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Quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is impaired by a large burden of symptoms including some that overlap with the symptoms of heart failure (HF). We studied a group of individual with CKD to understand the patterns and trajectories of HF-type symptoms in this setting.Prospective cohort study.3,044 participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) without prior diagnosis of HF.Sociodemographics, medical history, medications, vital signs, laboratory values, echocardiographic and EKG parameters.Trajectory over 5.5 years of a HF-type symptom score (modified Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ] Overall Summary Score with a range of 0-100 where75 reflects clinically significant symptoms).Latent class mixed models were used to model trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression was used to model relationships of predictors with trajectory group membership.Five trajectories of KCCQ score were identified in the cohort of 3,044 adults, 45% of whom were female, and whose median age was 61 years. Group 1 (41.7%) had a stable high score (minimal symptoms, average score of 96); Groups 2 (35.6%) and 3 (15.6%) had stable but lower scores (mild symptoms, average 81, and clinically significant symptoms, average 52, respectively). Group 4 (4.9%) had a substantial worsening in symptoms over time (mean 31-point decline) and Group 5 (2.2%) had a substantial improvement (mean 33-point increase) in KCCQ score. A majority of Group 1 was male, non-diabetic, non-obese, and had higher baseline kidney function. A majority of Groups 2 and 3 had diabetes and obesity. A majority of Group 4 was male and had substantial proteinuria. Group 5 had the highest proportion of baseline cardiovascular disease (CVD).No validation cohort available, CKD management changes in recent years may alter trajectories, and latent class models depend on the missing at random assumption.Distinct HF-type symptom burden trajectories were identified in the setting of CKD, corresponding to different baseline characteristics. These results highlight the diversity of HF-type symptom experiences in individuals with CKD.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a highly prevalent and important condition in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this review, we summarize the definition of PH, discuss its pathophysiology and classifications, and describe diagnostic and management strategies in patients with CKD, including those with kidney failure treated by kidney replacement therapy. In the general population, PH is classified into 5 groups based on clinical presentation, pathology, hemodynamics, and management strategies. In this classification system, PH in CKD is placed in a diverse group with unclear or multifactorial mechanisms, although underlying cardiovascular disease may account for most cases. CKD may itself directly incite pulmonary circulatory dysfunction and remodeling through uremic toxins, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and altered vasoregulation. Despite several studies describing the higher prevalence of PH in CKD and kidney failure, along with an association with poor outcomes, high-quality evidence is not available for its diagnostic and management strategies in those with CKD. In CKD not requiring kidney replacement therapy, volume management along with treatment of underlying risk factors for PH are critical. In those receiving hemodialysis, options are limited and transition to peritoneal dialysis may be considered if recurrent hypotension precludes optimal volume control.

Rationale & Objective Underlying kidney disease is an emerging risk factor for more severe COVID-19 illness. We examined the clinical courses of critically ill COVID-19 patients with and without pre-existing kidney disease and investigated the association between degree of underlying kidney disease and in-hospital outcomes. Study Design Retrospective cohort study Settings & Participants 4,264 critically ill COVID-19 patients (143 dialysis patients, 521 chronic kidney disease [CKD] patients, and 3,600 patients without CKD) admitted to ICUs at 68 hospitals in the United States. Predictor(s) Presence (versus absence) of pre-existing kidney disease Outcome(s) In-hospital mortality (primary); respiratory failure, shock, ventricular arrhythmia/ cardiac arrest, thromboembolic event, major bleed, and acute liver injury (secondary) Analytical Approach We used standardized differences to compare patient characteristics (values >0.10 indicate a meaningful difference between groups) and multivariable adjusted Fine and Gray survival models to examine outcome associations. Results Dialysis patients had a shorter time from symptom onset to ICU admission compared to other groups (median [quartile 1-quartile 3] days: 4 [2-9] for dialysis patients; 7 [3-10] for CKD patients; 7 [4-10] for patients without pre-existing kidney disease). More dialysis patients (25%) reported altered mental status than those with CKD (20%, standardized difference = 0.12) and no kidney disease (12%, standardized difference = 0.36). Half of dialysis and CKD patients died within 28-days of ICU admission versus 35% of patients without pre-existing kidney disease. Compared to patients without pre-existing kidney disease, dialysis patients had a higher risk of 28-day in-hospital death (adjusted HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.09, 1.81), while patients with CKD had an intermediate risk (adjusted HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.08, 1.44). Limitations Potential residual confounding Conclusions Findings highlight the high mortality of individuals with underlying kidney disease and severe COVID-19, underscoring the importance of identifying safe and effective COVID-19 therapies for this vulnerable population., Individuals with underlying kidney disease may be particularly vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness, marked by multi-system organ failure, thrombosis, and a heightened inflammatory response. Among 4,264 critically ill adults with COVID-19 admitted to 68 intensive care units across the U.S., we found that both chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients had a ∼50% 28-day in-hospital mortality rate. Patients with underlying kidney disease had higher in-hospital mortality than patients without kidney disease, with patients on maintenance dialysis having the highest risk. As evidenced by differences in symptoms and clinical trajectories, patients with pre-existing kidney disease may have unique susceptibility to COVID-19-related complications which warrants additional study and special consideration in the pursuit and development of targeted therapies.