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Background: Detailed characterization of B cells in dialysis patients who are candidates for kidney transplant is still lacking, with little information on how dialysis duration and modality impact B cell subsets. Methods: Cluster analysis of flow cytometry determined the frequencies and absolute numbers of B-cell subsets and divided the cohort of 78 candidates into two distinct clusters, one with shorter and one with longer dialysis duration. Results: The immune profiles of the clusters differed depending on whether frequencies or absolute counts were considered. In long-term dialysis patients, the frequency of total memory, double negative and marginal zone B cells increased, while the frequency of naive and regulatory B cells decreased. This pattern was reversed in short-term dialysis patients, with a decrease in memory and an increase in naive and regulatory populations. The B subset number decreased significantly in long-term dialysis patients, while it increased significantly in short-term dialysis patients. The dialysis modality affected the frequency-based subset immune profiles. Conclusions: It is important to determine whether the evaluation is based on frequencies or absolute numbers. The different distribution of B cell subsets in the clusters, in terms of frequencies and absolute numbers, was influenced by dialysis duration. Modality and age only influenced the frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract On 1 December 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread around the world. In an effort to prevent transmission, global traffic flows were affected and lectures by international speakers at the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy were streamed over the internet. Speakers from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Mongolia reported on the status of COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients from December 2019 to June 2022. In addition, the situation in Japan is discussed in the introduction. In Japan, the mortality rate due to COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients was approximately 20% in a national statistical survey before the introduction of the vaccine, and decreased to 3.1% with the introduction of the vaccine. In Vietnam, the mortality rate was 42% in non-vaccinated recipients and 21% in two-dose recipients, but this was reported by a single center. Mortality among dialysis patients with COVID-19 infection in Indonesia was 57%, although reported by a single center. In Indonesia, 6 million people were infected with COVID-19, and the number of COVID-19 cases among dialysis patients was estimated to be around 52,200. Mongolia was considered to be the country that was able to move to vaccination while most effectively controlling the domestic spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 compared with many other countries.

Abstract Background Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy (AN) are common in patients with diabetes and advanced renal disease. As yet different domains of autonomic neuropathy cannot be detected by a singular laboratory or invasive test. COMPASS 31, a new self-assessment test, has shown reliable results not only in cardiac autonomic neuropathy but also in different sub-domains when judging manifestation of AN by scores. Methods One hundred eighty-three patients with or without diabetes were enrolled, one hundred nineteen of them were treated with permanent dialysis therapy (HD), sixty-four patients served as controls (eGFR > 60 ml/min.) Using COMPASS 31 different symptoms of AN were assessed (orthostatic intolerance, vasomotor, secretomotor, gastrointestinal, bladder, pupillomotor changes) and transferred into AN-scores. Results AN was more pronounced in dialysis patients compared with controls (AN-score 27,5 vs. 10,0; p

Background: Social constraints are perceived as unsupportive behaviors, leading to inadequate psychosocial adjustment, while optimism can help people recover from distress and reduce any negative effects of chronic disease. The aim of this study was to investigate social constraints, psychosocial adjustment and optimism among patients on dialysis. Methods: In this study, 402 patients undergoing dialysis in Greece completed the following questionnaires: (i) the Social Constraints Scale (SCS) for the assessment of social constrains, (ii) the Psychosocial adjustment to illness scale (PAIS-SR) for the assessment of psychosocial adjustment, and (iii) the LOT-R scale for the assessment of optimism. A Mann–Whitney test was used for the comparison of continuous variables between two groups. Spearman correlation coefficients (rho) were used to explore the association of two continuous variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was used with the SCS scale. Results: Greater difficulty in psychosocial adjustment in the domestic, vocational, extended family and social environments, sexual relationships, and health care as well as greater psychological distress were significantly associated with a greater occurrence of social constraints (p < 0.001). Additionally, greater optimism was significantly associated with fewer social constraints and lower difficulty in adjusting to their disease (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Greater difficulty in all dimensions of psychosocial adjustment is associated with more social constraints, while optimism is associated with fewer social constraints and better disease adjustment.

Background: Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy (AN) are common in patients with diabetes and advanced renal disease. As yet different domains of autonomic neuropathy cannot be detected by a singular laboratory or invasive test. COMPASS 31, a new self-assessment test, has shown reliable results not only in cardiac autonomic neuropathy but also in different sub-domains when judging manifestation of AN by scores. Methods: One hundred eighty-three patients with or without diabetes were enrolled, one hundred nineteen of them were treated with permanent dialysis therapy (HD), sixty-four patients served as controls (eGFR > 60 ml/min.) Using COMPASS 31 different symptoms of AN were assessed (orthostatic intolerance, vasomotor, secretomotor, gastrointestinal, bladder, pupillomotor changes) and transferred into AN-scores. Results: AN was more pronounced in dialysis patients compared with controls (AN-score 27,5 vs. 10,0; p < 0,01). These differences were present also in every sub-domain of AN (orthostatic intolerance, vasomotor, secretomotor, gastrointestinal, bladder, pupillomotor changes; p < 0,05 for all sub-domains). In diabetic patients there was a strong correlation between symptoms of AN and diabetes duration (correlation coefficient r = 0,45, p < 0,001). Current glycemic control (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), sex, and height had no influence on AN when comparing dialysis patients and controls. C-reactive protein (CRP) showed a positive linear correlation with AN-scores (correlation coefficient r = 0,21; p < 0,05). Conclusion: Symptoms of AN are more pronounced in dialysis patients not only in total but also in all different domains of neuropathic changes. Longlasting diabetic disease promotes development of AN, as duration of diabetes was positively correlated with AN. Future longitudinal studies might help to identify the high cardiovascular and mortality risk in dialysis patients by the easy-to-use COMPASS 31 without need of invasive and time-spending methods for diagnosing AN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social constraints are perceived as unsupportive behaviors, leading to inadequate psychosocial adjustment, while optimism can help people recover from distress and reduce any negative effects of chronic disease. The aim of this study was to investigate social constraints, psychosocial adjustment and optimism among patients on dialysis. Methods: In this study, 402 patients undergoing dialysis in Greece completed the following questionnaires: (i) the Social Constraints Scale (SCS) for the assessment of social constrains, (ii) the Psychosocial adjustment to illness scale (PAIS-SR) for the assessment of psychosocial adjustment, and (iii) the LOT-R scale for the assessment of optimism. A Mann–Whitney test was used for the comparison of continuous variables between two groups. Spearman correlation coefficients (rho) were used to explore the association of two continuous variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was used with the SCS scale. Results: Greater difficulty in psychosocial adjustment in the domestic, vocational, extended family and social environments, sexual relationships, and health care as well as greater psychological distress were significantly associated with a greater occurrence of social constraints (p < 0.001). Additionally, greater optimism was significantly associated with fewer social constraints and lower difficulty in adjusting to their disease (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Greater difficulty in all dimensions of psychosocial adjustment is associated with more social constraints, while optimism is associated with fewer social constraints and better disease adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionSarcopenia is a chronic pathological condition, first defined in 2010 and revised in 2018. The most recent definition of sarcopenia focuses mostly on “low muscle strength.” A secondary form of sarcopenia is represented by uremic sarcopenia (US), a condition that characterizes end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. The intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) seems to impact negatively on muscle strength, as it would seem to replace muscle fibers with a non-contractile component. The study aims to compare body composition parameters—both standardized and innovative—related to the diagnosis of US in hemodialysis (HD) patients, stratified by sarcopenia diagnosis. Furthermore, the different indices of sarcopenia are compared in order to evaluate their predictive capacity.MethodsWe analyzed 48 ESKD patients according to the sarcopenia diagnosis, obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Moreover, we assessed the presence of IMAT and calculated the sarcopenia index (SI).ResultsFor the study, the enrolled population was divided according to the sarcopenia diagnosis: no sarcopenic patients had higher transferrin (p = 0.03), total proteins (p = 0.04), and azotemia pre-dialysis (p = 0.05) values. On the contrary, atherogenic indices were lower in no sarcopenic patients. Moreover, we observed an indirect correlation between the SI and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (p = 0.00138, R2 = 0.54). Finally, we calculated the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenia adjusted for IMAT. We showed a different prevalence between sarcopenia diagnosed with a standard index and an index adjusted for IMAT (p = 0.043). In conclusion, we believe that the most important result obtained is the indirect correlation between SI and PTH. These data corroborate the theories, in which PTH seems to play a central role in the cachexia genesis. Moreover, the SI adjusted for IMAT seems to be a more reliable parameter for the early identification of subjects at risk of developing US, allowing timely implementation of targeted therapeutic strategies.

