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Sarcopenia is a common complication in end-stage renal disease. Low muscle strength and muscle mass are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients undergoing dialysis. We studied the relation between sarcopenia and pre-atherosclerotic markers and its effect on cardiovascular events and death in dialysis patients.We measured muscle strength, muscle mass, carotid intima-media thickness, and pulse wave velocity in 106 patients. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the EWGSOP-2 suggestions. Patients with low muscle strength and low muscle mass were considered sarcopenic. The follow-up period for cardiovascular events and mortality was 24 months.The mean age and dialysis duration were 57.4 ± 16.6 and 6.5 ± 4.9 years, respectively. Of all patients, 53 (50%) were male and 70 (66%) were on hemodialysis treatment. Sarcopenia and low muscle strength were seen in 47.1% and 88.7%, respectively. Hemodialysis patients were more likely to be sarcopenic than peritoneal dialysis patients (p = 0.001). Ferritin and Kt/V levels were higher, and body mass index was lower significantly in sarcopenic patients (p 0.001). There was no significant difference in carotid intima-media thickness and pulse wave velocity measurements between the groups (p = 0.62 and p = 0.68, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in cardiovascular events and mortality in cases with and without sarcopenia (p = 0.43 and p = 0.17, respectively).There was no association between sarcopenia and pre-atherosclerotic markers, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality in dialysis patients. Techniques to detect low muscle strength and muscle mass need standardization, and new specific cut-off levels must be defined for dialysis patients.

Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has currently been one of the leading causes of psychosocial stress throughout the world. We hypothesized that possible changes in anxiety status during the COVID-19 pandemic might affect blood pressure in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were applied to 71 prevalent HD patients. Pre-dialysis blood pressure was measured, and the systolic blood pressure measurements of 6 consecutive HD sessions were averaged. All assessments were performed both at the beginning (March) and after the end (June) of the partial lockdown, which was officially instituted by the Government in Turkey. Results: The mean age (+/- SD) was 59.2 +/- 14.8 years and 52% of the patients were female. The STAI-State score was higher in March than in June (44.6 +/- 12.6 vs. 42.3 +/- 11.5, respectively, P =.047), whereas the HADS-Anxiety, HADS-Depression, and STAI-Trait scores were not different. The pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in March than in June (127.9 +/- 20.3 vs. 124.8 +/- 22.8 mmHg, respectively, P =.029). The change in state anxiety score from March to June was remarkable, particularly in patients not taking a beta-blocker (49.3 +/- 9.6 to 43.8 +/- 11.1, P =.001) and in patients younger than the median age of 64 years (48.6 +/- 12.8 to 45.3 +/- 12.5, P =.029). The change in blood pressure level from March to June was found to be significant only in patients not taking a beta-blocker (123.4 +/- 20.2 to 118.2 +/- 20.6 mmHg, P

Cytomegalovirus infection is an important complication in immunocompromised patients. As few studies have shown that cyclophosphamide treatment is a risk factor for cytomegalovirus infection in patients with glomerulonephritis, we aimed to describe the frequency and risk factors of cytomegalovirus infection in glomerulonephritis patients treated with cyclophosphamide. We prospectively recruited 43 cytomegalovirus seropositive patients with glomerulonephritis treated with cyclophosphamide. We screened all patients for viral DNA monthly during treatment. Patients were compared for age, sex, glomerular pathology, renal function and clinical status regarding development of cytomegalovirus infection before and after the treatment. Cytomegalovirus infection was detected in 10 (23.3%) patients, most commonly within the first 2 months of cyclophosphamide treatment. All patients recovered without any cytomegalovirus-related complications. Patients with cytomegalovirus infection had higher serum creatinine (4.2 ± 3.2 vs. 1.9 ± 1.8 mg/dl, p = 0.006) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (29 ± 11 vs. 65 ± 8 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.016) at diagnosis compared with cytomegalovirus infection non-occurred patients. In addition, number of patients presented with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis were higher in cytomegalovirus infection group (80.0% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.007). Moreover, cytomegalovirus infection was associated with prolonged hospital stay (54 ± 7 vs. 29 ± 6 days, p = 0.027). Cytomegalovirus infection is a common complication in glomerulonephritis patients treated with cyclophosphamide in this prospective study. Routine monitoring and prophylaxis should be considered for these high-risk patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a higher mortality in the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there has not been much research in the literature concerning the outcomes of CKD patients in the post-COVID-19 period. We aimed to investigate the outcomes of CKD patients not receiving renal replacement therapy.In this multicenter observational study, we included CKD patients with a GFR 60 ml/min/1.73 mThere were 173 patients in the COVID-19 group and 207 patients in the control group. Most patients (72.8%) were treated as inpatient in the COVID-19 group (intensive care unit hospitalization: 16.7%, acute kidney injury: 54.8%, needing dialysis: 7.9%). While there was no significant difference between the baseline creatinine values of the COVID-19 group and the control group (1.86 and 1.9, p = 0.978, respectively), on the 1st month, creatinine values were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group (2.09 and 1.8, respectively, p = 0.028). Respiratory system symptoms were more common in COVID-19 patients compared to the control group in the 1st month and 3rd month follow-ups (p 0.001). Mortality at 3 months after the diagnosis of COVID-19 was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group than in the control group (respectively; 5.2% and 1.4%, p:0.037). Similarly, the rate of patients requiring dialysis for COVID-19 was significantly higher than the control group (respectively; 8.1% and 3.4%, p: 0.045).In CKD patients, COVID-19 was associated with increased mortality, as well as more deterioration in kidney function and higher need for dialysis in the post-COVID-19 period. These patients also had higher rate of ongoing respiratory symptoms after COVID-19.

