Effect of cinacalcet on cardiovascular disease in patients undergoing dialysis

Cardiovascular outcome trials in patients with chronic kidney disease: challenges associated with selection of patients and endpoints

Although cardiovascular disease is a major health burden for patients with chronic kidney disease, most cardiovascular outcome trials have excluded patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Moreover, the major cardiovascular outcome trials that have been conducted in patients with end-stage renal disease have not demonstrated a treatment benefit. Thus, clinicians have limited evidence to guide the management of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly those on dialysis. Several factors contribute to both the paucity of trials and the apparent lack of observed treatment effect in completed studies. Challenges associated with conducting trials in this population include patient heterogeneity, complexity of renal pathophysiology and its interaction with cardiovascular disease, and competing risks for death. The Investigator Network Initiative Cardiovascular and Renal Clinical Trialists (INI-CRCT), an international organization of academic cardiovascular and renal clinical trialists, held a meeting of regulators and experts in nephrology, cardiology, and clinical trial methodology. The group identified several research priorities, summarized in this paper, that should be pursued to advance the field towards achieving improved cardiovascular outcomes for these patients. Cardiovascular and renal clinical trialists must partner to address the uncertainties in the field through collaborative research and design clinical trials that reflect the specific needs of the chronic and end-stage kidney disease populations, with the shared goal of generating robust evidence to guide the management of cardiovascular disease in patients with kidney disease.

Surgical outcomes of parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism resistant to calcimimetic treatment: A retrospective single-center cohort study

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of parathyroidectomy (PTx) for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) resistant to calcimimetic treatment, we retrospectively studied 187 patients with SHPT who had no history of calcimimetic treatment (NCMT) (NCMT group) and 186 patients with SHPT who were resistant to calcimimetic treatment (RCMT) (RCMT group). Success rate and operative time of PTx were compared among the two groups. Operative time was significantly longer in the RCMT group than in the NCMT group (180 vs 158 minutes, P < .001), but the difference was attenuated after multivariate adjustment including the weight of the largest parathyroid gland. No significant differences were observed in success rate of PTx (90.9% vs 91.4%, P = 1.000) between the two groups. In patients with SHPT who are resistant to calcimimetic treatment, operative time could be elongated but success rate of PTx remains unchanged.

Cinacalcet use in paediatric dialysis: a position statement from the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology and the Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorders Working Group of the ERA-EDTA

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is an important complication of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children, which is often difficult to treat with conventional therapy. The calcimimetic cinacalcet is an allosteric modulator of the calcium-sensing receptor. It has proven to be effective and safe in adults to suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH), but data on its use in children are limited. To date, studies in children only consist of two randomized controlled trials, nine uncontrolled interventional or observational studies, and case reports that report the efficacy of cinacalcet as a PTH-lowering compound. In 2017, the European Medical Agency approved the use of cinacalcet for the treatment of SHPT in children on dialysis in whom SHPT is not adequately controlled with standard therapy. Since evidence-based guidelines are so far lacking, we present a position statement on the use of cinacalcet in paediatric dialysis patients based on the available evidence and opinion of experts from the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology, Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder and Dialysis Working Groups, and the ERA-EDTA. Given the limited available evidence the strength of these statements are weak to moderate, and must be carefully considered by the treating physician and adapted to individual patient needs as appropriate. Audit and research recommendations to study key outcome measures in paediatric dialysis patients receiving cinacalcet are suggested.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of cinacalcet for haemodialysis patients with moderate-to-severe secondary hyperparathyroidism in China: evaluation based on the EVOLVE trial

OBJECTIVE

As the cost-effectiveness evaluation of cinacalcet and conventional therapy in China has not been reported, the objective of this study was to make a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of cinacalcet specific to the Chinese healthcare setting in patients with moderate-to-severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) undergoing dialysis.

DESIGNS

Data from Evaluation of Cinacalcet Therapy to Lower Cardiovascular Events trial were used for this analysis. A semi-Markov model was constructed to estimate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and lifetime costs in cinacalcet plus conventional therapy (cinacalcet strategy) compared with conventional therapy (standard strategy), in patients with moderate-to-severe SHPT undergoing dialysis. Treatment effect estimates from the unadjusted intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis and covariate-adjusted ITT analysis were used as the main analyses. Model sensitivity to variations in individual inputs and overall decision uncertainty were assessed through probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) as measured by cost per QALY gained.

RESULTS

The ICER for cinacalcet strategy was US$44 400 per QALY gained using the covariate-adjusted ITT analysis. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested a 46.2% chance of the ICER being below a willingness-to-pay threshold of US$26 508. Treatment effects from unadjusted ITT analysis yielded an ICER of US$87 210 per QALY. The model was most sensitive to the treatment effect on mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing evidence does not support the cost-effectiveness of cinacalcet strategy in patients with moderate-to-severe SHPT undergoing dialysis when applying a willingness-to-pay threshold of US$26 508 per QALY, whether it is using the treatment effect from covariate-adjusted ITT analysis or unadjusted ITT analysis.

Canadian Society of Nephrology Commentary on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder

Purpose of review:

(1) To provide commentary on the 2017 update to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD); (2) to apply the evidence-based guideline update for implementation within the Canadian health care system; (3) to provide comment on the care of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD); and (4) to identify research priorities for Canadian patients.

Sources of information:

The KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of CKD-MBD.

Methods:

The commentary committee co-chairs selected potential members based on their knowledge of the Canadian kidney community, aiming for wide representation from relevant disciplines, academic and community centers, and different geographical regions.

Key findings:

We agreed with many of the recommendations in the clinical practice guideline on the diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and treatment of CKD-MBD. However, based on the uncommon occurrence of abnormalities in calcium and phosphate and the low likelihood of severe abnormalities in parathyroid hormone (PTH), we recommend against screening and monitoring levels of calcium, phosphate, PTH, and alkaline phosphatase in adults with CKD G3. We suggest and recommend monitoring these parameters in adults with CKD G4 and G5, respectively. In children, we agree that monitoring for CKD-MBD should begin in CKD G2, but we suggest measuring ionized calcium, rather than total calcium or calcium adjusted for albumin. With regard to vitamin D, we suggest against routine screening for vitamin D deficiency in adults with CKD G3-G5 and G1T-G5T and suggest following population health recommendations for adequate vitamin D intake. We recommend that the measurement and management of bone mineral density (BMD) be according to general population guidelines in CKD G3 and G3T, but we suggest against routine BMD testing in CKD G4-G5, CKD G4T-5T, and in children with CKD. Based on insufficient data, we also recommend against routine bone biopsy in clinical practice for adults with CKD or CKD-T, or in children with CKD, although we consider it an important research tool.

