Efficacy and safety of benazepril for advanced chronic renal insufficiency

Effects of ACEIs and ARBs on the Residual Renal Function in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

In peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) could protect residual renal function is still controversial. To assess the effects of ACEIs and ARBs on the residual renal function and cardiovascular (CV) events in peritoneal dialysis patients, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the CNKI database, and the Wanfang database for relevant articles from database inception to November 30, 2019. Randomized controlled trials were included. The primary outcome was the decline in the residual renal function (RRF).

RESULTS

Thirteen trials with 625 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The average residual GFR declined by 1.79 ml/min per 1.73 m² in the ACEI/ARB group versus 1.44 ml/min per 1.73 m² in the placebo or active control group at 3 mo. The average residual GFR declined by 2.02 versus 2.06, 2.16 versus 2.72, and -0.04 versus 2.74 ml/min per 1.73 m² in the placebo or active control group at 6 months (mo), 12 mo, and 24 mo, respectively. The decline in residual GFR showed a significant difference between the ACEI/ARB group and the placebo or active control group at 12 mo (MD = -0.64 ml/min per 1.73 m²; 95% CI: -0.97~-0.32; I ² = 44%; P < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed in Kt/V, urinary protein excretion, weekly creatinine clearance, CV events, or serum potassium levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, we found that the use of ACEIs and ARBs, especially long-term treatment, decreased the decline of RRF in patients on PD. ACEIs and ARBs do not cause an additional risk of side effects.

Mineralcorticoid receptor blockers in chronic kidney disease

There are many experimental data supporting the involvement of aldosterone and mineralcorticoid receptor (MR) activation in the genesis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular damage. Many studies have shown that in diabetic and non-diabetic CKD, blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system with conversion enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) decreases proteinuria, progression of CKD and mortality, but there is still a significant residual risk of developing these events. In subjects treated with ACEi or ARBs there may be an aldosterone breakthrough whose prevalence in subjects with CKD can reach 50%. Several studies have shown that in CKD, the aldosterone antagonists (spironolactone, eplerenone) added to ACEi or ARBs, reduce proteinuria, but increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Other studies in subjects treated with dialysis suggest a possible beneficial effect of antialdosteronic drugs on CV events and mortality. Newer potassium binders drugs can prevent/decrease hyperkalemia induced by RAAS blockade, and may reduce the high discontinuation rates or dose reduction of RAAS-blockers. The nonsteroidal MR blockers, with more potency and selectivity than the classic ones, reduce proteinuria and have a lower risk of hyperkalemia. Several clinical trials, currently underway, will determine the effect of classic MR blockers on CV events and mortality in subjects with stage 3b CKD and in dialysis patients, and whether in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and CKD, optimally treated and with high risk of CV and kidney events, the addition of finerenone to their treatment produces cardiorenal benefits. Large randomized trials have shown that sodium glucose type 2 cotransporter inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce mortality and the development and progression of diabetic and nondiabetic CKD. There are pathophysiological arguments, which raise the possibility that the triple combination ACEi or ARBs, SGLT2i and aldosterone antagonist provide additional renal and cardiovascular protection.

Use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade in controversial chronic kidney disease populations

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers have shown to be effective in controlling blood pressure and proteinuria, slowing the progression to end stage renal disease and reducing cardiovascular risk, so they are the mainstream treatment of hypertension in chronic kidney disease. Their beneficial effects have been proven in multiple randomized clinical trials on different study populations, but there has recently been some controversial data on its use in some subgroups of patients, especially those with advanced chronic kidney disease. In some other populations such as patients with non-proteinuric nephropathies or the elderly, who can be more susceptible to its adverse events, their benefits have also been questioned. The aim of the present review is to collect available published data on the effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers in some controversial populations and provide perspective on future research areas in this field.

Renin-angiotensin system blockade in patients with chronic kidney disease: benefits, problems in everyday clinical use, and open questions for advanced renal dysfunction

Management of hypertension and albuminuria are considered among the primary goals of treatment to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers, i.e., angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are the main drugs to achieve these goals. Seminal studies have showed that RAS blockers present significant renoprotective effects in CKD patients with very high albuminuria. In post hoc analyses of such trials, these renoprotective effects appeared more robust in patients with more advanced CKD. However, randomized trials specifically addressing whether RAS blockers should be initiated or maintained in patients with advanced CKD are scarce and do not include subjects with normoalbuminuria, thus, many clinicians are unconvinced for the beneficial effects of RAS blockade in these patients. Further, the fear of hyperkalemia or acute renal decline is another factor due to which RAS blockers are usually underprescribed and are easily discontinued in patients with more advanced CKD; i.e., those in Stages 4 and 5. This review summarizes evidence from the literature regarding the use of RAS blockers in patients with advanced CKD.

Executive summary of the KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Blood Pressure in Chronic Kidney Disease

The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Blood Pressure in Chronic Kidney Disease for patients not receiving dialysis represents an update to the KDIGO 2012 guideline on this topic. Development of this guideline update followed a rigorous process of evidence review and appraisal. Guideline recommendations are based on systematic reviews of relevant studies and appraisal of the quality of the evidence. The strength of recommendations is based on the "Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation" (GRADE) approach. The scope includes topics covered in the original guideline, such as optimal blood pressure targets, lifestyle interventions, antihypertensive medications, and specific management in kidney transplant recipients and children. Some aspects of general and cardiovascular health, such as lipid and smoking management, are excluded. This guideline also introduces a chapter dedicated to proper blood pressure measurement since all large randomized trials targeting blood pressure with pivotal outcomes used standardized preparation and measurement protocols adhered to by patients and clinicians. Based on previous and new evidence, in particular the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) results, we propose a systolic blood pressure target of less than 120 mm Hg using standardized office reading for most people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not receiving dialysis, the exception being children and kidney transplant recipients. The goal of this guideline is to provide clinicians and patients a useful resource with actionable recommendations supplemented with practice points. The burden of the recommendations on patients and resources, public policy implications, and limitations of the evidence are taken into consideration. Lastly, knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research are provided.

[Effect of salt intake on residual renal function in rats receiving peritoneal dialysis]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of salt intake on residual renal function in rats and explore the possible mechanism.

