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Background Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is essential in the presence of life-threatening complications associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). In the absence of urgent indications, the optimal timing for RRT initiation is still under debate. This meta-analysis aims to compare the benefits between early and late RRT initiation strategies in critically ill patients with AKI. Methods Studies were obtained from three databases [Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Scopus], searched from inception to May 2021. The selected primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included overall mortality, recovery of renal function (RRF) and RRT-associated adverse events. A random-effects model was used for summary measures. Heterogeneity was assessed through Cochrane I2 test statistics. Potential sources of heterogeneity for the primary outcome were sought using sensitivity analyses. Further subgroup analyses were conducted based on RRT modality and study population. Results A total of 13 randomized controlled trials including 5193 participants were analysed. No significant differences were found between early and late RRT initiation regarding 28-day mortality [risk ratio (RR) 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–1.12, I² = 30%], overall mortality (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.90–1.12, I² = 42%) and RRF (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.92–1.13, I² = 53%). However, early RRT initiation was associated with a significantly higher incidence of hypotensive (RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.17–1.53, I² = 6%) and infectious events (RR 1.83; 95% CI 1.11–3.02, I² = 0%). Conclusions Early RRT initiation does not improve the 28-day and overall mortality, nor the likelihood of RRF, and increases the risk for RRT-associated adverse events, namely hypotension and infection.

Mestrado Bolonha em Gestão de Recursos Humanos Ao longo dos anos muito se tem falado e discutido, de acordo com diferentes autores, sobre os temas da liderança e da inteligência emocional (IE), e, de que forma a inteligência emocional pode ter um papel relevante na relação com entre líderes e liderados. No entanto, apesar do número de estudos existentes nesta área, ainda não existem estudos que esclareçam como pode o nível de inteligência emocional estar relacionado com estas duas variáveis. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi perceber em que medida o nível de inteligência emocional dos liderados impacta a relação com o líder, e, como pode o nível de inteligência dos líderes impactar o estilo de liderança transformacional através de um estudo quantitativo que permite perceber como líderes e liderados percecionam este nível. Os resultados obtidos explicam que existe uma correlação positiva e moderada entre o nível de inteligência emocional dos liderados e a relação entre o líder, e que, não existe correlação entre o nível de inteligência emocional dos líderes e o seu estilo de liderança transformacional. Em suma, os resultados obtidos apontam para a existência de uma relação entre o nível de inteligência emocional e as variáveis da liderança e da relação com o líder, contudo, existe a necessidade de mais investigação nesta área. Over the years, much has been said and discussed, according to different authors, on the topics of leadership and emotional intelligence (EI), and how emotional intelligence can play a relevant role in the relationship between leaders and followers. However, despite the number of existing studies in this area, there are still no studies that clarify how the level of emotional intelligence can be related to these two variables. Thus, the objective of this study was to understand to what extent the level of emotional intelligence of the subordinates impacts the relationship with the leader, and how can the level of intelligence of the leaders impact the transformational leadership style through a quantitative study that allows to understand how leaders and followers perceive this level. The results obtained explain that there is a positive and moderate correlation between the level of emotional intelligence of the followers and the relationship between the leader, and that there is no correlation between the level of emotional intelligence of the leaders and their transformational leadership style. In short, the results obtained point to the existence of a relationship between the level of emotional intelligence and the variables of leadership and the relationship with the leader, however, there is a need for further investigation in this area. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, the risk of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is highly variable. In 2011, Tangri et al. developed the kidney failure risk equations (KFRE) to predict the 2 and 5-year probability of requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT). The KFRE is an easily calculated 4-variable equation which has been extensively validated in multiple cohorts. The aim of this study was to validate this risk score in a Portuguese cohort.We conducted a retrospective analysis of CKD patients stage 3-5 referred for nephrology consult at Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte during the first 6 months of 2018. Age, gender, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria were assessed. The 4-variable kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) calibrated to a non-North American population was calculated. Requirement of KRT was assessed in a 2-year follow-up. We assessed the Cox logistic regression method of the KFRE to predict KRT requirement and the discriminatory ability was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A cut-off value was defined as that with the highest validity.360 patients were included and 54.4% were male. Mean age was 74.9±12.2 years, serum creatinine was 1.97±0.84mg/dL, eGFR was 33.4±12.13ml/min/1.73mWe have independently externally validated the 2-year KFRE and shown that it has excellent discrimination. The KFRE should be incorporated in clinical care of patients with CKD to improve patient-clinician dialogue and provide guidance on timing of referral for nephrology evaluation and planning for dialysis access.

