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Background/Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the utility of clinical [age, gender, mean arterial pressure (MAP)] and laboratory parameters [eGFR, hemoglobin (Hgb), serum levels of creatinine, uric acid, albumin, proteinuria, hematuria] and also histopathological lesions (Oxford classification parameters, crescents, intensity and pattern of staining for C3, C1Q, IgA, IgG, IgM) as progression markers in patients with IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). Methods: A total of 111 IgAN patients with a follow-up period >1 year or who reached kidney failure [GFR category G5 chronic kidney disease (CKD)] <1 year were investigated. Primary endpoint was the development of kidney failure or eGFR decline ≥50% from the baseline. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed. Results: Mean follow-up period was 33±29 months. Thirty-seven (33.3%) patients progressed to kidney failure and 4 (3.6%) patients developed eGFR decline ≥50% from the baseline after a median of 23 and 65 months, respectively. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, baseline levels of Hgb (HR:0.782, 95% CI 0.559-0.973, p=0.037), serum uric acid (HR:1.293, 95% CI 1.023-1.621, p=0.046), eGFR (HR:0.966, 95% CI 0.947-0.984, p=0.004) and intensity of C3 staining (HR:1.550, 95% CI 1.198-1.976, p=0.049) predicted primary endpoint. Serum uric acid level was associated independently with T score (β=0.303, p=0.005) in patients with eGFR>30 ml/min/m2. Conclusions: Hyperuricemia and the deposition of C3 are independent risk factors for IgAN progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the most common hereditary kidney diseases, which is characterized by progressive cyst growth and secondary hypertension. In addition to cystogenesis and renal abnormalities, patients with PKD can develop vascular abnormalities and cardiovascular complications. Progressive cyst growth substantially alters renal structure and culminates into end-stage renal disease. There remains no cure beyond renal transplantation, and treatment options remain largely limited to chronic renal replacement therapy. In addition to end-stage renal disease, patients with PKD also present with hypertension and cardiovascular disease, yet the timing and interactions between the cardiovascular and renal effects of PKD progression are understudied. Here, we review the vascular dysfunction found in clinical and preclinical models of PKD, including the clinical manifestations and relationship to hypertension, stroke, and related cardiovascular diseases. Finally, our discussion also highlights the critical questions and emerging areas in vascular research in PKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High-flux hemodialysis membranes may modulate the cytokine storm of SARS-CoV-2, but their impact on chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients is unknown. The aim of the study was the evaluation of asymmetric cellulose triacetate (ATA) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) dialyzers on inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in CHD patients with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: A prospective, observational study on CHD patients with SARS-CoV-2 was carried out. Patients were enrolled from March 2020 to May 2021. Pre- and postdialysis C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined at each session. Patients who underwent on-line hemodiafiltration (OLHDF) with a PMMA dialyzer were compared with those treated with OLHDF with a ATA dialyzer. The primary endpoint was the differences in the reduction ratio per session (RR) of CRP, PCT, IL-6, and IL-6 RR >25%. Results: We consecutively enrolled 74 CHD patients with COVID-19, 48 were treated with ATA membrane, and 26 with PMMA. Median IL-6 RR was higher in the ATA group compared to PMMA (17.08%, IQR −9.0 to 40.0 vs. 2.95%, IQR −34.63 to 27.32). Median CRP RR was 7.77% (IQR 2.47–13.77) in the ATA group versus 4.8% (IQR −2.65 to 11.38) in the PMMA group (p = 0.0017). Median PCT-RR% was 77.38% (IQR 70.92–82.97) in ATA group versus 54.59% (IQR 42.62–63.16) in the PMMA group (p < 0.0001). A multiple logistic regression analysis with IL-6 RR >25% as the outcome including the membrane employed, pre-dialysis IL-6, CRP, PCT, and ferritin showed that ATA led to a higher probability to reach the outcome (OR 1.891, 95% CI 1.273–2.840, p = 0.0018) while higher CRP favors the risk of lower IL-6 RR values (OR 0.910, 95% CI 0.868–0.949, p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusions: In SARS-CoV-2 CHD patients treated with OLHDF, ATA showed a better anti-inflammatory profile, regarding IL-6 RR, compared to PMMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clonidine is a frequently prescribed long-term antihypertensive medication in hemodialysis (HD) patients in the USA, but its safety and efficacy has not been clearly established in the HD population. Objective: To evaluate, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the safety and efficacy of clonidine in HD patients. Methods: Keyword search of "clonidine" and "dialysis" was conducted through April 2021 in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Inclusion criteria were as follows – study design: randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, prospective studies, retrospective studies, or case series; subjects: adult HD patients; main outcome: blood pressure (BP) and safety; language: English; and article type: peer-reviewed publications. Studies that examined the effects of clonidine in populations other than adult HD patients were excluded. Meta-analysis was performed on BP reduction outcomes. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, including prospective pre-post studies (2), double-blind controlled trial (1), single-blinded placebo-controlled trial (1), crossover open-label clinical trial (1), retrospective analysis (1), and case report series (2). Three studies included in the meta-analysis ranged from 2 to 12 weeks duration, with a collective sample size of 24 (ages 12–77 years). Risk of bias, assessed using the ROBINS-1 tool, was high for all included studies. Significant adverse effects reported included hypotension, light-headedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, rebound hypertension, and contact dermatitis from patch application. Short-term clonidine use was associated with significant improvement in systolic BP (pooled effect: −12.985 mm Hg, 95% CI [−7.878, −18.092], p < 0.001), while changes in diastolic BP were not statistically significant (−11.119 mm Hg, 95% CI [−22.725, 0.487], p = 0.060). No data currently support the long-term efficacy of clonidine in HD patients. This study was unfunded and was developed using PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018112042). Conclusions: There is no evidence supporting the long-term use of clonidine in the HD population and a significant side-effect profile. There is low-quality evidence demonstrating the efficacy of clonidine in lowering BP in HD patients in short-term use, but significant safety concerns remain. Fluid removal strategies and other antihypertensives should be used over clonidine for long-term BP control in the HD population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Decannulation of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) after each hemodialysis session requires a precise compression on the needle puncture site. The objective of our study was to evaluate the bleeding time (BT) needed to achieve hemostasis using WoundClot, an innovative hemostatic gauze, and to assess whether its long-term use can improve AVF preservation. Methods: This is a prospective single center study. Initially, the time to hemostasis after AVF decannulation was compared between WoundClot and cotton gauze in 24 prevalent hemodialysis patients. Thereafter, the patients continued to use WoundClot for 12 months and were compared to a control group consisting of 25 patients using regular cotton gauze. Follow-up data included parameters of dialysis adequacy, AVF interventions, and thrombotic events. Results: WoundClot use shortened significantly the time needed for hemostasis. Mean venous BT decreased by 3.99 (±4.6) min and mean arterial BT by 6.38 (±4.8) min when using WoundClot compared to cotton gauze (p < 0.001). At the end of the study, dialysis adequacy expressed by spKt/V was higher in the WoundClot group compared to control (1.73 vs. 1.53, respectively, p = 0.047). Although patients in WoundClot group had a higher baseline BT, arterial and venous pressures did not differ between the groups after a median follow up of 10.8 months. AVF thrombosis rate was similar between the groups. Conclusions: WoundClot hemostatic gauze significantly reduced the time required for hemostasis after AVF decannulation and may be associated with better AVF preservation. We suggest using WoundClot for arterial BT longer than 15 min and for venous BT longer than 12.5 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron overload is a common complication in patients with chronic renal failure treated with dialysis prior to the availability of recombinant human erythropoietin therapy. Iron overload was the result of hypoproliferative erythroid marrow function coupled with the need for frequent red blood cell transfusions to manage symptomatic anemia. The repetitive use of intravenous iron with or without the use of red blood cell transfusions also contributed to iron loading and was associated with iron deposition in liver parenchymal and reticuloendothelial cells. Here we report a 56-year-old female with end-stage renal failure who underwent kidney transplant twice and found to have iatrogenic iron overload with excess intravenous iron treated conservatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) remains exceptionally high. While traditional risk factors such as obesity are paradoxically associated