Single self-leading suture technique for iridodialysis repairment

Dear Editor,We described an innovative“single self-leading suture technique”for repairing iridodialysis.Instead of moving the needle forth and back,our method is easier to manipulate in the narrow surgical space between the cornea and lens,which will decrease the unnecessary complications related to iatrogenic injury.We provide an economical friendly and less time-taking method,which improves the suture accuracy.

Return to Dialysis after Kidney Graft Failure

Introduction: The transition period from renal transplantation to dialysis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and paraclinical characteristics, therapeutic management and evolutionary profile of patients returning to dialysis after kidney graft failure. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study conducted in the Nephrology-Dialysis-Renal Transplant Department at university hospital IbnSina between January 1998 and December 2021. We included all renal transplant recipients who had experienced kidney graft dysfunction and returned to dialysis. Patients with a follow-up after return to dialysis of less than 1 year were excluded. Results: Among 166 renal transplant recipients, 20 returned to dialysis after a median renal graft life of 85.5 months [42 - 186], corresponding to a prevalence of 12%. The mean age of our patients was 38.7 ± 11.9 years, with a M/F sex ratio of 2.3. Dialysis was initiated urgently in 10 patients (50%). Hemodialysis was the most commonly used modality (75%). Central venous catheterization was used in 35% of cases, including tunneled catheters. General condition is impaired in all patients, with persistent hypertension in 70% of cases. Mean uremia was 2.35 ± 0.8 g/l, mean creatinine 116 ± 48.3 mg/l, giving a mean GFR of 5.1 ± 2.2 ml/min. Mean albuminemia was 32.9 ± 6 g/l and mean hemoglobinemia 8.6 ± 1.9 g/dl. During the first year of follow-up, none of the patients died. However, 13 patients required hospitalization, with a mean length of stay of 15 days. Eight patients were hospitalized for infections and 5 for renal graft intolerance syndrome. After a mean follow-up of 22 months, 6 patients were detransplanted following graft necrosis. Conclusion: Return to dialysis after RT is fraught with a high rate of complications. The management of these patients must be optimized to improve their vital prognosis and quality of life.

Hyperkalemia in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: Clinical Use Experience with New Potassium-Binders

Background: Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on maintenance dialysis have a high risk of developing hyperkalemia. In addition to traditional approaches, a new option for the management of patients on dialysis includes the use of a potassium binder, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC). We evaluated the effect and safety of SZC in patients with chronic PD. Objective: To present a case series that illustrates the real-world use of new potassium-binders in hyperkalemic patients on peritoneal dialysis. Methods: This case series collected 9 patients on PD with baseline potassium values > 5.5 mmol/l and who were treated with SZC 5 g once a day. Data were collected at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months after initiation of treatment. Results: The median age of patients was 64.5 years and the median duration of observation was 90 ± 5 days. It was observed that median serum potassium decreased (5.8 mmol/l at baseline with a range of 5.8 mmol/L - 6.8 mmol/L versus 4.5 in the third month with a range of 3.6 mmol/L - 5.3 mmol/L) after SZC treatment. Adverse events were observed in 2 (22.2%). The unique adverse event was constipation and presented in 2 patients (22.2%). Constipation was mild and transient during the observation period. No adverse events of special interest were reported. Conclusion: Normokalemia was established and maintained in this series of patients treated with SZC. No episodes of hyper- or hypo-kalemia were observed. SCZ had a good safety profile and was well tolerated over 3 months.

Peritoneo-Vaginal Leaks in Peritoneal Dialysis: A Report of 3 Cases

Introduction: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an extra-renal purification technique indicated for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Although it has many advantages, it also has a number of complications, such as peritoneo-vaginal leakage of dialysate. Cases Reports: Three male patients, aged 70, 50 and 77 respectively, with ESKD were placed on PD. All three patients presented with inadequate drainage and the progressive appearance of bilateral hydrocele, which occurred one year (late leakage), two and four days (early leakage) respectively after the initiation of exchanges. The etiological investigation led to the conclusion of a peritoneo-vaginal leak associated with an inguinal hernia in only one case. The two cases of early leakage were treated by temporary suspension of PD, with a good response in one case and failure in the second, leading to hisdefinitive transfer to hemodialysis (HD);however, the hernia repair enabled immediate resumption of PD in the third patient. Discussion and Conclusion: Peritoneo-vaginal leakage is a rare mechanical complication in PD. The clinical examination plays an essential role in confirming the diagnosis and in the therapeutic decision. If the diagnosis is uncertain, or if there is a clinical need to show the anatomy of the leak, an imaging approach becomes desirable. This complication should not prevent the progression of PD in the management of patients with ESKD.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Dialysis Patients: Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Conservative Parathyroidectomy