BackgroundThe efficacy of the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan (SV) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been established. Two meta-analyses have demonstrated its significant role in enhancing ventricular remodeling. However, the effectiveness and safety of its use in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remain unclear.Methods and resultsUp to October 2023, we searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for studies involving ESRD patients treated with ARNI. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Effect sizes were reported as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We included 10 studies, encompassing 649 patients. ARNI was associated with improvements in blood pressure and left ventricular (LV) function in ESRD patients, including systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD −12.76 mmHg; 95% CI, −18.03 to −7.5 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD −6.41 mmHg; 95% CI, −8.10 to −4.72 mmHg), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (MD, 4.61%; 95% CI, 1.78%−7.44%). Hemoglobin levels improved, but there were no significant statistical differences in other biomarkers for dialysis. Sacubitril/valsartan was generally well tolerated in ESRD patients. Improved indices of left ventricular function were noted at 6 months and were more pronounced at 12 months. A linear relationship between LVEF and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) was observed, as indicated by a high correlation coefficient (r-value).ConclusionARNI effectively reduces blood pressure and enhances left ventricular function in dialysis patients, with early treatment associated with greater benefits. ARNI also demonstrates a favorable safety profile in this population. Further prospective studies are required to fully understand the long-term efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan in dialysis patients.

Background In patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, intradialytic hypertension and intradialytic hypotension are the common complications. The study aimed to collect and assess intradialytic Blood Pressure (BP) complications and their association with different factors, including BP medication. Methods This was a prospective observational study, conducted at the hemodialysis center in a teaching hospital in the UAE, that provide a specialist’s care for the patients receiving ongoing hemodialysis. Patient demographics, medications used, lab data and the peridialytic BP (pre-, intra-, and post-) dialytic BP were collected for a period of 6 months. SPSS Version 29, Armonk, NY was used for statistical analysis. Pearson Chi-square test and Fischer’s Exact test were used to compare the association between categorical variables to intradialytic hypertension and hypotension. Results Blood pressure data was collected from 47 hemodialysis patients for a total of 2616 hemodialysis sessions during the 6 months study period. Beta-blockers (68%) and calcium channel blockers (66%) were the commonly used antihypertensive medications in the study population. Intradialytic hypertension events were diagnosed in 49 hemodialysis sessions and intradialytic hypotension was diagnosed in 23 hemodialysis sessions. On comparing the effect of antihypertensive medication to the occurrence of intradialytic BP complications, ARBs and alpha-1 blockers showed no association to intradialytic hypertension, but beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers use were associated with increased number of intradialytic hypertension events (p-value Conclusions Patients using ARBs or alpha-1 blockers had higher intradialytic hypertension events. Beta-blocker and calcium channel users had lower intradialytic hypertension events. Antihypertensive use showed no association with intradialytic hypotension events.

Hemodialysis (HD) is a life-sustaining membrane-based therapy that is essential for managing kidney failure. However, it can have significant physical and psychological effects on patients due to chronic or acute consequences related to membrane bioincompatibility. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis have a high incidence of psychiatric illness, particularly depression and anxiety disorders, and poor quality of life has been observed. Dialysis can also lead to physical symptoms of its own, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, anemia, low blood pressure, and fluid overload, in addition to the symptoms associated with kidney failure. Therefore, this critical review aims to comprehensively understand the impact of dialysis membrane bioincompatibility and the use of varying molecular weight cut-off membranes on the physical and psychological symptoms experienced by dialysis patients. We analyzed the latest research on the correlation between major inflammatory biomarkers released in patients' blood due to membrane incompatibility, as well as the critical influence of low levels of hemoglobin and vital proteins such as human serum albumin due to the use of high-cut-off membranes and correlated these factors with the physical and psychological symptoms experienced by dialysis patients. Furthermore, our study aims to provide valuable insights into the impact of dialysis on critical symptoms, higher hospitalization rates, and the quality of life of First Nations, as well as child and youth dialysis patients, in addition to diabetic dialysis patients. Our goal is to identify potential interventions aiming to optimize the dialysis membrane and minimize its negative effects on patients, ultimately improving their well-being and long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Statement of the problem: Individuals suffering from renal failure require care and attention not only for their physical needs but also for their psychological and mental well-being. They develop numerous psychological symptoms that negatively impact all aspects of their lives, including family, social, and professional aspects, due to their illness, kidney dialysis process and inability to fully participate in life as before the disease. Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify cognitive distortions and their relationship to avoidant personality symptoms in dialysis patients using a descriptive correlational approach. The study sample consisted of 288 male and female patients selected using the available method. Methods:The study developed scales for cognitive distortions and symptoms of avoidant personality disorder, and the validity and reliability of the scales were verified. Results: The study showed that the answers of the study sample individuals to the dimensions of cognitive abnormalities and symptoms of avoidance personality disorder were all at a middle level and that the most common cognitive abnormalities were “dichotomous Thinking. “The findings showed a link between avoidance-related symptoms and cognitive problems (excessive generalization, personality, disastrous thinking, selective abstraction, and ignorance of positives). There is no connection between symptoms of avoidance personality disorder and cognitive distortions (dichotomous Thinking, magnification). Conclusions (Recommendations and contributions): The study recommended the importance of offering therapy programs to dialysis patients that involve reducing illogical thought and cognitive impairments to aid in adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2mRNA vaccination related seroconversion rates are reduced in dialysis and kidney transplant patients. We evaluated nine months follow up data in our observational Dia-Vacc study exploring specific cellular (interferon-γ release assay) or/and humoral immune responses after 2x SARS-CoV-2mRNA vaccination in 880 participants including healthy medical personnel (125-MP), dialysis patients (595-DP), kidney transplant recipients (111-KTR), and apheresis patients (49-AP) with positive seroconversion (de novo IgA or IgG antibody positivity by ELISA) after eight weeks. Nine months after first vaccination, receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies were still positive in 90 % of MP, 86 % of AP, but only 55 %/48 % of DP/KTR, respectively. Seroconversion remained positive in 100 % of AP and 99·2 % of MP, but 86 %/81 % of DP/KTR, respectively. Compared to MP, DP but not KTR or AP were at risk for a strong RBD decline, while KTR kept lowest RBD values over time. By multivariate analysis, BNT162b2mRNA versus 1273-mRNA vaccine type was an independent risk factor for a strong decline of RBD antibodies. Within the DP group, only time on dialysis was another (inverse) risk factor for the DP group. Compared to humoral immunity, T-cell immunity decline was less prominent. While seroconverted KTR reach lowest RBD values over time, DP are at specific risk for a strong decline of RBD antibodies after successful SARS-CoV-2mRNA vaccination, which also depends on the vaccine type being used. Therefore, booster vaccinations for DP should be considered earlier compared to normal population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the present study, the efficacy of sotrovimab and molnupiravir in dialysis patients with COVID‐19 was investigated using a registry of COVID‐19 in Japanese dialysis patients. Methods: Dialysis patients with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 during the COVID‐19 (Omicron BA.1 and BA.2) pandemic were analyzed. Patients were classified into four treatment groups: molnupiravir monotherapy (molnupiravir group), sotrovimab monotherapy (sotrovimab group), molnupiravir and sotrovimab combination therapy (combination group), and no antiviral therapy (control group). The mortality rates in the four groups were compared. Results: A total of 1480 patients were included. The mortality of the molnupiravir, sotrovimab, and combination groups were significantly improved compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that antiviral therapy improves the survival of dialysis patients with COVID‐19 (hazard ratio was 0.184 for molnupiravir, 0.389 for sotrovimab, and 0.254 for combination groups, respectively). Conclusion: Sotrovimab showed efficacy in Omicron BA.1 but attenuated in BA.2. Molnupiravir also showed efficacy in BA.2, suggesting administration of molnupiravir would be important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAs a sensitive diagnostic marker for myocardial infarction (MI) in people with normal renal function, elevated high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was often found in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients requiring dialysis. However, the accuracy of baseline hs-cTnT in the diagnosis of MI (including Type 1 MI (T1MI) and Type 2 MI (T2MI)) in dialysis patients is still controversial. The aim of this study was to retrospectively explore whether there were any clinical indices that could increase the predictive value of hs-cTnT on admission for MI occurrence in dialysis patients.MethodsHere, 136 patients with uremia who underwent regular dialysis with coronary angiography in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from August 2017 to October 2021 were enrolled. According to the coronary angiography results and the presence of clinical symptoms, the patients were divided into: (1). AMI group (n = 69; angiography positive) and Control group (n = 67; angiography negative); (2). T1MI group (n = 69; angiography positive), T2MI group (n = 7; angiography negative & symptomatic), and Control group (n = 60; angiography negative & asymptomatic).ResultsHere, we found the mean hs-cTnT on admission in the Control group was much lower than that in the AMI group. Hs-cTnT alone had a mediocre predictive performance, with an AUROC of 0.7958 (95% CI: 0.7220, 0.8696). Moreover, the ROC curve of hs-cTnT combined with the Triglyceride (TG), Time of dialysis, and Albumin (Alb) showed a higher sensitivity area [0.9343 (95% CI: 0.8901, 0.9786)] than that of single hs-cTnT. Next, hs-cTnT combined with the TG, Time of dialysis, and Alb also presented a better performance in predicting T1MI [0.9150 (95% CI: 0.8678, 0.9621)] or T2MI (0.9167 [0.9167 (95% CI: 0.8427, 0.9906)] occurrences. Last, these combined variables could better distinguish patient between T1MI and T2MI group than hs-cTnT alone.ConclusionsOn admission, a combination of hs-cTnT, TG, Time of dialysis, and Alb presented a higher sensitivity than hs-cTnT alone in predicting MI occurrence in dialysis patients, suggesting a better diagnostic approach for future clinical applications.

