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INTRODUCTION Numerous studies have demonstrated that end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have high myocardial fibrosis (MF) levels. Circulating fibrocytes are bone marrow-derived circulating mesenchymal progenitors, and new evidence suggests a vital role for fibrocytes in the development of MF. This study aimed to investigate whether fibrocyte levels are elevated in patients undergoing HD and its influence factors. METHODS We carried out a flow cytometry analysis to measure the proportion of peripheral blood circulating fibrocytes in a cohort of 126 healthy control individuals and 161 subjects with HD. Cardiac function and morphology were assessed by electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiogram. FINDINGS Compared to healthy controls, individuals with ESRD had significantly higher levels of circulating fibrocytes. There was a strong correlation between the frequency of fragmented QRS (fQRS) and circulating fibrocytes in HD patients. Furthermore, higher fibrocytes correlated to increasing age, dialysis age, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and hypertension complication. On multivariate analysis, the dialysis age [odds ratio (OR) 1.011, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.003-1.019, p = 0.006], LVMI (OR 1.012, 95% CI 1.002-1.022, p = 0.016), hypertension (OR 4.303, 95% CI 1.129-16.406, p = 0.033), and fQRS (OR 2.439, 95% CI 1.049-5.262, p = 0.038) were significant independent predictors of fibrocytes percentage. DISCUSSION We concluded that bone marrow-derived circulating fibrocytes were significantly increased in ESRD patients with HD compared with controls. Our data suggested that these cells might play essential roles during MF in HD patients.

INTRODUCTION Oxidative stress is considered as important actor in uremia-associated morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin D supplementation on oxidative stress parameters in this group. METHODS This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on HD patients who were randomly allocated into intervention (n = 40) or control groups (n = 38) for 10 weeks. Blood samples were taken before and at the end of the trial to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Data were analyzed using SPSS, and P value

Introduction Heterotopic vascular calcification is a common complication of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Galectin 3 (Gal-3) has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular calcification. The current study aims to explore the potential predictive value of serum Gal-3 for severe abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and AAC progression in MHD patients. Methods A prospective cohort who underwent hemodialysis during July 2014 at the Blood Purification Center of Ruijin Hospital were followed up for 3 years. Two AAC assessments were performed: one at baseline and one after the 3-year follow-up period. Serum Gal-3 was detected with quantitative ELISA kits. SPSS 23.0 and MedCalc 11.4.2.0 were used to analyze the data. Findings One hundred and fifty-two patients were recruited. Approximately 59.9% were male, the median age was 60 (50-67) years. Logistic regression analysis indicated that serum Gal-3 was an independent risk factor for both follow-up severe AAC and AAC progression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed significant prognostic value of serum Gal-3 for predicting severe AAC and AAC progression within 3 years. Discussion We found serum Gal-3 is correlated to vascular calcification in ESRD patients. Gal-3 may be a potential biomarker of vascular calcification for MHD patients.

BACKGROUND The number of patients on dialysis has significantly increased worldwide. However, prospective studies estimating the cost of hemodialysis (HD) in sub-Saharan Africa remain scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the direct cost of treating end stage renal disease. Determinants of additional direct cost were also assessed. METHODS This study is an analytical, prospective study of cost performed at two HD centers in Kinshasa for a period of 3 months among HD patients enrolled consecutively. The cost analyzed includes only expenditures: consultation, HD session, drugs, comorbidities, laboratory tests, and imaging. Transportation, patient hospitalization, and indirect costs are not taken into account. The determinants of the additional direct cost of HD are identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. P

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is extremely rare in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We report a case of a 71-year-old man with ESRD presented with progressive left limb weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spinal cervical SEH involving C3-5 level. The patient received emergent decompression laminectomy with the evacuation of the epidural hematoma.

