Fresenius Medical Care | for ESRD CKD and Dialysis Patients
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Fresenius Medical Care Will Be a Speaker Sponsor at the American Diabetes Association's EXPO Pittsburgh
Company to Host Educational Seminars to Promote Awareness of Kidney Disease for the At-Risk Community
PITTSBURGH – November 1, 2011 – Diabetes is the single leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S., accounting for about 44 percent of the people who start treatment for kidney failure each year. To help raise awareness of the links between diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD), Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), the nation’s leading network of dialysis facilities, will be a speaker sponsor at the American Diabetes Association (the Association) EXPO Pittsburgh, to be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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WALTHAM, Mass. – October 26, 2011 – At the American Society of Nephrology’s (ASN) Kidney Week 2011, Fresenius Medical Care, the nation’s leading provider of kidney dialysis services and renal products, is presenting research abstracts about dialysis treatment, patient care and outcomes.
Fresenius Medical Care will highlight advances in areas critical to quality patient care, including its important catheter reduction efforts.
Kidney Week 2011 takes place Nov. 8-13 in Philadelphia, and organizers are expecting more than 13,000 attendees, including more than 10,000 scientists and clinicians. The largest scientific gathering of kidney disease experts worldwide, Kidney Week is an opportunity for researchers to discuss important advances in the care of patients with kidney and related disorders. |
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Recognition—a first in the industry—advances continuous quality improvement mission
WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE: FMS), the world’s leading company devoted to renal therapy, said today that the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality officially recognized the company’s Patient Safety Organization (PSO.)
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03/08/2011 | 03:05 am
Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA, the world's largest provider of dialysis products and services, today announced the acquisition of all assets of Hema Metrics LLC related to its Crit-Line® system. Based on its strong dialysis product business and sales organization, Fresenius Medical Care intends to establish this technology as the standard of care for fluid and anemia management in the North American market.
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Food Network Star, Chef Aaron McCargo, Jr. and Fresenius Medical Care Bring Bold Flavors to Restricted Diets
WALTHAM, Mass. – February 28, 2011 – Maintaining a healthy diet is a goal for many people, but for those with chronic illnesses it can be a matter of life and death. During National Kidney Month this March, Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), the nation’s leading network of dialysis facilities, is partnering with celebrity Chef Aaron McCargo, Jr., star of Food Network’s “Big Daddy’s House,” to promote healthy diets that include tasty, satisfying meals for people with kidney failure.
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Patients Need to Prepare for Power Outages, Road Closures
WALTHAM, Mass. – December 20, 2010 – The first major snowstorm of 2010 brought blizzards and sub-zero temperatures that created hazardous driving conditions and other disruptions in communities across the Midwest. People on dialysis typically need treatment every two to three days, so they are particularly vulnerable when inclement weather knocks out electricity or makes travel to their clinics difficult. Any delays in treatment can be life threatening, so it's important for patients to be prepared for the worst.
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TAMPA, Fla. – Nov. 12, 2010 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), which for more than 40 years has championed the cause of improving the lives of fellow kidney patients, is honored to partner with Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), the nation’s leading network of dialysis facilities, in its Quarter Century Patient Recognition Program. The program recognizes FMCNA patients who have been on dialysis for 25 years or more.
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Dialysis Company Sets Industry Standard for Integrated Response to Haiti , H1N1, Storms
WALTHAM, Mass. – Oct. 28, 2010 – You might not expect a health care company to be expert in disaster preparedness. But Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) knows that kidney dialysis patients need treatments every two to three days to survive, and they can’t wait for treatment and supplies until the wreckage and debris are cleared after a storm.
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Dialysis Patients at Serious Risk for Flu Complications
WALTHAM, Mass. – Oct. 4, 2010 – Beginning in mid-October, Fresenius Medical Care North America will offer all of its patients and clinical staff an annual flu vaccine, which protects against both seasonal flu and H1N1 this year. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cautions that it is likely that H1N1 will continue to spread along with seasonal viruses this flu season.