We aimed to evaluate the perceptions of nephrologists about peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Turkey.An anonymous survey was conducted to a total of 150 nephrologists. Demographic data, perceptions, PD indications, contraindications, and possible reasons for low preference of PD were questioned.In decision making, 93.4% of all stated that patients prioritized the doctor's opinion and 80.7% considered PD is the best initial dialysis option. The presence of many HD facilities (70.7%), inadequate knowledge, and education of patients (70%), physicians' reluctance to practice PD (70%), unwillingness of patients (68.7%), negative effect of other patients (67.3%), inadequate experience of PD staff (58.7%), and nonencouragement of PD by the state (58.7%) were the leading reasons of low prevalence.Implementation of comprehensive predialysis education programs for patients, informing government and hospital officials about PD advantages, and reinforcing PD principles to the nephrologists could improve the low prevalence of PD in Turkey.

Objective: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) nursing begins with education that will assist in the selection of dialysis treatment modality in patients with end-stage renal failure, and continues with education in catheter insertion, PD performing, complications that may arise in PD in daily life. Most of the time, telephone support is a necessity because of the problems requiring urgent intervention faced by the patients. Additionally, patients need to feel that they are not alone while their PD treatment process. The aim of this study is to determine how often and for what reason PD patients are needed for the support of the PD nurses via telephone in our center. Methods: The telephone calls made by PD patients to our PD nurses in our center between October 2018 and February 2019 were recorded with the reason and duration of the calls. The demographic data and clinic characteristics of the patients were recorded. Results:Of the patients 53,1% were female (n = 26) and 46,9% were male (n = 23). The mean age of the patients was 49.6 ± 13,6. 53,1% of the patients was performing automated PD (n = 26) and 46.9% of them was performing continuous ambulatory PD (n = 23). A total of 49 patients performed 649 calls. The total duration of the calls was 598 minutes, of which 361 minutes were during working hours and 237 minutes were after working hours. 46 patients made calls with median 5 times (min-max: 1-21) for medical reasons; 22 patients made calls with median 3 times (min-max: 1-6) for social reasons, 29 patients made calls with median 5 times for technical reasons (min-max: 1-16). Additionally, 32 patients made calls with median 3 times (min-max: 1-21) for the prescription procedures. The duration of the calls made for technical reasons was found to be significantly higher outside the working time (p = 0.009). Our study showed that especially technical problems require support outside the working hours. Support for a successful PD process is provided for, by PD nurses both at the health center and at home.

Introduction: There are not enough data on the post-CO-VID-19 period for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients affected from COVID-19. We aimed to compare the clinical and laboratory data of PD patients after COVID-19 with a control PD group. Methods: This study, supported by the Turkish Society of Nephrology, is a national, multicenter retrospective case-control study involving adult PD patients with confirmed COVID-19, using data collected from April 21, 2021, to June 11, 2021. A control PD group was also formed from each PD unit, from patients with similar characteristics but without COVID-19. Patients in the active period of COVID-19 were not included. Data at the end of the first month and within the first 90 days, as well as other outcomes, including mortality, were investigated. Results: A total of 223 patients (COVID-19 group: 113, control group: 110) from 27 centers were included. The duration of PD in both groups was similar (median [IQR]: 3.0 [1.88-6.0] years and 3.0 [2.0-5.6]), but the patient age in the COVID-19 group was lower than that in the control group (50 [IQR: 40-57] years and 56 [IQR: 46-64] years, p < 0.001). PD characteristics and baseline laboratory data were similar in both groups, except serum albumin and hemoglobin levels on day 28, which were significantly lower in the COVID-19 group. In the COVID-19 group, respiratory symptoms, rehospitalization, lower respiratory tract infection, change in PD modality, UF failure, and hypervolemia were significantly higher on the 28th day. There was no significant difference in laboratory parameters at day 90. Only 1 (0.9%) patient in the COVID-19 group died within 90 days. There was no death in the control group. Respiratory symptoms, malnutrition, and hypervolemia were significantly higher at day 90 in the COVID-19 group. Conclusion: Mortality in the first 90 days after COVID-19 in PD patients with COVID-19 was not different from the control PD group. However, some patients continued to experience significant problems, especially respiratory system symptoms, malnutrition, and hypervolemia. © 2022 S. Karger AG, Basel. Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Introduction: Hemodialysis (HD) patients have increased risk for short-term adverse outcomes of COVID-19. However, complications and survival at the post-COVID-19 period have not been published extensively.Methods: We conducted a national, multicenter observational study that included adult maintenance HD patients recovered from confirmed COVID-19. A control HD group without COVID-19 was selected from patients in the same center. We investigated the characteristics and outcomes in the follow-up of HD patients and compare them with the non-COVID-19 group.Results: A total of 1223 patients (635 patients in COVID-19 group, 588 patients in non-COVID-19 group) from 47 centers were included in the study. The patients' baseline and HD characteristics were almost similar. The 28th-day mortality and mortality between 28th day and 90th day were higher in the COVID-19 group than non-COVID-19 group (19 [3.0%] patients vs. none [0%]; 15 [2.4%] patients vs. 4 [0.7%] patients, respectively). The presence of respiratory symptoms, rehospitalization, need for home oxygen therapy, lower respiratory tract infection, and arteriovenous (AV) fistula thrombosis was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group in both the first 28 days and between 28 and 90 days. In the multivariable analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 1.029 [1.004-1.056]), group (COVID-19 group vs. non-COVID-19 group) (OR [95% CI]: 7.258 [2.538-20.751]), and vascular access type (tunneled catheter/AV fistula) (OR [95% CI]: 2.512 [1.249-5.051]) were found as independent parameters related to 90-day mortality.Conclusion: In the post-COVID-19 period, maintenance HD patients who have had COVID-19 have increased rehospitalization, respiratory problems, vascular access problems, and high mortality compared with the non-COVID-19 HD patients.

