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Introduction: The protein‐energy wasting (PEW) syndrome is a common complication in hemodialysis (HD) patients associated to morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of PEW and its association with erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) score, body composition by impedance, health‐related quality of life, and muscle strength. Methods: In this cross‐sectional, observational, multicenter study, we included data from 191 HD patients from three HD clinics located in Mexico City, Mexico. Clinical and biochemistry variables, body composition, handgrip strength, and the KDQOL‐SF36 questionnaire were collected for each patient. Findings: Prevalence of PEW was 22% (n = 41/191), with a higher frequency in those with diabetes mellitus (59% vs. 49%, p = 0.04). Subjects with PEW had lower hemoglobin levels (9.5 + 1.6 g/dl vs. 10.3 + 1.7 g/dl; p = 0.005) and higher ERI scores (19.2 ± 11.2 vs. 15.6 ± 8.2; p = 0.04) compared with the non‐PEW group. In analysis of body composition, PEW was associated to higher overhydration status (42.2 vs. 24.9 OH/kg; p = 0.009), higher extracellular water (263 ± 40 vs. 246 ± 32 ml/kg; p = 0.019), lower lean tissue index (12.2 ± 3.2 vs. 14.1 ± 3.7 ml/m2; p = 0.021), and lower fat tissue index (9.6 ± 5.7 vs. 12.3 ± 6.2 ml/m2; p = 0.043). Handgrip strength was lower in PEW patients (22.5 vs. 28.1 kg; p = 0.002). Finally, no significant differences were observed between groups in quality‐of‐life assessment. Discussion: In this study, PEW was associated to poor responsiveness to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents, lower muscle strength, and higher overhydration status due to the increase in extracellular water which replaced the loss of tissue. Nevertheless, quality‐of‐life assessment was not different in patients with PEW compared with those without this complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19 frequently develop severe acute kidney injury (AKI). Although continuous renal replacement therapy is the standard of care for critically ill patients, prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy (PIRRT) may be a feasible option. We aimed to describe the tolerability and security of PIRRT treatments in COVID-19 patients with ARDS who required mechanical ventilation and developed severe AKI. Methods: We prospectively analyzed patients who underwent PIRRT treatments at a COVID-19 reference hospital in Mexico City. Intradialytic hypotension was defined as a systolic blood pressure decrease of ≥20 mm Hg or an increase of 100% in vasopressor dose. Results: We identified 136 AKI cases (60.7%) in 224 patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Among them, 21 (15%) underwent PIRRT (130 sessions) due to stage 3 AKI. The median age of the cohort was 49 (range 36–73) years, 17 (81%) were male, 7 (33%) had diabetes, and the median time between symptoms onset and PIRRT initiation was 12 (interquartile range [IQR] 7–14) days. The median of PIRRT procedures for each patient was 5 (IQR 4–9) sessions. In 108 (83%) PIRRT sessions, the total ultrafiltration goal was achieved. In 84 (65%) PIRRT procedures, there was a median increase in norepinephrine dose of +0.031 mcg/kg/min during PIRRT (IQR 0.00 to +0.07). Intradialytic hypotensive events occurred in 56 (43%) procedures. Fifteen (12%) PIRRT treatments were discontinued due to severe hypotension. Vasopressor treatment at PIRRT session onset (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.4–28.0, p: 0.02) and a pre-PIRRT lactate ≥3.0 mmol/L (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.3–12.8, p: 0.003) were independently and significantly associated with the risk of hypotension during PIRRT. During follow-up, 11 patients (52%) recovered from AKI and respiratory failure and 9 (43%) died. Several adaptations to our PIRRT protocol during the COVID-19 outbreak are presented. Conclusions: PIRRT was feasible in the majority of COVID-19 patients with ARDS and severe AKI, despite frequent transitory intradialytic hypotensive episodes. PIRRT may represent an acceptable alternative of renal replacement therapy during the COVID-19 outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]