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Company Congratulates Nurses Committed to High Quality Patient Care and Career Development as Part of UltraCare® Clinical Advancement Program |
Las Vegas, Baton Rouge, and Orlando are Top Hot Spots for Vacation and Recreation
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Clinical Manager Marion Smith, R.N., Honored for Excellence in Nursing Care
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Digoxin Associates with Mortality in ESRD (End Stage Renal Failure)
Kevin E. Chan, J. Michael Lazarus, and Raymond M. Hakim
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., first published on June 24, 2010 as doi: doi:10.1681/ASN.2009101047
*Fresenius Medical Care NA, Waltham, Massachusetts; and
 Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Correspondence: Dr. Kevin E. Chan, 920 Winter Street, Waltham, MA 02451. Phone: 781-699-2546;
Fax: 781-482-4047; E-mail: kevin.chan@fmc-na.com
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Fresenius Medical Care Hosts 200 Free Public Education Sessions for National Kidney Month 3/1/2010
People with Family History of Kidney Disease Encouraged to Attend
WALTHAM, Mass. – March 1, 2010 - In recognition of National Kidney Month in March, Fresenius Medica Care North America, the world's largest integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, is hosting 200 Treatment Options Program (TOPs) education sessions across the U.S. for people at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Anyone with a family history of kidney disease or other risk factors, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, is encouraged to attend.
For the rest of this Fresenius Press Release, please click here
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Fresenius Medical Care Recognizes 31 Patient Champions in 31 Days for National Kidney Month 2/1/2010
Company Honors Dialysis Patients Who are Committed to Treatments, Maintain Positive Outlook on Condition
WALTHAM, Mass. – Feb. 22, 2010 - In honor of National Kidney Month in March, Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), the world's largest integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, is recognizing 31 patient champions across the U.S. who are living their lives to the fullest while managing a chronic illness.
For the rest of this Fresenius Press Release,please click here. |
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Author Interviews: hemodialysis
- Dialysis - ESRD - CKD |
| Predictors of eGFR Decline in Type 2 Diabetes & Preserved Kidney Function: Dr. Chonchol CJASN |
| Tenecteplase for improvement of blood flow in dysfunctional hemodialysis catheters: Dr. Goldman Clin Neph |
| Religious coping, psychological distress and quality of life in hemodialysis: Dr. Carvalho J Psychosom Res. |
| Effect of captopril on recuperation from ischemia/reperfusion-induced AKI Nephrology Dialysis Transplant |
| Restless legs syndrome in dialysis: comparison of hemodialysis & CAPD: Dr. Merlino Neurol Sci. |
| International practice patterns & non-conventional hemodialysis utilization : Dr. Sood BMC Nephrology |
| Decreased PON1 in hemodialyzed & renal transplanted patients. Dr. Paragh Nephrol. Dial. Transplant |
| Preoperative Proteinuria & Long-Term Progression to Chronic Dialysis & Mortality after CABG: Drs. Chao & Ko : PLoS ONE |
| Creatinine generation is reduced in CVHD & predicts mortality: Dr. Wilson: Nephrology Dialysis Transplant |
Importance of normohydration for the long-term survival in hemodialysis : Dr. Wabel
Nephrology Dialysis Transplant |
| Local Tissue Renin-Angiotensin System Activation in Cardiorenal Metabolic Syndrome & Type 2 Diabetes: Dr.Hayden Cardiorenal Med |
| Group I nonreciprocal inhibition in restless legs syndrome secondary to CKD : Dr. Marconi Parkinsonism & Related Disorders |
Low-Dose ESAs and CV Geometry in CKD: Is Darbepoetin-α More Effective than Expected? Dr. Di Lullo