Objective Older adults with co‐morbidities have been reported to be at higher risk for adverse outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The characteristics of COVID‐19 in older patients and its clinical outcomes in different kidney disease groups are not well known. Methods Data were retrieved from a national multicentric database supported by Turkish Society of Nephrology, which consists of retrospectively collected data between 17 April 2020 and 31 December 2020. Hospitalised patients aged 18 years or older with confirmed COVID‐19 diagnosis suffering from stage 3‐5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) or on maintenance haemodialysis (HD) treatment were included in the database. Non‐uraemic hospitalised patients with COVID‐19 were also included as the control group. Results We included 879 patients [388 (44.1%) female, median age: 63 (IQR: 50‐73) years]. The percentage of older patients in the CKD group was 68.8% (n = 188/273), in the HD group was 49.0% (n = 150/306) and in the control group was 30.4% (n = 70/300). Co‐morbidities were higher in the CKD and HD groups. The rate of presentation with severe‐critical disease was higher in the older CKD and HD groups (43.6%, 55.3% and 16.1%, respectively). Among older patients, the intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate was significantly higher in the CKD and HD groups than in the control group (38.8%, 37.3% and 15.7%, respectively). In‐hospital mortality or death and/or ICU admission rates in the older group were significantly higher in the CKD (29.3% and 39.4%) and HD groups (26.7% and 30.1%) compared with the control group (8.6% and 17.1%). In the multivariate analysis, in‐hospital mortality rates in CKD and HD groups were higher than control group [hazard ratio (HR): 4.33 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53‐12.26) and HR: 3.09 (95% CI: 1.04‐9.17), respectively]. Conclusion Among older COVID‐19 patients, in‐hospital mortality is significantly higher in those with stage 3‐5 CKD and on maintenance HD than older patients without CKD regardless of demographic characteristics, co‐morbidities, clinical and laboratory data on admission.

Background and Aims Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has currently been one of the leading causes of psychosocial stress worldwide. We hypothesized that possible changes in anxiety status might affect blood pressure in haemodialysis (HD) patients during COVID-19 pandemic. Method Seventy one prevalent HD patients were included in this prospective study. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were applied to assess psychological status of the patients. Peridialysis blood pressure measurements were performed and average of 6 consecutive HD sessions’ pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure measurements were used for statistical analyses. All assessments were performed both at the beginning (March) and after ending (June) of the partial lock-down, which was officially instituted by the Government in parallel with the status of the pandemic in Turkey. Results Mean age (±SD) was 59.2±14.8 years and 52% of the patients were female. Dose of medications including antihypertensives, dry weight, interdialytic weight gain, and Kt/Vurea were stable during the study period. STAI-state score was higher in March than that in June (44.6±12.6 vs 42.3±11.5, respectively, p=0.047), whereas HADS-anxiety, HADS-depression, and STAI-trait scores were not different. Pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in March than in June (127.9±20.3 vs 124.8±22.8 mmHg, respectively, p=0.029). Change in state anxiety score from March to June was remarkable particularly in patients not taking a beta-blocker (49.3±9.6 to 43.8±11.1, p=0.001) and in patients younger than the median age of 64 years (48.6±12.8 to 45.3±12.5, p=0.029). Change in blood pressure level from March to June was found to be significant only in patients not taking a beta-blocker (123.4±20.2 to 118.2±20.6 mmHg, p Conclusion Our findings, though need to be confirmed by further studies, revealed an association between a higher state of anxiety and a higher blood pressure level in HD patients in COVID-19 pandemic era, which was remarkable particularly in patients not taking a beta-blocker.