Background: In glomerular disease, the degree of proteinuria is closely related to the progression of chronic kidney disease, and its reduction is associated with a slower decline in the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and consequent improvement in the renal prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of proteinuria reduction on the decline of the eGFR in patients with glomerular disease, during the first year after the diagnosis. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients with primary glomerular disease, followed at the Nephrology Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, during 2019. We analyzed demographic, clinical and laboratorial characteristics (creatinine, GFR, urine analysis and quantification of proteinuria determined by the proteinuria/creatinuria ratio, in the first morning urine or a 24 h urine sample). The outcome assessed was the decline in renal function, defined as a reduction in the GFR ≥ 25%, during the follow-up period. Results: We analyzed 197 patients with glomerular disease, with a mean age of 41.7 ± 19.7 years and follow-up time of 6.5 ± 5.3 years. At the time of the diagnosis, the eGFR was 81.5 ± 49.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 and proteinuria was 3.5 g/24 h (IQR 5.8). At one-year follow-up, median proteinuria was 0.9 g/24 h (IQR 2.4). At the end of the follow-up, mean eGFR was 72.1 ± 43.3 mL/min/1.73 m2. Proteinuria (p = 0.435) and the eGFR (p = 0.880) at the time of diagnosis did not correlate with long-term decline in the eGFR. Proteinuria < 1 g/24 h (HR 0.45 (95% CI 0.25–0.83) p = 0.011) after the first year was protective against long-term decline in the eGFR. It maintained this association with the long-term eGFR decline, independently of the duration of the follow-up (HR 0.30 (95% CI 0.17–0.52) p < 0.001). Conclusions: Proteinuria reduction to lower than 1 g/24 h, during the first year after diagnosis, was a protective factor for the long-term decline of kidney function, having a more important role than proteinuria or the GFR at the time of the diagnosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is growing worldwide and ranges from 8% to 16%. Mortality rates are higher in the first few months of haemodialysis (HD). Protein-energy malnutrition has been demonstrated to be a major risk factor for mortality in this population. The C-Reactive Protein to Albumin ratio (CAR) has been associated with increased mortality risk. We aimed to evaluate if CAR could be used to predict 6-month mortality in incident HD patients. METHOD Retrospective analysis of CKD patients who initiated chronic HD between January of 2014 and December of 2019 in a tertiary-care hospital in Portugal. CAR was calculated at HD start. We analyzed 6-month mortality. Variables were submitted to univariate and multivariate analysis to determine factors predictive of 6-month mortality after HD start. We assessed the logistic regression method of the CAR to predict 6-month mortality and the discriminatory ability was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS A total of 787 patients were analyzed (mean age 68.34 ± 15.5 years and 60.6% male). The 6-month mortality was 13.8% (n = 109). Patients who died were significantly older [76.50 ± 11.39 versus 67.29 ± 15.52 years; P 0.5, with an odds ratio of 5.362 (95% CI 3.208–8.963; P CONCLUSION In our study, we demonstrated that higher CAR was independently associated with a higher mortality rate in the first 6 months of starting HD, highlighting the prognostic importance of malnutrition and inflammation in patients starting chronic HD.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, the risk of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is highly variable. In 2011, Tangri et al. developed the kidney failure risk equations (KFRE) to predict the 2- and 5-year probability of requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT). The KFRE is an easily calculated 4-variable equation that has been extensively validated in multiple cohorts. The aim of this study was to validate this risk score in a Portuguese cohort. METHOD We conducted a retrospective analysis of CKD patients stage 3–5 referred for nephrology consult at Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte during the first 6 months of 2018. Age, gender, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria were assessed. The four-variable Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) calibrated for a non-North American population was calculated. Requirement for KRT was assessed in a 2-year follow-up. We assessed the Cox logistic regression method of the KFRE to predict KRT requirement, and the discriminatory ability was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A cut-off value was defined as that with the highest validity. RESULTS A total of 360 patients were included, and 54.4% were male. The mean age was 74.9 ± 12.2 years, serum creatinine was 1.97 ± 0.84 mg/dL, eGFR was 33.4 ± 12.