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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Home dialysis therapies (peritoneal and home hemodialysis) are less expensive and provide similar outcomes to in-center hemodialysis, but they are underutilized in most health systems. Given this, we designed a multifaceted intervention to increase the use of home dialysis. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the effect of this intervention on home dialysis use in CKD clinics across Canada. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in 55 CKD clinic clusters in nine provinces in Canada between October 2014 and November 2015. Participants included all adult patients who initiated dialysis in the year following the intervention. We evaluated the implementation of a four-component intervention, which included phone surveys from a knowledge translation broker, a 1-year center-specific audit/feedback on home dialysis use, delivery of an educational package (including tools aimed at both providers and patients), and an academic detailing visit. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients using home dialysis at 180 days after dialysis initiation. RESULTS: A total of 55 clinics were randomized (27 in the intervention and 28 in the control), with 5312 patients initiating dialysis in the 1-year follow-up period. In the primary analysis, there was no difference in the use of home dialysis at 180 days in the intervention and control clusters (absolute risk difference, 4%; 95% confidence interval, −2% to 10%). Using a difference-in-difference comparison, the use of home dialysis at 180 days was similar before and after implementation of the intervention (difference of 0% in intervention clinics; 95% confidence interval, −2% to 3%; difference of 0.8% in control clinics; 95% confidence interval, −1% to 3%; P=0.84). CONCLUSIONS: A multifaceted intervention did not increase the use of home dialysis in adults initiating dialysis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER: A Cluster Randomized Trial to Assess the Impact of Patient and Provider Education on Use of Home Dialysis, NCT02202018

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges in caring for individuals living with kidney disease. In response to a growing call for up-to-date information and evidence-informed advice, the Canadian Society of Nephrology has established a COVID-19 Rapid Response Team that will leverage existing evidence and national expertise to inform kidney care practices in the COVID-19 era. Given limited published evidence and compressed timelines, formal clinical practice guidelines are not feasible, and we have adopted rapid review methods to instead provide interim guidance across identified priority areas. In this article, we describe the methodological approach that was applied in developing a first iteration of guidance documents addressing clinical and operational aspects of care for patients treated with in-center hemodialysis, home dialysis, those with advanced chronic kidney disease, those with glomerulonephritis, and those with acute kidney injury. We further describe strategies for maintaining ongoing engagement with the renal community to elicit emerging needs and perspectives as the situation unfolds.

Low socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and rural/remote populations are all associated with disparities in access, care, and outcomes for chronic kidney disease (CKD). There have been different interventions supported by Canadian renal programs to address these disparities. This article reviews the evidence for impact of strategies to reduce inequities experienced by vulnerable populations living with or at risk of CKD and to collate and share interprovincial targeted interventions through the newly formed "Canadian Senior Renal Leaders Community of Practice" focused on translating evidence into clinical practice and policy.A literature search of Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar from 2008 to 2018 identified 13 reports of processes and interventions that have been implemented in Australia, Canada, and the United States to reduce inequities in CKD care and can be categorized into 3 broad areas: (1) early screening and prevention, (2) disease management and dialysis, and (3) pretransplant. Web sites from each Canadian jurisdiction and from Canadians Seeking Solutions and Innovations to Overcome Chronic Kidney Disease (Can-SOLVE CKD) Network were used to assess the current state of Canadian initiatives.Reviews were completed to gather information on renal initiatives for vulnerable populations, including (1) identification of populations that experience disparities in access to care or in outcomes in the context of CKD prevention and treatment and (2) interventions that have been implemented to reduce disparities in access, care, and outcomes for vulnerable populations with CKD. A current state summary of Canadian initiatives related to vulnerable populations was conducted through a review of publicly available information, including a review of renal program Web sites and a review of current projects related to vulnerable populations that are part of Can-SOLVE CKD. Can-SOLVE CKD is a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (CIHR-SPOR) funded research network to transform the care of people affected by kidney disease.Interventions to improve inequities in access to CKD screening, disease management, and care are successful when developed with community engagement, provided to the patient in their own environment, and tailored to specific populations. Many provincial renal programs have implemented initiatives to support vulnerable populations with or at risk of CKD. Current projects funded through CIHR SPOR focus on underserved populations and involve partnerships with Indigenous populations. Many renal programs in Canada had or were in the process of implementing interventions to support vulnerable populations with CKD; however, information about the initiatives were not readily available online despite a strong interest and opportunity to support interprovincial knowledge sharing. Despite this common interest, little information is systematically shared between Canadian jurisdictions to support interprovincial sharing to promote evidence-informed policy and program development. Efforts will be made through the newly formed Canadian Senior Renal Leaders Community of Practice to collaborate and share learnings to inform future program and policy development, implementation, and evaluation.As this was not a systematic review, literature search only encompassed studies published in English between 2008 and 2018. It is possible that populations and interventions were overlooked during the search and through the screening process. Furthermore, the controversial definition of "vulnerable" and literature that only came from Canada, the United States, and Australia limits the generalizability of this review.En contexte d’insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC), le faible statut socioéconomique du patient, sa race, son origine ethnique et le fait d’habiter une région rurale/éloignée sont associés à des iniquités dans l’accès et la qualité des soins et dans les résultats de santé. Ces disparités ont d’ailleurs fait l’objet de différentes interventions de la part des programmes rénaux canadiens. Cet article explore les données probantes sur l’effet de ces stratégies de réduction des inégalités subies par les populations vulnérables atteintes ou susceptibles de développer une néphropathie chronique. L’article vise également à colliger et à partager les interventions ciblées entre les provinces par le biais de la toute nouvelle « Communauté de pratique des hauts dirigeants en néphrologie au Canada », laquelle est axée sur la transposition des données probantes en politiques et pratiques cliniques.Une recherche sur Medline, CINAHL, PubMed et Google Scholar de la littérature publiée entre 2008 et 2018 a permis de répertorier 13 rapports faisant état d’interventions mises en œuvre en Australie, au Canada et aux États-Unis pour réduire les iniquités de soins en IRC. Ces interventions ont été classées selon trois thèmes: 1) prévention et dépistage précoce, 2) prise en charge et dialyse, et 3) pré-transplantation. Les sites Web du réseau Can-SOLVE CKD (La revue de la littérature a permis de recenser les populations subissant des inégalités quant à l’accès aux soins ou aux résultats en contexte de prévention et de traitement de l’IRC, et de recueillir de l’information sur les interventions mises en œuvre pour réduire ces inégalités pour les populations vulnérables atteintes d’IRC. Un résumé des stratégies canadiennes actuelles a été rédigé à partir des informations accessibles au public sur les sites Web des différents programmes rénaux et des projets de Can-SOLVE CKD visant les populations vulnérables. Can-SOLVE CKD est un réseau de recherche financé par la Stratégie de recherche axée sur le patient des Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada (SRAP-IRSC) dont l’objectif est de transformer les soins destinés aux personnes atteintes de néphropathie.Les interventions visant à réduire les iniquités dans l’accès au dépistage, à la prise en charge et aux soins en IRC sont efficaces lorsqu’elles sont élaborées avec la participation de la communauté, prodiguées au patient dans son milieu de vie et adaptées en fonction de la population visée. Plusieurs programmes rénaux provinciaux ont déployé des stratégies pour venir en aide aux populations vulnérables atteintes ou susceptibles de développer une IRC. Les projets actuels financés par la SRAP-IRSC se concentrent sur les populations mal desservies et impliquent des partenariats avec les communautés autochtones. Plusieurs programmes rénaux canadiens disposent ou s’affairent à implanter des stratégies pour aider les populations vulnérables atteintes d’IRC. Par contre, malgré un grand intérêt et la possibilité de soutenir un partage interprovincial des connaissances, l’information concernant ces initiatives demeure difficilement accessible en ligne. De même, malgré l’intérêt, peu d’information est partagée systématiquement entre les provinces canadiennes pour soutenir l’élaboration de politiques et de programmes fondés sur les données probantes. La toute nouvelle « Communauté de pratique des hauts dirigeants canadiens en néphrologie » s’efforcera donc de collaborer et de partager l’information afin d’éclairer l’élaboration, la mise en œuvre et l’évaluation des futurs programmes et politiques.Cette étude n’est pas une revue systématique; elle ne visait que les articles publiés en anglais entre 2008 et 2018. Ainsi, certaines populations ou interventions pourraient avoir été mises de côté lors de la recherche et de la sélection des articles. De plus, la définition controversée du terme « vulnérable » et le fait que les articles retenus ne provenaient que du Canada, des États-Unis et de l’Australie rendent nos résultats difficilement généralisables.

Purpose of program: This paper will provide guidance on how to best manage patients with end-stage kidney disease who will be or are being treated with home dialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sources of information: Program-specific documents, pre-existing, and related to COVID-19; documents from national and international kidney agencies; national and international webinars, including webinars that we hosted for input and feedback; with additional information from formal and informal review of published academic literature. Methods: Members of the Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) Board of Directors solicited a team of clinicians and administrators with expertise in home dialysis. Specific COVID-19-related themes in home dialysis were determined by the Canadian senior renal leaders community of practice, a group compromising medical and administrative leaders of provincial and health authority renal programs. We then developed consensus-based recommendations virtually by the CSN work-group with input from ethicists with nephrology training. The recommendations were further reviewed by community nephrologists and over a CSN-sponsored webinar, attended by 225 kidney health care professionals, for further peer input. The final consensus recommendations also incorporated review by the editors at the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease (CJKHD). Key findings: We identified 7 broad areas of home dialysis practice management that may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) peritoneal dialysis catheter placement, (2) home dialysis training, (3) home dialysis management, (4) personal protective equipment, (5) product delivery, (6) minimizing direct health care provider and patient contact, and (7) assisted peritoneal dialysis in the community. We make specific suggestions and recommendations for each of these areas. Limitations: This suggestions and recommendations in this paper are expert opinion, and subject to the biases associated with this level of evidence. To expedite the publication of this work, a parallel review process was created that may not be as robust as standard arms’ length peer-review processes. Implications: These recommendations are intended to provide the best care possible during a time of altered priorities and reduced resources.

