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Sexual and gonadal dysfunction/infertility are quite common in patients with chronic kidney disease. Forty percent of male and 55% of female dialysis patients do not achieve orgasm. The pathophysiology of gonadal dysfunction is multifactorial. It is usually a combination of psychological, physiological, and other comorbid factors. Erectile dysfunction in males is mainly due to arterial factors, venous leakage, psychological factors, neurogenic factors, endocrine factors, and drugs. Sexual dysfunction in females is mainly due to hormonal factors and manifests mainly as menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, lack of vaginal lubrication, and failure to conceive. Treatment of gonadal dysfunction in chronic kidney disease is multipronged and an exact understanding of underlying pathology is essential in proper management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of two dosing regimens of oral iron on iron status and hematological parameters in patients with CKD. In this single center, open label, randomized, active controlled clinical trial, stable adult patients with CKD stage G3–4 with percentage transferrin saturation (%TSAT) ≤ 30% and serum ferritin ≤ 500 ng/ml were eligible. Participants were randomized to receive either 100 mg of ferrous ascorbate once daily (OD group) or 100 mg of ferrous ascorbate twice daily (BD group, total daily dose 200 mg). The primary outcome was change in %TSAT between groups over 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes were changes in other iron status and hematological parameters, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and hepcidin. 80 participants were enrolled out of which 76 completed the study. Change in %TSAT was not significantly different between groups (β = − 1.43, 95% CI − 3.99 to 1.12, BD group as reference). The rise in serum ferritin was less in the OD group as compared to BD group (β = − 0.36, 95% CI − 0.61 to − 0.10) whereas MCHC increased in the OD group as compared to decrease in the BD group (β = 0.37, 95% CI 0.067–0.67). These observations need exploration to ascertain the impact of different oral iron dosing strategies in CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the outcomes of primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) patients who are refractory to immunosuppressants. PMN is a common cause of adult-onset nephrotic syndrome, and current guidelines recommend immunosuppressive therapy. However, a significant proportion of patients do not respond to initial treatment and require rescue therapy. The article presents a systematic review of 18 observational studies that analyzed different rescue therapies for refractory membranous nephropathy. The findings suggest that rituximab, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and obinutuzumab show promising results, but there is no clear winner. The choice of treatment should be based on individual patient characteristics and side effect profiles. Further controlled studies are needed to investigate these agents. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction. Anti-Compliment Factor H antibody hemolytic uremic syndrome (AFH-HUS) is a common cause of paediatric atypical HUS in India. We wanted to study the outcome of patients receiving less than recommended plasma exchange (PLEX) but adequate immunosuppression, with respect to hypertension, preservation of renal function and proteinuria. Methods. A retrospective study was performed in 15 children admitted from 2016 to 2018 with AFH-HUS. Follow up details including physical examination, hematological parameters, renal function test and urine examination performed at 3, 6, and 12 months were noted. Risk stratification and staging for chronic kidney disease (CKD) were done according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDOQI) guidelines. Standard statistical tests which were appropriate were used. Results. Mean age of our study cohort was 7.8 ± 1.9 years. 14 children had hypertension. Mean nadir hemoglobin was 5.8 ± 1.0 g/dL and platelet = 58 ± 37.7 × 109 cells/L. Median anti factor H (AFH) level was 316 AU/mL (150 to 452). Hemodialysis was required in 7 children. Fourteen children received PLEX with a mean of 11 ± 6 cycles. Thirteen children received 6 cycles of intravenous cyclophosphamide. After six months, therapy was switched to mycophenolate mofetil in 4 children, steroids alone in 2 children and 9 children with azathioprine. On follow-up, risk of CKD reduced from 80% at 3 months to 26% at 12 months (P = .01). Only 40% patients had CKD stage 2 at the end of 12 months (mean eGFR = 95.0 ± 19.4 mL/min/1.73m2). Conclusion. The adequate number of PLEX needed in AFH-HUS needs further studies. Till such reports come, PLEX in recommended strategies or lesser, if not available, with immunosuppression in AFH-HUS can decrease progression to CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The association between economic status and kidney disease is incompletely explored even in countries with higher