Older respondents were less likely to perceive that the Guidelines had improved patient outcomes, and renal nurse educators were more likely to consider that the Guidelines were based on the best available evidence than other respondents. Respondents were generally more positive about the Guidelines in 2006 than in 2002. Although nephrologists were generally positive about the CARI Guidelines, renal nurses were more positive, selleck kinase inhibitor especially regarding the effect of the Guidelines on practice
and the improvement in health outcomes. Conclusion: Australian and New Zealand renal nurses valued the CARI Guidelines highly, used them in practice and considered that they led to improved patient outcomes. Positive responses towards the Guidelines increased between 2002 and 2006. “
“Aim: Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Library ligand (TRAIL) can counteract inflammation and atherosclerosis, both common causes of morbidity in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We examined the relation between serum soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL) levels and the outcome of Chinese PD patients. Methods: We studied 116 new PD patients (67 males, age 56.7 ± 13.4 years). Baseline serum sTRAIL
level was determined and grouped to tertiles 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest). All patients were followed for 20.9 ± 7.0 months. Results: Patient survival was 83.4%, 74.2% and 100% for tertiles 1 to 3, respectively, at 24 months (P = 0.021). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that serum sTRAIL level was an independent predictor of patient survival after adjusting for confounding factors (adjusted hazard ratio 0.962, 95% confidence
interval [CI] 0.935–0.991, P = 0.010). Conclusion: A higher baseline serum sTRAIL level was associated with a better survival of PD patients. The detailed mechanism deserves further investigation. “
“People with chronic kidney disease have a shortened life expectancy Glycogen branching enzyme and carry a high symptom burden. Research suggests that attending to renal patients’ spiritual needs may contribute to an improvement in their quality of life. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the provision of spiritual care in New Zealand renal units from the perspective of specialists. The study followed a generic qualitative approach and included semi-structured interviews with specialists recruited from New Zealand’s ten renal centres. Five specialist doctors and nine specialist nurses were recruited for interviews. Understandings of spirituality were broad, with most participants having an inclusive understanding. Patients’ spiritual needs were generally acknowledged and respected though formal spiritual assessments were not done. Consideration of death was discussed as an often-unexamined need.