Objectives: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment is important for patients with end-stage kidney disease. This study aimed to determine the contribution of demographic factors to HRQOL in affected kidney recipients and dialysis patients on the waiting list for kidney transplantation in Iran. Materials and Methods: This was a comparative survey. We required 196 patients in the Sina Organ Procurement Unit. HRQOL of 100 kidney recipients was measured using Study Short-Form 36 and compared with 96 dialysis patients. The factors investigated were age, gender, and cause of kidney failure; data were evaluated using SPSS 16.0 software. Results: The scores of both groups were ordered from high to low in the following three dimensions: physical functioning, emotional well-being, and vitality. The mean physical component scores in kidney recipients and dialysis patients were 14.44±4.32 and 5.91±4.60, respectively. The mean mental component summary scores in kidney recipients and dialysis patients were 5.91 ± 4.60 and 5.12 ± 2.11, respectively. There were significant differences in all domains of HRQOL except role limitations due to emotional problems and emotional wellbeing in both groups (t = 0.963, P = 0.420). Age made the largest unique contribution (β = 0.211) to the physical component, while marital status was the greatest contributing factor to the mental component. Conclusion: HRQOL improved after successful kidney transplantation compared to dialysis patients, despite kidney transplant patients suffering the effect of using immunosuppressive medicine and being subject to infectious complications and tumors. This study shows that we have reached the primary goal of transplantation, which is to improve the HRQOL of kidney recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requires dialysis treatment. This treatment changes patients' lives, including limitations on physical activity. In this study, we highlighted the mobility aspects of patients' lives compared to the control group (non-dialyzed). Materials and methods: Seventy-nine dialysis patients and 125 controls were studied. The study used an original questionnaire on socioeconomic status, physical activity, and lifestyle. All data were statistically analyzed between dialysis patients and controls divided into female and male groups. Results: Most of the dialysis patients were obese, and each had concomitant chronic diseases of other organs. Significantly lower levels of employment (p = 0.001 for women; p = 0.005 for men) and physical activity (p = 0.047 for women; p = 0.001 for men) were observed in dialysis patients compared with controls. Both groups had high motivation and knowledge about the health benefits of physical activity. However, dialysis patients had significantly more concerns about engaging in physical activity (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dialysis patients are at risk for the negative consequences of occupational and physical inactivity. Healthcare professionals (physicians and physiotherapists) can take advantage of the high motivation of dialysis patients to overcome the fear of physical activity. Based on the current study and a previous study on the posture of dialysis patients, a universal set of exercises for dialysis patients has been created and is available on the YouTube platform: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng0sVOViQ-0&feature=youtu.be. The exercises can be done during dialysis and at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hip fractures are associated with higher morbidity and mortality among dialysis patients than among the general population. Statins reduce the risk of hip and bone fractures. However, this protective effect has not been studied in dialysis patients. Methods: Hemodialysis patients from hemodialysis centers located in the north of the West Bank were recruited (N ​= ​713) in a cross-sectional study in 2021. A statin user is a patient who has used statin for at least one year. The patient's medical records and an interview-administered structured questionnaire were used. Adjusted multiple logistic regression examined the association between statin use and fractures. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The final sample size was 529 patients, 184 were excluded, 60.7% were males, 54.4% were statin users, 76.1% were always adherent to their statin, and 75.3% used moderate-intensity statin. Statin users who were always adherent to their dose had a significantly lower risk of hip fractures (OR ​= ​0.090, p-value ​= ​0.026) than rarely adherent patients. In addition, patients who were always adherent with their statin dose (OR ​= ​0.188, p-value ​= ​0.007) or sometimes adherent (OR ​= ​0.171, p-value ​= ​0.022) had a significantly lower risk of having other bone fractures after dialysis than the rarely adherent counterparts. There were no differences between high and moderate-intensity statins regarding hip fracture effects (p-value >0.05). Moreover, the increased duration of dialysis significantly increased the risk of hip fractures (OR ​= ​1.349, p-value ​= ​0.003). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that adherence to statin therapy was associated with decreased risk of hip fractures and other bone fractures among hemodialysis patients. These results could be the initial evidence of the protective effect against a vital health hazard among dialysis patients. This might ultimately contribute to re-considering the current statins prescription practice for dialysis patients. Further studies are recommended.

It is not well established to what extent previous immunizations offer protection against infections with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in dialysis patients. We aimed to define the relevant humoral response in dialysis patients using a SARS-CoV-2 IgG chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) compared to the activity of neutralizing antibodies assessed by a virus neutralization test. Next, we aimed to determine differences in humoral and cellular response levels over time among patients infected or not infected by the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. Immunological parameters of cellular and humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed at baseline and after 3 (T3), 6 (T6) and 14 months (T14). In this monocentric cohort study, we followed 110 dialysis patients (mean age 68.4 ± 13.7 years, 60.9% male) for a median of 545 days. We determined an anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG level of 56.7 BAU/mL as an ideal cut-off value with a J-index of 90.7. Patients infected during the Omicron era had significantly lower (p < 0.001) mean antibody levels at T0 (3.5 vs. 111.2 BAU/mL), T3 (269.8 vs. 699.8 BAU/mL) and T6 (260.2 vs. 513.9 BAU/mL) than patients without Omicron infection. Patients who developed higher antibody levels at the time of the basic immunizations were less likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron era. There is a need to adjust the cut-off values for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels in dialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In centre haemodialysis (ICHD) patients have been identified as high risk of contracting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to frequent healthcare contact and poor innate and adaptive immunity. Our ICHD patients were offered immunisation from January 2021. We aimed to assess outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection and report on the effect of vaccination in our ICHD patients. Methods Demographics, SARS-CoV-2 status, hospitalisation, mortality and vaccination status were analysed. From 11th March 2020 to 31st March 2021, 662 ICHD patients were included in the study and these patients were then followed up until 31st August 2021. Results SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 28.4% with 51.1% of them requiring hospitalisation in contrast to community infection rates of 13.9% and hospitalisation of 9.0%. 28-day mortality was 19.2% in comparison to 1.9% of the community. Mortality increased to 34.0% over the study period. Mortality over the study period was 1.8 times in infected patients (HR 1.81 (1.32–2.49) P