Introduction Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) experience frequent hemodialysis (HD) complications. Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common complication presenting in approximately between 20 and 50% of HD sessions. Available interventions such as volume replacement or vasoactive medications are associated with significant side effects. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) has been proposed as a feasible intervention for the prevention of IDH, treatment of peripheral arterial disease and venous ulcers. These devices apply intermittent pressure to the legs improving arterial blood flow, mobilization of pooled blood with an increase in venous return increasing the effective circulatory volume. Our goal was to identify the published clinical evidence on whether IPC has a circulatory benefit and is it well-tolerated among patients receiving HD. Methods We conducted a systematic review to identify studies assessing the efficacy and safety of IPC in patients with ESRD. Our primary outcome was IDH. Secondary outcomes such as HD comfort, ultrafiltration volume, and physical activity were collected. No restrictions where used and we included all observational and interventional studies. Two reviewers performed screening and study quality assessment. Findings We included seven studies. Out of the seven studies, five addressed IDH, and the rest were included for secondary outcomes such as physical capacity and HD comfort. In one randomized crossover trial comparing exercise against IPC, 21 patients were randomized to 3 different arms (no intervention, cycling, IPC) a decrease in the rates of IDH with IPC was described (43%, 38%, and 24% respectively P = 0.014). The smaller studies corroborated these results. All studies where at high risk of bias. Discussion IPC might offer significant benefits for patients undergoing HD not limited to prevention of IDH but also improvement of hemodialysis comfort and physical capacity. However, our results should be interpreted in the context of its limitations.

It has been shown that patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have an increased risk for changes in intraocular pressure during hemodialysis, or ocular dialysis disequilibrium which can cause pain or discomfort during treatment and lead to decreased vision over time. This is a case of an elderly male with ESRD who was having headaches, nausea, and eye pain during hemodialysis due to increased intraocular pressures. Using a higher sodium prescription resolved his symptoms and normalized his intraocular pressures. This case illustrates that modification in dialysate tonicity can decrease changes in intraocular pressures while patients are on hemodialysis, a vision saving consideration for patients.

INTRODUCTION Patients with end-stage renal disease are burdened by a complex medication regimen, but little is known about the belief about medicine among dialysis- and renal transplant (RTX) patients. Patients' beliefs about medicines may influence drug adherence and thereby affect morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to assess the beliefs about medicine in dialysis as well as after RTX. METHODS In a prospective study, 301 dialysis patients were followed for up to 5.5 years during which time 142 had been transplanted. Out of the transplanted patients, 110 were eligible for inclusion. The Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire (BMQ) was used to assess the beliefs in dialysis and after transplantation. BMQ in dialysis was also compared to that of the general Norwegian population (n = 426). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed with BMQ subscales as dependent variables and sociodemographic and clinical data as independent variables. FINDINGS Median age in dialysis was 62 (IQR 50-73) years, 66.1% were male and 80.7% were treated with hemodialysis. When in dialysis, 98.2% strongly believed their medications were necessary, while 34.4% reported strong concerns. Furthermore, 17.3% believed their medications to be harmful and 38.6% believed that doctors overprescribed medicines. The Necessity-concern differential had a positive score in 92.6% of the patients. Follow-up time was 55 (IQR 50-59) months. After transplantation, there was an increase in the patient-reported necessity of medication (21.9 ± 2.7 vs. 23.8 ± 1.9, P < 0.001) compared to while in dialysis. Correlations were found between patient beliefs and education, age, and depression. DISCUSSION Although positive beliefs about medicines increase after transplantation, concerns are high in both dialysis and after RTX. Implementing the BMQ routinely in the clinical evaluation of dialysis- and RTX patients may help to identify patients with increased risk for medical nonadherence.

Skin manifestations are commonly seen in end stage renal disease (ESRD). Skin involvement in this population can be extensive and dramatically worsen quality of life. Close observation of the skin and nails of ESRD patients by clinicians allows for timely diagnosis and treatment, which ultimately improves quality of life and reduces mortality. In this article we focus on the cutaneous changes most commonly seen in ESRD patients. PubMed/Medline database search was done for published literature on skin manifestations in ESRD patients. All the available literature was reviewed and relevant articles were used to discuss about clinical features, pathogenesis, histology and treatment of each skin disorder in ESRD patients. Most commonly encountered skin manifestations in patients with ESRD are pruritus, xerosis, pigmentation changes, nail changes, perforating disorders, calcifying disorders, bullous dermatoses and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Skin manifestations in ESRD can be difficult to treat and multiple comorbidities in this patient population can exacerbate these disorders. Many of the treatment options are experimental with evidence largely derived from the case reports and small clinical trials. More large-scale trials are needed to firmly establish evidence based treatment guidelines. Prompt evaluation and management of these disorders improve morbidity and quality of life in ESRD patients.