OBJECTIVE

SD rats were 5/6-nephrectomized to induce chronic renal failure followed by peritoneal dialysis for 4 weeks (n=18) or without dialysis treatment (control group; n=18). In both groups, the rats were divided into 3 subgroups and were given lowsalt diet (0.02% NaCl), normal salt diet (0.4% NaCl), and high-salt diet (4% NaCl). After 8 and 12weeks, blood pressure and creatinine and sodium levels in the blood, urine, and peritoneal dialysate of the rats were examined. Glomerular sclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and protein expression levels of RAS components (ACE-1, AGT, and AT-1) in renal cortical tissue of the rats were evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

The residual renal function of the rats all decreased especially in rats with high salt intake for 8and 12 weeks. In peritoneal dialysis group, the rats with high-salt diet showed signficiantly increased renal interstitial fibrosis score (P=0.036), glomerular sclerosis index (P=0.045), systolic blood pressure (P=0.004), diastolic blood pressure (P=0.048), and renal expressions of AGT, ACE-1, and AT1 (P < 0.05) as compared with those with normal salt intake. In the rats fed the same high-salt diet, the renal interstitial fibrosis score, glomerular sclerosis index, diastolic blood pressure increase, and renal AGT and ACE-1 expression levels were significantly lower in the peritoneal dialysis group than in the control group (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was noted between the reduction of residual renal function and sodium intake in the rats.

OBJECTIVE

In rats with chronic renal failure, high salt intake promotes the activation of the renal RAS system, increases blood pressure, and agrevates renal fibrosis to accelerate the decline of residual renal function, and peritoneal dialysis partially reduces the damage of residual renal function induced by high-salt diets by removing excessive sodium.

Therapeutic Insights in Chronic Kidney Disease Progression

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recognized as a leading public health problem worldwide. Through its effect on cardiovascular risk and end-stage kidney disease, CKD directly affects the global burden of morbidity and mortality. Classical optimal management of CKD includes blood pressure control, treatment of albuminuria with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, avoidance of potential nephrotoxins and obesity, drug dosing adjustments, and cardiovascular risk reduction. Diabetes might account for more than half of CKD burden, and obesity is the most important prompted factor for this disease. New antihyperglycemic drugs, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter 2 inhibitors have shown to slow the decline of GFR, bringing additional benefit in weight reduction, cardiovascular, and other kidney outcomes. On the other hand, a new generation of non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist has recently been developed to obtain a selective receptor inhibition reducing side effects like hyperkalemia and thereby making the drugs suitable for administration to CKD patients. Moreover, two new potassium-lowering therapies have shown to improve tolerance, allowing for higher dosage of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and therefore enhancing their nephroprotective effect. Regardless of its cause, CKD is characterized by reduced renal regeneration capacity, microvascular damage, oxidative stress and inflammation, resulting in fibrosis and progressive, and irreversible nephron loss. Therefore, a holistic approach should be taken targeting the diverse processes and biological contexts that are associated with CKD progression. To date, therapeutic interventions when tubulointerstitial fibrosis is already established have proved to be insufficient, thus research effort should focus on unraveling early disease mechanisms. An array of novel therapeutic approaches targeting epigenetic regulators are now undergoing phase II or phase III trials and might provide a simultaneous regulatory activity that coordinately regulate different aspects of CKD progression.

Personalising heart failure management in CKD patients

CKD in heart failure patients is common, present in 49%, associated with higher mortality [Hazard ratio, 2.34 (95% CI2.20-2.50, P < 0.001) and multiple hospital admissions. The management of heart failure in CKD can be challenging due to drug induced electrolyte and creatinine changes; resistance to diuretics and infections related to device therapy. Evidence for improvement in mortality and heart failure hospitalisations exists in HFrEF stage 3 CKD patients from randomised controlled trials of ACE-inhibitor and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist therapy; but not in dialysis patients where higher doses can cause hyperkalaemia. Evidence on improvement of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalisations has emerged with angiotensin blocker-neprilysin inhibitor, ivabradine and more recently with sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors in HFrEF patients with CKD stages 1,2, and 3. However these studies have excluded CKD 4,5 patients. Evidence for betablocker therapy exists in CKD stages 1,2 and 3 and separately in haemodialysis patients. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy reduces heart failure hospitalisations and mortality in patients with CKD 1,2,3 but not in CKD stages 4,5 or dialysis patients. Internal cardioverter and defibrillator therapy in HFrEF patients have been shown to be beneficial in CKD 3 patients, not in dialysis patients where it is associated with high rates of infection. For HFpEF patients with CKD therapy is symptomatic as there is no proven therapy for improvement in survival or hospitalisations. Heart failure patients with end-stage-kidney disease with fluid overload may benefit from peritoneal dialysis. A multidisciplinary, personalised approach has been associated with better care and improved patient satisfaction.

Stopping Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors in Patients with Advanced CKD and Risk of Adverse Outcomes: A Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether stopping renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor therapy in patients with advanced CKD affects outcomes.

METHODS

We studied patients referred to nephrologist care, listed on the Swedish Renal Registry during 2007-2017, who developed advanced CKD (eGFR<30 ml/min per 1.73 m²) while on RAS inhibitor therapy. Using target trial emulation techniques on the basis of cloning, censoring, and weighting, we compared the risks of stopping within 6 months and remaining off treatment versus continuing RAS inhibitor therapy. These included risks of subsequent 5-year all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, and initiation of kidney replacement therapy (KRT).

RESULTS

Of 10,254 prevalent RAS inhibitor users (median age 72 years, 36% female) with new-onset eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m², 1553 (15%) stopped RAS inhibitor therapy within 6 months. Median eGFR was 23 ml/min per 1.73 m². Compared with continuing RAS inhibition, stopping this therapy was associated with a higher absolute 5-year risk of death (40.9% versus 54.5%) and major adverse cardiovascular events (47.6% versus 59.5%), but with a lower risk of KRT (36.1% versus 27.9%); these corresponded to absolute risk differences of 13.6 events per 100 patients, 11.9 events per 100 patients, and -8.3 events per 100 patients, respectively. Results were consistent whether patients stopped RAS inhibition at higher or lower eGFR, across prespecified subgroups, after adjustment and stratification for albuminuria and potassium, and when modeling RAS inhibition as a time-dependent exposure using a marginal structural model.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide observational study of people with advanced CKD, stopping RAS inhibition was associated with higher absolute risks of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events, but also with a lower absolute risk of initiating KRT.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of mycophenolate mofetil targeting Nrf-2 and NLRP3 inflammasome in acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that increases the risk of colorectal cancer. UC is highly associated with the disturbance of the immune system leading to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation of intestine. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of MMF against acetic acid-induced UC that might be associated with the regulation of Nrf-2 and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. UC was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by intracolonic instillation of acetic acid. Forty-eight hours post UC induction, MMF (50 mg/kg/day, orally) was given for 8 consecutive days. Then, colon tissues and blood samples were collected. Results showed that MMF significantly attenuated the acetic acid-induced functional, biochemical, and inflammatory injuries in colon. MMF significantly decreased oxidative stress as indicated by the decreased malondialdehyde concentration and the increased total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase concentrations in colon tissues. MMF also significantly increased Nrf-2 and decreased NLRP3 inflammasome expressions. Moreover, MMF decreased expression of interferon-gamma and increased expression of interferon-alpha. MMF also significantly decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. These results suggest that MMF has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against acetic acid-induced UC through the upregulation of Nrf-2, and INF-α expression in addition to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequent release of IL1β, IL-18 and INF-γ.

