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Background Dry weight assessment in hemodialysis (HD) remains a challenge. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of subclinical pulmonary congestion using lung ultrasound (LUS) in maintenance HD patients with no clinical or bioimpedance signs of hyperhydration. The correlation between B-lines Score (BLS) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was also evaluated. Methods Twenty-four HD patients underwent LUS and BNP dosage at the end of the mid-week HD session, monthly for 6 months . LUS was considered as positive when BLS was >15. Hospitalizations and cardiovascular events were also evaluated in relation to the BLS. Results LUS+ patients at baseline were 16 (67%), whereas 11 (46%) showed LUS + in at least 50% of the measurements (rLUS+ patients). Only the rLUS+ patients had a higher number of cardiovascular events [p=0.019, OR: 7.4 (CI 95%. 1.32-39.8)] and hospitalizations [p=0.034, OR 5.5 (CI 95% 1.22- 24.89)]. A BNP level of 165 pg/ml was identified as cut-off value for predicting pulmonary congestion, defined by BLS >15. Conclusion Prevalence of pulmonary congestion as assessed by LUS and persistent or recurrent BLS >15 were quite prevalent findings in euvolemic HD patients. In the patients defined as rLUS+, a higher rate of cardiovascular events and hospital admissions was registered. BNP serum levels > 165 pg/ml resulted predictive of pulmonary congestion at LUS. In the dialysis care, regular LUS examination should be reasonably included among the methods useful to detect subclinical lung congestion and to adjust patients’ dry weight.

Background: No study has explored the limitations of current long-term management of hyperkalemia (HK) in outpatient CKD clinics. Methods: We evaluated the association between current therapeutic options and control of serum K (sK) during 12-month follow up in ND-CKD patients stratified in four groups by HK (sK ≥ 5.0 mEq/L) at baseline and month 12: Absent (no-no), Resolving (yes-no), New Onset (no-yes), Persistent (yes-yes). Results: We studied 562 patients (age 66.2 ± 14.5 y, 61% males, eGFR 39.8 ± 21.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, RAASI 76.2%). HK was “absent” in 50.7%, “resolving” in 15.6%, “new onset” in 16.6%, and “persistent” in 17.1%. Twenty-four hour urinary measurements testified adherence to nutritional recommendations in the four groups at either visit. We detected increased prescription from baseline to month 12 of bicarbonate supplements (from 5.0 to 14.1%, p &lt, 0.0001), K-binders (from 2.0 to 7.7%, p &lt, 0.0001), and non-K sparing diuretics (from 34.3 to 41.5%, p &lt, 0.001), these changes were consistent across groups. Similar results were obtained when using higher sK level (≥5.5 mEq/L) to stratify patients. Mixed-effects regression analysis showed that higher sK over time was associated with eGFR &lt, 60, diabetes, lower serum bicarbonate, lower use of non-K sparing diuretics, bicarbonate supplementation, and K-binder use. Treatment-by-time interaction showed that sK decreased in HK patients given bicarbonate (p = 0.003) and K-binders (p = 0.005). Conclusions: This observational study discloses that one-third of ND-CKD patients under nephrology care remain with or develop HK during a 12-month period despite low K intake and increased use of sK-lowering drugs.

Summary Acute kidney disease (AKD) - which includes acute kidney injury (AKI) – and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are highly prevalent among hospitalized patients, including those in nephrology and medicine wards, surgical wards, and intensive care units (ICU), and they have important metabolic and nutritional consequences. Moreover, in case kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is started, whatever is the modality used, the possible impact on nutritional profiles, substrate balance, and nutritional treatment processes cannot be neglected. The present guideline is aimed at providing evidence-based recommendations for clinical nutrition in hospitalized patients with AKD and CKD. Due to the significant heterogeneity of this patient population as well as the paucity of high-quality evidence data, the present guideline is to be intended as a basic framework of both evidence and - in most cases - expert opinions, aggregated in a structured consensus process, in order to update the two previous ESPEN Guidelines on Enteral (2006) and Parenteral (2009) Nutrition in Adult Renal Failure. Nutritional care for patients with stable CKD (i.e., controlled protein content diets/low protein diets with or without amino acid/ketoanalogue integration in outpatients up to CKD stages four and five), nutrition in kidney transplantation, and pediatric kidney disease will not be addressed in the present guideline.

The correct management of energy intake is crucial in CKD (chronic kidney disease) patients to limit the risk of protein energy wasting especially during low-protein regimes, but also to prevent overweight/obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the energy requirement of older CKD patients using objective measurements. This cross-sectional study enrolled 67 patients (aged 60–86 years) with CKD stages 3–5 not on dialysis, all of whom were metabolically and nutritionally stable. All patients underwent indirect calorimetry and measurement of daily physical activity level expressed by the average daily Metabolic Equivalent Task, using an accelerometer, in order to measure total energy expenditure (mTEE). Estimated TEE (eTEE) was derived from predictive equations for resting energy expenditure and physical activity levels coefficients. The mTEE were lower than eTEE-based on Harris–Benedict or Schofield or Mifflin equations (1689 ± 523 vs. 2320 ± 434 or 2357 ± 410 or 2237 ± 375 Kcal, p &lt, 0.001, respectively). On average mTEE was 36.5% lower than eTEE. When eTEE was recalculated using ideal body weight the gap between mTEE and eTEE was reduced to 26.3%. A high prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle and reduced physical capabilities were also detected. In conclusion, our data support the energy intake of 25–35 Kcal/Kg/d recently proposed by the NKF-KDOQI (National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Improving Quality Initiative) guidelines on nutritional treatment of CKD, which seem to be more adequate and applicable than that of previous guidelines (30–35 Kcal/Kg/d) in elderly stable CKD patients with a sedentary lifestyle. According to our findings we believe that an energy intake even lower than 25 Kcal/Kg/d may be adequate in metabolically stable, elderly CKD patients with a sedentary lifestyle.

