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The comparative effectiveness of radical prostatectomy (RP) versus radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer remains a largely debated topic. Utilizing a provincial population-based linked data set from an equal-access, universal health care system, we sought to compare outcomes among patients treated with either radiation or prostatectomy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer.We performed a retrospective cohort study by linking several administrative data sets to identify patients who were diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2004 and 2016 in Manitoba, Canada and who were subsequently treated with either RP or RT. Cox proportional hazard models with inverse probability of treatment weighting were used to compare rates of all-cause mortality, as well as prostate cancer specific mortality (PCSM) between patients who underwent RP vs RT.During the study period, 2,540 patients underwent RP and 1,895 underwent RT for prostate cancer. Unadjusted overall survival was higher for RP vs RT (5-year overall survival 95.52% for RP compared with 84.55% for RT, p0.0001). In inverse probability of treatment weighting-adjusted Cox regression analysis, compared to patients in the RP groups, patients in the RT group had an increased rate of all-cause mortality (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.65-2.26, p0.0001), and PCSM (HR 3.98, 95% CI 2.89-5.49; p0.0001).RT was associated with higher all-cause mortality and PCSM rates compared with RP. These findings highlight the importance of comparative effectiveness research to identify treatment disparities and warrant further investigation.

Purpose:Treatment selection for localized prostate cancer is guided by risk stratification and patient preferences. While socioeconomic status (SES) disparities exist for access to care, less is kn...

Background: The First Nations Community Based Screening to Improve Kidney Health and Prevent Dialysis project was a point-of-care screening program in rural and remote First Nations communities in Manitoba that aimed to identify and treat hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The program identified chronic disease in 20% of children screened. We aimed to characterize clinical screening practices before and after intervention in children aged 10–17 years old and compare outcomes with those who did not receive the intervention. Methods: This observational, prospective cohort study started with community engagement and followed the principles of ownership, control, access and possession (OCAP). We linked participant data to administrative data at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy to assess rates of primary care and nephrology visits, disease-modifying medication prescriptions and laboratory testing (i.e., glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], estimated glomerural filtration rate [eGFR] and urine albumin- or protein-to-creatinine ratio). We analyzed the differences in proportions in the 18 months before and after the intervention. We also conducted a 1:2 propensity score matching analysis to compare outcomes of children who were screened with those who were not. Results: We included 324 of 353 children from the screening program (43.8% male; median age 12.3 yr) in this study. After the intervention, laboratory testing increased by 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1% to 10.1%) for HbA1c, by 9.9% (95% CI 4.2% to 15.5%) for eGFR and by 6.2% (95% CI 2.3% to 10.0%) for the urine albumin- or protein-to-creatinine ratio. We observed significant improvements in laboratory testing in screened patients in the group who were part of the program, compared with matched controls. Interpretation: Chronic disease surveillance and care increased significantly in children after the implementation of a point-of-care screening program in rural and remote First Nation communities. Interventions such as active surveillance programs have the potential to improve the chronic disease care being provided to First Nations children.

BACKGROUND: In 2013–2015, we conducted point-of-care screening for hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease in rural and remote Indigenous communities in Manitoba, Canada. In this study, we aimed to determine whether optimal follow-up care was provided, defined as proportion of individuals with appropriate kidney disease laboratory testing, medication prescriptions and physician visits. METHODS: We linked screening data from participants to provincial administrative data sets to evaluate whether frequencies of laboratory testing, prescriptions of disease-modifying medications, and primary care and nephrology visits differed in the 18 months before and after screening. We also conducted a propensity score matching analysis to compare outcomes between screened and unscreened adults. RESULTS: Of 1353 adults who received the screening intervention and who had complete administrative data available, 44% were at risk of kidney failure at screening. Among these individuals, frequencies of comprehensive laboratory testing (estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine albumin to creatinine ratio) improved by 17.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.5 to 22.5), anti-hyperglycemic medications improved by 4.4% (95% CI 1.0 to 7.8), and nephrology visits for participants meeting referral criteria improved by 5.9% (95% CI 3.4 to 8.5). We observed significant improvements in laboratory testing, antihyperglycemic medications and nephrology visits in the screened group compared with the 1:1 matched comparison group. INTERPRETATION: Point-of-care screening programs in rural and remote Indigenous communities are adaptable methods for increasing awareness, monitoring risk and treating chronic diseases. Interventions such as the development of a national screening program could improve chronic disease care in high-risk populations.

Background Management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires the management of risk factors, such as hypertension and albuminuria, that affect CKD progression. Identification of additional modifiable risk factors is necessary to develop new treatment strategies for CKD. We sought to quantify the association of metabolic acidosis with CKD progression and mortality in a large U.S. community-based cohort. Methods In this longitudinal, retrospective cohort study we identified non-dialysis-dependent patients with stage 3‒5 CKD from Optum’s de-identified integrated electronic health records. We selected cohorts of patients with confirmed metabolic acidosis or normal serum bicarbonate levels based on 2 consecutive serum bicarbonate values: 12 to Results A total of 51,558 patients qualified for the study. The unadjusted 2-year incidence of adverse renal and fatal outcomes was significantly worse among patients in the metabolic acidosis group vs. those who had normal serum bicarbonate levels: 48 % vs. 17 % for DD40, 10 % vs. 4 % for ≥ 40 % decline in eGFR, 20 % vs. 6 % for renal replacement therapy, and 31 % vs. 10 % for all-cause mortality (all P P P Conclusions In this large community cohort of patients with stage 3‒5 CKD, the presence of metabolic acidosis was a significant, independent risk factor for the composite adverse outcome of CKD progression, renal replacement therapy, and all-cause mortality (DD40).

Objective Lower limb complications are major adverse events in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These complications can lead to morbidity, disability, reduced quality of life, and higher health care costs. We sought to determine how interim lower limb complications modify the subsequent risk of progression to kidney failure, all-cause mortality before kidney failure, and cardiovascular (CV) events in a cohort of patients with CKD stages G3 to G5. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using patient-level data obtained by linking several administrative databases from Manitoba, Canada. We used Fine and Gray regression models for the primary outcomes of (1) kidney failure adjusted for the competing risk of all-cause mortality, (2) death before kidney failure, and (3) cardiovascular-related hospitalization with the competing risk of non-CV death. Results A total of 92,618 patients were included in the final cohort, with a median follow-up time of 2.56 years. Compared with patients who did not experience an interim lower limb complication, there was a higher risk of kidney failure (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.10–3.00), all-cause mortality before kidney failure (adjusted HR 2.73, 95% CI 2.55–2.92), and CV events (adjusted HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.90–2.38). Conclusions Interim lower limb complications are associated with an increased risk of kidney failure, all-cause mortality before kidney failure, and cardiovascular-related hospitalization. Clinical trials of screening and treatment strategies for patients with CKD at risk for lower limb complications may help determine optimal strategies to manage this risk., Graphical abstract

Introduction Interventions are needed to improve early detection of indications for dialysis before development of severe symptoms or complications. This may reduce suboptimal dialysis starts, prevent hospitalizations, and decrease costs. Our objectives were to explore assumptions around a nurse-led virtual case management intervention for patients with late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a 2-year Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) estimated risk of kidney failure ≥80% and to estimate how these assumptions affect potential cost savings. Methods We performed a cost-minimization analysis by developing a decision analytic microsimulation model constructed from the perspective of the health payer. Our primary outcome was the break-even point, defined as the maximum amount a health payer could spend on the intervention without incurring any net financial loss or gain. The intervention group received remote telemonitoring, including daily measurement of several health metrics (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and weight), and a validated symptom questionnaire accompanied by nurse-led case management, whereas the comparator group received usual care. We assumed patients received the intervention for a maximum of 2 years. Results The break-even point was $7339 per late-stage CKD patient enrolled in the intervention. Based on the distribution of time receiving the intervention, we determined a maximum monthly intervention cost of $703.37. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, we found that 75% of simulations produced break-even points between $3929 and $9460. Conclusion Nurse-led virtual home monitoring interventions in patients with CKD at high risk of kidney failure have the potential for significant cost savings from the perspective of the health payer., Graphical abstract

Aim and Background: Opioid analgesics are amongst the most commonly prescribed medications, but questions remain regarding their impact on the day-to-day functioning of patients including driving. Previous studies of the effects of opioids on the risk of motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) have shown inconsistent findings. We set out to perform a systematic review on the risk of MVC associated with prescription opioid exposure. Methods: We searched Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and TRID from January 1990 to January 31, 2020 for primary studies assessing prescribed opioid use and MVCs. Studies that used surrogate driving capability tests were excluded. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess quality of included studies. Findings: We identified 12 observational studies that met inclusion criteria. Among those, 7 studies found an increased risk of MVC among those participants who had a concomitant opioid prescription at the time of the MVC and 2 found no significant increase of culpability of fatal MVC. The three studies that evaluated the presence of a dose-response relationship between the dose of opioids taken and the effects on MVC risk reported the existence of a dose-response relationship. Due to the heterogeneity of the different studies, a quantitative meta-analysis to sum evidence was deemed unfeasible. Interpretation: Our review indicates that opioid prescriptions are likely associated with an increased risk of MVCs. Further studies are warranted to strengthen this finding, and investigate additional factors such as individual opioid medications, opioid doses and dose adjustments, and opioid tolerance for their effect on MVC risk. Funding: This project was supported by the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba and the Chronic Disease Innovation Centre, Seven Oaks Hospital. Declaration of Interest: None to declare.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Effective therapy to reduce risk of RCC relapse after surgery remains an unmet need. Adjuvant immune therapy is a potential strategy for these pts. The KEYNOTE-564 trial ...