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is frequent in dialysis patients. Parathyroidectomy (PTX) is indicated for patients who failed medical therapy. We reviewed the data from 184 dialysis patients who underwent PTX between January 2015 and January 2023. We aimed to evaluate the short and long term outcomes of PTX in dialysis patients, comparing the conservative 3/4 versus 7/8 techniques in this population.166 dialysis patients with secondary HPT were included. A conservative subtotal PTX (sPTX) 7/8 was performed in 72% of patients and sPTX 3/4 in 28% of them. Severe postoperative hypocalcaemiaocurred in 45 patients (27%). Hypocalcaemia was significantly more frequent in the sPTX 7/8 group (p = 0.012). One case of persistent HPT (0.6%) and 20 cases of recurrence (12%) were diagnosed. Recurrence was more frequent in the sPTX 3/4 group (15%). No deaths were reported during the perioperative period.

Factors Associated with Mortality in Diabetic Patients with End-Stage Renal Failure Starting Emergency Hemodialysis

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage chronic kidney disease with poor prognosis in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine factors associated with mortality in patients starting dialysis treatment for end-stage chronic renal disease in an emergency context. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective study from January 2020 to December 2022 at CHU-B. Data from 79 diabetic patients requiring emergency dialysis were compared with those of 79 non-diabetic patients with an end-stage renal disease requiring emergency dialysis. Data were collected from the Nephrology Department registry. We studied their initial clinical and biological profiles and factors related to mortality. Results: Out of 545 compiled records, 79 diabetic chronic kidney disease patients needing dialysis were included (group 1). A control group of 79 non-diabetic chronic kidney disease patients requiring emergency dialysis was also included (group 2). The average age of patients was 53.5 ± 17 years, and the duration of diabetes at dialysis initiation was 14.8 ± 4.3 years. Twenty-three percent were hypertensive. Fifty-two percent of patients experienced intra-dialytic hypotension. Death occurred in 22% of patients. Results show that age (adjusted OR 1.955;CI: 1.025 - 1.086;p-value: Conclusion: Emergency dialysis in diabetics is associated with unfavorable outcomes in terms of mortality. Despite follow-up, renal involvement remains poorly explored, emphasizing the need for physician awareness.

Relationship of demoralization with anxiety,depression,and demographics of Chinese dialysis patients:Erratum

In the article entitled“Relationship of demoralization with anxiety,depression,and demographics of Chinese dialysis patients”by Zhuang CL,Zheng JL,Gao L,Huang YL,and Hu WJ(J Integr Nurs 2021;3(4):155-160.DOI:10.4103/jin.jin_46_21),[1]the ethical statement was not provided.

Spontaneous dislodgment of a peritoneal dialysis catheter inserted using the Seldinger technique:A case report

BACKGROUND Peritoneal dialysis(PD)is an important renal replacement therapy in patients with end-stage renal disease.PD catheters remain the lifeline for patients undergoing PD.The catheter technique survival rate is considered a core PD outcome domain.CASE SUMMARY The PD catheter spontaneously dislodged in a patient undergoing PD during regular fluid exchange without pain.Abdominal computed tomography showed a tunnel infection.A double-cuff straight Tenckhoff catheter had been inserted using the Seldinger technique.Before this incident,the patient had a history of tunnel infections.We speculate that recurrent tunnel infections and catheter insertion using the Seldinger technique may have led to catheter dislodgement.CONCLUSION The present case suggests that clinicians should more rigorously assess the persistence of catheter-related infections concerning the potential complications arising from catheter dislodgement associated with the Seldinger technique.