Background The impact of intraoperative frozen section (iFS) analysis on the frequency of completion thyroidectomy for the management of thyroid carcinoma is controversial. Although specialized endocrine centres have published their respective results, there are insufficient data from primary and secondary healthcare levels. The aim of this study was to analyse the utility of iFS analysis. Methods In the Prospective Evaluation Study Thyroid Surgery (PETS) 2 study, 22 011 operations for benign and malignant thyroid disease were registered prospectively in 68 European hospitals from 1 July 2010 to 31 December 2012. Group 1 consisted of 569 patients from University Medical Centre (UMC) Mainz, and group 2 comprised 21 442 patients from other PETS 2 participating hospitals. UMC Mainz exercised targeted but liberal use of iFS analysis for suspected malignant nodules. iFS analysis was compared with standard histological examination regarding the correct distinction between benign and malignant disease. The percentage of completion thyroidectomies was assessed for the participating hospitals. Results iFS analysis was performed in 35.70 per cent of patients in group 1 versus 21.80 per cent of those in group 2 (risk ratio (RR) 1.6, 95 per cent c.i. 1.5 to 1.8; P, Intraoperative frozen-section (iFS) analysis is discussed critically in the current literature, lacking a definite conclusion. Yet, the clinical value of iFS analysis for the surgical management of malignant thyroid disease is illustrated by this multicentre retrospective study.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risks of mortality in people with chronic kidney disease. The benefits and harm of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality are unknown. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of calcifediol in reducing mortality in patients with vitamin D insufficiency on hemodialysis compared to no additional therapy. A phase III, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial was conducted including 284 adults with vitamin D insufficiency undergoing hemodialysis who were randomly assigned to receive oral calcifediol or standard care for 24 months. Two hundred eighty-four participants were enrolled (143 assigned to the calcifediol group and 141 to the no additional therapy group). The primary outcome (mortality) occurred in 34 and 31 participants in the calcifediol and control group, respectively [hazard ratio (HR) 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–1.67]. Calcifediol had no detectable effects on cardiovascular death (HR 1.06; 95% CI 0.41–2.74), non-cardiovascular death (HR 1.13; 95% CI 0.62–2.04), nonfatal myocardial infarction (HR 0.20; 95% CI 0.02–1.67) or nonfatal stroke (HR could not be estimated). The incidence of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia was similar between groups. None of the participants underwent parathyroidectomy. In adults treated with hemodialysis and who had vitamin D insufficiency, calcifediol supplementation for 24 months had inconclusive effects on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes. NCT01457001

Background Metabolic acidosis is associated with accelerated progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether treatment of metabolic acidosis with sodium bicarbonate improves kidney and patient survival in CKD is unclear. Methods We conducted a randomized (ratio 1:1). open-label, controlled trial (NCT number: NCT01640119. www.clinicaltrials.gov) to determine the effect in patients with CKD stage 3–5 of treatment of metabolic acidosis with sodium bicarbonate (SB) on creatinine doubling (primary endpoint), all-cause mortality and time to renal replacement therapy compared to standard care (SC) over 36-months. Parametric, non-parametric tests and survival analyses were used to assess the effect of SB on these outcomes. Results A total of 376 and 364 individuals with mean (SD) age 67.8 (14.9) years, creatinine clearance 30 (12) ml/min, and serum bicarbonate 21.5 (2.4) mmol/l were enrolled in SB and SC, respectively. Mean (SD) follow-up was 29.6 (9.8) vs 30.3 (10.7) months in SC and SB. respectively. The mean (SD) daily doses of SB was 1.13 (0.10). 1.12 (0.11). and 1.09 (0.12) mmol/kg*bw/day in the first, second and third year of follow-up, respectively. A total of 87 participants reached the primary endpoint [62 (17.0%) in SC vs 25 (6.6%) in SB, p Conclusion In persons with CKD 3–5 without advanced stages of chronic heart failure, treatment of metabolic acidosis with sodium bicarbonate is safe and improves kidney and patient survival.

Dialysis patients show a high rate of reduced functional capacity, morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular disorders, muscle atrophy and malnutrition play an essential role among the aetiological factors. Sedentary lifestyle characterizes them and contributes to the aggravation of the disorders. On the contrary, exercise training is an important preventive and therapeutic tool both for cardiovascular problems and for the appearance of muscle atrophy in dialysis patients. Regular exercise causes both central (cardiac) and peripheral (muscular) adaptations, improving functional capacity. In particular, circulatory system clinical trials in haemodialysis (HD) patients documented that exercise has favourable effects on heart function, promotes balance on the cardiac autonomic nervous system and contributes to the management of arterial hypertension. In the muscular system, it prevents muscle atrophy or contributes significantly to its treatment. The main preventive mechanisms of the beneficial effect of exercise on the muscles constitute the inhibition of the apoptotic processes and protein degradation. Exercise training in HD patients leads to an increase of muscle fibers, mitochondria and capillaries, and the combination of regular exercise and dietary strategies is even more effective in preventing or treating muscle atrophy. Finally, an improvement in functional capacity and quality of life was found also in peritoneal dialysis patients following exercise training.

Introduction: In type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM) with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD), an inverse relationship between 25(OH)D and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) have been reported. However, because of anemia and altered red cells turnover, glycated albumin (GA) has been proposed as a more reliable glycemic marker in these subjects. Therefore, we have examined whether an association exists between 25(OH)D and GA in HD diabetic and nondiabetic (ND) subjects. Material and methods: A total of 121 HD (M/F: 69/31%; age 69±15), of whom 43 (35.5%) had T2DM, were analyzed. Median Hb level was 10.2 g/dL (IQR, 9.35-10.9) and median albumin was 3.44 g/dL (IQR, 3.09-3.77). The median dialysis vintage was 29.3 months (IQR, 11.6-67.44). In all subjects, 25(OH)D, HbA1c, and GA were determined on the morning of the dialysis. Results: Median 25(OH)D concentration in the whole study population was 25.5 mcg/mL (IQR, 17.7-33.75), while median HbA1c level was 37 mmol/mol (IQR, 32-43) and GA was 16.5% (IQR, 14.3-20.2). The median serum concentration of 25(OH)D was lower in T2DM group compared to ND (19.0 vs. 27.3 mcg/mL; P=0.002). In the entire cohort, there was an inverse relationship between 25(OH)D and GA (r: -0.255; P=0.005), while there was no significant correlation between HbA1c and 25(OH)D (r:-0.158; p=0.086). The relationship between GA and 25(OH)D levels was confirmed among T2DM patients (r: -0.375; P=0.013) but not in ND (r: -0.036; P=0.751), while HbA1c didn’t significantly correlate with 25(OH)D neither in T2DM (r: -0.255; P=0.099) nor in ND (r: -0.002; P=0.986). Both in the whole cohort as well in T2DM, the independent association of GA and 25(OH)D persisted upon adjustment for age, sex, BMI, dialysis duration, and vitamin D supplementation. By these regression analyses, it was calculated that 10 mcg/mL decline in 25(OH)D was associated with a 2.4% increase in GA. When T2DM individuals were considered, this increase was 75% greater (4.2%). Conclusions: In HD patients, serum 25(OH)D is more strongly associated with GA than HbA1c in both diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. This might reflect the higher reliability of GA in assessing glucose control in this category of subjects. Furthermore, lower serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with poorer glycemic control among T2DM subjects, but not in ND. Since 25(OH)D deficiency was more prevalent in T2DM than ND, these findings could emphasize the importance of adequate vitamin D repletion in this category of patients. Whether correction of vitamin D insufficiency might affect GA levels remains to be explored.