Background and objectives Evidence to guide hemodialysis catheter locking solutions is limited. We aimed to assess effectiveness and cost of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) once per week as a locking solution, compared with thrice weekly citrate or heparin, in patients at high risk of complications. Design, setting, participants, & measurements We used a prospective design and pre-post comparison in three sites across Canada. Pre-post comparisons were conducted using multilevel mixed effects regression models accounting for cluster with site and potential enrollment of patients more than once. In the pre period, catheter malfunction was managed as per site-specific standard of care. The intervention in the post period was once weekly rt-PA as a locking solution (with citrate or heparin used for other sessions). The primary outcome was rate of rt-PA use for treatment of catheter malfunction. Secondary outcomes included rates of bacteremia, management of catheter malfunction, and cost. Results There were 374 patients (mean age 68 years; 52% men) corresponding to 506 enrollments. Mean length of enrollment was 200 days (SD 119) in the pre period and 187 days (SD 101) in the post period. There was a significant decline in rate of rt-PA use for treatment of catheter malfunction in the post compared with pre period (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.30 to 0.52); however, there was no difference in the rate of bacteremia, or catheter stripping or removal/replacement. The increase in mean total health care cost in the post period was CAD$962 per enrollment, largely related to costs of rt-PA as a locking solution. Conclusions Once weekly rt-PA as a catheter locking solution was associated with a reduction in rt-PA use for treatment of catheter malfunction. Our results showing a reduction in rescue rt-PA use are consistent with a prior randomized trial, although we did not observe a reduction in bacteremia or catheter stripping/removal and did observe an increased incremental cost of this strategy primarily accounted for by the cost of the rt-PA.

This article describes key considerations for creation of evidence-informed in-house physician leadership development. Ten elements extracted from a scan of the peer-reviewed and grey literature are presented, and key learnings at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, a quaternary academic health sciences centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, are highlighted. Each element is briefly described with practical considerations and challenges to implementation outlined in the context of the former Capital District Health Authority, where the authors collaborated to create in-house physician leadership development prior to the consolidation of health districts in that province. The purpose of this article is to share how the authors used evidence to plan physician leadership development and to explore the additional situational and contextual factors and considerations needed for implementation.

IMPORTANCE: Published in 2010, the Initiating Dialysis Early and Late (IDEAL) randomized clinical trial, which randomized patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between 10 and 15 mL/min/1.73 m(2) to planned initiation of dialysis with an estimated GFR between 10 and 14 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (early start) or an estimated GFR between 5 and 7 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (late start), concluded that early initiation was not associated with improved survival or clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the IDEAL trial results and the proportion of early dialysis starts over time. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This interrupted time series analysis used data from the Canadian Organ Replacement Register to study adult (≥18 years of age) patients with incident chronic dialysis between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015, in Canada, which has a universal health care system. Patients from the province of Quebec were excluded because its privacy laws preclude submission of deidentified data without first-person consent. The patients included in the study (n = 28 468) had at least 90 days of nephrologist care before starting dialysis and a recorded estimated GFR at dialysis initiation. Data analyses were performed from November 2016 to January 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the proportion of early dialysis starts (estimated GFR >10.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), and the secondary outcomes included the proportions of acute inpatient dialysis starts, patients who started dialysis using a home modality, and patients receiving hemodialysis who started with an arteriovenous access. Measures included the trend prior to the IDEAL trial publication, the change in this trend after publication, and the immediate consequence of publication. RESULTS: The final cohort comprised 28 468 patients, of whom 17 342 (60.9%) were male and the mean (SD) age was 64.8 (14.6) years. Before the IDEAL trial, a statistically significant increasing trend was observed in the monthly proportion of early dialysis starts (adjusted rate ratio, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.001-1.004; P = .004). After the IDEAL trial, an immediate decrease was observed in the proportion of early dialysis starts (rate ratio, 0.874; 95% CI, 0.818-0.933; P

Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) is a collaborative approach whereby knowledge created through health research is utilized in ways that are relevant to the needs of all stakeholders. However, research teams have limited capacity and know-how for achieving IKT, resulting in a disconnect between the generation and application of knowledge. The goal of this report is to describe how IKT research was achieved across a large-scale, patient-oriented research network, Canadians Seeking Solutions and Innovations to Overcome Chronic Kidney Disease (Can-SOLVE CKD).Resources to facilitate knowledge translation (KT) planning across the network were developed by the Can-SOLVE CKD Knowledge User/Knowledge Translation Committee with reference to established Canadian KT and patient engagement tools and frameworks, review of the published and gray literature, and expertise of committee members.The Can-SOLVE CKD Knowledge User/Knowledge Translation Committee consisting of patient partners, health care providers, policymakers, and researchers provided oversight of the development and implementation of the network's IKT initiatives. Guided by its strategic framework, the committee developed KT planning templates and review checklists to assist network projects with preparing for dissemination, implementation, and scale and spread of their interventions. The committee has acted in a consultative capacity to facilitate IKT across network initiatives and has supported capacity building through KT activities aimed at network membership and knowledge users more broadly.The Can-SOLVE CKD Knowledge User/Knowledge Translation Committee established a nation-wide strategy for KT infrastructure and capacity building. Acting as a knowledge intermediary, the committee has connected research teams with knowledge users across Canada to support practices and policies informed by evidence generated by the network. The committee has developed KT initiatives, including a Community of Practice, whereby participants across different regions and disciplines convene regularly to share health research knowledge and communications strategies relevant to the network. Critically, patients are engaged and contribute throughout the research process. Examples of IKT activities from select projects are provided, as well as ways for sustaining the network's KT platform.The KT resources developed by the committee were adapted from other established resources to meet the needs of the network and have not undergone formal evaluation in this context. Given the broad scope of the network, resources to facilitate implementation and knowledge user engagement may not meet the needs of all initiatives and must be tailored accordingly. Knowledge barriers, including a lack of information and skills related to conceptual and practical aspects of KT, among network members provided a rationale for various KT capacity-building initiatives.The approach described here offers a practical method for achieving IKT, including how to plan, implement, and sustain initiatives across large-scale health research networks. Within the context of Can-SOLVE CKD, these efforts will shorten knowledge-practice gaps through producing and applying relevant research to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease.L’application intégrée des connaissances (AIC) est une approche collaborative à répondre aux besoins de tous les intervenants. Les équipes de recherche ont cependant une capacité et un savoir-faire limités pour réaliser l’AIC, ce qui entraîne un décalage entre la production et l’application des connaissances. L’objectif de cet article est de décrire comment la recherche sur l’AIC a été réalisée dans le cadre d’un vaste réseau de recherche axée sur le patient, le réseau CAN-SOLVE CKD (Canadians Seeking Solutions and Innovations to Overcome Chronic Kidney Disease).Les ressources visant à faciliter la planification de l’application des connaissances (AC) dans l’ensemble du réseau ont été élaborées par le Comité des utilisateurs/de l’application des connaissances (Le Comité des utilisateurs/de l’application des connaissances de CAN-SOLVE, constitué de partenaires patients, de fournisseurs de soins, de décideurs et de chercheurs, a supervisé le développement et la mise en œuvre des initiatives d’AIC du réseau. Guidé par son cadre stratégique, le comité a élaboré des modèles de planification pour l’AC et des listes de vérification pour aider les projets du réseau à se préparer à la diffusion et à la mise en œuvre de leurs interventions, de même qu’à leur élargissement et leur diffusion. Le comité a agi à titre consultatif pour faciliter l’AIC dans l’ensemble des initiatives du réseau, et a appuyé le renforcement des capacités par le biais d’activités d’AC destinées aux membres du réseau et, plus largement, aux utilisateurs des connaissances.Le Comité des utilisateurs/de l’application des connaissances de CAN-SOLVE a établi une stratégie nationale pour l’infrastructure et le renforcement des capacités en matière d’AC. En tant qu’intermédiaire, le comité a mis en relation des équipes de recherche et des utilisateurs des connaissances partout au Canada afin d’appuyer les pratiques et les politiques fondées sur les données probantes produites par le réseau. Le comité a élaboré des initiatives d’AC, notamment une communauté de pratique où les participants des différentes régions et disciplines se réunissent sur une base régulière pour partager les connaissances générées en recherche et les stratégies de communication pertinentes pour le réseau. Il est essentiel que les patients s’engagent et contribuent tout au long du processus de recherche. Des exemples d’activités d’AIC tirés de projets sélectionnés sont fournis, de même que des moyens de maintenir la plateforme d’AC du réseau.Les ressources d’AC développées par le comité ont été adaptées à partir de ressources établies pour répondre aux besoins du réseau et, dans ce contexte, n’ont pas fait l’objet d’une évaluation officielle. Compte tenu de la vaste portée du réseau, les ressources destinées à faciliter la mise en œuvre et la participation des utilisateurs des connaissances pourraient ne pas répondre aux besoins de toutes les initiatives et devraient être adaptées en conséquence. Les freins à la connaissance parmi les membres du réseau, notamment le manque d’information et de compétences liées aux aspects conceptuels et pratiques de l’AC, ont servi de justification à diverses initiatives de renforcement des capacités en matière d’AC.L’approche décrite offre une méthode pratique pour parvenir à l’AIC, notamment dans la façon de planifier, de mettre en œuvre et d’appuyer des initiatives dans les réseaux de recherche d’envergure. Dans le contexte de CAN-SOLVE CKD, ces efforts permettront de réduire les écarts entre les connaissances et les pratiques, en produisant et en appliquant des recherches visant l’amélioration de la vie des personnes atteintes de néphropathies.

