Despite the decreasing incidence of peritoneal dialysis (PD) peritonitis over time, its occurrence is still associated with adverse outcomes. This thesis focuses on determining factors associated with PD peritonitis in order to facilitate identification of patients at risk. Using data collected in a multicentre Canadian database between 1996 and 2005, the study population comprised 4,247 incident PD patients, of whom 1,605 had at least one peritonitis episode. Variables independently associated with peritonitis included age [rate ratio (RR) 1.04 per decade increase, 95% CI 1.01-1.08], Black race (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.00-1.88) and having transferred from hemodialysis (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11-1.38). There was an interaction between gender and diabetes (p=0.011), with an increased peritonitis risk only among female diabetics (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10-1.47). Choice of continuous ambulatory PD vs. automated PD did not influence peritonitis risk. These results contribute to our understanding of peritonitis risk among PD patients.

Objective: To understand the experiences of the dialysis decision-making process from the perspective of the significant other, specifically their role, influencing factors and the supportive interventions of the interprofessional team. Method: An interpretive description qualitative study was conducted using individual interviews and results were triangulated with decisional conflict and decisional regret quantitative results. Results: Ten participants described their role as advocating, providing a positive outlook, ‘being with’ the patient, learning together, sharing opinions, and communicating about values, preferences, feasibility of options. Environmental factors that influenced decision making included unexpected life change, choosing life, and personal health problems. Factors related to implementation of the treatment modality decision were unanticipated events, relationship changes, recreational travel changes, and the caregiver role. Nursing interventions are required to realign treatment expectations. Relevance: Significant others have an important role in supporting the patient making the dialysis decision and are often instrumental in implementing the decision.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Göteborg : Göteborgs universitet, 2009. / Härtill 3 uppsatser.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 199-235).

The treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) by dialysis and transplantation (renal replacement therapy - RRT) imposes major social and economic burdens on the patient, the family and society. Data obtained from 2 Scottish and 4 European renal units indicate that non-renal comorbid illness significantly increased patient mortality. Furthermore, application of a simple risk stratification method based on age and comorbidity divided patients into groups which carried different survival rates. Multivariate analysis showed that even after adjustment for comorbidity and age, an apparent "centre effect" persisted which ranked the centres. A further study examined factors influencing early mortality on RRT. The method of risk stratification described can be used for comparative survival studies by national and international registries. The generic health status questionnaire (the SF-36) which has been validated in the UK was administered to patients receiving all 3 modalities of RRT and their health status compared with a large sample of the general population. Patients' quality of life was influenced by mode of treatment and like survival was also shown to relate to comorbidity. Further studies of the incidence and prevalence of chronic renal failure in Grampian showed that advancing age and comorbidity significantly influenced the decision by non-nephrologists to refer a patient to the renal service. The results of this study have manifest resource implications for the provision of renal services. A protocol for the use of erythroprotein in the Aberdeen renal unit was developed and implemented. Its efficacy was monitored by studying defined outcome measures. This study showed that formal implementation of the protocol led to an increase in the proportion of patients with haemoglobin concentrations in the acceptable range and a fall in the number of blood transfusions.

No description available.

Objective: To understand the experiences of the dialysis decision-making process from the perspective of the significant other, specifically their role, influencing factors and the supportive interventions of the interprofessional team. Method: An interpretive description qualitative study was conducted using individual interviews and results were triangulated with decisional conflict and decisional regret quantitative results. Results: Ten participants described their role as advocating, providing a positive outlook, ‘being with’ the patient, learning together, sharing opinions, and communicating about values, preferences, feasibility of options. Environmental factors that influenced decision making included unexpected life change, choosing life, and personal health problems. Factors related to implementation of the treatment modality decision were unanticipated events, relationship changes, recreational travel changes, and the caregiver role. Nursing interventions are required to realign treatment expectations. Relevance: Significant others have an important role in supporting the patient making the dialysis decision and are often instrumental in implementing the decision.

Diss. Linköping : Univ., 2002.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Clinical Pharmacy))--Mahidol University, 1982.

Thesis (Masters) -- The College of Saint Elizabeth, 2009. / Typescript. Available at The College of Saint Elizabeth - Office of Graduate Programs. "December 2009"