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Background The aim of this study was to determine associations between characteristics of arteriovenous access (AVA) flow volume (Qa; mL/min) and 4-year freedom from cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods HD patients who received a primary AVA between January 2010 and December 2017 in one centre were analysed. Initial Qa was defined as the first Qa value obtained in a well-functioning AVA by a two-needle dilution technique. Actual Qa was defined as access flow at a random point in time. Changes in actual Qa were expressed per 3-month period. CVM was assessed according to the European Renal Association–European Dialysis and Transplant Association classification. The optimal cut-off point for initial Qa was identified by a receiver operating characteristics curve. A joint modelling statistical technique determined longitudinal associations between Qa characteristics and 4-year CVM. Results A total of 5208 Qa measurements (165 patients; 103 male, age 70 ± 12 years, autologous AVA n = 146, graft n = 19) were analysed. During follow-up (December 2010–January 2018, median 36 months), 79 patients (48%) died. An initial Qa Conclusions Studying novel AVA Qa characteristics may contribute to understanding excess CVM in HD patients.

Background The prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is increasing worldwide, with the majority of new ESRD cases diagnosed in patients >60 years of age. These older patients are at increased risk for impaired cognitive functioning, potentially through cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Novel markers of vascular integrity may be of clinical value for identifying patients at high risk for cognitive impairment. Methods We aimed to associate the levels of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), asymmetric dimethylarginine and a selection of eight circulating angiogenic microRNAs (miRNAs) with SVD and cognitive impairment in older patients reaching ESRD that did not yet initiate renal replacement therapy (n = 129; mean age 75.3 years, mean eGFR 16.4 mL/min). We assessed brain magnetic resonance imaging changes of SVD (white matter hyperintensity volume, microbleeds and the presence of lacunes) and measures of cognition in domains of memory, psychomotor speed and executive function in a neuropsychological test battery. Results Older patients reaching ESRD showed an unfavourable angiogenic profile, as indicated by aberrant levels of Ang-2 and five angiogenic miRNAs (miR-27a, miR-126, miR-132, miR-223 and miR-326), compared with healthy persons and patients with diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, Ang-2 was associated with SVD and with the domains of psychomotor speed and executive function, while miR-223 and miR-29a were associated with memory function. Conclusions Taken together, these novel angiogenic markers might serve to identify older patients with ESRD at risk of cognitive decline, as well as provide insights into the underlying (vascular) pathophysiology.

Background Treatment of end-stage kidney disease patients is extremely challenging given the interconnected functional derangements and comorbidities characterizing the disease. Continuous quality improvement (CQI) in healthcare is a structured clinical governance process helping physicians adhere to best clinical practices. The digitization of patient medical records and data warehousing technologies has standardized and enhanced the efficiency of the CQI’s evidence generation process. There is limited evidence that ameliorating intermediate outcomes would translate into better patient-centred outcomes. We sought to evaluate the relationship between Fresenius Medical Care medical patient review CQI (MPR-CQI) implementation and patients’ survival in a large historical cohort study. Methods We included all incident adult patients with 6-months survival on chronic dialysis registered in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region between 2011 and 2018. We compared medical key performance indicator (KPI) target achievements and 2-year mortality for patients enrolled prior to and after MPR-CQI policy onset (Cohorts A and B). We adopted a structural equation model where MPR-CQI policy was the exogenous explanatory variable, KPI target achievements was the mediator variable and survival was the outcome of interest. Results About 4270 patients (Cohort A: 2397; Cohort B: 1873) met the inclusion criteria. We observed an increase in KPI target achievements after MPR-CQI policy implementation. Mediation analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality due to an indirect effect of MPR-CQI implementation through improvement in KPI target achievement occurring in the post-implementation era [odds ratio 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.65–0.76); P Conclusions Our study suggests that MPR-CQI achieved by standardized clinical practice and periodic structured MPR may improve patients’ survival through improvement in medical KPIs.

Background We evaluated the efficacy and safety of roxadustat versus epoetin alfa for the treatment of chronic kidney disease-related anemia in patients new to dialysis. Methods HIMALAYAS was a Phase 3, open-label, epoetin alfa-controlled trial. Eligible adults were incident to hemodialysis/peritoneal dialysis for 2 weeks to ≤4 months prior to randomization and had mean hemoglobin (Hb) ≤10.0 g/dL. Primary endpoints were mean Hb (g/dL) change from baseline averaged over Weeks 28–52 regardless of rescue therapy [non-inferiority criterion: lower limit of 95% confidence interval (CI) for treatment difference >−0.75] and percentage of patients achieving an Hb response between Weeks 1 and 24 censored for rescue therapy (non-inferiority margin for between-group difference −15%). Adverse events were monitored. Results The intent-to-treat population included patients randomized to roxadustat (n = 522) or epoetin alfa (n = 521). Mean (standard deviation) Hb changes from baseline averaged over Weeks 28–52 were 2.57 (1.27) and 2.36 (1.21) in the roxadustat and epoetin alfa groups. Roxadustat was non-inferior [least squares mean difference: 0.18 (95% CI 0.08, 0.29)] to epoetin alfa. Percentages of patients with an Hb response were 88.2% and 84.4% in the roxadustat and epoetin alfa groups, respectively. Roxadustat was non-inferior to epoetin alfa [treatment-group difference 3.5% (95% CI −0.7%, 7.7%)]. Adverse event rates were comparable between treatment groups. Conclusions Roxadustat was efficacious for correcting and maintaining Hb levels compared with epoetin alfa. Roxadustat had an acceptable safety profile.

Background Knowledge of arrhythmias in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is mainly based on ambulatory electrocardiography (ECG) studies and observations during haemodialysis (HD). We used insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) to define the prevalence of arrhythmias, focusing on bradyarrhythmias, in ESRD patients treated with several dialysis modes including home therapies. Moreover, we assessed whether these arrhythmias were detected in baseline or ambulatory ECG recordings. Methods Seventy-one patients with a subcutaneous ICM were followed for up to 3 years. Asystole (≥4.0 s) and bradycardia (heart rate Results At recruitment, 44 patients were treated in in-centre HD, 12 in home HD and 15 in peritoneal dialysis. During a median follow-up of 34.4 months, 18 (25.4%) patients had either an asystolic or a bradycardic episode. The median length of each patient’s longest asystole was 6.6 s and that of a bradycardia 13.5 s. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were detected in 16 (23%) patients, and AF in 34 (51%) patients. In-centre HD and Type II diabetes were significantly more frequent among those with bradyarrhythmias, whereas no bradyarrhythmias were found in home HD. No bradyarrhythmias were evident in baseline or ambulatory ECG recordings. Conclusions Remarkably many patients with ESRD had bradycardia or asystolic episodes, but these arrhythmias were not detected by baseline or ambulatory ECG.

Background South Asian (SA) individuals are more likely to develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but how chronic kidney disease (CKD) differs in relation to demographics, comorbidities and outcomes has not been studied. We aimed to study differences in SA individuals with CKD compared with White individuals. Methods This was an observational CKD cohort comparing SA with White individuals. Inclusion criteria were ≥18 years of age and two or more Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) eGFRs 3 months apart. Individuals with ESRD at baseline were excluded. Baseline characteristics, including eGFR formulae [CKD-EPI and CKD-EPI-Pakistan (CKD-EPI-PK)], were compared. Analysis using competing risk regression for cardiovascular (CV) and ESRD events and Cox proportional hazard model for mortality was performed. Results From an adult population of 277 248 individuals, 17 248 individuals had CKD, of whom 1990 (11.5%) were of SA ethnicity. Age-adjusted prevalence of CKD was similar between ethnicities. SA individuals were more likely to be male, younger and socioeconomically deprived, and to have diabetes mellitus, CV disease and advanced CKD. Mean CKD-EPI-PK eGFR was 6.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 lower (41.1 versus 47.6, 95% confidence interval for difference 6.47–6.56) than for CKD-EPI. During 5 years of follow-up, 5109 (29.6%) individuals died, 2072 (12.0%) had a CV and 156 (0.90%) an ESRD event. Risk for SA individuals was higher for ESRD, similar to CV events and lower for mortality. Each 1 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease in CKD-EPI-PK was associated with a 13.1% increased ESRD risk (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio 0.869, 95% confidence interval 0.841–0.898). Conclusions SA individuals with CKD were younger and had more advanced disease than White individuals. Risk of ESRD was higher and CKD-EPI-PK was associated with ESRD risk in SA individuals. Specific CKD interventions, including the use of CKD-EPI-PK, should be considered in SA populations.

Background Sofosbuvir is not recommended in persons with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) Methods Clinic records were searched to identify treatment-naïve, noncirrhotic adults with acute hepatitis C (HCV viremia and a ≥10-fold elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase activity) and eGFR Results Of the 31 patients with acute hepatitis C, 27 [median age (range): 36 (18–74) years; 20 (74%) male] were started on treatment with 200 mg sofosbuvir and 60 mg daclatasvir daily for 8 weeks, irrespective of HCV genotype. All the 27 completed the planned 8-week treatment. One patient died 10 weeks after completing the treatment of an unrelated cause. All the 27 patients had undetectable HCV RNA after 4 weeks of and at the end of treatment. At 12 weeks after completion of treatment, only one tested HCV RNA positive and 25 were negative, with sustained virological response rate of 25/27 (92.6%) and 25/26 (96.2%) on intention-to-treat and per-protocol basis, respectively. Conclusion Eight-week course of daclatasvir and half-dose sofosbuvir is effective for acute hepatitis C in patients with eGFR

Background In primary hyperoxaluria Type 1 (PH1), endogenous oxalate overproduction significantly elevates urinary oxalate excretion, resulting in recurrent urolithiasis and/or progressive nephrocalcinosis and often early end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In ESRD, dialysis cannot sufficiently remove oxalate; plasma oxalate (Pox) increases markedly, inducing systemic oxalate deposition (oxalosis) and often death. Interventions to reduce Pox in PH1 subjects with ESRD could have significant clinical impact. This ongoing Phase II, open-label trial aimed to evaluate whether long-term Oxabact™ (Oxalobacter formigenes, OC5, OxThera Intellectual Property AB, Sweden) lowers Pox in PH1 ESRD subjects, ameliorating clinical outcome. Methods PH1 ESRD subjects on stable dialysis regimens were examined. Subjects were administered one OC5 capsule twice daily for up to 36 months or until transplantation. Total Pox values, cardiac function and safety were evaluated. Free Pox was evaluated in a comparative non-treated PH1 dialysis group using retrospective chart reviews and analyses. Results Twelve subjects enrolled in an initial 6-week treatment phase. Following a washout of up to 4 weeks, eight subjects entered a continuation study; outcomes after 24 months of treatment are presented. After 24 months, all subjects had reduced or non-elevated Pox compared with baseline. Cardiac function improved, then stabilized. No treatment-related serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions Compared with an untreated natural control cohort, 24 months OC5 administration was beneficial to PH1 ESRD subjects by substantially decreasing Pox concentrations, and improving or stabilizing cardiac function and clinical status, without increasing dialysis frequency. OC5 was safe and well-tolerated.