Cardiorenal Med |
Pharmacotherapy to improve outcomes in vascular access surgery: Dr. Jackson
Nephrology Dialysis Transplant |
| Parathyroidectomy for the attainment of NKF-K/DOQI™ and KDIGO recommended values for bone & mineral metabolism in dialysis with uncontrollable secondary hyperparathyroidism. Langenbecks Arch Surg |
| Bisphosphonate Therapy, Death, and Cardiovascular Events Among Female Patients With CKD: Dr. Perkins |
| Losartan prevents the development of the pro-inflammatory monocytes CD14+CD16+ in hemodialysis : Dr. Merino Nephrology Dialysis Transplant |
| Does Dialysis Modality Influence the Oxidative Stress of Uremia? Dr. Capusa Kidney Blood Press Res |
| Treatment of Periodontal Diseases Reduces Inflammation in Hemodialysis : Dr. Siribamrungwong |
| Declining Rates of Deceased Donor Renal Transplantation in the US Over Successive Years of Listing: Dr. Trivedi |
| When Is the Best Moment to Assess the Ankle Brachial Index: Pre- or Post-Hemodialysis?Dr. RM Elias |
| Role of Race and Poverty on Steps to Kidney Transplantation in the Southeastern US |
| Validity & Reliability of the MUST and MST Nutrition Screening Tools in Renal Inpatients : C. Lawson |
| Target-Orientated Algorithm for Regional Citrate-Calcium Anticoagulation in Extracorporeal Therapies: Dr. Brandl |
| Evaluation of bone microarchitecture by HR-pQCT in hemodialysis : Dr. Negri |
| Erectile Dysfunction in Chronic Hemodialysis : Dr. Strippoli |
| Have Renal Dietitians Successfully Implemented Evidence-Based Guidelines Into Practice? E. Joy |
| Regional Citrate Versus Heparin Anticoagulation for CRRT: Drs. Tam & Wu |
| von Willebrand factor predicts mortality in CRRT : Dr. Péquériaux |
| Clinical Outcome of Twice-Weekly Hemodialysis Patients in Shanghai | Dr. Qian |
| Persistently low intact PTH levels predict aortic arch calcification progression in hemodialysis patients : Dr. Song |
| Lack of Awareness among Future Medical Professionals about the Risk of Consuming Hidden Phosphate-Containing Processed Food & Drinks : Dr. Razzaque |
| 51Cr-EDTA plasma & urinary clearance as a measure of residual renal function in dialysis :Dr. Kjaergaard |
| Obesity and Mortality Risk among Younger Dialysis Patients: Dr. Hoogeveen |
| Solar-Assisted Hemodialysis: Dr. Agar |
| Hydrogen sulfide inhibits high glucose-induced matrix protein synthesis by activating AMP-activated protein kinase in renal epithelial cells Drs. Lee & Kasinath |
| Mineral, bone disorders, survival in hemodialysis with & without PKD : Drs. Molnar & Kalantar-Zadeh |
| Hydrogen sulfide inhibits high glucose-induced matrix protein synthesis by activating AMP-activated protein kinase in renal epithelial cells Drs. Lee & Kasinath |
| Mineral, bone disorders, survival in hemodialysis with & without PKD : Drs. Molnar & Kalantar-Zadeh |
| Downregulation of the renal & hepatic hydrogen sulfide-producing enzymes and capacity in CKD - Dr. Vaziri |
| A predictive algorithm for management of anemia in hemodialysis based on ESA pharmacodynamics : Dr. Lines |
| Factors Associated With Intradialytic Systolic Blood Pressure Variability: Dr. Flythe |
| Safety and predictors of complications of renal biopsy in the outpatient setting : Dr. Jiang |
| Heparin induced antibodies in chronic hemodialysis patients and cardiac surgery patients: Dr. Shavit |
| Atrial Fibrillation in Medicare/Medicaid-eligible dialysis patients: Dr. Wetmore |
| Newly identified anorexigenic adipokine nesfatin-1 in hemodialysis patients: J. Saldanha |
| Correction of Post kidney Transplant Anemia Reduces Progression of Allograft Nephropathy: Dr. Choukrou |
| Mild and moderate pre-dialysis CKD is associated with increased coronary artery calcium: Dr. Budoff |
| Endogenous factors modified by hemodialysis and accuracy of blood glucose-measuring device: Dr. Ogawa |
| Narrow-band UVV increases serum vitamin D levels in hemodialysis patients Dr. Ala-Houhala |