Purpose of review Pruritus is an important, prevalent but often neglected symptom in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or on dialysis. This review addresses the use of activated charcoal and its analogs in the treatment of uremic pruritus, which can be a sign of uremic toxicity. Recent findings When common causes are corrected and dialysis efficiency is optimized, pruritus is mainly ascribed to the retention of middle and protein-bound molecules, of which indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate are the best studied. While hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration are of limited use, activated charcoal and its analogs offer interesting alternatives. Oral preparations are associated with symptom improvement and a better metabolic pattern, probably via a combination of absorption and modification of the intestinal microbiota. Large studies, in well phenotyped populations, are needed. Hemoperfusion, commonly used in poisoning and intoxication, could be an interesting alternative in hemodialysis patients. The treatment has proved promising in some preliminary and small studies; more research is now needed to test its validity. Summary Oral activated charcoal and hemoperfusion can be proposed to patients with severe refractory pruritus based on positive, albeit scattered evidence. They also contribute to reducing uremic toxins. Research on their implementation associated with well established treatments is needed to understand whether they can be used as 'uremic detoxifiers'.

BackgroundConcerns about adherence and quality of life (QoL) limit the diffusion of low-protein diets (LPDs) as a way to slow chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and postpone dialysis. The aim of this multicentre study is to assess dietary satisfaction in stable CKD patients.MethodsThis was a multicentre cross-sectional study with long-term follow-up data. Prevalent patients on LPD for at least 6 months were selected in four Italian centres. QoL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire, and diet satisfaction with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease satisfaction questionnaire. Comorbidity was assessed by Charlson Comorbidity Index, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation and protein intake by Maroni–Mitch formula. Survival was analysed with Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox Proportional Hazard Model.ResultsFour hundred and twenty-two CKD Stages 3–5 patients were enrolled. Over 95% were on moderately restricted diets (0.6 g/kg/day). Compliance was good (protein intake: 0.59 g/kg/day at baseline, 0.72 at the end of follow-up). Median dietary satisfaction was 4 on a 1–5 scale. QoL was not affected by the type of diet, but was influenced by age, comorbidity and setting of care. Two years later, at the end of follow-up, 66.6% of the patients were still on a diet; the main causes of discontinuation were dialysis and death. The dropout rate was low (5.5%); in Cox analysis, patient and renal survival were influenced by age and eGFR, but not by QoL, setting of care or type of diet.ConclusionsLPDs are compatible with high dietary satisfaction and minimal dropout, at least in patients who are able to follow such a diet for at least 6 months.

Hyperkalemia (HK) is a frequent complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vegetable-based renal diets are considered at risk due to the high potassium (K) content. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and correlates of chronic hyperkalemia (HK) in CKD patients on nutritional care, and in particular, the risk of HK in patients on plant-based versus animal-based low-protein diets. We recruited adult patients affected by CKD not on dialysis, afferent to our renal nutrition clinic from November 2014 to May 2019. We evaluated a total of 870 accesses in 219 patients (172 m, 47 f, age 67 ± 13 years). HK was defined as mild when K serum level was 5.1–5.9 mEq/l, moderate when K serum level was 6.0–6.9 mEq/l, and severe HK when K serum level was ≥ 7 mEq/l. Biochemical, anthropometric data and medications were recorded. The prevalence of HK in all the renal nutrition visits was 26.1%; all but six cases were mild HK, whereas no severe HK was observed. The prevalence of HK was associated with decreased eGFR, up to 36.5% for eGFR

Background Older adults dialysis patients represent the frailest subgroup of the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) population and physical exercise program may mitigate the age-related decline in muscle mass and function. Methods Dialysis patients of the EXCITE trial aged > 65 years (n = 115, active arm, n = 53; control arm, n = 62) were submitted in random order to a home based, low intensity physical exercise program. At baseline and 6 months after exercise training 6-min walking distance (6MWD) and 5-time sit-to-stand test (5STS) were performed, and quality of life (QoL) was tested. Results The training program improved both the 6MWD (6-months: 327 ± 86 m versus baseline: 294 ± 74 m; P

Incremental dialysis may preserve residual renal function and improve survival in comparison with full-dose dialysis; however, available evidence is limited. We therefore compared all-cause mortality and residual kidney function (RKF) loss in incremental and full-dose dialysis and time to full-dose dialysis in incremental hemodialysis (IHD) and incremental peritoneal dialysis (IPD). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies of adults with ESRD starting IHD and IPD. We identified in PubMed and Web of Science database all cohort studies evaluating incremental dialysis evaluating three outcomes: all-cause mortality, RKF loss, time to full dialysis. IPD was defined as

The Italian nephrology has a long tradition and experience in the field of dietetic-nutritional therapy (DNT), which is an important component in the conservative management of the patient suffering from a chronic kidney disease, which precedes and integrates the pharmacological therapies. The objectives of DNT include the maintenance of an optimal nutritional status, the prevention and/or correction of signs, symptoms and complications of chronic renal failure and, possibly, the delay in starting of dialysis. The DNT includes modulation of protein intake, adequacy of caloric intake, control of sodium and potassium intake, and reduction of phosphorus intake. For all dietary-nutritional therapies, and in particular those aimed at the patient with chronic renal failure, the problem of patient adherence to the dietetic-nutritional scheme is a key element for the success and safety of the DNT and it can be favored by an interdisciplinary and multi-professional approach of information, education, dietary prescription and follow-up. This consensus document, which defines twenty essential points of the nutritional approach to patients with advanced chronic renal failure, has been written, discussed and shared by the Italian nephrologists together with representatives of dietitians (ANDID) and patients (ANED).