It is well known from observational studies that sedentary lifestyle and reduced physical activity are common in dialysis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and associate with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Epidemiological studies indicate that CKD patients undergo physical activity ~9 days/month and 43.9% of dialysis patients report not exercising at all. On the basis of awareness about the strong link between sedentary lifestyle and adverse clinical outcomes, the National Kidney Foundation and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes have provided specific recommendations for physical activity in patients with kidney disease. Given the fact that CKD is a public health problem and it is still debated which type of exercise should be prescribed in these patients, this review focuses on the most robust evidence accumulated so far on the beneficial effect of various types of physical exercise on clinical outcomes in CKD and dialysis patients. This review does not treat this very important topic in another CKD category of patients, such as kidney-transplanted patients, for whom a special issue should be dedicated.

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with a higher risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The relative impacts of absolute birth weight, birth weight in relation to gestational age and preterm birth are, however, uncertain. Methods The Medical Birth Registry of Norway has since 1967 recorded data on all births. All patients with ESRD since 1980 have been registered in the Norwegian Renal Registry. Data from these registries were linked. All individuals registered in the Medical Birth Registry were included and the development of ESRD was used as endpoint in Cox regression statistics. LBW and LBW for gestational age [small for gestational age (SGA)] according to the 10th percentiles were used as the main predictor variables. Results Of the 2 679 967 included subjects, 1181 developed ESRD. Compared with subjects without LBW, subjects with LBW had an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for ESRD of 1.61 (1.38–1.98). SGA had an aHR of 1.44 (1.22– 1.70). Further analyses showed that as compared with subjects who had none of the risk factors LBW, SGA and preterm birth, subjects with one risk factor had an aHR of 1.05 (0.84–1.31), subjects with two risk factors had an aHR of 1.67 (1.40–1.98) and subjects with three risk factors had an aHR of 2.96 (1.84–4.76). Conclusions We conclude that LBW was associated with increased risk for ESRD during the first 50 years. Our analyses add to previous knowledge showing that only subjects with at least two of the risk factors LBW, SGA or preterm birth have increased risk.

Background Immune aberrations in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are characterized by systemic inflammation and immune deficiency. The mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon remains limited. Methods We generated 12 981 and 9578 single-cell transcriptomes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) that were pooled from 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with ESRD by single-cell RNA sequencing. Unsupervised clustering and annotation analyses were performed to cluster and identify cell types. The analysis of hallmark pathway and regulon activity was performed in the main cell types. Results We identified 14 leukocytic clusters that corresponded to six known PBMC types. The comparison of cells from ESRD patients and healthy individuals revealed multiple changes in biological processes. We noticed an ESRD-related increase in inflammation response, complement cascade and cellular metabolism, as well as a strong decrease in activity related to cell cycle progression in relevant cell types in ESRD. Furthermore, a list of cell type-specific candidate transcription factors (TFs) driving the ESRD-associated transcriptome changes was identified. Conclusions We generated a distinctive, high-resolution map of ESRD-derived PBMCs. These results revealed cell type-specific ESRD-associated pathways and TFs. Notably, the pooled sample analysis limits the generalization of our results. The generation of larger single-cell datasets will complement the current map and drive advances in therapies that manipulate immune cell function in ESRD.

Background Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is a congenital disorder that is usually asymptomatic, but that increases the risks of kidney stones and infectious disease. However, renal outcomes such as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in patients with HSK remain unclear.MethodsIn total, 146 patients with HSK (age of ≥20 years) from two tertiary hospitals were included in this study. Control individuals who underwent medical check-ups were selected by matching for age, sex, serum creatinine level, hypertension and diabetes. The hazard ratios (HRs) for the risks of ESRD and all-cause mortality were calculated after adjustment for multiple variables.ResultsThe proportions of HSK-related complications for obstruction, kidney stones, urinary tract infection and urogenital cancer were 26, 25, 19 and 4%, respectively. During the median follow-up period of 9 years (maximum 32 years), the incidence of ESRD was 2.6/10 000 person-years. The risk of ESRD in patients with HSK was higher than in control individuals [adjusted HR = 7.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–50.47]. All-cause mortality did not differ between the two groups (adjusted HR = 0.6; 95% CI 0.08–4.29).ConclusionsPatients with HSK are at risk of ESRD, which may be attributable to the high prevalence of complications. Accordingly, these patients should be regarded as having chronic kidney disease and require regular monitoring of both kidney function and potential complications.

Background and Aims According to population registries, the survival of diabetic patients with end-stage-renal disease (ESRD) remains low today. In this context, it is reasonable to develop new therapeutic strategies based on advances in science of the important role of magnesium (Mg) and L-carnitine deficiency (via inflammation and endothelial dysfunction) in mechanisms of cardiovascular remodeling, high morbidity and mortality rates. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Mg and L-carnitine supplementation on 3-year survival and development of the cardiovascular complications in diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Method 48 type 2 diabetic ESRD patients were included in this prospective cohort study (male/female, 29/19; age, 59.9±0.6 years; HD duration, 34.8±4.8 month; diabetes mellitus duration, 174.7±7.1 month). The study was performed in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration of Helsinki last revision. Depending on the treatment programme, patients were divided into two groups: the 1st (main) group (n=24) in addition to basic treatment (hypoglycemic, antihypertensive therapy, according to indications - correction of anemia, hyperparathyroidism, hyperphosphatemia) was treated by combination of magnesium aspartate (0.5 g/day orally) and L-carnitine (1 g/day parenterally after each HD session (three times weekly); the 2nd (comparison) group (n=24) was only on the basic therapy. Complex treatment lasted 12-months; administration of L-carnitine was performed continuously throughout the year, while magnesium aspartate – by three 2-months’ courses/year. The follow up period in both groups was 36 months. Quantitative data are expressed as means±SEM, qualitative ones – as %. Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used to estimate survival of HD patients, χ2-test – to compare the frequency values. Results The cumulative proportion of survivors at the end of follow-up was 60.4%; however, after 36 months, the survival rate of diabetic HD patients who received a combination of magnesium aspartate and L-carnitine as part of their modified treatment was significantly higher (75 vs. 45.8%; Log-rank=2.07, p=0.038) compared to patients who were on basic therapy (Figure). Survival time in main and comparison groups was 31.9±1.7 and 26.4±2.2 months respectively. It is noteworthy, that throughout the year (from 10 to 22 months), no completed events were recorded in subjects who underwent Mg and L-carnitine supplementation. Conclusion (1) The combined use of magnesium aspartate and L-carnitine in addition to the basic 12-month treatment provides an effective reduction of cardiovascular complications and promotes 3-year survival of diabetic HD patients. (2) The results obtained substantiate the advisability of using repeated courses of Mg and L-carnitine administration 1 years after the end of the primary modified treatment to improve the prognosis in these ESRD patients.

Background and Aims In December 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (covid 19) due to SARS Cov2 began in China and spread worldwide. Hemodialysis patients represent a unique group of patients, mostly elderly, imunocompromised, with numerous comorbidities. Patients with end stage renal disease are thought to be at increased risk of disease, severe disease and death from Covid 19 infection. In addition, dialysis centers are a suitable place for an outbreak of the epidemic. All of the above represents a group of hemodialysis patients particularly susceptible to infection and the development of serious disease. Method We reviewed data of all maintenance hemodialysis patients in hemodialysis centar of Zvezdara Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia. We include all patients with COVID 19 infection in period between April 1 2020 and January 10 2021. Results Of 232 patients undergoing hemodialysis, 68 (29,31%) were infected with Sars-Cov-2. 46 (67,64%) patients were males and 22 (32,35%) females. The age range of the patients was 35 to 87 years, the mean age was 65,25. The underlyind cause of terminal renal failure in 25 patients was hipertensiv nefroangiosklerosis, 14 diabetic nephropathy, 10 opstructiv nephropathy, 9 polycystic kidney disease, and 10 other cause of kidney failure. The average of hemodialysis duration was 70,70 months. The average durations of disease was 15 days. Mortality has been estimated at 33,82% (23 patients). Among patients who died 8 (34,78%) were females, and 15 (65,21%) males. Conclusion The mortality among hemodialysis patients diagnosed with Covid 19 is high. Hemodialysis patients typically present with multiple comorbidities and are considered to be a high-risk group for infections. Hemodialysis patients with Covid-19 may have prolonged hospital stays and unfavorable prognoses and should be closely monitored.