with better survival, nontraditional risk factors including cachexia increase the likelihood of poor outcomes. There is accumulating evidence that the endocannabinoid (ECB) system plays a major role in energy preservation and storage, factors which can prevent the deleterious effects of cachexia. Hence, in this study, we evaluated the association of circulating ECB levels with mortality in MHD patients.Methods: Serum concentrations of anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG), major ECB ligands, were measured in MHD patients. Their correlation with various clinical/laboratory indices and association with 12-month all-cause mortality were examined.Results: Serum 2-AG levels positively correlated with body mass index, serum triglycerides and body anthropometric measures. Meanwhile, serum AEA levels correlated positively with serum interleukin-6, and negatively with serum very low-density lipoprotein levels. While increased serum 2-AG levels were associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.52, 95% CI 0.28-0.98), there was no clear association between serum AEA levels and mortality (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.48-1.72).Conclusions: In MHD patients, the circulating levels of ECB ligand, 2-AG, may play an important role in determining body mass and risk of mortality. These observations were unique to 2-AG as similar findings were not obtained with serum AEA. Future studies need to investigate the mechanisms responsible for these associations and examine the modulation of the ECB system as a potential target for therapy in ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vancomycin induced thrombocytopenia (VIT) is an uncommon side effect of vancomycin which can manifest from mild petechiae to life-threatening bleed. Decreased renal clearance of vancomycin results in prolonged thrombocytopenia by antibody-mediated platelet destruction in the presence of vancomycin. Improvement in thrombocytopenia is achieved with the elimination of vancomycin. We describe a patient with end stage renal disease who experienced a protracted course of thrombocytopenia from vancomycin. We illustrate the mechanism of thrombocytopenia and the treatment modalities used by us and those described in literature. VIT is an important differential in patients with thrombocytopenia admitted to the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Additional validation study was warranted to confirm the clinical significance of C score, which was recently added to the Oxford classification for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study in four hospitals in Korea. Patients who had biopsied glomeruli less than eight or inadequate follow-up information were excluded. Clinicopathologic parameters, including the degree of cellular or fibrocellular crescents, were collected and included in multivariable models for Cox regression analysis. The main outcome was a composite renal outcome, defined as a merge of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and halving of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline. Results: Among included 3,380 biopsy-confirmed IgAN patients, there were 664 (19.6%) patients with C1 and 60 (1.8%) patients with C2 scores in the study population. Although C0 and C1 patients shared similar baseline characteristics, C2 patients frequently had more clinicopathologic risk factors for poor prognosis of IgAN. Both C1 [adjusted HR 1.33 (1.11-1.58), P=0.002] and C2 [adjusted HR 2.24 (1.46-3.43), P< 0.001] scores were associated with an increased risk of the composite outcome. C2 was a strong predictive parameter associated with both progression to ESRD and halving of eGFR, whereas C1 was mainly associated with the increased risk of halving of eGFR. Notably, the proportion of crescent showed a linear association with the risk of adverse renal outcome. Conclusion: The C score in the Oxford classification is a valid predictive parameter for IgAN prognosis. Additional clinical attention is necessary for IgAN patients with identified cellular or fibrocellular crescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risk of cardiovascular mortality is high among adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), a metric of abdominal adiposity, is a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in the general population; however, no studies have examined the association with CVD mortality, particularly sudden cardiac death (SCD), in incident hemodialysis.Methods: Among 379 participants incident (< 6 months) to hemodialysis enrolled in the Predictors of Arrhythmic and Cardiovascular Risk in ESRD study, we evaluated associations between WHR and risk of CVD mortality, SCD, and non-CVD mortality in Cox proportional hazards regression models.Results: At study enrollment, mean age was 55 years with 41% females, 73% African Americans, and 57% diabetics. Mean body mass index was 29.3 kg/m2, and mean WHR was 0.95. During a median follow-up time of 2.5 years, there were 35 CVD deaths, 15 SCDs, and 48 non-CVD deaths. Every 0.1 increase in WHR was associated with higher risk (hazard ratio [95% CI]) of CVD mortality (1.75 [1.06-2.86]) and SCD (2.45 [1.20-5.02]), but not non-CVD mortality (0.93 [0.59-1.45]), independently of demographics, body mass index, comorbidities, inflammation, and traditional CVD risk factors.Conclusions: WHR is significantly associated with CVD mortality including SCD, independently of other CVD risk factors in incident hemodialysis. This simple, easily obtained bedside metric may be useful in dialysis patients for CVD risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by pervasive renal involvement. However, this disease is underdiagnosed in patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those with end stage renal disease (ESRD), so their investigation represents an unexploited opportunity for early diagnosis of the disease and for its identification in relatives of affected patients. Methods: We investigated Fabry disease in a clinical and biological database including ESRD patients of unknown cause in a geographical area with 2 million residents. The study was based on state of art GLA gene sequencing and was extended to relatives of affected ESRD patients. Results: Among ESRD patients qualified for enrollment into this study, a previously undiagnosed young man harboring the mutation p.I91T was identified. The study of the proband's family led to the identification of 8 additional cases. In another ESRD male patient, we identified the functional polymorphism p.D313Y. Furthermore, in 55 ESRD patients (24.2%) we found intronic polymorphisms of uncertain functional relevance in the non-coding regions of the GLA gene. Conclusion: A comprehensive survey of ESRD patients in a geographical area of 2 million residents identified one undiagnosed case of Fabry disease and led to the identification of 8 additional cases among his relatives. Screening protocols starting from the dialysis population and upstream extended to families of affected individuals may be an effective strategy to maximize the early identification of subjects with Fabry disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: In hemodialysis (HD) patients the endothelial and erythrocyte glycocalyx is impaired which in turn correlates with elevated erythrocyte sodium sensitivity (ESS). Additionally, apoptotic erythrocyte death (eryptosis), characterized by phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on the cell surface, is increased in this population. We aimed to explore the relationship of ESS and eryptosis. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 11 healthy controls and 20 chronic HD patients before and after midweek HD. ESS was quantified by the salt blood test. PS-exposure, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) of erythrocytes and reticulocytes were assessed by flow cytometry. Results: Compared to controls ESS was significantly higher in HD patients preHD and did not change during treatment. The percentage of eryptotic cells did not differ between controls and patients preHD. However, eryptosis decreased during HD. ESS and eryptosis were uncorrelated, while eryptosis was positively correlated with intracellular ROS and percent reticulocytes. Conclusions: Higher ESS levels in HD patients indicate a pathologic glycocalyx. ESS and eryptosis were not correlated. The decreased eryptosis postHD may possibly be related to dialytic uremic toxin removal, but is likely multifactorial. The relationship between eryptosis and intracellular ROS warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Predictors including the preventive effects of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs on cerebral infarction (CI) events have not yet been clarified in dialysis patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the risk of CI and preventive effects of these drugs in Japanese hemodialysis patients. Methods: Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (n=1,551, median age (interquartile range), 69.0 (59.0-78.0) years; 41.5% female) were enrolled in the Miyazaki Dialysis Cohort Study and prospectively followed-up for 3 years. Kaplan-Meier and Cox's regression analyses were used to clarify the risk of CI. Results: Eightyfour patients developed CI at an incidence of 21.5/1000 patients per year. The presence of a previous history of CI, atrial fibrillation (AF), and diabetes mellitus in addition to age were also identified as predictive factors for new CI, whereas no relationship was observed between antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant usage and CI. Furthermore, no significant difference was noted in the frequency of CI events between patients with AF who received warfarin and those who did not. Conclusions: The incidence of CI was higher in dialysis patients with a previous history of CI and AF; however, the preventive effects of antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs on the development of CI were not evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the utility of clinical [age, gender, mean arterial pressure (MAP)] and laboratory parameters [eGFR, hemoglobin (Hgb), serum levels of creatinine, uric acid, albumin, proteinuria, hematuria] and also histopathological lesions (Oxford classification parameters, crescents, intensity and pattern of staining for C3, C1Q, IgA, IgG, IgM) as progression markers in patients with IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). Methods: A total of 111 IgAN patients with a follow-up period >1 year or who reached kidney failure [GFR category G5 chronic kidney disease (CKD)] <1 year were investigated. Primary endpoint was the development of kidney failure or eGFR decline ≥50% from the baseline. