placebo effect, the scientifically validated power of positive beliefs. In terms of legacy, I think it is wise for our leaders to remember the career of Alan Greenspan.
	Sociodemographic Factors Contribute to the Depressive Affect among African Americans with Chronic Kidney Disease Advance online abstract from Kidney International.
	Transplant Drug Preserves Kidneys, Avoids Toxicity Press release from Emory University.
	A1c Test Identifies Diabetes, Heart Risk Article from WebMD. Abstract from The New England Journal of Medicine.
	Hot Pepper Itch Remedy Targets Kidney Disease Patients Suffering From Chronic Pruritus
	South Carolina Kidney Patients Ask for Medigap Legislation
	Whole Grains Take a Bite Out of Type 2 Diabetes Risk
	Potassium-Rich Foods Do a Heart Good; Reduce Risk of Stroke

	Obama's New Plan To Push Health Reform Forward: Be More Assertive Articles from The Hill, Reuters, and Kaiser Health News.
	Facing Ethics Probes, Rangel Drops Tax Leadership Article from Reuters.
	Weighing Risks and Benefits of Liraglutide — The FDA's Review of a New Antidiabetic Therapy Free, full-text perspective piece from The New England Journal of Medicine.
	New Gene Test May Help You Pick Your Diet: Report Article from Reuters.
	The GHESKIO Refugee Camp after the Earthquake in Haiti — Dispatch 2 from Port-au-Prince Free, full-text perspective piece from The New England Journal of Medicine.
	UN Warns HIV/AIDS Leading Cause of Death in Women

	Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance and Economic Logic
	Medicare Physician Pay Cut Delayed; COBRA Subsidy Extended

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Wednesday, March 3

Mar. 3, 2010

Previous

	For Some on Dialysis, Anemia Drugs Pose Risks Article from HealthDay, MedPage Today, and Reuters. Press release and abstract from the Journal of the American Medical Association. News release from Stanford University Medical Center. "Greater use of Amgen Inc. anemia drugs and intravenous iron were associated with a lower risk of death among elderly dialysis patients with severe anemia, but were associated with a higher risk of death among patients with less severe anemia, according to a new study." Excerpt from Dow Jones Newswires article.
	Time to Reconsider Evidence for Anemia Treatment (TREAT) = Essential Safety Arguments (ESA) Free, full-text, Advance Access editorial comment from NDT.
	FDA Classifies Baxter's January HomeChoice Peritoneal Dialysis Cycler Field Corrective Action as a Class I Recall Press release from Baxter. FDA recall notice. Articles from AP and the Chicago Tribune. In January, Baxter sent an Urgent Device Correction notice (2-page pdf) to peritoneal dialysis clinicians to help reduce or eliminate overfill, also referred to as Increased Intraperitonal Volume (IIPV), associated with HomeChoice/HomeChoice PRO cyclers.
	TopAbstracts™ in Dialysis TopAbstracts™ in Dialysis are the abstracts most highly rated/most read by nearly 300,000 physicians.
	Dr. Christopher Blagg to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award See press release on the International Society of Hemodialysis web site.
	The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Grant Initiative: Moving Clinical Practice Forward KDOQI Perspective from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
	Amgen Foundation Approves $150,000 Challenge Grant to Renal Support Network's HOPEline Press release.
	DaVita and athenahealth, Inc. Announce Partnership for Electronic Health Record Press release.
	NxStage(R) and Dirinco Sign Distribution Agreement For System One(TM) in the Netherlands
	Kidney Injury Linked to Greater Risk of Death among Pneumonia Patients
	Nocturnal Hemodialysis Superior for Phosphate Lowering
	World's Oldest Dog Dies of Kidney Failure

	Death After Discharge Rates Higher in Elderly ICU Patients Article from HealthDay. Abstract from JAMA.
	Pain 'Should Be Viewed as a Disease in its Own Right' Article from BBC.
	Practicing Internal Medicine Onboard the USNS COMFORT in the Aftermath of the Haitian Earthquake Free, full-text article from Annals of Internal Medicine.
	Personalized Medicine Could Shake Up Pharma Article from BusinessWeek.
	A Day of Judgment for Big Soda