Background/Aims: Malnutrition is a serious complication in dialysis patients that develops slowly but steadily. Cross-sectional studies may not adequately characterize this complication because not only the intensity but longitudinally cumulative effect should also be taken into consideration. Relationship between time-dependent changes in a nutritional marker, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and cumulative C-reactive protein (CRP) values was examined whether both intensity and duration of inflammation correlated with time-dependent progression and severity of malnutrition over 3 years, retrospectively. Methods: One hundred and sixty-four dialysis patients were examined over 3 years retrospectively. Based on analysis of clinical and laboratory findings over a period of 3 years, patients were divided into 2 groups: those with a >3.0 decrease in GNRI after 3 years (n = 84) and those in whom GNRI was unchanged (n = 80). Results: When comparing the 2 groups at 3 years, the GNRI-decreased group had 12% lower serum albumin (p < 0.001) and lower levels of creatinine (9%, p < 0.001), BUN (6%, p < 0.05), total cholesterol (6%, p < 0.05), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (10%, p < 0.01), which suggest onset of malnutrition. CRP levels, routinely measured twice a month in all patients, were summed to calculate the cumulative CRP. Cumulative CRP after 3 years was 57.6 ± 7.8 (mg/dL/3 years) in the GNRI-decreased group, which was significantly higher than that in the GNRI-unchanged group (38.6 ± 3.9; p < 0.05). Over 3 years, the GNRI-decreased group showed a time-dependent increase in cumulative CRP alongside a time-dependent decrease in the GNRI, producing an obvious mirror image; however, such inverse correlation was absent in the GNRI-unchanged group. Conclusion: A long-term perspective is needed in the management of malnutrition in dialysis patients because this complication develops progressively and is often irreversible when diagnosed. Cumulative CRP values may be useful in evaluating the degree of the progression of malnutrition in following up individual patients longitudinally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: QT prolongation is a known risk factor for ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, more refined management is necessary to reduce sudden cardiac death secondary to such arrhythmias. Methods: Electrocardiographic findings were reviewed in 224 patients, and the associations of QT prolongation with various clinical parameters were examined, including the nutritional state. Correlations were also examined between QT prolongation and body composition measurements determined by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: Prolongation of the corrected QT (QTc) interval over 0.44 s was seen in 140 patients (62.5%). QT prolongation was independent of age and dialysis therapy duration and was more frequent in diabetics (70.1%) than in nondiabetics (54.2%, p = 0.014) and more frequent in women (78.8%) than in men (53.5%, p < 0.001). Serum levels of albumin (p < 0.001) and Cr (p < 0.001) and the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI, p < 0.001) were negatively correlated with QTc interval; no significant correlation was noted with total protein, urea nitrogen, or uric acid. Negative correlations with QTc interval were found for BMI(p < 0.01), percent total body water (%TBW; p < 0.05), and percent intracellular water (%ICW; p < 0.01) but not with the percent extracellular water/TBW ratio or edema ratio. The longer the QTc interval, the lower the fat-free mass (FFM; p < 0.01) and muscle mass (MM; p < 0.01), but there was no significant correlation with percent fat. Conclusion: These results suggest that QT prolongation is a common complication and is more frequent in women and diabetic patients. The decreases in serum albumin and Cr levels, GNRI, BMI, %TBW, %ICW, FFM, and MM together coincided with malnutrition and thus suggest a close relationship of QT prolongation with malnutrition. Management of QT prolongation may be achieved better in the future by understanding these biochemical and biophysical changes, particularly those regarding malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Clinical symptoms and treatment adherence are one of the most important problems in dialysis patients. Psychological treatments can be effective in reducing the problems of these patients. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on clinical symptoms and treatment adherence in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study was a quasi-experimental study with the experimental and control groups in the dialysis clinic of Torbat-e Heydarieh City in 2012. The sample consisted of 40 people who were referred to the dialysis clinic, and the available sampling method was used to randomly assign participants to the experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, ACT was performed in eight sessions of 90 minutes. Questionnaires of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and general adherence scale were used. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 21) software and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the mean scores of clinical symptoms and treatment adherence variables in the experimental and control groups (P < 0.05). The effect of this treatment on reducing the clinical symptoms score was 48%, and on increasing the treatment, the adherence score was 44%. CONCLUSION: ACT can reduce clinical symptoms and increase treatment adherence in dialysis patients, so it is suggested to use this intervention in the design of treatment plans for dialysis patients.