Background and Aims Few studies have focused on the imbalance of the autonomic nervous system during hemodialysis (HD), although it seems to be an important factor for the maintenance of blood pressure. The aim of this work was to assess the impact of hemodialysis (HD) and glucose injection upon entropy of heart rate and blood pressure during HD session in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2. Method 21 patients without DM (NDO), in age 54,95 +/-13,08 y.o., and 10 DM patients, in age 69,70 +/- 8,27 y.o., were studied during HD. 30 minutes after dialysis begins, 40% glucose solution was administered in the amount of 0.5g/kg body dry-weight (constant rate of 1 mL/s). The cardiovascular signals were extracted from the recordings using Portapres® system. The analysis was performed using Amplitude Aware Permutation Entropy (AAPE). The parameters of AAPE were set as d=7, A=0.5. All statistical analysis were performed on significance level α=0.05. The comparisons between groups were conducted with Mann-Whitney test with Holm corrections. The comparisons in time points were performed using Friedman test with post-hoc (Wilcoxon test with Holm corrections). The calculations of AAPE and all statistical analysis were performed with Matlab R2020a and R. Results The results are presented in table. It was found that AAPE(HR) tends to decrease during dialysis (NS) and increases only in the DM group after glucose injection (p=0.019); without difference between groups. There were no differences in AAPE of blood pressure between the groups, but hemodialysis reduces AAPE(fiSYS) in both groups (p Conclusion AAPE(HR)tends to decrease during HD, and glucose injections increase AAPE(HR) in DM patients. Hemodialysis reduce, and glucose injections increase AAPE of blood pressure especially in NDO. A weaker response to hemodialysis and glucose injection in diabetic patients may be caused by impairment of the autonomic system, and may have clinical impact – may leads to faint. Glucose administration does not prevent autonomic system disorders in patients with DM.

Background and Aims The incidence of Acute kidney injuri AKI during Covid 19 infection is 3 – 15%, up to 50% for patients (pts) with Acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS. Method From March till December 2020. Department for hemodialysis in Novi Sad did 184 renal replacement therapy (RRT) procedures (proc) on 65 Covid 19 positive pts. Results There were 73,85% men and 26,15% women (p < 0,01), with average (avs.) age of 65,8 years (SD 9,20). Most of them were admitted directly to the Intensive care unit, 64,62% (p < 0,01). The length of stay in hospital ranged from 2 - 61 days (avs. 15,86; SD 11,19). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (86,1%), diabetes (33,8%), coronary disease (30,8%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (21,5%). Most common indication for RRT was acutisation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) 43,08% (p < 0,01) followed by pre-existing end stage renal disease (ESRD) 29,23% and AKI 27,69%. RRT was started 1 - 31 days after the admittance (avs. 8,51; SD 7,33). 57 intermittent hemodialysis proc (30,98%) were done on 13 pts (14,06%) who were hemodynamicly and respiratory stable. The decision to initiate CRRT was made upon the renal indications, the presence of ARDS or significant volume load. A total of 127 CRRT proc (69,02%) were done on 57 pts (87,5%). The most of them were CVVHDF (74,02%) and the rest CVVHD (25,98%). Most commonly used membrane was oXiris 47,24% (p < 0,001) followed by EMIC2 25,98%, Kit 8 17,32% and ST-150 9,45%. Most CRRT proc (89,76%) were done with heparin as an anticoagulant and 10 proc (7,87%) in 5 pts using citrate. 3 proc (2,36%) in 2 pts were done without using anticoagulant. The procedurès duration had to depend on the number of devices, the number of pts requiring CRRT and the number of available trained medical workers. The average achieved length of proc was 712 min. (11 h and 52 min.) (SD 435,07). Most patients had 1 (49,12%; p< 0,001) or 2 (30,69%) CRRT proc, up to 9 (avs. 2,23; SD 1,95). The average achieved ultrafiltration was 2716,41 ml (SD 1016,82). In 23 pts (40,35%) 26 CRRT proc (20,47%) had to be stopped earlier, because of circuit clotting (9,45%; p < 0,001), deterioration of hemodynamic instability/respiratory insufficiency (7,09%), device malfunction (2.36%) and RRT need for another pts (1,58%). ARDS has developed 42 pts (64,61%). The need for vasoactive support had 41 pts (63,08%). 51 pts (78,46%) requiring RRT died. Conclusion Comparing group of pts who survived with group of those who died, greater number of pts with ESRD was in the first group. In survivor group, RRT was started earlier with greater number and shorter duration of proc. In the group of pts who died, there were more ARDS and vasoactive support need. They had a higher levels of CRP, leukocyte count and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio. MO677 Table 1. Characteristic of groups of pts who survived and the group of pts who died survived (No 14) died (No 51) p Age 64,14 (SD 11,77) 66,27 (SD 8,45) 0,45 sex M 10 (71,43%) 38 (74,51%) 0,91 fF 4 (28,57%) 13 (25,49%) No of comorbidities 2,86 (SD 0,86) 2,43 (SD 1,06) 0,84 Indication AKI 0 (0%) 18 (35,29%) 0,00 CKD ac 2 (14,29%) 26 (50,98%) ESRD 12 (85,71%) 7 (13,73%) Los in hospital (days) 16,83 (SD 9,29) 15,63 (SD 11,66) 0,37 Los before RRT (days) 2,43 (SD 1,95) 10,18 (SD 7,39) 0,00 Los before RRT (only CRRT) (days) 3 (SD 2,27) 10,43 (SD 7,42) 0,007 No of proc 4,38 (SD 3,38) 1,88 (SD 1,36) 0,008 Duration of proc(min.) 464,17 (SD 27,36) 744,46 (SD 456,48) 0,03 membranes oXiris+EMIC2 15 (42,86%) 78 (84,78%) 0,00 Kit8+ST-150 20 (57,14%) 14 (15,22%) UF/proc (ml) 2799,06 (SD 457,88) 2702,91 (SD 1111,24) 0,14 Anuria Y 8 (57,14%) 20 (39,22%) 0,37 N 6 (42,56%) 31 (60,78%) vasoactive support Y 0 (0%) 41 (80,39%) 0,00 N 14 (100%) 10 (19,71%) ARDS Y 1 (7,14%) 44 (86,27%) 0,00 N 13 (92,86%) 7 (13,73%) WBC (* 10^9/l) 6,91 (SD 2,63) 11,82 (SD 8,63) 0,02 NLR 7,48 (SD 3,92) 17,78 (SD 14,25) 0,017 PLR 266,41 (SD 162,52) 334,60 (SD 322,35) 0,48 CRP (mg/l) 114,68 (SD 141,80) 192,34 (SD 107,23) 0,039 PCT (ng/ml) 3,81 (SD 4,98) 12,67 (SD 26,58) 0,28

Background and Aims Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common cardiovascular complication in CKD. Growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 increases in tissue injury and inflammatory states associated with cardiometabolic risk. GDF-15 and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are both synthesized by cardiomyocytes and may be associated with cardiorenal dysfunction. Our aim was to study the association of GDF-15 with LVH in ESRD patients on dialysis. Method This study included 196 ESRD patients on dialysis (hemodiafiltration and high-flux hemodialysis). Left ventricular mass (LVM) was evaluated through echocardiographic studies, corrected for body surface area and the values are presented as LVM index (LVMI). LVH was defined by a value of LVMI > 115 g/m2 in men and > 95 g/m2 in women. Patients were divided into two groups - LVH (n=131) and non-LVH (n=65). LVMI, clinical and analytical variables (age, body mass index, dialysis vintage, dialysis adequacy, GDF-15, NT-proBNP and pentraxin (PTX) 3 were evaluated. Results ESRD patients with LVH presented significantly higher levels of NT-proBNP and GDF-15, and a trend towards higher PTX3 values. In LVH patients, GDF-15 correlated positively and significantly with NT-proBNP and PTX3; LVMI correlated positively and significantly with pro-BNP and PTX3 levels; pro-BNP correlated significantly and positively with PTX3. Conclusion Our data show that in ESRD patients on dialysis with LVH, GDF-15 is raised and shows a strong association with NT-proBNP, PTX3 and LVMI. Further studies are needed to clarify if the rise in GDF-15 is a cause or a consequence of LVH development. Acknowledgments This work was supported by Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit-UCIBIO, financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UIDB/04378/2020), by North Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N)/NORTE2020/Portugal 2020 (Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000024) and by REQUIMTE-Rede de Química e Tecnologia-Associação in the form of a researcher (S. Rocha) – project Dial4Life co-financed by FCT/MCTES (PTDC/MEC-CAR/31322/2017) and FEDER/COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031322).

Background and Aims Our Nephrology Department during spring period on the first wave of COVID-19 was the referral Dialysis Unit for Covid-19 positive HD patients in the district area of Athens, Greece. The aims of this study are to report characteristics, rates and outcomes of all patients affected by infection with SARS-CoV-2 undergoing HD and treated under our care Method This is an observational study. Our Dialysis Unit has been assigned as a referral unit for Covid-19 positive HD patients. We registered all the data regarding the clinical course of our patients population. Age, primary cause of end stage renal disease, weight, clinical presentation, HD history, outcome, days of hospitalization. Results 22 Covid-19 positive HD patients were treated under the care of our facility during the period 8 April 2020-17 June 2020. 16 patients were symptomatic at admission and 13 patients admitted with or developed during their stay pleural effusions. 12 patients (8 male) of our group died during their hospitalization. 3 out of 12 were admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 6 patients were septic, 4 had respiratory failure and 2 developed cardiovascular events. 14.5 days were the mean hospitalization days (range: 1-38 days) for the diceased ones. 2 out of 3 patients that admitted to ICU had quick deterioration, incubated and stayed in ICU for 48 hours. The third one with severe cormobidities (multiple myeloma, cancer of bladder) developed respiratory failure after 8 days of hospitalization, incubated, became septic and died after 20 days in ICU. Mean age of our patients was 74.5 years. It has to be pointed out that 13 patients were over 75 years old. Mean age was higher in those who died compared with those who were discharged with double negative Covid-19 tests (79 vs 74,5 years old respectively). Median dialysis vintage for our patients was 63 months and for the diceased ones was 89 months. Average weight of our patients was 69 kgrs. Weight of diceased patients was 63 kgrs. 11 out of 22 patients and 5 out of 12 diceased patients were diabetic. 14 patients were hypertensive and 16 had official cardiovascular backround. 10 out of total 22 patients under our care discharged after 43 days of hospitalization (range:35-56 days). Conclusion As a conclusion our data provide clues regarding out experience of caring HD patients with COVID-19. Mortality was high. It seems that despite the fact that immune response of this population has not been clearly clarified, age, cormobidities and above all end-stage renal disease by its self is a significant and unpredictable risk factor for clinical outcome of HD patients with COVID-19 infection.