Sebelius Seeks Permanent Fix for Medicare Physician Pay

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Tuesday, March 2

	Comparative Mortality Risk of Anemia Management Practices in Incident Hemodialysis Patients Press release and abstract from the Journal of the American Medical Association. News release from Stanford University Medical Center. Article from HealthDay.
	FDA Classifies Baxter's January HomeChoice Peritoneal Dialysis Cycler Field Corrective Action as a Class I Recall
	Kidney Injury Linked to Greater Risk of Death among Pneumonia Patients

Mar. 2, 2010

Previous

	Study of Popular Anemia Drug Supports New Guidelines for its Use in Dialysis Patients News release from Stanford University Medical Center. The study will appear in tomorrow's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
	Quality of Life in CKD Patients Treated With Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents Free, full-text editorial from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
	Systematic Review: Vitamin D and Cardiometabolic Outcomes Abstract from Annals of Internal Medicine. Article from WebMD.
	Conference Handouts Now Available: 30th Annual Dialysis Conference, March 7-9 Click on days in left column (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday) for listings.
	Hitting Below the Belt: Home Dialysis and Sexuality Article from Home Dialysis Central.
	Blood Pressure Control in CKD Patients: Why Do We Fail to Implement the Guidelines? Free, full-text editorial from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
	The Map Is Not the Territory—Mapping Out the Course and Cost of CKD Free, full-text editorial from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
	Grand Rounds Symposium: Minimizing Risk for Adverse Effects in CKD and Diabetes One-hour, live CME/CE activity from the National Kidney Foundationa on timely identification and management of CKD in the patient with diabetes.
	Obesity May Affect Kidneys Differently in Whites, Blacks News release from the National Kidney Foundation.
	Fistula First Data Data from 2008 up to August 2009.
	Low-GDP Fluid Attenuates Decline of Residual Renal Function in PD patients: a Prospective Randomized Study Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	One-Hour Webinar on March 16th on ADPKD Related Complications News item from the Polycystic Kidney Foundation.
	Statement from NIDDK Director Griffin P. Rodgers for World Kidney Day and National Kidney Month
	Four Transplant Programs Named for National Pilot Project for Kidney Paired Donation News release from UNOS.
	FDA Panel Back Bristol-Myers Transplant Drug
	Fresenius Medical Care Hosts 200 Free Public Education Sessions for National Kidney Month

	Cutting Salt Could Prevent Almost 500,000 Heart Attacks Article from HealthDay. Free, full-text, Early-Release Articles from Annals of Internal Medicine: Population Strategies to Decrease Sodium Intake and the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease We Can Reduce Dietary Sodium, Save Money, and Save Lives
	The Child Abuse We Inflict Through Child Obesity Comment from the Editor-in-Chief of Health Affairs.
	People with Prediabetes Not Taking Adequate Precautions To Avoid Diabetes
	Nap Habit Perks Up Diabetes Risk

MedPAC Releases Report of Medicare Payment Policy
Press release, fact sheet, and 381-page report (pdf format) from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. Articles from Reuters and Kaiser Health News.

See pages 117-140 of the report for the section on outpatient dialysis services. The Fee-for-Service payment update recommendation for dialysis is:

The Congress should update the composite rate by the projected rate of increase in the ESRD market basket index less the adjustment for productivity growth for calendar year 2011 (a net updated of approximately 0.7%).