Abstract Background Patients undergoing hemodialysis have a high mortality rate and yet underutilize palliative care and hospice resources. The Shared Decision Making-Renal Supportive Care (SDM-RSC) intervention focused on goals of care conversations between patients and family members with the nephrologist and social worker. The intervention targeted deficiencies in communication, estimating prognosis, and transition planning for seriously ill dialysis patients. The intervention showed capacity to increase substantially completion of advance care directives. The HIGHway Project, adapted from the previous SDM-RSC, scale up training social workers or nurses in dialysis center in advance care planning (ACP), and then support them for a subsequent 9-month action period, to engage in ACP conversations with patients at their dialysis center regarding their preferences for end-of-life care. Methods We will train between 50–60 dialysis teams, led by social workers or nurses, to engage in ACP conversations with patients at their dialysis center regarding their preferences for end-of-life care. This implementation project uses the Knowledge to Action (KTA) Framework within the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to increase adoption and sustainability in the participating dialysis centers. This includes a curriculum about how to hold ACP conversation and coaching with monthly teleconferences through case discussion and mentoring. An application software will guide on the process and provide resources for holding ACP conversations. Our project will focus on implementation outcomes. Success will be determined by adoption and effective use of the ACP approach. Patient and provider outcomes will be measured by the number of ACP conversations held and documented; the quality and fidelity of ACP conversations to the HIGHway process as taught during education sessions; impact on knowledge and skills; content, relevance, and significance of ACP intervention for patients, and Supportive Kidney Care (SKC) App usage. Currently HIGHway is in the recruitment stage. Discussion Effective changes to advance care planning processes in dialysis centers can lead to institutional policy and protocol changes, providing a model for patients receiving dialysis treatment in the US. The result will be a widespread improvement in advance care planning, thereby remedying one of the current barriers to patient-centered, goal-concordant care for dialysis patients. Trial registration The George Washington University Protocol Record NCR213481, Honoring Individual Goals and Hopes: Implementing Advance Care Planning for Persons with Kidney Disease on Dialysis, is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05324878 on April 11th, 2022.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic renal disease and undergoing hemodialysis are at a high risk for developing several complications. Fatigue is a common, troubling symptom that affects such patients and can contribute to unfavorable outcomes and high mortality. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of fatigue in Brazilian patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis and determine the predisposing factors for fatigue. DESIGN AND SETTING: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in two renal replacement therapy centers in the Greater ABC region of São Paulo. METHODS: This study included 95 patients undergoing dialysis who were consecutively treated at two Brazilian renal replacement therapy centers between September 2019 and February 2020. The Chalder questionnaire was used to evaluate fatigue. Clinical, sociodemographic, and laboratory data of the patients were recorded, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Beck Depression Inventory were administered. RESULTS: The prevalence of fatigue in patients undergoing hemodialysis was 51.6%. Fatigue was independently associated with lower quality of life in terms of physical and general health. Patients with fatigue had a higher incidence of depression (65.9% vs. 34.1%, P = 0.001) and worse sleep quality (59.1% vs. 49.9%; P = 0.027) than those without fatigue. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of fatigue is high in patients undergoing hemodialysis and is directly related to physical and general health.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination reduces the risk of progression to severe COVID-19 in the general population. To examine that preventive effect in dialysis patients, the association of vaccination status with severe COVID-19 progression was investigated in this retrospective observational study conducted from December 2020 to May 2022 of 100 such patients hospitalized for non-severe COVID-19 at Inoue Hospital (Suita, Japan). Fifty-seven were fully vaccinated, defined as receiving a COVID-19 vaccine second dose at least 14 days prior to the onset of COVID-19, while 43 were not. Among all patients, 13 (13.0%) progressed to severe COVID-19 with a median (interquartile range) time of 6 (2.5–9.5) days, while 87 (87.0%) were discharged after 11 (8–16) days. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that fully vaccinated patients had a significantly lower rate of progression to severe COVID-19 (p = 0.001, log-rank test). Cox proportional hazard analysis also indicated that full COVID-19 vaccination was significantly associated with reduced instances of progression to severe COVID-19 (hazard ratio 0.104, 95% confidence interval 0.022 to 0.483; p = 0.004) after balancing patient background characteristics using an inverse probability of treatment weight method. These results suggest that full vaccination status contributes to reducing the risk of progression from non-severe to severe COVID-19 in dialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although mobile hemodialysis treatments have been found to be an effective alternative to current in-center and home-based hemodialysis treatments, many barriers to its successful implementation remain. These barriers include the lack of considering user-centered monitoring protocols. This study investigates 24 patients' and 12 care partners' expectations for monitoring procedures for a mobile hemodialysis device. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted at three locations within the Veterans Affairs Health Care System: Seattle, WA; Nashville, TN; and Louisville, KY. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using inductive or deductive content analysis approaches. We identified 10 categories of indicators suggesting patients' needs to receive dialysis treatment and 11 categories of indicators suggesting patients' successful dialysis treatment. Furthermore, we identified six categories of patients' and care partners' design expectations for monitoring procedures. The findings from this study have the potential to guide the development of a monitoring system to help ensure users' acceptance of future mobile hemodialysis devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In centre haemodialysis (ICHD) patients have been identified as high risk of contracting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to frequent healthcare contact and poor innate and adaptive immunity. Our ICHD patients were offered immunisation from January 2021. We aimed to assess outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection and report on the effect of vaccination in our ICHD patients.Methods: Demographics, SARS-CoV-2 status, hospitalisation, mortality and vaccination status were analysed. From 11th March 2020 to 31st March 2021, 662 ICHD patients were included in the study and these patients were then followed up until 31st August 2021.Results: SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 28.4% with 51.1% of them requiring hospitalisation in contrast to community infection rates of 13.9% and hospitalisation of 9.0%. 28-day mortality was 19.2% in comparison to 1.9% of the community. Mortality increased to 34.0% over the study period. Mortality over the study period was 1.8 times in infected patients (HR 1.81 (1.32-2.49) P < 0.001) despite adjustment for age, gender and ethnicity. 91.3% of ICHD patients have now received both doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations.Conclusions: ICHD patients are at increased risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2, with increased rates of hospitalisation and mortality. The increased mortality extends well beyond the 28 days post-infection and persists in those who have recovered. Peaks and troughs in infection rates mirrored community trends. Preliminary data indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination provides protection to ICHD patients, with ICHD case rates now comparable to that of the local population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic renal failure are caused by impaired kidney function; this organ is essential in the metabolism, filtration, and excretion of compounds. Human hepatitis B virus is common in dialysis patients with chronic renal failure, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is also associated with anemia in dialysis patients. In this study, 50 (36 men and 14 women) dialysis patients from Imamian Al-Khademian city, with ages between 30 and 77 years, and a healthy group (control group) with ages ranging between 30 and 62 years, were evaluated. Detection of hepatitis B virus by a molecular technique of real-time PCR and the concentration of erythropoietin hormone detected by the ELISA technique. The results showed that the prevalence of dialysis patients aged 41-50 and 60-51 was 20% and 18%, respectively. The detection of Hepatitis B from the serum of dialysis patients' samples showed that HBV was seen in 15 (30%) of the 50 serum samples. The concentration of the erythropoietin hormone in dialysis patients' samples was lower than in the healthy groups (a control group). Also, the concentration of erythropoietin hormone was significantly lower in dialysis patients compared with the control group (P>0.05). Hepatitis B can affect chronic renal failure and dialysis patients' immunity. Also, people with hepatitis B have a lower level of the erythropoietin hormone, which is a major cause of anemia in dialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a chronic pathological condition, first defined in 2010 and revised in 2018. The most recent definition of sarcopenia focuses mostly on "low muscle strength." A secondary form of sarcopenia is represented by uremic sarcopenia (US), a condition that characterizes end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. The intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) seems to impact negatively on muscle strength, as it would seem to replace muscle fibers with a non-contractile component. The study aims to compare body composition parameters-both standardized and innovative-related to the diagnosis of US in hemodialysis (HD) patients, stratified by sarcopenia diagnosis. Furthermore, the different indices of sarcopenia are compared in order to evaluate their predictive capacity., Methods: We analyzed 48 ESKD patients according to the sarcopenia diagnosis, obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Moreover, we assessed the presence of IMAT and calculated the sarcopenia index (SI)., Results: For the study, the enrolled population was divided according to the sarcopenia diagnosis: no sarcopenic patients had higher transferrin ( p  = 0.03), total proteins ( p  = 0.04), and azotemia pre-dialysis ( p  = 0.05) values. On the contrary, atherogenic indices were lower in no sarcopenic patients. Moreover, we observed an indirect correlation between the SI and parathyroid hormone (PTH) ( p  = 0.00138, R 2  = 0.54). Finally, we calculated the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenia adjusted for IMAT. We showed a different prevalence between sarcopenia diagnosed with a standard index and an index adjusted for IMAT ( p  = 0.043). In conclusion, we believe that the most important result obtained is the indirect correlation between SI and PTH. These data corroborate the theories, in which PTH seems to play a central role in the cachexia genesis. Moreover, the SI adjusted for IMAT seems to be a more reliable parameter for the early identification of subjects at risk of developing US, allowing timely implementation of targeted therapeutic strategies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. AN, PG, GM and ADL, declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 Noce, Ceravolo, Gualtieri, Marrone, Romano, Shoshi, Di Lauro and De Lorenzo.)

Background: The efficacy of the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan (SV) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been established. Two meta-analyses have demonstrated its significant role in enhancing ventricular remodeling. However, the effectiveness and safety of its use in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remain unclear., Methods and Results: Up to October 2023, we searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for studies involving ESRD patients treated with ARNI. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Effect sizes were reported as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We included 10 studies, encompassing 649 patients. ARNI was associated with improvements in blood pressure and left ventricular (LV) function in ESRD patients, including systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD -12.76 mmHg; 95% CI, -18.03 to -7.5 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD -6.41 mmHg; 95% CI, -8.10 to -4.72 mmHg), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (MD, 4.61%; 95% CI, 1.78%-7.44%). Hemoglobin levels improved, but there were no significant statistical differences in other biomarkers for dialysis. Sacubitril/valsartan was generally well tolerated in ESRD patients. Improved indices of left ventricular function were noted at 6 months and were more pronounced at 12 months. A linear relationship between LVEF and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) was observed, as indicated by a high correlation coefficient (r-value)., Conclusion: ARNI effectively reduces blood pressure and enhances left ventricular function in dialysis patients, with early treatment associated with greater benefits. ARNI also demonstrates a favorable safety profile in this population. Further prospective studies are required to fully understand the long-term efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan in dialysis patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Zhou, Zhang, Dong, Li, Sun and Zhang.)