Study on the occurrence and influencing factors of gastrointestinal symptoms in hemodialysis patients with uremia

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in patients with uremia undergoing hemodialysis,and these symptoms seriously affect patients'prognosis.AIM To assess the occurrence and factors influencing gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with uremia undergoing hemodialysis.METHODS We retrospectively selected 98 patients with uremia who underwent regular hemo-dialysis treatment in the blood purification center of our hospital from December 2022 to December 2023.The gastrointestinal symptoms and scores of each dimension were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Grading Scale(GSRS).Patients were divided into gastrointestinal symptoms and no gastrointestinal symptom groups according to whether they had gastrointestinal symptoms.The factors that may affect gastrointestinal symptoms were identified by single-factor analysis.Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms.RESULTS Gastrointestinal symptoms included indigestion,constipation,reflux,diarrhea,abdominal pain,and eating disorders,and the total average GSRS score was 1.35±0.47.This study showed that age,number of tablets,dialysis time,glucocorticoid,parathyroid hormone(PTH),combined diabetes mellitus and C-reactive protein(CRP)were independent risk factors for gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with uremia undergoing hemodialysis,whereas body mass index(BMI),hemoglobin(Hb),and urea clearance index were independent protective factors(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Gastrointestinal symptoms are mostly mild in patients with uremia undergoing hemodialysis,most commonly including dyspepsia,eating disorders,and gastroesophageal reflux.The independent influencing factors mainly include the BMI,age,number of pills taken,dialysis time,urea clearance index,Hb,use of glucocorticoids,and thyroid hormone level.PTH,CRP,and diabetes are clinically related factors influencing the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms,and targeted prevention can be performed.

Analysis of current status of and barriers to exercise participation among patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Objective:The objective of this study was to analyze the current status of barriers to exercise participation(EP)among patients on maintenance hemodialysis(MHD).Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 277 outpatients undergoing MHD in 2 tertiary first-class hospitals in Beijing from February 2023 to June 2023 who were selected using convenience sampling method.The data of patients on MHD were collected using the general information questionnaire,Physical Activity Rating Scale,Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale(EBBS),and Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale(ESES).The relationship between EP and barriers to EP was analyzed through univariate and multivariate linear regression models.Results:Patients on MHD had a low exercise volume score of 13.71±0.68 points and a medium EBBS score of 63.36±0.40 points.Multivariate logistic analysis showed that exercise volume was significantly related to the following four aspects,including low monthly household income per capita(odds ratio[OR]=86.741,95%confidence interval[CI][1.164-6.465],P=0.042),primary underlying disease of diabetic nephropathy(OR=45.993,95%CI[1.353-1.564],P=0.033),the belief that“fatigue in lower extremities hinders exercise”(OR=4.697,95%CI[1.127-19.585],P=0.034),and the belief that“physical exercise bringing optimistic and positive life attitude”(OR=0.074,95%CI[0.007-0.830],P=0.035).Conclusions:Since patients on MHD had low physical exercise volume,the health-care provider should pay more attention on the controllable factors that affect the EP of patients on MHD.Therefore,feasible and effective intervention measures can be formulated based on ESES in clinical nursing.

Systemic oncological therapy in breast cancer patients on dialysis

The advancement of renal replacement therapy has significantly enhanced the survival rates of patients with end-stage renal disease(ESRD)over time.How-ever,this prolonged survival has also been associated with a higher likelihood of cancer diagnoses among these patients including breast cancer.Breast cancer treatment typically involves surgery,radiation,and systemic therapies,with ap-proaches tailored to cancer type,stage,and patient preferences.However,renal replacement therapy complicates systemic therapy due to altered drug clearance and the necessity for dialysis sessions.This review emphasizes the need for opti-mized dosing and administration strategies for systemic breast cancer treatments in dialysis patients,aiming to ensure both efficacy and safety.Additionally,ch-allenges in breast cancer screening and diagnosis in this population,including soft-tissue calcifications,are highlighted.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis telemonitoring and education:A scoping review

The risk of peritonitis complications in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis(CAPD)can be prevented or reduced by providing proper education and continuous monitoring.Telemedicine and telemonitoring are methods that enable remote monitoring and patient care.This study aimed to determine the success and factors affecting telemonitoring in CAPD patient care.This study is a scoping review(ScR)using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-ScR method.Article searches were carried out on ProQuest,PubMed,and ScienceDirect with a time range of 2018-2023.Data extraction was performed regarding knowledge level,quality of life,clinical outcomes(peritonitis),and risk of hospitalization.Of the 12 articles and studies included,6 articles were related to the effect of telemonitoring on CAPD patient outcomes,and 6 articles were associated with the effect of education on CAPD patient outcomes.Education provided to patients can improve patient understanding of therapeutic modalities for renal disorders,reduce the potential for peritonitis and dialysis complications,and improve the quality of life of patients with CAPD.CAPD patients who received telemonitoring had a better quality of life,good clinical outcomes,and a lower risk of hospitalization than those who did not receive telemonitoring and had fewer health-care visits.In summary,the implementation of telemonitoring and education in chronic kidney disease patients with CAPD modality therapy has been proven effective in improving quality of life and reducing dialysis-related risks.