INTRODUCTION Both hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been comorbid illnesses with increasing morbidity and mortality. The present study was conducted to present real-life experiences about treatment of HCV and CKD with a fixed-dose combination of paritaprevir 150 mg/day, ritonavir 100 mg/day as a booster, ombitasvir 25 mg/day, and dasabuvir 250 mg twice/day, the PROD regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study. Seventy-five patients with both HCV and CKD were treated with a PROD-based regimen with or without ribavirin. Fifty-three of 75 patients were on maintenance hemodialysis program. Seven patients had compensated liver cirrhosis. The patients with genotype 1a or compensated liver cirrhosis were treated with the PROD regimen and ribavirin in a dose of 200 mg every other day for 12 weeks. The patients with genotype 1b were treated with PROD for 12 weeks. The patients with genotype 4 were treated with a combination of paritaprevir, ritonavir, ombitasvir, and ribavirin 200 mg every other day. RESULTS All patients except one were HCV-RNA negative (98.6%) at the end of treatment. One patient had decompensated after the fourth day of therapy. She stopped the treatment, and she was exitus after 2 months. Two patients died of reasons not related to the drugs 2 months after negativity of HCV-RNA. Sustained viral rate 12 weeks after treatment was found in 96% of the patients. CONCLUSION The PROD regimen was very effective and safe for treatment in patients with HCV and CKD who were in stages 4 and 5.

Background/Aims: Refugee dialysis is a worldwide growing dilemma with limited experience. This report presents the largest hemodialysis (HD) patient registry data of Syrian refugees in Turkey. Methods: Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and dialysis practice data of 345 Syrian HD patients during one year were collected and analyzed. Results: There were 345 prevalent Syrian HD patients at the end of 2016. Majority of the patients were placed in the Southeast Anatolian Region. The majority of the patients (74.8%) are in the age range of 20-64 years. Dialysis vintage in Turkey is less than 12 months in 20.8% and less than one month in 29.3% of patients. The vascular access was arteriovenous fistula in the majority of patients (72.5%). Kt/V is over 1.7 in 57%, serum albumin is above 35 g/L in 65.8% and hemoglobin level is more than 100 g/L in %65.2 of the patients. The ratio of patients with serum phosphorus level of 1.13-1.77 mmol/L was 56.2%. Twenty Syrian HD patients (14 male, 6 female) died within the year 2016 and annual mortality rate was 5.7%. Conclusion: This study with the largest number of Syrian refugees undergoing maintenance hemodialysis showed good dialysis practices, acceptable values for dialysis adequacy and biochemical parameters along with lower mortality compared to native HD population of Turkey. Longer follow up will enrich the knowledge related to care of refugee population in all over the world.

Background/aim: Hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (HA-AKI) may commonly develop in Covid-19 patients and is expected to have higher mortality. There is little comparative data investigating the effect of HA-AKI on mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and a control group of general population suffering from Covid-19. Materials and methods: HA-AKI development was assessed in a group of stage 3-5 CKD patients and control group without CKD among adult patients hospitalized for Covid-19. The role of AKI development on the outcome (in-hospital mortality and admission to the intensive care unit [ICU]) of patients with and without CKD was compared. Results: Among 621 hospitalized patients (age 60 [IQR: 47-73]), women: 44.1%), AKI developed in 32.5% of the patients, as stage 1 in 84.2%, stage 2 in 8.4%, and stage 3 in 7.4%. AKI developed in 48.0 % of CKD patients, whereas it developed in 17.6% of patients without CKD. CKD patients with HA-AKI had the highest mortality rate of 41.1% compared to 14.3% of patients with HA-AKI but no CKD (p < 0.001). However, patients with AKI+non-CKD had similar rates of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death rate to patients with CKD without AKI. Adjusted mortality risks of the AKI+non-CKD group (HR: 9.0, 95% CI: 1.9-44.2) and AKI+CKD group (HR: 7.9, 95% CI: 1.9-33.3) were significantly higher than that of the non-AKI+non-CKD group. Conclusion: AKI frequently develops in hospitalized patients due to Covid-19 and is associated with high mortality. HA-AKI has worse outcomes whether it develops in patients with or without CKD, but the worst outcome was seen in AKI+CKD patients. Turkish Society of Nephrology for the organization We thank Turkish Society of Nephrology for the organization and funding of the study. We also would like to express our gratitude to the patients whose records were used in this study, without which this research would not be possible.