| Predicting hospital cost in CKD patients through blood chemistry values: Dr. Bessette |
| Nutritional vitamin D supplementation in hemodialysis: a potential vascular benefit? D. Mason |
| Volume excess in chronic hemodialysis effects of treatment frequency & treatment spacing : Dr. Schneditz |
| Acid reduction with fruits/veges or bicarb attenuates kidney injury in hypertensive nephropathy with reduced GFR |
Predicting Number of US Medical Graduates Entering Adult Nephrology Fellowships
Using Search Terms Dr. Desai |
| Potential influence of sevelamer hydrochloride on responsiveness to ESAs in hemodialysis patients: Dr. Ikee |
| Anemia Management in Dialysis : ESAs vs Transfusions: Clinical & Economic Consequences :Dr. Naci |
| Increased risk of death and de novo chronic kidney disease following reversible acute kidney injury: Dr. Perkins |
| Filtration Markers May Have Prognostic Value Independent of Glomerular Filtration Rate : Dr. Tangri |
| Stopping Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors in Chronic Kidney Disease: Predictors of Response |
| Insights into nephrologist training, clinical practice, and dialysis choice: Dr. Mehrotra |
| Early ACE inhibition in Alport syndrome delays renal failure and improves life expectancy: Dr. Gross |
| Blunted insulinemia using high dialysate glucose concentration during hemodialysis : Dr. Schneditz |
| Prevalence of Inadequate Platelet Inhibition by Clopidogrel in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: Dr. Alexopoulos |
| Live kidney donation: attitudes towards donor approach, motives and factors promoting donation: Dr. Mazaris |
| High-dose ESAs, inflammatory biomarkers, and soluble erythropoietin receptors : Dr. Inrig |
| Association of AKI with Adverse Outcomes in Burned Military Casualties : Dr. Stewart |
| Sodium Intake, ACE Inhibition, and Progression to ESRD Dr. Ruggenenti |
DOPPS Practice Monitor: Update on Trends in US Hemodialysis Care Following Launch of Bundled Payment System and Revisions to ESA Labels January 6 2011 |
Emerging trends in hemodialysis care through August 2011, based on a sample of US dialysis facilities, are included in the latest update to the DOPPS Practice Monitor (DPM, at http://www.dopps.org/DPM), run by the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) at Arbor Research Collaborative for Health.
Ongoing Changes in the US Dialysis Environment – Recent changes in dialysis payment and regulatory guidance are expected to affect hemodialysis practice. In January 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a new Prospective Payment System (PPS) with the intent to control dialysis costs through bundled payments. In June 2011, the FDA approved revised prescribing information for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), used to treat anemia in most dialysis patients. Previously, the label recommended a hemoglobin target range of 10-12 g/dL. The June 2011 update removed the target range, advising instead to start ESA therapy for dialysis patients at hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL, and to reduce or interrupt the dose when the hemoglobin approaches or exceeds 11 g/dL.
Most Recent Trends in Care – Over the August 2010 to August 2011 time period, many hemodialysis practices have remained stable; examples include nutrition measures and hemodialysis treatment time and dose. There have been notable trends in the following practice areas:
- Anemia: Hemoglobin levels have decreased since the June 2011 ESA label update. While the mean hemoglobin level declined by 0.12 g/dL over 12 months from August 2010 to July 2011, it declined in August 2011 by another 0.10 g/dL to 11.26 g/dL. The percentage of patients with hemoglobin levels greater than 12 g/dL declined sharply (from 28% to 23%) in July/August 2011, while the percentage with hemoglobin levels less than 10 g/dL increased slightly from 8.5% to 10% and the percentage with hemoglobin levels less than 9 g/dL remained under 3%.