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 and albuminuria was 571.1 ± 848.3 mg/g. The mean calculated risk score was 6.2 ± 11.2%. A total of 23 patients required KRT (6.4%) in the 2-year follow-up. The hazard ratio was 1.1 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.06–1.12; P < .001] for the 2-year risk of KRT. The KFRE predicted progression to KRT requirement with an auROC of 0.903, (95% CI 0.86–0.95; P 4.5% for 2-year nephrologist referral, with a hazard ratio of HR 26.7 [95% CI 6.15–116.3; P < .001] for 2-year risk of KRT. requirement. CONCLUSION We have independently externally validated the 2-year KFRE and shown that it has excellent discrimination. The KFRE should be incorporated into the clinical care of patients with CKD to improve patient-clinician dialogue and provide guidance on the timing of referral for nephrology evaluation and planning for dialysis access.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant cause of morbidity, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. CHA2DS2VASc is a score system used in patients with atrial fibrillation to predict thromboembolic risk. However, it also appears to be useful to predict mortality risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the CHA2D2SVASc score as a tool to predict 1-year mortality after starting haemodialysis and identify factors associated with higher mortality. METHOD Retrospective analysis of patients who started haemodialysis between January of 2014 and December of 2019 at Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte. We evaluated mortality within 1 year of starting haemodialysis. The CHA2D2SVASc score was calculated at the start of haemodialysis. Variables were submitted to univariate and multivariate analysis to determine factors predictive of 1-year mortality after HD start. We assessed the logistic regression method of the CHA2DS2VASc to predict 1-year mortality and the discriminatory ability was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS Of 856 patients analyzed, the mean age was 68.3 ± 15.5 years, the majority were male (61.1%) and Caucasian (84.5%). Mortality within 1 year after haemodialysis started was 17.8% (n = 152). The CHA2D2SVASc score was significantly higher (4.4 ± 1.7 versus 3.5 ± 1.8; P < .001) in patients who died and accurately predicted the 1-year risk of mortality {AUC: 0.646, [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.6–0.7]; P < .001}, with a sensitivity 71.7% and specificity of 49.1%, a positive predictive value of 23.9% and a negative predictive value of 89.2%. In the multivariate analysis, CHA2D2SVASc ≥3.5 (adjusted OR: 2.24, 95% CI 1.48–3.37; P < .001] and central venous catheter at dialysis start (adjusted HR: 3.06, 95% CI 1.93–4.85) were significant predictors of 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION CHA2D2SVASc score ≥ 3.5 and central venous catheter at haemodialysis start were predictors of 1-year mortality, allowing for risk stratification in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Percutaneous renal biopsy is a fundamental technique for the diagnosis of numerous renal pathologies. However, it is an invasive technique that requires operator experience and is associated with adverse outcomes. Bleeding complications such as haematuria or perirenal hematoma are frequent, but generally self-limiting, and may rarely be severe to the point of culminating in hypovolemic shock or death. The objectives of this study are to identify the rate of adverse outcomes and potential predictors of adverse outcomes related to the procedure. METHOD A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing native kidney biopsy at a tertiary centre, between 2015 and 2019 was carried out, based on the demographic and clinical characteristics of the population, analyses (creatinine at admission, pre-procedure and post-procedure blood counts) and control at 24 h after biopsy) and imaging methods (renal ultrasound 24 h after biopsy). RESULTS A total of 176 patients were selected, with a mean age of 48.1 ± 17.6 years. They were mostly caucasian (80.1%) and there was a predominance of females (55.7%). Approximately 46.6% had arterial hypertension, although all had their blood pressure controlled at the time of the biopsy. Mean pre-biopsy creatinine value was 2.0 ± 1.7 mg/dL. Mean pre-biopsy haemoglobin value was 12.1 ± 2.0 g/dL and 24 h post-biopsy 11.8 ± 2 .0 g/dL. There was an overall complication rate of 30.1%, corresponding to 5 cases of haematuria, 36 minor hematomas and 8 major hematomas. There were no deaths and there was no need for surgical intervention to control the bleeding. The only predictor of post-biopsy complications was age, with younger patients having fewer complications (43.9 ± 16.2 versus 50.0 ± 17.9, P = .036). There was no correlation between pre-biopsy creatinine or haemoglobin values and the occurrence of complications, nor was there a greater number of complications in hypertensive patients. CONCLUSION Although bleeding complications were relatively frequent in this sample, serious events were rare, as this reinforces the safety of this procedure (which provides valuable information about the prognosis and decision of the therapy to be instituted). The presence of arterial hypertension and the pre-biopsy creatininemia value did not increase the risk of complications related to the procedure.