Purpose Catheter locking solutions such as recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) are used to treat and prevent clotting of hemodialysis (HD) catheters during HD treatments and the interdialytic period. However, evidence to guide the use of rt-PA for catheter dysfunction is limited. Methods We evaluated outcomes using two catheter dysfunction protocols in a cohort of consecutive prevalent dialysis patients (Jan 2013 to Sep 2014) undergoing HD with a tunneled catheter. In the intensive protocol, rt-PA was administered to all catheters based on blood flow and/or line reversal. In the standard protocol, rt-PA administration was based only on blood flow. The primary outcome was the rate of rt-PA use for catheter malfunction (rt-PA treatment days/1000 total line days; [TLD]). Secondary outcomes included the cost of rt-PA/TLD and the rate of catheter-related bacteremia. Results There were 26 and 35 patients managed by the intensive and standard protocols, respectively. The rate of rt-PA use was 52/1000 TLD (intensive) versus 39/1000 TLD (standard) (rate ratio 1.30, 95% CI 1.12-1.52 CI, pConclusions Managing catheter dysfunction based on line reversal and blood flow as opposed to only blood flow was associated with a higher rate of rt-PA use, but at a reduced overall cost.

Improving a patient's experience with their care through an online interface for communication (an eHealth patient portal) has been shown to be beneficial in some studies of chronic disease populations. However, little is known about the effectiveness of an eHealth portal for delivery of care to home dialysis patients.Single-arm pilot trial with recruitment over a 4-month period.The multidisciplinary home dialysis clinic in Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.Adults (18 years) receiving either home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.Consumer quality index (CQI), health-related quality of life using the EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D), acceptability of the eHealth portal software (using the Acceptability E-scale), and satisfaction/perceived impact (using a modified questionnaire).A web-based application (McKesson, Canada, RelayHealth®) allowed patients and health care workers to communicate through a secure, password-protected online portal that permitted visualization of the messaging history by patient and provider. Patients and the home dialysis health care team had the ability to send messages related to patient care at any time including proposed changes to medication, instructions after a clinic visit, times of new appointments, upcoming investigations, or questions about care. Patient experience with home dialysis care using the CQI, health-related quality of life using the EQ-5D, acceptability of the eHealth portal software, and satisfaction/perceived impact were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months of follow-up (where applicable). Total minutes of telephone communication was assessed prior to and after adoption of the portal.Of the 41 patients who consented to join the portal, 27 (66%) created an online account. At baseline, patients had a positive experience for the care and communication provided by their nephrologist (CQI: 3.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.50-3.76) and this did not change significantly over the study period. Similar results were observed for the care provided by other nephrology health care team members. Health-related quality of life using the EQ-5D score was 0.80 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.71-0.83) at baseline and this also did not significantly change over the study period. Patients were satisfied with the eHealth portal (mean Likert scale score of 6.5 ± 0.6 in overall satisfaction, scale ranging from 1 completely dissatisfied to 10 completely satisfied), but only a minority (N = 12) completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Median monthly phone usage decreased from 12.5 to 10 minutes (The study is limited by the small sample size, high rate of patient dropout, and limited response rate.In this study of home dialysis patients, we identified that an eHealth communication did not lead to significant improvements in patient experience with home dialysis care.ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02128347.Le recours à un outil de communication en ligne (un portail santé destiné aux patients) pour améliorer l’expérience des patients en regard de leurs soins s’est avéré bénéfique dans quelques études sur des populations de patients atteints de maladies chroniques. Cependant, on en sait peu sur l’efficacité d’un tel portail pour la prestation de soins aux patients dialysés à domicile.Un essai pilote à un seul bras pour lequel le recrutement s’est étalé sur une période de quatre mois.La clinique multidisciplinaire de dialyse à domicile d’Halifax (Nouvelle-Écosse) au Canada.Des patients adultes recevant des traitements de dialyse à domicile (hémodialyse ou dialyse péritonéale).La qualité de l’expérience des patients à l’égard de leurs soins a été évaluée avec leUne application sur le Web (McKesson, Canada, RelayHealth®) a permis aux patients et aux professionnels de la santé de communiquer par le biais d’un portail en ligne sécurisé et protégé par un mot de passe. L’historique des messages envoyés par le patient et le fournisseur de soins était visible sur le portail. Les patients et les membres de l’équipe de soins avaient en tout temps la possibilité d’envoyer des messages liés aux soins du patient. Les messages concernaient notamment des changements proposés dans la médication, des instructions à la suite d’une visite en clinique, les dates et heures de rendez-vous, les enquêtes à venir ou des questions générales relatives aux soins. L’expérience du patient en regard de la dialyse à domicile, évaluée par le CQI; la qualité de vie liée à la santé, évaluée par le questionnaire EQ-5D; l’acceptation du logiciel, de même que la satisfaction générale et l’incidence perçue sur la santé et les traitements ont été mesurées au début de l’étude et après six mois et douze mois de suivi (lorsque possible). La durée des communications téléphoniques a été évaluée avant et après l’adoption du portail.Des 41 patients ayant accepté de joindre le portail, 27 (66 %) ont créé un compte en ligne. Au début de l’étude, les patients disaient avoir une expérience positive en regard des soins offerts et de la communication avec leur néphrologue (CQI : 3,63; IC 95 % : 3,50-3,76) et cette perception est demeurée sensiblement la même tout au long de l’étude. Des résultats similaires ont été observés pour les soins offerts par les autres membres de l’équipe de soins en néphrologie. Le score de la qualité de vie relative à la santé, mesuré par le questionnaire EQ-5D, était de 0,80 (ÉIQ : 0,71-0,83) au début de l’étude et n’a pas varié de façon significative au cours de la période de l’étude. De manière générale, les répondants se sont dits satisfaits du portail de santé en ligne, avec un score moyen de 6,5 ±0,6 sur l’échelle de Likert pour la satisfaction générale (échelle allant de 1, pour « pas du tout satisfait », à 10, pour « entièrement satisfait »). Par contre, seule une minorité de patients (n=12) a rempli le questionnaire évaluant la satisfaction. L’utilisation mensuelle médiane du téléphone pour les communications avait diminué à la suite de l’adoption du portail, passant de 12,5 minutes initialement, à 10 minutes après l’adoption.Les constatations de cette étude sont limitées par le très faible échantillon de sujets, par le faible taux de réponse aux questionnaires et par le taux élevé d’abandon des patients.Dans cette étude, menée auprès de patients dialysés à domicile, nous avons constaté que le recours à un outil de communication en ligne n’a pas amélioré de façon significative l’expérience des patients en matière de soins de dialyse à domicile.

Background: Ambulatory medication reconciliation can reduce the frequency of medication discrepancies and may also reduce adverse drug events. Patients receiving dialysis are at high risk for medication discrepancies because they typically have multiple comorbid conditions, are taking many medications, and are receiving care from many practitioners. Little is known about the potential benefits of ambulatory medication reconciliation for these patients.Objectives: To determine the number, type, and potential level of harm associated with medication discrepancies identified through ambulatory medication reconciliation and to ascertain the views of community pharmacists and family physicians about this service.Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved patients initiating hemodialysis who received ambulatory medication reconciliation in a hospital renal program over the period July 2014 to July 2016. Discrepanciesidentified on the medication reconciliation forms for study patients were extracted and categorized by discrepancy type and potential level of harm. The level of harm was determined independently by a pharmacist and a nurse practitioner using a defined scoring system. In the event of disagreement, a nephrologist determined the final score. Surveys were sent to 52 community pharmacists and 44 family physicians involved in the care of study patients to collect their opinions and perspectives on ambulatory medication reconciliation.Results: Ambulatory medication reconciliation was conducted 296 times for a total of 147 hemodialysis patients. The mean number of discrepancies identified per patient was 1.31 (standard deviation 2.00). Overall, 30% of these discrepancies were deemed to have the potential to cause moderate to severe patient discomfort or clinical deterioration. Survey results indicated that community practitioners found ambulatory medication reconciliation valuable for providing quality care to dialysis patients.Conclusions: This study has provided evidence that ambulatory medication reconciliation can increase patient safety and potentially prevent adverse events associated with medication discrepancies.RÉSUMÉContexte : Le bilan comparatif des médicaments en soins ambulatoires peut réduire les divergences au chapitre des médicaments et les événements indésirables liés aux médicaments. Les divergences relatives aux médicaments représentent un risque élevé pour les patients dialysés, car ils souffrent normalement de multiples troubles comorbides, ils prennent souvent de nombreux médicaments et ils sont soignés par bon nombre de praticiens. Peu d’information existe sur les possibles avantages du bilan comparatif des médicaments en soins ambulatoires pour ces patients.Objectifs : Déterminer le nombre et la catégorie des divergences concernant les médicaments constatées lors d’un bilan comparatif des médicaments en soins ambulatoires ainsi que la gravité potentielle des préjudices consécutifs. De plus, établir la position des pharmaciens communautaires et des médecins de famille sur cette modalité du bilan comparatif des médicaments.Méthodes : La présente étude de cohorte rétrospective a été menée auprès de patients amorçant un traitement par hémodialyse pour qui un bilan comparatif des médicaments en soins ambulatoires a été réalisé dans le cadre d’un programme hospitalier des maladies du rein, entre juillet 2014 et juillet 2016. Les divergences trouvées dans les formulaires de bilan comparatif des médicaments ont été classées par catégorie et selon la gravité potentielle des préjudices. Le niveau du préjudice a été déterminé de manière indépendante par un pharmacien et un membre du personnel infirmier praticien à l’aide d’un système de notation défini. En cas de désaccord, le score final était établi par un néphrologue. Des sondages ont été envoyés à 52 pharmaciens communautaires et à 44 médecins de famille prodiguant des soins aux participants afin qu’ils expriment leurs opinions et leurs points de vue sur le bilan comparatif des médicaments en soins ambulatoires.Résultats : En tout, 296 bilans comparatifs des médicaments en soins ambulatoires ont été effectués auprès de 147 patients hémodialysés. Le nombre moyen de divergences constatées par patient était de 1,31 (écart-type de 2,00). Dans l’ensemble, 30 % de ces divergences ont été considérées comme une source potentielle d’un inconfort allant de modéré à grave ou de dégradation clinique. Selon les résultats du sondage, les praticiens communautaires ont jugé le bilan comparatif des médicaments en soins ambulatoires utile à la prestation de soins de qualité aux patients dialysés.Conclusions : D’après les résultats de l’étude, le bilan comparatif des médicaments en soins ambulatoires augmenterait la sécurité des patients et pourrait prévenir les événements indésirables liés aux divergences relatives aux médicaments.