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed. Results: Mean followup period was 33±29 months. Thirty-seven (33.3%) patients progressed to kidney failure and 4 (3.6%) patients developed eGFR decline ≥50% from the baseline after a median of 23 and 65 months, respectively. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, baseline levels of Hgb (HR:0.782, 95% CI 0.559-0.973, p=0.037), serum uric acid (HR:1.293, 95% CI 1.023- 1.621, p=0.046), eGFR (HR:0.966, 95% CI 0.947-0.984, p=0.004) and intensity of C3 staining (HR:1.550, 95% CI 1.198-1.976, p=0.049) predicted primary endpoint. Serum uric acid level was associated independently with T score (β=0.303, p=0.005) in patients with eGFR>30 ml/ min/m2. Conclusions: Hyperuricemia and the deposition of C3 are independent risk factors for IgAN progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Dialysis patients are at increased risk for hip fractures. Because changes in treatment of metabolic bone disease in this population may have impacted bone fragility, this study aims to analyze the longitudinal risk for fractures in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: Using the United States Renal Data System database from 1992 to 2009, the temporal trend in hip fractures requiring hospitalization was analyzed using an overdispersed Poisson regression model. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to assess the adjusted effect of dialysis modality on hip fractures. Results: 842,028 HD and 87,086 PD patients were included. There was a significant temporal increase in hip fractures in both HD and PD with stabilization of rates after 2005. With stratification, the increase in fractures occurred in patients who were white and over 65 years of age. In adjusted analyses, HD patients had 1.6 times greater odds of hip fracture than PD patients (OR 1.60 95% CI 1.52, 1.68, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In contrast to the declining hip fracture rates in the general population, we identified a temporal rise in incidence of hip fractures in HD and PD patients. HD patients were at a higher risk for hip fractures than PD patients after adjustment for recognized bone fragility risk factors. The increase in fracture rate over time was limited to older white patients in both HD and PD, the demographics being consistent with osteoporosis risk. Further research is indicated to better understand the longitudinal trend in hip fractures and the discordance between HD and PD. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite consensus among nephrologists that exercise is important and probably beneficial for their patients, assessment of physical function or encouragement of physical activity is not a part of the routine management of patients with CKD. In order to plan an useful strategy for exercise training we need to clearly define some questions. First of all, nephrologists need to be aware of physical exercise benefits; lack of motivation and increased perceived risk by health care professionals have been identified as contributing factors to physical inactivity. Moreover, the main elements necessary for sustaining exercise programs in this population have to take in account, such as the requirement of exercise professionals, equipment and space, individual prescription, adequate commitment from dialysis and medical staff. When PA may not be implemented, a comprehensive, individualized occupational therapy program may improve functional independence and activity of daily living. Finally, physical function has to be careful monitored and assesses by medical staff. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calciphylaxis is a rare, yet life-threatening disease mainly occurring in dialysis patients. Traditional options of treatment remain unsatisfactory. Methods: Here we present a novel, combined approach, treating calciphylaxis with IV sodium thiosulfate, cinacalcet and sevelamer. In a case series five hemodialysis patients, have been successfully treated with this regimen. Treatment and survival data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: In all patients, a rapid decrease in pain, improvement of general condition and wound healing within six months occurred. Side effects were low. Drug dosages: IV sodium thiosulfate initial dose 119.4 +/- 84.9 g/m2/week, maintenance dose 40.6 +/- 9 g/m2/week; cinacalcet: maintenance dose 36 +/- 32.9 mg/d and sevelamer maintenance dose 3320 +/-1671 mg/d. One and two year survivals were 100 % and 80 %, respectively. We also report on long-term application of IV sodium thiosulfate of up to 52 months. Patient survival after diagnosis was 52, 84, 21, 36 and 30 months, respectively. Survival since initiation of hemodialysis was 76, 136, 89, 36 and 35 months, respectively. Conclusion: This novel combined approach, a multi-modal treatment of calciphylaxis with persistent hyperparathyroidism, using IV sodium thiosulfate, cinacalcet and sevelamer seems to improve the outcome of this devastating disease. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed here to investigate hydration status by echocardiography in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Methods: 25 ESRD patients [15 males; mean age: 54.0±16.6 years; 13 hemodialysis; 12 peritoneal dialysis] were considered eligible for this study. We also examined 29 healthy volunteers as a control group (17 males; mean age: 46.5±12.8 years). Body composition analysis using the bioimpedance spectroscopy technique was performed for volume overload diagnosis. The ratio of extracellular water (ECW) to height was used as volume indices. The aortic elastic parameters were calculated by echocardiography. A correlation analyses was performed between the ratio of ECW to height indicating the volume overload and the aortic elastic parameters e.g. Aortic strain (AS), Aortic distensibility (AD) and Aortic stiffness index (ASI). Results: The ratio of ECW to height that indicates volume overload in ESRD patients was considerably higher than that in the control group (10.25±1.98 L/m vs 8.66±1.22 L/m, p=0.001). There was a negative correlation between the ratio of ECW to height and AS and AD and a positive correlation between the ratio of ECW to height and ASI. Conclusion: Given the importance of the diagnosis and follow up of volume overload, the results show that aortic elasticity measurements, being easy to perform and replicate, can be used for this purpose. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: These analyses examine a) survival from the start of renal replacement therapy (RRT), based on the total incident UK RRT population reported to the UK Renal Registry, including the 18% who started on PD and the 7% who received a pre-emptive transplant and b) survival of prevalent patients. Changes in survival between 1997 and 2009 are also reported. Methods: Survival of incident patients (starting RRT during 2009) was calculated both from the start of RRT and from 90 days after starting RRT, both with and without censoring at transplantation. Survival of prevalent dialysis patients was calculated to exclude patients once they were transplanted. Both Kaplan-Meier and Cox adjusted models were used to calculate survival. Causes of death were analysed for both groups. Relative risk of death was calculated compared with the general UK population. Results: The 2009 unadjusted 1 year after 90 day survival for patients starting RRT was 86.6% (87.3% in 2008). In incident patients aged 18-64, the unadjusted 1 year survival had increased from 86.0% in 1997 to 91.3% in 2009. In incident patients aged 565, unadjusted 1 year survival had improved from 64.1% to 76.2%. There were no survival differences between genders. The relative risk of death compared to the general population decreased from 25 times at age 30-34 to 2.7 times at age 85þ. Cause of death data completeness has improved 18% since last year. Cardiac disease is the most common cause of death in prevalent dialysis patients and malignancy most frequent in prevalent transplant patients. Conclusions: Survival of patients starting RRT has improved for all ages since 1997. The frequency of cardiac disease as the cause of death has decreased since 1997. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This chapter describes the characteristics of adult patients starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the UK in 2010 and the incidence rates for RRT in Primary Care Trusts and Health Boards (PCT/HBs) in the UK. Methods: The basic demographics and clinical characteristics are reported on patients starting RRT from all UK renal centres. Presentation time, defined as time between first being seen by a nephrologist and start of RRT, was also studied. Age and gender standardised ratios for incidence rates in PCT/HBs were also calculated. Results: In 2010, the incidence rates in the UK and England were similar to 2009 at 107 per million population (pmp). The incidence rate fell in Scotland (from 104 pmp to 95 pmp), increased in Northern Ireland (from 88 pmp to 101 pmp) and Wales (from 120 pmp to 128 pmp). There were wide variations between PCT/HBs in standardised incidence ratios. The median age of all incident patients was 64.9 years (IQR 51.0, 75.2). For transplant centres this was 63.1 years (IQR 49.7, 74.2) and for non-transplanting centres 66.5 years (IQR 52.9, 76.0). The median age for non-Whites was 57.1 years. Diabetic renal disease remained the single most common cause of renal failure (24%). By 90 days, 68.3% of patients were on haemodialysis, 18.1% on peritoneal dialysis, 7.7% had had a transplant and 5.9% had died or stopped treatment. The mean eGFR at the start of RRT was 8.7 ml/ min/1.73 m2 which was similar to the previous three years. Late presentation (<90 days) fell from 28.2% in 2005 to 20.6% in 2010. There was no relationship between social deprivation and presentation pattern. Conclusions: Incidence rates have plateaued in England over the last five years. They have fallen in Scotland and fallen and then risen again in Northern Ireland and Wales. Wales continued to have the highest incidence rate of the countries making up the UK. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This chapter describes the characteristics of adult patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the UK in 2010. Methods: Data were electronically collected from all 72 renal centres within the UK. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed to describe the demographics of prevalent RRT patients in 2010 at centre and national level. Age and gender standardised ratios for prevalence rates per million population per year were calculated. Results: There were 50,965 adult patients receiving RRT in the UK on 31st December 2010. The UK prevalence of RRT (including paediatric patients) was 832 pmp. This represented an annual increase in prevalent numbers of approximately 4% although there was significant variation between centres and regions. From 2009 to 2010 there was a 1.5% increase in the number of patients on haemodialysis (HD), a 3.2% fall in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and a 5.4% increase in patients with a functioning transplant. The number of patients receiving home HD has increased 23% since 2009. Median RRT vintage was 5.6 years. The median age was 57.9 years (HD 66.3 years, PD 61.7 years and transplant 51.2 years) compared to 55 years in 2000. Prevalence rates in males exceeded those in females. The most common identifiable renal diagnosis was biopsyproven glomerulonephritis (16.0%), followed by diabetes (14.9%). Transplantation was the most common treatment modality (48%), HD in 44% and PD 8%. Conclusions: The HD and transplant population continued to expand whilst the PD population contracted. There were national, regional and dialysis centre level variations in prevalence rates. Prevalent patients were on average 4 years older than 10 years ago. This has implications for service planning and ensuring equity of care for RRT patients. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To describe the demographics of the paediatric RRT population under the age of 16 years in the UK and to analyse changes in demography with time. Methods: Data were collected from all 13 paediatric renal centres within the UK. A series of cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed to describe the demographics of prevalent paediatric RRT patients. Results: A total of 870 children and young people under 18 with ERF were receiving treatment at paediatric nephrology centres in 2010. At the census date, 76.7% had a functioning transplant, 14.3% were receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 9.0% were receiving haemodialysis (HD). In patients aged <16 years the prevalence of ERF was 59.3 pmarp and the incidence 8.1 pmarp. Analysis of trends over the last 15 years shows that both incidence and prevalence are increasing with the most marked increases in children aged 12-16 years and in ethnic minority groups. A third of the patients have one or more reported comorbidities. At transfer to adult services, 84.9% of patients had a functioning renal transplant. Conclusions: The data provided in this report show increasing trends over 15 years in the incidence and prevalence of established renal failure. This is important for the planning of the provision of care for children needing renal replacement therapy. The inclusion this year of an analysis of the patients transferring to adult services may assist in developing care pathways for this vulnerable group. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The UK Renal Association (RA) and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have published clinical practice guidelines which include recommendations for management of anaemia in established renal failure. Aim: To determine the extent to which the guidelines for anaemia management are met in the UK. Methods: Quarterly data were obtained regarding haemoglobin (Hb) and factors that influence Hb from renal centres in England, Wales, Northern Ireland (EWNI) and the Scottish Renal Registry for the incident and prevalent renal replacement therapy (RRT) cohorts for 2010. Results: In the UK, in 2010 53.6% of patients commenced dialysis therapy with Hb &ges;10.0 g/dl (median Hb 10.1 g/dl). The median Hb of haemodialysis (HD) patients was 11.5 g/dl with an interquartile range (IQR) of 10.5-12.3 g/dl. Of HD patients 84.6% had Hb &ges;10.0 g/dl. The median Hb of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in the UK was 11.6 g/dl (IQR 10.6-12.5 g/dl). Of UK PD patients, 87.2% had Hb &ges;10.0 g/dl. The median ferritin in HD patients in EWNI was 444 μg/L (IQR 299-635) and 96% of HD patients had a ferritin &ges;100 μg/L. The median ferritin in PD patients was 264 μg/L (IQR 148-426) with 86% of PD patients having a ferritin &ges;100 μg/L. In EWNI the mean Erythropoietin Stimulating Agent (ESA) dose was higher for HD than PD patients (9,020 vs. 6,202 IU/week). Conclusions: Of prevalent HD patients, 52.7% had Hb &ges;10 and ≤12 g/dl. Of prevalent PD patients, 54.3% had Hb 10.5-12.5 g/dl. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To describe the demographics of the paediatric RRT population under the age of 16 years in the UK and to analyse changes in demography with time. Methods: Extraction and analysis of data from the UK Renal Registry (UKRR). Results: There were 751 children <16 years old with established renal failure (ERF) in the UK in December 2009. The reported prevalence under the age of 16 years was 65 per million age related population (pmarp) and the reported incidence 9.3 pmarp. The incidence and prevalence for South Asian patients was much higher than that of the White and Black populations. Of the patients for whom a primary renal diagnosis had been reported, renal dysplasia±reflux was the most common cause of ERF accounting for 34.0% of prevalent cases. There has been growth in treatment numbers in all paediatric renal centres between 1995 and 2010. Whilst the rate of transplantation within 90 days of commencing RRT has remained at around 25–30% of patients, the use of HD has increased by 4% at the expense of PD. Conclusions: The paediatric ERF population continued to expand with a slow increase in both incidence and prevalence rates. The high incidence in patients from ethnic minority groups will lead to a greater proportion of the population being from these groups in time. To maintain the high proportion of engrafted patients it will be necessary to encourage living donation in the ethnic minority population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The UK Renal Association (RA) and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have published Clinical Practice Guidelines which include recommendations for management of anaemia in established renal failure. Aims: To determine the extent to which the guidelines for anaemia management are met in the UK. Methods: Quarterly data were obtained regarding haemoglobin (Hb) and factors that influence Hb from renal centres in England, Wales, Northern Ireland (EWNI) and the Scottish Renal Registry for the incident and prevalent renal replacement therapy (RRT) cohorts for 2009. Results: In the UK, in 2009 55% of patients commenced dialysis therapy with Hb x10.0 g/dl (median Hb 10.2 g/dl). The median Hb of haemodialysis (HD) patients was 11.6 g/dl with an interquartile range (IQR) of 10.6 – 12.4 g/dl. Of HD patients 85% had Hb ≧10.0 g/dl. The median Hb of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in the UK was 11.7 g/dl (IQR 10.7–12.6 g/dl). Of UK PD patients, 88% had Hb ≧10.0 g/dl. The median ferritin in HD patients in EWNI was 441 mg/L (IQR 289–629) and 96% of HD patients had a ferritin ≧100 mg/L. The median ferritin in PD patients was 249 mg/L (IQR 142–412) with 86% of PD patients having a ferritin 5100 mg/L. In EWNI the mean Erythropoietin Stimulating Agent (ESA) dose was higher for HD than PD patients (9,507 vs. 6,212 IU/week). Conclusions: In 2009, 56% of prevalent HD patients had a Hb ≧10.5 and ≤12.5 g/dl compared with 54% in 2008 and 53% in 2007. Fifty-four percent of prevalent PD patients had a Hb ≧10.5 and ≤12.5 g/dl compared to 55% in 2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The type of vascular access used by haemodialysis patients is thought to be one of the predictors of patient survival. However, many previous studies have been unable to separate the effect of access type from the effects of other differences between patients groups or have included incident patients. Some centres report excellent outcomes using dialysis catheters in stable prevalent patients and challenge the current guidelines about the use of long term catheters. This is an observational UK centre level study reporting on the relationship between the percentage of established prevalent patients using definitive access and the subsequent 1 year survival. Method: Vascular access audit data from 2005 and UKRR survival data at 1 year for patients who had been on HD for over 3 months was obtained from the UKRR database. Regression analysis was used to assess the amount of variation in 1 year survival that