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Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis often experience significant itch secondary to their condition and a subsequent reduction in their overall quality of life. Current treatments are underwhelming, necessitating the search for new, effective therapeutic options to combat itch in this population. The purpose of this review is to explore the available data for the use of intravenous difelikefalin in patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis. The pathophysiology of CKD-associated itch is multifactorial, with one proposed mechanism involving an imbalance in the endogenous opioid system, favoring upregulation of itch-activating μ-opioid receptors (MORs) and downregulation of itch-inhibiting κ-opioid receptors (KORs). Dysregulation of the immune system is also involved. Difelikefalin is a recent FDA approved treatment that functions as peripherally acting KOR agonist, targeting this imbalance in the endogenous opioid system seen in CKD patients with itch and having an anti-inflammatory effect on immune cells. Clinical data on intravenous difelikefalin is promising regarding its ability to reduce itch in CKD patients on hemodialysis and improve patient quality of life, with few, mild adverse side effects. As intravenous difelikefalin becomes more widely used in the clinical setting, further studies assessing long-term efficacy and safety will be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem related to adverse results of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), kidney failure, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and premature death. The study is aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease. Two ordinal variables and one nominal response variable with 20 predictor variables were independently fitted. Ordinal multicategories , such as proportional odds, continuation ratio, and partial proportional models for attitude and practice, whereas the baseline multicategory logit model for knowledge was fitted. The findings implied that some predictors have a significant effect on attitude, whereas other covariates have a significant effect on practice. Moreover, as there are two independent logit models for the nominal response, in the first logit model Monthly income and Diabetes2, whereas in the second logit model, Smo_R_CKD3 and Diabetes2 have a significant effect on knowledge. In conclusion, more educated ones have more knowledge and attitude toward the prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease, also more likely to perform preventive and early detecting practices. People are inadequately informed on the prevention and early detection of CKD, especially those who are with low income, are at risk of developing CKD and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) in Hohhot, a large city on the northern border of China, and to identify independent risk factors for depression and anxiety in these patients. Patients receiving MHD for >3 months were enrolled in the four largest hemodialysis centers between September 2020 and December 2020. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Zung self-rated depression scale (SDS) and Zung self-rated anxiety scale (SAS), respectively, with demographic and other data collected for logistic regression analyses. Among 305 MHD patients included in this study, the prevalence of depression was 55.1%, including 27.5%, 21.0%, and 6.6% with mild, moderate and severe cases, respectively. The prevalence of anxiety was 25.9%, with 20.0%, 4.6%, and 1.3% having mild, moderate, and severe cases, respectively. An independent protective factor for depression was family income of ≥1415 US dollars/month relative to <157 US dollars/month (odds ratio [OR] 0.209, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.065–0.673), and predictors of depression included ≥3 comorbidities (OR 18.527, 95% CI 1.674–205.028) and severe pruritus (OR 15.971, 95% CI 5.173–49.315). Independent predictors of anxiety included infrequent exercise (OR 3.289, 95% CI 1.411–7.664) and severe pruritus (OR 5.912, 95% CI 1.733–20.168). The correlation between depression and anxiety in these patients was significant (rs = 0.775, p < 0.001). MHD patients in Northern China had high prevalence rates of depression (55.1%) and anxiety (25.9%). Lower family income, more comorbidities, and a higher degree of pruritus were predictors of depression, while infrequent exercise and severe pruritus were predictors of anxiety. Depression correlated significantly with anxiety. Attention should be given to family income, comorbidity, exercise, and pruritus severity for improved management of depression and anxiety among MHD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the dialysis center in Ramallah, we investigated the attitudes and perceived barriers to having arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in 156 patients. The current method of HD access was AVF in 52% and central venous catheter in 47%. Perceived causes of no or delayed AVF were: patient's refusal of AVF in 54.5%, late referral to a surgical evaluation in 31.3% and too long to surgical appointments in 14.2%. Among those who refused AVF, reasons were: concern about the surgical procedure in 42.5%, poor understanding of disease/access in 23.3%, fear of needles in 15.1%, denial of disease or need for HD in 17.8%, and cosmetic reasons in 1.4%. Forty six percent of patients believed they received education about AVF prior to the creation of HD access, and 73.7% would recommend AVF as the method of access due to the lower risk of infection (96%), easier to care for (16%), easier showering (14%), and better-associated hygiene (3%). In conclusion, the majority would recommend an AVF as the mode of vascular access for HD. The most common barrier to having an AVF was patient's refusal to undergo AVF creation because of their concern about the surgical procedure. A systematic evaluation of the process that precedes the creation of AVF may allow for better utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been found to be associated with the development and repair mechanisms of several renal diseases. In this study, we hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in EGF or its receptor genes might have an association with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or acute renal allograft rejection (AR) in a Korean population. Three-hundred and forty seven recipients of the first renal transplants for ESRD, including 63 AR patients along with 289 healthy adults were included in the study. Five EGF gene SNPs (rs11568835, rs11568943, rs2237051, rs11569017, and rs3756261) and four EGFR gene SNPs (rs1140475, rs2293347, rs1050171, and rs6965469) were analyzed. The genotypes of these SNPs were analyzed using the AxiomTM genome-wide human assay. Statistical analysis was performed using SNPStats and Haploview version 4.2 software. Multiple logistic regression models (codominant, dominant, recessive, and Log-additive) were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and P value. One SNP (rs11569017) in the EGF gene showed significant association with ESRD but not with AR. Another SNP (rs11568835) in the EGF gene showed significant association with susceptibility to AR but not with ESRD. One SNP (rs1050171) in the EGFR gene showed significant association with susceptibility to AR but not with ESRD. Our findings suggest that SNPs in the EGF and EGFR gene may be associated with the risk of ESRD and AR development in the Korean population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mineral and bone disorder (MBD) in hemodialysis patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Studies on the MBD status of hemodialysis patients at high altitudes are extremely limited. Methods: A total of 146 hemodialysis patients from 5 local hospitals across all districts with hemodialysis centers in the Tibetan Plateau were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Parameters related to MBD, including serum phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels, were measured. The achievement of MBD goals was compared with the achievement in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Study (DOPPS) 3, DOPPS 4 and a multicenter study of MBD in China. Factors associated with hyperphosphatemia were examined. Results: Altogether, 146 hemodialysis patients were recruited from the Tibetan Plateau. According to the K/DIGO guidelines, there were low achievement rates for serum Ca (40.4%), P (29.7%), and iPTH (47.1%). As for the (KDOQI) guidelines, the rates of achievement of defined targets were 38.4%, 33.7% and 16.4% for serum Ca, P and iPTH, respectively. The percentages of patients reaching the KDOQI targets for corrected Ca, P, and iPTH were significantly lower for Tibetan patients than the percentages found in DOPPS 3 (38.4% vs. 50.4%, 33.7% vs. 