Background and objectives The relative influence of facilities and regions on the timing of dialysis initiation remains unknown. The purpose of the study is to determine the variation in eGFR at dialysis initiation across dialysis facilities and geographic regions in Canada after accounting for patient-level factors (case mix). Design, setting, participants, & measurements In total, 33,263 dialysis patients with an eGFR measure at dialysis initiation between January of 2001 and December of 2010 representing 63 dialysis facilities and 14 geographic regions were included in the study. Multilevel models and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the variation in timing of dialysis initiation by eGFR at the patient, facility, and geographic levels. Results The proportion initiating dialysis with an eGFR≥10.5 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 was 35.3%, varying from 20.1% to 57.2% across geographic regions and from 10% to 67% across facilities. In an unadjusted, intercept-only linear model, 90.7%, 6.6%, and 2.7% of the explained variability were attributable to patient, facility, and geography, respectively. After adjustment for patient and facility factors, 96.9% of the explained variability was attributable to patient case mix, 3.1% was attributable to the facility, and 0.0% was attributable to the geographic region. These findings were consistent when the eGFR was categorized as a binary variable (≥10.5 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 ) or in an analysis limited to patients with >3 months of predialysis care. Conclusions Patient characteristics accounted for the majority of the explained variation regarding the eGFR at the initiation of dialysis. There was a small amount of variation at the facility level and no variation among geographic regions that was independent of patient- and facility-level factors.

Dabigatran etexilate represents a possible improved alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation in hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective was to determine dabigatran plasma concentrations and anticoagulant effects following administration of a single 110 mg oral dose of dabigatran etexilate to 10 adult patients immediately prior to starting hemodialysis. Mass spectrometry and the Hemoclot® assay were used, respectively, to determine free (unconjugated) dabigatran concentrations and thrombin time (TT) in plasma samples collected intermittently over 48 hours. The median time (tmax ) to reach the maximum plasma-free dabigatran concentration (Cmax ) was 2 hours (range 1-3 hours). The mean free dabigatran Cmax was 95.5 ± 33.4 ng/mL. The mean elimination half-lives on and off hemodialysis were, respectively, 2.6 ± 1.3 and 30.2 ± 7.8 hours. Hemodialysis effectively removed dabigatran with an extraction ratio of 0.63 ± 0.07. The maximal TT ratio was 2.1 and the TT ratio demonstrated a strong linear dependence on free dabigatran concentration (r(2) = 0.741). A 110 mg oral dabigatran dose prior to hemodialysis was rapidly absorbed and achieved therapeutic concentrations. Hemodialysis effectively removed dabigatran from the plasma and may be an effective means of accelerating the elimination of dabigatran in circumstances of excessive anticoagulation.

Background: Hyperphosphatemia is a common and potentially harmful condition in patients with end-stage kidney disease. In Canada, first-line treatment of hyperphosphatemia consists primarily of calcium carbonate (CC). Lanthanum carbonate (LC) and sevelamer hydrochloride (SH) are non-calcium phosphate binders that have been used as second-line therapy in patients intolerant of or not responsive to CC.Objectives: The primary objective of the present study was to assess the costs and clinical benefits of second-line use of LC after therapy failure with CC in patients receiving dialysis, from a Canadian payer perspective. The secondary objective was to perform an economic comparison between second-line LC therapy and second-line SH therapy, from a Canadian payer perspective. Short-term outcomes were treatment response and cost per additional responder, and long-term outcomes were survival, number of all-cause hospitalizations, and quality of life.Methods: A cost-effectiveness Markov model was populated with simulated cohorts of 1000 patients receiving incident dialysis, followed life-long. Patients not responsive to CC with a serum phosphate concentration >1.78 rarnol/L (>5.5 mg/dL) received a trial regimen with LC. Patients not responsive to LC returned to CC therapy. Patient data from a randomized controlled trial of 800 patients receiving dialysis were used. Extensive (probabilistic) sensitivity analyses were performed. When available, model parameters were based on Canadian data or from a Canadian perspective. All costs are in 2010 Canadian dollars (C$).Results: Results of the model estimated that in patients responsive to second-line LC therapy, survival increased, on average, 0.44 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.54) per patient when compared with continued CC therapy. The mean (range) costs per patient in the first year of treatment with LC was C$2600 (C$2400-C$2800). Over patients' lifetimes, the second-line LC strategy resulted in a gain of 48.8 (37.1-61.3) life-years and 29.3 (21.4-38.1) quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The cost-effectiveness of the second-line LC strategy was C$7900 (C$1800-C$14,600) per life-year and C$13,200 (C$3000-C$25,100) per QALY gained. Most sensitivity analyses did not change the cost-effectiveness outcomes; however, including unrelated future costs raised the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio to C$159,500 (95% confidence interval, C$133,300-C$191,600) per QALY gained. Compared with second-line SH therapy, second-line LC therapy had similar effectiveness and was 23% less expensive.Conclusions: Second-line treatment with LC is cost-effective in the treatment of end-stage kidney disease in patients with hyperphosphatemia, from a Canadian payer perspective. Second-line treatment with LC is less expensive, with similar effectiveness as second-line treatment with SH. The primary limitation of health economic evaluations of phosphate binders is the relative scarcity of clinical data on the association between phosphate concentration and long-term outcome. (Clin Ther. 2012;34:1531-1543) (C) 2012 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Summary Background and objectives It is unclear how to optimally care for chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study compares a new coordinated model to usual care for CKD. Design, setting, participants, & measurements A randomized trial in nephrology clinics and the community included 474 patients with median estimated GFR (eGFR) 42 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 identified by laboratorybased case finding compared care coordinated by a general practitioner (controls) with care by a nursecoordinated team including a nephrologist (intervention) for a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 742 days. 32% were diabetic, 60% had cardiovascular disease, and proteinuria was minimal. Guided by protocols, the intervention team targeted risk factors for adverse kidney and cardiovascular outcomes. Serial eGFR and clinical events were tracked. Results The average decline in eGFR over 20 months was 21.9 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 . eGFR declined by $4 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 within 20 months in 28 (17%) intervention patients versus 23 (13.9%) control patients. Control of BP, LDL, and diabetes were comparable across groups. In the intervention group there was a trend to greater use of renin-angiotensin blockers and more use of statins in those with initial LDL .2.5 mmol/L. Treatment was rarely required for anemia, acidosis, or disordered mineral metabolism. Clinical events occurred in 5.2% per year. Conclusions Patients with stage 3/4 CKD identified through community laboratories largely had nonprogressive kidney disease but had cardiovascular risk. Over a median of 24 months, the nurse-coordinated team did not affect rate of GFR decline or control of most risk factors compared with usual care. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 6: 1241–1247, 2011. doi: 10.2215/CJN.07160810

Background. Abnormalitiesinmineralmetabolisminchronic kidney disease are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) clinical practice guidelines were established in 2003toaddressissuesinthemanagement ofmineral andbone metabolism. The goal of this study was to compare (i) mineral metabolism control among Canadian haemodialysis (HD) patients with K/DOQI-defined targets and Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study II (DOPPS II) data and (ii) the effect of different treatment strategies. Methods. A cross-sectional study of 2215 HD patients was conducted. Phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and calcium-phosphate product (CaXP) were analysed. In addition, management was compared between provinces with more or less restricted access to the phosphate binder sevelamer. Results.K/DOQItargetsfor P,Ca, iPTH and CaXPK/DOQI targets were met by 59.7%, 58.6%, 29.7% and 83.3%, respectively.Agreater proportionofpatientswerewithintarget comparedwiththoseinDOPPSII(2002–2004).Targetswere more likely to be reached by patients residing in provinces with formularies allowing less restricted access to sevelamer: P: 61.8% vs 55.7% (P = 0.01); CaXP: 85.5% vs 79.1% (P = 0.0006). As expected, patients in provinces with more restrictive formularies were more often receiving doses of elemental calcium >1.5g/day thanthosewith moreopenlistings (62.1% vs 14.0%, P < 0.0001) and were less likely to receive sevelamer (14.1% vs 42.4%, P = 0.0001). Conclusion. Mineral metabolism parameters were more frequently within the target range amongst (i) patients in the current study compared with those in the DOPPS II era and (ii) patients in provinces with less restricted access to sevelamer.