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant health problem in developing countries. There are limited data on TB among end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance dialysis in India. Clinical profile and outcome of TB in dialysis were studied. Methods Retrospective study of ESRD patients who were on maintenance dialysis (either peritoneal dialysis [PD] or hemodialysis (HD]) and diagnosed to have TB over a period of 11 years. Findings Thirty-two patients had a diagnosis of TB. Mean age of the patients was 50.3 ±13.9 years. The majority (56.2%) of the patients were female. The modality of dialysis was HD in 53.1% and PD in 46.9%. Mean duration of dialysis at the diagnosis of TB was 15.1 ± 13.9 months. Over three-quarter of the patients had an extrapulmonary involvement. Pleuro-pulmonary (40.6%), peritoneum (34.4%), and lymph node (15.6%) were the most common sites for TB. About 6.3%patients had disseminated TB, and 3.1% had pericardial TB. The clinical presentation of TB was: fever/pyrexia of unknown origin 28.1%, constitutional symptoms of anorexia, fever, night sweats and weight loss 34.4%, abnormal chest radiograph 37.5%, ascites/peritonitis 34.4%, pleural effusion 25%, lymphadenopathy 18.8%, meningoencephalitis 6.3%, and pericardial effusion 3.1%. Peritoneal TB presented as nonresolving peritonitis in PD and ascites in HD. The diagnosis was a microbiological/histological in 50% and rest 50% only on clinical grounds. Nine (29%) patients had adverse effects of anti-TB drugs. Four patients of TB peritonitis had a poor gastrointestinal tolerance of anti-TB drugs and defaulted on the treatment and had an adverse outcome. About 53.1% of the patients survived, and 46.9% died. Discussion TB in dialysis is mostly extrapulmonary. Early diagnosis is difficult, and the adverse effects of anti-TB medications complicate the treatment. TB in dialysis carries high morbidity and mortality. TB peritonitis has a poor prognosis.

INTRODUCTION As a psychosocial dyad, couples are greatly challenged by end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal replacement therapies are highly demanding and involve lifelong restrictions and readjustments that sometimes translate into profound changes in couples' routines. However, little is known about the experiences of these couples with this condition. This study examined the experiences of couples living with ESRD. METHODS A qualitative exploratory study was conducted with a purposive sample. Semistructured dyadic interviews were conducted with 12 patients (65.1 ± 12.8 years old; eight males) undergoing in-center hemodialysis for 18.6 (±13.3) months and their spouses (60.3 ± 11.2 years old; seven females). The interviews were digitally audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and submitted to thematic analysis by two independent researchers. FINDINGS The findings from the dyadic perspective were conceptualized into two major themes: negative impacts (emotional distress, constraints on leisure and daily activities, impacts on couples' dynamics, and difficulties in meal planning) and unmet needs (educational, relational, financial, instrumental, and supportive needs). DISCUSSION The findings suggested that ESRD has several negative impacts that are related to the reported unmet needs, which might difficult couples' psychosocial adjustment to the condition. Both partners may benefit from educational and supportive interventions that address their needs, targeting the couple as a unit. Recognizing ESRD as a family condition is crucial for the development of innovative family-based interventions that can promote couples' healthy adjustment to the disease.

Pathological renal mass is uncommon in children. It is important to differentiate this from a benign mass or mass-like lesion (pseudomass) for proper management. Renal dysplasia is a common finding in patients with end stage renal disease and can mimic a renal mass. Here, we report a 16-year-old girl on hemodialysis who was found to have a nodular right renal mass in the sonogram. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the nodular mass. She underwent right nephrectomy and the histopathology revealed features of renal dysplasia and end stage kidney disease without any evidence of malignancy. No further treatments were necessary. This case demonstrates that a nodular renal mass in dialysis patients does not always mean malignancy and could be a pseudomass from severe renal dysplasia. Since a sonogram may not be able to clearly define the etiology of solid mass in these patients, further evaluations including a renal histology and/or other imaging modalities are often necessary.

Introduction Identifying the appropriate modality between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an unresolved issue in polycystic kidney disease (PKD) patients. This study aims to illustrate whether the mortality and survival are different among individuals receiving HD comparing PD. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure about cohort studies involving PKD patients with end stage renal disease and comparing HD with PD. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous data. Primary outcomes were the mortality and survival (not the technique survival). Findings Eight studies involving 7685 PKD patients were identified. There were no significant differences in mortality (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.84-1.34, P = 0.61) and 5-year survival rate (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.80-1.22, P = 0.90) between HD and PD. PD was not associated with higher risks of abdominal infections and hernia. However, HD was associated with a higher incidence of renal cyst hemorrhage (RR 2.53, 95% CI 1.05-6.12, P = 0.04). Discussion There are no significant differences of mortality and survival between different dialysis modalities in PKD. PD may be as successful as HD for PKD patients receiving renal replacement therapy.