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is consensual in the presence of life-threatening complications associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). In the absence of urgent indications, the optimal timing for RRT initiation is still under debate. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to compare the benefits between early and late RRT initiation strategies in critically ill patients with AKI. METHOD Studies were obtained from three databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL and SCOPUS), searched from inception to May 2021. The selected primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included overall mortality, recovery of renal function (RRF) and RRT-associated adverse events. A random-effects model was used for summary measures. Heterogeneity was assessed through Cochrane I2 test statistics. Potential sources of heterogeneity for the primary outcome were sought using sensitivity analyses. Further subgroup analyses were conducted based on the RRT modality. RESULTS A total of 13 randomized controlled trials, including 5193 participants, were analyzed. No significant differences were found between early and late RRT initiation regarding 28-day mortality [risk ratio (RR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.89–1.12; I² = 30%], overall mortality (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.90–1.12; I² = 42%) and RRF (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.92–1.13; I² = 53%). However, early RRT initiation was associated with a significantly higher incidence of hypotensive (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.17–1.53; I² = 6%) and infectious events (RR 1.83, 95% CI 1.11–3.02; I² = 0%). CONCLUSION Early RRT initiation does not improve the 28-day or overall mortality, nor the likelihood of RRF and increases the risk for RRT-associated adverse events, namely hypotension and infection.

Right atrial thrombus is commonly associated to catheters. Catheter-related right atrial thrombus (CRAT) in hemodialysis patients frequently presents as pulmonary embolism. Although CRAT is sometimes asymptomatic, even in these cases it is associated with worse prognosis. The management strategy for CRAT is not well established, however, along with catheter removal, anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and surgical thrombectomy may be performed. Suspicion of asymptomatic pulmonary embolism associated to CRAT is important in order to perform proper treatment. The authors of this article report two cases of asymptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism due to CRAT in hemodialysis patients and perform a review of the literature.

A considerable number of patients present with stuck CVC after long-use of CVC, which is thought to result from the adhesion of the fibrous sheath, formed over the CVC, to the vessel or atrial wall. The removal of these catheters is a difficult and risky procedure. Hong reported a minimally invasive technique through endoluminal balloon dilation, which successfully breaks the adhesions and expands the vein, thus allowing for an easy removal of the CVC. The authors present two cases of a variant method of Hong’s technique, and provide a literature review on stuck catheters. Our experience is that balloon angioplasty dilation is a safe and practical option. We highlight the role of experienced interventional nephrologists or radiologists in the management of this complication as endovascular treatment is the first line treatment.

Background: CKD is a significant cause of morbidity, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. CHA2DS2-VASc is a score used in patients with atrial fibrillation to predict thromboembolic risk; it also appears to be useful to predict mortality risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate CHA2DS2-VASc scores as a tool for predicting one-year mortality after hemodialysis is started and for identifying factors associated with higher mortality. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients who started hemodialysis between January 2014 and December 2019 in Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte. We evaluated mortality within one year of hemodialysis initiation. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated at the start of hemodialysis. Results: Of 856 patients analyzed, their mean age was 68.3 ± 15.5 years and the majority were male (61.1%) and Caucasian (84.5%). Mortality within one-year after starting hemodialysis was 17.8% (n = 152). The CHA2DS2-VASc score was significantly higher (4.4 ± 1.7 vs. 3.5 ± 1.8, p < 0.001) in patients who died and satisfactorily predicted the one-year risk of mortality (AUC 0.646, 95% CI 0.6–0.7, p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 71.7%, a specificity of 49.1%, a positive predictive value of 23.9% and a negative predictive value of 89.2%. In the multivariate analysis, CHA2DS2-VASc ≥3.5 (adjusted HR 2.24 95% CI (1.48–3.37), p < 0.001) and central venous catheter at dialysis initiation (adjusted HR 3.06 95% CI (1.93–4.85)) were significant predictors of one-year mortality. Conclusion: A CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥3.5 and central venous catheter at hemodialysis initiation were predictors of one-year mortality, allowing for risk stratification in hemodialysis patients.