Chronic hyperkalemia is a major complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that occurs frequently, heralds poor prognosis, and necessitates careful management by the nephrologist. Current strategies aimed at prevention and treatment of hyperkalemia are still suboptimal, as evidenced by the relatively high prevalence of hyperkalemia in patients under stable nephrology care, and even in the ideal setting of randomized trials where best treatment and monitoring are mandatory. The aim of this review was to identify and discuss a range of unresolved issues related to the management of chronic hyperkalemia in non-dialysis CKD. The following topics of clinical interest were addressed: diagnosis, relationship with main comorbidities of CKD, therapy with inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, efficacy of current dietary and pharmacological treatment, and the potential role of the new generation of potassium binders. Opinion-based answers are provided for each of these controversial issues.

Out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement is encouraged by recent hypertension guidelines for assessing BP phenotypes. These showed acceptable reproducibility in the short term, but few data exist about long-term reproducibility, particularly for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We evaluated changes of the BP phenotypes at 6 and 12 months in 280 consecutive non-dialysis CKD outpatients (186 males, age 71 ± 12 years, eGFR 38 ± 13 ml/min/1.73), without any change in drug therapy. Elevated BP is defined as office BP > 140/90 and home BP > 135/85 mmHg for defining the following BP phenotypes: sustained uncontrolled hypertension (SUCH); white-coat uncontrolled hypertension (WUCH); masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH); and controlled hypertension (CH). At baseline, the prevalence of the phenotypes was SUCH 36.6%, CH 30.1%, WUCH 25.4% and MUCH 7.9%, and it was similar at 6 months and 12 months. On the other hand, individual phenotype reproducibility at 12 months was poor both overall (38.0%) and across the different phenotypes (SUCH 53.9%, WUCH 32.4% and CH 32.1%, MUCH 9.1%). Patients who were not maintaining the same phenotype (non-concordant) were not distinguished by age, sex, BMI, eGFR, presence of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, or pharmacological therapy. When reproducibility of BP phenotypes both at 6 months and at 12 months was assessed, it was very low (19.6%), particularly for MUCH (0%), CH (14%) and WUCH (15.5%), while it was 31% for SUCH. In a CKD cohort, the overall prevalence of the different BP phenotypes defined by office and home BP remains constant over time. However, only 38% of patients maintained the same phenotype at 12 months, suggesting a poor reproducibility over time for the BP phenotypes.

Background: Sarcopenia is a widespread concern in chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well in elderly patients and is one of the main reasons why low-protein diets for this population are controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of sarcopenia among elderly male patients affected by CKD followed up in an outpatient nephrology clinic, where moderate protein restriction (0.6&ndash, 0.8 g/Kg/day) is routinely recommended to patients in CKD stage 3b-5 not on dialysis. Methods: This observational study included 80 clinically-stable male out-patients aged &gt, 60, affected by stage 3b-4 CKD. Forty patients aged &ge, 75 (older seniors) were compared to the other forty patients aged 60&ndash, 74 (younger seniors). All patients underwent a comprehensive nutritional and functional assessment. Results: Older seniors showed lower serum albumin, hand-grip strength, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass, and resting energy expenditure. Protein intake was significantly lower in older seniors whereas energy intake was similar. Average daily physical activity was lower in the older seniors than in the younger ones. Sarcopenia was more prevalent in older than in younger seniors. Among older seniors, sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic ones differed in age and performance on the Six-Minute Walk test, whereas the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), biochemistry, dietary protein, and energy intakes were similar. Conclusions: Older senior CKD male patients have lower muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical capacity and activity levels, with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia than younger patients. This occurs at the same residual renal function and metabolic profile and protein intake. Energy intake was at the target in both subgroups. In this CKD cohort, sarcopenia was associated with age and physical capacity, but not with eGFR or dietary intakes.

Background & aims Vitamin K acts as a coenzyme in the γ-carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins, including coagulation factors, osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein (MGP), and the growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6) protein. Osteocalcin is a key factor for bone matrix formation. MGP is a local inhibitor of soft tissue calcification. GAS6 activity prevents the apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. Few data on vitamin K intake in chronic kidney disease patients and no data in patients on a Mediterranean diet are available. In the present study, we evaluate the dietary intake of vitamin K1 in a cohort of patients undergoing haemodialysis. Methods In this multi-centre controlled observational study, data were collected from 91 patients aged >18 years on dialysis treatment for at least 12 months and from 85 age-matched control subjects with normal renal function. Participants completed a food journal of seven consecutive days for the estimation of dietary intakes of macro- and micro-nutrients (minerals and vitamins). Results Compared to controls, dialysis patients had a significant lower total energy intake, along with a lower dietary intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibres, and of all the examined minerals (Ca, P, Fe, Na, K, Zn, Cu, and Mg). With the exception of vitamin B12, vitamins intake followed a similar pattern, with a lower intake in vitamin A, B1, B2, C, D, E, folates, K1 and PP. These finding were confirmed also when normalized for total energy intake or for body weight. In respect to the adequate intakes recommended in the literature, the prevalence of a deficient vitamin K intake was very high (70–90%) and roughly double than in controls. Multivariate logistic model identified vitamin A and iron intake as predictors of vitamin K deficiency. Conclusions Haemodialysis patients had a significantly low intake in vitamin K1, which could contribute to increase the risk of bone fractures and vascular calcifications. Since the deficiency of vitamin K intake seems to be remarkable, dietary counselling to HD patients should also address the adequacy of vitamin K dietary intake and bioavailability. Whether diets with higher amounts of vitamin K1 or vitamin K supplementation can improve clinical outcomes in dialysis patients remains to be demonstrated. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism

This position paper of the study group "Conservative treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-CKD" of the Italian Society of Nephrology addresses major practical, unresolved, issues related to the conservative treatment of chronic renal disease. Specifically, controversial topics from everyday clinical nephrology practice which cannot find a clear, definitive answer in the current literature or in nephrology guidelines are discussed. The paper reports the point of view of the study group. Concise and practical advice is given on several common issues: renal biopsy in diabetes; dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS); management of iron deficiency; low protein diet; dietary salt intake; bicarbonate supplementation; treatment of obesity; the choice of conservative therapy vs. dialysis. For each topic synthetic statements, guideline-style, are reported.