Metastatic pulmonary calcification (MPC) was seen in 79% of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during autopsy. However, it is not commonly diagnosed in vivo. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood. We report a retrospective series of 5 cases of MPC from a single center in Singapore. MPC were diagnosed using radiological or histological features. Mean onset of MPC from diagnosis of ESRD was 22.6 ± 3.1 years. One patient remains asymptomatic. Four patients died, one was related to MPC. All patients had calcifications at the lung apices on radiological studies. Three patients with MPC were diagnosed based on radiological features while 2 had histological features. Four patients underwent parathyroidectomy without radiological changes before parathyroidectomy. Median intact parathyroid hormone of this series was 5.6 pmol/L (IQR 1.3-139.4), alkaline phosphatase 74 U/L (IQR 62-461), calcium 2.10 mmol/L (IQR 1.85-2.40), and phosphate 1.30 mmol/L (IQR 0.87-1.63). The observed low iPTH suggests that MPC might occur in low iPTH. Our case series showed MPC might occur in low iPTH after parathyroidectomy, in contrast to existing literature that suggests MPC is diagnosed in patients with elevated iPTH. Parathyroidectomy does not prevent MPC.

A substantial body of literature has unequivocally established that prevalent hepatitis C virus infection in chronic kidney disease (CKD), end stage renal disease (ESRD) and kidney transplant recipients is associated with a negative impact on patient survival. As a consequence of remarkable work that explained the details of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome, a class of drugs referred to as the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents were developed that targeted specific key sites in viral replication. Large clinical trials in the HCV-infected general population followed soon after that demonstrated cure rates exceeding 95%. Treatment paradigms have been further refined and expanded to populations of patients that were initially excluded from the large pivotal trials. This includes the CKD and ESRD patients for whom there are now safe and effective DAAs available as well. In this context, the focus of decision making has shifted from initially demonstrating safety and efficacy to now identifying which patient should receive therapy and at what point in their CKD/ESRD journey. The specific issue of timing of treatment is particularly relevant to the HCV-infected ESRD patient who is being considered for kidney transplantation. The option of treating with DAAs prior to the transplant or alternatively delaying therapy and treating in the posttransplant period will be influenced by several factors, including patient preference, the extent of liver injury, the availability of a living or deceased donor, and more recently the option of transplanting a kidney from HCV-positive donor. The latter has been associated with the advantage of shortened waiting times and expansion of the organ donor pool. The optimal timing and choice of therapy will be the result of a decision that has been individualized for each patient as a consequence of a process of clear communication involving the patient, primary care physician, nephrologist, gastroenterologist (GI)/hepatologist, and local transplant center.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common problem in patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality and lower quality of life. The major causes of HCV-associated mortality are liver and cardiovascular-related death. HCV-infected HD patients have a higher prevalence of inflammation-related metabolic and vascular diseases, leading to high rates of cardiovascular mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. In the current era of highly effective direct-acting antiviral regimens, HCV treatment may also confer hepatic, cardiovascular and other morbidity and mortality benefits even to dialysis-dependent patients who do not qualify for kidney transplantation. Currently, the most accepted regimens in this patient population include elbasvir/grazoprevir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir.

Author(s): Tayebi Khosroshahi, Hamid; Vaziri, Nosratola D; Abedi, Behzad; Asl, Bahlol Habibi; Ghojazadeh, Morteza; Jing, Wanghui; Vatankhah, Amir Mansur | Abstract: INTRODUCTION:Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress play a central role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and numerous other complications of CKD. Recent studies demonstrated that consumption of a diet enriched with amylose (HAM-RS2), attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation, and improves intestinal microbiome in CKD rats. The present study was designed to explore the effect of dietary amylose supplementation in hemodialysis patients. METHODS:Forty-six stable hemodialysis patients were randomized to receive biscuits containing 20 g/day during the first four weeks and 25 g/day in the next four weeks of either HAM-RS2 or wheat-flour. Fasting predialysis blood samples obtained before, during and at the end of trial were processed for biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. FINDINGS:There was no significant difference in baseline clinical or biochemical parameters between the two groups. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and malondialdehyde declined significantly (P l 0.05) in the HAM-RS2-treated group but remained unchanged in the placebo-treated group. No significant difference was observed in serum Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and hs-CRP concentrations and total antioxidant activity between two groups. Serum urea and creatinine concentrations significantly declined and severity of constipation improved in HAM-RS2-treated patients (P l 0.05). HAM-RS2 consumption was well tolerated and did not cause discernible side effects. DISCUSSION:Administration of HAM-RS2 for eight weeks significantly reduced levels of inflammatory and oxidative markers in hemodialysis patients confirming the results observed in CKD animals. Long term trials are needed to explore the impact of HAM-RS2 supplementation on clinical outcomes in end stage renal disease population.