Mean prescribed epoetin dose (among patients receiving epoetin) decreased by 15%, from 21,100 units/wk to 17,900 units/wk, from August 2010 to August 2011, with the greatest decline in June-August 2011. Epoetin doses at the higher end of the dose range have decreased most notably. IV iron use increased from August 2010 to August 2011 though has recently stabilized. In keeping with greater IV iron use, serum ferritin levels (indicative of iron stores) continue to rise. Serum ferritin concentration exceeded 500 ng/mL in 65% of patients, 800 ng/mL in 34% of patients, and 1,200 ng/mL in 11% of patients in August 2011.
- Mineral & Bone Disorder: In our last report, we noted a 29% increase in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels through April 2011, and differences by race were described. Since then, PTH levels have remained stable or declined slightly in both black and non-black patients. In August 2011, 22% of black patients and 12% of non-black patients had very high PTH values (defined here as PTH >600 pg/mL). The percentage of hemodialysis patients for whom PTH is measured has declined slightly since August 2010. There have been no clear changes in serum calcium or serum phosphorus levels.
- Clinical Outcomes: Preliminary data indicate that the 30-day hospitalization rate has increased somewhat from August 2010 to August 2011. The DPM does not report yet on trends in red blood cell transfusions, as dialysis units are often unaware of transfusions occurring in the inpatient setting. Additional efforts to comprehensively monitor trends in transfusions are warranted. To date mortality rate has not changed appreciably, though further follow-up time is necessary as we continue to track this outcome.
Future monitoring of these trends, confirmation with national data when eventually available, and understanding their effect on clinical outcomes, if any, is required.
DPM data are aggregated across dialysis organizations and facilities. Aggregated trends may not reflect trends in individual dialysis organizations or facilities, and are not intended to provide oversight of performance in individual dialysis organizations or facilities.
Read the rest of the DOPPS Practice Monitor: Update on Trends in US Hemodialysis Care Following Launch of Bundled Payment System and Revisions to ESA Labels Press Release |
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Hemodialysis Research Interview of the Week |
Author Interview: Dr. Len Usvyat PhD
Clinical Systems Database Senior Analyst
Renal Research Institute
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Seasonal Variations in Mortality, Clinical, and Laboratory Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients: A 5-Year Cohort Study.
Usvyat LA, Carter M, Thijssen S, Kooman JP, van der Sande FM, Zabetakis P,
Balter P, Levin NW, Kotanko P.
Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011 Nov 17.
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What are the main findings of the study? |
We found that mortality of hemodialysis patients followed a seasonal pattern over a five year period with the highest mortality in the winter and lowest mortality in the summer months.
We also observed that many clinical and laboratory parameters follow a seasonal pattern in our patient population.
For example, pre-dialysis systolic blood pressures are highest in winter and lowest in summer months; pre-dialysis body temperatures are highest in summer and lowest in winter months.
Neutrophils are highest in winter and lowest in summer suggesting higher inflammatory markers in the winter.
This phenomena was observed in various geographic regions in US.
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Were any of the findings unexpected? |
It has been previously shown that mortality follows seasonal trends in healthy population however these findings were never extended to dialysis patients.
While it was shown that blood pressures tend to follow a seasonal pattern, to the best of our knowledge, it has not been shown that neutrophils or interdialytic weight gains also follow a seasonal pattern.
Additionally, we applied a cosinor analysis to show whether these patterns are statistically significant.
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What should clinicians and patients take away from this study? |
These findings are particularly important in designing studies -- taking season into account is key.
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What recommendations do you have for future studies as a result of your study? |
Further research into understanding the biologic factors that contribute to this seasonality is important.
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