Bupi Yishen Formula Versus Losartan for Non-Diabetic Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) might have benefits in patients with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD), but there is a lack of high-quality evidence, especially in CKD4. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Bupi Yishen Formula (BYF) vs. losartan in patients with non-diabetic CKD4. This trial was a multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial that was carried out from 11-08-2011 to 07-20-2015. Patients were assigned (1:1) to receive either BYF or losartan for 48 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the slope of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over 48 weeks. The secondary outcomes were the composite of end-stage kidney disease, death, doubling of serum creatinine, stroke, and cardiovascular events. A total of 567 patients were randomized to BYF (n = 283) or losartan (n = 284); of these, 549 (97%) patients were included in the final analysis. The BYF group had a slower renal function decline particularly prior to 12 weeks over the 48-week duration (between-group mean difference of eGFR slopes: −2.25 ml/min/1.73 m²/year, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −4.03,−0.47), and a lower risk of composite outcome of death from any cause, doubling of serum creatinine level, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), stroke, or cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.61, 95%CI: 0.44,0.85). No significant between-group differences were observed in the incidence of adverse events. We conclude that BYF might have renoprotective effects among non-diabetic patients with CKD4 in the first 12 weeks and over 48 weeks, but longer follow-up is required to evaluate the long-term effects.

Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR-TRC-10001518.

Construction of a Benzo[b]azepine Skeleton through Decarboxylative Ylide [6+1] Annulations with Modified Vinyl Benzoxazinanones

A Lewis acid-promoted [6+1] annulation between sulfur ylides and modified vinyl benzoxazinanones was described. In this reaction, the newly designed vinyl benzoxazinanones could serve as a novel six-atom synthon, and the key to success is the installation of an electron-withdrawing group on the alkene moiety of the benzoxazinanones. A broad range of substrates are compatible with this mild reaction system, thereby providing a facile and practical approach for constructing a benzo[b]azepine skeleton.

How Do I Manage Hypertension in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Not on Dialysis? Perspectives from Clinical Practice

In the general population, the prevalence of moderate and severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) is usually below 5% but this figure is often higher in specific groups of patients such as those with type 2 diabetes. Patients with advanced CKD (CKD stage 3b and 4) are at high or very high cardiovascular risk, and their risk of progressing towards end-stage kidney disease (CKD stage 5) and the need of renal replacement therapy are elevated. Hypertension is a major cause of poor cardiovascular and renal outcomes in severe CKD. Therefore, an adequate control of blood pressure (BP) is mandatory. However, normalizing BP is often challenging in these patients because the clinical management of hypertension in advanced CKD is not well defined and rarely supported by large randomized controlled trials. In the present review, we discuss the characteristics of hypertension in advanced CKD, excluding dialysis, and its management integrating data from recent clinical studies and a pragmatic approach enriched by a long-standing clinical experience.

Association between serum potassium levels and adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease: the Fukushima CKD cohort study

BACKGROUND

Serum potassium disorders, commonly observed in chronic kidney disease (CKD), are reportedly associated with higher mortality, but their impact on renal outcomes is still controversial.

METHODS

The present study used the longitudinal data of the Fukushima CKD cohort study to investigate the relationships between hypokalemia and hyperkalemia and adverse outcomes such as renal outcomes and all-cause mortality in Japanese patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD. The study involved 1330 CKD patients followed-up for 2.8 years. The primary endpoint of the present study was a kidney event, defined as a combination of doubling of baseline serum creatinine and end-stage kidney disease.

RESULTS

Hyperkalemia (≥ 5.0 mmol/L) was noted in 10.6% and hypokalemia (< 4.0 mmol/L) in 16.4% of the study population. Significant U-shaped associations were observed between potassium levels and both kidney events and all-cause mortality on univariate Cox regression analyses. After adjustment for covariates, both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia were significantly associated with an increased risk of kidney events, with the lowest risk at a serum potassium of 4.0-4.4 mmol/L. Compared with a reference level of 4.0-4.4 mmol/L, the adjusted hazard ratio for kidney events was 2.49 (1.33-4.66) for serum potassium < 4.0 mmol/L, 1.72 (1.00-2.96) for 4.5-4.9 mmol/L, and 2.16 (1.15-4.06) for ≥ 5.0 mmol/L. There was no significant association between serum potassium levels and mortality after multivariate adjustment.

CONCLUSION

Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia were associated with an increased risk of CKD progression, but not with mortality in Japanese patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD.

Photoredox-mediated N-centered radical addition/semipinacol rearrangement for the convenient synthesis of β-amino (spiro)cyclic ketones

A photoredox-mediated N-centered radical addition/semipinacol rearrangement cascade of cycloalkanol-substituted 1H-indenes or styrenes with N-arylsulfonyl protected 1-aminopyridinium salts for the efficient synthesis of β-amino (spiro)cyclic ketones is presented.

Efficacy and Safety of Tripterygium Glycoside in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on the Duration of Medication

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of Tripterygium-derived glycosides (TG) after 3-month and 6-month of treatments of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and to resolve the conflict between medicine guidance and clinical practice for TG application.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving TG application in treating DN. We extensively searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, Wan-Fang, CBM, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, and WHO International Clinical Trial Registration Platform till November 2020, along with grey literature for diabetes and all other relevant publications to gather eligible studies. Based on the preset inclusion and exclusion criteria, document screening, quality assessment of methodology, and data extraction was conducted by two researchers independently. The methodological quality was assessed by the Cochrane risk test from the Cochrane Handbook 5.2, and then analyses were performed by Review Manager 5.3 (Rev Man 5.3). The quality of output evidence was classified by GRADE.

RESULTS

Thirty-one eligible studies (2764 patients) were included for this meta-analysis. Our study results showed a comparable significant decrease in the 24 h-UTP and blood creatinine levels in DN patients from both 3-month and 6-month TG treatment groups, compared with the routine symptomatic treatment alone. To the contrary of the findings from the included studies, our results showed that the occurrence of serious adverse reaction events was significantly higher in the TG treated group with 6 months of treatment duration compared to that of 3 months of the treatment course. However, the total AR ratio was slightly varied while increasing the percent of severe adverse events. GRADE assessment indicated that the quality of evidence investigating TG-induced adverse reactions was moderate and that for 24 h-UTP and blood creatinine indicators were considerably low.