Nepal's Ministry of Health began offering free lifetime hemodialysis (HD) in 2016. There has been a large growth in renal replacement therapy (RRT) services offered in Nepal since 2010, when the last known data on the subject was published. In 2016, 42 HD centers existed (223% increase since 2010) serving 1975 end stage renal disease patients (303% increase since 2010); 36 nephrologists were registered (200% increase since 2010), 12 were trained in transplantation, and 790 transplants had been performed to date. We estimate the incidence of end stage renal disease to be 2900 patients (100 per million population). With an annual cost of approximately US$2300 per dialysis patient, offering free dialysis could potentially cost the government US$6.7 million per year, suggesting that 2.1% of the annual health budget would be allocated to 0.01% of the population. The geographic zone surrounding the capital city, Kathmandu, contains 50% of HD centers, but only 14.5% of Nepal's population. Forty-eight percent of the population lives within zones without HD service, therefore infrastructure challenges exist in providing equitable access to RRT. The aim of this article is to summarize the current statistics of RRT in Nepal.

BACKGROUND The long-term results of surgical parathyroidectomy (PTX) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are less well known in the modern era of newer activated vitamin-D analogs, calcimimetics and intraoperative monitoring of parathyroid hormone (PTH). METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of all ESRD patients undergoing PTX at the University of Mississippi Medical Center between January 2005 and August 2011, with follow-up data as available up to 4 years. All PTXs were performed with intraoperative second-generation PTH monitoring and targeted gland size reduction. RESULTS The cohort (N = 37) was relatively young with a mean (±SD) age of 48.4 ± 13.9. 94.6% of the subjects were African American and 59.5% female. Preoperatively, 45.9% received cinacalcet (CNC) at a mean dose of 63.5 ± 20.9 mg. The size of the largest removed glands measured 1.7 ± 0.8 cm and almost all (94.6%) glands had hyperplasia on histology. The mean length of inpatient stay was 5.5 ± 2.4 days. Preoperative calcium/phosphorus measured 9.6 ± 1.2/6.6 ± 1.7 mg/dL with PTH concentrations of 1589 ± 827 pg/mL. Postoperative PTH values measured 145.4 ± 119.2 pg/mL. Preoperative PTH strongly correlated (P

The occurrence of the autoimmune blistering disease, bullous pemphigoid (BP), in patients with failed renal allograft is rare and the few reported cases suggest various provocative factors without reaching a consensus. Here we report the case of a patient presenting with bullous lesions soon after the complete discontinuation of immunosuppressant therapy following renal allograft failure. Skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of BP. Administration of systemic corticosteroid controlled the occurrence of BP lesions in our patient. Increased clinical suspicion is warranted in cases of patients with renal transplant failure, since withdrawal of the immunosuppressant therapy could lead to unmasking the underlying autoimmune skin disease.

Pain management in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is a complex and challenging task to accomplish, and effective pain and symptom control improves quality of life. Pain is prevalent in more than 50% of hemodialysis patients and up to 75% of these patients are treated ineffectively due to its poor recognition by providers. A good history for PQRST factors and intensity assessment using visual analog scale are the initial steps in the management of pain followed by involvement of palliative care, patient and family counseling, discussion of treatment options, and correction of reversible causes. First line should be conservative management such as exercise, massage, heat/cold therapy, acupuncture, meditation, distraction, music therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Analgesics are introduced according to WHO guidelines (by the mouth, by the clock, by the ladder, for the individual, and attention to detail) using three-step analgesic ladder model. Neuropathic pain can be controlled by gabapentin and pregabalin. Substitution/addition of opioid analgesics are indicated if pain control is not optimal. Commonly used opioids in ESRD patients are tramadol, oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, methadone, and buprenorphine. Methadone, fentanyl, and buprenorphine are the ideal analgesics in ESRD. However, complex pain syndrome requires multidrug analgesic regimen comprising opioids, non-opioids, and adjuvant medication, which should be individualized to the patient to achieve adequate pain control.