Limitations:

The committee relied on the evidence summaries produced by KDIGO. The CSN committee did not replicate or update the systematic reviews.

Evidence in chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder guidelines: is it time to treat or time to wait?

Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is one of the many important complications associated with CKD and may at least partially explain the extremely high morbidity and mortality among CKD patients. The 2009 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guideline document was based on the best information available at that time and was designed not only to provide information but also to assist in decision-making. In addition to the international KDIGO Work Group, which included worldwide experts, an independent Evidence Review Team was assembled to ensure rigorous review and grading of the existing evidence. Based on the evidence from new clinical trials, an updated Clinical Practice Guideline was published in 2017. In this review, we focus on the conceptual and practical evolution of clinical guidelines (from eMinence-based medicine to eVidence-based medicine and 'living' guidelines), highlight some of the current important CKD-MBD-related changes, and underline the poor or extremely poor level of evidence present in those guidelines (as well as in other areas of nephrology). Finally, we emphasize the importance of individualization of treatments and shared decision-making (based on important ethical considerations and the 'best available evidence'), which may prove useful in the face of the uncertainty over the decision whether 'to treat' or 'to wait'.

CKD-MBD: Was gibt es Neues?

Phosphathaushalt Nach wie vor ist unklar, wann, mit welchem Zielspiegel und mittels welcher Art von phosphatsenkenden Maßnahmen und Medikamenten die Hyperphosphatämie behandelt werden sollte. Aus Erfahrung ist eine Kombination aus phosphatarmer Diät und Phosphatbindern sinnvoll.

Hyperparathyreoidismus Bei chronischer Nierenerkrankung (CKD) ist eine stärkere PTH-Stimulation nötig als bei Nierengesunden, um nicht eine adyname Osteopathie zu entwickeln. Deutlich erhöhte PTH-Werte wiederum gehen jedoch mit einer gesteigerten Morbidität und Mortalität einher. Für Dialysepatienten liegt der Zielbereich im Serum-PTH gemäß den KDIGO-Leitlinien zwischen dem 2- und 9-Fachen der oberen Norm. Für Patienten mit CKD ohne Dialyse ist der optimale PTH-Bereich nicht klar.

Vitamin D Vitamin D kann weiterhin begleitend zur Therapie der CKD-MBD und insbesondere des Hyperparathyreoidismus eingesetzt werden. Außerhalb des Skelettsystems dürften einer nativen Vitamin-D-Supplementierung jedoch kaum messbare Effekte zuzuschreiben sein.

Arteriosklerose Der Verzicht auf eine Therapie mit Vitamin-K-Antagonisten und der Ersatz durch Rivaroxaban kann wahrscheinlich das Fortschreiten der Koronarkalzifikation verlangsamen.

Biomarker In der Routinediagnostik von CKD-MBD und deren Therapie spielen auch weiterhin die klassischen Biomarkern wie PTH, Phosphat, Kalzium oder alkalische Phosphatase die größte Rolle.

Renale Osteodystrophie und Osteoporose Es ist noch nicht ausreichend belegt, wie bei CKD das Frakturrisiko zu senken ist.

SGLT2-Inhibitoren Aktuell ist der breite Einsatz von SGLT2-Inhibitoren für Patienten mit CKD G3 oder G4 noch keine Option. Zu erwarten ist eine Indikationserweiterung auf einen GFR-Grenzwert von zumindest 30 ml/min für die Indikation CKD und/oder Herzinsuffizienz (auch jeweils ohne Diabetes mellitus).

Efficacy and safety of cinacalcet compared with other treatments for secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease: a meta-analysis

Background

It is controversial for the effect and safety between cinacalcet and other treatments in treating secondary hyperparathyroidism for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods

Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched through Feb 2017. 21 randomized controlled trials were included. We calculated the pooled mean difference (MD), relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

Result

Patients received calcimimetic agents had significantly decreased serum parathyroid hormone (MD = − 259.24 pg/mL, 95% CI: − 336.23 to − 182.25), calcium (MD = − 0.92 mg/dL, 95% CI: − 0.98 to − 0.85) and calcium phosphorus product (MD = − 5.97 mg²/dL², 95% CI: − 9.77 to − 2.16) concentration compared with control treatment. However, the differences in cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality between calcimimetics agents and control group were not statistically significant. The incidence of nausea (RR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.62 to 2.79), vomiting (RR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.78 to 2.23) and hypocalcemia (RR = 10.10, 95% CI: 7.60 to 13.43) in CKD patients with calcimimetics agents was significantly higher than that with control treatment.

Conclusion

Cinacalcet improved the biochemical parameters in CKD patients, but did not improve all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Moreover, cinacalcet can cause some adverse events.

Timing of parathyroidectomy for tertiary hyperparathyroidism with end-stage renal disease: A cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism associated with end-stage renal disease is characterized by progression from secondary hyperparathyroidism to an autonomous overproduction of parathyroid hormone that leads to adverse health outcomes. Rates of parathyroidectomy (PTX) have decreased with the use of calcimimetics. Optimal timing of PTX in relation to kidney transplant remains controversial. We aimed to identify the most cost-effective strategy for patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism undergoing kidney transplant.

METHODS

We constructed a patient level state transition microsimulation to compare 3 management schemes: cinacalcet with kidney transplant, cinacalcet with PTX before kidney transplant, or cinacalcet with PTX after kidney transplant. Our base case was a 55-year-old on dialysis with tertiary hyperparathyroidism awaiting kidney transplant. Outcomes, including quality-adjusted life years, surgical complications, and mortality, were extracted from the literature, and costs were estimated using Medicare reimbursement data.

RESULTS

Our base case analysis demonstrated that cinacalcet with PTX before kidney transplant was dominant, with a lesser cost of $399,287 and greater quality-adjusted life years of 10.3 vs $497,813 for cinacalcet with PTX after kidney transplant (quality-adjusted life years 9.4) and $643,929 for cinacalcet with kidney transplant (quality-adjusted life years 7.4).

CONCLUSION

Cinacalcet alone with kidney transplant is the least cost-effective strategy. Patients with end-stage renal disease-related tertiary hyperparathyroidism should be referred for PTX, and it is most cost-effective if performed prior to kidney transplant.