could be explained by the percentage of patients using an AVF or AVG in a centre. Results: From the renal centres reporting to the UKRR in 2005, 16,984 patients had vascular access data. The mean centre level 1 year survival was 86.4% (95% CI: 82.2–90.9) and was 86.9% (95% CI: 82.8–91.2) after censoring for transplantation. The mean percentage of haemodialysis patients using definitive access (AVF or AVG) in a centre was 69.8% (SD 10.4). A small positive association was found between the percentage of HD patients using an AVF or AVG in a centre and 1 year uncensored survival (β = 0.06, p = 0.04). The type of access in use was able to explain 6% of the variation in centre level survival. Conclusions: To some extent, this study has repeated work done by DOPPS and in the US but for the first time has studied only prevalent dialysis patients and looked at the UK dialysis population. Whilst increased venous catheter use was associated with an increase in one year mortality of prevalent established haemodialysis patients, this effect was very small and only accounted for some 6% of the variation in one year mortality between renal centres. Further work using data from the current large vascular access audit needs to be done to further elucidate best practice within the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: These analyses examine (a) survival from the start of renal replacement therapy (RRT), based on the total incident UK RRT population reported to the UK Renal Registry, including the 18% who started on PD and the 6% who received a pre-emptive transplant and (b) survival of prevalent patients. Changes in survival between 1997 and 2008 are also reported. Methods: Survival was calculated for both incident and prevalent patients on RRT and compared between the UK countries after adjustment for age. Survival of incident patients (starting RRT during 2008) was calculated both from the start of RRT and amongst the cohort who survived at least 90 days after RRT, both with and without censoring at transplantation. Both Kaplan–Meier and Cox adjusted models were used to calculate survival. Causes of death were analysed for both groups. Relative risk of death was calculated compared with the general UK population. Results: The 2008 unadjusted 1 year after 90 day survival for patients starting RRT was 87.3%. In incident patients aged 18–64, the unadjusted 1 year survival had risen from 85.9% in 1997 to 91.9% in 2008 and for those aged ≧65 it had risen from 64.2% to 75.8%. The age-adjusted one year survival (adjusted to age 60) of prevalent dialysis patients rose from 85% in 2000 to 89% in 2009. Diabetic prevalent patient one year survival rose from 76.6% in 2000 to 83.6% in 2009. The age-standardised mortality ratio for prevalent RRT patients compared with the general population was 19 at age 30 years and 2.4 at age 85 years. In the prevalent RRT dialysis population, cardiovascular disease accounted for 24% of deaths, infection 19% and treatment withdrawal 14%; 22% were recorded as uncertain. Treatment withdrawal was a more frequent cause of death in patients aged ≧65 at start of RRT than in younger patients. The median life years remaining for a 25–29 year old on RRT was 20 years and 4 years for a 75+ year old. Conclusions: Survival of patients starting RRT, has improved in the 2008 incident cohort. The relative risk of death on RRT compared with the general population has fallen since 2001. Death rates on dialysis in the UK remained lower than when compared with a similar aged population on dialysis in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This chapter describes the characteristics of adult patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the UK in 2009. The prevalence rates per million population (pmp) were calculated for Primary Care Trusts in England, Health and Social Care Areas in Northern Ireland, Local Health Boards in Wales and Health Boards in Scotland. These areas will be referred to in this report as ‘PCT/HBs’. Methods: Data were electronically collected from all 72 renal centres within the UK. A series of cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed to describe the demographics of prevalent RRT patients in 2009 at centre and national level. Age and gender standardised ratios for prevalence rates in PCT/HBs were calculated. Results: There were 49,080 adult patients receiving RRT in the UK on 31st December 2009, equating to a UK prevalence of 794 pmp. This represented an annual increase in prevalent numbers of approximately 3.2% although there was significant variation between centres and PCT/HB areas. The growth rate from 2008 to 2009 for prevalent patients by treatment modality in the UK was 4.2% for haemodialysis (HD), a fall of 7.2% for peritoneal dialysis (PD) and a growth of 4.4% with a functioning transplant. There has been a slow but steady decline in the proportion of PD patients from 2000 onwards. Median RRT vintage was 5.4 years. The median age of prevalent patients was 57.7 years (HD 65.9 years, PD 61.2 years and transplant 50.8 years). For all ages, prevalence rates in males exceeded those in females: peaks for males were in the 75–79 years age group at 2,632 pmp and for females in the 70–74 years age group at 1,445 pmp. The most common identifiable renal diagnosis was biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis (16.0%), followed by diabetes (14.7%). Transplantation was the most common treatment modality (48%), HD in 44% and PD 8%. However, HD was increasingly common with increasing age and transplantation less common. Conclusions: The HD and transplant population continued to expand whilst the PD population contracted. There were national, regional and dialysis centre level variations in prevalence rates. This has implications for service planning and ensuring equity of care for RRT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: RRT incidence rates and the proportion of patients using a home dialysis modality (peritoneal or home haemodialysis) varies widely between centres and persists even after area differences in age, ethnicity and social deprivation structure are taken into account. A nationwide survey was undertaken to identify possible drivers of this variation. Methods: A systematic literature review followed by a two-stage Delphi consensus technique was employed to identify renal centre characteristics and practice patterns that may be important in determining either RRT incidence or home modality usage. Results: All 72 (100%) of UK adult renal centres responded. Questions about staffing numbers, interface with primary care, interface with other secondary care sites, capacity within the HD programme, constituents of pre-dialysis education programmes, conservative management programmes, range of treatments available, dialysis access and training and physician attitudes to home modalities were included. Conclusions: There was wide variation in practice patterns and centre characteristics across the UK. Overall, physician enthusiasm for home dialysis modalities was greater than the actual usage of home dialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This chapter describes the characteristics of adult patients starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the UK in 2009 and the acceptance rates for RRT in Primary Care Trusts and Health Boards (PCT/HBs) in the UK. Methods: The basic demographics and clinical characteristics are reported on patients starting RRT from all UK renal centres. Late presentation, defined as time between first being seen by a nephrologist and start of RRT being <90 days was also studied. Age and gender standardised ratios for acceptance rates in PCT/HBs were calculated. Results: In 2009, the incidence rate in the UK and England was 109 per million population (pmp). Acceptance rates in Scotland (104 pmp), Northern Ireland (88 pmp) and Wales (120 pmp) had all fallen although Wales still remained the country with the highest acceptance rate. There were wide variations between PCT/HBs with respect to the standardised ratios. The median age of all incident patients was 64.8 years (IQR 50.8, 75.1). For transplant centres this was 63.0 years (IQR 49.0, 74.2) and for non-transplanting centres 66.3 years (IQR 52.6, 75.9). The median age for non-Whites was 57.1 years. Diabetic renal disease remained the single most common cause of renal failure (25%). By 90 days, 69.1% of patients were on haemodialysis, 17.7% on peritoneal dialysis, 6.7% had had a transplant and 6.5% had died or stopped treatment. The mean eGFR at the start of RRT was 8.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 which was similar to the previous two years. Late presentation (<90 days) has fallen from 27% in 2004 to 19% in 2009. There was no relationship between social deprivation and presentation pattern. Conclusions: Acceptance rates have fallen in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales whilst they have plateaued in England over the last four years. Wales continued to have the highest acceptance rate of the countries making up the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This chapter describes the characteristics of adult patients starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the UK in 2008 and the acceptance rates for RRT in Primary Care Trusts and Local Authorities (PCT/LAs) in the UK. Methods: The basic demographics and clinical characteristics are reported on patients starting RRT from all UK renal centres. Late referral, defined as time between first being seen by a nephrologist and start of RRT being <90 days was also studied. Age and gender standardised ratios for acceptance rate in PCT/LAs were calculated. Results: In 2008, the acceptance rate in the UK was 108 per million population (pmp). Acceptance rates in Scotland (103 pmp), Northern Ireland (97 pmp) and Wales (117 pmp) have all fallen although Wales still remains the country with the highest acceptance rate. There were wide variations between PCT/LAs with respect to the standardised ratios, which were lower in more PCT/LAs in the North West and South East of England and higher in London, the West Midlands, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The median age of all incident patients was 64.1 years and for non-Whites 56.1 years. Diabetic renal disease remains the single most common cause of renal failure (24%). By 90 days, 67.7% of patients were on haemodialysis, 19.8% on peritoneal dialysis, 5.9% had had a transplant and 6.6% had died or had stopped treatment. By 90 days, 77.4% of all dialysis patients were on HD. The geometric mean eGFR at the start of RRT was 8.6 ml/min/ 1.73 m2 which was similar to the eGFR of those starting in 2007. The incidence of late presentation (<90 days) has fallen from 28% in 2003 to 22% in 2008. There was no relationship between social deprivation and referral pattern. Conclusions: Acceptance rates have fallen in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales whilst they have plateaued in England over the last three years. Wales continued to have the highest acceptance rate of the countries making up the UK. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: These analyses examine survival from the start of renal replacement therapy (RRT), based on the total incident UK RRT population reported to the UK Renal Registry, including the 19% who started on PD and the 5% who received a pre-emptive transplant. Survival of prevalent patients and changes in survival between 1997 and 2007 are also reported. Methods: Survival was calculated for both incident and prevalent patients on RRT and compared between the UK countries after adjustment for age. Survival of incident patients (starting RRT during 2007) was calculated both from the start of RRT and amongst the cohort who survived at least 90 days after RRT, and both with and without censoring at transplantation. Both the Kaplan–Meier and Cox adjusted models were used to calculate survival. Causes of death were analysed for both groups. Relative risk of death was calculated compared with the general UK population. Results: The 2007 unadjusted 1 year after 90 day survival for patients starting RRT was 86.2%. In incident 18–64 year olds the unadjusted 1 year survival had risen from 85.9% in 1997 to 92.4% in 2007 and for those aged >65 it had risen from 63.8% to 74.9%. The age-adjusted survival (adjusted to age 60) of prevalent dialysis patients rose from 85% in 2000 to 89% in 2007. Diabetic prevalent patient survival rose from 76.5% in 2000 to 83.0% in 2007. The age-standardised mortality ratio for prevalent RRT patients compared with the general population was 28.6 at age 30 years (and was lower than in the 1998–2001 cohort in all age groups up to 45–49) and 4.6 at age 80 years. In the prevalent RRT dialysis population, cardiovascular disease accounted for 29% of deaths, infection 17% and treatment withdrawal 14%. Of deaths, 26% were recorded as uncertain. Treatment withdrawal was a more frequent cause of death in patients aged >65 at start than in younger patients. The median life years remaining for a 25–29 year old on RRT was 20 years and 5 years for a 70 year old. Conclusions: Incident 2007 and prevalent 2008 patient survival on RRT in all the UK countries for all age ranges and also for patients with diabetes continued to improve. The relative risk of death on RRT compared with the general population has fallen since 2001. Death rates on dialysis in the UK remained lower than when compared with a similar aged population on dialysis in the USA. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This chapter describes the characteristics of adult patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the UK in 2008 and the prevalence rate per million population (pmp) in Primary Care Trusts and local authorities (Council Areas or District Councils) (PCT/LAs) were calculated. Methods: Complete data were electronically collected from all 72 renal centres within the UK. A series of cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed to describe the demographics of prevalent RRT patients in 2008 at centre and national level in the UK. Age and gender standardised ratios of actual to expected for prevalence rates in PCT/LAs were calculated. Results: There were 47,525 adult patients receiving RRT in the UK on 31/12/2008, equating to a UK prevalence of 774 pmp. This represents an annual increase in prevalence of approximately 4.4% although there was significant variation between PCT/LA areas. The pmp growth rate from 2007 to 2008 for prevalent patients by treatment modality in the UK was 5.9% for haemodialysis (HD), a fall of 9.2% for peritoneal dialysis (PD) and growth of 4.6% with a functioning transplant. Over the long term (1982–2007), the steady growth in transplant prevalent numbers was maintained at 4%. There was a slow but steady decline in PD patient numbers from 1999 onwards. Median RRT vintage was 5.3 years. The median age of prevalent patients was 57.3 years (HD 65.5 years, PD 61.0 years and transplant 50.4 years). For all ages, prevalence rates in males exceeded those in females peaking in the 75–79 years age group at 2,582 pmp for males and 70–74 years age group at 1,408 pmp for females. The most common identifiable renal diagnosis was biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis (16.0%), followed by diabetes (14.1%). Transplantation was the most common treatment modality (47%) followed closely by HD (43%). However, HD was increasingly common with increasing older age at the expense of transplantation. Conclusions: The HD and transplant population continued to expand whilst the PD population contracted. There was national, regional and dialysis centre level variation in prevalence rates. This has implications for service planning and ensuring equity of care for RRT patients. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The UK Renal Association (RA) and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have published Clinical Practice Guidelines which include recommendations for management of anaemia in established renal failure. Aims: To determine the extent to which the guidelines for anaemia management are met in the UK. Methods: Quarterly data (haemoglobin (Hb) and factors that influence Hb) extracts from renal centres in England, Wales, Northern Ireland (EWNI), and annual data from the Scottish Renal Registry for incident and prevalent renal replacement therapy (RRT) cohorts for 2008 were analysed by the UK Renal Registry (UKRR). Results: In the UK, in 2008 57% of patients commenced dialysis therapy with Hb ≥ 10.0 g/dl (median Hb 10.2 g/dl). For incident patients the Hb at 3 and 6 months of dialysis treatment was 11.4 and 11.7 g/dl respectively. The median Hb of haemodialysis (HD) patients was 11.6 g/dl with an interquartile range (IQR) of 10.6–12.5 g/dl. Of HD patients 85% had a Hb ≥ 10.0 g/dl. The median Hb of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in the UK was 11.7 g/dl (IQR 10.8–12.6 g/dl). Of UK PD patients 89% had a Hb ≥ 10.0 g/dl. The median ferritin in HD patients in EWNI was 436 mg/L (IQR 289–622) and 95% of HD patients had a ferritin ≥ 100 mg/L. The median ferritin in PD patients was 246 mg/L (IQR 141–399) with 84% of PD patients having a ferritin ≥ 100 mg/L. In EWNI the mean ESA dose was higher for HD than PD patients (9,166 vs. 6,302 IU/week). Conclusions: Last year for the flrst time a small fall (from 85.9% in 2006 to 85.6% in 2007) in the % of HD patients with a Hb of ≥ 10 g/dl which was thought to be related to the implementation of the new Hb Standard which has a target range of 10.5–12.5 g/dl was seen. This year attainment of Hb ≥ 10 g/dl in HD patients fell again slightly to 85.3%. In HD patients, 54% of patients had a Hb ≥ 10.5 and ≤ 12.5 g/dl compared with 53% in the 2008 Report. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A preliminary review of the UK Renal Registry (UKRR) pre-RRT study data revealed results suggesting that, for some patients, the date of start of renal replacement therapy (RRT), as reported to the UKRR, was incorrect and often significantly later than the true date of start. A more detailed study then aimed to validate a set of criteria to identify patients with an incorrect start date. Methods: Pre-RRT laboratory data were electronically extracted from 8,810 incident RRT patients from 9 UK renal centres. Any patient with a low urea (<15 mmol/L) at the start of RRT or with a substantial improvement in kidney function (either a fall in urea >10 mmol/L or rise in eGFR >2 ml/ min/1.73 m) within the two months prior to RRT were considered to potentially have an incorrect date of start. In 4 selected centres, the electronic patient records of all patients fl‚agged were reviewed to validate these criteria. Results: Of 8,810 patients, 1,616 (18.3%) were fl‚agged by the identification criteria as having a potentially incorrect date of start of RRT, although a single centre accounted for 41% of the total flagged cohort. Of these flagged patients, 61.7% had been assigned an incorrect date of start of haemodialysis (HD), 5.7% had evidence of acute RRT being given before the reported date of start of HD and 9.2% had evidence of starting peritoneal dialysis exchanges prior to the reported date of start. Of those flagged, 10.7% had a correct date of start of RRT. Conclusions: Accurate reporting of RRT episodes is vital for the analysis of time dependent studies such as survival or time to transplantation. A proportion of patients starting RRT were assigned an incorrect start date. In order to improve the accuracy of this reporting the UK Renal Registry must work with renal centres and clinical staff on improving data input for the start of RRT. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To describe the demographics of the paediatric RRT population in the UK and analyse changes in demographics with time. Methods: Extraction and analysis of data from the UK Paediatric Renal Registry and the UK Renal Registry (UKRR). Results: The UK paediatric established renal failure (ERF) population in December 2008 was 905 patients. The prevalence under the age of 16 years was 56 per million age related population (pmarp) and the incidence 7.4 pmarp. The incidence and prevalence for South Asian patients was much higher than that of the White and Black populations. Renal dysplasia was the most common cause of ERF accounting for 33% of prevalent cases. Diseases with autosomal recessive inheritance were a common cause of ERF in all ethnic groups, 23.5% of prevalent and 18% of incident cases. Whilst the incidence and prevalence of diseases with autosomal recessive inheritance in the South Asian population was 3 times that of the white population, this was not the sole reason for the increased proportion of South Asian patients with ERF, as diseases with no defined inheritance were twice as common in this ethnic group than in White patients. Prevalent mortality stood at 9.4%. Most deaths were in patients presenting with ERF early in life and mortality varied markedly according to the aetiology of ERF. The proportion with new grafts from living donors has steadily risen to 54%. Children from ethnic minority groups were less likely to have an allograft and living donation was less frequent in this population. For those on dialysis, 56% were receiving peritoneal dialysis. This was the main treatment modality for patients under 4 years of age. Conclusions: The paediatric ERF population continued to expand slowly. Incidence and prevalence rates were stable and similar to other developed nations. The high incidence in patients from ethnic minority groups will lead to a greater proportion of the population being from these groups in time. To maintain the high proportion of engrafted patients it will be necessary to encourage living donation in the ethnic minority population. Case note analysis of the factors involved in mortality would be valuable. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: International comparisons between renal registries are important to highlight epidemiological and practice differences in RRT provision between countries. This report aims to compare the rates of RRT incidence and prevalence in the UK with a number of different countries. Methods: Data from 19 countries or regions between 2003 and 2007 from four international renal registries were analysed. Rates of RRT incidence, prevalence, transplantation and dialysis modality were compared. A crude mortality rate for each country was calculated. Results: Despite continued growth, the UK ranked 16th highest in incidence rate and 15th in prevalence rate in 2007. This may partly be related to successful primary care preventing stage 5 CKD. The UK had the 8th fastest rate of increase in RRT prevalence of 18 countries (4.2%/ year). The age profile of UK RRT patients was comparable with other countries. The UK had the 6th highest use of home dialysis therapies. The UK has the 8th highest incidence and 9th highest prevalence rate of kidney transplantation of 16 countries. Conclusion: Meeting the growing demand for RRT is a problem for all countries that choose to offer it. The UK continues to provide for growth in demand for RRT. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) has recently been proposed as a relatively preload-independent method to evaluate left ventricular diastolic function. We sought to investigate the higher-accuracy of TDI to assess diastolic function in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD) associated with a preload increase maneuver. Methods: Thirty-two consecutiveESRD patients (16 female, ages 48.8 +/- 17.5 years, 14 45 years old) were evaluated. Measurements of E, A velocities and the E/A ratio from transmitral inflow pulsed wave Doppler, and E', A' velocities and the E'/A' ratio from TDI were obtained 1 h before and 1 h after HD at baseline and with a preload increase maneuver. Results: The E/A ratio changed significantly in all patients aged >45 before and after HD with the preload increase maneuver. The E'/A' ratio increased in all subjects with the preload increase maneuver before HD but did not change with the maneuver after HD in the euvolemic state in all patients. Conclusion: In ESRD patients on routine HD, TDI evaluation associated with a preload increase maneuver proved to be a more accurate method to identify diastolic dysfunction when the evaluation is performed in euvolemic patients after HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple cases of cefepime-induced neurotoxicity in the setting of renal dysfunction in adults have been reported. We describe a novel case of cefepime-induced neurotoxicity in a pediatric patient with ESRD on chronic hemodialysis. In patients with renal insufficiency on cefepime, a high index of suspicion and recognition of symptoms of neurotoxicity can minimize the risk of progression to permanent neurologic impairment or death if the drug is stopped immediately. Methods: Case Report. A 7-year-old male on chronic hemodialysis was treated for bacteremia with cefepime. On day 3 of treatment he had leg weakness and mild, intermittent loss of balance and falls, which progressed over the next 5 days. On day 8 of cefepime, patient was noted to have disorientation to person and place, severe truncal ataxia, tremor and inability to walk independently. Vital signs were normal and electrolytes were unchanged from his baseline. Plasma cefepime concentration level was not obtained, as this testing is not available at our hospital. Electroencephalogram showed generalized spike and wave pattern lasting up to 7 seconds consistent with underlying ESRD. Symptoms were concerning for cefepime-induced neurotoxicity, thus, cefepime was discontinued after the 8th dose. Within 24 hours of cefepime cessation, his symptoms resolved and he reverted back to his baseline neurological function. He completed treatment of his bacteremia with meropenem and continues to do well on chronic hemodialysis. Conclusion: The prognosis of cefepime-induced neurotoxicity is variable, thus, prompt recognition and cessation of the drug are key in minimizing this preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topic: Hemodialysis. Background: Given the burden of cardiovascular (CV) disease and the association of sympathetic activity with CV mortality, we hypothesized that a beta-blocker treatment would confer cardioprotection in dialysis patients. To test this hypothesis, we performed a systematic review assessing the relationship between Beta-blocker use and clinical outcomes. Methods: Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception till 7/1/2013. Bibliographies from major articles were also reviewed. The results assessing the relationship between BB use and all-cause mortality, CV mortality, sudden cardiac death (SCD), CV mortality, and CV events were qualitatively summarized. Results: The search yielded 4,213 abstracts. 608 articles were selected for full-text review and 29 were included in the final analysis. There were 4 randomized controlled trials (RCT), 20 cohort studies, 2 case-control studies, and 1 case series. BB use was associated with lower CV event rates in 3 RCTs, lower all-cause mortality, CV mortality, SCD or CV events in 8 cohort studies, statistically insignificant lower CV event rates in other 8 cohort studies, and lower SCD in 1 case series. Conclusions: Beta-blocker use inconsistently lower rates of mortality and CV outcomes in clinical studies. Given the high burden of CV disease in dialysis patients, a well-powered RCT is needed to evaluate the impact of BB use in dialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topic: Pediatric Nephrology. Background: We report a 7 year old girl that was previously healthy, with the exception of recurrent pharyngitis, who presented with weakness, respiratory distress, and edema approximately 2 weeks after tonsilloadenoidectomy. Methods: In the Emergency room, she appeared dehydrated; but, after fluid resuscitation, developed pulmonary edema requiring intubation. Initial labs included anemia (hgb 6 g/dl), high anion gap metabolic acidosis (CO2 11 mmol/l), elevated bun (132 mg/dl), elevated serum creatinine (15.5 mg/dl), severe hypocalcemia (<5 mg/dl), hypoalbuminemia (alb 1.56 g/dl) and nephrotic range proteinuria. Results: She required acute to chronic hemodialysis. Echocardiogram showed left ventricular hypertrophy and mild left ventricular systolic function. Kidney biopsy showed diffuse global glomerulosclerosis with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy consistent with end stage kidney disease. A preliminary microarray to determine possible genetic etiology for the nephrotic syndrome showed an XY karyotype. Pelvic US showed no ovaries or uterus. MRI without contrast shows rudimentary uterus. The rest of the genetic studies are in process but there is a high suspicion for Frasier's/Denys-Drash Syndrome. Conclusions: This rare case is presented to highlight the importance of recognizing the early clinical manifestations of patients with chronic kidney disease and to consider sending the karyotype in a patient with early onset nephrotic syndrome and renal failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The syndrome of rapid onset end stage renal disease (SORO-ESRD) was first described in the journal Renal Failure in 2010. This is acute precipitate unpredictable yet irreversible ESRD following acute kidney injury (AKI), different from 'classic' ESRD where CKD-ESRD progression was linear, timedependent and predictable. The overall impact of SORO-ESRD on ESRD outcomes in the adult US ESRD population remains speculative and called for larger studies. Methods: A retrospective investigation of the incident adult ESRD population, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 2001-2013. Results: One hundred and forty-nine of 1461 (10%) incident ESRD patients had SORO-ESRD - M:F = 76:73, age 62 (19-95) years, 139 (93%) native kidneys and 10 (7%) renal transplant recipients (RTRs). 