Dialysis dose is an important determinant of clinical outcomes in patients with end stage renal disease on maintenance dialysis. In clinical practice dialysis dose is monitored at least monthly by urea clearance based on Urea Kinetic Modeling. Online clearance monitoring using effective ionic dialysance (EID) of sodium (Na+ ) is available on some hemodialysis machines. This paper reviews the background, methodology, additional applications, and potential risks associated with EID. Effective ionic dialysance provides a reliable, real-time, noninvasive, and inexpensive measurement of dialysis dose during an ongoing hemodialysis (HD) session to allow interventions and assess the impact of these changes on clearance. Surveillance of vascular access flow rates can be used to screen for access dysfunction and refer for interventions. There is a concern that EID measurements may cause Na+ loading because of high dialysate Na+ used during these measurements, however, mathematical models, in vitro experiments, and clinical studies in patients on maintenance HD do not show any evidence of Na+ loading during EID measurements. We cannot rule out the possibility of nonosmotic Na+ accumulation in the skin because no published literature exists on this topic as it pertains to clearance measurements based on EID of Na+ .

Introduction Spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage (SPH) or Wunderlich syndrome, is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. It is characterized by an unexpected bleeding in the kidneys and usually presents as an abdominal pain. Angiography and more recently selective renal arterial embolization are emerging as effective modalities for the diagnosis and treatment of SPH. In this article, we report a total of three cases of SPH in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods This is the experience of diagnosis and treatment of SPH in HD patients. Findings All three were female, between 37 and 54 years of age and were undergoing HD for end stage renal disease (ESRD). Two of patients presented with left flank or abdominal pain after termination of HD therapy, while the third patient presented with left abdominal pain during the dialysis session. All patients received anti-coagulation therapy for HD, but no abnormal levels of coagulation index were found. These patients were diagnosed using CT and two of them were diagnosed with acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD). Selective renal arterial embolization was performed in the case of active bleeding. Discussion We are aware that HD patients have elevated risk of bleeding related complications, additionally the presence of an acute abdominal pain increases the suspicion of SPH as a possible cause. ACKD can be considered one of the possible risk factors for SPH in long-term HD patients. Interventional treatment for kidney injury is useful and safe for active bleeding in most cases.

INTRODUCTION Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in end stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with increased mortality. Recently, numerous directly acting antiviral agents have been approved for the management of HCV. Ledipasvir along with Sofosbuvir has been approved for management of genotype 1 infection in patients with eGFR ≥30 mL/min. However, there is paucity of data regarding its role in the management of patients on dialysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a single center prospective open label observational study to assess the safety and efficacy of Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir in hemodialysis (HD) patients who were diagnosed with HCV genotype 1 infection. Eligibility criteria were treatment naive HD patients with normal liver histology. We administered Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir combination tablet on alternate days for a period of 12 weeks. Primary efficacy end point was the assessment of sustained virological response (SVR12), and the safety end point was the discontinuation of therapy secondary to adverse drug effects. RESULTS A total of 21 patients were treated with this regimen. Two patients expired during the study period and are not related to the therapy. SVR12 was achieved in all the 19 patients. None of the patients in our study discontinued the therapy or had severe adverse drug effects. One patient had head ache and another patient had giddiness which were managed symptomatically. CONCLUSION Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir combination therapy on alternate days, is effective even in ESRD patients, with excellent SVR12 rates, and it is as safe as in other population groups, without any major adverse reactions.

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) 499 is an evolutionarily conserved muscle-specific miRNA that is encoded by an intron of the myh7 gene and is likely to play a role in myosin gene regulation. It has been shown to be involved in inhibiting apoptosis and myocardial infarction induced by ischemia and anoxia. It is unknown whether levels of miRNAs are affected in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess circulating levels of miRNA 499 in hemodialysis patients and whether the levels are affected by dialyzer membranes (high flux vs. low flux). Methods: The studied population consisted of 32 end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients (22 males and 10 females) with age ranged from 38% to 75% years on regular hemodialysis (4 hours, 3 times weekly) for at least 1 year duration with cardiovascular events in the last 6 months and 32 healthy controls (20 males and 12 females) with an age range from 54 to 60 years. Patients were involved into a two-stage sequential study; high-flux hemodialysis stage (stage I), then low-flux hemodialysis stage (stage II). Expressed levels of plasma miRNA 499 have been measured by Real Time-PCR. Lipid profile, serum phosphorus, serum calcium, serum creatinine, and blood urea were measured in all patients. Results: In this study, 2 patients with an open-heart surgery showed highly elevation in the miRNA 499, while the other patients, showing different degrees of ischemia, had different levels of elevated miRNA 499. Statistically significant higher levels of miRNA 499 in plasma were observed in all the studied patients with cardiovascular diseases compared to the levels of miRNA 499 found in healthy controls (P