SGLT2 inhibitors - a potential treatment for Alport syndrome

Alport syndrome is a rare genetic disease that results in disordered basement membrane type IV collagen resulting in occular and auditory defects as well of progressive kidney disease. Although no 'cure' currently exists, therapeutic blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system can slow the progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Clinical trials for treatments in preventing chronic kidney disease have largely been negative over the last two decades until recent trials have shown positive cardiovascular and renal outcomes of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with diabetes mellitus. Although marketed as medications for Type 2 diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors have been found to have additional properties that are nephroprotective which makes them a potential candidate for treatment for those with other forms of progressive kidney disease. This review discusses the evidence for the use of SGLT2 inhibitors as a potential treatment in Alport syndrome that may slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and prevent patients reaching ESKD.

[Low serum Klotho level as a predictor of calcification of the heart and blood vessels in patients with CKD stages 2-5D]

Cardiovascular calcification (CVC) makes a significant contribution to the manifestation of cardiovascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease. Early CVC markers are currently being actively studied to optimize cardio-renoprotective strategies. We performed a prospective comparative analysis of the following factors: FGF-23, a-Klotho, sclecrostin, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), central systolic pressure as an independent determinant of CVC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 131 patients with chronic kidney disease 25D st. Serum levels of FGF-23, Klotho, and sclerostin were evaluated using the ELISA method. Vascular augmentation (stiffness) indices, central arterial pressure (using the SphygmoCor device), calcification of heart valves and the degree of aortic calcification (aortic radiography) were also investigated. The observation period was 2 years.

RESULTS

According to the Spearman correlation analysis, the percent of calcification increase and the change in Klotho level are most related. According to ROC analysis, a decrease in serum levels of Klotho by 50 units or more is a significant predictor of an increase in aortic calcification of 50% or more with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 77%. Using logistic regression analysis, it was found that a serum Klotho level 632 pg/L predicts an eGFR below a median level of 48 ml/min/1.73 m2 with a sensitivity of 85.5% and a specificity of 78.5%. Wherein OR 17.477 (CI 95% 8.04637.962; p0.001).

CONCLUSION

The factor most associated with CVC is Klotho. Decreased serum level of Klotho is a predictor of aortic calcification. In addition, the initial serum level of Klotho is a predictor of eGFR after 2 years.

Effects of the dialysate calcium concentrations and mineral bone disease treatments on mortality in The French Renal Epidemiology and Information Network (REIN) registry

BACKGROUND

In patients on hemodialysis (HD), the various chemical elements in the dialysate may influence survival rates. In particular, calcium modifies mineral and bone metabolism and the vascular calcification rate. We studied the influence of the dialysate calcium concentration and the treatments prescribed for mineral bone disease (MBD) on survival.

METHODS

All patients in REIN having initiated HD from 2010 to 2013 were classified according to their exposure to the different dialysate calcium concentrations in their dialysis unit. Data on the individual patients' treatments for MBD were extracted from the French national health database. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate mortality hazard ratios (HR) associated with time-dependent exposure to dialysate calcium concentrations and MBD therapies, adjusted for comorbidities, laboratory and technical data.

RESULTS

Dialysate calcium concentration of 1.5 mmol/L was used by 81% of the dialysis centers in 2010 and in 83% in 2014. Most centers were using several formulas in up to 78% for 3 formulas in 2010 to 86% in 2014. In full adjusted Cox survival analyses, the percentage of calcium >1.5 mmol/L and <1.5 mmol/l by center and the number of formula used per center were not associated with survival. Depending on the daily dose used, the MBD therapies were associated with survival improvement for calcium, native vitamin D, active vitamin D, sevelamer, lanthanum and cinacalcet in the second and third tertiles of dose.

CONCLUSION

No influence of the dialysate calcium concentration was evidenced on survival whereas all MBD therapies were associated with a survival improvement depending on the daily dose used.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CVIII. Calcium-Sensing Receptor Nomenclature, Pharmacology, and Function

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a class C G protein-coupled receptor that responds to multiple endogenous agonists and allosteric modulators, including divalent and trivalent cations, L-amino acids, γ-glutamyl peptides, polyamines, polycationic peptides, and protons. The CaSR plays a critical role in extracellular calcium (Ca2+ o) homeostasis, as demonstrated by the many naturally occurring mutations in the CaSR or its signaling partners that cause Ca2+ o homeostasis disorders. However, CaSR tissue expression in mammals is broad and includes tissues unrelated to Ca2+ o homeostasis, in which it, for example, regulates the secretion of digestive hormones, airway constriction, cardiovascular effects, cellular differentiation, and proliferation. Thus, although the CaSR is targeted clinically by the positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) cinacalcet, evocalcet, and etelcalcetide in hyperparathyroidism, it is also a putative therapeutic target in diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The CaSR is somewhat unique in possessing multiple ligand binding sites, including at least five putative sites for the "orthosteric" agonist Ca2+ o, an allosteric site for endogenous L-amino acids, two further allosteric sites for small molecules and the peptide PAM, etelcalcetide, and additional sites for other cations and anions. The CaSR is promiscuous in its G protein-coupling preferences, and signals via Gq/11, Gi/o, potentially G12/13, and even Gs in some cell types. Not surprisingly, the CaSR is subject to biased agonism, in which distinct ligands preferentially stimulate a subset of the CaSR's possible signaling responses, to the exclusion of others. The CaSR thus serves as a model receptor to study natural bias and allostery. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a complex G protein-coupled receptor that possesses multiple orthosteric and allosteric binding sites, is subject to biased signaling via several different G proteins, and has numerous (patho)physiological roles. Understanding the complexities of CaSR structure, function, and biology will aid future drug discovery efforts seeking to target this receptor for a diversity of diseases. This review summarizes what is known to date regarding key structural, pharmacological, and physiological features of the CaSR.

Trimethylamine-N-oxide is an independent risk factor for hospitalization events in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis

Background

Hospitalization is a significant outcome measurement for maintenance hemodialysis pantients. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), created by gut microflora from dietary l-carnitine and choline, cleared by the kidney, has been implicated in the causation of cardiovascular diseases in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, whether it associates with hospitalization risk for these patients is unclear.

Methods

In this study, 69 patients undergoing outpatient dialysis were enrolled. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantitate the baseline plasma TMAO levels in patients. The patients were divided into a high TMAO level group (TMAO ≥ 15 μmol/L) and a low TMAO level group (TMAO < 15 μmol/L). During the 1-year follow-up, 1-year dialysis-related data and all-cause hospitalization events were recorded.