A Cross-Sectional Study on The Prevalence of Anemia in Maintenance Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients and Its Related Factors

Objective:To study the prevalence of anemia,the proportion of hemoglobin(Hb)levels,the treatment methods,and the influencing factors of Hb levels in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)and peritoneal dialysis patients.Methods:In this study,602 patients with maintenance hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were enrolled from December 2020 to December 2022 in our hospital,and their medical records were collected and summarized.The main contents included the patient’s gender,age,primary disease,dialysis duration,dialysis method,the use of erythropoietic stimulating agents(ESA),intravenous iron,and laboratory tests.A Hb index exceeding 110 g/L was set as the standard for the prevalence of anemia.Results:The rate of anemia in patients undergoing blood purification was 83%.The proportion of ESA use was 84.1%,and the proportion of iron use was 76.7%,of which the proportion of intravenous iron used was 17.0%,and the proportion of folic acid used was 28.3%.Conclusion:The incidence of anemia in MHD patients was relatively high,with a low proportion of patients reaching the standard Hb levels.Risk factors include albumin(ALB)levels,iron storage,white blood cells,C-reactive protein,cholesterol,etc.Nutritional support,iron supplementation,and prevention of micro-inflammatory reactions can effectively promote the improvement of Hb indicators in dialysis patients to prevent anemia.

Study on the Clinical Application of Nutritional Management Combined with Clinical Monitoring of Glycated Albumin in Diabetic Nephropathy Dialysis Patients

Objective:To explore the clinical application of nutritional management combined with clinical monitoring of glycated albumin(GA)in diabetic nephropathy(DN)dialysis patients.Methods:A total of 20 diabetic nephropathy dialysis patients admitted to the People’s Hospital of Guandu District from January 2022 to February 2023 were included in the study.They were randomly divided into a conventional group(n=10)and an observation group(n=10).The study evaluated the blood glucose control,nutritional status,dialysis efficacy,and quality of life scores of both groups.Results:Before the intervention,there were no significant differences in fasting plasma glucose(FPG),GA,serum albumin,body mass index(BMI),dialysis efficiency values,urea clearance rate,or quality-of-life scores between the two groups(P>0.05).After the intervention,the observation group showed significantly lower FPG and GA levels,higher serum albumin,dialysis efficiency values,urea clearance rate,and improved quality-of-life scores compared to the conventional group(P<0.05),with no difference in BMI(P>0.05).Conclusion:Nutritional management combined with clinical monitoring of glycated albumin has a significant effect on the clinical application of diabetic nephropathy dialysis patients.It can effectively improve patients’blood glucose control and nutritional status,reduce the risk of complications,and enhance the quality of life,demonstrating clinical value for broader application.

Exploring the Impact of Narrative Nursing on Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Middle-aged and Young Dialysis Patients

Objective:To explore the impact of narrative nursing on anxiety,depression,and quality of life in middle-aged and young dialysis patients.Method:Eighty-six middle-aged and young dialysis patients admitted from January 2023 to December 2023 were selected and divided into a control group and a study group,with 43 patients in each group.The control group received general nursing interventions,while the study group received narrative nursing in addition to the general interventions.The levels of anxiety and depression before and after the intervention were compared,and the quality-of-life scores of the two groups were analyzed.Results:After comprehensive intervention,the scores of both groups significantly decreased(P<0.05).After intervention,the scores of the study group were more significant compared to the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the quality-of-life score of the study group showed a significant upward trend,and this difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Comprehensive narrative nursing can effectively reduce anxiety in middle-aged and young dialysis patients,further enhance their quality of life,and is worth promoting in clinical practice.

