Skeleton Key Group Case # 30: Cancerous lytes!
Urine Sediment of the Month: Fibrin Casts in Urine Microscopy
Quick Guide to Converting ESAs
We Want You…to Participate in the 2023 Nephrology Fellow Survey
Disrupting Catheter Associated Fibrin Sheath Formation
AKI in a patient with macroscopic hematuria
Kidney Comics: The Pathogenesis of ANCA Associated Vasculitis
ASN Collaboration with the Home Dialysis University
Origins of Renal Physiology Course: Fellows 2023
An Overview of Dialysis Access-associated Steal Syndrome
Introduction Dialysis Access-Associated Steal Syndrome (DASS) has been reported in up to 6% patients with an arteriovenous (AV) access. However, the true incidence of clinically significant DASS, requiring surgical intervention, may be lower as reported in a prospective…
Hemodialysis Catheter Complications (And What To Do About Them)
Introduction Ideally, patients with end-stage kidney disease would begin hemodialysis with a mature, functional arteriovenous access. However, in certain subgroups of patients, central venous catheters (CVCs) are unavoidable. Even for patients who ultimately use an arteriovenous fistula (AVF)…
A Clinical Discussion of AV Fistula and Graft Complications: Part 2
Last week we covered 5 clinical scenarios involving arteriovenous fistula and graft complications. We now discuss another 5 common scenarios as part 2 of the series. Please note: these cases are vignettes created for educational purposes and patient…
A Clinical Discussion of AV Fistula and AV Graft Complications: Part 1
We learn the concept of ‘Fistula First’ since day 1 of fellowship. However primary failure rates have been rather high, with variable numbers reported in different literature. In addition, other complications related to AV fistula and AV graft…
How to Examine a Vascular Access: Part 2 The Physical Exam
Last week we looked at the basics and useful terminology employed for examining a vascular access. Now we will focus on specifics of the physical exam. Physical Examination Inspection (Look) Visual inspection can provide important clues regarding the…
How to Examine a Vascular Access: Part 1 The Basics
Introduction Physical examination is a quick and inexpensive way of diagnosing stenosis and other causes of vascular access dysfunction. Its ability to reliably detect stenotic lesions compared with ultrasound and angiography (the gold standard), has repeatedly been demonstrated….
Endovascular Technique for Arteriovenous Fistula Creation
Introduction The surgical technique for creating an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has existed since 1966. AVFs are the recommended vascular access for end stage kidney disease patients who require dialysis, but only 14% of patients in the United States…
Preop Vascular Mapping for AVF/AVG
Current KDOQI Guidelines recommend the use of some type of vascular mapping studies in order to prepare for the creation of an AV fistula or an AV graft. While physical exam is useful–typically, application of a tourniquet around…