49.8%, and 16.4% vs. 31.4%, respectively, all p <.001) and DOPPS 4 (38.4% vs. 56.0%, 33.7% vs. 54.5%, and 16.4% vs. 35.3%, respectively, all p <.001). The percentage of patients reaching the KDOQI targets for iPTH was significantly lower in Tibet than in the plain areas of China (16.4% vs. 26.5%, p <.001). The proportion of patients with hypocalcemia was higher in Tibet than in the plain areas (44.5% vs. 19.4%, p <.001). The percentage of local patients with optimal P was significantly higher for patients with an activated vitamin D prescription than for patients without an activated vitamin D prescription (45.3% vs. 19.3%, p <.001). Age and the activated vitamin D prescription were independently associated with hyperphosphatemia. Conclusion: The MBD status of hemodialysis patients in Tibet is far from the ideal level. High altitude is one of the possible causes of the differences found, but not the principal one. It is necessary for medical staff in Tibet to improve the detection and treatment of MBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ranolazine is a novel anti-angina treatment approved in the United States for chronic stable angina. Ranolazine pharmacokinetics have not been studied previously in patients who receive maintenance hemodialysis. This study describes the pharmacokinetics of ranolazine and three major metabolites (CVT-2738, CVT-2512, CVT-2514) in patients receiving thrice weekly hemodialysis. Methods: Eight participants receiving maintenance hemodialysis completed this prospective, open-label study (study identifier NCT01435174 at Clinicaltrials.gov). Three participants received a single tablet of ranolazine 500 mg (followed by an interim analysis), and five received 2 tablets of ranolazine 500 mg. Blood samples were collected over 65 h to determine the pharmacokinetic characteristics during and between hemodialysis sessions. Non-compartmental analysis was used to determine the individual pharmacokinetic parameters. Results: Ranolazine off-hemodialysis elimination phase half-lives were 3.6 and 3.9 h for 500 mg and 1000 mg doses, respectively. The time to maximum concentration ranged from 2 to 18 hours and the average maximum concentration was 0.65 ± 0.27 mcg/mL and 1.18 ± 0.48 mcg/mL for ranolazine 500 mg and 1000 mg dose, respectively. The mean hemodialysis percent reduction ratio for the ranolazine 500 mg dose was 52.3 ± 8.1% and for the ranolazine 1000 mg dose was 69.2 ± 37.6%. Conclusions: Data on ranolazine dosing in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis is almost non-existent. Given the extent of pharmacokinetic variability observed with the 500 mg and 1000 mg oral doses of ranolazine, neither can be recommended as a starting dose in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Guided by the information gained form this study about the extent of hemodialytic drug clearance, further multi-dose clinical trials of ranolazine are needed to optimize therapeutic outcomes in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus is an important cause of liver disease and has numerous extra-hepatic manifestations. HBV leads to important morbidity and mortality in the general population and recent evidence suggests a role of HBV in the incidence and progression of chronic kidney disease. Areas covered: The mechanisms underlying the link between HBV and CKD remain unclear. Nucleos(t)ide analogues for the antiviral treatment of HBV are currently available; these drugs are provided with high efficacy even in patients with CKD. Expert opinion: A recent meta-analysis of clinical studies showed that HBV results in a greater risk of CKD in the general population. According to an updated review (studies were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database), we retrieved six clinical studies (n = 1,034,773 unique patients), adjusted RR, 1.41 (95% CI, 1.09; 1.82, P < 0.001). The significant heterogeneity observed precluded more definitive conclusions. Various mechanisms have been cited to explain the greater risk of CKD among HBsAg positive carriers. Novel evidence shows that untreated HBV and therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues are associated with increased and decreased risk of end-stage renal disease in CKD population, respectively. We recommend that patients with HBV are assessed for kidney function and urinary changes at baseline and over the follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), has become a public health concern as it has been reported to cause adverse outcomes such as kidney failure and premature death. This cross sectional study compared the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) and Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines in assessing the prevalence of CKD in Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. We consecutively sampled a cross-section of 202 T2DM patients from the Ho municipality in the Volta region (Ghana). Structured pre-tested questionnaires were administered to obtain information on gender, age, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, medication used, duration on medication, and duration of diabetes. Serum creatinine and urine protein were estimated using standard protocols and CKD was classified according to KDIGO and KDOQI guidelines. The prevalence of CKD was 63.4% and 58.4% using the KDIGO and KDOQI guidelines respectively. The prevalence of mildly decreased renal function or worse (eGFR < 60/ml/min/1.73 m2) was 10.4% for KDIGO guideline and 7.9% for KDOQI guidelines with an excellent agreement between both definitions showing bias = −0.129, 95%CI = (−0.17 to −0.08) on Bland-Altman analysis. Participants older than 70 years were more likely to have CKD when KDIGO criteria was used (P = 0.018). The prevalence of albuminuria was 47.0% with 21.9% presenting with 1+ and 2+ grades. KDIGO guideline estimates higher prevalence of CKD than KDOQI guidelines in the same study population. KDIGO guideline might help in early detection and proper classification of CKD which will illicit stage-specific treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overhydration and sarcopenia, related to an individual's nutritional status, have been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and poor prognosis in patients on hemodialysis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prediction of overhydration and sarcopenia on mortality in patients on hemodialysis using a body composition monitor. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using a random-effects model. We searched the Cochrane Central Register, OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed databases for all studies published prior to December 9, 2016 and reviewed the reference lists of relevant reviews, registered trials and relevant conference proceedings. The overhydration group (fluid excess, >15% vs. the normohydration group) and the low lean tissue index group ( <10%) were compared with a reference group. Six trials, consisting of 29,469 patients, were included in the pooled analysis. The pooled hazard ratio for overall survival of the overhydration group, compared with the reference normohydration group was 1.798 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53-2.804, p = .001). The hazard ratio for mortality in the low lean tissue index group was 1.533 (95% CI, 1.411-1.644; p = .001) in the random-effects model. The results from the most recent study showed the greatest heterogeneity in the sensitivity analysis. Low lean tissue index and overhydration, measured using a body composition monitor, were associated with a high mortality rate in patients on hemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with end-stage renal disease experience significant mortality and morbidity, including cognitive decline. Advance care planning has been emphasized as a responsibility and priority of physicians caring for patients with chronic kidney disease in order to align with patient values before decision-making capacity is lost and to avoid suffering. This emphasis has proven ineffective, as illustrated in the case of a patient treated in our hospital. Is this ineffectiveness a consequence of failure in the courtroom or the clinic? Through our own experience we affirm what has been written before: that legal precedent favors intensive treatment in virtually all cases without ‘clear and convincing evidence’ of a patient’s previously declared wishes to the contrary. Equally clear is that more than 20 years of support in the clinical literature suggesting advance care planning early in the course of disease can address challenges in the legal system for those lacking capacity. However, many physicians fail to recognize the need for advance care planning in a timely manner and lack the necessary training to provide it. The need for more training and new tools to recognize opportunities for advance care planning in daily