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis have a high mortality rate and yet underutilize palliative care and hospice resources. The Shared Decision Making-Renal Supportive Care (SDM-RSC) intervention focused on goals of care conversations between patients and family members with the nephrologist and social worker. The intervention targeted deficiencies in communication, estimating prognosis, and transition planning for seriously ill dialysis patients. The intervention showed capacity to increase substantially completion of advance care directives. The HIGHway Project, adapted from the previous SDM-RSC, scale up training social workers or nurses in dialysis center in advance care planning (ACP), and then support them for a subsequent 9-month action period, to engage in ACP conversations with patients at their dialysis center regarding their preferences for end-of-life care. Methods: We will train between 50–60 dialysis teams, led by social workers or nurses, to engage in ACP conversations with patients at their dialysis center regarding their preferences for end-of-life care. This implementation project uses the Knowledge to Action (KTA) Framework within the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to increase adoption and sustainability in the participating dialysis centers. This includes a curriculum about how to hold ACP conversation and coaching with monthly teleconferences through case discussion and mentoring. An application software will guide on the process and provide resources for holding ACP conversations. Our project will focus on implementation outcomes. Success will be determined by adoption and effective use of the ACP approach. Patient and provider outcomes will be measured by the number of ACP conversations held and documented; the quality and fidelity of ACP conversations to the HIGHway process as taught during education sessions; impact on knowledge and skills; content, relevance, and significance of ACP intervention for patients, and Supportive Kidney Care (SKC) App usage. Currently HIGHway is in the recruitment stage. Discussion: Effective changes to advance care planning processes in dialysis centers can lead to institutional policy and protocol changes, providing a model for patients receiving dialysis treatment in the US. The result will be a widespread improvement in advance care planning, thereby remedying one of the current barriers to patient-centered, goal-concordant care for dialysis patients. Trial registration: The George Washington University Protocol Record NCR213481, Honoring Individual Goals and Hopes: Implementing Advance Care Planning for Persons with Kidney Disease on Dialysis, is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05324878 on April 11th, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arterial stiffness provides an indirect picture of vascular calcifications in terms of the effect they have on the systemic circulation and consequently on the heart. The present study sought to demonstrate the usefulness of outpatient investigation of vascular calcifications in dialysis patients using pulse wave velocity (PWV) determination. The aim of the study was to determine arterial resistance in patients with chronic dialysis kidney disease. The average study period was 48.5 ± 19.0 (SD) months. The study included 203 patients on dialysis with BCRT. The determination of arterial stiffness was measured at an interval of one hour after the dialysis session. The study highlighted the presence of an increased cardiovascular risk related to the presence of vascular calcifications without being able to establish a direct linear and causal link between their presence, location and the risk of cardiovascular events. The importance of highlighting calcifications and the consequences they generate means the possibility of influencing the main elements that can generate acute cardiovascular events. The results obtained and the correlations performed give an overview of the pathology studied, providing premises for therapeutic influence and risk assessment.

Rationale & Objective: In early 2020, we activated a telephone hotline, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Kidney or Transplant Listening and Resource Center, to learn more about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the stress and information-seeking behaviors of dialysis and transplant patients. Study Design: A mixed-methods study including semi-structured, qualitative interviews probing about emotional, health, and financial challenges experienced and quantitative surveys assessing depression and anxiety levels and information-seeking behaviors. Setting & Participants: 99 participants (28 dialysis patients; 71 transplant patients), varying by race and ethnicity (Hispanic, 25.3%; White, 23.2%; Asian, 24.2%; Black, 24.2%), shared their COVID-19 pandemic experiences and information-seeking behaviors by telephone. Interviews and surveys were conducted from June 17, 2020, to November 24, 2020. Analytical Approach: Qualitative themes were identified using thematic analysis. Frequencies were calculated to assess levels of depression and anxiety using the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety and types of information-seeking behaviors. Results: 7 themes and 16 subthemes emerged. Themes of commonly reported stressors include postponing medical visits; decreased accessibility of getting medication; difficulty in receiving up-to-date, patient-focused health information and dialysis supplies; and delays in medical appointments. Other stressors include losses of health insurance and income, and increased vigilance in behaviors to avoid contracting COVID-19. 15 participants had moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms and reported more frequent and severe panic attacks after the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants sought emotional support from family, friends, and faith communities. They also commonly obtained information from news media and reported needing more transplant-specific updates about COVID-19, and frequent communication from their kidney and transplant specialists. Limitations: This convenience sample of individuals willing to share their experiences through a telephone hotline may not generalize to all dialysis and transplant patients; stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic for these patients continue to change. Conclusions: As the impact of the pandemic continues, needs-based interventions tailored for the kidney and transplant community, including access to mental health resources, education, and support for care transitions, should continue.

Summary: Background: Vulnerable dialysis and kidney transplant patients show impaired seroconversion rates compared to medical personnel eight weeks after SARS-CoV-2mRNA vaccination. Methods: We evaluated six months follow up data in our observational Dia-Vacc study exploring specific cellular (interferon-γ release assay) or/and humoral immune responses after 2x SARS-CoV-2mRNA vaccination in 1205 participants including medical personnel (125 MP), dialysis patients (970 DP) and kidney transplant recipients (110 KTR) with seroconversion (de novo IgA or IgG antibody positivity by ELISA) after eight weeks. Findings: Six months after vaccination, seroconversion remained positive in 98% of MP, but 91%/87% of DP/KTR (p = 0·005), respectively. Receptor binding domain-IgG (RBD-IgG) antibodies were positive in 98% of MP, but only 68%/57% of DP/KTR (p

Background: Patients receiving chronic dialysis are usually with multiple comorbidities and at high risk for hospitalization, which lead to tremendous health care resource utilization. This study aims to explore the characteristics of hospitalizations among chronic dialysis patients in China. Methods: Hospital admissions from January 2013 to December 2015 were extracted from a national inpatient database in China. Chronic dialysis, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, was identified according to inpatient discharge records and International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) codes. The primary kidney disease, causes of admissions, modalities of dialysis, and comorbidities were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the association of patient characteristics with multiple hospitalizations per year. Results: Altogether, 266,636 hospitalizations from 124,721 chronic dialysis patients were included in the study. The mean age was 54.46 ± 15.63 years and 78.29% of them were receiving hemodialysis. The leading cause of hospitalizations was dialysis access-related, including dialysis access creation (25.06%) and complications of access (21.09%). The following causes were nonaccess surgery (1.89%), cardiovascular disease (1.66%), and infectious diseases (1.43%). One-fourth of the patients were hospitalized more than once per year. Multivariate logistic regression models indicated that the primary kidney disease of diabetic kidney disease (odds ratio [OR]: 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.22) or hypertensive nephropathy (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.27–1.40), coronary heart disease (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05–1.14), cancer (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.13–1.30), or modality of peritoneal dialysis (OR: 2.67, 95% CI: 2.59–2.75) was risk factors for multiple hospitalizations. Conclusion: Our study described characteristics and revealed the burden of hospitalizations of chronic dialysis patients in China. These findings highlight the importance of effective and efficient management strategies to reduce the high burden of hospitalization in dialysis population.