Background and Aims Our Nephrology Department during spring period on the first wave of COVID-19 was the referral Dialysis Unit for Covid-19 positive hemodialysis (HD) patients in the district area of Athens, Greece. We used hemoperfusion (HP) as a therapeutic option in our patients. The aims of this study are to report characteristics, rates and outcomes of all patients affected by infection with SARS-CoV-2 undergoing HD and were treated under our care focusing on the impact of HP on them. Method This is an observational study. Our Dialysis Unit has been assigned as a referral unit for Covid-19 positive HD patients. Patients divided to 2 groups: first group of patients underwent HD sessions with Hemoperfusion (A) and the second one received HD sessions without any other extracorporeal blood purification method (B). We used resin-directed hemoadsorption cartridges (HA-330 and HA-130) manufactured by the Jafron Biomedical Company, China. We registered all the data regarding the clinical course of our patients population. Age, primary cause of end stage renal disease, weight, clinical presentation, HD history, outcome, days of hospitalization. Results Group A 13 patients (4 males) have been enrolled in this group with mean age of 74 years old. 5 of them were presented asymptomatic at admission and 7 of them admitted with or developed during their stay pleural effusions. 4 of them were asymptomatic without effusions during the whole hospital stay. 12 patients received HP for 3 hours in our Dialysis Unit during the planned HD session and one patient received Hemoperfusion in ICU during CRRT. 6 patients had one session of Hemoperfusion (with HA130, 4 patients and with HA 330, 2 patients). 6 patients had 2 sessions (7 days interval) either with HA 130 both sessions (3 patients) or with HA 330 followed 7 days after with HA 130 (3 patients). The patients that admitted in ICU started HP the third day of her admission. The pattern was as follows: We used HA330 in 3 consecutive days during CRRT. In Day 10 we used HA130 and in Day 13 HA330. HP was performed for 3 hours. 24 days was the average hospitalization stay before starting HP for the 12 patients in boards. 9 patients discharged from the hospital after 43 days of hospitalization (range: 35-56 days). 30 days were the mean hospitalization stay for the diceased ones. We did not observe any side effects with HP cartridges (hypotension, reduction of platelets, bleeding). Group B 9 patients (7 males) with mean age of 75 years old did not receive HP during their hospitalization. All of them were presented symptomatic. 8 out of 9 patients died after 6 days of hospitalization (range: 1-14 days), 2 of them in ICU. Conclusion To sum up, HP seems to be a helpful, safe an quite efficient tool in the battle against Covid-19 in HD patients. Despite the method is unspecific, our lack of strong evidence, our views are with the opinion that is an reliable alternative therapy. However, the real impact of HP on the patient’s clinical course (time of initiation, therapeutic protocols, tools to evaluate response) has yet to be determined. The above notice does not minimize the great interest for the method that renal community should give.

Background and Aims Hypertension is the leading risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the association between repeated measurements of high blood pressure and ESRD is not well-established. This study investigated whether the cumulative number of diagnoses of hypertension is a substantial risk factor for ESRD. Method The incidence of ESRD among 2,144,801 participants, identified from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, who did not have a history of antihypertensive therapy and had documented blood pressure assessments for 4 consecutive years was determined retrospectively. Data were extracted from the database where events of hypertension were defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg. Results Over a median follow-up of 7.2 years, ESRD was identified in 1758 of the 2,144,801 participants. In a multivariable Cox model adjusted for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, and history of diabetes and chronic kidney disease, a positive dose-dependent relationship between the cumulative number of diagnoses of hypertension and ESRD was found (adjusted hazard ratio for ESRD, 2.70 in 4 cumulative number of diagnoses of hypertension compared to no history of hypertension). This association was maintained for the cumulative number of diagnoses of both systolic and diastolic hypertension. Conclusion The cumulative number of diagnoses of systolic or diastolic hypertension increases the risk of ESRD. Therefore, preventive treatment to avoid repetitive events of systolic or diastolic hypertension may be important to lower the risk of ESRD in this clinical population.

Background and Aims Eryptosis (Red cell apoptosis) has been recognized as one of the mechanisms that mediate anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease whether pre or on dialysis. Phosphorus (Ph) and parathormone (PTH) can be considered as uremic toxins which are associated with renal anaemia, and both were suggested to be associated with shortened red blood cell (RBC) life span. We aimed to assess the relation between each of PTH and phosphorus levels and eryptosis in a cohort of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) treated by haemodialysis. Method We studied a cohort of 85 patients with ESRD on conventional hemodialysis for at least 3 months. Blood was drawn prior to the mid-week dialysis session. Patients are dialysed on Fresenius 4008s machines. The percent of Annexin V-binding RBCs was assessed by flow cytometry in fresh blood samples and was used to indicate the percent of Eryptotic RBCs. Data were represented as median (interquartile range). Results The study included 85 patients on prevalent hemodialysis for a median of 8 (3-12) years, 52.9% females. Hypertension was the most common cause of ESRD (49.4%). The median hemoglobin was 10.9 (9.3 - 13) gm/dl and most patients received erythropoietin therapy (83/85) at a median dose of 8000 (4000 – 8000 units/weak). The median percent of Annexin V- binding RBCs was 2.3 (1.4 – 4.7%). On multilinear regression analysis, only PTH was independently associated with the percent of Annexin V- binding RBCs (standardized β= 0.630; 95.0% CI: 0.001 – 0.003; p 600 ng/dl; 27/85, 31.8%) groups. The 3 groups differed significantly in the percent of Annexin V- binding RBCs (1.2 (0.7-1.7); 2.5 (1.8-3.6) and 4.8 (3.2-5.6) % respectively; p5.5) and target (55) than those with target CaXPh product ( Conclusion Patients with ESRD treated by hemodialysis express high rates of eryptosis. Parathormone excess in those patients may result in further eryptosis enhancement, and this represents a potential pathogenic mechanism linking hyperparathyroidism with the anemia of CKD. Larger interventional studies are thus warranted to further explore the association between parathormone and eryptosis.

Background and Aims Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have an increased risk of skeletal complications, including an increased fracture risk, which is only partially identified by determination of bone mineral density (BMD). Experimentally, the complex bone-and mineral disorders in ESRD cause disturbances of bone material properties, but these have not been studied in vivo. Determination of bone material strength index (BMSi) by reference point indentation (RPI) is a novel method to determine bone material quality in vivo and can identify patients at increased fracture risk, even in the presence of normal BMD. We determined BMSi in ESRD patients and investigated its association with BMD and serum markers of mineral metabolism. Method 15 Adult patients with ESRD, scheduled for a living-donor kidney transplantation, were included in this cross-sectional study. Laboratory analyses included calcium, phosphate, PTH 1-84 and alkaline phosphatase. BMSi was determined by RPI with the OsteoProbe RUO in the tibia. Bone mineral density was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Results Patients with bone mineral strenght index above median had higher bone mineral density of the right hip and total body than patients below median (p = 0.04). Alkaline phosphatase was lower in patients with BMSi below the median (47 (35-71) U/L vs. 103 (53-318) U/L, p = 0.009). There was a trend towards a significant relationship between length and BMSi (p = 0.09). Conclusion We identified for the first time an association of BMSi with BMD and alkaline phosphatase in patients with ESRD. Our findings of an association of BMSi with BMD are in accordance with findings in other populations with increased fracture risk.

Background Physical inactivity among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) is a long-standing clinical problem. While exercise could be beneficial, post-dialysis fatigue, limited time availability, and severe frailty to travel often lead to poor adherence to conventional exercise programs. To address this gap, we proposed testing an alternative therapy using intradialytic plantar electrical nerve stimulation (IPENS) provided during the routine hemodialysis process. Methods Participants were randomized into either an intervention group (IG: n=16, age=57.6±3.6 years, BMI=29.7±1.5 kg/m2, female=31%) or a control group (CG: n=15, age=63.5±1.6 years, BMI=29.9±1.6 kg/m2, female=41%). The IG received 1-hour IPENS during routine hemodialysis process (3 sessions/week) for 12 weeks. The CG was provided with an identical but non-functional device for the same period. Participants and therapy-providers were blinded to the group allocation. Daily life physical activity (e.g., cumulative postures including sitting, standing, lying, and walking; walking characteristics including step count, number of unbroken walking bout, and postural transitions including sit to stand and stand to sit) was monitored remotely at baseline and 12-week for a period of 48h using a validated pendant sensor. To determine the effect of intervention, we estimated Cohen’s effect size d. In addition, time effect, group effect, and time×group effect were estimated using general linear model. Results All participants in the IG tolerated the IPENS and completed all therapy sessions, indicating the feasibility. In the IG, we observed significant increase in time spent in standing (Cohen's d=0.8, p=0.039) and walking (Cohen's d=0.82, p=0.034), number of walking episodes (d=0.88, p=0.024), and number of postural transitions (d=0.93, p=0.018) with a decrease in the average duration for sit to stand transition (d=0.87, p=0.032) compared to the CG. Conclusions This is an ongoing study and our target sample is 100 eligible participants. This study provides earlier results on IPENS therapy's feasibility and effectiveness as an alternative to exercise programs to improve daily life physical activity among people undergoing routine hemodialysis process. If the results were held at a larger sample, we could recommend routine