practice remains unmet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to assess the uniqueness of the condition of kidney transplant recipients in comparison to a sample of matching healthy peers in relation to body-image dissatisfaction and identification, quality of life and psychological distress. Participants were 45 kidney transplant recipients who were under follow-up care at a Transplant Unit of a major Medical Center, and a sample of 45 matching healthy peers. Measures were taken using self-report questionnaires [Body-Image Ideals Questionnaire (BIIQ), Body Identification Questionnaire (BIQ), Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI), and the SF-12]. The major findings were the following: (i) kidney transplant recipients reported lower levels of quality of life and higher levels of PsD when compared to their healthy peers; (ii) no difference in body-image dissatisfaction was found between the two studied groups; (iii) significant correlations between body-image dissatisfaction quality of life and PsD were found only in the kidney transplant recipients. The kidney transplantation condition has a moderating effect in the association between body-image dissatisfaction PsD but not in the association between body-image dissatisfaction and quality of life; (iv) kidney transplant recipients experienced higher levels of body identification than did their healthy peers. Taken together, these findings highlight the unique condition of kidney transplant recipients, as well as the function that body-image plays within the self. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers the healthiest way for starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) in End Stage Renal Disease patients, however exposes long-term PD patients to a dangerous complication named encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). In this study, we searched for possible risk factors of EPS. Data were collected from two PD centers covering period 1995–2012 and comprised 464 patients. Control group defined as PD patients stayed on PD >42 month (n = 122), and case group was 12 confirmed EPS patients. Associations were analyzed using linear regression analysis. Prevalence and incidence of EPS were 2.59% and 8.9% with an incidence of 0.7% patient-years, respectively. The age at start of PD in EPS patients (32.75 ± 10.8 year) was significantly lower compared with control group (49.61 ± 16.18 year,p = .0001). The mean duration of PD in EPS and control group were 2494.4 ± 940.9 and 1890.2 ± 598.8 days (p = .002). Control group had 145 episodes of peritonitis during total duration of 7686 patient months (peritonitis rate of 1/53). This was 1/26 with a total 38 episodes of peritonitis during the total duration of 997 patient months (p = .01) for EPS group. In regression analysis, PD duration, age at PD start and duration of Ultrafiltration failure (UFF) were associated with EPS. Longer time being on PD, younger age, and higher UFF duration were the risk factors for EPS development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:There are some evidences indicating DNA damage by oxidant and mutant agents has an essential role in the chronic renal failure and end stage renal disease (ESRD). To investigate the possible association of GSTs variants with ESRD, we investigated the frequency of GST- T1, M1, and P1 genotypes, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with ESRD. Materials and methods:The present case-control study consisted of 136 ESRD patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis and 137 gender- and age-matched, unrelated healthy controls from the population of west of Iran. The GST- T1, M1, and P1 genotypes were determined in all individuals using multiplex-PCR and PCR-RFLP. The level of MDA was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results:We found that GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes (GSTT1−/GSTM1−) increased the risk of ESRD by 1.8 times (p < 0.001) and the increased risk of ESRD for GSTM-null (T1+-M1−) genotype was 3.04 times (p = 0.002). ESRD patients carriers the GST (GSTM1-null + GSTT1-null + GST-null) genotypes compared to GST normal genotype increased the risk of ESRD by 3.3 (p < 0.001) times. ESRD patients carriers of GST-null, GSTM1-null, and GSTT1-null genotypes had greater MDA concentration compared with the same genotypes of control subjects. Our results indicated that the GST-null allele (GSTT1-null/GSTM1-null) is a risk factor for ESRD and carriers of this allele have high levels of MDA. Conclusion:Our findings indicate that oxidative stress, impairment of the antioxidant system and abnormal lipid metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of ESRD and its related complications. These data suggest that patients with ESRD are more susceptible to vascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the commonest cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite increasing DM-ESRD prevalence and high dependency on care, there is a lack of literature on DM-ESRD caregivers. We sought to explore the perspectives and experiences of caregivers of patients with DM undergoing haemodialysis in Singapore. Design:This study employed an exploratory, qualitative design comprising in-depth interviews with caregivers of DM-ESRD patients. Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 20 family caregivers (54.2 ± 12.6 years; 75% female) of DM-ESRD patients. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results:Key caregiving challenges identified were managing diet, care recipients’ emotions and mobility dependence. Patients’ emotional reactions caused interpersonal conflicts and hindered treatment management. Difficulties in dietary management were linked to patients’ erratic appetite, caregivers’ lack/poor understanding of the dietary guidelines and caregivers’ low perceived competence. Limited resources in terms of social support and finances were also noted. Physical and psychological well-being and employment were adversely affected by caregiving role. Conclusion:This study highlights distinctive aspects of the DM-ESRD caregiving experience, which impact on caregivers’ health and challenge care. Disease management programmes should be expanded to support caregivers in dealing with multimorbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomerular filtration rate and/or creatinine are not accurate methods for renal failure prediction. This study tested homocysteine (Hcy) as a predictive and prognostic marker for end stage renal disease (ESRD). In total, 176 subjects were recruited and divided into:healthy normal group(108 subjects);mild-to-moderate impaired renal function group(21 patients);severe impaired renal function group(7 patients); andchronic renal failure group(40 patients) who were on regular hemodialysis. Blood samples were collected, and serum was separated for analysis of total Hcy, creatinine, high sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin, and calcium. Data showed that Hcy level was significantly increased from normal-to-mild impairment then significantly decreases from mild impairment until the patient reaches severe impairment while showing significant elevation in the last stage of chronic renal disease. Creatinine level was increased in all stages of kidney impairment in comparison with control. CRP level was showing significant elevation in the last stage. A significant decrease in both albumin and calcium was occurred in all stages of renal impairment. We conclude Hcy in combination with CRP, creatinine, albumin, and calcium can be used as a prognostic marker for ESRD and an early diagnostic marker for the risk of renal failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diagnosis of diabetes and monitoring of long-term blood sugar are preferably done by measurement of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Diabetic patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) may have short-lived red blood cells due to hemodialysis (HD), and thus higher turnover of hemoglobin. The level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may be lower than expected for these patients, even at increased blood glucose, possibly making glycated albumin (GA) measurement a better alternative.Methods: The percentage of GA was measured by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Fast and efficient trypsin digestion of proteins in diluted serum or plasma resulted in a high number of proteotypic peptides from albumin, including KQTALVELVK which was detected both glycated and non-glycated by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The percentage of GA was estimated by neat peak area response of glycated peptide divided by the sum of glycated and non-glycated peptide.Results: Acceptable method reproducibility (6% CV), repeatability (2-6% CV), limit of quantification (0.75% GA), linearity (R(2) = 0.999) and