BACKGROUND Very low-protein intake during chronic kidney disease (CKD) improves metabolic disorders and may delay dialysis start without compromising nutritional status, but concerns have been raised on a possible negative effect on survival during dialysis. This study aimed at evaluating whether a very low-protein diet during CKD is associated with a greater risk of death while on dialysis treatment. METHODS This is an historical, cohort, controlled study, enrolling patients at dialysis start previously treated in a tertiary nephrology clinic with a very low-protein diet supplemented with amino acids and ketoacids (s-VLPD group, n = 184) or without s-VLPD [tertiary nephrology care (TNC) group, n = 334] and unselected patients [control (CON) group, n = 9.092]. The major outcome was survival rate during end-stage renal disease associated to s-VLPD treatment during CKD. The propensity score methods and Cox regression model were used to match groups at the start of dialysis to perform survival analysis and estimate adjusted hazard ratio (HR). RESULTS In s-VLPD, TNC and CON groups, average age was 67.5, 66.0 and 66.3 years, respectively (P = 0.521) and male prevalence was 55, 55 and 62%, respectively (P = 0.004). Diabetes prevalence differed in the three groups (P < 0.001), being 18, 17 and 31% in s-VLPD, CON and TNC, respectively. A different prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) disease was found (P < 0.001), being similar in TNC and CON (31 and 25%) and higher in s-VLPD (41%). Median follow-up during renal replacement therapy (RRT) was 36, 32 and 36 months in the three groups. Adjusted HR estimated on matched propensity patients was 0.59 (0.45-0.78) for s-VLPD versus CON. Subgroup analysis showed a lower mortality risk in s-VLPD versus matched-CON in younger patients (

Background: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) accounts for ∼5% of all thyroid malignancies. To date, surgery is the first-line therapy with curative intention. However, for advanced MTC, conventional chemotherapeutic agents do not provide convincing results. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers that can be antagonised by small-molecule therapeutics may lead to novel encouraging treatment options. Methods: Seventy-nine patients with surgically resected and histologically confirmed MTC were included in this study. Tissue microarrays were constructed to assess the relationship between inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) survivin or XIAP expression levels and clinicopathological variables as well as overall survival. Results: High survivin or XIAP expression was associated with an advanced T-stage and metastatic disease. Whereas tissue expression levels of survivin correlated with serum calcitonin levels, XIAP was overexpressed in the subgroup of patients with sporadic MTC. Both IAPs were negatively associated with patient survival in the multivariate Cox regressions analysis (survivin: hazard ratio (HR) 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–2.16; P=0.001; XIAP: HR 1.78; 95% CI: 1.16–2.72; P=0.008). Conclusions: Survivin and XIAP demonstrate distinct expression patterns in MTCs, which are associated with advanced disease and poor prognosis. We thus provide first evidence that both IAPs might serve as viable targets in patients with MTC.

BACKGROUND: Recently published guidelines on the medical management of renal stone disease did not address relevant topics in the field of idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis which are important also for clinical research. DESIGN: A steering committee identified 27 questions which were proposed to a faculty of 44 experts in nephrolithiasis and allied fields. A systematic review of the literature was conducted and 5216 potentially relevant articles were selected; from these 407 articles were deemed to provide useful scientific information. The Faculty divided into working groups analysed the relevant literature. Preliminary statements developed by each group were exhaustively discussed in plenary sessions and approved. RESULTS: Statements were developed to inform clinicians on the identification of secondary forms of calcium nephrolithiasis and systemic complications; on the definition of idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis; on the use of urinary tests of crystallization and of surgical observations during stone treatment in the management of these patients; on the identification of patients warranting preventive measures; on the role of fluid and nutritional measures and of drugs to prevent recurrent episodes of stones; and finally on the cooperation between the urologist and nephrologist in the renal stone patients. CONCLUSIONS: This document has addressed idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis from the perspective of a disease that can associate with systemic disorders emphasizing the interplay needed between urologists and nephrologists. It is complementary to the American Urological Association and European Association of Urology guidelines. Future areas for research are identified.

Background Arterial hypertension is very common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and its prevalence increases with lowering estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Blood pressure (BP) control is a cornerstone in the treatment of CKD patients but still most treatment decisions are based on office BP measurement (OBPM). The aim of this cross-sectional, retrospective study is to investigate the prevalence of hypertension phenotypes in CKD patients and whether different home (HBPM) or OBPM are associated with a different CKD stage and cardiovascular comorbidities. Methods We analyzed 560 consecutive patients (359 men, age 70±13 years), affected by stage 3-5 CKD, who performed HBPM recording; OBPM during a single visit was also assessed. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as OBPM values ≥140/90 mmHg and HBPM values ≥135/85 mmHg, respectively. Results Systolic and diastolic HBPM values were lower than OBPM values. A white coat effect (systolic BP +18±12 mmHg) was detected in 62.5%, while a masked effect (systolic BP -14±10 mmHg) was detected in 22.7%. No relationship was found between BP differences and body weight, CKD stage, eGFR or presence of diabetes. Based on OBPM, 18.6% of patients showed controlled systolic and diastolic BP, whereas 37.8% had sustained hypertension. White-coat hypertension was detected in 23.4% and Masked hypertension in 12.1%. The multiple logistic regression model showed that masked uncontrolled hypertensive patients showed a higher probability of having ischemic heart disease (OR=2.54 [1.02-6.36]), while sustained hypertension was associated with an increased prevalence of stroke in comparison to normotensive or true control BP group (OR=4.72 [1.30-17.07]). Age, gender, diabetes or CKD stage, were not different among the four hypertension phenotypes. Conclusions We observed a quite high rate of masked uncontrolled hypertension and of white coat hypertension in stage 3-5ND CKD patients. Office BP measurement, as a single tool, is an inadequate diagnostic procedure in the clinical management of CKD patients. HBPM should be routinely implemented for identifying hypertensive phenotypes and then for avoiding misdiagnosis and mistreatment of pre-dialysis CKD patients in a tertiary care setting.

