The End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) population is heterogeneous, including patients with severe comorbidities for whom hemodialysis may not be an appropriate long-term maintenance therapy. The thrust of this year’s meeting will be alternatives to hemodialysis. The patient populations reviewed will range from those considered otherwise healthy and suitable for kidney transplantation to those with a limited life expectancy as a result of advanced age or severe comorbidities.

The major goal of this year’s meeting will be to understand that alternatives to hemodialysis exist and may be better therapeutic options for a given patient. These alternatives include (1) peritoneal dialysis, (2) palliative care and (3) the mechanical implantable biohybrid kidney. Such an overview would not be complete without a discussion of another alternative modality to hemodialysis, namely, prevention.

The heterogeneity of the contemporary ESRD population is not reflected in the current paradigm of ESRD care. Consequently, the care that is delivered may not be beneficial and may be potentially harmful, impractical and associated with excess costs. Providers who deal with the ESRD population should be conversant with all alternatives to hemodialysis.

ACCME ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
The Medical College of Wisconsin is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT
The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this live activity a maximum of 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

HOURS OF PARTICIPATION FOR ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this activity for up to 4.0 hours of participation for continuing education for allied health professionals.
 

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This course is complimentary for Internal Nurses, APPs, Fellows, Residents and Students; however registration is required; for instructions on how to receive your complimentary registration you must contact Heidi Brittnacher at 414-805-9427 or hbrittna@mcw.edu before attempting to register on-line.