Background and Aims Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a potent risk factor for kidney failure, cardiovascular events and all cause hospitalizations. In addition to higher outpatient resource use, patients with CKD may present more frequently to the emergency department (ED) and may be more likely to be admitted for hospitalization. In Manitoba, we previously demonstrated an 8-fold increase in the frequency of ED presentations by patients on dialysis as compared to a non-dialysis population. Comparable data on ED visits remain sparse for patients with CKD G3-G5, not on dialysis. Here, we aim to describe the frequency of ED visits and highlight differences in reasons for visit in patients with CKD stages G3-G5 and Those on dialysis when compared to a non-renal population. Method We performed a retrospective cohort study using administrative health data from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Canada. We included all adults (≥ 18 years) with CKD stages G3-G5 and patients undergoing dialysis between January 1st, 2010 and December 31, 2014. Secular trends in the in the rates of ED visits were calculated for those with CKD, those on dialysis and in the non-renal population. Results Over the study period, patients undergoing dialysis had the highest incidence of ED visits, followed by patients with CKD and those with normal kidney function (150 vs 106 vs 34 per 100 persons per year respectively). These rates were stable over the period studied. Among the non-renal population, the most common reasons for an ED visit were musculoskeletal complaints (25.6%), followed by gastrointestinal (11.04%) and cardiovascular complaints (10.26%). In the CKD and dialysis cohort, ED visits were more commonly secondary to cardiovascular complaints (21.54% and 18.99% respectively), followed by respiratory and gastrointestinal complaints. Admission to hospital was higher in CKD and dialysis populations than in the non-renal population (29.56%, 26.07% vs 10.61%, respectively). Conclusion Patients with CKD present frequently to the ED, and are often admitted after presentation. Cardiovascular and respiratory complaints are more common in the CKD population.

Rationale & Objective Sedentary behavior and low physical activity are associated with incident diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and early mortality. Previous studies have examined associations between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and physical activity, but little is known about the role of sedentary time. Study Design Cross-sectional national survey. Setting & Participants A nationally representative sample of adults (n=8,444) participating in the Canadian Health Measures Survey's (CHMS) activity monitoring component (2007-2013). Predictor Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Outcomes Sedentary time (total sedentary minutes/total wear time) measured using triaxial accelerometry. Analytical Approach Multivariable ordinal logistic regression for quartiles of sedentary time and linear regression for sedentary time measured on a continuous scale were performed in the entire study population and in the subgroup with CKD. Results Mean proportion of sedentary time ranged from 58% (least sedentary quartile: Q1) to 81% (most sedentary quartile: Q4). Lower eGFR, older age, lower serum albumin level, higher blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and higher body mass index were independently associated with a higher proportion of sedentary time. Patients with eGFRs Limitations Cross-sectional design precluded evaluation of longitudinal outcomes and establishment of the causal nature of observed associations. Small sample of individuals with advanced CKD. Conclusions In this cross-sectional survey, reduced eGFR was strongly and independently associated with greater sedentary time. This risk was further heightened by the presence of diabetes and arthritis. Studies to determine causes for sedentary behavior and assess the feasibility and value of interventions to reduce sedentary time in CKD are needed.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by kidney failure at younger ages than other ethnic groups in Canada. As symptoms do not occur until disease is advanced, early kidney disease risk is often unrecognized. OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the yield of community-based screening for early risk factors for kidney disease in youth from rural Indigenous communities in Canada. METHODS: The FINISHED project screened 11 rural First Nations communities in Manitoba, Canada after community and school engagement. The results for the 10- to 17-year olds are reported here. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hemoglobin A1c’s (HbA1c) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratios (ACR) were assessed. All children were triaged and referred to either primary or tertiary care, depending on risk. RESULTS: A total of 353 were screened (estimated 22.4% of population). The median age was 12 years (IQR 10 to 13), 55% were female and 55% were overweight or obese. Overall, 21.8% of children had at least one abnormality. Hypertension was identified in 5.4% and 11.9% had prehypertension. None of the children had an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) however 10.5% had an ACR > 3 mg/mmol and 6.2% had an eGFR < 90 ml/min/1.73 m(2) suggestive of early kidney disease. Diabetes was identified in 1.4%, and 1.4% had HbA1c’s between 6.1% and 6.49%. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for chronic kidney disease are highly prevalent in rural Indigenous children. More research is required to confirm the persistence of these findings, and to evaluate the efficacy of screening children to prevent or delay progression to kidney failure.

Introduction: Rural and remote indigenous individuals have a high burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) when compared to the general population. However, it has not been previously explored how these rates compare to urban-dwelling indigenous populations. Methods: In a recent cross-sectional screening study, 1346 adults 18 to 80 years of age were screened for CKD and diabetes across 11 communities in rural and remote areas in Manitoba, Canada, as part of the First Nations Community Based Screening to Improve Kidney Health and Prevent Dialysis (FINISHED) program. An additional 284 Indigenous adults who resided in low-income areas in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada were screened as part of the NorWest Mobile Diabetes and Kidney Disease Screening and Intervention Project. Results: Our findings indicate that a gradient of CKD and diabetes prevalence exists for Indigenous individuals living in different geographic areas. Compared to urban-dwelling Indigenous individuals, rural-dwelling individuals had more than a 2-fold (2.1, 95% CI = 1.4−3.1) increase in diabetes whereas remote-dwelling individuals had a 4-fold (4.1, 95% CI = 2.8−6.0) increase, and more than a 3-fold (3.1, 95% CI = 2.2−4.5) increase in CKD prevalence. Conclusion: Although these results highlight the relative importance of geography in determining the prevalence of diabetes and CKD in Indigenous Canadians, geography is but an important surrogate of other determinants, such as poverty and access to care. Keywords: chronic kidney disease, Indigenous Canadians, remoteness, rurality, screening, social determinants of health

Rationale & Objective Metabolic acidosis related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an accelerated decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the development of end-stage kidney disease. Whether metabolic acidosis is associated with cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with CKD is unclear. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting & Participants The Optum De-identified Electronic Health Records Dataset, 2007–2017, was used to generate a cohort of patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD who had at least 3 estimated GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients with metabolic acidosis (serum bicarbonate 12 to, Graphical abstract

Accurate risk prediction for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression can inform the patient-provider dialogue, and provide actionable thresholds for key clinical decisions. In 2011, we developed the kidney failure risk equations (KFREs) to predict the risk of kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant in patients with CKD. Subsequently, the KFREs have been extensively validated, and have now been proven accurate in multiple continents, ethnicities and disease-specific subpopulations. They can discriminate progressors from non-progressors, and are well calibrated and easy to use. We believe that current and future studies should now focus on clinical implementation of the KFREs, through quality improvement initiatives and cluster randomized trials. A risk-based care paradigm for CKD care can be achieved through knowledge translation and implementation research.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and limits therapeutic options. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors represent a novel class of oral glucose-lowering agents and are known to be safe and effective in the general population. Methods: We searched Cochrane, EMBASE, and PubMed from the time of their inception until March 2015. We included randomized controlled trials analyzing the efficacy (change in hemoglobin A1C [HbA1C]) and safety of DPP-4 agents in individuals with reduced kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate 2). We extracted study characteristics, participants' baseline characteristics, and safety outcomes from eligible studies. We performed a random effects meta-analysis to summarize the change in HbA1C and the relative risk of cardiovascular events in patients with T2DM and CKD. We also collected data on hypoglycemia, other serious adverse events, and mortality. Results: We reviewed 12 studies with 4,403 patients with CKD and 239 on dialysis, finding a mean weighted decline in HbA1C of -0.48 (95% CI -0.61 to -0.35) with DPP-4 inhibitor therapy compared to placebo. DPP-4 inhibitors did not result in any additional adverse events, hypoglycemic episodes, or increased mortality. Restricting to studies with low risk of bias did not alter these findings. Conclusions: DPP-4 inhibitors can lower HbA1C without increasing the risk of cardiovascular or other major adverse events in patients with CKD. Few studies reported critical adverse events such as heart failure and hypersensitivity. If compared with other oral antiglycemic drugs, the effect of DPP-4 inhibitors is limited; however, their low risk of hypoglycemia may favor their use in patients with CKD. Summary: This systematic review of DPP-4 inhibitors in CKD suggests that they reduce HbA1C by about 0.5%. Furthermore, there was not any increase in the risk for significant adverse events. More research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of DPP-4 inhibitors in CKD.