recovery (79 ± 9%) was achieved without using calibration or isotope-labeled internal standard. GA was strongly correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.84) for patients without ESRD. The average ratio of GA/HbA1c was significantly higher (p = 0.0021) for ESRD patients (1.84 ± 0.38, n = 62) compared to other patients (1.67 ± 0.28, n = 225).Conclusion: GA measurement by detecting glycation in KQTALVELVK with LC-MS/MS seems to be a useful supplement to HbA1c for detecting increased blood glucose in diabetic patients with ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Randomized control trials (RCTs) are considered as most rigors way of determining the cause–effect relationship of a treatment and outcome. Activation of rennin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) is an important contributor to hypertension in hemodialysis patients. The prevalence of hypertension in hemodialysis patients varies from 60% to 80% and hypertension management alone with conventional hemodialysis is insufficient. Hence, the current review was aimed to investigate the effect of RAAS inhibitors in managing hypertension among hemodialysis patients in a randomized control trial. Using PUBMED and EMBASE databases, randomized control trial with primary or secondary outcomes related to the effect of RAAS inhibitors on blood pressure among hemodialysis patients were included for analysis. The current review also assessed the quality of reporting of RCT. A total of eight RCT met inclusion criteria for current review. According to modified jaded scale, one (12.5%) study scored four points for quality reporting, whereas two (25%) studies scored one point that was the least score. The mean score for all included studies was 2.25. Six (75%) of the eight RCT included, involved ARB in hypertension management among hemodialysis patients, whereas two (25%) studies involved angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Of the siz RCT involving ARB, two (33.3%) RCT also included ACE inhibitors comparison group. Altogether six (75%) studies report a reduction in blood pressure with the use of RAAS inhibitors compared to control group; however, of the six studies, two (33.3%) reported that the reduction in blood pressure was not significant. Whereas, two (25%) studies reported no reduction in blood pressure compared to the control group. The findings from current review do not indicate a clear pattern for a role of RAAS inhibitors for hypertension control among hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeDisrupted bone metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with elevated concentrations of biochemical bone markers. Recently, animal studies show the role of osteocalcin in energy metabolism, which is partially confirmed in humans. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationships between serum concentrations of bone markers and indices of energy metabolism in CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis; in particular, the relationship between various forms of osteocalcin and adiponectin.Patients and methodsThe cross-sectional study included 155 hemodialyzed stage 5 CKD patients. Serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, adiponectin, bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), carboxylated (cOC), undercarboxylated (ucOC), and intact osteocalcin (OC) were determined.ResultsIn total cohort, bALP, TRAP, cOC, and ucOC negatively correlated with BMI. All analyzed bone markers positively correlated with adiponectin in total cohort and in men. In multiple linear regression analysis including all patients, log(cOC) and log(intact OC) were the only bone markers that predicted log(adiponectin) (beta = 0.22;p = 0.016 and beta = 0.26;p = 0.010) independently of sex, dialysis vintage, CRP, insulin, iPTH concentrations, BMI, and age.ConclusionsOur data confirm the positive association between cOC, intact OC, and adiponectin concentrations in CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundUltrafiltration (UF) failure mostly contributes to technical failure in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and one of its responsible factors is peritoneal angiogenesis. Resveratrol has been proposed to have an angiogenesis-ameliorating effect on tumor patients. We hypothesizetrans-resveratrol has beneficial effects on angiogenesis-related markers in PD patients.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, and double-blind trial, 72 patients were randomly assigned to 12-week treatment of low-dose or high-dose (150 or 450 mg/d) trans-resveratrol or a placebo. Visits were scheduled at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. Clinical indices including 24-hour UF volume, UF rate, 24-hour urine volume, residual renal function, and dialysis adequacy (kt/v) were measured. Angiogenesis markers including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), tyrosine kinase 2 (Tie-2), and thrombospondin-1 (Tsp-1) in peritoneal effluent were also assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsFinally, 64 out of 72 patients were analyzed, 18 in the high-dose group, 22 in the low-dose group, and 24 in the placebo group. Over the 12-week period, patients in the high-dose group [mean change from baseline (95% CI): 171.4 (141.3-201.5) (mL),p = 0.003 (Net UF); 11.3(10.5-12.1) (mL/h),p = 0.02 (UF rate)] or the low-dose group [mean change from baseline (95% CI: 98.1 (49.5-146.7) (mL),p = 0.007 (Net UF); 6.5 (4.4-8.6) (mL/h),p = 0.04 (UF rate)] versus the placebo group had a significantly greater improvement in mean net UF volume and UF rate. The appearance rates of VEGF, Flk-1, and Ang-2 were more significantly reduced (appearance rates of Tie-2 and Tsp-1 increased) in the high-dose group versus the placebo group, but not in the low-dose group.ConclusionSupplementation with trans-resveratrol is beneficial to improve ultrafiltration in PD patients, and high-dose supplementation may improve ultrafiltration by ameliorating angiogenesis induced by conventional lactate-buffered PD solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context: The role of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) gene polymorphism, A1166C, has been shown to be associated with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and its progression. There is also some evidence that HLA class II alleles are associated with ESRD independent of other factors. Objective: To examine the association between AT1R gene polymorphism in the susceptibility and progression to ESRD in patients with chronic renal failure and to investigate if the AT1R genotypes and HLA-DR alleles predict the time to ESRD. Materials and methods: Genotyping was performed in 50 ESRD patients and 44 control subjects for the AT1R A1166C gene polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). ESRD patients were examined for HLA-DRB1 alleles according to a reverse hybridization line probe assay. Results: Allele and genotype frequencies of the AT1R polymorphism did not differ significantly between ESRD patients and controls. Furthermore, there was no association between the AT1R gene polymorphism or HLA-DRB1 alleles with the time to the occurrence of end stage failure. Discussion and Conclusion: We concluded that the AT1R genotype does not contribute to the genetic susceptibility of ESRD and is not associated with progression of chronic kidney failure to ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The response to hepatitis B vaccine in the dialysis population is reduced compared to the general population. The intradermal (ID) hepatitis B vaccine has been studied as a potential alternative to intramuscular (IM) administration. This alternative route of administration may illicit a response via a distinct immunologic pathway that may help achieve higher seroconversion rates and thus, protection against hepatitis B infection in this vulnerable patient population.Methods: A literature search was performed in January 2015 using Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials with keywords including,hepatitis B vaccines, intradermal, dermal, intracutaneous, dialysis, hemodialysis, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, CAPD, peritoneal dialysis, renal failure, chronic renal failure, chronic kidney disease, chronic renal insufficiency, End Stage Renal Disease, ESRD, andCKD. Our search strategy was restricted to human studies published in the English language, and additional literature was retrieved by hand-searching bibliographies of relevant articles. Two reviewers (F.Y. and S.G.) independently reviewed abstracts and/or full texts of articles retrieved from the electronic database using the above-mentioned search strategy. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Published, English-language studies performed in the human population, (2) adult patient population (≥18 years of age), (3) randomized trials, (4) patient population must have been unresponsive to a primary IM hepatitis B vaccination protocol, (5) patients must be chronic dialysis patients, either on maintenance hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), (6) studies that compare IM and ID hepatitis B vaccination-associated seroconversion rates, (7) results must be reported as seroconversion rates at 1–3, 6–9, 12, or 20 months post-vaccination, and (8) seroconversion (protective antibody levels) defined as >10 or ≥10 IU/L.Results: Our initial literature review yielded 113 results, of which four were included in our final review. These four prospective trials studied a combined total of 204 dialysis patients. Of these patients, 120 (59%) had received the hepatitis B vaccine intradermally, while 84 (41%) received it intramuscularly. Hepatitis B vaccination type, dose, route, and seroconversion rates were tabulated for each study. Each of the studies used different protocols for patient inclusion, schedule of vaccine administration, and time-points for measuring seroconversion. Seroconversion rates at either 1, 2, 3, 6–9, 12 and/or 20 months were reported. The combined seroconversion rates were 91%, 83%, 86%, 81%, 76%, and 32% at 1, 2, 3, 6–9, 12, and 20 months in the ID group, respectively, and 55%, 72%, 58%, 44%, 24%, and 0% in the IM group, respectively. Chi-square analysis revealed a significantly higher proportion of patients achieving seroconversion in the ID group versus the IM group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Our review demonstrates that ID hepatitis B vaccination in primary non-responders undergoing dialysis provides an effective alternative to IM vaccination as a means of protection against hepatitis B infection in this highly susceptible population. Additional well-designed, double-blinded, randomized trials are warranted to establish clear guidelines on ID Hepatitis B vaccine dose and duration of vaccination schedule. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Apelin expressed in endothelial and other tissues including brain and kidney is an adipocytokine defined recently and is emerging an important mediator of cardiovascular homeostasis. The aim of this study was to test whether apelin levels might be associated with carotid artery atherosclerosis and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in peritoneal dialysis patients. Patients and methods: Fifty peritoneal dialysis patients (25 female, mean age 41.4 ± 11.9 years, mean dialysis vintage 65.0 ± 35.4 months) and 18 healthy individuals (9 female, mean age 41.7 ± 6.8 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum apelin 12 levels, echocardiographic findings and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) were recorded as well as clinical and laboratory data. Results: There were no differences between the patient and the control groups with regard to demographic characteristics. In patient group, LVMI, CIMT, CRP and apelin levels were elevated compared to control group. However there was no association between apelin, LVMI and CIMT. There was a positive correlation between apelin and CRP, which was not statistically significant. When patients were divided into two groups according to the mean serum apelin levels, LVMI, CIMT and CRP were higher in the high apelin group but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: We observed an increased inflammation and CVD risk in peritoneal dialysis patients. However, serum apelin levels seem not to be associated with cardiovascular risk in this group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: End stage renal disease (ESRD) is a worldwide devastating health problem due to its increased prevalence in the population and high association with several pathologic conditions including immunodeficiency, which makes a significant contribution to morbidity and mortality. Aim: The present study aimed at analysis of T and B lymphocyte subpopulation and the detection of flowcytometric apoptosis markers on peripheral B and T lymphocytes in a cohort of children with ESRD. Subjects and methods: A case-control study was conducted on 28 children with ESRD. In addition, 30 age and sex matched healthy children were included as a control group. We used Annexin V-FITC binding assay as a sensitive probe for identifying cells undergoing apoptosis. Results: Circulating neutrophils, T and B lymphocytes were lower in patient group. In addition, apoptotic B and T lymphocytes occurred more frequently in children with ESRD than in the control group. Conclusion: Our finding of low numbers of circulating neutrophils, T and B lymphocytes, and increased portion of apoptotic B and T lymphocytes in children with ESRD, may emphasize the fact that these derangements are the main mechanisms responsible for the impairment of the immune system in ESRD children, also it adds to the fact that both cellular and humoral immunity affected in ESRD children. Finally, uremia and increased peripheral lymphocyte apoptosis were the major causes of lymphocyte populations' depletion in our ESRD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to quantify and compare the risks of death and end stage renal disease (ESRD) in a prospective cohort of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1-5 under renal management clinic at Peking University Third Hospital and to evaluate the risk factors associated with these two outcomes. Method: This was a prospective cohort study. Finally, 1076 patients at CKD stage 1-5 short of dialysis were recruited from renal management clinic. Patients were monitored for up to Dec, 2011 or until ESRD and death. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated (eGFR) according to the using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula. Results: At the end of follow-up, 111 patients (10.1%) developed ESRD (initiated dialysis or kidney transplantation (ESRD)) and 24 patients (2.2%) had died. There were more ESRD occurrence rate in patients with baseline diabetic nephropathy, lower eGFR, hemoglobin <100 g/L and 24 h urinary protein excretion ≥3.0 g. By multivariate Cox regression model, having heavy proteinuria and CKD stage were the risk factors of ESRD. For all-cause mortality, the most common cause was cardiovascular disease, followed by infectious disease and cancer. But we failed to conclude any significant variable as risk factors for mortality in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Our study indicated that baseline diabetic nephropathy, lower hemoglobin level, lower baseline GFR and heavy proteinuria were the risk factors of ESRD. In this CKD cohort, patients were more likely to develop ESRD than mortality, and cardiovascular mortality was the leading cause of death, and then followed by infectious diseases and cancer in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There is no data on osmol gap (OG) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) by stage and limited data on OG in adults on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). We aimed to examine the OG between different stages of CKD and to compare the OG pre- and post-HD in those on maintenance HD. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 67 patients. The participants were divided into six groups: Group 1-reference group (normal renal function), Group 2-CKD stage 2; Group 3-CKD stage 3; Group 4-CKD stage 4; Group 5-CKD stage 5 and not on dialysis. Group 6 were subjects on maintenance HD. Results: The means of OG ± standard deviation of Groups 1-6 were 15.25 ± 3.0, 20.73 ± 2.68, 22.85 ± 6.99, 24.11 ± 3.64, 25.15 ± 5.06, and 28.88 ± 3.45, respectively ( p < 0.001). In the HD group, the difference between the pre-HD and post-HD OG was statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is a statistically significant upward trend for OG as CKD stage increases. The OG is elevated in patients on maintenance HD and is normalized by the HD. OG can be a valuable additional tool to suggest CKD stage and serve as a marker of dialysis adequacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Overhydration is the main contributory factor of left ventricular hypertrophy and closely associated with cardiovascular events in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The aim of this prospective-study was to investigate the impact of strict salt and volume control on hypertension and cardiac condition in ESRD patients. Methods: A total of 12 peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 15 prevalent hemodialysis (HD) patients were enrolled. All patients either PD or HD were allocated to intervention of strict salt restriction according to basal hydration state of empty abdomen in PD and midweek predialysis HD which were estimated by body composition monitor (BCM) and echocardiography. Results: Mean ages were 48.3 ± 16.7 years for PD, and 48.8 ± 18 for HD patients. Extracellular water/height was 10.04 ± 2.70 