economy (HE); the situation is complex in lower economies (LE) of South Asia and Southeast Asia (SA and SEA). Methods. Fifteen countries of SA and SEA categorized as HE and LE, represented by the representatives of the national nephrology societies, participated in this questionnaire and interview-based assessment of the impact of economic status on renal care. Results. Average incidence and prevalence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) per million population (pmp) are 1.8 times and 3.3 times higher in HE. Hemodialysis is the main renal replacement therapy (RRT) (HE-68%, LE-63%). Funding of dialysis in HE is mainly by state (65%) or insurance bodies (30%); out of pocket expenses (OOPE) are high in LE (41%). Highest cost for hemodialysis is in Brunei and Singapore, and lowest in Myanmar and Nepal. Median number of dialysis machines/1000 ESKD population is 110 in HE and 53 in LE. Average number of machines/dialysis units in HE is 2.7 times higher than LE. The HE countries have 9 times more dialysis centers pmp (median HE-17, LE-02) and 16 times more nephrologist density (median HE-14.8 ppm, LE-0.94 ppm). Dialysis sessions >2/week is frequently followed in HE (84%) and <2/week in LE (64%). "On-demand" hemodialysis (<2 sessions/week) is prevalent in LE. Hemodialysis dropout rates at one year are lower in HE (12.3%; LE 53.4%), death being the major cause (HE-93.6%; LE-43.8%); renal transplants constitute 4% (Brunei) to 39% (Hong Kong) of the RRT in HE. ESKD burden is expected to increase >10% in all the HE countries except Taiwan, 10%–20% in the majority of LE countries. Conclusion. Economic disparity in SA and SEA is reflected by poor dialysis infrastructure and penetration, inadequate manpower, higher OOPE, higher dialysis dropout rates, and lesser renal transplantations in LE countries. Utility of RRT can be improved by state funding and better insurance coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: There is emerging data on the use of Sofosbuvir‐based directly acting antiviral (DAA) drug regimens in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of Sofosbuvir plus Velpatasvir fixed‐dose combination in CHC patients with ESRD on MHD. Methods: Fifty‐one CHC patients with ESRD on MHD were included in a real‐life prospective study. All patients irrespective of genotype; presence of cirrhosis; treatment naive or experienced status were treated with full‐dose Sofosbuvir (400 mg) plus Velpatasvir (100 mg) fixed‐dosed combination given daily for 12 weeks. The efficacy was assessed by the sustained virological response (SVR12) with negative HCV RNA 12 weeks after the end of treatment (ETR). Side effects if any were recorded in all patients. Results: The median HCV RNA level in 51 CHC patients [Males 41 (80.4%), mean age 42.8 ± 14.6 years] was 2.0 × 106 IU/mL. HCV genotype was available in 19 patients with predominant genotype 1 in 15 (79%) patients. Ten (19.6%) patients had evidence of cirrhosis (defined as LSM ≥ 12.5 kPa on Transient Elastography), and 8 (15.6%) patients were treatment experienced. Testing for ETR was done in 36 patients and all 36 (100%) patients achieved ETR, and 49 patients (96%) achieved SVR 12. All 51 patients tolerated the Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir combination, with none of the patients reporting any serious adverse event. Conclusion: Sofosbuvir plus Velpatasvir fixed‐dose combination is safe and effective in treating CHC in patients with ESRD on MHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of data describing the impact of the novel coronavirus 19 pandemic on the patients of chronic kidney disease stage V‐dialysis (CKD V‐D) from resource‐limited countries. A growing body of literature describes an increased susceptibility of CKD V‐D to COVID‐19 with adverse outcomes in those with severe disease. In the current retrospective report, we elucidate the outcome in consecutive 37 CKD V‐D patients with COVID‐19 from two dialysis centres in Mumbai, India. Of the 37 patients included in the study, 56.7% of patients were asymptomatic or had mild disease and 27% presented with severe symptoms. The recovery rate was 63%, all those who presented with a severe disease succumbed to the infection. Thirty per cent of patients presented with an extended dialysis break due to various logistic and social issues. Though the overall clinical presentation and outcomes of this cohort from a limited resource setting mimic the global scenario, unique social and logistic issues are an additional burden to the patient, caregivers and the health‐care facilities, which may worsen the outcomes in the future as the pandemic continues to spread. SUMMARY AT A GLANCE: This retrospective report addresses the outcome in 37 dialysis patients with COVID‐19 infection in Mumbai, India. 56.7% were asymptomatic or had mild disease and 27% presented with severe symptoms. Eleven patients (29.7%) presented with a history of having missed their regular dialysis sessions, 6 patients (54.5%) was refused by primary HD center. Overall, 23 (62.1%) had a successful outcome and 14 (37.8%) died. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Currently, there is limited data regarding the outcomes of lupus nephritis (LN) with moderate to severe renal failure at presentation (defined by low glomerular filtration rate; GFR <30 mL/min). Methods: Sixty‐four patients with biopsy‐proven LN and estimated GFR (eGFR) <30 mL/min were prospectively analyzed. Outcome measure of persistently low eGFR, end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) or death at 365 days were grouped as Major Adverse Kidney Events (MAKE365). Results: Diagnosis of lupus was simultaneous with onset of renal disease in 60% of cases. Histologically, 82.3% (n = 51) were class IV, the median serum creatinine was 4 mg/dL (interquartile range [IQR] 3.1‐5.9 mg/dL), median eGFR was 13.75 mL/min (IQR 9.25‐19 mL/min) and 42.2% (n = 27) required dialysis at presentation. Induction regimens included National Institute of Health (68.2%), Eurolupus protocol (10.9%) and mycophenolate mofetil (8%). Over 365 days, 23 (37.5%) subjects died, while 41 (62.5%) survived. The majority of deaths were due to infection and sepsis (14/23). Among the survivors, 70.7% had good renal outcome, 12.1% had persistently low GFR (<30 mL/min), while 17% developed ESRD. In this group, treatment response rate was 84.6% (complete response 25.6%, partial response 59%). Those with a better renal function at presentation had a good treatment response (100% vs. 40%). Altogether, n = 35 (54.6%) were included in the MAKE365 category. Between the renal survival group (n = 29) versus the MAKE365 group (n = 35) there was no difference in clinical or histological parameters. Conclusion: The current treatment protocols had a good response rate in patients with LN even with severe kidney injury at presentation. However, the risk of serious infections and subsequent mortality was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alport syndrome (AS) is an inherited disorder of basement membranes caused by mutations affecting specific proteins of the type IV collagen family, presenting with nephropathy and extrarenal manifestations such as sensorineural deafness and ocular anomalies. Ten percentage to 15% of the patients with AS have autosomal recessive (ARAS) due to mutation in either COL4A3 or COL4A4 gene. We report a novel mutation in the COL4A3 gene in an Indian family with ARAS. The above‐mentioned genetic anomaly was a missense variation in exon 26 of the COL4A3 gene (chr2:228137797G>A; c.1891G>A) that resulted in the amino acid substitution of Arginine for Glycine at codon 631 (p.Gly631Arg) that was present in the heterozygous state in the asymptomatic parents and homozygous state in the male offspring who presented with early‐onset end‐stage renal disease, lenticonus and hearing loss. The patient (male offspring) underwent successful renal transplantation with his mother as a donor. SUMMARY AT A GLANCE: A novel mutation in the COL4A3 gene in an Indian family with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome is described. The index case underwent a successful renal transplantation with his mother (who possessed the associated missense mutation) as the donor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a heterogeneous disease caused by alternative complement pathway abnormalities without any standardized treatment. An immunosuppressive agent, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), has been recently shown to be useful in treating C3G, mainly in studies from the west. We report the clinical outcome of 17 Indian C3G patients treated with MMF with or without steroids. Methods The clinical and histology details of the C3G patients treated with MMF for at least 6 months with a follow-up of at least 12 months were retrieved from the medical records of our center. Results The median serum creatinine and proteinuria at presentation were 0.8 mg/dL and 3.7 g/day, respectively, with the majority (88.2%) presenting as nephrotic syndrome. The mean dose of MMF was 1.65 (±0.56) g/day, and the median duration of MMF therapy was 18 months. Two-thirds (64%) of the patients responded to the treatment, with complete remission in 4 (23%) and partial remission in 7 (41%) (median time: 9 months). Three patients progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on follow-up. Of the three patients, one (33%) had an initial response in proteinuria to MMF but did not respond after a relapse and subsequently progressed to ESRD and two (67%) other patients were nonresponsive to MMF from the start of the therapy. Conclusion Despite a small sample size and lack of a control arm, this study describes the effectiveness of MMF in treating C3G patients from Asia and forms a basis for future randomized trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection of the internal jugular vein (IJV) catheter continues to be a common cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of personal hygiene on the incidence of IJV catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). A randomized, controlled, parallel, and