A risk-based model of care for managing patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) using the Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) has been successfully integrated into nephrology care pathways in several jurisdictions. However, as most patients with CKD can be managed in primary care, the next pertinent steps would be to integrate the KFRE into primary care pathways.Using a risk-based approach for guiding CKD care in the primary care setting, the objective of the study is to develop, implement, and evaluate tools that can be used by patients and providers.This study is a multicenter cluster randomized control trial.Thirty-two primary care clinics belonging to the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) across Manitoba and Alberta.All patients at least 18 years old or older with CKD categories G3-G5 attending the participating clinics; we estimate each clinic will have an average of 185 patients with CKD.Thirty-two primary care clinics will be randomized to receive either an active knowledge translation intervention or no intervention. The intervention involves the addition of the KFRE and decision aids to clinics' Data Presentation Tool (DPT), as well as patient-facing visual aids, a medical detailing visit, and sentinel feedback reports. Control clinics will only be exposed to current guidelines for CKD management, without active dissemination.Data from the CPCSSN repository will be used to assess whether a risk-based care approach affected management of CKD. Primary outcomes are as follows: the proportion of patients with measured urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and the proportion of patients being appropriately treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blockers. Secondary outcomes are as follows: the optimal management of diabetes (hemoglobin A1C8.5%, and the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in CKD G3 patients), hypertension (office blood pressure130/80 for patients with diabetes, 140/90 for those without), and cardiovascular risk (statin prescription); prescriptions of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In addition, in a substudy, we will measure CKD-specific health literacy and trust in physician care via surveys administered in the clinic post-visit. At the provider level, we will measure satisfaction with the risk prediction tools. Lastly, at the health system level, outcomes include cost of CKD care, and appropriate referrals for patients at high risk of kidney failure based on provincial guidelines. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at the patient level and enumerated at the clinic level 1 year after the intervention implementation, except for decline in eGFR, which will be measured 2 years postintervention.Limitations include scalability of the proposal in other health care systems.If successful, this intervention has the potential to improve the management of patients with CKD within Canadian primary care settings, leading to health and economic benefits, and influencing practice guidelines.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03365063.Un modèle de soins intégrant la prévision du risque d’évolution vers l’insuffisance rénale par la KFRE (Avec une approche intégrant la prévision des risques dans les soins en IRC, l’étude vise à élaborer, mettre en œuvre et évaluer les outils qui pourraient être utilisés par les patients et les fournisseurs de soins en contexte de soins de première ligne.Il s’agit d’un essai multicentrique, contrôlé et à répartition aléatoire en grappes.L’étude se tiendra dans trente-deux cliniques de soins de première ligne du Manitoba et de l’Alberta faisant partie du Réseau canadien de surveillance sentinelle en soins primaires (RCSSSP).Tous les patients adultes atteints d’IRC de stades G3-G5 fréquentant les cliniques participantes. Nous estimons que chaque clinique fournira une moyenne de 185 patients à l’étude.Les trente-deux cliniques seront réparties aléatoirement pour recevoir ou non une intervention active de transmission des connaissances. L’intervention comprendra l’ajout de la KFRE et d’outils d’aide à la décision à l’outil actuel de présentation des données de la clinique; de même que du support visuel pour les patients, une consultation médicale détaillée et des rapports de rétroaction sentinelle. Les cliniques contrôles, quant à elles, ne seront exposées qu’aux lignes directrices actuelles pour la prise en charge de l’IRC, sans diffusion active.Les données du registre du RCSSSP seront employées pour évaluer l’impact de l’approche intégrant la prévision du risque sur la gestion de l’IRC. Les critères de jugement principaux seront la proportion de patients pour lesquels on aura une mesure du rapport albumine/créatinine urinaire (RAC) et la proportion de patients traités adéquatement avec un inhibiteur de l’enzyme de conversion de l’angiotensine ou d’antagonistes des récepteurs de l’angiotensine. Les critères de jugement secondaires incluront la gestion optimale du diabète (hémoglobine A1C8,5 %, et l’emploi d’inhibiteurs de SGLT2 chez les patients de stade G3), de l’hypertension (pression sanguine en cabinet à130/80 pour les diabétiques et à140/90 pour les non-diabétiques) et du risque de maladies cardiovasculaires (prescription de statines); ainsi que la prescription d’anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens et un déclin du débit de filtration glomérulaire estimé (DFGe). Parallèlement, dans une étude secondaire, nous examinerons les connaissances des patients sur l’IRC et leur confiance envers les soins médicaux par le biais de sondages menés à la clinique après la consultation. Nous mesurerons également la satisfaction des fournisseurs de soins à l’égard des outils de prévention du risque. Enfin, du point de vue du système de santé, nous examinerons les coûts associés aux soins en IRC et l’aiguillage adéquat des patients dont le risque d’évolution vers l’insuffisance rénale est jugé élevé selon les lignes directrices provinciales. Les critères de jugement primaires et secondaires seront mesurés du point de vue des patients et recensés à l’échelle de la clinique un an après la mise en œuvre de l’intervention, à l’exception du déclin du DFGe qui sera mesuré deux ans après l’intervention.Les limites de l’étude incluent notamment l’extensibilité de la proposition à d’autres systèmes de santé.Si elle réussit, cette intervention pourrait améliorer la prise en charge des patients atteints d’IRC dans les établissements canadiens de première ligne, et ainsi entraîner des retombées positives en matière de santé et d’économie en plus d’influencer les lignes directrices de pratique.

Introduction: Uptake rates of home hemodialysis are the lowest among all modality types, despite providing patients with clinical and quality of life benefits at a lower cost to providers. Currently, there is a need to develop dialysis systems that are appealing to patients while also being suitable for use across the continuum of care. The SC+ hemodialysis system was developed by Quanta Dialysis Technologies Ltd. to provide patients with a dialysis system that is small, simple to use, and powerful enough to deliver acceptable dialysis adequacy. Methods: As part of the SC+ design validation, human factors testing was performed with 17 Healthcare Professionals (nephrology nurses and healthcare assistants) and 15 Home Users (patients and caregivers). To assess usability and safety, the human factors testing involved between 4.5 and 6 hours of training and, after a period of training decay, a subsequent test session in which participants independently performed tasks on SC+. Findings: Between the two user groups, there were only 29 errors observed out of 1216 opportunities for errors, despite minimal training. Errors that did occur were minor and attributed to an initial lack of familiarity with the device; none were safety related. Discussion: Among prevalent dialysis patients and healthcare professionals, the SC+ hemodialysis system was easy to use, even with minimal training and a learning decay period, and had a high level of use safety. By taking into account human factors to optimize the user experience, SC+ has the potential to address systemic and patient barriers, allowing for wider self‐care and home hemodialysis adoption.