CONCLUSION

Combinatorial treatment regimen including TG can significantly decrease the pathological indicators for DN progression, while it can also simultaneously predispose the patient to a higher risk for developing severe adverse events, as the medicine guidance indicates. Notably, even in 3-month of course duration smaller percent of severe adverse events can get to a fatal high percent and is likely to increase proportionally as the TG treatment continues. This suggests that TG-mediated DN treatment duration should be optimized to even less than 3 continuous months to avoid adverse event onset-associated further medical complications in DN patients. In clinical practice, serious attention should be paid to these severe side-effects even in a course normally considered safe, and importantly more high-quality studies are urgently warranted to obtain detailed insights into the balance between the efficacy and safety profiles of TG application in treating DN.

Effects of dapagliflozin on major adverse kidney and cardiovascular events in patients with diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease: a prespecified analysis from the DAPA-CKD trial

BACKGROUND

Dapagliflozin reduces the risk of kidney failure and heart failure in patients with chronic kidney disease. We aimed to investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on kidney, cardiovascular, and mortality outcomes according to presence or absence of type 2 diabetes and according to underlying cause of chronic kidney disease, reported as diabetic nephropathy, chronic glomerulonephritides, ischaemic or hypertensive chronic kidney disease, or chronic kidney disease of other or unknown cause.

METHODS

DAPA-CKD was a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial done at 386 study sites in 21 countries, in which participants with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 200-5000 mg/g and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 25-75 mL/min per 1·73m² were randomly assigned (1:1) to dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily or matching placebo, as an adjunct to standard care. The primary outcome was a composite of sustained decline in eGFR of at least 50%, end-stage kidney disease, or kidney-related or cardiovascular death. Secondary efficacy outcomes were a kidney-specific composite (the same as the primary outcome but excluding cardiovascular death), a composite of cardiovascular death or hospital admission for heart failure, and all-cause mortality. In this study, we conducted a prespecified subgroup analysis of the DAPA-CKD primary and secondary endpoints by presence or absence of type 2 diabetes and by aetiology of chronic kidney disease. DAPA-CKD is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03036150.

FINDINGS

The study took place between Feb 2, 2017, and June 12, 2020. 4304 participants were randomly assigned (2152 to dapagliflozin and 2152 to placebo) and were followed up for a median of 2·4 years (IQR 2·0-2·7). Overall, 2906 (68%) participants had a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, of whom 396 (14%) had chronic kidney disease ascribed to causes other than diabetic nephropathy. The relative risk reduction for the primary composite outcome with dapagliflozin was consistent in participants with type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 0·64, 95% CI 0·52-0·79) and those without diabetes (0·50, 0·35-0·72; p_interaction=0·24). Similar findings were seen for the secondary outcomes: kidney-specific composite outcome (0·57 [0·45-0·73] vs 0·51 [0·34-0·75]; P_interaction=0·57), cardiovascular death or hospital admission for heart failure (0·70 [0·53-0·92] vs 0·79 [0·40-1·55]; P_interaction=0·78), and all-cause mortality (0·74 [0·56-0·98] vs 0·52 [0·29-0·93]; P_interaction=0·25). The effect of dapagliflozin on the primary outcome was also consistent among patients with diabetic nephropathy (n=2510; HR 0·63, 95% CI 0·51-0·78), glomerulonephritides (n=695; 0·43, 0·26-0·71), ischaemic or hypertensive chronic kidney disease (n=687; 0·75, 0·44-1·26), and chronic kidney disease of other or unknown cause (n=412; 0·58, 0·29-1·19; P_interaction=0·53), with similar consistency seen across the secondary outcomes. The proportions of participants in the dapagliflozin and placebo groups who had serious adverse events or discontinued study drug due to adverse events did not vary between those with and those without type 2 diabetes.

INTERPRETATION

Dapagliflozin reduces the risks of major adverse kidney and cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

AstraZeneca.

The dapagliflozin and prevention of adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease (DAPA-CKD) trial: baseline characteristics

Background

The Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease (DAPA-CKD; NCT03036150) trial was designed to assess the effect of the sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin on kidney and cardiovascular events in participants with CKD with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). This analysis reports the baseline characteristics of those recruited, comparing them with those enrolled in other trials.

Methods

In DAPA-CKD, 4304 participants with a urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥200 mg/g and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 25 and 75 mL/min/1.73 m² were randomized to dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily or placebo. Mean eGFR was 43.1 mL/min/1.73 m² and median UACR was 949 mg/g (108 mg/mmol).

Results

Overall, 2906 participants (68%) had a diagnosis of T2D and of these, 396 had CKD ascribed to a cause other than diabetes. The most common causes of CKD after diabetes (n = 2510) were ischaemic/hypertensive nephropathy (n = 687) and chronic glomerulonephritis (n = 695), of which immunoglobulin A nephropathy (n = 270) was the most common. A total of 4174 participants (97%) were receiving an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, 1882 (43.7%) diuretics, 229 (5.3%) mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and 122 (2.8%) glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists. In contrast to the Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE), the DAPA-CKD trial enrolled participants with CKD due to diabetes and to causes other than diabetes. The mean eGFR of participants in the DAPA-CKD trial was 13.1 mL/min/1.73 m² lower than in CREDENCE, similar to that in the Finerenone in Reducing Kidney Failure and Disease Progression in DKD (FIDELIO-DKD) trial and the Study Of diabetic Nephropathy with AtRasentan (SONAR).

Conclusions

Participants with a wide range of underlying kidney diseases receiving renin–angiotensin system blocking therapy have been enrolled in the DAPA-CKD trial. The trial will examine the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in participants with CKD Stages 2–4 and increased albuminuria, with and without T2D.

[Mineralcorticoid receptor blockers in chronic kidney disease]

There are many experimental data supporting the involvement of aldosterone and mineralcorticoid receptor (MR) activation in the genesis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular damage. Many studies have shown that in diabetic and non-diabetic CKD, blocking the renin- angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system with conversion enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) decreases proteinuria, progression of CKD and mortality, but there is still a significant residual risk of developing these events. In subjects treated with ACEi or ARBs there may be an aldosterone breakthrough whose prevalence in subjects with CKD can reach 50%. Several studies have shown that in CKD, the aldosterone antagonists (spironolactone, eplerenone) added to ACEi or ARBs, reduce proteinuria, but increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Other studies in subjects treated with dialysis suggest a possible beneficial effect of antialdosteronic drugs on CV events and mortality. Newer potassium binders drugs can prevent / decrease hyperkalemia induced by RAAS blockade, and may reduce the high discontinuation rates or dose reduction of RAAS-blockers. The nonsteroidal MR blockers, with more potency and selectivity than the classic ones, reduce proteinuria and have a lower risk of hyperkalemia. Several clinical trials, currently underway, will determine the effect of classic MR blockers on CV events and mortality in subjects with stage 3b CKD and in dialysis patients, and whether in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and CKD, optimally treated and with high risk of CV and kidney events, the addition of finerenone to their treatment produces cardiorenal benefits. Large randomized trials have shown that sodium glucose type 2 cotransporter inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce mortality and the development and progression of diabetic and nondiabetic CKD. There are pathophysiological arguments, which raise the possibility that the triple combination ACEi or ARBs, SGLT2i and aldosterone antagonist provide additional renal and cardiovascular protection.