The purpose of this article is to update the previously published consensus recommendations from March 2017 discussing the optimal management of adult patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This document focuses on recent developments in genetic testing, renal imaging, assessment of risk regarding disease progression, and pharmacological treatment options for ADPKD.Published literature was searched in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to identify the latest evidence related to the treatment and management of ADPKD.All pertinent articles were reviewed by the authors to determine if a new recommendation was required, or if the previous recommendation needed updating. The consensus recommendations were developed by the authors based on discussion and review of the evidence.The genetics of ADPKD are becoming more complex with the identification of new and rarer genetic variants such asAvailable literature was limited to English language publications and to publications indexed in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar.Advances in the assessment of the risk of disease progression include the validation of the Mayo Clinic Classification for patients with class 1 ADPKD. Advances in the pharmacological management of ADPKD include the expansion of the use of ADH receptor antagonism in patients 18 to 55 years of age with eGFR of 25 to 65 mL/min/1.73 mL’objet de cet article est de faire une mise à jour des recommandations consensuelles publiées en mars 2017 traitant de la prise en charge des patients adultes atteints de la maladie polykystique autosomique dominante (MPAD). Ce document s’intéresse aux développements récents en matière de dépistage génétique, d’imagerie rénale, d’évaluation des risques de progression de la maladie et des options de traitement pharmacologique de la MPAD.Les plus récents développements liés à la prise en charge et au traitement de la MPAD ont été colligés à partir des articles publiés sur le sujet dans PubMed, la bibliothèque Cochrane et Google Scholar.Les auteurs ont relu tous les articles pertinents pour déterminer si de nouvelles recommandations étaient requises ou si les recommandations ultérieures nécessitaient une mise à jour. Les recommandations consensuelles ont été élaborées par les auteurs à partir de la discussion et de la révision des données probantes.Les caractéristiques génétiques de la MPAD deviennent de plus en plus complexes avec l’identification de nouvelles et de plus rares variantes telles que GANAB. L’IRM et la tomodensitométrie demeurent les principales modalités d’imagerie utilisées pour le diagnostic et l’évaluation de la MPAD. Le volume rénal total (VRT) continue d’être la mesure la mieux validée et la plus employée pour évaluer la progression de la maladie. Depuis la publication des précédentes recommandations consensuelles, le recours à la classification de la Clinique Mayo a été validé à des fins pronostiques chez les patients atteints de MPAD de type 1. Des données récentes soutiennent les bienfaits d’une diète à faible osmolarité et des restrictions alimentaires pour le sodium chez les patients atteints de la MPAD. Les résultats de l’essai REPRISE (La recherche s’est limitée aux publications en anglais et indexées sur PubMed, Google Scholar et dans la bibliothèque Cochrane.Les avancées dans l’évaluation du risque de progression de la maladie incluent la validation de la classification de la clinique Mayo pour les patients atteints de MPAD de type 1. Les développements dans la prise en charge pharmacologique de la MPAD incluent les résultats obtenus lors de l’essai REPRISE; soit l’élargissement de l’utilisation des antagonistes des récepteurs de l’ADH aux patients âgés de 18 à 25 ans dont le DFGe se situe entre 25 et 65 mL/min/1,73 m

Dalteparin sodium, a low-molecular-weight heparin, is indicated for prevention of clotting in the extracorporeal circuit during hemodialysis (HD). Product labeling recommends a fixed single-bolus dose of 5000 international units (IU) for HD sessions lasting up to 4 hours, but adjustable dosing may be beneficial in clinical practice.The aim of the PARROT study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of an adjustable dose of dalteparin in patients with end-stage renal disease requiring 3 to 4 HD sessions per week.A 7-week, open-label, multicenter study with a single treatment arm, conducted between October 2013 and March 2016.Ten sites in Canada.A total of 152 patients with end-stage renal disease requiring 3 to 4 HD sessions per week.The primary outcome was the proportion of HD sessions completed without premature termination due to inadequate anticoagulation.All participants initially received a dose of 5000 IU dalteparin, which could be adjusted at subsequent HD sessions when clinically indicated, by increment or decrement of 500 or 1000 IU, with no specified dose limits.Patients were followed for 256 patient-months. Nearly all (99.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 99.7-100) evaluable HD sessions were completed without premature clotting. Dose was adjusted for more than half (52.3%) of participants, mostly owing to clotting or access compression time10 minutes. Median dalteparin dose was 5000 IU (range: 500-13 000 IU). There were no major bleeds, and minor bleeding was reported in 2.3% of all HD sessions. There was no evidence of bioaccumulation.This short-term study, with a single treatment arm, was designed to optimize dalteparin dose using a flexible dosing schedule; it was not designed to specifically evaluate dalteparin dose minimization, provide a direct comparison of dalteparin versus unfractionated heparin, or provide information on long-term safety for flexible dalteparin dosing. Patients were excluded if they were at high risk of bleeding, including those on anticoagulants and those on antiplatelet agents other than aspirin100 mg/d.Overall, an adjustable dalteparin sodium dose regimen allowed safe completion of HD, with clinical benefits over fixed dosing.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01879618, registered June 13, 2013.La daltéparine sodique, une héparine de faible poids moléculaire, est indiquée pour prévenir la formation de caillots dans le circuit extracorporel durant l’hémodialyse (HD). Pour une séance de dialyse d’une durée maximale de quatre heures, l’étiquette du produit recommande une dose fixe de 5 000 unités internationales (U.I.) administrée en bolus. Cependant, il est possible qu’il puisse être bénéfique d’ajuster la dose en pratique.Le but de l’étude PARROT était d’analyser l’innocuité et l’efficacité d’une dose ajustable de daltéparine chez des patients atteints d’insuffisance rénale terminale (IRT) et nécessitant trois à quatre séances d’HD par semaine.Il s’agit d’une étude ouverte et multicentrique à traitement unique d’une durée de sept semaines couvrant la période entre octobre 2013 et mars 2016.L’étude a eu lieu dans dix centres de dialyse au Canada.L’étude a inclus 152 patients atteints d’IRT et nécessitant trois à quatre séances d’HD par semaine.Le résultat principal était la proportion de séances d’HD complétées, non interrompues de manière prématurée en raison d’une anticoagulation inadéquate.Tous les participants ont initialement reçu 5000 U.I. de daltéparine, dose qui a pu être ajustée lors des séances subséquentes, lorsqu’indiqué par le contexte clinique, à raison d’augmentation ou de réduction de 500 ou 1 000 U.I., sans spécification quant aux doses limites.Les patients ont été suivis sur une période de 256 mois-patients. Pratiquement toutes les séances d’HD évaluables (99,9 %; IC 95 % : 99,7-100) ont été complétées sans coagulation prématurée. La dose de daltéparine a été ajustée pour plus de la moitié (52,3 %) des participants, essentiellement en raison de coagulation ou d’un besoin de procéder à une compression de l’accès vasculaire au-delà de 10 minutes. La dose médiane de daltéparine était de 5 000 U.I. (entre 500 et 13 000 U.I.). Aucune hémorragie majeure n’a été rapportée, mais une hémorragie mineure est survenue dans 2,3 % de toutes les séances d’HD analysées. Aucune bioaccumulation n’a été détectée.Cette étude de courte durée à traitement unique a été conçue pour optimiser le dosage de daltéparine à l’aide d’un schéma de posologie flexible. Elle ne visait pas à évaluer spécifiquement la minimisation de la dose ou à fournir des informations sur l’innocuité à long terme d’une posologie flexible pour la daltéparine. Également, les patients à haut risque d’hémorragie ont été exclus de l’étude, notamment ceux qui prenaient des anticoagulants ou des antiplaquettaires autres qu’une dose quotidienne de moins de 100 mg d’aspirine.Dans l’ensemble, un schéma posologique flexible pour la daltéparine sodique a permis de compléter les séances d’HD de façon sécuritaire, en plus de fournir des avantages cliniques par rapport à une dose fixe.

Background: The relationship between quality of life (QofL) and anemia has been the subject of recent debates; it has been suggested that the QofL changes associated with the treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or ESRD patients should not be used in making decisions to treat anemia in CKD patients. Design, setting, participants, & measurements: This study examines the relationship between Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQofL) questionnaire domains and hemoglobin (Hgb) levels in 1200 patients with stage 3, 4, and 5 CKD followed in seven centers. QofL measures were compared in a stepwise fashion for hemoglobin levels of

Background. Patient eligibility for renal replacement therapy (RRT) modalities is frequently debated, but little prospective data are available from large patient cohorts. Methods. We prospectively evaluated medical and psychosocialeligibilityforthethreeRRTmodalitiesinpatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages III–V who were enrolled in an ongoing prospective cohort study conducted at seven North American nephrology practices. Results. Ninety-eight percent of patients were considered medically eligible for haemodialysis (HD), 87% of patients were assessed as medically eligible for peritoneal dialysis (PD)and54%ofpatientswerejudgedmedicallyeligiblefor transplant. Age was the leading cause of non-eligibility for both PD and transplant. Anatomical concerns (adhesions, hernias) were the second most frequent concern for PD eligibility followed by weight. Weight was also a concern for transplant eligibility. The proportion of patients medically eligible for RRT did not vary by CKD stage. There was, however, significant inter-centre variation in the proportion of patients medically eligible for PD and transplant. Ninety-five percent of patients were considered psychosocially eligible for HD, 83% of patients were assessed as psychosocially eligible for PD and 71% of patients were judged psychosocially eligible for transplant. The percentageofpatientswhowereassessedashavingneithermedical nor psychosocial contraindications for RRT was 95% for HD, 78% for PD and 53% for transplant. Conclusions. Most CKD patients are considered by their medical care providers to be suitable for PD. Enhanced patient education, promotion of home dialysis for suitable patients and empowerment of patient choice are expected to augment growth of home dialysis modalities.