Objective: Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination rates are still far below the desired levels in dialysis patients. We aimed to determine the pneumococcal and influenza vaccination information, rates, and knowledge levels of dialysis patients. Methods: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 307 dialysis patients between 2020 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic characteristics of all patients and vaccination information were obtained from the faceto-face questionnaire and hospital medical records. Results: Of the participants, 52.4% were males, and the mean age was 56 ± 15.45 years. The pneumococcal vaccination rate was 37.1%, and the influenza vaccination rate was 58.6%. Of 114 patients who had received a pneumococcal vaccine, 91.2% had received a single dose of the vaccine. While the type of vaccine could not be determined in 86.8% of the patients in this group, the rate of vaccination with the 2 types of the pneumococcal vaccine was only 8.8%. Annual vaccination was given to all those who were vaccinated against influenza. In the whole group, the rate of those who had never heard of the pneumococcal vaccine was 24.4%, while this rate was 6.5% for the influenza vaccine. The patients had a very low level of knowledge of both vaccines (41% and 53.7%, respectively). Conclusion: Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination rate of dialysis patients was low. İnfluenza vaccination had been performed in compliance with the recommended scheme, but the doses of the pneumococcal vaccine were incomplete. Although the level of patient knowledge was low for both vaccines, patients were more aware of the influenza vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The optimal treatment for end-stage kidney disease is renal transplant. However, only 1 in 5 (21.5%) patients nationwide receiving dialysis are on a transplant waitlist. Factors associated with patients not initiating a transplant evaluation are complex and include patient specific factors such as transplant knowledge and self-efficacy. Research Question: Can a dialysis center-based educational video intervention increase dialysis patients' transplant knowledge, self-efficacy, and transplant evaluations initiated? Design: Dialysis patients who had not yet completed a transplant evaluation were provided a transplant educational video while receiving hemodialysis. Patients' transplant knowledge, self-efficacy to initiate an evaluation, and dialysis center rates of transplant referral and evaluation were assessed before and after this intervention. Results: Of 340 patients approached at 14 centers, 252 (74%) completed the intervention. The intervention increased transplant knowledge (Likert scale 1 to 5: 2.53 [0.10] vs 4.62 [0.05], P <.001) and transplant self-efficacy (2.55 [0.10] to 4.33 [0.07], P <.001. The incidence rate per 100 patient years of transplant evaluations increased 85% (IRR 1.85 [95% CI: 1.02, 3.35], P =.0422) following the intervention. The incidence rates of referrals also increased 56% (IRR 1.56 [95% CI: 1.03, 2.37], P =.0352), while there was a nonsignificant 47% increase in incidence rates of waitlist entries (IRR 1.47 [95% CI: 0.45, 4.74], P =.5210). Conclusion: This dialysis center-based video intervention provides promising preliminary evidence to conduct a large-scale randomized controlled trial to test its effectiveness in increasing self-efficacy of dialysis patients to initiate a transplant evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valve calcifications are frequently associated with chronic terminal kidney disease (CTKD).There is a direct relationship between valvular calcifications and increased risk for cardiovascular events, respectively increased mortality in patients with CTKD. The aim of the study was to evaluate by Doppler echocardiography (ECoD) the prevalence of cardiac and valvular calcifications in patients with CTKD treated by hemodialysis (HD), and to correlate the data obtained with conventional and specific risk factors and the impact that valvular calcifications have on cardiovascular dysfunction with implications for morbidity and mortality. The study included 203 patients on dialysis with CTKD, aged between 20 and 84 years, who were monitored for a period of 48.5 ± 19.0 months in Arad County. On the studied group, the main etiologies for CTKD were chronic glomerulonephritis in 32% of patients, and diabetes in 22% of cases. A total of 322 calcifications were documented, of which valvular calcifications were estimated to have an incidence between 28% and 55% for the aortic valve and 56% for the mitral valve. Valvular calcification is associated with extensive atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries and aorta. Additional atherogenetic factors such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension and smoking were common. Some probable mechanisms such as increased mechanical stress due to hypertension, chronic volume overload, chronic inflammation, sympathetic hyperreactivity, lipid oxidation contribute to the appearance of vascular calcifications. Also, the number of cardiac calcifications correlates with the duration of the history of hypertension, regardless of whether or not the patient was still hypertensive at the time of the examination. Highlighting the valvular calcifications and intuiting the pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to their appearance may be factors influencing the therapeutic behavior applied to dialysis patients. Given the large number of patients in whom calcifications were highlighted by echocardiography, it can be concluded that this method is particularly useful in detecting valvular calcifications in ambulatory dialysis patients.

Survival analysis is widely applied to data that described by the length of time until the occurrence of an event under interest such as death or other important events. The purpose of this paper is to use the dynamic methodology which provides a flexible method, especially in the analysis of discrete survival time, to estimate the effect of covariate variables through time in the survival analysis on dialysis patients with kidney failure until death occurs. Where the estimation process is completely based on the Bayes approach by using two estimation methods: the Maximum A Posterior (MAP) involved with Iteratively Weighted Kalman Filter Smoothing (IWKFS) and in combination with the Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm. While the other method was represented by the Hybrid Markov Chain Monte Carlo method (HMCMC). Moreover, two hazard function models were considered in the comparison: the Logistic model and the discrete Cox model. Two criteria namely Average Mean Square Error (AMSE) and Cross Entropy Error (CEE) were used for comparisons. All these four combinations of methods were clarified via the discussion of the numerical results with their explanations. It can be noticed the superiority of HMCMC method through the two hazard models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hemodialysis is one of the effective therapies in patients with chronic renal failure. Along with increasing life expectancy as a benefit of this treatment; this type of service can threaten the quality of life of recipients. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of emotional schema-based therapy on improving the quality of life of dialysis patients. Materials and Methods: The current semi-experimental, applied study was designed and implemented as pretest-posttest research with a control group. All outpatients treated with dialysis instrument in medical centres affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2009-2010 were the statistical population of the study and the quality of life questionnaire related to kidney patients used for data collection. After the research team performed the treatment protocol in 8 sessions of 90 minutes in the intervention group, the research data were analyzed using SPSS24. Results: The results of the study showed that the treatment protocol based on emotional schema therapy influence all aspects of quality of life and increase the mean score compared to the pretest. Also, there is a significant difference between the groups, both in the general dimension and specific dimension of dialysis patientchr('39')s quality of life. Conclusion: As the study findings show, it can be stated that emotional schema therapy is effective in improving the quality of life of dialysis patients and can be used as a useful intervention to improve the quality of life of patients.

Abstract Background End-stage kidney disease is highly prevalent worldwide. Currently, one of the most effective treatment modalities is dialysis therapy, which leads to serious side effects. Furthermore, psychiatric illnesses are prevalent among dialysis patients. Recently, researchers asserted that psychological resilience and family support could be helpful to maintain or improve patients’ mental well-being. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effects of resilience on the relationship between family functioning and mental well-being in these patients. Methods To investigate the aim of this study, a cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 110 hemodialysis patients, who were receiving outpatient treatment from dialysis units at the University of Fukuoka and St. Maria Health Care Center in Japan, participated. Only the patients who met the criteria and who were willing to participate in this 30-min study were given The General Health Questionnaire-12, Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Family Assessment Device. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was performed to test the hypothesis that resilience would mediate the relationship between each subscale of family functioning, namely, cohesion, adaptability, communication, and mental well-being. Then Sobel’s test was employed to examine the indirect effect. Results The results of the SEM showed that the model had an acceptable fit (RMSEA = .077; CFI = .93; and IFI = .94). According to the results, resilience fully mediated the relationship between family functioning, specifically family adaptability and communication, and mental health well-being of the dialysis patients. However, family cohesion was not associated with resilience. Conclusions The present study revealed that higher family adaptability and communication resulted in greater resilience, thus associated with better mental health. Given that poor mental health among dialysis patients is significantly associated with a decreased likelihood to adhere to treatment plans, it may lead to a significant risk to therapeutic compliance. As such, patients may experience detrimental consequences, such as death. This study showed that in order to maintain healthy mental well-being, developing resilience is a vital factor for hemodialysis patients.

Introduction: Before becoming an object of cognitive science, the topic of decision-making has questioned thinkers from all ages and disciplines: philosophers, mathematicians, logicians, economists and more. More recent studies have highlighted the neuroscientific basis of decision-making and the complex cognitive strategies involved in economic and social decisions, such as gambling. Aims: This paper aims to focus attention on the role of stress in influencing individuals’ decision-making skills, especially in situations of risk and uncertainty. In particular, if on the one hand it is intended to investigate the relationship between stress and decisions of dialysis patients, on the other hand it is intended to highlight the so-called disjunction effect according to which decision-making situations with an uncertain outcome may lead to violate the axioms of neoclassical rationality. Method: Starting from an analysis of the literature on decision making, attention will be focused on stress factors that influence the decision making behaviour and cognitive strategies of the dialysis-treated patients. Conclusion: The review highlights the need to further investigate the disjunction effect and opens the way to the possibility of conducting experimental research to verify the presence of this effect in the specific case of these patients.