and 10.39 ± 1.53 L/m in PD and HD groups. Systolic blood pressures decreased in PD and HD from 133.1 ± 28 and 147.3 ± 28.5 to 114.8 ± 16.5 and 119.3 ± 12.1 mmHg, respectively, ( p < 0.00). IDKA/DW were decreased from 3.26 ± 1.6 to 2.97 ± 1.63 % in HD group ( p > 0.05). LVMI and LAI were not increased in both groups. Conclusion: Strict salt and volume control in ESRD patients after assessment of hydration status with either using BCM or echocardiography provides better management of volume control leading to more precise cardiovascular protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurobehavioral syndrome of uremia in chronic kidney disease affects the functioning of the central nervous system. Cognitive impairment is one of the most important manifestations of this dysfunction. The process of hemodialysis is known to bring about conflicting changes in the cognitive status of patients. In the present study an assessment of cognitive status of patients with end stage renal disease was done in comparison to controls before and after a session of hemodialysis using simple bedside paper-pencil tests. Thirty patients of end stage renal disease on maintenance dialysis for at least one month with MMSE score >24 were assessed one hour before and one hour after hemodialysis using Digit Symbol Substitution Test, One Letter and Three Letter Cancellations tasks. Their results were compared to age and sex matched healthy controls. The patients with end stage renal disease had significantly lower performance in cognitive tests in comparison to controls. The performance improved 1 hour after hemodialysis in comparison to pre-dialysis values. However, the values after dialysis were significantly lower than in controls, thereby indicating that though the cognitive functions improved after hemodialysis, they did not reach the control levels. There was also a significant change in the biochemical parameters after dialysis. We conclude that patients with end stage renal disease suffered from cognitive impairment which improved on hemodialysis due to removal of metabolic waste products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We described the previously unrecognized syndrome of rapid-onset end-stage renal disease (SORO-ESRD) in 2010, in the journal Renal Failure, as distinct from the classic CKD-ESRD progression of a methodical, linear, time-dependent and predictable progression from CKD through CKD stages I-V, ending in ESRD requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). It remains unclear to what extent this syndrome may have been identified in the past without acknowledging its uniqueness. Methods: We reviewed AKI reports and ascertained cases of SORO-ESRD as defined by patients with a priori stable kidney function who subsequently exhibited unanticipated and irreversible ESRD requiring RRT following new AKI episodes. Results: Fifteen AKI reports demonstrating SORO-ESRD were analyzed. The reports span most regions of the world. The 15 studies with 20 to 1095 AKI patients each, mean age 39-65 years, published between 1975 and 2010, demonstrated SORO-ESRD rates from 1% to 85% of the AKI series. AKI was caused by hypovolemia/hypotension, infections/sepsis and exposure to nephrotoxics especially radiocontrast, NSAIDs, aminoglycosides and RAAS blocking agents, ACEIs and ARBs. Discussion: Irreversible ESRD following AKI, consistent with our recent description of a new and unrecognized syndrome has been sporadically reported in the AKI literature, without a clear mandate as a syndrome, potentially distinct from the classic ESRD. The contribution of SORO-ESRD to the global ESRD pandemic, the impact of SORO-ESRD on AV-Fistula planning, any differential behavior of SORO-ESRD versus classic ESRD in terms of mortality outcomes and any predisposing factors to SORO-ESRD as advanced age and nephrotoxic exposure all call for serious research study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy is the most frequent cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD). As ESRD incidence increases continuously, more resources are needed for treatment. The objective was to evaluate the economic impact of losartan added to the standard care administered to diabetic subjects with ESRD. The analysis has involved more than 500 million inhabitants. Standard methods have been used in order to conduct an economic evaluation comparing the economic outcomes deriving from the administration of losartan added to standard care versus standard care alone in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and nephropathy over 3.4 years. The study was hence conducted from the perspective of the third-party payer. The clinical outcome data were based on the results from the Reduction of Endpoints in Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus with the Angiotensin II Antagonist Losartan (RENAAL) trial. Direct medical costs are referred to the purchase costs of losartan and to the costs of hospitalization. The costs were discounted back at an annual rate of 3%%. Also sensitivity analysis was performed. The RENAAL study showed that losartan confers strong renal protection in patients with DM and nephropathy. Losartan results into cost saving in all countries considered: 3 602.98€/Italy, 4 531.35€/France, 3 019.66€/Germany, 3 949.50€/Switzer-land, and 3 855.50€/US per patient. Results are not sensitive to both clinical and economic variables. In addition to the medical benefits, this analysis demonstrates the economic relevance of the treatment with losartan in DM patients affected by nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current era of dialysis care, the nephrologist must be prepared to perform multiple functions beyond the delivery of patient care. One potential role that the nephrologist may assume is the medical director of a dialysis facility. The medical director is responsible for the unit functions on several levels. This article will aim to review the basic principles involved in the administration of a dialysis unit (DU), including administrative, regulatory, and fiscal aspects. This review is not meant to be comprehensive in nature, but rather is aimed to introduce the trainee and junior faculty to the nuances of the DU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of cardiovascular disease in adults with chronic kidney disease is now well recognized. For children who develop chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease is also a leading cause of eventual morbidity and mortality. Although the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease may not be apparent until later, early subclinical findings can be observed even during childhood. This review updates the reader on the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in pediatric chronic kidney disease, discusses risk factors and potential mechanisms of accelerated cardiovascular disease, reviews evidence of early manifestations of cardiovascular disease in pediatric chronic kidney disease, and briefly discusses prevention and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Hyperkalemia is a frequent problem in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis and is often attributed as a cause of deaths in these patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hyperkalemia among Egyptian hemodialysis patients. Patients and methods. 400 ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled in the study. They were allowed their usual diets and medications during the study periods. For all patients, history and clinical examinations and serum potassium level was measured three times—pre- and post-1st session and pre-next session—at two successive sessions of hemodialysis. Results. The results of this study showed that the prevalence of hyperkalemia was 41.2%, 6.5%, and 66.9% of pre- and post-dialysis and before the next session of dialysis, respectively. Hyperkalemia significantly correlates with potassium-rich diets, non-compliant patients, two sessions of hemodialysis per week, and constipation in ESRD patients during the study periods. Serum potassium level was significantly higher in anuric ESRD patients than those who had residual renal function, patients using acetate dialysate than those using bicarbonate dialysate, and patients with low blood flow rate than those with higher blood flow rates. There was a non-significant correlation between serum potassium and ACEls, B-blockers, or diabetes. Conclusion. Hyperkalemia is a frequent problem in patients with end stage renal disease in Egypt. Hyperkalemia significantly correlates with a potassium-rich diet and inadequate dialysis either by prescription or non-compliance. Thrice weekly bicarbonate dialysis with higher blood pump flow rate had better elimination of potassium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acutely decompensated heart failure syndrome is a common emergency department