A 60-year-old African American man with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis (HD) for the past 2.5 years developed severe hyperparathyroidism. Other past medical history included atrial fibrillation, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, gout, pericardial effusion needing pericardial window, deep vein thrombosis, mitral insufficiency, and cardiomyopathy with implantable cardioversion device placement. His parathyroid hormone (PTH) level peaked at 4,191 pg/mL despite being on cinacalcet, sevelamer, and paricalcitol. He underwent a subtotal parathyroidectomy in January 2015, after which his PTH levels dropped to 184 pg/mL. Approximately 4 weeks later he developed extensive, painful necrotic skin lesions in both his lower extremities and buttocks, suggestive of calciphylaxis which was confirmed by tissue biopsy. The patient was treated with elaborate wound care, wound debridements, increased dialysis dose, and IV sodium thiosulfate (STS) during hemodialysis. Besides STS, he was treated with narcotics, gabapentin, topical lidocaine on intact skin, and oral steroids for pain control. Even though his lesions improved initially, he deteriorated due to recurrent sepsis, respiratory failure, and prolonged hospitalization which culminated in stopping dialysis before he passed away. Calciphylaxis, or calcific uremic arteriolopathy, is a life-threatening complication of end stage renal disease. Treatment of this condition is multidisciplinary which includes elaborate wound care, increasing dialysis dose, and discontinuing vitamin D supplements and calcium containing phosphate binders. Even though STS has been recommended off-label, several studies have shown promising results with resolution of lesions. Thus, sodium thiosulfate has become the mainstay of treatment. Parathyroidectomy is a recommended modality of treatment in those with high PTH levels. Our case was unique in that calciphylaxis developed after subtotal parathyroidectomy. We believe that this is due to a decreased PTH level and decreasing bone turnover which resulted in more circulating calcium facilitating vascular and soft tissue calcification. The exact mechanism of developing calciphylaxis after parathyroidectomy is unknown. Even though parathyroidectomy is an effective treatment for calciphylaxis, clinicians should be aware that it can rarely present after parathyroidectomy.

Introduction: We first described the syndrome of rapid onset end stage renal disease (SORO-ESRD), acute yet irreversible renal failure, in 2010. Objective: The impact of SORO-ESRD renal allograft survival remains speculative and we plan to study this question. Methods: A retrospective analysis of individual adult patient-level serum creatinine trajectories of ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis for >90 days at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 2001–2013. Results: Of 1461 ESRD patients, 149 (10%) patients including 13 renal transplant recipients (RTRs) satisfied the diagnosis of SORO-ESRD - 4 males, 9 females, 12 Caucasians/one other, age 45 (18–83) years. Serum creatinine was 1.4 (0.8–1.7) mg/dL in the last year before hemodialysis initiation. Initial hemodialysis access was a dialysis catheter in all 13 patients. AKI precipitating SORO-ESRD followed acute rejection (4), postoperative (2), tubulo-interstitial nephritis (2), unknown (2), infection/sepsis (1), contrast nephropathy (1), BKV nephropathy (1), and cardio-renal syndrome (1). Renal allograft survival was 1469 (277–4939) days (4 years). Renal allograft biopsies were available in 9/14 (69%) RTRs - Four showed acute rejection, two of which followed interruption of immunosuppression, three revealed acute tubular necrosis and four others also showed chronic transplant glomerulopathy. Time on hemodialysis was 856 (129–1630) days (2.4 years). 5/13 RTRs with SORO-ESRD (38%) died - 3 (60%) following cardiac arrest, 2 (40%) after stopping hemodialysis. 4/13 (31%) were re-transplanted in the period of this study. Conclusion: SORO-ESRD contributed significantly to late renal allograft loss and return to hemodialysis with 100% initial dialysis catheter rate. Potentially preventable causes of AKI leading to SORO-ESRD were identified. The application of experience gained from such studies would help reduce late renal allograft loss and the need for re-transplantation. This would further help reduce the yawning gap between need and availability of donor kidney organs both here in the United States and around the world. Larger studies are warranted.