Results

The incidence of hospitalization events was significantly higher in the high TMAO level group than in the low TMAO level group (91 per 100 patient-year vs. 32 per 100 patient-year). The Kaplain–Meier survaial analysis showed that the incidence of hospitalization events in the high TMAO level group was significantly higher than that in the low TMAO level group (log-rank p = 0.0004). After adjustment age, sex, CK-MB and albumin, the results of multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that high TMAO level was an independent risk factor for hospitalization in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Conclusion

TMAO is an independent risk factor for hospitalization events in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. It may be a new therapeutic target for improving the outcomes of these patients.

Progression of Aortic Arch Calcification Is Associated with Overall and Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis

Background

Vascular calcification is common and associated with unfavorable outcomes among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Nevertheless, little is known whether the progression of vascular calcification outweighs the baseline calcification in association with overall and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods

This study included 140 maintenance HD patients. Vascular calcification was assessed using the aortic arch calcification (AoAC) score measured from chest radiographs at the baseline and the second year of follow-up. Progression of vascular calcification (ΔAoAC) was defined as the difference between the two measurements of AoAC. The association of ΔAoAC with overall and CV mortality was evaluated using multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

During the mean follow-up period of 5.8 years, there were 49 (35%) overall mortality and 27 (19.3%) CV mortality. High brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was positively correlated with ΔAoAC, whereas old age was negatively correlated with ΔAoAC. In multivariate adjusted Cox analysis, increased ΔAoAC (per 1 unit), but not baseline AoAC, was significantly associated with overall mortality (HR, 1.183; 95% CI, 1.056–1.327; p = 0.004) and CV mortality (HR, 1.194; 95% CI, 1.019–1.398; p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Progression of AoAC outperformed the baseline AoAC in association with increased risk of overall and CV mortality in HD patients. A regular follow-up of chest radiograph and AoAC score assessments are simple and cost-effective to identify the high-risk individuals of unfavorable outcomes in maintenance HD patients.

FGF23 measurement in chronic kidney disease: What is it really reflecting?

Fibroblast growth factor can be measured in clinical practice using ELISA, with acceptable validity. Different from many metabolites and minerals, its value can differ by a thousand-fold between individuals, largely because of differences in kidney function and dietary habits. This wide range complicates the proper interpretation of the concentration of FGF23, both in terms of the appropriateness of a given value for a given estimated GFR, and in terms of estimating the magnitude of risk for clinical events, with which FGF23 is clearly associated. In this narrative review, the impact of kidney function, exposure to phosphate from diet, and novel emerging factors that influence FGF23 concentrations are discussed. These and yet to define determinants of FGF23 question the causality of the association of FGF23 with hard (cardiovascular) endpoints, as observed in several epidemiological studies.

Fibroblast growth factor 23: are we ready to use it in clinical practice?

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a greatly enhanced risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Over the past decade it has come clear that a disturbed calcium-phosphate metabolism, with Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 as a key hormone, is partly accountable for this enhanced risk. Numerous studies have been performed unravelling FGF23s actions and its association with clinical conditions. As FGF23 is strongly associated with adverse outcome it may be a promising biomarker for risk prediction or, even more important, targeting FGF23 may be a strategy to improve patient outcome. This review elaborates on the clinical usefulness of FGF23 measurement. Firstly it discusses the reliability of the FGF23 measurement. Secondly, it evaluates whether FGF23 measurement may lead to improved patient risk classification. Finally, and possibly most importantly, this review evaluates if lowering of FGF23 should be a target for therapy. For this, the review discusses the current evidence indicating that FGF23 may be in the causal pathway to cardiovascular pathology, provides an overview of strategies to lower FGF23 levels and discusses the current evidence concerning the benefit of lowering FGF23.

Comparative Effectiveness of Calcimimetic Agents for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Comparative benefits and harms of calcimimetic agents used for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism have not been well characterized. We sought to compare the effectiveness of 3 calcimimetic agents using published data.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analysis.

SETTING & STUDY POPULATION

Adults with chronic kidney disease enrolled in a clinical trial of a calcimetic agent.

SEARCH STRATEGY & SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL (from February 7, 2013, to November 21, 2019), and a published meta-analysis.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently extracted the study data, assessed risk of bias, and rated evidence certainty using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted. The primary review outcomes were achievement of a target reduction in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and hypocalcemia. Additional outcomes were nausea, vomiting, serious adverse events, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, heart failure, and fracture.

RESULTS

36 trials (11,247 participants) were included. All except 4 trials involved dialysis patients. Median follow-up was 26 weeks (range, 1 week to 21.2 months). Compared with placebo, calcimimetic agents had higher odds of achieving target PTH levels with high or moderate certainty. Etelcalcetide had the highest odds of achieving a PTH target compared with evocalcet (OR, 4.93; 95% CI, 1.33-18.2) and cinacalcet (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.19-6.67). Etelcalcetide appeared to cause more hypocalcemia than cinacalcet and evocalcet. Cinacalcet and to a lesser extent etelcalcetide appeared to cause more nausea than placebo. Differences in risk for mortality, cardiovascular end points, or fractures across calcimimetic agents could not be discerned with sufficient certainty.

LIMITATIONS

Lack of longer-term data; heterogeneous end point definitions.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence of the benefits of calcimimetic therapy is limited to short-term assessment of a putative surrogate outcome (serum PTH). Although etelcalcetide was associated with the largest reduction in PTH levels, side-effect profiles differed across the 3 calcimimetic agents, making it not possible to identify 1 preferred agent.

Coronary Artery Disease in patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease; Current perspective and gaps of knowledge

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is very common in dialysis patients. One third have preexisting CAD and another one third have significant occult disease at the time of starting dialysis. Symptoms are often absent or are atypical, emphasizing the need for vigorous screening, specifically in patients awaiting transplant. The lesions tend to be heavily calcified, diffuse, and involve multiple vessels, consequently, percutaneous coronary interventions are more complicated to perform, and are less successful in achieving and maintaining short- and long-term patency. Dialysis patients have been excluded from the randomized controlled trials on which the current standards for managing CAD have been established. Due to differences in pathobiology and risks and benefits, it is uncertain that the results of these clinical trials extrapolate to patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here we review the data from observational studies and identify special considerations concerning the diagnosis and management of CAD in dialysis patients, including the use of noninvasive functional testing vs anatomical testing, the management of acute coronary syndromes and of stable coronary artery disease, the role for percutaneous revascularization vs coronary artery bypass grafting, and of platelet inhibitor therapy after coronary stenting. We review the preliminary results of the recently published ISCHEMIA-CKD trial, the only trial to date to involve large numbers of dialysis patients. This is the first of, hopefully, many trials in the pipeline that will examine therapies for CAD specifically in patients with advanced CKD, a growing population that is at particularly high risk for poor outcomes.