147 (99%) SORO-ESRD patients started first hemodialysis treatment via a dialysis catheter (figure 1). Kidney biopsy in 10 RTRs and 34 native kidneys revealed acute tubular necrosis (ATN) as the commonest pathology in 3 (30%) RTRs and in 7 (21%) native kidneys. Cardiac arrest remained the leading cause of death among SORO-ESRD patients. Conclusions: SORO-ESRD accounted for 10% of the 1461 incident ESRD patients. There was no gender disparity. The older population was more susceptible. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the SORO-ESRD patients started their first hemodialysis treatment via a dialysis catheter, a major negative impact on AV Fistula First program. ATN was the leading pathologic diagnosis. We conclude that SORO-ESRD contributes significantly to incident ESRD here in the USA including renal allograft loss. Efforts to reduce AKI incidence or renoprevention demand more attention and priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The UK Renal Association (RA) and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have published Clinical Practice Guidelines which include recommendations for management of anaemia in established renal failure. Aims: To determine the extent to which the guidelines for anaemia management are met in the UK. Methods: Quarterly data (haemoglobin (Hb) and factors that influence Hb) extracts from renal centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (EWNI), and annual data from the Scottish Renal Registry for incident and prevalent renal replacement therapy (RRT) cohorts for 2007 were analysed by the UK Renal Registry (UKRR). Results: In the UK, in 2007 58% of patients commenced dialysis therapy with Hb &ges; 10.0 g/dl (median Hb 10.3 g/dl). Of incident patients 81% and 87% had a Hb &ges; 10.0 g/dl by 3 and 6 months of dialysis treatment respectively. The median Hb of haemodialysis (HD) patients was 11.6 g/dl with an interquartile range (IQR) of 10.6–12.6 g/dl. Of HD patients 86% had a Hb &ges; 10.0 g/dl. The median Hb of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in the UK was 11.9 g/dl (IQR 11.0–12.8 g/dl). 91% of UK PD patients had a Hb &ges; 10.0 g/dl. The median ferritin in HD patients in EWNI was 417 mg/L (IQR 270–598) and 95% of HD patients had a ferritin &ges; 100 mg/L. The median ferritin in PD patients was 255 mg/L (IQR 143–411) with 85% of PD patients having a ferritin &ges; 100 mg/L. In EWNI the mean ESA dose was higher for HD than PD patients (9,300 vs. 6,100 IU/week). Conclusions: This year for the first time there has been a small fall (from 85.9% in 2006 to 85.6%) in the percentage of HD patients with an Hb of &ges; 10 g/dl. This contrasts with previous annual improvements in this figure and is related to implementation of the new Hb Standard which has a target range of 10.5–12.5 g/dl. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This chapter describes the characteristics of adult patients starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the UK in 2007 and the acceptance rate for RRT in Primary Care Trusts (PCT) or equivalent Health Authority (HA) areas in the UK. Methods: The basic demographics are reported for all UK centres and clinical characteristics of patients starting RRT from all except 1 centre in the UK. Late presentation, defined as time between first being seen by a nephrologist and start of RRT being <90 days was also studied. Age and gender standardised ratios for acceptance rate in PCTs or equivalent HAs were calculated. Results: In 2007, the acceptance rate in the UK was 109 per million population (pmp) compared to 111 pmp in 2006. Acceptance rates in England (107 pmp), Scotland (108 pmp) and Northern Ireland (105 pmp) have fallen slightly, whilst that in Wales (140 pmp) has risen. There were wide variations between PCTs/HAs with respect to the standardised ratios which were lower in more PCTs in the North West and South East of England and higher in London, the West Midlands and Wales. The median age of all incident patients was 64.1 years and for non-Whites 57.1 years. There was an excess of males in all age groups starting RRT and nearly 80% of patients were reported to be White. Diabetic renal disease remained the single most common cause of renal failure (21.9%). By 90 days, 67.4% of patients were on haemodialysis, 21.3% on peritoneal dialysis, 5.2% had had a transplant and 6.1% had died or had stopped treatment. The incidence of late presentation in those centres supplying adequate data was 21%. Conclusions: The acceptance rate has fallen in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland but continues to rise in Wales with wide variations in acceptance rate between PCTs/HAs. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This chapter describes the demographics of UK RRT patients in 2007. Methods: Complete data were electronically collected from 71 UK centres with the remaining 1 centre submitting summary data. A series of crosssectional and longitudinal analyses were performed to describe the demographics of prevalent UK RRT patients in 2007 at a centre and a national level. Results: There were 45,484 adult patients receiving RRT on 31/12/2007. The population prevalence for adults was 746 per million population per year (pmp) with an annual increase in prevalence of approximately 5% per annum. There was substantial variation in standardised prevalence ratios between Primary Care Trust (PCT)/Health Authority (HA) areas which were associated with geographical factors and differences in ethnicity with mean standardised prevalence ratios (SPR) significantly higher in PCTs/HAs with a high proportion of ethnic minorities. The median age of prevalent RRT patients was 57 years (HD 65 years, PD 60 years, transplant 50 years). Median RRT vintage was 5.3 years (HD 2.8 years, PD 2.1 years, transplant 10.4 years). For all ages, crude prevalence rates in males exceeded those in females, peaking in the 75–79 year age band for males at 2,506 pmp and in females in the 70–74 year age band at 1,314 pmp. The most common identifiable diagnosis was glomerulonephritis (15.3%) but in those over 65 it was diabetes (15.1%). The most common treatment modality was transplantation (46.6%), closely followed by centrebased HD (42.1%) in either the primary centre (25.2%) or the satellite unit (16.9%). The HD population has continued to expand, and the PD population to contract. HD was increasingly prominent with increasing age at the expense of transplantation. Conclusions: There were national, area and dialysis centre level variation in the prevalent UK RRT population. This has implications for service planning and ensuring equity of care for RRT patients. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Blood pressure (BP) control is assessed annually from patients on Renal Replacement Therapy at renal centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the UK Renal Registry. Methods: Patients alive and receiving RRT on 31st December 2007 with a BP reading in either the fourth or third quarter of 2007 were included. Summary statistics were calculated for each renal centre, nation and renal disease category. Linear regression analyses were performed for prevalent patients between 2000 and 2007. Results: Significantly more haemodialysis patients achieved the BP standard (44.6% pre-HD and 48.8% post-HD) than peritoneal dialysis (32.8%) or renal transplant patients (26.7%). Median BP fell significantly between 2000 and 2007 for each treatment modality. There was significant variability in BP control between renal centres (p < 0.0001) for haemodialysis and transplant patients. Hypertension was significantly more common in haemodialysis patients with vascular disorders such as diabetes and renovascular disease (56.8%) than in glomerulonephritis (51.0%) or tubular disorders (45.1%). The effect was less prominent in peritoneal dialysis and not evident in transplant patients where few achieved the BP standard. Conclusion: A minority of patients on RRT achieved BP standards in 2007. There remained a significant variation in achievement of standards between renal centres. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic renal failure is accompanied with muscle dysfunction and myopathy, characterized by muscle weakness and increased fatigue. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) is the principal structural protein that controls the intrinsic contractile properties of striated muscle. Creatine is widely used as an ergogenic nutritional supplement in sportsmen. This study investigates the effect of creatine supplementation on MHC expression in the setting of uremic myopathy. Methods: Male Wistar rats were either sham operated or subtotally nephrectomized and received a control diet or creatine (2% w/ w)-supplemented diet. After 4 weeks of treatment, serum creatinine, creatine, urea and creatinine clearances were determined. MHC isoforms were determined electrophoretically in the extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles. Results: Creatinine clearances were lower in nephrectomized animals, but similar in creatine-supplemented and control diet animals. Nephrectomized animals had significantly higher MHC lIb and lower MHC lIx isoform expression in the extensor digitorum longus muscle compared to shamoperated animals. In the soleus muscle, MHC lIb expression was increased in nephrectomized animals. Creatine supplementation reversed the MHC transitions observed in uremia in the soleus muscle, but not in the extensor digitorum longus muscle. Conclusion: We observed altered expression of MHC isoforms in uremia. In uremic animals, fast MHC lIb isoforms were increased, whereas MHC I and lIx isoforms predominate in control animals. Dietary creatine supplementation reversed the altered MHC expression during uremia in slow-twitch, but not in fast-witch muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]