Background and Aims Frailty is a measure of physiological reserve and the ability to respond to physiological stress. Increasing frailty predicts adverse health outcomes in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) Despite this, frailty is not routinely measured in clinical practice where clinician perception of frailty is used to inform decision making. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a clinical judgement-based score that is a useful screening tool for frailty. Increasing frailty measured by CFS is predictive of adverse outcomes in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) including falls, worsening disability, care home admissions, hospitalizations and ultimately mortality. It has been widely used in the assessment of patients with COVID-19 to help inform decisions regarding ceiling of care. This study aimed to assess the correlation between clinician perception of frailty and frailty as measured using the CFS. Method Frailty was assessed for all patients undergoing in centre hospital haemodialysis (n=53) in a single dialysis unit in Northern Ireland. A CFS score was calculated for all patients by a clinician who routinely uses the CFS in clinical practice. Patients with a score of 1-3 were classified as not frail, 4-5 as intermediately frail and 6-9 as frail. Nephrologists received basic education about frailty. They were then asked to categorize their patients as non-frail, intermediately frail or frail. The relationship between measured and perceived frailty was assessed using percent agreement. Participant characteristics of frail patients who were misclassified as intermediately frail or non-frail by clinicians were compared to those patients correctly classified as non-frail by clinicians. Fisher’s exact test was employed for categorical variables and t-tests were employed for pseudo normally distributed continuous variables. Results Of the 53 participants, the median age was 59 years (26-89). 41.5% were women. The median time on dialysis was 1.6 years. According to the CFS, 6 patients were categorised as non-frail, 30 patients as intermediately frail and 17 as frail. Among frail participants, 41% were correctly perceived as frail by their nephrologist. Among non-frail participants, 100% were correctly perceived as non-frail by their nephrologist. Among those who were frail according to the CFS, those misclassified as intermediately frail or non-frail, were younger (median age of those misclassified 49 years vs 62 years of those not mis-classified, P=0.03) but did not differ by sex (P=1), time on dialysis (P=0.39), presence of diabetes (P=0.30) or presence of vascular disease (P=1). Conclusion In this study of adult patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis, perceived frailty correlated with measured frailty using the CFS less than 50% of the time. This suggests that clinical perception is not an accurate surrogate for frailty status in this population group. Additionally, this study suggests that younger patients with ESRD are less likely to be correctly perceived as frail. Such misclassification could influence clinical decisions for treatment, including candidacy for kidney transplantation.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) experience extremely high morbidity and mortality and there are virtually no therapeutic interventions besides dialysis treatment that are proven in properly designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to improve patients’ outcomes. Historically, the number of RCTs performed in the ESRD population has been very low compared with other medical subspecialties, and several of the few large RCTs have yielded inconclusive or negative results, dampening enthusiasm for future investment in similar trials. Recent initiatives promoting a focus on patient-centered outcomes and more active patient and caregiver involvement in the planning and conduct of clinical trials may result in more clinically relevant RCTs and broader participation from patients representing the diversity of the ESRD population. The adoption of novel clinical trial design elements characteristic of pragmatic clinical trials and platform trials could help improve both the internal and external validity of RCTs in ESRD, ultimately resulting in the adoption of therapeutic interventions that can be rapidly translated to clinical practice.

Background Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and impairs health and quality of life significantly. However, the optimal treatment of RLS in ESRD patients is uncertain and less studied compared with idiopathic RLS patients. Methods We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and acceptability of treatments for RLS in ESRD patients. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by February 2019 in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov were reviewed. RLS severity reduction was treated as treatment efficacy, and adverse events were treated as acceptable. Both outcomes were appraised using a random effects model expressed as standardized mean differences and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), respectively, and were ranked using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probabilities to obtain a hierarchy of interventions. Results A total of 12 RCTs were included, comprising 9 interventions and 498 participants. All the interventions significantly improved RLS severity without critical side effects compared with placebo. Gabapentin achieved the greatest decrease of RLS severity [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.95, 95% CI 0.81–3.09 (SUCRA: 79.3%)], despite its frequent adverse events [SMD = 0.18, 95% CI 0.02–1.50 (19.9%)]. The combination therapy of exercise plus dopamine agonist had better efficacy [SMD = 1.60, 95% CI 0.08–3.12 (59.8%)] and acceptability [SMD = 1.41, 95% CI 0.01–142.53 (63.9%)] compared with that of vitamin C plus vitamin E [SMD = 1.50, 95% CI 0.47–2.54 (56.6%); SMD = 0.32, 95% CI 0.04–2.86 (32.5%)]. Conclusions This network meta-analysis supports that gabapentin is the most effective treatment for RLS in ESRD patients. Exercise plus dopamine agonist is a favorable combination therapy concerning side effects. Future large RCTs with long-term treatment outcomes are necessary.

Under normal conditions, inflammation is a protective and physiological response to various harmful stimuli. However, in several chronic debilitating disorders, such as chronic kidney disease, inflammation becomes maladaptive, uncontrolled and persistent. Systemic persistent inflammation has, for almost 20 years, been recognized as a major contributor to the uraemic phenotype (such as cardiovascular disease, protein energy wasting, depression, osteoporosis and frailty), and a predictor of cardiovascular and total mortality. Since inflammation is mechanistically related to several ageing processes (inflammageing), it may be a major driver of a progeric phenotype in the uraemic milieu. Inflammation is likely the consequence of a multifactorial aetiology and interacts with a number of factors that emerge when uraemic toxins accumulate. Beside interventions aiming to decrease the production of inflammatory molecules in the uraemic milieu, novel strategies to increase the removal of large middle molecules, such as expanded haemodialysis, may be an opportunity to decrease the inflammatory allostatic load associated with retention of middle molecular weight uraemic toxins.

Background and Aims Long-term exposure to air pollutants significantly increases the morbidity and mortality associated with various diseases. However, little is known about the relationship between air pollutants and end-stage renal disease (ESRD)-related mortality. Method A total of 5041 patients who started dialysis between 2008 and 2015 were prospectively enrolled in the Clinical Research Center for End-Stage Renal Disease (CRC-ESRD) cohort study. We assigned a daily mean concentration of air pollutants (PM10, NO2, and SO2) to each participant. Time-varying Cox models were used to investigate the relationship between air pollutants and mortality in ESRD patients. Results During the follow-up period (mean 4.18 years), 1475 deaths occurred among 5041 participants. We found a significant long-term relationship between mortality risk and PM10 (HR 1.33, CI 1.13–1.58), NO2 (HR 1.46, CI 1.10–1.95), and SO2 (HR 1.07, CI 1.03–1.11). Elderly patients and patients who lived in metropolitan areas had an increased risk associated with PM10. Elderly patients also had increased risks associated NO2 and SO2. Conclusion Long-term exposure to air pollutants had negative effects on mortality in ESRD patients. These effects were prominent in elderly patients who lived in metropolitan areas, suggesting that ambient air pollution, in addition to traditional risk factors, is important for the survival of these patients.

Background and Aims Progress has been made over the past six decades in the world of hemodialysis, however it still remained as an ongoing challenge for clinicians since it is coupled with an increasing incidence of dysrhythmia that brings a high cardiac mortality in the first year. Many of these patients will have a risk profile lending to oral anticoagulation with warfarin as the traditionally mainstay of therapy for this indication or a non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in some because of ease of administration and comparable efficacy. There may be convincing as well as contrasting arguments regarding its use, but without well-conducted clinical trials, it is definitely impossible to consider the indication of oral anticoagulation therapy in this special group of population. This study aims to determine the difference in clinical outcomes between oral anticoagulation and no anticoagulation therapy among End-Stage Renal Disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis with atrial fibrillation in Perpetual Succour Hospital, and to provide local data on the prevalence and frequency of oral anticoagulation and no anticoagulation therapy in this group of patients. Method This is a single-center, prospective, observational cohort study conducted in a tertiary hospital in Cebu City, Cebu. All diagnosed End-Stage Renal Disease patients with chronic atrial fibrillation on maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 months. Results A total of 188 ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis at The Kidney Service-Perpetual Succour Hospital were identified from May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2018, of which 74 (39.4%) subjects had a documented coexisting chronic atrial fibrillation at the time of recruitment but only 69 individuals were included in the analysis. At enrollment, 59 (85.5%) patients were identified to have no oral anticoagulation therapy and 10 (14.5%) were already receiving oral anticoagulation. Ischemic strokes was more prevalent (80%, p= Conclusion This study suggests that the use of oral anticoagulation did not prevent ischemic strokes in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis with chronic atrial fibrillation. Further, it was associated with increased risk for intracranial hemorrhage and gastrointestinal bleeding. Lastly, there was no significant difference in relation to all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial occlusive disease and calciphylaxis between the two study groups.

Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with premature immune aging and increased inflammatory activity leading into endothelial damage and macrophage senescence (CD14+CD16+). Objective. To evaluate the influence of CKD in senescent immune cells, and its relationship with fragility in patients with nondialysis CKD (ND-CKD) and Peritoneal Dialysis (PD). Method A descriptive transversal study analysing lymphocyte absolute counts and subpopulations in 74 CKD patients (36 DP, 38 ND-CKD) compared with 10 healthy subjects (HS). We also assessed immunoglobulin levels, C3 and C4 fragment complement, Edmonton fragility score and the percentage of proinflammatory blood monocytes with the CD14+CD16+ phenotype. Results PD patients presented more absolute lymphopenia compared with LCC and HS (PD 1194,2, 1589 ND-CKD and 1802 HS; p Conclusion PD patients presented changes in immune system compared with healthy population, that could explain accelerated senescence. Accelerated senescence is associated with more fragility and endothelial damage. There are necessary more studies to identify the role premature aging in ND-CKD and to establish the differences between renal replacement modalities.

Background and Aims Roxadustat is an orally active hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor used at titrated doses to treat anaemia in CKD patients. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK), metabolic profile, pharmacodynamics, and safety of roxadustat in subjects with different degrees of renal function (RF). Method This was a phase 1, open-label study conducted in Germany and the United Kingdom (EudraCT Number: 2015-002565-28). Subjects were enrolled in four RF groups: normal RF (eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2); severely impaired RF (not on dialysis; eGFR Results Of 73 screened subjects, 34 (46.6%) were enrolled and received roxadustat (normal RF, n=12; severely impaired RF, n=9; ESRD on CAPD, n=1; ESRD on HD/HDF, n=12). The geometric least-square mean ratio of area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from administration to infinity (AUCinf) relative to subjects with normal RF was 223% (90% CI: 185, 268) and 195% (90% CI: 165, 229) in subjects with severely impaired RF and in those with ESRD on HD/HDF, respectively. Roxadustat’s maximum concentration (Cmax) and terminal elimination half-life (t1/2) were comparable between groups. The PK of roxadustat and its metabolites were not affected by HD/HDF. In subjects with normal RF, the amount of roxadustat excreted unchanged in urine was Conclusion The AUC for roxadustat and its metabolites was higher in patients with severely impaired RF or with ESRD on HD/HDF than in those with normal RF. Roxadustat’s Cmax and t1/2 were comparable among all groups. Roxadustat and its metabolites were not significantly cleared by HD/HDF.