Human phosphate (P) homeostasis includes regulation of intestinal absorption from diet, bone turnover, and urinary excretion, and it is regulated by the combined actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (calcitriol), and fibroblast growth factor 23; the kidney threshold

CKD-related nutritional therapy (NT) is a crucial cornerstone of CKD patients' treatment, but the role of NT has not been clearly investigated in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Several clinical studies have focused on new pharmacological approaches to delay cystic disease progression, but there are no data on dietary interventions in ADPKD patients. The aim of this paper is to analyze the evidence from the literature on the impact of five nutritional aspects (water, sodium, phosphorus, protein intake, and net acid load) in CKD-related ADPKD extrapolating-where information is unavailable-from what occurs in CKD non-ADPKD patients Sodium intake restriction could be useful in decreasing the growth rate of cysts. Although further evidence is needed, restriction of phosphorus and protein intake restriction represent cornerstones of the dietary support of renal non-ADPKD patients and common sense can guide their use. It could be also helpful to limit animal protein, increasing fruit and vegetables intake together with a full correction of metabolic acidosis. Finally, fluid intake may be recommended in the early stages of the disease, although it is not to be prescribed in the presence of moderate to severe reduction of renal function.

Background Nutritional treatment has always represented a major feature of CKD management. Over the decades, the use of nutritional treatment in CKD patients has been marked by several goals. The first of these include the attainment of metabolic and fluid control together with the prevention and correction of signs, symptoms and complications of advanced CKD. The aim of this first stage is the prevention of malnutrition and a delay in the commencement of dialysis. Subsequently, nutritional manipulations have also been applied in association with other therapeutic interventions in an attempt to control several cardiovascular risk factors associated with CKD and to improve the patient's overall outcome. Over time and in reference to multiple aims, the modalities of nutritional treatment have been focused not only on protein intake but also on other nutrients. Discussion This paper describes the pathophysiological basis and rationale of nutritional treatment in CKD and also provides a report on extensive experience in the field of renal diets in Italy, with special attention given to approaches in clinical practice and management. Summary Italian nephrologists have a longstanding tradition in implementing low protein diets in the treatment of CKD patients, with the principle objective of alleviating uremic symptoms, improving nutritional status and also a possibility of slowing down the progression of CKD or delaying the start of dialysis. A renewed interest in this field is based on the aim of implementing a wider nutritional therapy other than only reducing the protein intake, paying careful attention to factors such as energy intake, the quality of proteins and phosphate and sodium intakes, making today’s low-protein diet program much more ambitious than previous. The motivation was the reduction in progression of renal insufficiency through reduction of proteinuria, a better control of blood pressure values and also through correction of metabolic acidosis. One major goal of the flexible and innovative Italian approach to the low-protein diet in CKD patients is the improvement of patient adherence, a crucial factor in the successful implementation of a low-protein diet program.

In the late 1970s, calcitriol was introduced into clinical practice for the management of secondary renal hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Since then, the use of calcifediol or other native forms of vitamin D was largely ignored until the publication of the 2009 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) recommendations. The guidelines suggested that measurement of circulating levels of 25(OH)D (calcifediol) and its supplementation were to be performed on the same basis as for the general population. This indication was based on the fact that the precursors of active vitamin D had provided to CKD patients considerable benefits in survival, mainly due to their pleiotropic effects on the cardiovascular system. However, despite the long-term use of various classes of vitamin D in CKD, a clear definition is still lacking concerning the most appropriate time for initiation of therapy, the best compound to prescribe (active metabolites or analogs), the proper dosage, and the most suitable duration of therapy. The aim of this position statement is to provide and critically appraise the current plentiful evidence on vitamin D in different clinical settings related to CKD, particularly focusing on outcomes, monitoring and treatment-associated risks. However, it should be taken in account that position statements are meant to provide guidance; therefore, they are not to be considered prescriptive for all patients and, importantly, they cannot replace the judgment of clinicians.

Renal diets for advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are structured to achieve a lower protein, phosphate and sodium intake, while supplying adequate energy. The aim of this nutritional intervention is to prevent or correct signs, symptoms and complications of renal insufficiency, delaying the start of dialysis and preserving nutritional status. This paper focuses on three additional aspects of renal diets that can play an important role in the management of CKD patients: the vitamin K1 and fiber content, and the alkalizing potential. We examined the energy and nutrients composition of four types of renal diets according to their protein content: normal diet (ND, 0.8 g protein/kg body weight (bw)), low protein diet (LPD, 0.6 g protein/kg bw), vegan diet (VD, 0.7 g protein/kg bw), very low protein diet (VLPD, 0.3 g protein/kg bw). Fiber content is much higher in the VD and in the VLPD than in the ND or LPD. Vitamin K1 content seems to follow the same trend, but vitamin K2 content, which could not be investigated, might have a different pattern. The net endogenous acid production (NEAP) value decreases from the ND and LPD to the vegetarian diets, namely VD and VLPD; the same finding occurred for the potential renal acid load (PRAL). In conclusion, renal diets may provide additional benefits, and this is the case of vegetarian diets. Namely, VD and VLPD also provide high amounts of fibers and Vitamin K1, with a very low acid load. These features may have favorable effects on Vitamin K1 status, intestinal microbiota and acid-base balance. Hence, we can speculate as to the potential beneficial effects on vascular calcification and bone disease, on protein metabolism, on colonic environment and circulating levels of microbial-derived uremic toxins. In the case of vegetarian diets, attention must be paid to serum potassium levels.

Background This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sedentarism, and to assess physical capacity and nutritional status in a cohort of older patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), with respect to age-matched non-dialysis CKD population, using highly accessible, simple methods, namely the Rapid Assessment of Physical activity (RAPA) test and the 30″ Sit-to-stand (STS) test. Methods This cross-sectional multicenter study included 151 renal patients older than 60 years; 71 pts. (44 m, age 72 ± 7 yrs) were on PD and 80 pts. (63 m, age 74 ± 7 yrs) were affected by 3–4 stage CKD. Results The prevalence of sedentary/underactive patients was double of that of the active patients as assessed by RAPA test, both in the PD (65.3%) and in the CKD (67.5%) cohort. The 30"STS test showed a reduced physical performance in both groups: 84.5% of PD patients and 87.5% of CKD patients did not reach the expected number of stands by age and gender. A malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) ≥ 6 occurred in 37 % of PD patients and in 2.5 % of CKD patients. In PD patients, an independent significant association was observed between 30”STS test and MIS (beta -0.510, p = 0.013), as well as between RAPA and MIS (beta -0.544, p = 003) and phase angle (beta -0.506, p = 0.028). Conclusions A high prevalence of low- performance capacity and sedentarism has been detected among elderly patients on PD or with CKD stage 3–4. Apart from age, a condition of malnutrition-inflammation was the major determinant of poor physical activity and capacity in PD patients. Better body composition seems to be positively associated with physical activity in PD and with physical capacity in CKD patients. Routine clinical management should include a close evaluation of nutritional status and evaluation of physical activity and capacity which can be easily assessed by RAPA and 30″STS tests.