presentation in patients with renal failure. B-type natriuretic peptide-mediated vasodilatation may provide a unique bridge in renal failure patients with acutely decompensated heart failure syndrome to treatment with dialysis. We evaluated the efficacy of B-type natriuretic peptide-mediated vasodilatation in acutely decompensated heart failure syndrome emergency department patients with hemodialysis dependent renal failure. This was a prospective, interventional trial. All patients received nesiritide infusion in addition to usual care. Outcome measures included hemodynamic parameters and dyspnea visual analog scale. Eight patients were enrolled, and all demonstrated significant improvement in their dyspnea visual analog scale (Δ 50.1 mm; p < .001 vs. pre-infusion) and APEX score (Δ 48.4%; p < .001 vs. pre-infusion). Three patients improved enough to be discharged from the emergency department for outpatient dialysis. In this hypothesis-generating initial trial, B-type natriuretic peptide-mediated vasodilatation with nesiritide improved symptoms in heart failure patients with hemodialysis-dependent renal failure and appears additive to standard treatment. Further trials are required to test this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) offers several advantages over hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease, several complications have been recognized. The intraperitoneal instillation of dialysate increases intra-abdominal pressure and consequently predisposes the patient to leaks and herniations through defects in the abdominal wall.The use of an intraperitoneal radiolabeled colloid has been previously described to image entities such as hernias, patent processus vaginalis, abdominal wall, and diaphragmatic leakage. This study shows a simple, non-invasive method of determining the site of dialysate leak and its importance to assist further patient management.There has been a continuing increase in the number of end stage renal disease patients maintained on chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD). Many patients choose CPD as their preferred chronic dialysis treatment, though approximately 20% of patients who drop out transfer to hemodialysis annually.[1] Although peritonitis remains the major reason for transfer to hemodialysis, other factors such as exit site infections, catheter-related problems, abdominal wall and inguinal hernias, loss of ultrafiltrations, and poor clearance contribute to CPD technique failure.[2] In order to permit the continuation of long-term therapy with CPD, these complications should be resolved.Routine laboratory evaluation or physical examination can detect some CPD-related problems; however, some patients require more complicated investigations to evaluate their problems properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uruguay is a developing country with a privileged established program for renal replacement therapy (RRT) for all patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) since 1981. In December 2004, the RRT prevalence reached 916 patients per million population. The ESRD incidence has not changed significantly in the last eight years, differing with what is observed in other countries. In contrast, the ESRD incidence secondary to diabetic nephropathy has shown a permanent increase. The prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) began in 1989 with the Program of Prevention and Treatment of Glomerulonephritis (PPTG), being extended in 2002 to all CKD and canalized through the National Program of Renal Healthcare (NPRH) since 2004. The registry of glomerulonephritis has been demonstrated in recent years: patients are referral to nephrologists earlier, there is an increase of the frequency of patients with “clinical remission,” and thus there is a decrease of the frequency of ESRD in the first three months after referral. The NPRH has been developed in a progressive way with the involvement of government authorities and the active participation of the nephrologists. A global prevention program, integrating the prevention of CKD, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes was developed. The first steps of the program have had important achievements: a rational reorientation of nephrologic care in the first level of attention, patient access to renoprotective medications without cost; a registration system of patients, the creation of a formal multidisciplinary team, and the instauration of a continuous medical education program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on glutathione (GSH) level in red blood cells, as well as on glutathione peroxidases (GSH-Px) activities in red blood cells and in plasma of chronic renal failure (CRF) patients following renal transplantation. We want to focus our main attention on plasma GSH-Px, the selenoenzyme that is synthesized primarily in the kidney. In CRF patients, activity of this enzyme is significantly reduced, and the reduction decreases with the progress of the disease, reaching in the end-stage 20% to 30% of the activity of healthy patients. We have shown that following renal transplantation the activity of plasma GSH-Px is restored very rapidly, and 2 weeks after surgery it reached the value of the control group. Red blood cell GSH level is significantly higher in CRF patients, and following transplantation, no significant changes were observed. Red blood cell GSH-Px activity before transplantation was the same as in healthy patients and did not change significantly after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients on chronic hemodialysis the prevalence of atherosclerosis is increased and is by far the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Endothelin-1, an endothelium-derived peptide with vasoconstrictive and mitogenic effects on vascular smooth muscles, is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the time course of plasma endothelin-1 levels during a hemodialysis session and to explore the influence of preexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus. Forty-five clinically stable hemodialysis patients (21 females, 24 males; mean age 62 ± 12 years) were evaluated. Patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 11) were compared with the group of patients without diabetes (n = 34). Relative blood volume (BV) changes (hemoglobinometry) and blood pressure (BP) was measured. Samples were taken before, every hour during, and after hemodialysis. Plasma endothelin-1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and results were corrected according to hemoconcentration. Hemodialysis with an ultrafiltration of 2215 ± 952 mL was performed. Total BV at the end of hemodialysis was 89.3% ± 8.3% of the pretreatment volume. Plasma endothelin-1 was enhanced in hemodialysis patients compared to normal subjects and increased from 1.28 ± 0.47 before to 1.44 ± 0.54 pg/mL (ref. 0.3–0.9) at the end of hemodialysis ( p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Changes in the circulating volume associated with hemodialysis (HD) resulted in alternations of left ventricular (LV) filling. However, previous studies offered conflicting findings. This study thus evaluated the impact of HD on LV diastolic filling indices and hemodynamics. Materials and METHODS: Forty patients with end-stage renal disease were studied by Doppler echocardiography immediately before and after HD. The cardiac size, volume and mass were determined by M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography. LV diastolic filling parameters and hemodynamics were assessed from mitral inflow using Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: Left atrial and LV dimension, LV volume, and LV mass decreased significantly after HD (p < 0.001). Cardiac output declined from 5.74 ± 1.37 to 4.98 ± 1.27 L/min (p < 0.001), whereas, the ejection fraction remained unchanged. HD elicited marked changes in the early diastolic E (95.1 ± 20.5 to 70.3 ± 18.2 cm/s, p < 0.001) and late atrial filling A velocities (104.3 ± 20.9 to 88.9 ± 16.9 cm/s, p < 0.001). In addition, correction of the deceleration time of E and isovolumic relaxation time prolonged significantly (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Findings in this study indicate that HD altering the loading condition significantly influenced the LV diastolic function and hemodynamics. Moreover, Doppler echocardiography provides an effective means of assessing the effects on LV diastolic filling and hemodynamics during HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the quality of life of patients undergoing different types of treatment for End Stage Renal Disease at various points in the course of the disease. The theoretical model that guided the study was based on the work of Rolland (1987) and Wilson and Clearly (1995). Subjects were 72 patients at the largest nephrology center in Israel. Instruments included