Background: we aimed to present the demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes of our multicenter cohort of adult KTx recipients with COVID-19.Methods: we conducted a multicenter, retrospective study using data of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 collected from 34 centers in Turkey. Demographic characteristics, clinical findings, laboratory parameters (hemogram, CRP, AST, ALT, LDH, and ferritin) at admission and follow-up, and treatment strategies were reviewed. Predictors of poor clinical outcomes were analyzed. The primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and the need for ICU admission. The secondary outcome was composite in-hospital mortality and/or ICU admission.Results: one hundred nine patients (male/female: 63/46, mean age: 48.412.4years) were included in the study. Acute kidney injury (AKI) developed in 46 (42.2%) patients, and 4 (3.7%) of the patients required renal replacement therapy (RRT). A total of 22 (20.2%) patients were admitted in the ICU, and 19 (17.4%) patients required invasive mechanical ventilation. 14 (12.8%) of the patients died. Patients who were admitted in the ICU were significantly older (age over 60 years) (38.1% vs 14.9%, p=0.016). 23 (21.1%) patients reached to composite outcome and these patients were significantly older (age over 60years) (39.1% vs. 13.9%; p=0.004), and had lower serum albumin (3.4g/dl [2.9-3.8] vs. 3.8g/dl [3.5-4.1], p=0.002), higher serum ferritin (679 mu g/L [184-2260] vs. 331 mu g/L [128-839], p=0.048), and lower lymphocyte counts (700/mu l [460-950] vs. 860 /mu l [545-1385], p=0.018). Multivariable analysis identified presence of ischemic heart disease and initial serum creatinine levels as independent risk factors for mortality, whereas age over 60 years and initial serum creatinine levels were independently associated with ICU admission. On analysis for predicting secondary outcome, age above 60 and initial lymphocyte count were found to be independent variables in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: over the age of 60, ischemic heart disease, lymphopenia, poor graft function were independent risk factors for severe COVID-19 in this patient group. Whereas presence of ischemic heart disease and poor graft function were independently associated with mortality., NA

Chronic kidney disease is an important public health problem, and its prevalence is increasing in Turkey as well as around the world. The number of patients with end-stage renal disease requiring renal replacement therapy has been increasing during the last two decades in Turkey. The three most common causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, and chronic glomerulonephritis. The most common renal replacement therapy modality is hemodialysis followed by kidney transplantation and peritoneal dialysis. There has been a significant increase in the number of living donor kidney transplantations performed during the last decade. One of the major problems regarding renal replacement therapy is the low number of transplants performed with deceased donors’ kidneys. Patient and graft survival rates are comparable to those of Western countries. The early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease and reduction of risk factors for progression are the most efficient and cost-effective ways to prevent or delay the development of end-stage renal disease and its complications.

Background Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients are at increased risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to describe clinical, laboratory, and radiologic characteristics and determinants of mortality in a large group of MHD patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Methods This multicenter, retrospective, observational study collected data from 47 nephrology clinics in Turkey. Baseline clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics, and COVID-19 treatments during hospitalization, need for intensive care and mechanical ventilation were recorded. The main study outcome was in-hospital mortality and the determinants were analyzed by Cox regression survival analysis. Results Of 567 MHD patients, 93 (16.3%) patients died, 134 (23.6%) patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and 91 of the ones in ICU (67.9%) needed mechanical ventilation. Patients who died were older (median age, 66 [57–74] vs. 63 [52–71] years, p = 0.019), had more congestive heart failure (34.9% versus 20.7%, p = 0.004) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (23.6% versus 12.7%, p = 0.008) compared to the discharged patients. Most patients (89.6%) had radiological manifestations compatible with COVID-19 pulmonary involvement. Median platelet (166 × 103 per mm3 versus 192 × 103 per mm3, p = 0.011) and lymphocyte (800 per mm3 versus 1000 per mm3, p p = 0.001) on admission were lower in patients who died. Age (HR: 1.022 [95% CI, 1.003–1.041], p = 0.025), severe-critical disease clinical presentation at the time of diagnosis (HR: 6.223 [95% CI, 2.168–17.863], p p = 0.009), ferritin levels on admission (HR; 1.057 [95% CI, 1.006–1.111], p = 0.028), elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (HR; 3.909 [95% CI, 2.143–7.132], p 3 per mm3) during hospitalization (HR; 1.864 [95% CI, 1.025–3.390], p = 0.041) were risk factors for mortality. Conclusion Hospitalized MHD patients with COVID-19 had a high mortality rate. Older age, presence of heart failure, clinical severity of the disease at presentation, ferritin level on admission, decrease in platelet count and increase in AST level during hospitalization may be used to predict the mortality risk of these patients.