non-inferiority trial was conducted on patients initiated on maintenance HD via right IJV catheter. Patients were randomly allocated to control and intervention group via computer-generated random table. Intervention package for the intervention group included hand washing (2–4 hourly and whenever visibly dirty), feet washing (12 hourly), and axillary shave (at any point during the study, no hair growth in axilla). Patients were provided with a pamphlet and reinforced to continue package till IJV catheter was in situ. Patients were followed up twice a week for one month from the date of catheter insertion for the incidence of CRBSI. The primary outcome of the study was percentage of patients free from CRBSI. On intention-to-treat analysis, the percentage of patients without CRBSI was 53.7% and 29.3% in the intervention and control arm, respectively [P = 0.04; 25.12% (1.43–45.28%)]. Positive blood cultures were higher in control (73.3%) as compared to the intervention group (28.6%) (P = 0.19). Personal hygiene interventions are an effective method to reduce the incidence of CRBSIs among population undergoing maintenance HD via non-cuffed IJV catheter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guidewire embolism during venous access for haemodialysis is not uncommon yet potentially avoidable iatrogenic complication. Unrecognised, long-standing in-situ guidewire may predispose to thrombosis and become a nidus for infection. This entity should always be borne in mind and considered as one of the differentials of unexplained pyrexia in patient on maintenance haemodialysis. In this context, we report a patient on maintenance dialysis who presented with fever of 6 weeks duration with no localising history and failed response to empirical antibiotics. On imaging, he was detected to have in-situ guidewire with fracture embolism into inferior vena cava and right external iliac vein and soon patient became afebrile following guidewire retrieval using gooseneck snare device, thereby retrospectively confirming causality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: There is sparse data on the use of Sofosbuvir based directly acting antiviral (DAA) drug regimens in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of low-dose Sofosbuvir plus full-dose Daclatasvir in CHC patients with CKD.Methods: Sixty-five CHC patients with CKD with eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 [54 (83%) patients with ESRD on hemodialysis] were included. All patients irrespective of genotype were treated with half-dose Sofosbuvir [200 mg (half tablet of 400 mg)] plus full-dose Daclatasvir (60 mg) given daily for either 12 or 24 weeks given in patients with genotype 3 cirrhosis. The efficacy was assessed by the sustained virological response (SVR12) with negative HCV RNA 12 weeks after the end of treatment (ETR).Results: The median HCV RNA level in 65 patients (Males 40, mean age 42.9 ± 13 years) was 1.65 × 106 (1.2 × 103-1.73 × 108) IU/mL with 42 (64.6%) patients having HCV genotype 1, followed by genotype 3 and 2 in 22 (34%) and 1 (1.4%) patients, respectively. Twenty-one (32%) patients had evidence of cirrhosis, and ten (15.4%) patients were treatment experienced. Sixty-four (98.5%) patients achieved ETR, and 65 (100%) patients attained SVR12. All patients tolerated the DAAs well with none of the patients reporting any serious adverse events. Minor side effects noted were nausea seen in five (7.7%) patients, insomnia and headache in four (6.2%) patients each, and pruritus in one (1.5%) patient.Conclusion: Low-dose Sofosbuvir and full-dose Daclatasvir are safe and effective in treating CHC in patients with CKD with eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and severe hyponatremia always pose a challenge to manage. It is necessary to correct biochemical parameters, advanced azotemia, and fluid overload with conventional haemodialysis (HD) but it may correct serum sodium (Na) rapidly resulting in neurological complications like seizures and osmotic demyelination syndrome. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is an ideal modality to manage such patients. However, most of the centers in the developing or underdeveloped nations do not have CRRT facility. We present two cases of ESRD, who had advanced azotemia requiring dialysis, also had persistent vomiting and severe hyponatremia (one with Na 107, another with Na 109 mEq/L), both cases were managed with conventional HD using dialysate Na concentration of 128 mEq/L (lowest permissible level of Na in a traditional HD machine) and keeping the blood flow of 50 mL/min. The serum Na increased by 1 mEq/L/h during first HD session, during the next session blood flow increased to 100 mL/min, and serum Na increased by two mEq/L/h. At the end of 48 hours, we were able to successfully correct serum Na by 18 mEq/L, with complete resolution of uremic manifestations and no neurological deficits. The current reports highlight management of hyponatremia in newly diagnosed ESRD in a cost limited setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]