Background Readmission following hospital discharge is common and is a major financial burden on healthcare systems. Objectives Our objectives were to 1) identify studies describing post-discharge interventions and their efficacy with respect to reducing risk of mortality and rate of hospital readmission; and 2) identify intervention characteristics associated with efficacy. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and CINAHL. Our selection criteria included randomized controlled trials comparing post-discharge interventions with usual care on rates of hospital readmission and mortality in high-risk chronic disease patient populations. We used random effects meta-analyses to estimate pooled risk ratios for all-cause and cause-specific mortality as well as all-cause and cause-specific hospitalization. Results We included 31 randomized controlled trials encompassing 9654 patients (24 studies in CHF, 4 in COPD, 1 in both CHF and COPD, 1 in CKD and 1 in an undifferentiated population). Meta-analysis showed post-discharge interventions reduced cause-specific (RR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.63–0.80) and all cause (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.81–0.99) hospitalization, all-cause (RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.65–0.83) and cause-specific mortality (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54–0.84) in CHF studies, and all-cause hospitalization (RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.32–0.83) in COPD studies. The inclusion of a cardiac nurse in the multidisciplinary team was associated with greater efficacy in reducing all-cause mortality among patients discharged after heart failure admission (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.54–0.75 vs. HR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.73–1.03). Conclusions Post-discharge interventions reduced all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality, and cause-specific hospitalization in CHF patients and all-cause hospitalization in COPD patients. The presence of a cardiac nurse was associated with greater efficacy in included studies. Additional research is needed on the impact of post-discharge intervention strategies in COPD and CKD patients.

Rationale & Objective The kidney failure population is growing, necessitating the expansion of dialysis programs. These programs are costly and require a substantial amount of health care resources. Tools that accurately forecast resource use can aid efficient allocation. The objective of this study is to describe the development of an economic simulation model that incorporates treatment history and detailed modality transitions for patients with kidney disease using real-world data to estimate associated costs, utility, and survival by initiating modality. Study Design Cost-utility model with microsimulation. Setting & Population Adult incident maintenance dialysis patients in Canada who initiated facility-based hemodialysis (HD) or home peritoneal dialysis (PD) between 2004 and 2013. Intervention HD and PD. Outcomes Costs (related to dialysis, transplantation, infections, and hospitalizations), survival, utility, and dialysis modality mix over time. Model, Perspective, & Timeframe The model took the perspective of the health care payer. Patients were followed up for 10 years from initiation of dialysis. Our cost-utility analysis compared the intervention with receiving no treatment. Results During a 10-year time horizon, the cost-utility ratio for all patients initiating dialysis was $103,779 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) in comparison to no treatment. Patients who initiated with facility-based HD were treated at a cost-utility ratio of $104,880/QALY and patients who initiated with home PD were treated at a cost-utility ratio of $83,762/QALY. During this time horizon, the total mean cost and QALYs per patient were estimated at $350,774 ± $204,704 and 3.38 ± 2.05) QALYs respectively. Limitations The results do not include costs from the societal perspective. Rare patient trajectories were unable to be assessed. Conclusions This model demonstrates that patients who initiated dialysis with PD were treated more cost-effectively than those who initiated with HD during a 10-year time horizon., Graphical abstract

A Rapid Bedside Screen to Predict Unplanned Hospitalization and Death in Outpatients With Cirrhosis: A Prospective Evaluation of the Clinical Frailty Scale

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a potent risk factor for kidney failure, cardiovascular events and all cause hospitalizations. In addition to higher outpatient resource use, patients with CKD may present more frequently to the emergency department (ED) and may be more likely to be admitted for hospitalization. In Manitoba, we previously demonstrated an 8-fold increase in the frequency of ED presentations by patients on dialysis as compared to a non-dialysis population. Comparable data on ED visits remain sparse for patients with CKD G3-G5, not on dialysis. Here, we aim to describe the frequency of ED visits and highlight differences in reasons for visit in patients with CKD stages G3-G5 and those on dialysis when compared to a non-CKD population. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using administrative health data from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Canada. We included all adults (≥ 18 years) with CKD stages G3-G5 and patients undergoing dialysis between January 1st, 2010 and December 31, 2014. Secular trends in the in the rates of ED visits were calculated for those with CKD, those on dialysis and in the non-CKD population. Results: Over the study period, patients undergoing dialysis had the highest incidence of ED visits, followed by patients with CKD and those with normal kidney function (150 vs 106 vs 34 per 100 persons per year respectively). These rates were stable over the period studied. Among the non-CKD population, the most common reasons for an ED visit were musculoskeletal complaints (25.6%), followed by gastrointestinal (11.04%) and cardiovascular complaints (10.26%). In the CKD and dialysis cohort, ED visits were more commonly secondary to cardiovascular complaints (21.54% and 18.99% respectively), followed by respiratory and gastrointestinal complaints. . Admission to hospital was higher in CKD and dialysis populations than in the non-CKD population (29.56%, 26.07% vs 10.61%, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with CKD present frequently to the ED, and are often admitted after presentation. Cardiovascular and respiratory complaints are more common in the CKD population when compared to the general population.

361 Background: A large body of research has shown that there are strong socioeconomic disparities in access to cancer treatment. However, whether these inequalities persist among men with prostate cancer has not been previously explored in the equal-access, universal Canadian health care system. The aim of this study is to compare whether socioeconomic status is associated with the type of treatment received (radical prostatectomy (RP) versus radiation therapy (RT)) for men diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer in Manitoba, Canada. Methods: Men who were diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer between 2004 and 2016 and subsequently treated with RP or RT were identified using the CancerCare Manitoba Registry and linked to provincial databases. SES was defined as neighbourhood income by postal code and divided into income quintiles (Q1-Q5, with Q1 the lowest quintile and Q5 the highest). Multivariable logistic regression nested models were used to compare whether socioeconomic status was associated with treatment type received. Results: We identified 4,560 individuals between 2004-2016 who were diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer. 2,554 men were treated with RP and 2,006 with RT.As income quintile increased, men were more likely to undergo RP than RT (Q3 vs Q1: aOR 1.45 (1.09-1.92); Q5 vs. Q1: aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.52-2.86). Conclusions: Despite a universal health care system, socioeconomic inequities are present for men seeking primary treatment for prostate cancer. Further investigation into the decision making process among patients diagnosed with prostate cancer may inform decision making to ameliorate these disparities.

Predicting allograft failure in kidney transplant recipients can help plan renal replacement therapy and guide patient-provider communication. The kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) accurately predicts the need for dialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but has not been validated in kidney transplant recipients.We sought to validate the 4-variable KFRE (age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio [ACR]) for prediction of 2- and 5-year death-censored allograft failure.Retrospective cohort study.Four independent North American Cohorts from Ontario, Canada; Alberta, Canada; Manitoba, Canada; and Wisconsin, United States, between January 1999 and December 2017.Adult kidney transplant patients at 1-year posttransplantation.Kidney failure risk as measured by the KFRE (eGFR, urine ACR, age, and sex).We included all adult patients who had at least 1 serum creatinine and at least 1 urine ACR measurement approximately 1 year following kidney transplantation. The performance of the KFRE was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (C-statistic). C-statistics from the 4 cohorts were meta-analyzed using random-effects models.A total of 3659 patients were included. Pooled C-statistics were good in the entire population, at 0.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.72-0.91) for the 2-year KFRE and 0.73 (0.67-0.80) for the 5-year KFRE. Discrimination improved among patients with poorer kidney function (eGFR45 mL/min/1.73 mThe KFRE does not predict episodes of acute rejection and there was heterogeneity between cohorts.The KFRE accurately predicts kidney failure in kidney transplant recipients at 1-year posttransplantation. Further validation in larger cohorts with longer follow-up times can strengthen the case for clinical implementation.En transplantation rénale, la capacité de prévoir la défaillance du greffon permet de planifier une thérapie de remplacement rénal et de guider la communication entre le patient et son soignant. L’équation KFRE (Nous souhaitions valider le pouvoir prédictif de l’équation KFRE à 4 variables (âge, sexe, débit de filtration glomérulaire estimé [DFGe] et rapport albumine-créatine urinaire [RAC]) quant à la défaillance du greffon après deux ans et cinq ans.Étude de cohorte rétrospective.Quatre cohortes indépendantes d’Amérique du Nord : trois provinces canadiennes (Ontario, Alberta et Manitoba) et un état américain (Wisconsin) entre janvier 1999 et décembre 2017.Des adultes receveurs d’une greffe rénale, un an après l’intervention.Le risque d’évolution vers l’insuffisance rénale, tel que mesuré par l’équation KFRE (DFGe, RAC urinaire, âge et sexe).Ont été inclus tous les patients adultes ayant eu au moins une mesure de la créatinine sérique et du RAC urinaire environ un an après la greffe. La performance de la KFRE a été évaluée par la surface sous la courbe ROC (statistique C). Des modèles à effets aléatoires ont été employés pour la méta-analyse des statistiques C pour les quatre cohortes.Un total de 3 659 patients a été inclus. Les statistiques C regroupées ont été bonnes dans l’ensemble de la population étudiée, avec des valeurs de 0,81 (intervalle de confiance à 95 % : 0,72-0,91) pour la prédiction sur deux ans et de 0,73 (0,67-0,80) pour la prédiction sur cinq ans. La discrimination s’est avérée encore meilleure pour les patients qui présentaient une plus faible fonction rénale (DFGe45 ml/min/1,73 mLa KFRE ne peut prédire les épisodes de rejet aigu et les cohortes étudiées comportaient une grande hétérogénéité.L’équation KFRE prédit avec exactitude le risque de défaillance du greffon dans notre population de receveurs d’une greffe rénale, un an après l’intervention. Poursuivre la validation dans de plus vastes cohortes et pour des temps de suivi prolongés viendrait appuyer le cas en vue de son application clinique.