Biomarkers of vascular calcification in serum

Over the last decades, the association between vascular calcification (VC) and all-cause/cardiovascular mortality, especially in patients with high atherogenic status, such as those with diabetes and/or chronic kidney disease, has been repeatedly highlighted. For over a century, VC has been noted as a passive, degenerative, aging process without any treatment options. However, during the past decades, studies confirmed that mineralization of the arteries is an active, complex process, similar to bone genesis and formation. The main purpose of this review is to provide an update of the existing biomarkers of VC in serum and develop the various pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the calcification process, including the pivotal roles of matrix Gla protein, osteoprotegerin, bone morphogenetic proteins, fetuin-a, fibroblast growth-factor-23, osteocalcin, osteopontin, osteonectin, sclerostin, pyrophosphate, Smads, fibrillin-1 and carbonic anhydrase II.

Targeting Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease

Cardiovascular (CV) disease remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although clustering of traditional risk factors with CKD is well recognized, kidney-specific mechanisms are believed to drive the disproportionate burden of CV disease. One perturbation that is frequently observed at high rates in patients with CKD is vascular calcification, which may be a central mediator for an array of CV sequelae. This review summarizes the pathophysiological bases of intimal and medial vascular calcification in CKD, current strategies for diagnosis and management, and posits vascular calcification as a risk marker and therapeutic target.

Change in FGF23 concentration over time and its association with all-cause mortality in patients treated with haemodialysis or haemodiafiltration

Background

Previous studies in patients on haemodialysis (HD) have shown an association of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) with all-cause mortality. As of yet, the result of FGF23 lowering on mortality is unknown in this population.

Methods

FGF23 was measured in a subset of 404 patients from the Dutch CONvective TRansport STudy (CONTRAST study) [a randomized trial in prevalent dialysis patients comparing HD and haemodiafiltration (HDF) with clinical outcome] at baseline and Months 6 and 12. A substantial decline of FGF23 change over time was anticipated in patients randomized to HDF since HDF induces higher dialytic clearance of FGF23. The associations of both baseline FGF23 and 6-months change in FGF23 with all-cause mortality were analysed. In addition, the difference in FGF23 change between HD and HDF was explored. Furthermore, the role of dialysis modality in the association between FGF23 change and outcome was analysed.

Results

No association was observed between quartiles of baseline FGF23 and all-cause mortality. Over 6 months, FGF23 declined in patients on HDF, whereas FGF23 remained stable in patients on HD. A decrease in FGF23 was not associated with improved survival compared with a stable FGF23 concentration. However, increasing FGF23 was associated with a significantly higher mortality risk, both in crude and fully adjusted models [hazard ratio 2.01 (95% confidence interval 1.30–3.09)].

Conclusion

Whereas no association between a single value of FGF23 and all-cause mortality was found, increasing FGF23 concentrations did identify patients at risk for mortality. Since lowering FGF23 did not improve outcome, this study found no argument for therapeutically lowering FGF23.

Cinacalcet adherence in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism in Lombardy Region: clinical implications and costs

Background

Patients on dialysis often have secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), a disorder associated with renal osteodystrophy, progressive vascular calcification, cardiovascular disease, and death. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to evaluate, in dialysis patients with SHPT, the impact of different levels of adherence to cinacalcet therapy on hospitalisations and direct healthcare costs charged to the Lombardy Regional Health Service (Italy).

Methods

Data recorded in the administrative databases on all citizens undergoing dialysis between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2011 were selected. For the aim of this study, patients with SHPT already on dialysis in the first 6 months of 2009 who had been treated with cinacalcet for at least 365 days were selected and retrospectively analysed through to end of 2012. Healthcare resource utilisation, cinacalcet adherence, and costs for medication, hospitalisations, and diagnostic/therapeutic procedures were estimated.

Results

A total of 994 patients were identified (mean age 63.0 years, females 43.5%). The first patient tertile had an adherence to cinacalcet of <64.1%, whereas the third had an adherence of over 91.5%. Patients in the third adherence tertile experienced fewer all-causes hospitalisations than those in the first tertile (-19.2%; p=0.01423), fractures (-37.1%; p=0.59422), cardiovascular disease (-23.8%; p=0.04025), and sepsis (-32.3%; p=0.01386). The increase in costs for cinacalcet-adherent patients is almost completely offset by the reduction in costs for hospitalisations.

Conclusions

The results of the analysis suggest that there may be some correlation between a high level of cinacalcet adherence and a decrease in hospitalisations.

Cardiovascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease-Therapeutic Opportunities

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are highly susceptible to cardiovascular (CV) complications, thus suffering from clinical manifestations such as heart failure and stroke. CV calcification greatly contributes to the increased CV risk in CKD patients. However, no clinically viable therapies towards treatment and prevention of CV calcification or early biomarkers have been approved to date, which is largely attributed to the asymptomatic progression of calcification and the dearth of high-resolution imaging techniques to detect early calcification prior to the 'point of no return'. Clearly, new intervention and management strategies are essential to reduce CV risk factors in CKD patients. In experimental rodent models, novel promising therapeutic interventions demonstrate decreased CKD-induced calcification and prevent CV complications. Potential diagnostic markers such as the serum T50 assay, which demonstrates an association of serum calcification propensity with all-cause mortality and CV death in CKD patients, have been developed. This review provides an overview of the latest observations and evaluates the potential of these new interventions in relation to CV calcification in CKD patients. To this end, potential therapeutics have been analyzed, and their properties compared via experimental rodent models, human clinical trials, and meta-analyses.