Introduction: The use of Rituximab (RTX) in glomerular diseases (GD) has increased in the past years, although it is still only used in a small fraction of patients. Methods: A single center retrospective study of adult patients with membranous nephropathy (MN), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), lupus nephritis (LN), and vasculitis treated with RTX as first or second-line therapy was conducted at our center from 2010 to 2020. Results: We identified 19 patients; 36.8% had MN and 25.0% each had FSGS, LN, and vasculitis. RTX was first-line therapy in 26.3% of patients and in 73.7% it was second-line therapy. Mean follow-up time was 7.7 ± 7.2 years. In MN, 2 patients (28.6%) had complete remission (CR), 2 patients (28.6%) had partial remission (PR), and 3 patients (42.9%) had no response (NR). In FSGS, 2 patients (50.0%) presented CR, 1 patient (25.0%) had no response, and 1 patient had renal deterioration. Two patients (50.0%) had a LN class IV with a CR after RTX, 1 patient with LN class IIIC/V had no response, and 1 patient with LN class II had renal deterioration. In vasculitis, 3 patients (75.0%) presented CR and 1 patient had PR. Infusion reactions were present in 2 patients (10.5%) and one patient had multiple infectious complications. Conclusions: The efficacy of RTX in treating different types of immune-mediated GD has been demonstrated with different response rates, but an overall safe profile. In our case series, the results are also encouraging. Longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the effect of RTX in GD. Resumo Introdução: O uso de Rituximab (RTX) em doenças glomerulares (DG) aumentou nos últimos anos, embora ainda utilizado apenas em uma pequena fração de pacientes. Métodos: Conduzimos em nosso centro, de 2010-2020, um estudo retrospectivo de único centro de pacientes adultos com nefropatia membranosa (NM), glomeruloesclerose segmentar focal (GESF), nefrite lúpica (NL) e vasculite tratada com RTX como terapia de primeira ou segunda linha. Resultados: Identificamos 19 pacientes; 36,8% tinham NM; 25,0% cada apresentava GESF, NL e vasculite. RTX foi terapia de primeira linha em 26,3% dos pacientes e em 73,7% foi terapia de segunda linha. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi 7,7 ± 7,2 anos. Em NM, 2 pacientes (28,6%) tiveram remissão completa (RC), 2 pacientes (28,6%) remissão parcial (RP), e 3 pacientes (42,9%) não tiveram resposta (NR). Na GESF, 2 pacientes (50,0%) apresentaram RC, 1 paciente (25,0%) não teve resposta e, 1 paciente, deterioração renal. Dois pacientes (50,0%) apresentaram NL classe IV com RC após RTX, 1 paciente com NL classe IIIC/V não teve resposta, e 1 paciente com NL classe II apresentou deterioração renal. Na vasculite, 3 pacientes (75,0%) apresentaram RC e 1 paciente RP. Reações à infusão ocorreram em 2 pacientes (10,5%) e um paciente apresentou múltiplas complicações infecciosas. Conclusões: A eficácia do RTX em tratar diferentes tipos de DG imunomediada tem sido demonstrada com diferentes taxas de resposta, mas com perfil geral seguro. Em nossa série de casos, os resultados também são encorajadores. Estudos longitudinais são necessários para compreender melhor o efeito do RTX na DG.

The number of elderly patients initiating hemodialysis (HD) increased considerably over the past decade. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred vascular access (VA) type in most HD patients. Choice of VA for older hemodialysis patients presents a challenge. The higher incidence of comorbidities, longer AVF maturation times, risk of primary failure, risk of patency loss, and shorter life expectancy are important factors to consider. In this review we provide a comprehensive analysis on maturation rates, primary failure, patency, and mortality regarding vascular access in patients older than 75 years of age.