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Monday, March 1

Mar. 1, 2010

Previous

	Connecticut Dialysis Center Owner Knows Exactly What Her Patients Are Feeling Article from the New Haven Register.
	Work Is a Joy for Texas Dialysis Patient Article from The Brownsville Herald.
	Safety and Efficacy of IV Ferric Carboxymaltose in Anemic Hemodialysis Patients: a Multi-centre, Open-label, Clinical Study Free, full-text Advance Access article from NDT.
	Intradialytic Exercise Training Reduces Oxidative Stress and Epicardial Fat: a Pilot Study Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	Plasma Interleukin-6 Is Independently Associated with Mortality in Both Hemodialysis and Pre-Dialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Free, full-text article from Kidney International.
	Acute Kidney Injury in Non-Severe Pneumonia Is Associated with an Increased Immune Response and Lower Survival Free, full-text article from Kidney International.
	Different Melatonin Rhythms and Sleep–Wake Rhythms in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis, Daytime Hemodialysis and Nocturnal Hemodialysis Abstract from Sleep Medicine.
	Coronary Artery Calcification and Coronary Flow Velocity in Hemodialysis Patients Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	Electrolysed-Reduced Water Dialysate Improves T-cell Damage in ESRD Patients with Chronic Hemodialysis Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	Predictors and Consequences of Higher Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate at Dialysis Initiation Online First™ abstract from Pediatric Nephrology.
	Egypt Adopts Organ Transplant Bill To Curb Trafficking Article from AFP.
	AKF Raises Awareness, Honors Kidney Heroes during National Kidney Month
	AMAG Pharmaceuticals Announces Fourth Quarter and Year End 2009 Financial Results
	No Lifeline for South Australia Dialysis Patients
	Battle Brews for Control of Genzyme
	BPA May Raise Risk of Asthma in Kids
	The Pig and Its Pancreas

	Obama Will Announce Next Step On Health Bill By Mid-Week Articles from Kaiser Health News and AFP.
	Rising Threat of Infections Unfazed by Antibiotics Article from The New York Times.
	Health Status Varies by County: Where Patients Live Matters Free, full-text article from American Medical News.
	Preventing or Reversing Inflammation after Heart Attack, Stroke May Require 2-Pronged Approach
	Infection Rates Drop as Michigan Hospitals Turn to Checklists

	21% Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Set to Take Effect Today News item from HFMA™.
	With Rate Cut Looming, Doctors Threaten To Stop Accepting Medicare Patients
	Medicare to Delay Paying Physician Claims the First 2 Weeks of March
	March 4-5 MedPAC Meeting Agenda
	Medicare Pay-for-Reporting Still Gets Bad Grades from Physicians

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Fri./Sat., Feb. 26-27

	Connecticut Dialysis Center Owner Knows Exactly What Her Patients Are Feeling
	Rising Threat of Infections Unfazed by Antibiotics

Feb. 26, 2010

Previous

	Effect of Reduced Immunosuppression after Kidney Transplant Failure on Risk of Cancer: Population Based Retrospective Cohort Study Free, full-text article from British Medical Journal.
	Sustaining Reductions in Catheter Related Bloodstream Infections in Michigan Intensive Care Units: Observational Study Free, full-text article from British Medical Journal.
	Model for Equitable Care and Outcomes for Remote Full Care Hemodialysis Units CJASN Express abstract.
	Will Dialysis Provider Consolidation Accelerate under Medicare's New Payment Bundle? Blog entry by Bill Peckham from Dialysis from the Sharp End of the Needle.
	Dialysis Patients: Fatigue May Predict Heart Attack Press release and CJASN Express abstract. Article from HealthDay.
	Stemming Arm Blood Protects Heart during Attack Article from the BBC.
	Vitamin D Deficiency Likely Among Some Kidney Disease Patients Starting Dialysis Press release and CJASN Express abstract. Article from MedPage Today.
	Rockwell Medical Announces Phase IIb Clinical Data Press release and article from Reuters.
	Why BPA Leached from 'Safe' Plastics May Damage Health of Female Offspring Press release from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
	Geriatric Nephrology: Responding to a Growing Challenge CJASN Express abstract.
	Association of Dietary Phosphorus Intake and Phosphorus to Protein Ratio with Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients CJASN Express abstract.
	Randomized Trial of Model Predictive Control for Improved Anemia Management CJASN Express abstract.
	A Randomized Controlled Study Comparing Once-Weekly to Every-2-Week and Every-4-Week Dosing of Epoetin Alfa in CKD Patients with Anemia CJASN Express abstract.
	Left Ventricular Growth after 1 Year of Hemodialysis Does Not Correlate with Arteriovenous Access Flow: a Prospective Cohort Study Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	Impact of Contraindications, Barriers to Self-Care and Support on Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Utilization Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	FDA Has Concerns with Bristol Transplant Drug AP article.
	Power Cords Recall FDA Enforcement Report for Feb. 24th. See Class II Medical Device listings approximately 80% of the way down the page.
	Fresenius Medical Care Publishes Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year 2009
	Nephros Signs Canadian Distribution Agreement with Bellco Health Care Inc.
	Twice as Many Women To Be Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes
	Late Generations of EPO Suspected in Doping at Olympics