Rationale & Objectives Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a potent risk factor for macrovascular disease and death. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is more common in patients with CKD and is associated with lower-limb complications and mortality. We sought to compare the prevalence of PAD in and outside the setting of kidney disease and examine how PAD affects the risk for adverse health outcomes, specifically lower-limb complications, cardiovascular events, and survival. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting & Participants 453,573 adult residents of Manitoba with at least 1 serum creatinine measurement between 2007 and 2014. Exposure PAD defined by hospital discharge diagnosis codes and medical claims. Outcomes All-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and lower-limb complications, including foot ulcers and nontraumatic amputations. Analytical Approach Survival analysis using Cox proportional hazards models. Results The prevalence of PAD in our study population was 4.5%, and patients with PAD were older, were more likely to be male, and had a higher burden of comorbid conditions, including diabetes and CKD. PAD was associated with higher risks for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and lower-limb complications in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, those with CKD GFR categories 3 to 5 (G3-G5), and those treated by dialysis (CKD G5D). Although HRs for PAD were lower in the CKD population, event rates were higher as compared with those with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. In particular, compared with patients with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and without PAD, patients with CKD G5D had 10- and 12-fold higher risks for lower-limb complications, respectively (adjusted HRs of 10.36 [95% CI, 8.83-12.16] and 12.02 [95% CI, 9.58-15.08] for those without and with PAD, respectively), and an event rate of 75/1,000 patient-years. Limitations Potential undercounting of PAD and complications using administrative codes and the limited ability to examine quality-of-care indicators for PAD. Conclusions PAD is more common in patients with CKD G3-G5 and G5D compared with those with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and frequently leads to lower-limb complications. Medical interventions and care pathways specifically designed to slow or prevent the development of lower-limb complications in this population are urgently needed.

Recent studies have demonstrated that measurement of areal bone mineral density by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) predicts fractures in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, whether fracture risk prediction through bone mineral density (BMD) is enhanced due to the assessment of biochemical markers of chronic kidney disease and mineral and bone disease (CKD-MBD) or clinical risk factors is not clear. We hypothesized that in a select cohort of patients managed in a CKD clinic, that combiningTo examine the relationships among BMD, biochemical markers of CKD-MBD, and fracture risk across Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) categories G3a to G5.Retrospective study.Patients were recruited from the multidisciplinary CKD clinic, Regina General Hospital, Canada.A total of 374 patients who received a DXA scan upon initial referral to Regina Multidisciplinary CKD Program from January 31, 2001 to January 31, 2010, were included in this study. The patients were followed for a total of 5 years.We conducted a retrospective review of 374 consecutive patients who underwent DXA imaging at the point of entry into our multidisciplinary CKD program. Areal BMD,In our cohort, 14.3% of GFR categories G3a and G3b, 15.7% of GFR category G4, and 19.7% of GFR category G5 experienced a clinical fracture during the study period. On multivariate analysis, each decline of 1.0 SD in total hip BMDSelf-reporting by patients and administrative records were used to identify fractures. We did not perform spine imaging to ascertain morphometric vertebral fractures. We were unable to gather all 11 variables of FRAX score and information on ethnicity. We were unable to capture site of fracture (hips, spine, etc) from billing records. Albumin excretion rates were not collected at baseline. Treatment of the underlying bone disease with pharmacotherapeutic agents may have attenuated patients' fracture risk and thus underestimated the association between BMD and future fracture.Our findings confirm that BMD predicts fracture. The addition of cross-sectional CKD-MBD parameters and clinical risk factors to BMD did not add to fracture prediction. Prospective studies should investigate the utility of longitudinal biochemical markers on improving fracture risk assessment.Des études récentes ont démontré qu’il était possible de prédire les fractures chez les patients atteints d’insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) avec une mesure de la densité minérale osseuse (DMO) surfacique par absorptiométrie biénergétique à rayons X (DXA). On ignore cependant si la valeur prédictive de la DMO est améliorée par l’analyze des biomarqueurs des troubles minéraux et osseux associés à l’IRC (TMO-IRC) ou des facteurs de risque cliniques. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que, dans une cohorte choisie de patients suivis en clinique d’IRC, la combinaison des scores T et des marqueurs biochimiques optimiserait la discrimination des fractures par rapport à l’utilization de la DXA seule.L’étude visait à établir un lien entre la DMO, les biomarqueurs des TMO-IRC et le risque de fractures chez les patients présentant un débit de filtration glomérulaire (DFG) de catégories G3a à G5 selon la classification du KDIGO (Étude rétrospective.Les patients ont été recrutés à la clinique multidisciplinaire d’IRC de l’hôpital général de Régina (Canada).Ont été inclus les 374 patients ayant passé un test d’imagerie DXA entre le 31 janvier 2001 et le 31 janvier 2010 lors de leur aiguillage vers le program multidisciplinaire d’IRC de Régina. Les patients ont été suivis sur une période de cinq ans.Nous avons mené une étude rétrospective portant sur 374 patients consécutifs examinés par DXA à leur admission au program. La DMO surfacique et les scores T et Z ont été mesurés au rachis lombaire, à la hanche totale, à la moyenne des cols fémoraux droit et gauche, et au tiers du radius. On a recueilli les caractéristiques démographiques des patients, les données sur les marqueurs biochimiques transversaux du métabolisme minéral et les fractures subies (recensées à l’aide d’un questionnaire d’auto-déclaration et par consultation des dossiers médicaux électroniques et des registres de facturation des médecins). Nous sommes parvenus à rassembler des données sur huit variables des onze de l’outil FRAX (Dans notre cohorte, 14,3 % des patients avec un DFG de catégorie G3a-G3b, 15,7 % des patients avec un DFG de catégorie G4 et 19,7 % des patients avec un DFG de catégorie G5 ont subi une fracture clinique au cours de la période d’étude. Dans l’analyze multivariée, chaque déclin d’un point d’écart-type au score T de la DMO à la hanche a été associé à une augmentation significative du risque de fracture (RR = 1,46; IC 95 %: 1,12-1,89). L’ajout des marqueurs des TMO-IRC et des facteurs de risque cliniques n’a pas contribué davantage au modèle. Une faible DMO s’est avérée le seul facteur de risque indépendant de subir une fracture chez les patients atteints d’IRC.Les fractures ont été identifiées à partir des dossiers administratifs et par auto-déclaration des patients. Nous n’avons pas procédé à l’imagerie de la colonne vertébrale pour confirmer les fractures vertébrales morphométriques. Nous n’avons pas été en mesure de rassembler les onze variables du score FRAX ni les informations sur l’origine ethnique des patients. Les registres de facturation ne nous ont pas permis d’établir le site de la fracture (hanche, rachis ou autre). Les taux initiaux d’excrétion de l’albumine n’ont pas été mesurés. Le traitement de l’ostéopathie sous-jacente à l’aide d’agents pharmacothérapeutiques pourrait avoir atténué le risque de fracture des patients et ainsi, sous-évalué l’association entre la DMO et de futures fractures.Nos résultats confirment que la DMO est prédictive du risque de fractures. L’ajout des paramètres transversaux des TMO-IRC et des facteurs de risque cliniques à la mesure de DMO n’en a pas amélioré la valeur prédictive. Des études prospectives devraient examiner l’intérêt des marqueurs biochimiques longitudinaux pour améliorer l’évaluation du risque de fracture.