Updates in the management of heart failure for the chronic kidney disease patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. Heart failure therapies proven to benefit the general population may have different risk-benefit profiles in patients with concurrent CKD, plausibly because of the unique pathophysiology of heart failure in this population. The present review highlights recent advances in heart failure treatment as they apply to patients with CKD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several recent publications have shown possible benefits of established heart failure therapies to improve clinical outcomes in patients with CKD; while others conclude neutral or even harmful effects of heart failure therapies in CKD patients. Novel heart failure therapies show promise to improve outcomes in the general population and should be evaluated in future studies to further elucidate the efficacy and safety of these novel therapies specifically in patients with CKD.

SUMMARY

Knowledge of heart failure treatment to improve clinical outcomes in the CKD population remains limited. Future studies should focus on patients with CKD to evaluate the generalizability of heart failure therapies to this patient population.

Treatment of hyperphosphatemia: the dangers of aiming for normal PTH levels

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is part of the complex of chronic kidney disease-associated mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD) and is linked with high bone turnover, ectopic calcification, and increased cardiovascular mortality. Therefore, measures for CKD-MBD aim at lowering PTH levels, but there is no general consensus on optimal PTH target values. This manuscript is part of a pros and cons debate for keeping PTH levels within the normal range in children with CKD, focusing on the cons. We conclude that a modest increase in PTH most likely represents an appropriate adaptive response to declining kidney function in patients with CKD stages 2-5D, due to phosphaturic effects and increasing bone resistance. There is no evidence for strictly keeping PTH levels within the normal range in CKD patients with respect to bone health and cardiovascular outcome. In addition, the potentially adverse effects of PTH-lowering measures, such as active vitamin D and calcimimetics, must be taken into account. We suggest that PTH values of 1-2 times the upper normal limit (ULN) may be acceptable in children with CKD stage 2-3, and that PTH levels of 1.7-5 times UNL may be optimal in patients with CKD stage 4-5D. However, standard care of CKD-MBD in children relies on a combination of different measures in which the observation of PTH levels is only a small part of, and trends in PTH levels rather than absolute target values should determine treatment decisions in patients with CKD as recommended by the 2017 KDIGO guidelines.

The cost-effectiveness of extended-release calcifediol versus paricalcitol for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in stage 3-4 CKD

Aims: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not on dialysis frequently have vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, fracture, CKD progression, and death. This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of extended-release calcifediol (ERC) vs paricalcitol for the treatment of patients with CKD stages 3-4 that have SHPT and VDI.Materials and methods: An economic analysis of SHPT treatments among a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 patients with CKD Stage 3 and 4 with SHPT and VDI was developed to estimate differences in the rates and costs of CV events, fractures, CKD stage progression, and mortality in patients treated with ERC and paricalcitol. A Markov model was developed with 1-year cycles and a 5-year time horizon from a US Medicare payer perspective with costs valued in 2017 US dollars.Results: The outcomes of the model were rates of clinical events, total costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Across a 1,000-person cohort, ERC was the dominant (less costly, more effective) treatment strategy when compared with paricalcitol. Treatment with ERC resulted in cost savings of $14.8 M (95% CI = -$10.0 M-$45.2 M) and an incremental gain of 340 QALYs (95% CI = 200-496) compared to treatment with paricalcitol.Limitations: Bridging biochemical levels to clinical outcomes may not represent real-world risk of the clinical events modeled. Future real-world outcomes of patients treated with ERC and paricalcitol may be used to evaluate the model results.Conclusions: This model demonstrated favorable short- and long-term clinical benefits associated with the use of ERC in patients with CKD Stage 3 and 4 with SHPT and VDI, suggesting ERC may be cost-effective from the Medicare perspective compared to paricalcitol.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Hypertension: An Intriguing Couple

: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPTH) is a major complication in patients on maintenance hemodialysis burdened with high cardiovascular risk. Hypertension is also a high prevalence complication contributing to an increase in the mortality rate in hemodialysis patients. A possible association between SHPTH and hypertension has been widely reported in the literature and several pathogenetic mechanisms have been described. There is evidence that the decrease of plasma iPTH levels are correlated with hypertension correction in hemodialysis patients undergoing parathyroidectomy and oral calcimimetics administration. We have observed a similar behaviour also in a patient on chronic hemodialysis treated with Etelcalcetide. Even if this is an isolated observation, it could stimulate future investigation, possibly in dedicated clinical trials.

Should We Consider the Cardiovascular System While Evaluating CKD-MBD?

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is highly prevalent in the population with chronic kidney disease (CKD), where the risk of CV death in early stages far exceeds the risk of progression to dialysis. The presence of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) has shown a strong correlation with CV events and mortality. As a non-atheromatous process, it could be partially explained why standard CV disease-modifying drugs do not provide such an impact on CV mortality in CKD as observed in the general population. We summarize the potential association of CV comorbidities with the older (parathyroid hormone, phosphate) and newer (FGF23, Klotho, sclerostin) CKD-MBD biomarkers.

The benefit of early survival on PD versus HD—Why this is (still) very important

There are a number of misconceptions around the identified early survival benefit of peritoneal dialysis (PD) relative to hemodialysis (HD), including that such benefits “even out in the end” since the relative risk of death over time eventually encompasses 1.0 (or even an estimate that is unfavorable to PD); that the early benefit is, in fact, most likely due to unmeasured confounding; and such benefits are only due to the influence of central venous catheters and “crash starters” in the HD group. In fact, the early survival benefit results in a substantial gain of patient life years in PD cohorts relative to HD ones, even if it the benefit appears to “even out in the end,” is relatively insensitive to unmeasured confounding, and persists even when the effects of central venous catheters are accounted for. In this review, the calculations and arguments are made to support these tenets. Survival on dialysis is still one of the most important considerations for all stakeholders in the end-stage kidney disease community, including patients who rank it among their top priorities. Shared decision-making is a fundamental patient right and requires both balanced information and an iterative mechanism for a consensual decision based on shared understanding and purpose. A cornerstone of this process should be an explicit discussion of the early survival benefit of PD relative to HD.

Adherence in Hypertension

The global epidemic of hypertension is largely uncontrolled and hypertension remains the leading cause of noncommunicable disease deaths worldwide. Suboptimal adherence, which includes failure to initiate pharmacotherapy, to take medications as often as prescribed, and to persist on therapy long-term, is a well-recognized factor contributing to the poor control of blood pressure in hypertension. Several categories of factors including demographic, socioeconomic, concomitant medical-behavioral conditions, therapy-related, healthcare team and system-related factors, and patient factors are associated with nonadherence. Understanding the categories of factors contributing to nonadherence is useful in managing nonadherence. In patients at high risk for major adverse cardiovascular outcomes, electronic and biochemical monitoring are useful for detecting nonadherence and for improving adherence. Increasing the availability and affordability of these more precise measures of adherence represent a future opportunity to realize more of the proven benefits of evidence-based medications. In the absence of new antihypertensive drugs, it is important that healthcare providers focus their attention on how to do better with the drugs they have. This is the reason why recent guidelines have emphasize the important need to address drug adherence as a major issue in hypertension management.