Cytomegalovirus infection is an important complication in immunocompromised patients. As few studies have shown that cyclophosphamide treatment is a risk factor for cytomegalovirus infection in patients with glomerulonephritis, we aimed to describe the frequency and risk factors of cytomegalovirus infection in glomerulonephritis patients treated with cyclophosphamide.We prospectively recruited 43 cytomegalovirus seropositive patients with glomerulonephritis treated with cyclophosphamide. We screened all patients for viral DNA monthly during treatment. Patients were compared for age, sex, glomerular pathology, renal function and clinical status regarding development of cytomegalovirus infection before and after the treatment.Cytomegalovirus infection was detected in 10 (23.3%) patients, most commonly within the first 2 months of cyclophosphamide treatment. All patients recovered without any cytomegalovirus-related complications. Patients with cytomegalovirus infection had higher serum creatinine (4.2 ± 3.2 vs. 1.9 ± 1.8 mg/dl, p = 0.006) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (29 ± 11 vs. 65 ± 8 ml/min/1.73 mCytomegalovirus infection is a common complication in glomerulonephritis patients treated with cyclophosphamide in this prospective study. Routine monitoring and prophylaxis should be considered for these high-risk patients.

Background and Aims We aimed to study the impact of major surgical operations on clinical outcome in patients with end-stage kidney disease treated with haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Method We retrospectively evaluated the records of all patients on HD and PD, who had been treated for at least 3 months at our outpatient clinics between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. In addition to clinical and laboratory parameters, data on all major surgical operations were recorded. Results Among the 202 patients, 133 (66%) were on HD and 69 (34%) on PD. The mean age (±SD) was 58.3±14.5 years, 48% were female and 28% had diabetes mellitus. Forty-seven patients (23%) had a major surgical operation. The operation types were cardiovascular in 14 patients, orthopaedic in 11, gastrointestinal in 8, genitourinary in 6, parathyroidectomy in 5 and brain, pulmonary and breast in 1 patient each. Operations were emergent in 10 patients (21%) and elective in the others (79%). Among the whole study population, 59 patients (29%) died during the study period. In Kaplan-Meier analysis (Figure), mean (95% CI) survival time in operated patients was 43 months (37 to 49 months), while it was 49 months (46 to 52 months) in the others (p=0.023). Fifteen out of 23 deaths (65%) among the operated patients occurred in the first month after surgery. Severe perioperative complications (arrhythmias, hypervolemia, hypotension, bleeding, acute coronary syndrome, respiratory failure and cerebrovascular event) were recorded in 17 (36%) of the operated patients, of whom 16 died (p=0.001). Although did not reach a significant level, mortality rate tended to be higher after emergent operations than that after elective operations. Cox regression analyses revealed that age (RR 1.033, 95% CI 1.010-1.057, p=0.005), diabetes (RR 2.581, 95% CI 1.474-4.521, p=0.001), preoperative C-reactive protein level (RR 1.005, 95% CI 1.002-1.007, p Conclusion Although prospective studies with a higher patient number are needed to confirm, our study shows that, in addition to age, diabetes and inflammatory status, having a major surgical operation is an independent risk factor for mortality in dialysis patients. The prevention and management of perioperative complications properly may result in more favourable outcomes in these patients.

Background and Aims Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an important complication in immunocompomised patients. Although approach to CMV infection is well-defined in stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients, less is known about the frequency and risk factors of CMV disease in patients with glomerulonephritis (GN). As few studies have shown that cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment is a risk factor for CMV infection in GN patients, we aimed to describe the frequency and risk factors of CMV infection in GN patients treated with CYC. Method 268 patients diagnosed GN between January 2017 and November 2019 in Ankara University İbni Sina Hospital, Nephrology Department. We recruited 43 GN patients who were treated with CYC and screened all patients for viral DNA monthly. CMV infection defined by CMV DNA detected >500 copies/µl. Patients developed CMV and no-CMV infection were compared for age, sex, glomerular pathology, renal function and clinical status before and after treatment. Results CMV infection was detected in 10 (23,3%) patients at 2±1 (min:1 max:3) months of CYC treatment (Table-1). 7 patients were treated for CMV infection with parenteral ganciclovir, while the other 3 patients with low CMV DNA level (509, 538 and 540 copies/ml) and no disease symptoms were monitored without antiviral treatment. Patients with CMV infection had higher serum creatinine (4,2±3,2 vs. 1,9±1,8 mg/dl, p=0,006), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (29±11 vs. 65±8 (ml/min/1.73 m2, p=0.016), lower low-density lipoprotein (144±71 vs. 221±83 mg/dl, p=0,012) at diagnosis compared with no-CMV infection patients (Table-2). Also more patients were diagnosed with rapidly proggressive GN (80,0% vs. 27.3%, p=0,007), and secondary GN was the most common GN diagnosis (80,0% vs. 27.3%, p=0.007) in CMV infection group. Conclusion CMV infection is a common complication in GN patients treated with CYC. Routine monitoring and prophylaxis should be considered for the patients who have risk factors for CMV infection.