Background and Aims End-stage renal diseases (ESRD) that are referred late to dialysis usually need hemodialysis via central vein catheter (CVC). Urgent start peritoneal dialysis (PD) can be used in these patients to avoid need of CVC. Catheter patency and other complications related to urgent-start PD have not been thoroughly clarified. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of urgent-start PD in a North-Indian cohort. Method In this retrospective study, we enrolled ESRD patients who were started on urgent-start PD (starting PD within 14 days after catheter insertion) in our center from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017, and followed them up to 10 years. Catheter failure was primary outcome of study while as secondary outcomes included short-term and long-term complications related to urgent-start PD. Results In this study882 patients (60.3% male, mean age 47.28 ± 14.1years) were enrolled. There were few peri-operative complications with significant hemorrhage seen in 2 patients. Early peritonitis occurred in 8 (0.9%) patients. Within the first month of catheter insertion, abdominal wall complications (hernia, hydrothorax, hydrocele, and leakage) occurred in 24 (2.7%) patients while as functional catheter malfunction developed in 36 (4.1%) patients. On follow-up of the patients (median 35.7 months), 32 (3.6%) patients experienced catheter failure, and 141 (15.9%) had death-censoring technique failure. Catheter patency rate at the end of 1-month, 1 -year, 3-year, and 5-year, was 98.2, 94.9, 93.1,92.4%; and technique survival rate was 99.2, 96.9, 90.2, 82.8%, respectively. Every 5-year increase in age was associated with 17% decrease of risk for catheter failure (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.83, 95%confidence interval [CI]: 0.73–0.89). Risk factors for abdominal wall complications included male sex (HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.03–2.1), low hemoglobin levels (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79–0.98) and diabetic nephropathy (HR: 1.65, 95% CI:1.13–2.35). Conclusion Urgent-start PD is a safe option for ESRD who need urgent dialysis to avoid CVC insertion for HD. For a successful urgent start PD programs, a well-trained PD team, catheter insertion procedure by experienced personnel, and a well-designed PD prescription and a good follow-up care is needed.

Background and Aims Mortality rates are high in patients starting long-term haemodialysis (HD) therapy, particularly in the first 6-months. Incremental HD has been proposed as a means of making patients’ transition into long-term HD treatment less physiologically demanding with reduced burden of treatment at the start. A feasibility study is being conducted with the primary aim of evaluating the acceptability, tolerance and safety of a novel incremental HD regime. The secondary aims are to study the effect of incremental HD on residual renal function (RRF), fluid load, quality of life, functional status, blood pressure and blood markers of renal anaemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism and cardiac load. Method The regime being tested aims to start patients on twice-weekly HD with progressive increases in the duration and frequency of sessions over approximately 15 weeks (figure 1). 40 patients from pre-dialysis clinics, who have been referred for start of long-term HD therapy, will receive the study regime (incremental HD group). They will be followed-up for 12 months. Acceptability and tolerance will be gauged by documenting rates of participation and retention in the study. Completion rate of each study test will be recorded to evaluate the feasibility of their inclusion in a future trial; these tests include: 24-hour urine collection to measure RRF, bio-impedance analysis for estimation of overhydration, six-minute walk test to monitor performance status and a quality-of-life questionnaire. Rates of pre-defined safety events will be recorded and compared to a cohort of 40 matched patients who previously started conventional HD (historical controls, conventional HD group). Blood tests for estimation of RRF and markers of renal anaemia, bone disease and cardiac load will be performed at regular intervals and compared to the conventional HD group. Results Eight months in to the 18-month recruitment period, 106 patients have been screened for participation in the trial. Of these, 47 (43%) met eligibility criteria. Reasons for exclusions were: patient choosing other dialysis modalities over HD, 34; clinically unsuitable for incremental HD, 7; dialysis modality undetermined, 6; already started HD, 5; for conservative (non-dialysis) management, 4; non-compliant with treatment, 3. Of the 47 eligible patients, 35 have been approached by the study team. Of these, 16 (46%) have been consented, 10 (28%) declined and 9 (26%) remain undecided. Patients who consented were relatively older compared to those who declined (68 vs. 58 years) and to all eligible patients (68 vs. 63 years). Men were more likely to decline than women (M:F ratio 1.3 vs 4.0 among participants and decliners respectively). Not all study participants have started treatment yet. Baseline characteristics of the first 6 patients starting incremental HD and their matched controls are shown in table 1. Conclusion The ENDURE study tests the feasibility of starting patients on a novel incremental HD regime. This regime is relatively short and has fixed increments in treatment times. It aims to make patient transition smoother in to dialysis dependency. Early data point towards an encouraging levels of patient interest in the study. The outcome of this trial will be used to design a future RCT of incremental HD vs. conventional treatment.

Background and Aims Depression is the most frequent psychologic problem among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with dialysis. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is considered to be the standard instrument for assessing symptoms of depression and screening for clinical depression. The level of BDI score associated with mortality in ESRD patients with dialysis remains controversial. High quality evidence is lacking, especially in China. The aim of our study is to evaluate the threshold of BDI score as a potential predictor of all-cause mortality in ESRD patients with dialysis in China. Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving adults who were treated with dialysis in the department of nephrology of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital in Guangzhou, China between April 2006 to July 2017. Depression symptoms, sleep quality, health-related quality of life were assessed via the BDI- = 2 \* ROMAN \* MERGEFORMAT II, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) respectively. The primary endpoint of interest was all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed. Results 109 dialysis patients with an mean age of 50.2 years provided complete responses to the BDI-II questionnaire. The median follow-up time for the cohort was 68.6 months until Dec 1, 2019. There were 21 deaths (19.3%). Univariate analyses indicated that age (RR=1.039, 95% CI 1.002, 1.076, P =0.039), PSQI score (RR=1.170, 95% CI 1.047, 1.306, P =0.005), pre-existent cardiovascular disease (RR=3.223, 95% CI 1.310, 7.932, P =0.011), pre-existent diabetes mellitus (DM) (RR=3.321, 95% CI 1.393, 7.919, P =0.007), and BDI score ≧17 (RR=4.247, 95% CI 1.730, 10.429, P =0.002) were significantly associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality, while physical component summary (PCS) of SF-36 (RR=0.971, 95% CI 0.950, 0.992, P =0.007) and mental component summary (MCS) of SF-36 (RR=0.968, 95% CI 0.948, 0.988, P =0.002) with a decreased risk for all-cause mortality. In the multivariate Cox regression model, DM (RR=3.658, 95% CI 1.532, 8.733, P =0.003) and BDI score ≧17 (RR=4.454, 95% CI 1.808,10.974, P =0.001) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Conclusion This study revealed that BDI score ≧17 was a predictor of all-cause mortality in ESRD patients with dialysis. Further prospective trials will be required to determine whether the treatment of depression in dialysis patients would alter health-related outcomes, including survival.

Background and Aims Annually, more than 2.000 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in the Netherlands receive education regarding renal replacement therapies (RRT). The choice for RRT has major impact on a patient’s life. Ideally, this choice is made during a process of Shared Decision Making (SDM), since this improves satisfaction of patients and quality of care. Since 2017, three decision aids for SDM are available in the Netherlands: the 3 Good Questions, Option Grids and Dutch Kidney Guide (www.nierwijzer.nl). However, it is unknown whether these decision aids are sufficiently implemented in daily practice. Therefore, we evaluated SDM and developed an SDM workshop to train centres how to implement these decision aids. Method Twelve centres in the Netherlands were randomly selected and invited to participate. In these centres, the degree of SDM experienced by patients, who recently received RRT information, was measured using the SDM-Q-9 and collaboRATE questionnaires. Furthermore, SDM awareness and use of the decision aids by health care professionals was explored. Finally, we provided a 2-hour workshop for professionals with information regarding SDM and the three decision aids. Results In the twelve participating centres (two academic, ten non-academic), 176 patients completed the questionnaires; 73% found the general impression of the received information (very) good, 84% found the total number of consults good, and 86% found the received amount of information good. On a scale from 0 – 100, with a higher score indicating better SDM, the mean SDM-Q-9 score was 75±22 and the collaboRATE score 86±14. Overall, no significant difference between centres in the SDM-Q-9 and collaboRATE scores was found. When centres with the worst SDM-Q-9 score (< 70) were compared to centres with the best score (> 77), a difference was noticed in the use of kidney-specific decision aids, i.e. Option Grids and Dutch Kidney Guide, and the eGFR level at which the information was given. Only 50% of the worst scoring centres used the decision aids compared to 100% of the best scoring centres. The majority of the worst scoring centres started at an eGFR between 20 and 30 ml/min/1.73 m2, while the best scoring centres all started at an eGFR between 15 and 20 ml/min/1.73 m2. In addition, best scoring centres provided information about all treatment modalities, including nocturnal haemodialysis and conservative treatment (100% of the best vs. 50% of the worst scoring centres), and more often provided information at home (67% of the best vs. 25% of the worst scoring centres). A total of 117 health care professionals (27% physicians, 8% physician assistants, 38% nurses, 14% social workers, 13% other) completed the questionnaire; 81% found the general impression of the education process (very) good, 80% found the total number of consults good, and 56% found the amount of provided information good, while 28% found the amount too much. Fifty-six percent of the professionals believed SDM was applied, however only 28% used the 3 Good Questions and 31 – 33% the Option Grids. The Dutch Kidney Guide was used by 51%. Subsequently, ten of the twelve centres participated in the SDM workshop which was appreciated with a 7.5±0.4 on a scale from 0 – 10. Conclusion Although patients and health care professionals are fairly satisfied with the RRT information and degree of SDM, the use of SDM decision aids by health care professionals is limited. An SDM workshop introducing the decision aids was developed to train centres how to implement them. When optimizing SDM for ESRD patients in the Netherlands, attention should be paid to providing information about all treatment options, including nocturnal haemodialysis and conservative treatment, and providing information at home, to patients with an eGFR between 15 and 20 ml/min/1.73 m2. This project was funded by Stichting Kwaliteitsgelden Medisch Specialisten (SKMS) and health insurers CZ, Menzis and Stichting Achmea Gezondheidszorg.