Hemodialysis catheters are associated with higher risks of complications compared to arteriovenous fistulas and grafts. Some common complications of dialysis catheters include infection, thrombus formation, central venous stenosis, and mechanical dysfunction. Rarely, catheters can become firmly adhered to a vessel wall. Catheter adhesion is a serious complication that can impact the delivery of safe and effective dialysis to affected patients. Adherent catheters commonly present insidiously with no overt diagnostic signs and symptoms or antecedent catheter malfunction. Prognosis is variable, but can be potentially fatal depending on the severity of adhesion, and sequelae of complications. There are no standardized methods of therapy and treatment strategies are anecdotally reported by interventional radiology, vascular, and cardiothoracic surgery. We hereby describe a case of hemodialysis catheter that has become firmly embedded within the superior vena cava wall. We review the available literature on the epidemiology, risk factors, long-term sequelae, and known management strategies of adherent catheters. The development of preventative measures will be of great importance given serious complications and limited treatment options. Clinical awareness and understanding of this rare condition is imperative to the prevention and management of adherent catheters.

Advanced mechanical circulatory support is increasingly being used with more sophisticated devices that can deliver pulsatile rather than continuous flow. These devices are more portable as well, allowing patients to await cardiac transplantation in an outpatient setting. It is known that patients with renal failure are at increased risk for developing worsening acute kidney injury during implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) or more advanced modalities like a total artificial heart (TAH). Dealing with patients who have an implanted TAH who develop renal failure has been a challenge with the majority of such patients having to await a combined cardiac and renal transplant prior to transition to outpatient care. Protocols do exist for VAD implanted patients to be transitioned to outpatient dialysis care, but there are no reported cases of TAH patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) being successfully transitioned to outpatient dialysis care. In this report, we identify a patient with a TAH and ESRD transitioned successfully to outpatient hemodialysis and maintained for more than 2 years, though he did not survive to transplant. It is hoped that this report will raise awareness of this possibility, and assist in the development of protocols for similar patients to be successfully transitioned to outpatient dialysis care.

Introduction: In France in 2014, there were approximately 1500 patients of reproductive age treated by dialysis. Pregnancy in these patients remains rare, however, the incidence has increased since the 2000s, with a parallel increase in the fetal survival rate. We report 2 cases of pregnancy in short-daily home hemodialysis using low dialysate flow rate. Methods: Short-daily hemodialysis was continued at the request of the patients. The treatment consisted in an increase of frequency and duration of hemodialysis sessions, an independent blood pressure and dry weight control supervised by nephrological monitoring twice a month and a regular obstetrics follow-up. Findings: Both patients continued hemodialysis at home until delivery and gave birth to 2 moderately premature babies, without other complication and resumed short-daily home hemodialysis fastly after delivery. Conclusion: Short-daily hemodialysis using low dialysate flow rate during pregnancy seems to allow a good control of uremia and blood pressure without requiring a major increase of weekly dialysis duration. Therefore, it could become an alternative to other hemodialysis programs while allowing the patients to continue their treatment at home. However, other studies are necessary in order to define the position of this procedure during pregnancy.

Background: Gender disparities had been noted in the care of women with end stage renal disease (ESRD) in the early 2000's, including less frequent initiation of hemodialysis utilizing a fistula but more recent data have not been examined and underlying factors have not been extensively studied. Study design: Data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) were examined, including 202,999 hemodialysis patients. Only those who had received prior nephrology care were included. Multiple logistic regression was used, adjusted for possible confounders, including age, race, cause of ESRD, BMI, height, history of alcohol or drug abuse, medical comorbidities, ability to ambulate, time of nephrology care, type of insurance, and ESRD network. Results: The odds of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) use at initiation of hemodialysis were significantly lower in women compared to men (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.67-0.71, P

The delicate balance of risk vs. benefit of using antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents in the general population is well established. The decision to use these agents in the end stage renal disease (ESRD) population remains complex and difficult. The concomitant association of a prothombotic state with high risk of bleeding in the ESRD population requires individualization and careful clinical judgment before implementing such therapy. There remains a paucity of clinical trials and lack of substantial evidence in literature for safe and effective use of antithrombotic drugs in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. The current review summarizes the pros and cons of using antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, evaluate the risks with routine use of anticoagulation for cerebrovascular stroke prevention with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and role of newer oral anticoagulants as alternate agents in the dialysis population.