Renal outcomes of treatment with telmisartan in patients with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial (JINNAGA)

Objectives:

Although angiotensin II receptor blockers are effective for patients with chronic kidney disease, dose-dependent renoprotective effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease with non-nephrotic proteinuria are not known. Our aim was to elucidate the dose-dependent renoprotective effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers on such patients.

Methods:

A multicenter, prospective, randomized trial was conducted from 2009 to 2014. Patients with non-nephrotic stage 3–4 chronic kidney disease were randomized for treatment with either 40 or 80 mg telmisartan and were observed for up to 104 weeks. Overall, 32 and 29 patients were allocated to the 40 and 80 mg telmisartan groups, respectively. The composite primary outcome was renal death, doubling of serum creatinine level, transition to stage 5 chronic kidney disease, and death from any cause. Secondary outcomes included the level of urinary proteins and changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Results:

There was no difference in the primary outcome (p = 0.78) and eGFR (p = 0.53) between the two groups; however, after 24 weeks, urinary protein level was significantly lower in the 80 mg group than in the 40 mg group (p < 0.05). No severe adverse events occurred in either group, and the occurrence of adverse events did not significantly differ between them (p = 0.56).

Conclusion:

Our findings do not demonstrate a direct dose-dependent renoprotective effect of telmisartan. The higher telmisartan dose resulted in a decrease in the amount of urinary protein. Even though high-dose angiotensin II receptor blockers may be preferable for patients with stage 3–4 chronic kidney disease, the clinical importance of the study results may be limited. The study was registered in the UMIN-CTR (https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr) with the registration number UMIN000040875.

Association of Albuminuria Levels With the Prescription of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade

Multiple clinical guidelines recommend an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) in patients with elevated albuminuria, which can be measured through urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), protein-to-creatinine ratio, or dipstick. However, how albuminuria test results relate to the prescription of ACE inhibitor/ARB is uncertain. We identified individuals with an ACR measurement between January 1, 2004, and June 30, 2018, and no contraindications or allergy to ACE inhibitor/ARB. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to evaluate the association between ACR level and prescription of ACE inhibitor/ARB within 6 months after the test. We applied similar methods to investigate the association of protein-to-creatinine ratio and dipstick measurement results with the prescription of ACE inhibitor/ARB. Among 67 237 individuals with an ACR measurement, 47.7% were already taking an ACE inhibitor or ARB at the time of first ACR measurement. Among the 35 138 individuals who were not on ACE inhibitor/ARB, those with higher ACR levels were more likely to be prescribed ACE inhibitor/ARB in the following 6 months, with steep increases in prescriptions until ACR 300 mg/g, after which the association plateaued. The majority (80.9%) of ACE inhibitor/ARB prescriptions were made by family medicine and internal medicine. A similar pattern held in the cohorts tested by protein-to-creatinine ratio and dipstick measurement. Our study provides evidence that albuminuria test results change patient care, suggesting that adherence to albuminuria testing is a key step in optimal medical management.

Comparative Effectiveness of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers in Individuals With Advanced CKD: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

It is unknown whether initiating renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor therapy in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is superior to alternative antihypertensive agents such as calcium channel blockers (CCBs). We compared the risks for kidney replacement therapy (KRT), mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with advanced CKD in routine nephrology practice who were initiating either RAS inhibitor or CCB therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational study in the Swedish Renal Registry, 2007 to 2017.

SETTINGS & PARTICIPANTS

2,458 new users of RAS inhibitors and 2,345 CCB users with estimated glomerular filtration rates<30mL/min/1.73m² (CKD G4-G5 without KRT) who were being followed up by a nephrologist. As a positive control cohort, new users of the same drugs with CKD G3 (estimated glomerular filtration rate, 30-60mL/min/1.73m²) were evaluated.

EXPOSURES

RAS inhibitor versus CCB therapy initiation.

OUTCOME

Initiation of KRT (maintenance dialysis or transplantation), all-cause mortality, and MACE (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke).

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

HRs with 95% CIs were estimated using propensity score-weighted Cox proportional hazards regression adjusting for demographic, clinical, and laboratory covariates.

RESULTS

Median age was 74 years, 38% were women, and median follow-up was 4.1 years. After propensity score weighting, there was significantly lower risk for KRT after new use of RAS inhibitors compared with new use of CCBs (adjusted HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.69-0.89]) but similar risks for mortality (adjusted HR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.88-1.07]) and MACE (adjusted HR, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.88-1.15]). Results were consistent across subgroups and in as-treated analyses. The positive control cohort of patients with CKD G3 showed similar KRT risk reduction (adjusted HR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.56-0.80]) with RAS inhibitor therapy compared with CCBs.

LIMITATIONS

Potential confounding by indication.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide evidence from real-world clinical practice that initiation of RAS inhibitor therapy compared with CCBs may confer kidney benefits among patients with advanced CKD, with similar cardiovascular protection.

Cardiac and Kidney Benefits of Empagliflozin in Heart Failure Across the Spectrum of Kidney Function: Insights From EMPEROR-Reduced

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

In EMPEROR-Reduced (Empagliflozin Outcome Trial in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction), empagliflozin reduced cardiovascular death or heart failure (HF) hospitalization and total HF hospitalizations, and slowed the progressive decline in kidney function in patients with HF and a reduced ejection fraction, with and without diabetes. We aim to study the effect of empagliflozin on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes across the spectrum of kidney function.

Dapagliflozin in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease have a high risk of adverse kidney and cardiovascular outcomes. The effect of dapagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease, with or without type 2 diabetes, is not known.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 4304 participants with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 25 to 75 ml per minute per 1.73 m² of body-surface area and a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (with albumin measured in milligrams and creatinine measured in grams) of 200 to 5000 to receive dapagliflozin (10 mg once daily) or placebo. The primary outcome was a composite of a sustained decline in the estimated GFR of at least 50%, end-stage kidney disease, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes.

