Elderly patients with hematological malignancies are often reliant on allogeneic transplantations. Older family relatives are increasingly involved in utilization as PBSC donors. We analyzed the mobilization results from 103 donors of age ≥55 years in comparison with 121 younger donors of age <55 years. The median CD34+ count in peripheral blood on day +5 of the mobilization was higher in younger than in older donor group (72.0 vs. 37.0 cells/μL, P < 0.0001). Linear regression showed a negative correlation between the age and CD34+ count in peripheral blood (P < 0.0001) and apheresis product (P < 0.0001). Based on multivariate analysis, the amount of circulating CD34+ cells appeared to be negatively influenced by age (P < 0.001) and positively by the preapheresis WBC count (P < 0.001). The precollection CD34+ (P < 0.0001), PLT (P = 0.0144) counts, and age (P = 0.0392) were confirmed as independent factors determining the collection yield. The side effects of G-CSF administration were similar in both the groups. Apheresis complications were more frequently recorded in elderly donors (29 vs. 15%, P = 0.0096). Higher age represents a risk factor for poorer mobilization results. A requirement for more than one apheresis in older donors occurs more frequently to obtain the adequate amount of CD34+ cells. Mobilization and collection procedures are associated with acceptable risks and complication rates in elderly donors.

Non-adherence to dietary and fluid intake recommendations (NADFIR) is an important factor for the effective treatment of dialyzed patients and may be hindered by low health literacy (HL). Therefore, we assessed whether low HL of dialyzed patients is associated with their NADFIR. We performed a multicentric cross-sectional study in 20 dialysis clinics in Slovakia (n = 452; response rate: 70.1%; mean age = 63.6 years; males: 60.7%). We assessed the association between nine domains of HL and non-adherence (high serum potassium, high serum phosphate, relative overhydration, and self-reported NADFIR) using general linear models adjusted for age and gender. Moreover, we assessed the moderation by socioeconomic status (SES). We found higher NADFIR among patients with less sufficient information for health management (high serum phosphate level; odds ratio (OR): 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63–0.94), with a lower ability to actively manage their health (self-reported diet non-adherence; OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.62–0.89), and those less able to actively engage with healthcare providers (overhydrated; OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.65–0.94). Moreover, SES modified this relation. Low HL affects the adherence of dialyzed patients. This shows a need to support patients with low HL and to train healthcare providers to work with these patients, taking into account their SES.

Background: Intradialytic resistance training (IRT) protects patients’ muscle mass and functions against protein-energy wasting, malnutrition and cachexia. However, the evidence of the effects of such an intervention in haemodialysis patients is limited and not conclusive. To improve the applicability of such interventions, we need a better understanding of molecular, functional and psycho-social adaptation in dialysed patients following a physical training. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of IRT on lower extremity muscle functions, quality of life, and anxiety and depression, clinical outcomes and circulatory micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) profiles in patients on chronic haemodialysis therapy. Methods: We will perform a quasi-experimental study in 3 dialysis centres. Patients will be recruited via their nephrologists and will be allocated to an experimental and a control group based on the location of the patients’ dialysis centre. Patients allocated to the experimental group will undergo a 12-week IRT, while the control group will remain physically inactive during dialysis. The primary outcome is the change in the maximal force produced during an isometric contraction of lower extremity muscles. Secondary outcomes regard quality of life, anxiety and depression, clinical outcomes and circulatory miRNA profiles. Patients’ level of health literacy defined as the ability to get and understand health information will be also measured in the study as a potential modifier of effects. Discussion: This quasi-experimental study can add in an important way to our understanding of the effects of resistance training on dialysis patients’ muscle strength, quality of life and disease-specific outcomes.