Background: Depression is the most common prevalent psychiatric condition among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and especially during dialysis. This study aimed to evaluate depression symptoms in Sudanese patients with end-stage renal diseases (ESRD) who undergo hemodialysis. Methods: This is a case finding, hospital-based study recruited 75 patients on dialysis in Khartoum, Sudan. Data were analyzed by statistical package for social science (SPSS, version 23). Results: The percentage of depression symptoms that satisfies the criteria for the diagnosis of major depression disorders in patients with ESRD undergoes dialysis was 68%. The new patients who undergo dialysis for less than 1 year had more depression symptoms (66.7%) than those on dialysis for 2–3 years (21.6%) or more than 3 years with a percentage of11.8%. Chi-square test showed significant associations between depression and age, the duration of dialysis, signs of significant weight loss when no dieting, and when the clinical symptoms related to distress or social or functional impairment (P = 0.016, 0.000, 0.004, and 0.000, respectively). Logistic regression test showed that age and duration of dialysis were significantly associated with depression with (odds ratios [OR]: 0.724, 0.211) Conclusion: More than two-thirds of patients on dialysis have depressive symptoms. Risk factors associated with depression in Sudanese patients on dialysis were age, duration of dialysis, weight loss, and social and functional impairment. Future research is needed in order to assess the benefit of antidepressants in patients on dialysis. Family physicians should be aware of the association between depression and dialysis, in order to provide early treatment and prevent suicide.

Background: In the end stages of chronic kidney disease, patients need kidney replacement therapy, such as dialysis and transplantation. Self-care and self-management are essential in dialysis patients at this stage. One of the tools that can facilitate self-management for patients is Personal Health Records (PHRs). This study aimed to design, develop and evaluate a PHR for patients under dialysis. Materials and methods: In this study, a PHR was developed in three phases. In the first phase, the minimum data set for the PHR was determined by literature review as well as surveys of patients and experts. In the second phase, the PHR was designed by the PHP web programming language. In the third phase, the usability of designed system was evaluated by the heuristic evaluation method. Results: Literature review and surveys of patients and experts led to the identification of 17 main data sets. In this study, 114 fields were created through 41 tables in the MySQL database. After evaluating the designed system, 26 unique problems were identified. The highest percentage of problems with 19% (n = 5) was related to “error prevention”. Conclusions: The designed PHR for patients undergoing chronic dialysis had satisfactory usability. Therefore, this web-based system can be efficiently used for the disease management of dialysis patients.

Vascular calcification and atherosclerosis are commonly associated with chronic terminal kidney disease (BCRT). The aim of the present study was to evaluate ultrasound the prevalence of calcifications and carotid plaques in BCRT patients treated with hemodialysis (HD), and to investigate the potential risk factors. The current observational-prospective study included 203 patients with BCRT, monitored for 48.5 ± 19.0 months and treated by hemodialysis in Arad county. The main etiologies for BCRT were chronic glomerulonephritis in 32% of cases and diabetes in 22% of cases. 43.84% of patients had a mean carotid IMT value ≥ 0.9. Carotid vascular calcification was found in 175 patients (86.20%), most calcifications being located at the level of the carotid bifurcation on the posterior wall. 105 carotid plaques have determined stenosis of the vessel's diameter. The total number of carotid plaques and plaques as well as the average value of carotid IMT were associated with age. Vascular calcifications were directly associated with the presence of diabetes. A linear association relation between vascular calcifications and carotid plaques was found, the correlation coefficient being equal to 0.73. Cardiovascular mortality was most strongly associated with the total number of carotid calcifications. Ultrasound remains the only readily available technique, capable of highlighting the non-calcified plaque. Highlighting the vascular calcifications and the intuition of the pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to their appearance may be factors influencing the therapeutic behavior applied to dialysis patients.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a minimally invasive surgical technique with good clinical outcomes; however, its outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis are unknown. Herein, we report two cases of patients undergoing hemodialysis who underwent staged bi-compartmental UKA (Bi-UKA) for early contralateral compartment failure after medial UKA. We describe the case of early contralateral compartment failure after medial UKA in two women patients aged 71 and 72 years with a dialysis history of seven and 22 years, respectively. Three months after right medial UKA, she had persistent joint edema and arthralgia after minor trauma, with recurrent gait disturbance in the first case. An MRI showed a bone marrow lesion in the contralateral compartment, and a lateral UKA was added. In the second case, the knee pain worsened without any trigger three years after leaving the medial UKA. A subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF) was diagnosed by a plain radiograph showing a radiolucent area on the lateral femoral condyle. Gait disturbance did not improve, and a lateral UKA was performed. In our hospital, medial UKA was performed on seven knees of dialysis patients in 10 years since 2011, and contralateral compartment failure was observed in two knees at an early stage. In both cases, lumbar bone density was normal and there was no postoperative overcorrection in leg alignment, but a SIF of the contralateral side occurred, suggesting that bone fragility of the contralateral compartment due to long-term dialysis was the underlying cause. Staged Bi-UKA was minimally invasive and useful as a revision surgery., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Inoue et al.)

Purpose: Executive function impairments are among the most common dialysis side effects. The present study aims to compare the efficiency of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) with computerized Cognitive Rehabilitation Training (cCRT) on dialysis patients' executive functions., Research Method: The present study, a quasi-experimental effort, adopted a pre-test/post-test method that included a control (sham) group., Design: The study sample consisted of 30 participants, selected through the convenience sampling method, and categorized into three groups of cCRT, tDCS, and sham participants. The cCRT participants were asked to complete 8 tasks in Captain's Log MindPower Builder software. The tDCS participants were treated with a 0.06 mA/cm2 current with the anodal electrode on F3 and the cathodal electrode on Fp2. For the sham participants, the electrodes were put on the same regions but there was no current stimulation. The treatment lasted for 10 sessions carried out every other day., Results: The results of MANCOVA showed no significant difference between the sham group and the cCRT group in any of the executive function items. . However, between the sham group and the tDCS group was detected a significant difference in spatial working memory (p \< 0.05) and a marginally significant in cognitive flexibility (p = 0.091). No significant difference was reported between cCRT and tDCS groups in any item., Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, given the efficacy of tDCS on spatial working memory and cognitive flexibility for dialysis patients, it can be used to improve these skills.

Background: The relationship between Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score and survival of dialysis patients has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to explore the association between PSQI score and all-cause mortality in dialysis patients. Methods: Fifty-one hemodialysis and 58 peritoneal dialysis patients were enrolled in this study. PSQI score > 5 and ≤ 5 indicated "poor sleepers" and "good sleepers", respectively. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed. Results: The median PSQI score was 7.0 (4.0–10.0). Sixty-seven (61.5%) patients had poor sleep quality (SQ). Compared with good sleepers, poor sleepers had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin [74.0 (61.0, 85.0) vs. 78.0 (68.0, 97.0), P = 0.03] and serum bicarbonate (18.0 ± 4.5 vs. 20.0 ± 3.7, P = 0.022). The follow-up time was 69.1 ± 29.9 months. By multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, PSQI total score was the independent risk factor of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.36, P = 0.007]. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis showed that 7 was the cutoff value at which the effect of PSQI score on mortality changed. Patients with a PSQI score > 7 had a 2.96-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 2.96, 95% CI 1.15–7.61, P = 0.025). Conclusions: PSQI score can be used as a predictor of all-cause mortality in dialysis patients, and those with PSQI > 7 were associated with increased odds of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frequently seen functional bowel disease. Although not lifethreatening, it impairs quality of life and leads to economic losses. IBS symptoms are widespread in dialysis patients. Psychopathological disorders are known to increase in both IBS and dialysis patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of IBS, IBS-related factors, and psychopathological disorders in patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty patients followed-up in hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) programs were included in this prospective study. Patients were divided into groups with and without diagnoses of IBS based on the Rome-III diagnostic criteria. The Symptom Check List Revised (SCL90-R) test was then applied to the patients. Patients with and without IBS were compared according to the scores obtained from the questionnaire. Results: IBS was determined in 59 (39.3%) of the dialysis patients. The prevalence of IBS was significantly higher in women (P = .030). The presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and use of erythropoietin (EPO) were significantly higher in patients with IBS (P = .029, P = .031). Somatization, obsessive-compulsive disorder, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, psychoticism, and additional items were also higher in patients with IBS. Subscale scores for somatization, depression, and additional parameters in dialysis patients with IBS were above the threshold values for screening. Conclusion: IBS is common in dialysis patients. The presence of CAD or use of EPO were frequently observed in dialysis patients with IBS, and psychopathologies in depression, somatization, and additional subparameters were also higher in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]