RESULTS

The independent data monitoring committee recommended stopping the trial because of efficacy. Over a median of 2.4 years, a primary outcome event occurred in 197 of 2152 participants (9.2%) in the dapagliflozin group and 312 of 2152 participants (14.5%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51 to 0.72; P<0.001; number needed to treat to prevent one primary outcome event, 19 [95% CI, 15 to 27]). The hazard ratio for the composite of a sustained decline in the estimated GFR of at least 50%, end-stage kidney disease, or death from renal causes was 0.56 (95% CI, 0.45 to 0.68; P<0.001), and the hazard ratio for the composite of death from cardiovascular causes or hospitalization for heart failure was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.55 to 0.92; P = 0.009). Death occurred in 101 participants (4.7%) in the dapagliflozin group and 146 participants (6.8%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.88; P = 0.004). The effects of dapagliflozin were similar in participants with type 2 diabetes and in those without type 2 diabetes. The known safety profile of dapagliflozin was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with chronic kidney disease, regardless of the presence or absence of diabetes, the risk of a composite of a sustained decline in the estimated GFR of at least 50%, end-stage kidney disease, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes was significantly lower with dapagliflozin than with placebo. (Funded by AstraZeneca; DAPA-CKD ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03036150.).

Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States. Approximately 30% to 40% of individuals with diabetes mellitus develop DKD, and the presence of DKD significantly elevates the risk for morbidity and mortality. Understanding of DKD has grown in recent years. This review describes the pathogenesis of DKD and expands on evidence-based strategies for DKD management, integrating traditional approaches for hyperglycemia, hypertension, and albuminuria management with emerging therapeutic options. Given the public health burden of DKD, it is essential to prioritize prevention, recognition, and management of DKD in the primary care setting.

Methanol extract of Caesalpinia benthamiana normalizes blood pressure and attenuates oxidative stress in uninephrectomized hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVES

Hypertension is the number one risk factor and primary contributor of cardiovascular diseases. Caesalpinia benthamiana is a valuable medicinal plant with unvalidated anti-hypertensive activity. This study was carried out to explore the antihypertensive effect of C. benthamiana on uninephrectomized hypertensive rats.

METHODS

Fifty rats were grouped into five groups, each containing 10 animals: Group A-normal control (normotensive); B-uninephrectomized control; C-uninephrectomized treated with 50 mg/kg C. benthamiana extract; D-uninephrectomized treated with 100 mg/kg C. benthamiana; and E- uninephrectomized treated with 10 mg/kg of Lisinopril.

RESULTS

Significant increases were observed in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure of uninephrectomized control rats. Furthermore, markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, protein carbonyl, myeloperoxidase and the advanced oxidative protein products) increased significantly while antioxidant status (reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase and superoxide dismutase), reduced significantly in uninephrectomized hypertensive rats. Histopathology revealed thrombosis and occlusion of coronary vessels in the heart, and congestion in the kidney. However, the observed high blood pressure parameters were remarkably normalized together with reduction in markers of oxidative stress and improvement in antioxidant defence system of uninephrectomized hypertensive rats treated with C. benthamiana extract similar to normotensive rats.

CONCLUSIONS

C. benthamiana extract exhibited antihypertensive action, strong antioxidant ability, attenuated oxidative stress-mediated hypertension and lessened the development of cardiac and renal damage associated with hypertension induced by uninephrectomy and high dietary intake of salt. Together, C. benthamiana extract might be useful in the management of hypertension due to volume overload in the cardiovascular system.

Synergistic reduction in albuminuria in type 2 diabetic mice by esaxerenone (CS-3150), a novel nonsteroidal selective mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, combined with an angiotensin II receptor blocker

Esaxerenone is a novel selective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blocker that was recently approved in Japan to treat hypertension. In phase II and III studies, esaxerenone plus a renin–angiotensin system inhibitor markedly reduced the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in hypertensive patients with diabetic nephropathy. To evaluate a direct renoprotective effect by MR blockade independent of an antihypertensive effect in the context of diabetic nephropathy, esaxerenone (3 mg/kg), olmesartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker; 1 mg/kg), or both were orally administered to KK-Ay mice, a type 2 diabetes model, once daily for 56 days. Urinary albumin (Ualb), UACR, and markers, such as podocalyxin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), were measured, along with systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting blood glucose, and serum K⁺ levels. Prior to the initiation of drug administration, KK-Ay mice showed higher blood glucose, insulin, Ualb excretion, and UACR levels than C57BL/6 J mice, a nondiabetic control, indicating the development of diabetic renal injury. Combined treatment with esaxerenone and olmesartan significantly reduced the change in UACR from baseline compared with the change associated with vehicle at week 8 (−1.750 vs. 0.339 g/gCre; P < 0.002) and significantly inhibited the change in Ualb from baseline compared with the change associated with vehicle at week 8 (P < 0.002). The combination treatment also reduced urinary excretion of podocalyxin and MCP-1, but did not influence 8-OHdG excretion, SBP, blood glucose, or serum K⁺ levels. Overall, esaxerenone plus olmesartan treatment ameliorated diabetic nephropathy in KK-Ay mice without affecting SBP, suggesting that the renoprotective effects of esaxerenone could be exerted independently of its antihypertensive effect.

Factors associated with renal impairment in Chinese patients with non-valvular AF and without an established renal disease: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Renal impairment and atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexist. However, risk factors associated with renal impairment in AF patients have not been studied in a large population. Accordingly, this study investigated clinical factors associated with renal impairment in AF patients.

METHODS

From January 2012 to December 2016, 2,298 inpatients with non-valvular AF (NVAF) mainly for catheter ablation were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data collection included past medical history, echocardiography measurements, current medicine use and biochemical results. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the abbreviated Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Renal impairment was defined as a history of chronic kidney disease or an eGFR ≤90 ml/min/1.73 m². Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the factors screened and eGFR.

RESULTS

The mean eGFR was 88.6 ± 17.1 ml/min/1.73 m². The overall prevalence of renal impairment was 47.4%. Multivariate logistic regression showed that factors associated with renal impairment were age (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.11-1.14), non-paroxysmal AF (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.04-1.58), use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.28-1.95), congestive heart failure (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.05-3.07), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.34-4.28), and prior transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke/systematic embolism (SE) (OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.68-4.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Renal dysfunction is highly prevalent in Chinese NVAF patients and is significantly associated with older age, non-paroxysmal AF, use of ACEI/ARB, congestive heart failure, LVEF <50% and prior TIA/stroke/SE. Further studies on the mechanisms by which these risk factors affect renal function in NVAF patients need to be conducted.