Background Exercise rehabilitation may help maintain physical function in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but long-term clinical effectiveness is unknown. We evaluated the effect of an exercise rehabilitation program on physical function over 1 year in individuals with CKD. Methods This clinical program evaluation included adults with CKD (any stage) registered in a provincial renal program from 1 January 2011 to 31 March 2016. Attenders were referred to and attended a 10-week exercise rehabilitation program (n = 117). Nonattenders were referred, but did not attend the program (n = 133). Individuals enrolled in a longitudinal frailty study (n = 318) composed a second control group. Primary outcome: Change in physical function [short physical performance battery (SPPB) score]. Secondary outcomes included change in health-related quality of life, physical activity, exercise behaviour, hospitalization over 1 year. Predictors of improved SPPB were assessed using logistic regression. Results In sum, 53, 40 and 207 participants completed 1-year follow-up in attender, nonattender and second control groups, respectively. Baseline median SPPB [interquartile range (IQR)] scores were 10.5 (9–12), 10 (8–12) and 9 (7–11) in attender, nonattender and second control groups, respectively (P = 0.02). Mean change in SPPB score over 1 year was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.7). Attenders with baseline SPPB score Conclusions The impact of clinical exercise rehabilitation programs on physical function at 1 year needs further delineation. However, our observation of improved exercise behaviour at 1 year suggests sustained benefits with such programs in CKD.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is the most common potentially modifiable reason for admission in patients with cirrhosis. Cognitive and physical components of frailty have pathophysiologic rationale as risk factors for HE. We aimed to assess the utility of a composite score (MoCA–CFS) developed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) for predicting HE admissions within 6 months. Consecutive adult patients with cirrhosis were followed for 6 months or until death/transplant. Patients with overt HE and dementia were excluded. Primary outcome was the prediction of HE-related admissions at 6 months. A total of 355 patients were included; mean age 55.9 ± 9.6; 62.5% male; Hepatitis C and alcohol etiology in 64%. Thirty-six percent of patients had cognitive impairment according to the MoCA (≤24) and 14% were frail on the CFS (>4). The MoCA–CFS independently predicted HE hospitalization within 6 months, a MoCA–CFS score of 1 and 2 respectively increasing the odds of hospitalization by 3.3 (95% CI:1.5–7.7) and 5.7 (95% CI:1.9–17.3). HRQoL decreased with increasing MoCA–CFS. Depression and older age were independent predictors of a low MoCA. Cognitive and physical frailty are common in patients with cirrhosis. In addition to being an independent predictor of HE admissions within 6 months, the MoCA-CFS composite score predicts impaired HRQoL and all-cause admissions within 6 months. These data support the predictive value of a “multidimensional” frailty tool for the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes and highlight the potential for a multi-faceted approach to therapy targeting cognitive impairment, physical frailty and depression.

Background: Anemia is a common complication associated with kidney failure and is marked by poor health and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. There are ongoing concerns with the use of Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESAs) to treat anemia in patients with kidney failure on dialysis. Questions as to their benefits, harms and overall effect on quality of life are still relevant today. Our objective was to systematically review studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of ESAs in patients with kidney failure on dialysis. Methods: We performed a systematic review of studies determining the cost-effectiveness of ESAs in adult patients on dialysis. Databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, were searched from their establishment until June 2013. Studies that reported an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of hemoglobin correction strategies based on ESA treatments in comparison to red blood cell transfusions, lower hemoglobin targets, or no ESA treatment were included. Results: Seven studies met inclusion criteria. Reported cost/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) ratios ranged from USD 931-677,749/QALY across five studies comparing ESAs to red blood cell transfusions. There was heterogeneity in results when considering higher hemoglobin targets, with studies finding higher targets to be both dominant and dominated. Mortality, hospitalization, and utility estimates were major drivers. Conclusions: There is substantial variability in the estimates of the cost-effectiveness of using ESAs in the dialysis population. New models incorporating recent meta-analyses for estimates of utility, mortality, and hospitalization changes would allow for a more comprehensive answer to this question.

Background and objectives The safety of intravenous iron dosing in dialysis is uncertain. Higher-dose intravenous iron may be associated with a higher risk of infections, cardiovascular events, hospitalizations, and mortality. This systematic review aimed to determine the safety of higher-dose versus lower-dose intravenous iron, oral iron, or no iron supplementation in adult patients treated with dialysis. Design, setting, participants, & measurements We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and CINAHL from inception to January 6, 2017 for randomized, controlled trials and observational studies comparing higher-dose intravenous iron with lower-dose intravenous iron, oral iron, or no iron in patients treated with dialysis that had all-cause mortality, infection, cardiovascular events, or hospitalizations as outcomes. Results Of the 2231 eligible studies, seven randomized, controlled trials and 15 observational studies met inclusion criteria. The randomized, controlled trials showed no association between higher-dose intravenous iron (>400 mg/mo for most studies) and mortality (six studies; n =970; pooled relative risk, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.47 to 1.84; follow-up ranging from 35 days to 26 months) or infection (four studies; n =743; relative risk, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 1.41). The observational studies showed no association between higher-dose intravenous iron (>200 mg/mo for most studies) and mortality (eight studies; n =241,408; hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.98 to 1.21; follow-up ranging from 3 to 24 months), infection (eight studies; n =135,532; pooled hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.99 to 1.28), cardiovascular events (seven studies; n =135,675; hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.90 to 1.56), or hospitalizations (five studies; n =134,324; hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.97 to 1.19). Conclusions Higher-dose intravenous iron does not seem to be associated with higher risk of mortality, infection, cardiovascular events, or hospitalizations in adult patients on dialysis. Strength of this finding is limited by small numbers of participants and events in the randomized, controlled trials and statistical heterogeneity in observational studies.

Background There is little certainty as to the prevalence of frailty in Canadians in younger adulthood. This study examines and compares the prevalence of frailty in Canadians 18–79 years old using the Accumulation of Deficits and Fried models of frailty. Methods The Canadian Health Measures Study data were used to estimate the prevalence of frailty in adults 18–79 years old. A 23-item Frailty Index using the Accumulation of Deficits Model (cycles 1–3; n = 10,995) was developed; frailty was defined as having the presence of 25% or more indices, including symptoms, chronic conditions, and laboratory variables. Fried frailty (cycles 1–2; n = 7,353) included the presence of ≥3 criteria: exhaustion, physical inactivity, poor mobility, unintentional weight loss, and poor grip strength. Results The prevalence of frailty was 8.6 and 6.6% with the Accumulation of Deficits and the Fried Model. Comparing the Fried vs. the Accumulation of Deficits Model, the prevalence of frailty was 5.3% vs. 1.8% in the 18–34 age group, 5.7% vs. 4.3% in the 35–49 age group, 6.9% vs. 11.6% in the 50–64 age group, and 7.8% vs. 20.2% in the 65+ age group. Some indices were higher in the younger age groups, including persistent cough, poor health compared to a year ago, and asthma for the accumulation of deficits model, and exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, and weak grip strength for the Fried model, compared to the older age groups. Conclusions These data show that frailty is prevalent in younger adults, but varies depending on which frailty tool is used. Further research is needed to determine the health impact of frailty in younger adults. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12877-017-0423-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Canadian indigenous (First Nations) have rates of kidney failure that are 2- to 4-fold higher than the non-indigenous general Canadian population. As such, a strategy of targeted screening and treatment for CKD may be cost-effective in this population. Our objective was to assess the cost utility of screening and subsequent treatment for CKD in rural Canadian indigenous adults by both estimated glomerular filtration rate and the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. A decision analytic Markov model was constructed comparing the screening and treatment strategy to usual care. Primary outcomes were presented as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) presented as a cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Screening for CKD was associated with an ICER of $23,700/QALY in comparison to usual care. Restricting the model to screening in communities accessed only by air travel (CKD prevalence 34.4%), this ratio fell to $7,790/QALY. In road accessible communities (CKD prevalence 17.6%) the ICER was $52,480/QALY. The model was robust to changes in influential variables when tested in univariate sensitivity analyses. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis found 72% of simulations to be cost-effective at a $50,000/QALY threshold and 93% of simulations to be cost-effective at a $100,000/QALY threshold. Thus, targeted screening and treatment for CKD using point-of-care testing equipment in rural Canadian indigenous populations is cost-effective, particularly in remote air access–only communities with the highest risk of CKD and kidney failure. Evaluation of targeted screening initiatives with cluster randomized controlled trials and integration of screening into routine clinical visits in communities with the highest risk is recommended.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem that is associated with excess morbidity, mortality, and health resource utilization. The progression of CKD is defined by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and leads to a variety of metabolic abnormalities including acidosis, hypertension, anemia, and mineral bone disorder. Lower glomerular filtration rate also bears a strong relationship with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, end-stage renal disease, and death. Patterns of CKD progression include linear and nonlinear trajectories, but kidney function can remain stable for years in some individuals. Addressing modifiable risk factors for the progression of CKD is needed to attenuate its associated morbidity and mortality. Developing effective risk prediction models for CKD progression is critical to identify patients who are more likely to benefit from interventions and more intensive monitoring. Accurate risk-prediction algorithms permit systems to best align health care resources with risk to maximize their effects and efficiency while guiding overall decision making.

Patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) have an increased short-term and long-term risk of mortality. In most North American intensive care units (ICUs), these patients receive continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).We aim to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with mortality within 24 h of initiating CRRT.This paper is a prospective cohort study.The setting involves three ICUs (12-bed surgical ICU, 10-bed medical ICU, and a 7-bed combined ICU for both medical and surgical patients) of the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region (RQHR) Saskatchewan, Canada.The patients were 106 individuals with AKI who were admitted to the ICUs and received CRRT from April 2013 to September 2014.Date and time of admission, transfer to, and initiation of CRRT were documented. Demographic data, use of vasoactive medications, ventilator settings, pH, urine output, and chronic disease comorbidities were measured.The methods involved a stepwise multiple variable logistic regression model using death within 24 h of starting CRRT as the dependent variable, with significant variables derived from univariate analysis as covariates.Of the 2634 patients admitted to the ICUs in the study period (April 2013 to September 2014), 83.6 % (2201/2634) had no AKI. Two hundred and sixty-nine or 10.2 % of the patients had stage 3 AKI. One hundred six of the 269 patients (40%) were started on CRRT. Of those on CRRT, 66/106 died in the ICU while on CRRT. Seventeen of the 66 patients (26%) died within 24 h of initiating therapy. In univariate logistic regression models, factors associated with early mortality included fraction of inspired oxygen (per 0.1 unit) (OR 1.39, 95 % CI 1.09-1.77); epinephrine dose10 μg/min (OR 5.81, 95 % CI 1.86-18.16); vasopressin0.02 μg/min (OR 3.99, 95 % CI 1.07-14.84); and norepinephrine dose20 μg/min (OR 11.04, 95 % CI 2.38-51.24) which were associated with early mortality. When included in stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, only FiO2 (per 0.1 unit) and the dose of norepinephrine of20 μg/min were independently associated with early mortality.The small sample size was a limitation of this study.Patients admitted to the ICU with AKI requiring CRRT have a high risk of early mortality. In these patients, vasopressor use and hypoxia were independently associated with adverse short-term survival.Les patients souffrant d’insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA) nécessitant un traitement de suppléance rénale voient leur risque de mortalité augmenter à plus ou moins long terme. Dans la plupart des unités de soins intensifs (USI) d’Amérique du Nord, on soigne ces patients en leur prodiguant un traitement de suppléance rénale en continu (TRSC).L’étude visait à identifier les facteurs cliniques et démographiques associés à un décès du patient dans les 24 heures suivant l’amorce d’un TSRC.Il s’agit d’une étude de cohorte rétrospective qui s’est tenue au sein de trois USI de centres hospitaliers associés auLa cohorte comptait un total de 106 patients souffrant d’IRA ayant été admis à l’une ou l’autre des trois USI, et ayant reçu un TSRC entre avril 2013 et septembre 2014.Pour chaque patient, on a consigné la date et l’heure de l’admission à l’hôpital, du transfert en USI et du moment où le TSRC a été amorcé. Les données démographiques ainsi que des renseignements cliniques tels que la prise ou non de médicaments vasoactifs, les paramètres de ventilation, la mesure du pH à l’amorce du TSRC, la diurèse et les maladies chroniques en comorbidité, lorsque présentes, ont également été enregistrées pour chaque participant à l’étude.Un modèle par étapes de régression logistique à variables multiples a été utilisé pour l’analyse des données. Le décès du patient à l’intérieur des 24 heures suivant l’amorce de la dialyse en continu a servi de variable dépendante lors de l’analyse alors que les données significatives dérivant de l’analyse univariée ont été utilisées comme covariables.Des 2634 patients admis au sein de l’une ou l’autre des USI participantes au cours de la période de l’étude, 83,6 % (2201/2634) n’étaient pas en situation d’insuffisance rénale aiguë. Un total de 269 patients (10,2 %) souffraient d’IRA de stade 3 et un TSRC a été amorcé pour 106 (40 %) d’entre eux. De ces 106 patients, 66 sont décédés à l’unité de soins intensifs, dont 17 (26 %) dans les 24 premières heures. Dans le modèle de régression logistique univariée, les facteurs associés à une mortalité précoce incluaient la fraction d’oxygène dans l’air inspiré (FiOLe faible échantillonnage de patients limite la portée des résultats de cette étude.Les patients souffrant d’IRA et nécessitant un traitement de suppléance rénale qui sont admis dans les unités de soins intensifs ont un risque accru de mortalité précoce à la suite de l’amorce du traitement. On a de plus observé chez ces patients que la prise de médicaments vasopresseurs ainsi que l’hypoxie étaient deux facteurs associés de manière indépendante à des effets néfastes sur leur survie à court terme.

Reactivation of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a health concern for patients on dialysis or receiving a kidney transplant, as these patients are often immunosuppressed. The most frequently used test for LTBI screening in this population is the tuberculin skin test (TST). The diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of the TST in a contemporary North American or Western European dialysis population is unknown.Our objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the two-step TST in patients receiving dialysis.This is a retrospective cohort study.This study is set at four tertiary dialysis units across Winnipeg, Manitoba.There are 483 chronic hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients in the study.The measurements are sensitivity and specificity of the TST with respect to abnormal chest X-ray.All patients received a two-step TST and assessment of risk factors for prior tuberculosis (TB) infection between February 2008 and December 2008. This cohort was retrospectively linked to our tuberculosis registry to ascertain if prophylaxis was received for LTBI.At an induration cutoff of 5 mm, 62 (13 %) patients had a positive two-step TST. Patients with a known Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination were more likely to test positive (50 % of those with a positive TST had a BCG versus 34 % with a negative TST, p = 0.05). Using a diagnostic gold standard of an abnormal chest X-ray as a proxy for LTBI, the sensitivity of the TST was only 14 % and the specificity was 88 %. Only 8 of 62 patients with a positive TST (13 %) received prophylaxis for LTBI. None of the patients who tested negative were treated.There is a lack of a truly accurate gold standard for LTBI.The TST has limited diagnostic and clinical utility for LTBI screening in patients on dialysis. Further research into the diagnostic accuracy of interferon-gamma release assays and a revision of LTBI screening guidelines in patients on dialysis should be considered.La réactivation d’une infection latente àCette étude visait à évaluer la précision diagnostique et la pertinence clinique de ce test de dépistage en deux étapes chez les patients recevant des traitements de dialyse.Il s’agit d’une étude de cohorte rétrospective qui s’est tenue dans quatre unités de dialyse en centre de soins tertiaires à Winnipeg, au Manitoba.La cohorte était constituée de 483 patients sous hémodialyse chronique ou sous hémodialyse péritonéale.La sensibilité et la spécificité du TCT ont été évaluées sur la base d’une radiographie pulmonaire anormale.Au cours de la période comprise entre février et décembre 2008, tous les participants avaient subi les deux étapes du TCT et fait l’objet d’une évaluation de leurs facteurs de risque attribuables à des antécédents d’infection tuberculeuse. La cohorte a été reliée de façon rétrospective aux registres actuels de la tuberculose afin de vérifier si les mesures de prophylaxie avaient été suivies.À la valeur seuil d’induration de 5 mm, 62 patients (13 %) ont obtenu un résultat positif au TCT réalisé en deux étapes. Les patients qui avaient été vaccinés contre le BCG (bacille de Calmette et Guérin) par le passé étaient plus susceptibles d’obtenir un résultat positif. La moitié (50 %) des patients présentant un résultat positif au TCT avaient reçu le vaccin alors que cette proportion était de seulement 34 % parmi les patients qui avaient eu un résultat négatif (p = 0,05). À titre d’indicateur de la présence d’une ITL, le recours à une radiographie pulmonaire anormale a permis d’établir la sensibilité du TCT à 14 % alors que la spécificité s’est élevée à 88 %. Seuls huit des 62 patients ayant obtenu un résultat positif au TCT avaient suivi les mesures prophylactiques adéquates et aucun des patients ayant obtenu un résultat négatif au TCT n’a été traité.Il n’existe aucune norme de référence véritablement précise en ce qui concerne les ITL.Le test cutané à la tuberculine s’avère d’une pertinence diagnostique et clinique limitée pour le dépistage des infections tuberculeuses latentes chez les patients sous dialyse. La fiabilité diagnostique de mesures telles que le test de libération d’interféron gamma devrait être davantage explorée. De plus, une révision des lignes directrices en matière de dépistage des ITL chez les patients sous dialyse devrait être prise en considération.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is important in the diagnosis and prognostication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The current standards for CKD progression in clinical trials are kidney failure and the doubling of serum creatinine (∼57% decline in eGFR). These endpoints have limitations as they are only applicable to patients with later stages of CKD and often require large sample sizes to achieve adequate power.Lesser declines in eGFR (30% and 40%) have been evaluated as potential endpoints in recent studies. These endpoints are more common and show a strong association with the risk of end-stage renal disease and mortality. These findings have been shown to be consistent across different causes of CKD and for different interventions. A particular limitation of reduced thresholds is an elevated risk of type I errors in the presence of acute treatment effects, particularly with a 30% eGFR decline cut off.Surrogate endpoints for kidney failure and mortality are needed in clinical trials to allow for the reasonable management of timelines and resources, and the achievement of adequate sample sizes. Lesser eGFR decline thresholds should be considered to aid in the design and conduct of more randomized controlled trials in nephrology.