In this editorial we present the special issue dedicated to low-protein diets (LPDs) in chronic kidney disease, from a global perspective. The experiences gathered from several countries across all continents have created an issue which we hope you will find insightful, and lead to further discussion on this interesting topic. We discover that LPDs are feasible in both developed and low income countries, in patients where literacy is an issue, and are also safe, including during pregnancy and in old age. Patients prescribed a low protein diet are more inclined to follow and adhere to this change in lifestyle, provided the diet has been adapted to meet their own individual needs. With an increasing list of different menu options and better medical advice being offered we no longer need to identify low protein diets with a specific menu, ingredient or supplement, or with a specific level of protein restriction. Evidence shows how the best diet is often the one chosen by the patients, which doesn’t drastically affect their day-to-day life, and delays the start of dialysis for as long as is safe under careful clinical control. The colourful menus gathered from all over the world remind us that a low protein diet does not necessarily mean that the pleasure of preparing a delicious meal is lost. The final comment is therefore dedicated to our patients: low protein diets can be beautiful.

Urolithiasis can impair kidney function. This literature review focuses on the risk of kidney impairment in stone formers, the specific conditions associated with this risk and the impact of urological surgery.The PubMed® and Embase® databases were searched for publications on urolithiasis, its treatment, and the risk of chronic kidney disease, end stage renal disease and nephrectomy in stone formers.In general, renal stone formers have twice the risk of chronic kidney disease or end stage renal disease, and for female and overweight stone formers the risk is even higher. Patients with frequent urinary tract infections, struvite stones, urinary malformations and diversions, malabsorptive bowel conditions and some monogenic disorders are at high risk for chronic kidney disease/end stage renal disease. Shock wave lithotripsy or minimally invasive urological interventions for stones do not adversely affect renal function. Declines in renal function generally occur in patients with preexisting chronic kidney disease or a large stone burden requiring repeated and/or complex surgery.Although the effect size is modest, urolithiasis may cause chronic kidney disease and, thus, it is mandatory to assess patients with renal stones for the risk of chronic kidney disease/end stage renal disease. We suggest that all guidelines dealing with renal stone disease should include assessment of this risk.

At the 17th national meeting of the “Peritoneal dialysis” Study Group (Italian Society of Nephrology), held in Montecatini Terme (20–22 March, 2014), 141 physicians received a questionnaire to surv...

Phosphate metabolism is crucial in the pathophysiology of secondary hyperparathyroidism and vascular calcification. High phosphate levels have been consistently associated with unfavorable outcomes in dialysis patients, but several limitations are still hampering a resolutive definition of the optimal targets of phosphate serum levels to be achieved in this cohort. Nonetheless, hyperphosphatemia is a late marker of phosphate overload in humans. Clinical nephrologists routinely counteract the positive phosphate balance in dialysis patients through nutritional counseling, stronger phosphate removal by dialysis and prescription of phosphate binders. However, the superiority against placebo of phosphate control by diet, dialysis or binders in terms of survival has never been tested in dedicated randomized controlled trials. The present review discusses this conundrum with particular emphasis on the rationale supporting the value of a simultaneous intervention against phosphate overload in dialysis patients via the improvement of dietary intakes, dialysis efficiency and an individualized choice of phosphate binders.

The manipulation of dietary protein intake is the mainstay of nutritional treatment of patients affected by chronic renal insufficiency, with the aim to reduce the burden of uremic toxins in order to decrease uremic toxicity and delay the need for dialysis. Consensus exists regarding the benefit of progressive protein restriction towards delaying the progression of renal failure and the need for dialysis, provided adequate energy supply. Although pivotal, protein restriction is only one aspect of the dietary management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Additional features, though strictly related to proteins, include modifications in sodium, phosphorus and energy intake, as well as in the source (animal or plant derived) of protein and lipids. In addition, supplements play an important role as a means to obtain both beneficial effects and nutritional safety in the renal patient. Essential amino acid and ketoacid mixtures are the most utilized types of supplementation in CKD patients on restricted protein regimens. The essential amino acids plus ketoacid supplementation is mandatory in conjunction with a very low-protein diet in order to assure an adequate essential amino acid supply. It is needed to safely implement a very low protein (and phosphorus) intake, so as to obtain the beneficial effect of a severe protein restriction while preventing malnutrition. Protein-free products and energy supplements are also crucial for the prevention of protein-energy wasting in CKD patients. Calcium, iron, native vitamin D and omega-3 PUFAs are other types of supplementation of potential benefits in the CKD patients on conservative management.

Background and objectives: Diabetes is largely prevalent in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. Both conditions have metabolic and nutritional abnormalities that affect body composition and the presence of diabetes makes the dietary management of CKD patients more difficult. The aim of this study was to assess peculiar nutritional and functional aspects of diabetic patients in an adult/elderly CKD population, and their predictive significance. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included 144 out-patients aged &gt, 55 years, affected by stage 3b-4 CKD, on tertiary care clinic, 48 (40 males) were type 2 diabetics and 96 (80 males) were nondiabetics. The two groups have similar age, gender, and residual renal function (30 &plusmn, 9 vs. 31 &plusmn, 11 mL/min&times, 1.73). All patients underwent a comprehensive nutritional and functional assessment and were followed for 31 &plusmn, 14 months. Results: Diabetic CKD patients showed higher waist circumference and fat body mass, lower muscle mass, and lower number of steps per day and average daily METs. Meanwhile, resting energy expenditure (REE), as assessed by indirect calorimetry, and dietary energy intake were similar as well as hand-grip and 6 min walking test. Diabetic patients did not show a greater risk for all-cause mortality and renal death with respect to nondiabetics. Middle arm muscle circumference, phase angle, serum cholesterol, and serum albumin were negatively related to the risk of mortality and renal death after adjustment for eGFR. Conclusions: CKD diabetic patients differed from nondiabetics for a greater fat mass, lower muscle mass, and lower physical activity levels. This occurred at the same REE and dietary energy intake. The outcome of diabetic or nondiabetic CKD patients on tertiary care management was similar in terms of risk for mortality or renal death. Given the same residual renal function, low levels of muscle mass, phase angle, serum albumin, and cholesterol were predictive of poor outcome. Overall, a malnutrition phenotype represents a major predictor of poor outcome in diabetic and nondiabetic CKD patients.