Background and Aims The prevalence of CKD increases with age and more elderly patients are on maintenance dialysis as advanced age is no longer an impediment. The selection of dialysis modality can be difficult for the simultaneous benefit and burden of individual modality on top of the complexity of co-morbidity and quality of life. To study the survival outcomes based on dialysis modality in geriatric ESRD patients Method The cohort of geriatric patients (aged > 65 years) with ESRD who were referred to our pre-dialysis clinic from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2018 and started on maintenance dialysis were identified via the hospital information system. Demographics, co-morbidities, dialysis modalities and clinical outcome in terms of survival were obtained from the hospital electronic medical record. Glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were calculated using the CKD-EPI formula in mls/min/1.73m2. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Results A total of 145 geriatric ESRD patients were initiated on chronic dialysis. The cohort was predominated by male with 77 patients (53.1%). The mean age was 72.5±5.2 years. Majority had multiple comorbidities with 95% having hypertension, 82.8% with diabetes, 65.5% and 32.8% having dyslipidemia and ischemic heart disease, respectively. The mean eGFR at point of referral and dialysis initiation were 12.5±4.9 mls/min/1.73m2 and 6.57±2.33 mls/min/1.73m2 respectively. Mean duration to initiate dialysis from first review was 6.7±5.8 months. Majority opted for hemodialysis (HD) with 106 patients (73.1%). 74% patients in the HD cohort initiated dialysis via a catheter and remainder with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). 39 patients (27.1%) opted for peritoneal dialysis (PD) and all were initiated via tenckhoff catheter. Mean eGFR at dialysis initiation were 6.44±2.47 (HD) and 6.9±1.9(PD) respectively. At 6 months, all PD patients survived and 18.2% of HD patients died with statistically significance difference at p=0.003. No survival predictors were identified. Conclusion PD modality has advantage in survival outcome in geriatric ESRD patients.

Background and Aims Fluid overload is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In-patient treatment of fluid overload was previously estimated to occur at a rate of 13.7 episodes/100 patient-years and estimated to cost $266 million over a 2.5-year period (Arneson 2010). We developed a model to predict which patients treated at a large dialysis provider are at imminent risk of hospitalization due to fluid overload and may benefit from additional interventions. Method We built a machine learning (ML) model using clinical and HD treatment data to identify which patients have the highest risk of hospital admission for fluid overload within 7 days of the current outpatient dialysis treatment. Next, we partnered with a team of remote nurses who perform chart reviews, needs identification, and communication outreach when warranted with the goal to reduce hospital admissions. Patients were identified from the ML model and displayed in a worklist on a computer dashboard, ranked by their risk score on that day. The computer dashboard also contained relevant clinical information to enhance the patient review process. Results Model results from prospective data (> 9M predictions in a two-month period) show the model has an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.79, sensitivity of 65%, and specificity of 78% (Figure 1). Weekly chart reviews increased 18% from 26 weeks before the pilot compared to 14 weeks after the pilot began; total communication outreach increased 31% across the same time frame. Further, the nurses using the dashboard anecdotally reported that the dashboard reduced the amount of time required to decide to perform a chart review or perform communication outreach. Conclusion Our predictive model successfully identifies patients at high risk for fluid overload hospital admissions. Understanding the nurse workflow, how they manage this patient population, and which components can be made more efficient enabled them to increase the number of chart reviews and communication outreach.

Background and Aims Vitamin K is a potential protective factor against premature vascular aging and vascular calcification (VC). Whether vitamin K supplement could halt VC progression in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is not clear, partially due to the heterogeneity of measurements of VC in different vascular sites. Here we investigated the associations between non-phosphorylated, uncarboxylated matrix-Gla protein (dp-ucMGP), a circulating marker of vitamin K insufficiency, and premature vascular aging phenotypes evaluated by coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring, aortic valve calcium (AVC) scoring, and histology scoring of presence of media calcification in vascular biopsies in patients with ESRD. Method In this observational cohort study, 223 ESRD patients (median age 54 years, 68% males) comprising non-dialysis patients (n=109), prevalent peritoneal dialysis (PD, n=80, median dialysis vintage 11.6 months) and prevalent hemodialysis patients (HD, n=34, median dialysis vintage 12.0 months) underwent baseline measurements of plasma dp-ucMGP and scoring of CAC and AVC by computed tomography scan. Framingham risk score (FRS), inflammation and other relevant clinical and biochemical data were determined at baseline. In a sub-group of patients (n=94), scoring of media calcification by histology in epigastric artery biopsies was also performed. Results Plasma dp-ucMGP levels (median 1568 pmol/L) significantly correlated with age (rho=0.38), presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD, rho=0.16), triglycerides (rho=0.19), FRS (rho=0.33), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP; rho=0.35), CAC score (rho=0.30) and AVC score (rho=0.24) but did not differ with regards to treatment modality (i.e. non-dialysis, PD and HD). In multivariate regression analyses, with adjustment for presence of CVD, FRS, hsCRP and triglycerides, increased dp-ucMGP levels were independently associated with increased CAC score (coefficients 0.12, p=0.04), but not with AVC score nor presence of media calcification in epigastric arteries. Conclusion Our data suggest that vitamin K insufficiency as indicated by increased dp-ucMGP levels associates with premature vascular calcification evaluated by CAC but not with AVC or media calcification assessed by histology. This discrepancy warrants further studies to explore the pathophysiological background between vitamin K metabolism and susceptibility of calcification in different vascular sites as well as the pattern of VC (i.e. intima and media calcification) within sites.

Background and Aims Depressive illness is not only common in patients of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) but also an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality. The relation between depressive illness, Quality of Life and caregiver burden in this vulnerable group is complex. We attempted to study these 3 important psychosocial domains in patients of ESRD on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis as well as those ESRD patients who were not on any dialysis yet Method A cross sectional analytical comparative controlled design was done to compare 3 domains of depressive burden, quality of life and caregiver burden in 3 group of patients – ESRD patients on hemodialysis, ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis and ESRD patients not on any dialysis Statistical methods used - χ2 statistic or Fisher‘s exact test for categorical variables and comparison of group means. ANOVA was used for continuous variables where more than 3 groups were compared. Correlational analysis done using Spearman’s correlation coefficient . A p-value of Results Depressive symptoms were present significantly across all 3 groups of ESRD. Depressive disorder was significantly higher in the Hemodialysis group (HD) as compared to peritoneal dialysis (PD) group( p=0.038). Mean QOL was significantly higher for PD. Caregiver burden was higher in the HD group. The study brought out the huge burden of depressive symptoms and depressive illness in patients on ESRD across all 3 group of patients and the significantly higher burden of depressive illness and lower QoL and higher caregiver burden in the hemodialysis group. This assumes significance because the majority of our ESRD patients are on HD Conclusion This depressive burden is the hidden factor behind poor Quality of Life as well as poor overall satisfaction as well as treatment outcome in our patients of ESRD whether or not on dialysis. Apart from the inherent factors related to the illness or the type of dialysis, sociodemographic factors seem to play a role in QoL and CG burden in the hemodialyis group. To address this hidden depressive burden comprehensively, we recommend closer cooperation between nephrologist, psychiatrist and psychosocial workers to improve the overall treatment outcome in ESRD patients.

Background and Aims Recently, variability in blood pressure (BP) has been recognized as a risk factor for mortality and cardiovascular events in the general population. However, most studies included patients with normal or near normal kidney function. Aim To study the association between BP variability and the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. Method From 2008 until the end of 2017, 2329 patients with ESRD and at least three months of PD (mean age: 63.8 years, men: 67.5%) were followed for 16 months in median (interquartile range: 11-28 months). Data were extracted from the Swedish Renal Register (SNR). The coefficient variation (CV = the ratio of the standard deviation (SD) to the mean value) was defined as BP variability in terms of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) [SBP(SD)/SBP(mean), DBP(SD)/ DBP(mean), and MAP(SD)/MAP(mean), respectively]. The relationships between BP variability and mortality were examined by time-dependent Cox models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in univariate and multivariate analyses, with adjustment for demographics, laboratory findings and comorbidity. Results During the follow-up period, 1054 (45%) deaths occurred. The mean level of BP variability was CV=0.10± 0.1. The highest rate of mortality was observed in the patients with the highest variability in SBP (CV>0.25; 64% of those patients died). In the multivariate model, for each of the BP variables, we compared the risk of mortality in the lowest variability group (CV≤ 0.05) with that in the CV=0.10-0.15 group (reference): SBP: (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.44- 2.09; p We then compared the highest variability group (CV>0.25) with the CV=0.10-0.15 group (reference): SBP: (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.14- 2.25; p Conclusion In this study, the association between BP variability and the risk of mortality was U-shaped in patients with ESRD and PD. Thus, both very low and high levels of BP variability were related to higher risk of mortality. Mild BP variability was associated with the lowest risk of mortality, which could suggest that, non-intensive and long duration of ultrafiltration (UF) with PD was probably beneficial in terms of survival

Background and Aims The incidence of frailty increases as GFR decreases. In the end stage renal disease (ESRD) population frailty is associated with early mortality, increased hospitalisations, and significant symptom burden. We examined the use of formal frailty scoring and its role in identifying deteriorating patients with advanced renal disease. Method The Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) has high inter-rater reliability and correlates well with objective measures of frailty. We introduced routine recording of the CFS from January 2018 in the renal electronic record for patients on hospital haemodialysis therapy and those undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) planning. Based on CFS scoring patients were divided into ‘frail’ (CFS≥6) or ‘robust’ based (CFS Results A total of 1663 scores were recorded in 800 patients. 57.3% of patients were male. The median age at entry date was 66 (IQR 55,75) years. The median CFS score was 4 (IQR 3,5). At follow-up 74 (9.3%) had died. The median score prior to death was 5.5. 182 (22.8%) were ‘frail’. During the study period 469 patients had more than one score documented. Death at follow-up was more common in those who were ‘frail’, 20.9 vs 5.8%, p Conclusion The presence of ‘frailty’ as measured by CFS, or deterioration in CFS is associated with death at follow-up, independent of age, sex or diabetic nephropathy. Routine monitoring of frailty using the CFS provides a simple method to identify patients who are deteriorating and at risk of death. High or deteriorating CFS score should trigger clinical review and anticipatory care planning where appropriate.

