title: Protocols for treating patients with end-stage renal disease: a survey of nephrology fellowships.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Approximately 14% of Americans are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the result of progressing CKD continues to rise by 21,000 per year. Currently, the only antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines for patients with ESRD undergoing dental treatment were published by the AHA in 2003. Presented in three parts, the first and second parts of this study found no consistent protocols amongst U.S. dental schools and U.S. GPRs and AEGDs, respectively. The goal of the third part of the project was to determine the current protocol being used to treat ESRD patients at U.S. nephrology fellowship programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  An 18 multiple-choice question survey was e-mailed to 130 directors of nephrology fellowships within the U.S. regarding renal treatment protocol details and antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with renal disease.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Note that, 34.6% of respondents reported having an established renal treatment protocol. For programs with a protocol, 69% of programs reported following AHA guidelines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a lack of consistent, established protocols amongst U.S. nephrology fellowships. It is suggested that updated and evidence based guidelines for the safe treatment of patients be developed.
authors.affiliation: Associate Dean for Post-Doctoral Education Director, Advanced Care Center, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona.|Associate Professor & Director, Special Care Dentistry, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona.
authors.forename: Maureen Munnelly
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona.
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, Austin, Texas.
authors.forename: Nipa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic; D009398:Nephrology / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
keywords: antibiotic prophylaxis; kidney failure; nephrology fellowship; protocols; renal dialysis; renal transplant