PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Sarah Prichard

Publications and source records attributed to Sarah Prichard.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Risk factors for coronary artery disease in patients with renal failure.

Cardiovascular mortality is markedly increased in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), particularly those receiving dialysis. Coronary artery disease is the most important cause of death in these patients. As in the general population, older age, male gender, and the postmenopausal state in women are cardiovascular risk factors in patients with ESRD. However, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, known to promote cardiovascular disease in the general population, are particularly likely to do so in patients with ESRD because of their high prevalence in this population. In addition, nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as hyperhomocystinemia, inflammation, elevated calcium x phosphate product, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidant stress, occur frequently in patients with ESRD. Vigorous treatment of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors has reduced cardiovascular risk in patients without ESRD. The extent to which such risk factor modification would alter cardiovascular risk in ESRD remains uncertain.

Calcium↗

ADEMEX and HEMO trials: where are we going?

Doubt has remained as to whether or not the K/DOQI recommended targets for adequacy of dialysis for peritoneal dialysis patients is appropriate (weekly Kt/V 2 + creatinine clearance 50-60 l/1.73 m(2)). The ADEMEX trial can be interpreted as indicating that lower targets might be acceptable. The HEMO trial, not yet published but presented in April 2002, casts doubts on the advantages of achieving higher than recommended small solute clearance targets. Taken together, these trials require that we broaden our concept of adequacy. There is also a risk of complacency with respect to dialysis adequacy because of these trials and this would be unwise.

Clinical Protocols↗

Cardiovascular risk in peritoneal dialysis.

All patients with CKD have multiple risk factors for CVD and CAD in particular. Some of these risk factors such as age and gender cannot be modified. Others such as diabetes and hypertension are not only CVD risk factors but are also the cause of the patient's CKD. Finally there are a group of risk factors such as disturbances of mineral metabolism and oxidative stress which are present either uniquely in or are exaggerated by renal failure. PD gives patients a more atherogenic lipid and lipoprotein profile, puts them at greater risk for AGE formation and usually causes hyperinsulinemia. All of these contribute to CVD risk. However, they can also achieve excellent blood pressure control, usually easily reach targets for anemia management and have continuous ultrafiltration allowing for the maintenance of good volume status, all of which will reduce risk for CVD. All treatable risk factors should be treated early in the development of CKD and should continue through their time on dialysis and after transplantation.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

Will peritoneal dialysis be left behind?

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) enjoyed huge growth in the 1980s, followed by a rapid decline in the late 1990s, and a now persistently low utilization rate in many countries, including the United States. Recent clinical data indicate a survival advantage for patients started on PD. Residual renal function is better preserved with PD. Adequacy targets are being revised and will likely allow PD prescriptions to be simplified. The physiology of the peritoneum is better understood and treatment strategies reflect that understanding. New solutions have been developed in response to studies that have assessed the impact of conventional PD dialysate on the structure and function of the peritoneum. A remaining challenge is to ensure that nephrology trainees and nephrologists in practice are fully informed of the advantages of PD for many patients and of the advances in the therapy. If this can be achieved, PD should start to grow again.

Biological Transport↗