the SF-36 Health Survey (version 1.0) and Parfrey's health questionnaire for End Stage Renal Disease. The findings indicate that the negative effects of the disease on quality of life can be observed in the pre-dialy-sis stage, and that the strongest predictor of quality of life were patients' symptom reports. independent of objective indicators of their health state. Social workers play a key role in aiding patients and their families to adjust to the disease and its treatment prior to starting dialysis, and in bringing the importance of patients' subjective assessments to the attention of the treatment team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Many end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients get their first nephrologic care under critical clinical conditions and without previous diagnosis of chronic renal failure (CRF), a situation even worse than the late referral of CRF patients for nephrologic treatment. Data on these “nonreferred” patients are scarce. The objectives of this study were to assess clinical and laboratory features, the reasons for coming to the hospital and the factors associated with death in nonreferred ESRD patients first seen by a nephrologist in an emergency situation. METHODS: Retrospective study (04 1996–03 2000) using the medical records of patients diagnosed with ESRD at the nephrologic emergency visit in a university tertiary hospital. Clinical and laboratory parameters were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to hospital outcome: survivors or nonsurvivors. RESULTS: There were 414 patients (12% of all nephrologic emergency visits), aged 49 ± 17 years, 266 males (64%) and 208 (55%) hypertensive. Mortality rate was 13.7% (54/393). When compared to survivors, nonsurvivors were older, used mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs more frequently, presented higher infection rate, and showed lower plasma creatinine. Multivariate logistic regression showed as factors independently associated with death: first nephrologic visit at intensive care unit, infection as cause for seeking medical care, and increasing age. Plasma creatinine above 10 mg/dL was a protective factor for death. CONCLUSIONS: ESRD patients reaching dialysis in a nephrologic emergency situation presented high hospital mortality, which was mostly associated with their poor clinical condition at admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension and anemia are common in uremic patients. This article describes a 35-year-old uremic Taiwanese who was admitted to our hospital with refractory hypertension and refractory anemia following chronic hemodialysis for more than two years. He was diagnosed with Kimura's disease finally. Refractory hypertension and refractory anemia were noted over two years before an enlarged inguinal lymph node was observed. The symptoms lead to the diagnosis of Kimura's disease. Unlike most cases, refractory hypertension and refractory anemia were first noted before the inguinal mass and eosinophilia were presented. The inflammatory parameters increased when the disease was active. Steroid treatment was conducted, and the symptoms including hypertension and anemia promptly decreased. To the authors' knowledge, this case is for first one in which Kimura's disease has induced refractory hypertension and anemia in an ESRD patient and in which these symptoms rapidly subsided following steroid treatment. The activity of Kimura's disease is closely related refractory hypertension, suggesting that inflammation may be involved in refractory hypertension and anemia in a dialytic patient with Kimura's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case report of encephalopathy caused by isoniazid in a patient with end stage renal disease with extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Medical history of the patient; Signs and symptoms presented; Treatment given.

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death among patients with end stage renal disease and accounts for about half the deaths among the dialysis population. Several researchers have reported a high prevalence of coronary artery disease among diabetic patients with renal failure and coronary arteriography is often considered an integral part of the pretransplant evaluation of diabetic patients with end stage renal disease. However, very few reports have addressed the question of coronary disease in non-diabetic patients, and the pattern and prevalence of coronary artery disease in non-diabetic patients with end stage renal disease are not well defined. We evaluated the clinical and coronary angiographic findings in 158 consecutive patients (84 diabetic and 74 non-diabetic) with end stage renal disease. The coronary arteries were divided into 16 segments and each segment was analyzed for the presence of coronary disease, which was defined as the presence of ≥ 50% luminal diameter stenosis. Diabetic patients had more adverse risk factors for coronary artery disease, yet there was no significant difference in the prevalence of coronary artery disease between the diabetic and non-diabetic patients (67% vs. 55%, p = 0.15), or in the number of affected coronary artery segments (2.0 vs. 1.4, p = 0.05). Triple vessel coronary artery disease was however, significantly more common among the diabetic subjects (27% vs. 12%, p = 0.005). Non-diabetic patients with end stage renal disease also have a high prevalence of coronary artery disease and may merit as careful investigation of their coronary status as their diabetic counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is a disorder, which is inherited in 50% of offspring, irrelevant the sex and it has a variable clinical expressivity. Initially it was noticed that the clinical expression was interfamilial, but some studies found out that it was different. The aim of this study was to evaluate the age of onset of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in affected parents in comparison with their offspring in successive generations. We studied 60 families of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The diagnosis was done by echo criteria and we included only the patients for whom we knew precisely the onset of ESRD (affected parent and offspring), the sex of the parent who suffered from the disease, and offspring. We found out that the ESRD in ADPKD appears at the same age in affected parents and offspring (49,3 ± 7,9 Vs 51,8 ± 9,2, p = NS) irrelevant of the sex of the offspring. Patients with paternal inheritance (n = 38) were diagnosed to have ESRD earlier than their affected parents (47,9 ± 8,3 Vs 52,2 ± 9,2 p < 0,05), but patients with maternal inheritance had no difference (n = 22) (51,9 ± 6,8 Vs 51,2 ± 9,4, p = NS). In all the patients (60 couples) the survival rate was the same between affected parents and offspring (p = NS, Kaplan-Meier test), but significant differences were noticed between offspring with paternal inheritance in comparison with their parents (p < 0,05). In conclusion, we have detected that the onset of ESRD between patients with ADPKD in successive generations: a) Occurs in offspring as in their ancestors, b) anticipation was observed in 55% of couples, c) the sex of offspring does not have any relation with the renal death and d) the ESRD in patients with paternal inheritance occurs earlier in offspring than in their ancestors but not with maternal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of lead nephropathy due to Sindoor treated successfully with steroid, hemodialysis and chelating agent. Diagnosis of lead nephropathy was confirmed by identification of potential sources of lead exposure (Sindoor, 5-10 gm per year for 11 years) indicated by high blood lead level, 95 µg/dL and presence of extrarenal features of lead poisoning (hypertension, anemia, lead line, hyperuricemia). A search for the underlying systemic causes of renal failure yielded no results. A kidney biopsy showed acute or chronic tubule-interstitial nephritis with mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis with no immune deposit on immunofluorescence consistent with lead nephropathy. He was discharged in good health after psychiatric consultation and continued with oral D-Penicillamine with normal renal function tests and urine output. This case identifies Sindoor as a potential lead exposure among Indians and clinicians should be aware of this risk factor and enquire about it when searching a source of lead exposure in high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which investigated chimerism in women with end stage renal disease (ESRD). The study provided evidence that these women carry male microchimerism (Mc) in peripheral blood molecular cells before kidney transplantation. The sources of Mc are suggested including those that come from older siblings through maternal circulation or from a recognized or unrecognized twin.