Impact of a Nurse-Led Chronic Disease Management Intervention Model on Quality of Care and Satisfaction of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Objective:To explore the impact of a nurse-led chronic disease management model on the quality of care and satisfaction of maintenance hemodialysis patients.Methods:72 patients who received maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)from June 2021 to March 2022 were selected to undergo the nurse-led chronic disease management model.The hemodialysis indexes,nutritional status,and the occurrence of adverse events were assessed after 24 weeks of the intervention,and patients’satisfaction was investigated and analyzed.Results:Comparing pre-intervention and after 24 weeks of intervention,urea reduction rate and urea clearance were improved but not statistically different(P>0.05),butβ2-microglobulin was significantly reduced compared with pre-intervention(P<0.05);after 24 weeks of intervention,the effect of decreasing blood calcium,parathyroid hormone,and potassium levels was not obvious(P>0.05),and the level of blood phosphorus decreased significantly compared with pre-intervention(P<0.01),albumin and hemoglobin levels were increased and better than before intervention(P<0.05);after 24 weeks of intervention,the incidence of intradialytic hypotension and hypertension was lower than before intervention(P<0.05),and the total incidence of complications was significantly lower than before intervention(P<0.01);there was no significant difference in the Self-Depression Scale scores after 24 weeks of intervention(P>0.05),and Self-Anxiety Scale scores were significantly lower and better than before intervention(P<0.01).Patient satisfaction was greatly improved,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Conclusion:The chronic disease management intervention model led by specialized nurses is conducive to improving the psychological state and nutritional status of dialysis patients,enhancing the adequacy of dialysis for patients,reducing the incidence of related complications,and ultimately achieving the purpose of improving the quality of life of patients,which has significant clinical value.

Global research trends and mapping knowledge structure of depression in dialysis patients

BACKGROUND Depression is one of the most common and important psychological issues faced by dialysis patients.It can make it more difficult for them to adhere to their treatment regimen,which,in turn,can worsen their physical symptoms and lead to poorer health outcomes.AIM To examine the evolution and growth of publications related to dialysis and depression.The objectives were to identify the number of publications,the top active countries,the contributed institutions,funding agencies and journals,as well as to perform citation and research theme analysis.METHODS The search was conducted using the Scopus database for publications related to dialysis and depression between 1970 and 2022.Subsequently,bibliometric analysis was carried out on the data obtained using VOSviewer software,version 1.6.9.This analysis included visualization analysis,co-occurrence analysis and examination of publication trends in dialysis and depression.RESULTS We identified 800 publications that met the search criteria.The number of publications related to dialysis and depression has increased significantly in the past two decades.The USA led the way with 144 publications,which is 18%of all publications on this topic.Turkey came second with 88 publications(11%),followed by China with 55 publications(6.88%)and Iran with 52 publications(6.5%).Analysis of the research theme identified three main clusters related to gender differences in prevalence,identification of depression as a risk factor,and effective interventions to relieve depression.Future research direction analysis shows a shift toward effective interventions to relieve depression in dialysis patients.CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive overview of growth,trends and research themes related to dialysis and depression that could help researchers identify gaps in the literature and develop future research.

Neisseria mucosa-A rare cause of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Neisseria mucosa is a gram negative diplococcus belonging to the genus Neisseria found commonly in the upper respiratory tract.It is typically a commensal organism when it is parasitic on oral and nasal mucosa.To our knowledge,it does not cause disease in healthy individuals with normal immunity,but can be pathogenic in those with impaired immune function or change in bacterial colonization site.Neisseria mucosa has been reported to cause bacterial meningitis,conjunctivitis,pneumonia,endocarditis,peritonitis and urethritis.However,peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis caused by Neisseria mucosa is extremely rare in clinical practice,which has not previously been reported in China.CASE SUMMARY A 55-year-old female presented to the nephrology clinic with upper abdominal pain without apparent cause,accompanied by nausea,vomiting and diarrhea for two days.The patient had a history of Stage 5 chronic kidney disease for five years,combined with renal hypertension and renal anemia,and was treated with peritoneal dialysis for renal replacement therapy.The patient was subsequently diagnosed with peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis.Routine examination of peritoneal dialysis fluid showed abdominal infection,and the results of microbial culture of the peritoneal dialysis fluid confirmed Neisseria mucosa.Imi-penem/cilastatin 1.0 g q12h was added to peritoneal dialysis fluid for anti-infection treatment.After 24 d,the patient underwent upper extremity arteriovenous fistulation.One month later,the patient was discharged home in a clinically stable state.CONCLUSION Peritonitis caused by Neisseria mucosa is rare.Patients with home-based self-dialysis cannot guarantee good medical and health conditions,and require education on self-protection.