Lipid-modifying therapy in chronic kidney disease: Pathophysiological and clinical considerations

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects >10% of the population worldwide, is associated with a dramatically increased rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD). More people with CKD will die from CVD than develop end-stage renal disease with dialysis-dependency. However, the contribution of classical atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors is less evident than in the general population. Particularly, the relationship between dyslipidemia and CVD morbidity and mortality in CKD patients is not as evident as in the general population. While LDL cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins significantly reduce the rate of cardiovascular events in the general population, their role in patients with end-stage renal disease has been questioned. This could be caused by a shift from atherosclerotic to non-atherosclerotic CVD in patients with advanced CKD, which cannot be effectively prevented by lipid-lowering drugs. In addition, many lines of evidence suggest that impaired renal function directly affects the metabolism, composition and functionality of lipoproteins, which may affect their responsiveness to pharmacological interventions. In this review, we highlight the challenges for the therapeutic application of lipid-lowering treatment strategies in CKD and discuss why treatment strategies used in the general population cannot be applied uncritically to CKD patients.

New scenarios in secondary hyperparathyroidism: etelcalcetide. Position paper of working group on CKD-MBD of the Italian Society of Nephrology

Bone mineral abnormalities (defined as Chronic Kidney Disease Mineral Bone Disorder; CKD-MBD) are prevalent and associated with a substantial risk burden and poor prognosis in CKD population. Several lines of evidence support the notion that a large proportion of patients receiving maintenance dialysis experience a suboptimal biochemical control of CKD-MBD. Although no study has ever demonstrated conclusively that CKD-MBD control is associated with improved survival, an expanding therapeutic armamentarium is available to correct bone mineral abnormalities. In this position paper of Lombardy Nephrologists, a summary of the state of art of CKD-MBD as well as a summary of the unmet clinical needs will be provided. Furthermore, this position paper will focus on the potential and drawbacks of a new injectable calcimimetic, etelcalcetide, a drug available in Italy since few months ago.

Cinacalcet-induced hypocalcemia in a cohort of European haemodialysis patients: predictors, therapeutic approaches and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Calcimimetic treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic dialysis patients is often followed by hypocalcemia.

METHODS

We investigated the frequency, predictors, consequences and therapeutic responses following cinacalcet-induced hypocalcemia in an incident European hemodialysis cohort of 1068 patients with a cinacalcet prescription.

RESULTS

Of 905 normocalcemic patients initiating cinacalcet, 67% developed hypocalcemia within 12 months: 68% mild, 23% moderate, 9% severe. Compared to persistently normocalcemic patients, those with severe hypocalcemia were more often diabetic, overweight, had cardiovascular disease, shorter dialysis vintage, used a catheter dialysis access, had fewer active vitamin-D sterols, and exhibited higher CRP and iPTH and lower calcium levels. Multivariate predictors of hypocalcemia included a catheter for vascular access, low albumin and high iPTH. Generally, no therapeutic intervention to prevent hypocalcemia was taken prior to cinacalcet initiation. After the hypocalcemic event, the most common clinical response was no change of the dialysis or medical regimen. Following the hypocalcemic event, iPTH remained low even in those with severe hypocalcemia. The number of deaths and cardiovascular events did not differ between patients with and without hypocalcemia within six months following cinacalcet initiation.

CONCLUSION

Two-thirds of cinacalcet initiated patients experienced hypocalcaemia with 9% being severe. Hypocalcemia was mostly asymptomatic, transient (with and without targeted intervention to correct it) and not associated with an increase in cardiovascular events or deaths.

Parathyroid Hormone and Cardiac Electrophysiology: A Review

Calcium has long been known to be essential to cardiac electrical activity. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the main regulator of serum calcium and is central to calcium homeostasis. Although there are significant data linking parathyroid disease states with changes in cardiac electrophysiology, most data have focused on how PTH modulates serum calcium to produce these effects. Close scrutiny of early literature demonstrates that the relationship between PTH and electrocardiographic changes is not straightforward, and numerous studies have linked PTH to arrhythmia. Basic science research has demonstrated that there is a basis for a direct role of PTH on cardiac electrophysiology outside of its effect on serum calcium. Later studies in secondary hyperparathyroidism indicate that PTH disturbances could have important implications for broad categories of patients with cardiovascular disease. The current review summarizes the existing literature on PTH and electrophysiology based on clinical and basic science studies of various parathyroid states, providing directions for future study.

Waiting List and Kidney Transplant Vascular Risk: An Ongoing Unmet Concern

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important independent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events in patients waitlisted for kidney transplantation (KT). Although KT reduces cardiovascular risk, these patients still have a higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than the general population. This concerning situation is due to a high burden of traditional and nontraditional risk factors as well as uremia-related factors and transplant-specific factors, leading to 2 differentiated processes under the framework of CKD, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. These can be initiated by insults to the vascular endothelial endothelium, leading to vascular calcification (VC) of the tunica media or the tunica intima, which may coexist. Several pathogenic mechanisms such as inflammation-related endothelial dysfunction, mineral metabolism disorders, activation of the renin-angiotensin system, reduction of nitric oxide, lipid disorders, and the fibroblast growth factor 23-klotho axis are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, including VC.

SUMMARY

This review focuses on the current understanding of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, both in patients on the waiting list as well as in kidney transplant recipients, emphasizing the cardiovascular risk factors in both populations and the inflammation-related pathogenic mechanisms. Key Message: The importance of cardiovascular risk factors and the pathogenic mechanisms related to inflammation in patients waitlisted for KT and kidney transplant recipients.

Clinically Significant Bleeding With Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Korean Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Intended for Invasive Management

Background:

Owing to the differential propensity for bleeding and ischemic events with response to antiplatelet therapy, the safety and effectiveness of potent P2Y12 inhibitor ticagrelor in East Asian populations remain uncertain.