Background and Aims Few studies have investigated the impact of a change in metabolic syndrome (MetS) components on clinical renal outcomes in the general population. Method Using nationally representative data from the Korean National Health Insurance System, 13,310,924 subjects who underwent two health examinations over 2 years and were free from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) from 2009 to 2012 were followed to the end of 2016. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the change in MetS components between the two visits over 2 years: no MetS (–/–), post-MetS (–/+), pre-MetS (+/–), and both MetS (+/+). Results After a median follow up of 5.11 years, 18,582 incident ESRD cases were identified. In the multivariate adjusted model, the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the development of ESRD in the both-MetS (+/+) group compared with the no-MetS (–/–) group was 5.65 (95% CI, 5.42–5.89), which was independent of age, sex, and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate. Additionally, the HR for the pre-MetS (+/-) group versus the no-MetS (–/–) group was 2.28 (2.15–2.42). In subgroup analysis according to renal function, the impact of a change in MetS on the incidence of ESRD was more pronounced in individuals with advanced renal dysfunction. Subjects with resolved MetS components had a decreased risk of ESRD, but not as low as those that never had MetS components. Conclusion This provides evidence supporting the strategy of modulating MetS in the general population to prevent the development of ESRD.

Background and Aims To study the factors involved in the low thyroid hormones in end - stage renal disease (ESRD), we compared thyroid function before and after hemodialysis (HD). Method The serum free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and thyroid - simulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) and thyroglobulin (Tg) levels were measured before and after HD in 12 patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN, age; 48.7 ± 11.8 [mean ± SD]) and 11 patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN, age; 57.6 ± 6.5), comparing with controls (n = 13, age; 40.9 ± 11.3). Results The serum fT4, fT3 and TBG levels were low before HD but increased almost in parallel with the increase in hematocrit and albumin levels after HD in both ESRD groups. The serum TSH level was high before HD but decreased after HD and Tg level remained almost unchanged. In DN, serum fT4 levels was almost the same, but fT3 levels was lower with slightly higher TSH level, compared with CGN. Conclusion Significantly lower fT4, fT3 and TBG levels in ESRD before HD seemed to be due to hemodilution and almost corrected after HD. The TSH level was promptly normalized with elevated fT4, and Tg levels remained unchanged probably due to the balance between corrected hemodilution and rapid response to decreased TSH stimulation. It may better to evaluate thyroid function after HD in ESRD. Accelerated senile changes were suggested in DN.

Background and Aims Lymphocyte apoptosis, as a programmed mechanism of lymphocyte death, is essential in maintaining homeostasis and balance between inflammatory and immune reactions. Disturbances in the apoptotic progress, leading to fragmented lymphocytes, “late apoptotic” cells, may result in immunodeficiency, oncogenesis, atheromatosis, etc. Aim of the present study was to investigate the lymphocyte apoptotic progress in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and the effect of dialysis. Method The study included patients on ESRD; measurements were performed at the first day of dialysis (T0) and repeated 6 months later (T6), while being on dialysis. Total lymphocytes and B lymphocytes (CD19+) were gated and stained with Annexin V to detect apoptotic cells; early and late apoptotic cells were quantified. The results were compared to age-matched healthy control group. Results ESRD patients had reduced lymphocyte and B cell count, 1550±592μ/L vs. 2692±690μ/L, p Conclusion Late apoptotic changes affecting total and particularly B lymphocytes happen in ESRD, and initiation of dialysis seem to cause further alterations, which may be implicated in the increased morbidity and mortality of disease

Background and Aims Over the last decade, the age of dialysis patients has been increasing steadily worldwide. The benefits of dialysis in older people with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are not clear. We will try to evaluate whether dialysis in older has survival advantage compared to younger people. Method It is a prospective descriptive and analytic study including 229 patients who initiated chronic hemodialysis during the period between January and June 2017. Patients were classified into two groups by age at dialysis initiation. Patients above 75 years of age were considered old (old group OG). Patients aged less then 75 years old were considered young (young group YG). Primary outcome was old patient’s survival during the first 3 and 12 months from the dialysis initiation. Results Among a total of 229 new patients who began dialysis treatment, 41 (17,9%) ESRD were above 75 years of age.The sex ratio was 0,95 and 1,54 in respectively in OG and YG (p = 0,167). Diabetes was present in 56% of the elderly and in 59% of the younger group (p = 0,72) and was more frequently the cause of ESRD in the two groups. The average of modified Charlson Comorbidity Index was 6,7 ± 2,3 and 3,9 ± 2,6 respectively in OG and YG(p = 10-3). Younger patients had been referred earlier to nephrologists than the older ones. In fact, glomerular filtration rate at the beginning of the follow up was 18,7 ± 8,9 ml/min/1,73 in OG and 25,4 ± 16,2 in YG (p = 0,004). There was no statically significant difference between the two groups in the frequency of the use of temporary catheters at dialysis initiation (p = 0,778) and the urgent or planned initiation of dialysis (p = 0,298). Younger patients required hospitalization to organize dialysis initiation more than older patients (51,6% VS 26,8%; p = 0,005). Compared with the group of younger patients, Cox model showed an incremental increase in mortality associated with older patients’ group during the first year of HD (p = 0,036). However, there was no difference between OG and YG in the mortality rate during the first 3 months of HD (p = 0,102). Conclusion We may conclude that life expectancy of patients who began dialysis above 75 years is significantly shorter than younger patients in the first year of HD. In the other hand, the difference between the 2 groups wasn’t significant regarding the conditions of dialysis initiation.

Background and Aims Current literature suggests the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) to be the preferred type of vascular access for hemodialysis. However, AVFs have significant and potentially deleterious effects on cardiac functions particularly in the setting of preexisting heart disease. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and echocardiographic evolution after creation of a proximal AVF and a radial AVF. Method We conducted a retrospective descriptive study including all chronic hemodialysis patients through AVF. Group 1 (G1) included patients with proximal AVF and group 2 (G2) patients with radial AVF. Results Twenty-four patients were collected in G1 and the average age was 55 years. G2 included 13 patients with a mean age of 44 years. Systolic blood pressure decreased after AVF creation in both groups (G1: 62.5%, G2: 45%, NS). A dyspnea was noted in 70% of cases of G1 and 38.4% of cases of G2 (NS). The interventricular septum was thickened in 20.8% of cases of G1 and 38.4% of G2 (NS). Left ventricular (LV) dilatation was observed in both groups with LV diastolic telegram diameter increase of 58% in G1 versus 10% in G2 (p = 0.04). A decrease in LV ejection fraction was found in 62.5% in G1 and 46.1% in G2 (p = 0.066). The major cardiac complications in G1 were acute coronary syndrome in 5 patients and atrial fibrillation in 4 cases after an average of 60 months and 35 months, respectively. No cardiac complications were noted in G2. Conclusion AVFs remain the preferred type of vascular access for chronic hemodialysis therapy because they are associated with better long-term patency and fewer complications compared with synthetic grafts. Its seat will depend on the vascular state and the cardiac status of the dialysis patient.

Background and Aims Systematic analysis of cardiac remodeling features in type 2 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is important both in stratification of cardiovascular risk and in choice of adequate treatment strategies. The lack of number and fragmentation of studies, the ambiguity of their data regarding the problem of myocardial reconstruction and cardiac valve calcification (CVC) under these conditions have substantiated the need for this study, its relevance and purpose. Method 136 ESRD patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD) were included in this observational cross-sectional study (men, 78; age, 53.9±1.0 years; HD duration, 47.6±4.2 months). The study was performed in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration of Helsinki last revision. Depending on the presence/absence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) all patients were divided into two groups: the 1st one – without DN (n=88); the 2nd one – with DN (n=48). A complete ultrasound examination of the cardiac structure and function including CVC analysis was performed. Data are presented as means±SEM. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for comparison of the quantitative variables, χ2-test – qualitative ones. Results Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (93.8 vs. 78.4%, р=0.020) and eccentric hypertrophy (47.9 vs. 28.4%, р=0.023) were diagnosed more often in patients with DN than those without diabetes. Prevalence of pseudonormal and restrictive types of LV diastolic dysfunction (62.5 vs. 28.4%, p Conclusion In type 2 diabetic patients with ESRD occurs maladaptive cardiac remodeling with predominance of unfavourable (especially eccentric) types of LV hypertrophy, RV dilatation, PH, severe LV diastolic and systolic dysfunction, and widespread combined calcification of MV and AV with the valve defects. The identification of risk factors for the progression of the pathological reconstruction of myocardium and CVC in HD patients with DN will be the subject of our further research.

Background and Aims Data on the epidemiology and temporal trends of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with hemodialysis are not well established in the entire Korean population. We aimed to estimate the incidence and prevalence of ESRD with hemodialysis in Korea between 2002 and 2017. Method Using the National Health Insurance Service database, we analyzed entire Korean population from 2002 to 2017. Hemodialysis patients was identified by using rare incurable disease codes (V001) or prescription of medical fee code of hemodialysis (O7020, O7021). We only included patients who have been maintained hemodialysis more than 90 days from the date of dialysis initiation to exclude short-term dialysis due to acute kidney injury or patients who converted to peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplantation. Results During the 16-year follow-up, the number of hemodialysis patients in Korea has steadily increased from 11,251 in 2002 to 67,486 in 2017. The mean age of hemodialysis patients has gradually increased from 55.57±13.31 years in 2002 to 62.13±13.23 years in 2017. Overall, the number of men tended to be somewhat higher than that of women, and the proportion of men increased slightly from 55.56% in 2002 to 58.45% in 2017. The proportion of diabetic patients increased rapidly from 23.84% to 47.84%, and the percentage of hyperlipidemic patients rose from 18.9% to 86.7%, while the percentage of hypertensive patients did not show a significant increase. The number of incident hemodialysis patients increased significantly from 4,406 in 2003 to 12,134 in 2014 and then decreased to 8,090 in 2017. In the incident patients, the increase in the proportion of male patients and the increase in diabetes and hyperlipidemia were observed in similar manner with prevalent patients. Conclusion The incidence and prevalence of hemodialysis in Korea gradually increased from 2002 to 2017. The proportion of men, diabetes and hyperlipidemia among patients with hemodialysis also increased continuously. These findings may contribute as groundwork for epidemiological studies of hemodialysis in Korea.