	Health Summit Marked By Partisan Rancor Summary from Kaiser Health News.
	Bipartisanship Unlikely After Health Summit; Party Unity Obama's Next Best Bet Summary from Kaiser Health News. Article from The Hill.
	Unchecked Provider Clout In California Foreshadows Challenges To Health Reform Free, full-text article from Health Affairs.
	The Drug Lords, The Men Who Run The Global Phamaceutical Industry Article from 24/7 Wall St.
	Survey Warns Against High Salt Levels in Soups
	UK Publishes New Rules for Assisted Suicide
	Virtual Reality Games May Help Stroke Victims Recover

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Thursday, Feb. 25

	Dialysis Patients: Fatigue May Predict Heart Attack
	Vitamin D Deficiency Likely Among Some Kidney Disease Patients Starting Dialysis
	Rockwell Medical Announces Positive Phase IIb Clinical Data

Feb. 25, 2010

Previous

	NxStage Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2009 Financial Results Press release.
	Grady Critics Need Lesson in Finance Opinion piece from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
	How Are ESRD Program Issues Faring in the Health Insurance Reform Process? Blog entry by Bill Peckham from Dialysis from the Sharp End of the Needle. Related articles on the current state of healthcare reform legislation from The New England Journal of Medicine: Forging Ahead — Embracing the "Reconciliation" Option for Reform Throwing Down the Gauntlet — Televised, Bipartisan Health Care Discussions Risking Big Changes with Small Reforms Avoiding Side Effects in Implementing Health Insurance Reform
	Chicago Consortium Seeks To Decrease Renal Failure and Need for Dialysis Article from Medill Reports (Northwestern Univ.).
	Demographics of Pediatric Renal Replacement Therapy in Europe: 2007 Annual Report of the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry Free, full-text, Letter to the Editors from Pediatric Nephrology.
	Recent Changes in Vancomycin Use in Renal Failure Advance online abstract from Kidney International.
	Hemolysis Is Associated with Acute Kidney Injury during Major Aortic Surgery Advance online abstract from Kidney International.
	Long-term Control of Parathyroid Hormone and Calcium-Phosphate Metabolism after Parathyroidectomy in Children with CKD Advance online abstract fron NDT.
	Extra-High-Dose Hepatitis B Vaccination Does Not Confer Longer Serological Protection in PD Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial Advance online abstract fron NDT.
	Peritoneal Dialysis in the Nursing Home Online First™ abstract from International Urology and Nephrology.
	Rockwell Reports Sales Of $14.2 Million In Q3 2009

	Serving Two Masters — Conflicts of Interest in Academic Medicine Free, full-text perspective piece from The New England Journal of Medicine.
	Obama, GOP Clash Over Summit Starting Point; Voters Note Partisan Divide Articles from Kaiser Health News and AFP.
	Cardiology Groups Stand by Embattled Diabetes Drug Article from MedPage Today.
	Interval Training Can Cut Exercise Hours Sharply Article from AP.
	AMA Study: Health Plan Market Competition Disappearing
	Third of Young U.S. Adults Lack Health Insurance
	Stupak, Waxman: Anthem Hike Not about Medical Costs, but Profits

	Chronic Disease Straining Medicare Budgets Blog from The New York Times.
	CMS to Host Home Health, Hospice & DME Open Door Forum