Treatment for IgA nephropathy with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease: low-dose corticosteroids combined with oral cyclophosphamide

BACKGROUND

The use of immunosuppressive therapy for IgA nephropathy patients with renal insufficiency and severe proteinuria is controversial.

METHODS

This was a monocentric retrospective study. We reviewed 132 consecutive IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease and proteinuria ≥ 1.0 g/d who received uncontrolled supportive care (n = 41), corticosteroids (CS) (n = 22) or low-dose CS combined with oral cyclophosphamide (CTX) (n = 69) between January 2008 and December 2016. The combined endpoint was defined as either a ≥ 50% reduction in eGFR or ESRD.

RESULTS

All patients were followed for a medial of 33.2 months, and 67 (50.8%) patients experienced the combined endpoint. The rate of renal function decline was - 4.5 (- 12.6, - 0.1) ml/min/1.73 m² per year. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, immunosuppressive therapy (HR = 0.349, 95% CI 0.194-0.629, P < 0.001) was associated with reduced risk of combined events after adjusting for age, sex, MAP, proteinuria, eGFR, mesangial hypercellularity score > 0.5 (M1), endocapillary hypercellularity present (E1), segmental glomerulosclerosis present (S1), tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis > 25% (T1-2), crescents present (C1-2), and RAAS blockers. Immunosuppressive therapy was also analyzed as a categorical variable, and multivariate Cox analyses showed that CS did not reduce the risk of combined events, whereas CS + CTX significantly reduced the risk of combined events. In the matched cohort, the CS + CTX group had a significantly lower reduction in TP-A [1.2 (0.6, 2.3) g/d verse 1.8 (1.2, 2.5), P = 0.023] and a better renal survival rate (39.4% verse 66.7%, P = 0.026) than the uncontrolled supportive care group. The number of hospitalizations required for infection was similar in the three study groups. Other adverse events did not differ significantly among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose CS combined with oral CTX treatment is possibly more effective than uncontrolled supportive care for IgAN patients with reduced renal function. The results need to be further confirmed by randomized controlled studies.

Association Between Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade Discontinuation and All-Cause Mortality Among Persons With Low Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate

IMPORTANCE

It is uncertain whether and when angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) and angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) treatment should be discontinued in individuals with low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of ACE-I or ARB therapy discontinuation after eGFR decreases to below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 with the risk of mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective, propensity score-matched cohort study included 3909 patients from an integrated health care system that served rural areas of central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Patients who initiated ACE-I or ARB therapy from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2018, and had an eGFR decrease to below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 during therapy were enrolled, with follow-up until January 25, 2019.

EXPOSURES

Individuals were classified based on whether they discontinued ACE-I or ARB therapy within 6 months after an eGFR decrease to below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The association between ACE-I or ARB therapy discontinuation and mortality during the subsequent 5 years was assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusting for patient characteristics at the time of the eGFR decrease in a propensity score-matched sample. Secondary outcomes included MACE and ESKD.

RESULTS

Of the 3909 individuals receiving ACE-I or ARB treatment who experienced an eGFR decrease to below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (2406 [61.6%] female; mean [SD] age, 73.7 [12.6] years), 1235 discontinued ACE-I or ARB therapy within 6 months after the eGFR decrease and 2674 did not discontinue therapy. A total of 434 patients (35.1%) who discontinued ACE-I or ARB therapy and 786 (29.4%) who did not discontinue therapy died during a median follow-up of 2.9 years (interquartile range, 1.3-5.0 years). In the propensity score-matched sample of 2410 individuals, ACE-I or ARB therapy discontinuation was associated with a higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.20-1.60]) and MACE (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.20-1.56), but no statistically significant difference in the risk of ESKD was found (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.86-1.65).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings suggest that continuing ACE-I or ARB therapy in patients with declining kidney function may be associated with cardiovascular benefit without excessive harm of ESKD.

Discontinuation of RAAS Inhibition in Children with Advanced CKD

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition (RAASi) is a cornerstone in the treatment of children with CKD, it is sometimes discontinued when kidney function declines. We studied the reasons of RAASi discontinuation and associations between RAASi discontinuation and important risk markers of CKD progression and on eGFR decline in the Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Children with CKD study.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

In this study, 69 children with CKD (67% male, mean age 13.7 years, mean eGFR 27 ml/min per 1.73 m²) who discontinued RAASi during prospective follow-up were included. Initial change in BP, albuminuria, and potassium after discontinuation were assessed (median time 6 months). Rate of eGFR decline (eGFR slope) during a median of 1.9 years before and 1.2 years after discontinuation were estimated using linear mixed effects modeling.

RESULTS

Physician-reported reasons for RAASi discontinuation were increase in serum creatinine, hyperkalemia, and symptomatic hypotension. After discontinuation of RAASi, BP and albuminuria increased, whereas potassium decreased. eGFR declined more rapidly after discontinuation of RAASi (-3.9 ml/min per 1.73 m² per year; 95% confidence interval, -5.1 to -2.6) compared with the slope during RAASi treatment (-1.5 ml/min per 1.73 m² per year; 95% confidence interval, -2.4 to -0.6; P=0.005). In contrast, no change in eGFR slope was observed in a matched control cohort of patients in whom RAASi was continued.

CONCLUSIONS

Discontinuation of RAASi in children with CKD is associated with an acceleration of kidney function decline, even in advanced CKD.

Global case studies for chronic kidney disease/end-stage kidney disease care

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its risk factors is increasing worldwide, and the rapid rise in global need for end-stage kidney disease care is a major challenge for health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Countries are responding to the challenge of end-stage kidney disease in different ways, with variable provision of the components of a kidney care strategy, including effective prevention, detection, conservative care, kidney transplantation, and an appropriate mix of dialysis modalities. This collection of case studies is from 15 countries from around the world and offers valuable learning examples from a variety of contexts. The variability in approaches may be explained by country differences in burden of disease, available human or financial resources, income status, and cost structures. In addition, cultural considerations, political context, and competing interests from other stakeholders must be considered. Although the approaches taken have often varied substantially, a common theme is the potential benefits of multistakeholder engagement aimed at improving the availability and scope of integrated kidney care.