Background: The Irbesartan in Reduction of Microalbuminuria trial and the Irbesartan in Diabetic Nephropathy Trial found that irbesartan is renoprotective in patients having hypertension with type 2 diabetes. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether treatment with irbesartan is cost-effective in Canada relative to conventional care in this patient population and whether it is more cost-effective to treat patients early rather than later in the development of renal disease from the perspective of the Canadian health and social care system. Methods: The analysis compared 3 alternative strategies for the management of hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes and early renal disease: (1) conventional hypertensive treatment excluding the use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AIIRAs); (2) the early addition of irbesartan (an AIIRA) to conventional treatment; and (3) the late addition of irbesartan to conventional treatment. A Markov model was used to simulate the progression of renal disease (microalbuminuria to death) in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes over a 25-year time horizon. Transition probabilities were derived from the 2 randomized controlled trials. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted with outcome measured in life-years gained (LYGs). Results: The early addition of irbesartan during microalbuminuria was cost-saving and more effective than both delaying irbesartan treatment until advanced overt nephropathy (AON) (0.45 LYG, Can $54,100 saved) and conventional antihypertensive use (0.62 LYG, $68,400 saved). This was due to the increased drug costs associated with the use of irbesartan being offset by savings arising from delays in the development of overt nephropathy and the subsequent delay to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the study results. Conclusions: The early use of irbesartan for patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes who have yet to develop overt nephropathy is both more effective and less costly than delaying irbesartan treatment until AON and conventional antihypertensive use. Analysis suggests that the earlier irbesartan is added to conventional antihypertensive treatment, the greater the delays in the onset of ESRD and the overall savings in health care resource utilization from the perspective of the Canadian health and social care system.

Background andobjectivesThecalcimimeticcinacalcet reduced therisk of death or cardiovascular (CV) events in older, but not younger, patients with moderate to severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) who were receiving hemodialysis. To determine whether the lower risk in younger patients might be due to lower baseline CV risk and more frequent use of cointerventions that reduce parathyroid hormone (kidney transplantation, parathyroidectomy, and commercial cinacalcet use), this study examined the effects of cinacalcet in older ($65 years, n=1005) and younger (,65 years, n=2878) patients. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Evaluation of Cinacalcet HCl Therapy to Lower Cardiovascular Events (EVOLVE) was a global, multicenter, randomized placebo-controlled trial in 3883 prevalent patients on hemodialysis, whose outcomes included death, major CV events, and development of severe unremitting HPT. The age subgroup analysis was prespecified. ResultsOlderpatients hadhigher baselineprevalenceof diabetesmellitusandCV comorbidity. Annualizedrates of kidney transplantation and parathyroidectomy were .3-fold higher in younger relative to older patients and were more frequent in patients randomized to placebo. In older patients, the adjusted relative hazard (95% confidence interval) for the primary composite (CV) end point (cinacalcet versus placebo) was 0.70 (0.60 to 0.81); in younger patients, the relative hazard was 0.97 (0.86 to 1.09). Corresponding adjusted relative hazards for mortality were 0.68 (0.51 to 0.81) and 0.99 (0.86 to 1.13). Reduction in the risk of severe unremitting HPT was similar in both groups. Conclusions In the EVOLVE trial, cinacalcet decreased the risk of death and of major CV events in older, but not younger, patients with moderate to severe HPT who were receiving hemodialysis. Effect modification by age may be partly explained by differences in underlying CV risk and differential application of cointerventions that reduce parathyroid hormone. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 10: ccc–ccc, 2015. doi: 10.2215/CJN.07730814

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited renal disorder worldwide. The disease is characterized by renal cysts and progressive renal failure due to progressive enlargement of cysts and renal fibrosis. An estimated 45% to 70% of patients with ADPKD progress to end-stage renal disease by age 65 years. Although both targeted and nontargeted therapies have been tested in patients with ADPKD, tolvaptan is currently the only pharmacological therapy approved in Canada for the treatment of ADPKD. The purpose of this consensus recommendation is to develop an evidence-informed recommendation for the optimal management of adult patients with ADPKD. This document focuses on the role of genetic testing, the role of renal imaging, predicting the risk of disease progression, and pharmacological treatment options for ADPKD. These areas of focus were derived from 2 national surveys that were disseminated to nephrologists and patients with ADPKD with the aim of identifying unmet needs in the management of ADPKD in Canada. Specific recommendations are provided for the treatment of ADPKD with tolvaptan.La polykystose rénale autosomique dominante (PKRAD) est le trouble rénal héréditaire le plus fréquent dans le monde. La maladie est caractérisée par la présence de kystes rénaux et par une insuffisance rénale progressive provoquée par l’élargissement progressif des kystes et par une fibrose rénale. Environ 45 à 70% des patients atteints de PKRAD verront leur état évoluer vers l’insuffisance rénale terminale avant l’âge de 65 ans. Bien que les thérapies ciblées et non ciblées aient été testées chez des patients atteints de PKRAD, le tolvaptan est le seul médicament approuvé au Canada pour le traitement de la PKRAD. L’objectif de cette recommandation consensuelle est l’élaboration de recommandations fondées sur des données probantes pour une prise en charge optimale des patients adultes atteints de PKRAD. Ce document met l’accent sur le rôle du dépistage génétique et de l’imagerie rénale, sur les façons de prédire le risque de progression de la maladie et sur les options de traitement pharmacologique de la PKRAD. Ces domaines d’action dérivent de deux enquêtes nationales diffusées aux néphrologues et aux patients canadiens atteints de PKRAD, et qui avaient pour but d’identifier les besoins non satisfaits dans la prise en charge le la PKRAD au Canada. Des recommandations spécifiques sont fournies pour le traitement de la PKD avec le tolvaptan.

Background Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) who require dialysis are at increased risk for cardiovascular events and bone fractures. To assist in economic evaluations, this study aimed to estimate the disutility of these events beyond the impact of CKD and SHPT. Methods A basic one-year health state was developed describing CKD and SHPT requiring dialysis. Further health states added acute events (cardiovascular events, fractures, and surgical procedures) or chronic post-event effects. Acute health states described a year including an event, and chronic health states described a year subsequent to an event. General population participants in Canada completed time trade-off interviews from which utilities were derived. Pairwise comparisons were made between the basic state and event, and between comparable health states. Results A total of 199 participants (54.8% female; mean age = 46.3 years) completed interviews. Each health state had ≥130 valuations. The mean (SD) utility of the basic health state was 0.60 (0.34). For acute events, mean utility differences versus the basic state were: myocardial infarction, −0.06; unstable angina, −0.05; peripheral vascular disease (PVD) with amputation, −0.33; PVD without amputation, −0.11; heart failure, −0.14; stroke, −0.30; hip fracture, −0.14; arm fracture, −0.04; parathyroidectomy, +0.02; kidney transplant, +0.06. Disutilities for chronic health states were: stable angina, −0.09; stroke, −0.27; PVD with amputation, −0.30; PVD without amputation, −0.12; heart failure, −0.14. Conclusions Cardiovascular events and fractures were associated with lower utility scores, suggesting a perceived decrease in quality of life beyond the impact of CKD and SHPT. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12955-015-0266-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background and objectives Frailty is associated with poor outcomes for patients on dialysis; however, previous studies have not taken into account the severity of frailty as a predictor of outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess if there was an association between the degree of frailty and mortality among patients on incident dialysis. Design, setting, participants, & measurements A cohort study of incident chronic dialysis patients was conducted between January of 2009 and June of 2013 (last follow-up in December of 2013). On the basis of overall clinical impression, the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) score was determined for patients at the start of dialysis by their primary nephrologist. This simple scale allocates a single point to different states of frailty (1, very fit; 2, well; 3, managing well; 4, vulnerable; 5, mildly frail; 6, moderately frail; 7, severely frail or terminally ill) with an emphasis on function of the assessed individual. The primary outcome was time to death. Patients were censored at the time of transplantation. Results The cohort consisted of 390 patients with completed CFS scores (mean age of 63±15 years old). Most were Caucasian (89%) and men (67%), and 30% of patients had ESRD caused by diabetic nephropathy. The median Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 4 (interquartile range =3–6), and the median CFS score was 4 (interquartile range =2–5). There were 96 deaths over 750 patient-years at risk. In an adjusted Cox survival analysis, the hazard ratio associated with each 1-point increase in the CFS was 1.22 (95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.43; P=0.02). Conclusions A higher severity of frailty (as defined by the CFS) at dialysis initiation is associated with higher mortality.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) do not always receive care consistent with guidelines, in part due to complexities in CKD management, lack of randomized trial data to inform care, and a failure to disseminate best practice. At a 2007 conference of key Canadian stakeholders in kidney disease, attendees noted that the impact of Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) guidelines was attenuated given limited formal linkages between the CSN Clinical Practice Guidelines Group, kidney researchers, decision makers and knowledge users, and that further knowledge was required to guide care in patients with kidney disease. The idea for the Canadian Kidney Knowledge Translation and Generation Network (CANN-NET) developed from this meeting. CANN-NET is a pan-Canadian network established in partnership with CSN, the Kidney Foundation of Canada and other professional societies to improve the care and outcomes of patients with and at risk for kidney disease. The initial priority areas for knowledge translation include improving optimal timing of dialysis initiation, and increasing the appropriate use of home dialysis. Given the urgent need for new knowledge, CANN-NET has also brought together a national group of experienced Canadian researchers to address knowledge gaps by encouraging and supporting multicentre randomized trials in priority areas, including management of cardiovascular disease in patients with kidney failure.Les patients atteints d’insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) ne reçoivent pas toujours les soins recommandés dans les lignes directrices en raison de la complexité du traitement de l’IRC, de l’absence de données probantes sur différents aspects de l’IRC et d’un manque de diffusion des bonnes pratiques. Lors d’une conférence tenue en 2007 et réunissant différents acteurs clés impliqués en néphrologie, les participants ont attribué le peu d’impact des lignes directrices de la Société canadienne de néphrologie (SCN) à un manque de communication et d’arrimage entre le comité chargé des lignes directrices cliniques de la SCN et les chercheurs, les décideurs et les utilisateurs de connaissance. De plus, les participants ont aussi mentionné la nécessité d’acquérir plus de connaissances afin d’optimiser les soins de patients atteints d’IRC. L’idée du Canadian Kidney Knowledge Translation and Generation Network (CANN-NET) s’est développée suite à cette conférence. CANN-NET est un réseau pancanadien réunissant la SCN, la Fondation canadienne du rein et différentes sociétés savantes professionnelles et dont la visée est d’améliorer les soins et la survie des patients atteints ou à risque de maladie rénale. La détermination du moment optimal d’initiation de la dialyse ainsi que l’utilisation accrue des modalités de dialyse à domicile font partie des priorités initiales de transfert de connaissance identifiées par CANN-NET. De plus, compte tenu d’un besoin continu de nouvelles connaissances, CANN-NET a aussi créé un groupe national de chercheurs canadiens afin d’accroître les connaissances et l’acquisition de données en encourageant et en supportant des études cliniques randomisées et multicentriques sur des sujets jugés prioritaires tels que le traitement de la maladie cardiovasculaire chez les patients atteints de maladie rénale.