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Wednesday, Feb. 24

Feb. 24, 2010

Previous

	ASN Podcast: Harvard Conference & the Difficulty of Implementing Clinical Performance Measures Blog entry by Bill Peckham from Dialysis from the Sharp End of the Needle.
	Fresenius Medical Care 4th-Quarter Income up 32 Percent; Reports Full-Year 2009 Results Press release and articles from Reuters and AP.
	Fresenius Medical Doubles Acquisition Funding as Prices Fall Article from Bloomberg via BusinessWeek. “We have a long list of people who would like us to buy them,” (FMC CEO Lipps) said. “We’re not a predator. We’re not interested in forcing anyone. It’s strictly a matter of opportunity.”
	8th International Symposium on Growth and Nutrition in Children with Chronic Renal Disease Free, full-text editorial from Pediatric Nephrology.
	Baxter and Fresenius Kabi Fined by Mexico Articles from Reuters and The Wall Street Journal.
	National Kidney Foundation Launches Your Treatment, Your Choice to Promote Implementation of New Medicare Education Benefit Press release from the National Kidney Foundation.
	Trends in the Prevalence of CKD and Its Risk Factors in a General Japanese Population: The Hisayama Study Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	Recent Advances in Renal Phosphate Handling Advance online abstract from Nature Reviews Nephrology.
	Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF-23) Is Independently Correlated to Aortic Calcification in Hemodialysis Patients Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	NxStage® Announces New Vice President and General Manager, Critical Care Therapies Press release.
	How Can Prognosis for Diabetic ESRD Be Improved? Early View abstract from Seminars in Dialysis.
	Continuously Evolving Management Concepts for Diabetic CKD and ESRD Early View abstract from Seminars in Dialysis.
	AAKP Announces National Convention Educational Sessions
	In Portland, OR, It's the Fashion: To Love Your Kidneys!

	Association Between Acute Care and Critical Illness Hospitalization and Cognitive Function in Older Adults Abstract from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Artile from MedPage Today.
	Hours Worked by Physicians Have Decreased Steadily in Last Decade Press release from JAMA. Article from HealthDay.
	AMA report finds little competition in insurance market
	Industry Ties Skew Outcomes in Avandia Studies
	Tests to Measure Safety of Anti-Clotting Drugs of Limited Value

Study Finds Medicare Beneficiaries' Underuse of Their (Diabetes) Benefits is Driving Health Care Cost

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Tuesday, Feb. 23

Feb. 23, 2010

Previous

	Hypothesis: Calcium Carbonate as Phosphate Binder—the Fallacy of Relying on Serum Phosphorus Free, full-text, Advance Access editorial comment from NDT.
	Kidney Damage in 12 Percent of Chinese Children Exposed to Melamine-Contaminated Dairy Products News release from the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
	Regular Exercise Reduces Anxiety for Chronic illness Patient by 20 Percent Press release and abstract from Archives of Internal Medicine. Article from Reuters Health.
	High Blood Pressure in U.S. a "Neglected Disease" Articles from Reuters, HealthDay, and TheHeart.org. Report from the Institute of Medicine.
	Chronic Sildenafil Treatment Corrects Endothelial Dysfunction and Improves Hypertension Issue-in-Progress abstract from the American Journal of Nephrology.
	Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis Patients: Time-Dependent Hemoglobin Levels and Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Dose Are Independent Predictive Factors in the ANSWER Study Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	Use of 12x/month Hemoglobin Monitoring with a Computer Algorithm Reduces Hemoglobin Variability Advance Access abstract from NDT. Related blog entry from Uremic Frost.
	Fresenius Medical Care Recognizes 31 Patient Champions in 31 Days for National Kidney Month Press release.
	Two Icodextrin Exchanges Per Day in PD Patients with Ultrafiltration Failure: One Center’s Experience and Review of the Literature Early View abstract from International Urology and Nephrology.
	Cigarette Smoking, Kidney Function, and Mortality After Live Donor Kidney Transplant Article in Press abstract from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
	Stanford Review Finds Painfully Few Surefire Treatments for Muscle Cramps News release from Stanford University Medical Center.
	Who Should Be Referred for a Fistula? A Survey of Nephrologists Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	Call To Rethink Cuts to Dialysis Services in Jersey (UK) Article from the BBC.
	Retacrit To Be First Biosimilar Epoetin To Achieve Subcutaneous Licence in Renal Patients in Europe
	Walk KidneyWise Los Angeles to Help Launch KidneyWise with Fundraising Walk in Santa Monica