Background Unplanned hospital admissions in high-risk patients are common and costly in an increasingly frail chronic disease population. Virtual Wards (VW) are an emerging concept to improve outcomes in these patients. Purpose To evaluate the effect of post-discharge VWs, as an alternative to usual community based care, on hospital readmissions and mortality among heart failure and non-heart failure populations. Data sources Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, SCOPUS and CINAHL, from inception through to Jan 31, 2017; unpublished data, prior systematic reviews; reference lists. Study selection Randomized trials of post-discharge VW versus community based, usual care that reported all-cause hospital readmission and mortality outcomes. Data extraction Data were reviewed for inclusion and independently extracted by two reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Data synthesis In patients with heart failure, a post-discharge VW reduced risk of mortality (six trials, n = 1634; RR 0.59, 95% CI = 0.44–0.78). Heart failure related readmissions were reduced (RR 0.61, 95% CI = 0.49–0.76), although all-cause readmission was not. In contrast, a post-discharge VW did not reduce death or hospital readmissions for patients with undifferentiated high-risk chronic diseases (four trials, n = .3186). Limitations Heterogeneity with respect to intervention and comparator, lacking consistent descriptions and utilization of standardized nomenclature for VW. Some trials had methodologic shortcomings and relatively small study populations. Conclusions A post-discharge VW can provide added benefits to usual community based care to reduce all-cause mortality and heart failure-related hospital admissions among patients with heart failure. Further research is needed to evaluate the utility of VWs in other chronic disease settings.

Background Indigenous Canadians have high rates of risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), in particular diabetes. Furthermore, they have increased rates of complications associated with CKD, such as kidney failure and vascular disease. Our objective was to describe the prevalence of CKD in this population. Study Design Cross-sectional cohort. Setting & Participants Indigenous (First Nations) Canadians 18 years or older screened as part of the First Nations Community Based Screening to Improve Kidney Health and Prevent Dialysis (FINISHED) project, an initiative completed in 2015 that accomplished community-wide screening in 11 rural communities in Manitoba, Canada. Predictors Indigenous ethnicity and geographic location (communities accessible by road compared with those accessible only by air). Outcome Prevalence of CKD, presumed based on a single ascertainment of urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 30mg/g and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 2 . Measurements Kidney function measured by eGFR (CKD-EPI creatinine equation) and UACR. Results 1,346 adults were screened; 25.5% had CKD, defined as UACR≥30mg/g or eGFR 2 . Communities accessible by road had a lower prevalence of CKD (17.6%) than more remote communities accessible only by air (34.4%). Of those screened, 3.3% had reduced kidney function (defined as eGFR 2 ). Severely increased albuminuria was present in 5.0% of those screened. Limitations Presumption of chronicity based on a single ascertainment. There is a possibility of sampling bias, the net direction of which is uncertain. Conclusions We found a 2-fold higher prevalence of CKD in indigenous Canadians in comparison to the general population and a prevalence of severely increased albuminuria that was 5-fold higher. This is comparable to patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. Public health strategies to screen, triage, and treat all Canadian indigenous peoples with CKD should be considered.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem with increasing prevalence and incidence. Guidelines suggest that early referral to a nephrologist to manage advanced stage (4+) patients with CKD is an effective treatment strategy, with earlier stage patients best managed through primary care physicians. Should patients with CKD progress to total kidney failure, several therapies are available that vary widely in costs. Kidney transplantation offers the lowest costs and highest quality of life, followed in ascending order of costs by peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis and facility-based hemodialysis. Earlier detection of CKD may prevent progression to kidney failure, and accurate risk prediction of end-stage kidney failure may improve clinical planning, outcomes and resource allocation.

Background Kidney Failure is epidemic in many remote communities in Canada. In-centre hemodialysis is provided within these settings in satellite hemodialysis units. The key cost drivers of this program have not been fully described. Such information is important in informing the design of programs aimed at optimizing efficiency in providing dialysis and preventative chronic kidney disease care in remote communities. Design, Setting, Participants, and Measurements We constructed a cost model based on data derived from 16 of Manitoba, Canada’s remote satellite units. We included all costs for operation of the unit, transportation, treatment, and capital costs. All costs were presented in 2013 Canadian dollars. Results The annual per-patient cost of providing hemodialysis in the satellite units ranged from $80,372 to $215,918 per patient, per year. The median per patient, per year cost was $99,888 (IQR $89,057—$122,640). Primary cost drivers were capital costs related to construction, human resource expenses, and expenses for return to tertiary care centres for health care. Costs related to transport considerably increased estimates in units that required plane or helicopter transfers. Conclusions Satellite hemodialysis units in remote areas are more expensive on a per-patient basis than hospital hemodialysis and satellite hemodialysis available in urban areas. In some rural, remote locations, better value for money may reside in local surveillance and prevention programs in addition support for home dialysis therapies over construction of new satellite hemodialysis units.

Background Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in the first 12 months post-event. Interventions such as dual antiplatelet therapy can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), but the duration of the high-risk time interval and the optimal prescription time frame for these interventions remains unknown. Design, setting, participants, and measurements We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from medical services and hospitalizations in Manitoba, Canada for patients admitted with a MI between April 2006 and March 2010, and followed until Nov 30, 2014. We used survival analysis to determine the cumulative incidence of death, subsequent MI, or stroke, and used Cox proportional hazards models to assess factors associated with these endpoints. Results There were 8,493 patients in Manitoba admitted to hospital for a MI during the study period. Of those, 6,749 (79.5%) survived for at least 1 year without a recurrent MI or stroke. In the following year, this population remained at high risk, with 372 (5.5%) of the remaining patients dying in the next twelve months (48.1% cardiovascular deaths), 244 (3.6%) having a recurrent MI, and 74 (1.1%) having a stroke. Older age, male sex, diabetes, prior stroke, prior heart failure, prior unstable angina, and absence of revascularization were associated with worse long-term prognosis. Conclusions The risk of MACE remains elevated among post-MI patients after the first year. Interventions to more intensively monitor, evaluate, and treat these patients should be considered beyond the first year following myocardial infarction.

Reactivation of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is an important health concern for patients on hemodialysis because of their immunosuppressed state and in kidney transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection. There are several tests available to determine the presence of latent tuberculosis infection: the tuberculin skin test (TST), QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G), and T-SPOT.TB. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these tests in determining latent tuberculosis infection in the hemodialysis population.The study design was a systematic review. We selected studies with adequate information to ascertain test sensitivity or specificity of the TST, QFT-G, and TSPOT.TB with regards to determining latent tuberculosis infection in the hemodialysis population.One hundred two articles were selected for full review, and 17 were included in the meta-analysis. The TST had a pooled sensitivity of 31% (26%-36%, 95% confidence interval) and specificity of 63% (60%-65%) across eight studies. The QFT-G test had a pooled sensitivity of 53% (46%-59%) and specificity of 69% (65%-72%) across nine studies. The T-SPOT.TB test had a pooled sensitivity of 50% (42%-59%) and specificity of 67% (61%-73%) across three studies.The QFT-G and the T-SPOT.TB tests were more sensitive than the TST for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in patients on hemodialysis while offering a comparable level of specificity. This systematic review calls into question the practice of using the TST to screen in this population, especially in patients considered for kidney transplantation.