Physicians' perceptions and opinions may influence when to initiate dialysis.To examine providers' perspectives and opinions regarding the timing of dialysis initiation.Online survey.Community and academic dialysis practices in Canada.A nationally-representative sample of dialysis providers.Dialysis providers opinions assessing reasons to initiate dialysis at low or high eGFR. Responses were obtained using a 9-point Likert scale. Early dialysis was defined as initiation of dialysis in an individual with an eGFR greater than or equal to 10.5 ml/min/m(2). A detailed survey was emailed to all members of the Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) in February 2013. The survey was designed and pre-tested to evaluate duration and ease of administration.One hundred and forty one (25% response rate) physicians participated in the survey. The majority were from urban, academic centres and practiced in regionally administered renal programs. Very few respondents had a formal policy regarding the timing of dialysis initiation or formally reviewed new dialysis starts (N = 4, 3.1%). The majority of respondents were either neutral or disagreed that late compared to early dialysis initiation improved outcomes (85-88%), had a negative impact on quality of life (89%), worsened AVF or PD use (84-90%), led to sicker patients (83%) or was cost effective (61%). Fifty-seven percent of respondents felt uremic symptoms occurred earlier in patients with advancing age or co-morbid illness. Half (51.8%) of the respondents felt there was an absolute eGFR at which they would initiate dialysis in an asymptomatic patient. The majority of respondents would initiate dialysis for classic indications for dialysis, such as volume overload (90.1%) and cachexia (83.7%) however a significant number chose other factors that may lead them to early dialysis initiation including avoiding an emergency (28.4%), patient preference (21.3%) and non-compliance (8.5%).25% response rate.Although the majority of nephrologists in Canada who responded followed evidence-based practice regarding the timing of dialysis initiation, knowledge gaps and areas of clinical uncertainty exist. The implementation and evaluation of formal policies and knowledge translation activities may limit potentially unnecessary early dialysis initiation.Les perceptions et opinions des médecins peuvent influencer le moment d’initiation de la dialyse.Examiner les perspectives et opinions des médecins relatives au moment d’initiation de la dialyse.Sondage en ligne.Unités de dialyse communautaires et académiques au Canada.Un échantillon représentatif de médecins au Canada.Nous avons recueilli les opinions des professionnels impliqués en dialyse sur l'initiation de la dialyse basée sur le niveau de eDGF (inférieur ou supérieur à 10,5 mL/min/mCent quarante et un (taux de réponse de 25%) médecins ont participé au sondage. La majorité provenait de centres urbains et académiques et pratiquait dans des programmes régionaux de suppléance rénale. Très peu de répondants avaient un protocole formel pour le début de la dialyse ou avaient révisés les nouvelles initiations de dialyse (n = 4, 3,1%). La majorité des répondants était soit neutre ou en désaccord avec l’affirmation que l’initiation tardive, comparée à l’initiation précoce, améliore les issues (85-88%), réduit l’utilisation d’une FAV ou de la dialyse péritonéale (84-90%), conduit vers des patients plus malades (83%), ou était rentable (61%). Cinquante-sept pour cent des répondants estimaient que les symptômes urémiques apparaissent plus tôt chez les patients âgés ou souffrant de comorbidités. La moitié (51,8%) des répondants estimait qu’il existe un seuil de DFG où ils débuteraient la dialyse chez un patient asymptomatique. La majorité des répondants initierait la dialyse pour les indications classiques de dialyse, telles que la surcharge volémique (90,1%) et la cachexie (83,7%). Cependant, un nombre significatif de répondants ont rapporté d’autres facteurs qui les conduiraient à initier la dialyse précocement, incluant éviter une urgence (28,4%), la préférence du patient (21,3%) et l’inobservance (8,5%).Taux de réponse de 25%.Bien que la majorité des néphrologues au Canada ait répondu selon les lignes directrices basées sur les données probantes pour le moment d’initiation de la dialyse, des lacunes de connaissance et des incertitudes cliniques existent. La mise en œuvre et l’évaluation de politiques formelles et d’activités de valorisation des connaissances pourraient limiter l’initiation de dialyse précoce non nécessaire.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis is associated with similar survival and similar improvement in quality of life and is less costly compared with in-centre hemodialysis. We examined facility and geographic variation in the use of peritoneal dialysis in Canada. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Canadian Organ Replacement Register for the period January 2001 to December 2010. We identified patients for whom peritoneal dialysis was the primary modality at 90 days after initiation of dialysis. We used multilevel models to evaluate variation in use of peritoneal dialysis by facility and geographic region. RESULTS: We analyzed data for 31 778 incident dialysis patients at 56 facilities in 13 geographic regions across Canada. Use of peritoneal dialysis at 90 days varied considerably across geographic regions (range 19.8%-36.1%) and declined over time, from 28.8% in 2001 to 22.5% in 2010. After adjustment for case mix and facility-level quality indicators, 9.3% and 3.4% of the variability was attributable to facility and geographic factors, respectively. In adjusted models, there was a substantial difference between geographic regions with the lowest and highest peritoneal dialysis use (odds ratio for high use 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-1.73 v. odds ratio for low use 0.69, 95% CI 0.60-0.79). INTERPRETATION: In Canada, substantial variability in the use of peritoneal dialysis attributable to facility and geographic region was not explained by differences in patient case mix. An opportunity exists to optimize use of this cost-effective therapy through changes in policy and standardization of criteria for initiation of peritoneal dialysis.