WOS:000514116300002 Objective: Every year, the registry of the Turkish Society of Nephrology conducts data collection on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplantation. Registry reports are printed annually as a booklet, thus making 2019 the 29th year of registry reports. The registry is in close collaboration with international registries. Materials and Methods: This paper summarizes the data from the 2018 registry report. Additionally, this paper provides the yearly trends in the management of end-stage renal disease. Results: There is an alarming increase in the number of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT). At the end of 2018, 81,055 patients had undergone RRT. The prevalence and incidence of end-stage renal disease were 988 and 149 per million populations, respectively. Diabetes was termed as the most widespread cause of end-stage renal disease. Hemodialysis (74.8%) serves as the most common type of treatment modality, followed by transplantation (21.2%) and peritoneal dialysis (3.9%). Conclusion: End-stage renal disease is a critical and growing health concern in our country. The Turkish Renal Registry of the Turkish Society of Nephrology continues to be one of the leading tools for providing the current and sound data on this public health problem.

In AA amyloidosis, while kidney biopsy is widely considered for diagnosis by clinicians, there is no evidence that the detailed investigation of renal histopathology can be utilized for the prognosis and clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to obtain whether histopathologic findings in kidney biopsy of AA amyloidosis might have prognostic and clinical value. This is a retrospective cohort study that included 38 patients who were diagnosed with AA amyloidosis by kidney biopsy between 2005 and 2013.The kidney biopsy specimens of patients were evaluated and graded for several characteristics of histopathological lesions and their relationship with renal outcomes. Segmental amyloid deposition in the kidney biopsy was seen in 29%, global amyloid deposition in 71, diffuse involvement of glomeruli in 84.2%, focal involvement in 7%, glomerular enlargement in 53%, tubular atrophy in 75% and interstitial fibrosis in 78% of patients. Histopathologically, glomerular enlargement, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, interstitial inflammation and global amyloid deposition were significantly associated with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p = .02, p

Background/Aims: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most frequent microvascular complications of diabetes and is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. In patients with diabetes, non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD) can also occur. NDKD can be either alone or superimposed with the DKD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the utility of kidney biopsy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the predictability of diagnosing DKD versus NDKD from clinical and laboratory data. We also evaluated the prevalence and etiology of NDKD in patients with T2DM. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed type 2 diabetic patients who had kidney biopsy in the last 10 years for diagnosing possible NDKD in our center. In all patients kidney biopsies were performed because of atypical clinical features and biopsy samples were examined by light and immunofluorescence microscopy. Clinical parameters, laboratory workup and office blood pressures were recorded for each patient at the time of biopsy. Results: Eight patients were excluded due to missing data. A total of 48 patients (female/male: 26/22 and mean age: 59±8 years) were included in the study. According to the biopsy findings, 24 (50%) patients had NDKD alone, 20 (41.7%) had DKD alone and 4 (8.3%) had coexisting DKD and NDKD. The most common NDKD diagnoses were membranous nephropathy (29.2%), tubulointerstitial nephritis (20.8%) and IgA nephropathy (12.5%). There were no significant differences in three groups with respect to the duration of diabetes, proteinuria, hematuria and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was the most significant finding, which was associated with DKD. Positive and negative predictive values of DR for DKD were 88 and 81%, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of NDKD in patients with T2DM. The absence of DR strongly predicted NDKD. Clinical decision alone can lead to wrong diagnosis and delay in appropriate therapy. Clinicians should consider the kidney biopsy more liberally when there is uncertainty on the exact etiology of the kidney disease. However, prospective multicenter studies are needed to clarify the prognosis and outcomes of patients with diabetics.

Introduction Turkey has one of the largest treated end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient populations in Europe (N = 66,711). In 2013, the international Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS), a prospective study of hemodialysis (HD) practices and outcomes, initiated data collection in Turkey. Here we provide comparisons of HD patients in DOPPS-Turkey with other international regions and with patients in the Registry of Turkish Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation. Methods DOPPS-Turkey study sites were randomly selected from all Turkish HD units treating ≥25 in-center chronic HD patients. Detailed patient- and facility-level data were collected for 20–30 randomly selected prevalent HD patients per facility. Findings Demographic and comorbidity profiles for DOPPS-Turkey patients were similar to HD patients overall in the 2013 Turkish Registry Report. In Turkey: diabetes was the most common ESRD cause (37%); arteriovenous fistula use was 83%; mean single pool Kt/V was 1.61. Compared with other international regions, Turkey had the highest mean hemoglobin (11.5 g/dL), ferritin (771 ng/mL), and interdialytic weight gain (3.28%), while Turkey had the lowest mean systolic blood pressure (127 mmHg) and erythropoiesis stimulating agent prescription (57%). Turkish patients also reported the highest depression scores. Discussion In this first DOPPS-Turkey report, the DOPPS sample agrees well with national Turkish Registry data. Treatment and laboratory data, and patient-reported outcomes, demonstrate similarities and previously unrecognized contrasts to DOPPS findings in Europe, Japan, and North America. Long-term follow-up of these patients will describe how these differences relate to clinical outcomes within Turkey.