Psychological review of hemodialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation(KT)and end-stage renal disease(ESRD)requiring hemodialysis(HD)increase the incidence of morbidity and mortality associated with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection.The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on the psychological well-being of COVID-19 patients,especially those with a high-risk of infectious complications.The prevalence of anxiety and depression is known to be higher in ESRD patients undergoing HD than in the general population.On the other hand,KT recipients have different treatment requirements compared to HD patients,including adherence to complex immunosuppressive regimens and compliance with follow-up appointments.We hypothesized that psychosocial difficulties and stressors would differ between ESRD patients undergoing HD and KT recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic.If so,each group may require different interventions to maintain their psychosocial well-being.AIM To measure and compare the levels of stress,anxiety,depression,concerns related to the pandemic,and coping skills in ESRD patients undergoing HD and KT recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed at a training and research hospital.The study included ESRD patients undergoing HD(HD group)and KT recipients(with stable graft function for≥6 mo prior to the study)(KT group).Patients completed a demographics form,the impact of events scale,the hospital anxiety and depression scale,and the Connor-Davidson resilience scale.Laboratory findings at the last clinical follow-up were recorded.Theχ^(2)test was used to assess the relationship between the HD and KT groups and the categorical variables.The relationships between the scale scores were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test,and differences between the groups were analyzed using the independent groups t-test.RESULTS The study included 125 patients,of which 89(71.2%)were in the HD group and 36(28.8%)were in the KT group.The levels of anxiety and depression were higher in the HD group than in the KT group[9.36±4.38 vs 6.89±4.06(P=0.004)and 8.78±4.05 vs 6.42±4.26(P=0.004),respectively],whereas the post-traumatic stress score was higher in the KT group[46.75±13.98 vs 37.66±18.50(P=0.009)].The concern with the highest intensity in the HD group was transmission of COVID-19 to family and friends(93.3%)and in the KT group was loss of caregiver and social support(77.8%).Concerns regarding financial hardship,stigmatization,loneliness,limited access to health care services,failure to find medical supplies,and transmission of COVID-19 to family and friends were more prevalent in the HD group.Connor-Davidson resilience scale tenacity and personal competence,tolerance,and negative affect scores were higher in the KT group than in the HD group[43.47±11.39 vs 33.72±12.58,15.58±4.95 vs 11.45±5.05,and 68.75±17.39 vs 55.39±18.65(P<0.001),respectively].Biochemical parameters,such as creatine,urea,phosphorus,parathyroid hormone,and calcium,were lower,and the albumin and hemoglobin values were higher in the KT group than in the HD group(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Psychosocial difficulties and the level of stress differ in ESRD patients undergoing HD and KT recipients;therefore,psychosocial interventions should be tailored for each patient group.

Impact of Dialysis Coverage on the Provision of Universal Health Insurance in the Republic of the Congo

Introduction: The launch of health insurance in the Republic of the Congo took place against a backdrop of extremely high costs for dialysis, which was not one of the services financed within this framework. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of including dialysis in the health insurance package in Congo. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with an evaluative aim, analyzing the impact of dialysis on the financing capacity of health insurance and health facilities to provide this type of care. Results: The results show that including dialysis in the universal health insurance package will require an additional financial effort of 6.20% of the current total financing capacity of the care basket. Most dialysis sessions are provided by the private health sector (87.5%), whose health facilities are unevenly distributed across the country, and concentrated in the country’s two major cities. This problem is the dual consequence of the very high cost of a dialysis session (average cost 140,234,375 FCFA or 229 US Dollars) and the number of patients under care, which will increase in the absence of effective and ongoing prevention efforts against chronic diseases in general and end-stage renal failure in particular. Conclusion: Dialysis is a high-impact public health intervention. The impact of its inclusion in the universal health insurance care package is difficult to bear financially. For dialysis to be covered by universal health insurance, additional funding and improved technical facilities are needed.