Clinical burden of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

There are no specific therapies for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and clinical data evaluating the effects of non-specific therapies on ADPKD patients are scarce. We therefore evaluated those effects using data from a longitudinal health insurance database collected from 2000-2010. We individually selected patients with and without ADPKD from inpatient data files as well as from the catastrophic illness registry in Taiwan based on 1:5 frequency matching for sex, age, and index year. The hazard ratios (HR) of all-cause mortality, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in ADPKD inpatients were elevated as compared to the controls. Similarly, ADPKD patients from the catastrophic illness registry had an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke and ESRD. Allopurinol users also had an increased risk of all-cause mortality. The HR for developing ESRD after medication exposure was 0.47-fold for statin and 1.93-fold for pentoxifylline. These results reveal that patients with ADPKD (either inpatient or from the catastrophic illness registry) are at elevated risk for hemorrhagic stroke and ESRD, and suggest that allopurinol and pentoxifylline should not be prescribed to ADPKD patients due to possible adverse effects.

ACE Inhibitor/Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Use Patterns in Advanced CKD and Risk of Kidney Failure and Death

Rationale & Objective

The use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors is standard of care in people with early to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD). Less is known regarding the efficacy of RAS inhibitors in very advanced CKD. In this study, we describe patterns of use of RAS inhibitors and associations of these patterns of use with risk for CKD progression and mortality in patients with advanced CKD.

Study Design

Propensity-matched cohort study.

Settings & Participants

We identified 678 participants who were enrolled in the multicenter Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) < 30 mL/min/1.73 m² at the baseline visit.

Exposure

Use of RAS inhibitors within the first year after the baseline visit, characterized by 4 patterns of use: never users, always users, dynamic users, and new users.

Outcome(s)

Progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and all-cause mortality.

Analytical Approach

We generated propensity scores and matched participants in the always users group with a 1:1 ratio with a participant from the other 3 groups, matching by age, sex, race, diabetes, hypertension, systolic blood pressure, eGFR, urinary protein-creatinine ratio, and serum potassium level. Cox models were used to test the association of patterns of RAS inhibitor use with risk for kidney failure and death.

Results

Of the 678 participants with eGFRs < 30 mL/min/1.73 m², 57% were identified as always users of RAS inhibitors during the 1 year, 23% as never users, 13% as dynamic users, and 7% as new users. We found no differences in risk for ESRD across patterns of RAS inhibitor use (never users [HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.71-1.67], dynamic users [HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.83-2.55], new users [HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.33-1.84] vs the always users reference group). Similarly, there was no association of patterns of RAS inhibitor use with death (never users [HR, 1.02; CI, 0.74-1.40], dynamic users [HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.80-1.90], new users [HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.63-1.92] vs always users).

Limitations

Observational study.

Conclusions

Use of RAS inhibitors in patients with eGFRs < 30 mL/min/1.73 m² is heterogeneous.^.We found no difference in risk for progression to ESRD or mortality across patterns of RAS inhibitor use. Further research is required to identify optimal prescribing strategies of RAS inhibitors during advanced stages of CKD.

Pharmacotherapy of hypertension in patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is the most common co-morbidity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with prevalence gradually increasing across CKD Stages to the extent that about 90% of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are hypertensives. Several factors contribute to blood pressure (BP) elevation and guide the therapeutic interventions that should be employed in these patients.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the existing data for the management of hypertension, regarding optimal BP targets and the use of major antihypertensive classes in patients with CKD.

EXPERT OPINION

Management of hypertension in CKD requires both lowering BP levels and reducing proteinuria to minimize the risk of both CKD progression and cardiovascular disease. In this respect, aggressive control of office BP to levels <130/80 mmHg has long been proposed for patients with proteinuric nephropathies. Following evidence from recent studies that confirmed significant reductions in renal and cardiovascular outcomes with strict BP control, most, but not all, of international guidelines, suggest such BP goals for all hypertensive patients, including those with CKD. Use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers is the treatment of choice for patients with proteinuric nephropathies, while, in most patients with CKD, combination treatment with two, three, or more antihypertensive agents is often required to control BP.

Effect of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade on Mortality in Korean Hypertensive Patients with Proteinuria

Background

Although renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade is recommended for hypertensive patients with proteinuria, the effect of RAS blockade on Korean hypertensive patients has not been investigated.

Methods

Among individuals who underwent a National Health Examination between 2002 and 2003 in Korea, hypertensive patients with proteinuria (defined as a dipstick test result ≥2+) were enrolled in this study. We investigated the outcomes of two groups stratified by RAS blockade prescription (with RAS blockade vs. without RAS blockade). Moreover, Cox proportional hazard regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to examine the effects of RAS blockade on mortality and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Results

A total of 8,460 patients were enrolled in this study, of whom 6,236 (73.7%) were prescribed with RAS blockade. The mean follow-up period was 129 months. A total of 1,003 (11.9%) patients died, of whom 273 (3.2%) died of cardiovascular (CV) events. The Kaplan-Meier curves for all-cause or CV mortality showed that the survival probability was significantly higher in the RAS blockade group than in the non-RAS blockade group. Multivariate Cox analysis also revealed RAS blockade significantly reduced the all-cause and CV mortality rates by 39.1% and 33.7%, respectively, compared with non-RAS blockade, even after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbid diseases; however, ESRD was not affected.

Conclusion

In this study, we found that RAS blockade was significantly associated with a reduction in mortality but not in the incidence of ESRD. However, 26.3% of the enrolled patients did not use RAS blockade. Physicians need to consider the usefulness of RAS blockade in hypertensive patients with proteinuria.

Utilization of antihypertensive drugs among chronic kidney disease patients: Results from the Chinese cohort study of chronic kidney disease (C-STRIDE)

The utilization of antihypertensive drugs plays an important role in blood pressure control among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Limited information was available on how antihypertensive drugs were used among Chinese CKD patients. In the present study, the utilization of antihypertensive drugs among a subgroup of hypertensive participants with a complete record of antihypertensive drug information from the Chinese Cohort Study of Chronic Kidney Disease was analyzed. Among 2213 subjects, 61.7% and 26.5% had their blood pressure controlled to <140/90 mmHg and <130/80 mmHg, respectively. In total, 38.5% were on monotherapy. Of those patients who received combination therapy, 57.8% were treated with a two-drug combination. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) were the most commonly prescribed drugs (71.2%). Only 10.2% of the patients were prescribed diuretics. After multivariable adjustment, participants taking RASI were more likely to have their blood pressure controlled to <140/90 mmHg (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.153, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.071-1.240). CKD stage 4 (PR 0.548, 95% CI: 0.434-0.692) was associated with RASIs treatment. Additionally, diabetes (PR 1.498, 95% CI: 1.120-2.004), albumin/creatinine ratio ≥300 mg/g (PR 1.547, 95% CI: 1.020-2.344), and CKD stage 4 (PR 2.022, 95% CI: 1.223-3.343) were associated with diuretic use. The results suggested that combination therapy, diuretics use in general, and utilization of RASIs in advanced CKD stage were insufficient in the current treatment of Chinese hypertensive CKD patients.