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Background Kidney involvement is common in anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV) and the prognosis is determined by the severity of kidney damage. This study focused on long-term kidney outcomes, defining possible risk factors and comparing the performance of three different histological classifications to predict outcomes for patients with AAV. Methods The dataset included 848 patients with newly diagnosed AAV who participated in seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (1995–2012). Follow-up information was obtained from questionnaires sent to the principal investigators of the original RCTs. Results The cumulative incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) at 5 and 10 years was 17% and 22%, respectively. Patients who developed ESKD had reduced patient survival compared with those with preserved kidney function (hazard ratio 2.8, P  < .001). Comparing patients with AAV and kidney involvement with a matched general population, patients with AAV had poor survival outcomes, even in early stages of chronic kidney disease. The main cause of death was infection followed by cardiovascular disease in patients developing ESKD and malignancy in those who did not. Some 34% of patients with initial need for dialysis recovered kidney function after treatment. Thirty-five out of 175 in need of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) during follow-up received a kidney transplant with good outcome; there was 86% patient survival at 10 years. In the subcohort of 214 patients with available kidney biopsies, three scoring systems were tested: the Berden classification, the Renal Risk Score and the Mayo Clinic Score. The scores highlighted the importance of normal glomeruli and severe glomerulosclerosis on kidney survival (P  < .001 and P  = .001, respectively). The Renal Risk Score demonstrated a moderate prediction of kidney survival (area under the curve 0.79; standard error 0.03, 95% confidence interval 0.71–0.83). Conclusions Early diagnosis of AAV is extremely important. Even milder forms of kidney involvement have an impact on the prognosis. Patients in need of KRT had the lowest survival rates, but kidney transplantation has shown favorable outcomes for eligible AAV patients. The three histologic scoring systems were all identified as independent prognostic factors for kidney outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The N-PATH (Nephrology Partnership for Advancing Technology in Healthcare) program concluded with the 60th European Renal Association 2023 Congress in Milan, Italy. This collaborative initiative aimed to provide advanced training in interventional nephrology to young European nephrologists. Funded by Erasmus+ Knowledge Alliance, N-PATH addressed the global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the shortage of nephrologists. CKD affects >850 million people worldwide, yet nephrology struggles to attract medical talent, leading to unfilled positions in residency programs. To address this, N-PATH focused on enhancing nephrology education through four specialized modules: renal expert in renal pathology (ReMAP), renal expert in vascular access (ReVAC), renal expert in medical ultrasound (ReMUS) and renal expert in peritoneal dialysis (RePED). ReMAP emphasized the importance of kidney biopsy in nephrology diagnosis and treatment, providing theoretical knowledge and hands-on training. ReVAC centred on vascular access in haemodialysis, teaching trainees about different access types, placement techniques and managing complications. ReMUS recognized the significance of ultrasound in nephrology, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and preparing nephrologists for comprehensive patient care. RePED addressed chronic peritoneal dialysis, offering comprehensive training in patient selection, prescription, monitoring, complications and surgical techniques for catheter insertion. Overall, N-PATH's strategy involved collaborative networks, hands-on training, mentorship, an interdisciplinary approach and the integration of emerging technologies. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, N-PATH aimed to revitalize interest in nephrology and prepare proficient nephrologists to tackle the challenges of kidney diseases. In conclusion, the N-PATH program aimed to address the shortage of nephrologists and improve the quality of nephrology care in Europe. By providing specialized training, fostering collaboration and promoting patient-centred care, N-PATH aimed to inspire future nephrology professionals to meet the growing healthcare demands related to kidney diseases and elevate the specialty's status within the medical community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Ciprofloxacin induces rare neuro-psychiatric adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that are, as yet, not possible to predict due to unknown predisposition factors. BACKGROUND: The aim of the analysis was to assess the frequency of neuro-psychiatric ADRs and to identify potential risk factors that predisposed patients to ciprofloxacin neurotoxicity. METHODS: This observational retrospective study involved the evaluation of the medical records of patients in the Nephrology department and 3rd Internal Clinic of the General University Hospital in Prague. RESULTS: The overall incidence of neurological ADRs was 3.6%. No neurological ADRs developed in patients aged less than 70 years. The covariates that were significantly more prevalent in the patients who developed neuropsychiatric ADRs were as follows: higher age, a history of neuropsychiatric disorders and the use of anticonvulsants. The administration of drugs from other ATC groups, gender, weight, body mass index, body surface area, renal functions, level of C-reactive protein at the beginning of treatment and the total daily dose/kg did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Ciprofloxacin neuropsychiatric ADRs are more frequent in older patients with a history of neurologic or psychiatric disorders. No other tested covariates were proven to predispose patients to neuropsychiatric ADRs during treatment with ciprofloxacin (Tab. 2, Ref. 20). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney fibrosis is the hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is characterized by an imbalanced extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Collagen type III is one of the main ECM components of the interstitial matrix of the kidney. We hypothesized that measuring three biomarkers of collagen type III reflecting different aspects of this protein turnover (C3M, C3C, and PRO-C3) may provide different information about the fibrotic burden in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). We examined a cohort of 134 patients with IgAN. The three collagen type III biomarkers were measured in serum (S) and in urine (U) samples taken on the same day before kidney biopsy was performed. Biopsies were evaluated for interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, according to the Banff and MEST-C scores. S-PRO-C3 and S-C3C correlated with the degree of fibrosis in the biopsy, whereas U-C3M/Cr had an inverse correlation with fibrosis. U-C3M/Cr had the highest discrimination ability for advanced fibrosis, which was maintained after adjustment for the other collagen type III biomarkers, proteinuria, and serum creatinine. The data presented in this study indicate that measuring the different fragments of the same ECM protein and in different matrices provides a variety of information regarding pathological kidney tissue alterations in patients with IgAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite newer treatments with immunosuppressive agents, there still exists a considerable morbidity and mortality risk among patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Since 1994 the European Vasculitis Society (EUVAS) has aimed for an improved outcome for patients with AAV, conducting several prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The aim for the present study was to further evaluate the long-term survival of patients with AAV included in seven RCTs conducted by the EUVAS as well as to identify potential prognostic factors. Methods Long-term follow-up data were collected from questionnaires sent to the principal investigators of the original RCTs (1995–2012): MEPEX, NORAM, CYCAZAREM, CYCLOPS, IMPROVE, RITUXVAS and MYCYC, comprising 848 patients, all newly diagnosed with AAV. Relative survival estimates are presented for the study cohorts. Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics at trial entry were studied as potential prognostic factors in multivariable models. Results A total of 478 (56%) patients had granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and 370 (44%) had microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) with a mean age at diagnosis of 58 ± 14 years. The median follow-up time was 8 years (interquartile range 2.9–13.6). During the observation period there were 305 deaths and the main causes were infections (26%), cardiovascular disease (14%) and malignancies (13%). When compared with a matched cohort (regarding country, age group and sex) from the background population there were 14.2% more deaths among our cohort of AAV patients at 5 years, 19.9% at 10 years, 28.8% at 15 years and 36.3% at 20 years. The excess mortality occurred in all age groups. The estimated median survival time (from diagnosis) was 17.8 years (95% confidence interval 15.7–20). Among variables measured at baseline, advanced age, male sex, low estimated glomerular filtration rate and low platelet count were identified as predictors of death in a multivariate Cox model. Conclusions Patients with AAV still have an increased risk of mortality compared with the general population despite newer therapeutic regimens. Treatment complications and organ damage are the main causes of limited survival and infections remain the leading cause of mortality among patients with AAV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]