OBJecTIVe: The Turkish Society of Nephrology registry collects data on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and transplantation on an annual basis. Registry reports are printed every year as a booklet and this is the 25th year of registry reports. The registry is in close collaboration with international registries. MATeRIAL and MeThODS: In this paper, data from the 2014 registry report are summarized and additionally yearly trends in the management of end-stage renal disease are also provided. ReSULTS: The number of patients on renal replacement therapy is increasing. At the end of 2014, 71.318 patients were on renal replacement therapy. The prevalence and incidence of end-stage renal disease was 918 and 147 per million population respectively. Diabetes was the most important cause of end-stage renal disease. Hemodialysis (78.4%) was the most common type of treatment modality, followed by transplantation (15.6%) and peritoneal dialysis (6.0%). cONcLUSION: End-stage kidney disease is a very important and growing health problem for our country. The renal registry is a leading tool for providing current and sound data on this public health problem. key wORDS: Kidney failure, Renal replacement therapy, Hemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis, Renal transplantation, Registry Nurhan SeyAhi1 kenan ATes2 Gultekin SuLeyMANLAR3 1 Istanbul Universitesi, Cerrahpasa Tip Fakultesi, Ic Hastaliklari Anabilim Dali, Nefroloji Bilim Dali, Istanbul, Turkiye 2 Ankara Universitesi, Ankara Tip Fakultesi, Ic Hastaliklari Anabilim Dali, Nefroloji Bilim Dali, Ankara, Turkiye 3 Akdeniz Universitesi, Akdeniz Tip Fakultesi, Ic Hastaliklari Anabilim Dali, Nefroloji Bilim Dali, Antalya, Turkiye

Liver is one of the most commonly involved organs in both primary and secondary systemic amyloidoses, but hepatic amyloidosis, manifested as mild to moderate enlargement, is usually not symptomatic nor it is clinically problematic. Rarely, massive hepatomegaly, severe cholestatic hepatitis or liver failure may be encountered in patients with systemic amyloidosis. Two cases with lambda light-chain amyloidosis presenting with nephrotic syndrome and atypical intrahepatic cholestasis are discussed with clinical features, laboratory and kidney, liver and bone marrow biopsy findings in view of the relevant literature.

Objective: Dyslipidemias, primarily hypercholesterolemia, are independent and strong predictors of cardiovascular (CV) events. The frequency of dyslipidemia is very important in terms of determining CV prevention policies. In order to determine the up-to-date frequency of CV risk factors in Turkey, a meta-analysis of the epidemiologic studies carried out in the last 15 years was performed. This article presents the results on the dyslipidemia data including hypercholesterolemia principally.

Objective: Body composition analysis is useful technique for assessing hydration, nutritional status and predicting clinical outcomes. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is a cheap and noninvasive tool for monitoring body composition but needs some improvements regarding measurement methods. We aimed to find out if body position has an effect on the BIA results. Material and Methods: Personal characteristics including age, gender, height, weight and blood pressure were recorded. Hydration and nutritional status measured by body composition monitor in supine and standing positions consequently for each individual. Results: Two hundred and one populations from various region in Turkey, 61% (n: 123) male, mean age was 46.3±12 years (18-76) of age, participated in this crossectional study. From supine to standing positions overhydration and extracellular water (ECW) were increased from 0.04±1.08 and 17.69±2.92 to 0.46±1.05 L and 17.84±2.90 L while intracellular water (ICW) decreased from 22.55±4.35 to 22.04±4.28 L significantly. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 131.3±18.1 and 75.1±12 decreased to 127.0±16.0 and 72.2±9.0 mmHg in supine to standing positions (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Supine and standing positions could affect the volume parameters of BIA due to shift of ECW and ICW by gravity but nutritional parameters also changes significantly. Protocols should be re evaluated in order to get more accurate results in bioimpedance measurements.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) varies from mild to severe necrotizing changes with high mortality. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on tissue injury and proinflammatory cytokines in the early and late phases of AP.AP was induced by sodium taurocholate in rats (n = 140). First group was left untreated. Group II received 100 mg/kg curcumin daily starting 20 days before AP induction. The rats were allocated into 7 sub-groups (n:5) and were sacrificed at 2, 6, 12, 24, 72, 144 and 288 h following the induction of AP. Blood and pancreatic tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathologic evaluations and the assessment of protein and mRNA levels, as well.Curcumin decreased total histopathologic scores in comparison with those of the taurocholate group (P0.05). Curcumin increased Caspase-3 activity and decreased trypsin activity, while inhibited nuclear factor-κ (NF-κB) at all time points (P0.05) and moreover reduced activator protein-1 (AP-1). Curcumin decreased chemokine (except for 288 h), TNF-α (except for 2 and 24 h), IL-6 (except for 2, 6 and 288 h) and iNOS (except for 144 and 288 h) mRNA levels (P0.05). Curcumin serum nitric oxide (NO) (except for 144 and 288 h) levels were reduced, as well.In conclusion, curcumin reduced tissue injury, trypsin activation and inhibited NF-κB and AP-1. However TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS and NO were not inhibited at all time points. Therefore no direct correlation was detected in the subgroups between tissue injury, proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative enzymes.