We previously reported a reduction in central venous catheter (CVC) malfunction when using once-weekly recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) as a locking solution, compared with thrice-weekly heparin.To identify risk factors for CVC malfunction to inform a targeted strategy for rt-PA use.Retrospective analysis.Canadian hemodialysis (HD) units.Adults with newly placed tunnelled upper venous system CVCs randomized to a locking solution of rt-PA(1 mg/mL) mid-week and heparin (5000 u/ml) on the other HD sessions, or thrice-weekly heparin (5000 u/ml).CVC malfunction (the primary outcome) was defined as: peak blood flow less than 200 mL/min for thirty minutes during a HD session; mean blood flow less than 250 mL/min for two consecutive HD sessions; inability to initiate HD.Cox regression was used to determine the association between patient demographics, HD session CVC-related variables and the outcome of CVC malfunction.Patient age (62.4 vs 65.4 yr), proportion female sex (35.6 vs 48.4%), and proportion with first catheter ever (60.7 vs 61.3%) were similar between patients with and without CVC malfunction. After multivariate analysis, risk factors for CVC malfunction were mean blood processed 65 L when compared with ≥ 85 L in the prior 6 HD sessions (HR 4.36; 95% CI, 1.59 to 11.95), and mean blood flow 300 mL/min, or 300 - 324 mL/min in the prior 6 HD sessions (HR 7.65; 95% CI, 2.78 to 21.01, and HR 5.52; 95% CI, 2.00 to 15.23, respectively) when compared to ≥ 350 mL/min.This pre-specified post-hoc analysis used a definition of CVC malfunction that included blood flow, which may result in an overestimate of the effect size. Generalizability of results to HD units where trisodium citrate locking solution is used may also be limited.HD session characteristics including mean blood processed and mean blood flow were associated with CVC malfunction, while patient characteristics were not. Whether targeting these patients at greater risk of CVC malfunction with rt-PA as a locking solution improves CVC longevity remains to be determined.Nous avons précédemment fait rapport d’une réduction du dysfonctionnement du cathéter veineux central (CVC) lors de l’utilisation hebdomadaire de l’activateur tissulaire du plasminogène obtenu par génie génétique (rt-PA) comme solution verrou, plutôt que l’administration d’héparine trihebdomadaire.Déterminer les facteurs de risques de dysfonctionnement du CVC afin d’indiquer une stratégie visée quant à l’utilisation du rt-PA.Analyse rétrospective.Les services canadiens d’hémodialyse (HD).Adultes à qui on a nouvellement installé un CVC tunnellisé intravasculaire dans le système veineux supérieur, et qui ont reçu soit une solution verrou de rt-PA (1 mg/ml) en milieu de semaine et de l’héparine (5 000 u/ml) lors des autres séances d’HD, soit de l’héparine trois fois par semaine (5 000 u/ml).On a défini le dysfonctionnement du CVC (résultat primaire) comme étant : un débit sanguin de pointe inférieur à 200 mL/min durant trente minutes, au cours d’une séance d’HD; un débit sanguin moyen inférieur à 250 mL/min lors de deux séances d’HD consécutives; l’impossibilité d’entamer l’HD.On a eu recours au modèle de régression de Cox pour déterminer l’association entre les données démographiques des participants, les variables relatives au CVC lors des séances d’HD et le résultat d’un dysfonctionnement du CVC.L’âge des participants (62,4 c. 65,4 ans), la proportion des participants de sexe féminin (35,6% c. 48,4%), et la proportion de ceux à qui on a installé un cathéter pour la première fois (60,7% c. 61,3%) étaient similaires entre les patients qui ont subi un dysfonctionnement du CVC et ceux qui n’en ont pas subi. L’analyse multifactorielle révèle que les facteurs de risque liés au dysfonctionnement du CVC sont un traitement moyen du sang 65 L, comparativement à ≥ 85 L au cours des 6 séances d’HD précédentes (HR 4,36; 95% CI, 1,59 à 11,95), et un débit sanguin moyen 300 mL/min, ou 300 – 324 mL/min lors des 6 séances d’HD précédentes (HR 7,65; 95% CI, 2,78 à 21,01, et HR 5,52; 95% CI, 2,00 à 15,23, respectivement), comparativement à ≥ 350 mL/min.Cette analyse prédéterminée et post-hoc reposait sur une définition du dysfonctionnement du CVC qui comprenait le débit sanguin, ce qui pourrait résulter en une surestimation de l’ampleur de l’effet réel. La validité externe des résultats pour les services d’HD qui utilisent le citrate trisodique comme solution verrou pourrait aussi être limitée.Les caractéristiques des séances d’HD comprenant le traitement moyen du sang et le débit sanguin moyen ont été associées au dysfonctionnement du CVC, alors que les caractéristiques des participants ne l’ont pas été. Il reste à déterminer si le fait de cibler les patients courant un risque accru de dysfonctionnement du CVC avec rt-PA comme solution verrou améliore la longévité du CVC.

Dabigatran etexilate represents a possible improved alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation in hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective was to determine dabigatran plasma concentrations and anticoagulant effects following administration of a single 110 mg oral dose of dabigatran etexilate to 10 adult patients immediately prior to starting hemodialysis. Mass spectrometry and the Hemoclot® assay were used, respectively, to determine free (unconjugated) dabigatran concentrations and thrombin time (TT) in plasma samples collected intermittently over 48 hours. The median time (tmax ) to reach the maximum plasma-free dabigatran concentration (Cmax ) was 2 hours (range 1-3 hours). The mean free dabigatran Cmax was 95.5 ± 33.4 ng/mL. The mean elimination half-lives on and off hemodialysis were, respectively, 2.6 ± 1.3 and 30.2 ± 7.8 hours. Hemodialysis effectively removed dabigatran with an extraction ratio of 0.63 ± 0.07. The maximal TT ratio was 2.1 and the TT ratio demonstrated a strong linear dependence on free dabigatran concentration (r(2) = 0.741). A 110 mg oral dabigatran dose prior to hemodialysis was rapidly absorbed and achieved therapeutic concentrations. Hemodialysis effectively removed dabigatran from the plasma and may be an effective means of accelerating the elimination of dabigatran in circumstances of excessive anticoagulation.

The KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) 2012 clinical practice guideline for anemia management in patients with chronic kidney disease provides the structural and evidence base for the Canadian Society of Nephrology commentary on this guideline's relevancy and application to the Canadian health care system. While in general agreement, we provide commentary on 11 of the 61 KDIGO guideline statements. Specifically, we agreed that a therapeutic trial of iron is appropriate in cases in which a reduction in erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) dosage or avoidance of ESA and transfusion is desired, transferrin saturations are >30%, and ferritin concentrations are >500 μg/L. However, we concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support an upper target or threshold for ferritin and transferrin saturation levels. We agree with the initiation of ESA treatment when hemoglobin (Hb) level is 90-100 g/L; however, we specifically state that an acceptable range for Hb level is 95-115 g/L, with a target of 100-110 g/L, and add caution to individualization above this range due to concerns regarding the safety of ESAs. We agree that ESAs should be used with considerable caution in patients with active malignancy, history of stroke, or history of malignancy, and we suggest initiating ESA therapy at Hb level of 90 g/L and to aim for a Hb level in the range of 90-105 g/L. The reader is encouraged to note the level of evidence and review the entire KDIGO anemia guideline to interpret the guideline statements and commentary appropriately.

Background: Early initiation of chronic dialysis (starting dialysis with higher vs lower kidney function) has risen rapidly in the past 2 decades in Canada and internationally, despite absence of established health benefits and higher costs. In 2014, a Canadian guideline on the timing of dialysis initiation, recommending an intent-to-defer approach, was published. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a knowledge translation intervention to promote the intent-to-defer approach in clinical practice. Design: This study is a multicenter, 2-arm parallel, cluster randomized trial. Setting: The study involves 55 advanced chronic kidney disease clinics across Canada. Patients: Patients older than 18 years who are managed by nephrologists for more than 3 months, and initiate dialysis in the follow-up period are included in the study. Measurements: Outcomes will be measured at the patient-level and enumerated within a cluster. Data on characteristics of each dialysis start will be determined by linkages with the Canadian Organ Replacement Register. Primary outcomes include the proportion of patients who start dialysis early with an estimated glomerular filtration rate greater than 10.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 and start dialysis in hospital as inpatients or in an emergency room setting. Secondary outcomes include the rate of change in early dialysis starts; rates of hospitalizations, deaths, and cost of predialysis care (wherever available); quarterly proportion of new starts; and acceptability of the knowledge translation materials. Methods: We randomized 55 multidisciplinary chronic disease clinics (clusters) in Canada to receive either an active knowledge translation intervention or no intervention for the uptake of the guideline on the timing of dialysis initiation. The active knowledge translation intervention consists of audit and feedback as well as patient- and provider-directed educational tools delivered at a comprehensive in-person medical detailing visit. Control clinics are only exposed to guideline release without active dissemination. We hypothesize that the clinics randomized to the intervention group will have a lower proportion of early dialysis starts. Limitations: Limitations include passive dissemination of the guideline through publication, and lead-time and survivor bias, which favors delayed dialysis initiation. Conclusions: If successful, this active knowledge translation intervention will reduce early dialysis starts, lead to health and economic benefits, and provide a successful framework for evaluating and disseminating future guidelines. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02183987

Background: Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) is a rare but serious disorder affecting 4% of dialysis patients. Intravenous sodium thiosulfate (IV STS) has been shown as an effective treatment. In Canada, the average cost of IV STS is about CAD 12,000 per month, while the cost of compounded oral STS is CAD 45 per month. Methods: Prospective cohort where all patients diagnosed with CUA during the year 2011 were included. They were treated initially with IV STS. Afterwards, each patient had a baseline bone scan and was started on oral STS for a total of 6 months followed by a repeat bone scan. A single radiologist, blinded to the dates of both scans for a given patient, read all scans. Results: Four patients were studied. The intravenous dose used was 25 g three times a week for an average duration of 131 days. After the maintenance therapy, 2 patients developed further regression of the lesions, 1 had stable lesions, and 1 got worse; however, nonadherence to the drug was confirmed. The oral medication was well tolerated with no reported side effects. Conclusion: Oral STS, after IV STS, seems to stabilize, or even improve CUA lesions, and therefore could be useful as maintenance therapy, especially since its cost is much more reasonable than IV STS and due to the ongoing shortage of the IV formulation.

Background Central venous catheters (CVCs) are associated with early mortality in dialysis patients. However, some patients progress to end stage renal disease after an acute illness, prior to reaching an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at which one would expect to establish alternative access (fistula/peritoneal dialysis catheter). The purpose of this study was to determine if exclusion of this “acute start” patient group alters the association between CVCs and mortality. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 406 incident dialysis patients from 1 Jan 2006 to 31 Dec 2009. Patients were classified as acute starts if 1) the eGFR was >25 ml/min/1.73 m2, ≤3 months prior to dialysis initiation and declined after an acute event (n = 45), or 2) in those without prior eGFR measurements, there was no supporting evidence of chronic kidney disease on history or imaging (n = 12). Remaining patients were classified as chronic start (n = 349). Results 98 % and 52 % of acute and chronic starts initiated dialysis with a CVC. There were 148 deaths. The adjusted mortality hazard ratio (HR) for acute vs. chronic start patients was 1.84, (95 % CI [1.19-2.85]). The adjusted mortality HR for patients dialyzing with a CVC compared to alternative access was 1.19 (95 % CI [0.80-1.77]). After excluding acute start patients, the adjusted HR fell to 1.03 (95 % CI [0.67-1.57]). Conclusions A significant proportion of early dialysis mortality occurs after an acute start. Exclusion of this population attenuates the mortality risk associated with CVCs.