The management of papillary microcarcinoma (PMC) of the thyroid is controversial, especially after partial thyroid resection for benign thyroid disease. In order to detect prognostic factors for PMC, we analyzed 116 patients with PMC for encapsulation status and lymph node metastases. Between 10/1992 and 12/2010, 116 patients with PMC have been operated in our department (87 females, 29 males, median age 49 years). Eighty per cent of PMCs were diagnosed postoperatively. Seventy-six patients (66%) received a more extended resection with either thyroidectomy, near total thyroidectomy, or Dunhill operation either primarily or after completion operation, whereas 40 patients (34%) had only partial resection. Fifty patients (43%) received radioiodine (RIA) ablation. Lymph node metastases were found in 21 patients (18%). Univariate analysis showed four risk factors to be significantly associated with the risk of lymph node metastasis (p

The incidence of neuroendocrine neoplasias (NENs), especially of the gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP), system relatively increased over the past decades, as a result of advanced diagnostic tools, a better clinical awareness, and distinguished pathological diagnostic recognition. Previous reports hypothesized an increased risk for secondary malignancies in patients with NEN especially in GEP-NENs. The present study was designed to investigate the coincidence of NENs and secondary malignancies in a large patient collective. A retrospective analysis was performed on 161 patients (85 female and 76 male) with NEN of various origins. Clinical data of these patients, different classification systems (TNM/WHO), proliferations-based grading, and clinical follow-up were collected and analyzed. Out of 143 patients with a sporadic NEN, 15 (10.49 %) patients were identified with secondary malignant tumors. Median age at the time of the primary operation for NEN was 65 years, whereas the median age of initial diagnosis of associated tumors was 59 years. Mean follow-up time was 61 months. The risk of developing a secondary malignancy was most elevated for patients with an NEN of the lung, the stomach, and the ileum (60, 50 and 20 %, respectively). The spectrum of secondary malignancies included various types of cancer. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis shows a difference suggesting that patients with a secondary malignancy demonstrate a worse survival compared to patients without a secondary tumor; no significance was detected (p = 0.349). Our data suggest that secondary malignancies in patients with NEN's especially in GEP-NENs are found more frequently than in general population. Therefore, patients with NEN need a continuous and detailed follow-up. The reason for the increased incidence of secondary malignancies in patients with NENs remains to be elucidated.

Evidence exists that nutritional therapy induces favorable metabolic changes, prevents signs and symptoms of renal insufficiency, and is able to delay the need of dialysis. Currently, the main concern of the renal diets has turned from the efficacy to the feasibility in the daily clinical practice. Herewith we describe some different dietary approaches, developed in Italy in the last decades and applied in the actual clinical practice for the nutritional management of CKD patients. A step-wise approach or simplified dietary regimens are usually prescribed while taking into account not only the residual renal function and progression rate but also socio-economic, psychological and functional aspects. The application of the principles of the Mediterranean diet that covers the recommended daily allowances for nutrients and protein (0.8 g/Kg/day) exert a favorable effect at least in the early stages of CKD. Low protein (0.6 g/kg/day) regimens that include vegan diet and very low-protein (0.3-0.4 g/Kg/day) diet supplemented with essential amino acids and ketoacids, represent more opportunities that should be tailored on the single patient’s needs. Rather than a structured dietary plan, a list of basic recommendations to improve compliance with a low-sodium diet in CKD may allow patients to reach the desired salt target in the daily eating. Another approach consists of low protein diets as part of an integrated menu, in which patients can choose the “diet” that best suits their preferences and clinical needs. Lastly, in order to allow efficacy and safety, the importance of monitoring and follow up of a proper nutritional treatment in CKD patients is emphasized.

Background Dietary treatment is helpful in CKD patients, but nutritional interventions are scarcely implemented. The main concern of the renal diets is its feasibility with regards to daily clinical practice especially in the elderly and co-morbid patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a pragmatic, step-wise, personalized nutritional support in the management of CKD patients on tertiary care. Methods This is a case-control study. It included 823 prevalent out-patients affected by CKD stage 3b to 5 not-in-dialysis, followed by tertiary care in nephrology clinics; 305 patients (190 males, aged 70 ± 12 years) received nutritional support (nutritional treatment Group, NTG); 518 patients (281 males, aged 73 ± 13 years) who did not receive any dietary therapy, formed the control group (CG). In the NTG patients the dietary interventions were assigned in order to prevent or correct abnormalities and to maintain a good nutritional status. They included manipulation of sodium, phosphate, energy and protein dietary intakes while paying special attention to each patient’s dietary habits. Results Phosphate and BUN levels were lower in the NTG than in the CG, especially in stage 4 and 5. The prevalence of hyperphosphatemia was lower in the NTG than in CG in stage 5 (13.3 % vs 53.3 %, p

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension with a prevalence of 5–10% in unreferred hypertensive patients. Aldosterone producing adenomas (APAs) constitute a large proportion of PA cases and represent a surgically correctable form of the disease. The WNT signaling pathway is activated in APAs. In other tumors, a frequent cause of aberrant WNT signaling is mutation in the CTNNB1 gene coding for β-catenin. Our objective was to screen for CTNNB1 mutations in a well-characterized cohort of 198 APAs. Somatic CTNNB1 mutations were detected in 5.1% of the tumors, occurring mutually exclusive from mutations in KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3 and CACNA1D. All of the observed mutations altered serine/threonine residues in the GSK3β binding domain in exon 3. The mutations were associated with stabilized β-catenin and increased AXIN2 expression, suggesting activation of WNT signaling. By CYP11B2 mRNA expression, CYP11B2 protein expression and direct measurement of aldosterone in tumor tissue, we confirmed the ability for aldosterone production. This report provides compelling evidence that aberrant WNT signaling caused by mutations in CTNNB1 occur in APAs. This also suggests that other mechanisms that constitutively activate the WNT pathway may be important in APA formation.