Collins A, Ma J
Reuse associated mortality: 1989-1990 vs. 1991-1993
Am Soc Nephrol
J Am Soc Nephrol (abstract) (Sep) 7:1443 1996

Reuse is commonly practiced in the USA, affecting some 75% of HD patients. It is uncommon in Europe and nearly non existent in Japan. The issue of any association between reuse and mortality has been controversial. One large study in 1992 reported increased mortality with peracetic acid and glutaraldehyde compared to no reuse and formalin, only in free standing units, but not in hospital based units.

In this study, the authors analyzed a 10 % US sample of period-prevalent patients from 1989-1993, comparing hospital and free standing units, adjusting for age, 9 comorbidities, center profit status and unit size, using a Cox regressional model. The authors found that in 1989-90, manual peracetic and manual formalin had higher associated risk, but only in free standing for profit centers. In 1991-93, such findings were not present. ers.

Hospital based 1989-90 non profit and for profit units showed non significant risks. In 1991-93, only automated formalin had significant effects, in non profit units. All others were non significant. The authors conclude that hospital based and free standing units interacted with profit status in the 1989-90 data, and that reuse in 1991-93 is no different from no reuse.

Comment: This study supports the view of those who feel that reuse practices can be improved and monitored to make it a safe and cost effective procedure. Continued surveillance will be helpful and necessary. (Jose Ganel, M.D., University of California Davis at Sacramento, CA)

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Am Soc Nephrol
Basic hemodialysis : Reuse, theory and practice
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