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NXTM "American Journal of Kidney Disease Publication Confirms Significant Patient Advantages with HHD versus PD

NxStage® Medical, Inc. (NXTM) a leading manufacturer of dialysis products, today announced online publication in the American Journal of Kidney Disease (AJKD) of results from the largest study of its kind that assessed relative mortality on frequent home hemodialysis (HHD) versus peritoneal dialysis (PD) as well as relative all-cause hospitalization. The data show that frequent HHD patients have a lower risk of death, hospitalization and therapy attrition than PD patients.

A 38-factor algorithm matched 4,201 frequent HHD patients with 4,201 PD patients. Results showed lower risks of death due to cardiovascular disease, infection, and either cachexia or dialysis withdrawal with frequent HHD therapy. Results also showed 15 percent lower risk of hospitalization due to cardiovascular disease and 11 percent lower risk of hospitalization due to infection with frequent HHD therapy.

"Home dialysis is growing, but there are few studies that compare clinical outcomes with HHD and PD," said Weinhandl. "This study suggests that frequent HHD may offer important advantages, especially with respect to reducing cardiovascular risk and keeping patients in their homes."

The study also included detailed analysis of patients that began dialyzing in their homes within the first six months of being diagnosed with end stage renal disease, during which time patients typically start PD. In this group, frequent HHD patients had similar risks of death and hospitalization as PD patients and 30 percent lower risk of therapy attrition.

"Published studies consistently report improved survival, improved quality of life and other important benefits for home hemodialysis patients," said NxStage president, Joseph Turk. "These particular findings challenge conventional thinking within the renal community and should compel clinicians to consider frequent HHD a life-changing therapy choice for patients who are considering at home dialysis."

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/american-journal-kidney-disease-publication-120000604.html

Home Hemodialysis is a significant market for NXTM and they are moving aggressively to grow this. The findings are a validation of their business model.