	Obama Releases $950 Billion Health Reform Plan Articles from Medicare Update, Kaiser Health News, AFP, and the BBC. Summary from The White House.
	Taking Premonitions Seriously Article from Hospitals & Health Networks.
	Hospital-Acquired Infections Killed 48,000 Patients; Cost $8.1 Billion Articles from Reuters and HFMA. Abstract from the Archives of Internal Medicine.
	Beyond the Health Care System: Addressing Complex Health Problems through Public Policy on Social/Environmental Factors Meeting notice from the National Institutes of Health.
	Data Security Breaches Often Triggered by Carelessness
	Nursing Profession Celebrates 2010 as International Year of the Nurse

	MEDCAC Meeting on Use of ESAs in Chronic Kidney Disease Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for March 24, 2010.
	Revised Medicare Appeals Process Brochure 3-page pdf from CMS.

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Monday, Feb. 22

Feb. 22, 2010

Previous

	Life on Dialysis: A Lived Experience Article (7-page pdf) from Nephrology Nursing Journal. “...end up my whole career is ruined, my lifestyle I was used to is gone.” "Few published qualitative studies exist about what patients experience while living on dialysis." Editor's Note: And how many studies do we have on biochemical markers? After 40 years, it's not surprising so few patients are employed and/or rehabilitated. If nothing else, read the article from "The Lived Experience" header on page 3. This is another example of the huge disconnect between how CMS and providers view quality care and how patients view quality care in ESRD.
	5-Diamond Patient Safety Program 12 module program and news release (1-page pdf) from the Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition (Network 5).
	Effects of Icodextrin on the Peritoneal Membrane Free, full-text, Advance Access editorial commentary from NDT.
	Improving First-Year Mortality in Patients on Dialysis: A Focus on Nutrition and Exercise 6-page pdf from Nephrology Nursing Journal.
	Serological Cardiovascular and Mortality Risk Predictors in Dialysis Patients Receiving Sevelamer: a Prospective Study Advance Access abstract from NDT.
	BPA Not Linked to ill Effects in 2 Studies Article on the plastic bisphenol A from WebMD.
	Serious Side Effects Seen with Novel Nephropathy Drug Article from MedPage Today.
	Occupational Hazards in the Dialysis Unit 1-page pdf from Nephrology Nursing Journal.
	Calcium-Corrected Intact PTH: A Clinically Useful Parameter for Quantifying Parathyroid Function in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Issue-in-Progress abstract from Nephron Clinical Practice.
	Transplant Drug May Lower Toxicity
	Outpatient Hemodialysis Unit Reopens in Guam
	Canadian GPs Paid Extra To Treat Kidney Disease Patients
	Australian Organ Transplant Funding Scheme 'Not an Incentive'

	Remove Diabetes Drug Avandia From Market: FDA Documents Article from HealthDay.
	FDA Studying 27 Drugs, Drug Classes for Potential Safety Issues (Registration required, but free.) Article from Medscape Medical News.
	ICU Room Assignment Can Affect Survival Article from Reuters.
	Meditation Offers Benefits for Patients and Nurses Article from Nurse.com.
	Doctor Shortage Fuels Nurses’ Push For Expanded Role
	Older Nurses Sticking Around

	CMS Releases Advance Notice of 2011 MA and Part D Plan Payment Policies with Draft Call Letter
	Record Medicaid Enrollment Growth in 2009 Strains Tight State Budgets
	CMS Announces Feb. 23 Teleconference on Meaningful Use Rule

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