Methods:

In this multicenter trial, 800 Korean patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes with or without ST elevation and intended for invasive management were randomly assigned to receive, in a 1:1 ratio, ticagrelor (180 mg loading dose, 90 mg twice daily thereafter) or clopidogrel (600 mg loading dose, 75 mg daily thereafter). The primary safety outcome was clinically significant bleeding (a composite of major bleeding or minor bleeding according to PLATO (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes) criteria at 12 months.

Results:

At 12 months, the incidence of clinically significant bleeding was significantly higher in the ticagrelor group than in the clopidogrel group (11.7% [45/400] vs 5.3% [21/400]; hazard ratio [HR], 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34 to 3.79; P =0.002). The incidences of major bleeding (7.5% [29/400] vs 4.1% [16/400], P =0.04) and fatal bleeding (1% [4/400] vs 0%, P =0.04) were also higher in the ticagrelor group. The incidence of death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, or stroke was not significantly different between the ticagrelor group and the clopidogrel group (9.2% [36/400] vs 5.8% [23/400]; HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 0.96 to 2.74; P =0.07). Overall safety and effectiveness findings were similar with the use of several different analytic methods and in multiple subgroups.

Conclusions:

In Korean acute coronary syndrome patients intended to receive early invasive management, standard-dose ticagrelor as compared with clopidogrel was associated with a higher incidence of clinically significant bleeding. The numerically higher incidence of ischemic events should be interpreted with caution, given the present trial was underpowered to draw any conclusion regarding efficacy.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02094963.

Renal and extrarenal effects of fibroblast growth factor 23

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone with a central role in the regulation of phosphate homeostasis. This regulation is accomplished by the coordinated modulation of renal phosphate handling, vitamin D metabolism and parathyroid hormone secretion. Patients with kidney disease have increased circulating levels of FGF23 and in other patient populations and in healthy individuals, FGF23 levels also rise following an increase in dietary phosphate intake. Maladaptive increases in FGF23 have a detrimental effect on several organs and tissues and, importantly, these pathological changes most likely contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. For example, in the context of heart disease, FGF23 is involved in the development of pathological hypertrophy that can lead to congestive heart failure. Increased FGF23 concentrations can also lead to microcirculatory changes, in particular reduced vasodilatory capacity, and collectively these cardiovascular changes can compromise tissue perfusion. In addition, FGF23 is associated with inflammation and an increased risk of infection; other potentially detrimental effects of FGF23 are likely to emerge in the future. Most importantly, recent insights demonstrate that FGF23 can be therapeutically targeted, which holds promise for the treatment of many patients in a variety of clinical settings.

Cinacalcet Treatment Significantly Improves All-Cause and Cardiovascular Survival in Dialysis Patients: Results from a Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term effects including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and fracture incidence, of cinacalcet on secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients on dialysis.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from their inception to October 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort design prospective observational studies assessing cinacalcet for the treatment of SHPT in dialysis patients were included. Data extraction was independently completed by 2 authors who determined the methodological quality of the studies and extracted data in duplicate. Study-specific risk estimates were tested by using a fixed effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 14 articles with 38,219 participants were included, of which 10 RCTs with 7,471 participants and 4 prospective observational studies with 30,748 participants fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Compared with no cinacalcet, cinacalcet administration reduced all-cause mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.89-0.94, p < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.95, p < 0.001), but it did not significantly reduce the incidence of fractures (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-1.00, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this meta-analysis indicated that the treatment of SHPT with cinacalcet may in fact reduce all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality among patients receiving maintenance dialysis.

Autophagy modulators for the treatment of oral and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) exhibit a survival rate of less than 60% and 40%, respectively. Late-stage diagnosis and lack of effective treatment strategies make both OSCC and ESCC a significant health burden. Autophagy, a lysosome-dependent catabolic process, involves the degradation of intracellular components to maintain cell homeostasis. Targeting autophagy has been highlighted as a feasible therapeutic strategy with clinical utility in cancer treatment, although its associated regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. The detection of relevant biomarkers in biological fluids has been anticipated to facilitate early diagnosis and/or prognosis for these tumors. In this context, recent studies have indicated the presence of specific proteins and small RNAs, detectable in circulating plasma and serum, as biomarkers. Interestingly, the interplay between biomarkers (eg, exosomal microRNAs) and autophagic processes could be exploited in the quest for targeted and more effective therapies for OSCC and ESCC. In this review, we give an overview of the available biomarkers and innovative targeted therapeutic strategies, including the application of autophagy modulators in OSCC and ESCC. Additionally, we provide a viewpoint on the state of the art and on future therapeutic perspectives combining the early detection of relevant biomarkers with drug discovery for the treatment of OSCC and ESCC.

Regulation and Effects of FGF23 in Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health epidemic that accelerates cardiovascular disease, increases risk of infection, and causes anemia and bone disease, among other complications that collectively increase risk of premature death. Alterations in calcium and phosphate homeostasis have long been considered nontraditional risk factors for many of the most morbid outcomes of CKD. The discovery of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), which revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of rare hereditary disorders of FGF23 excess that cause hypophosphatemic rickets, has also driven major paradigm shifts in our understanding of the pathophysiology and downstream end-organ complications of disordered mineral metabolism in CKD. As research of FGF23 in CKD has rapidly advanced, major new questions about its regulation and effects continuously emerge. These are promoting exciting innovations in laboratory, patient-oriented, and epidemiological research and stimulating clinical trials of new therapies and repurposing of existing ones to target FGF23.

Parathyroid carcinoma arising from auto-transplanted parathyroid tissue after Total Parathyroidectomy in chronic kidney disease patient: a case report

BACKGROUND

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease that requires vigilant treatment due to its high mortality rate. Pharmacologic therapy is recommended as an initial treatment; if there is no response, a total parathyroidectomy is performed. In some cases, surgery is accompanied by auto-transplantation of parathyroid tissue.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and received a kidney transplant. However, due to rejection of the transplanted kidney, medical nephrectomy was carried out and routine hemodialysis was initiated and observed. At this time, secondary hyperparathyroidism with elevated parathyroid hormone and hyperphosphatemia developed and pharmacologic treatment was applied. However, there was no response to pharmacologic treatment; therefore, total parathyroidectomy with auto-transplantation was performed. Eight years after surgery, a growing mass was observed in the transplantation site, accompanied by an elevation of parathyroid hormone. A complete resection of the mass was performed, and the patient was diagnosed with parathyroid carcinoma. Additional adjuvant radiation therapy was ordered, and the patient is being monitored.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a rare but remarkable case of parathyroid carcinoma arising from auto-transplanted parathyroid tissue after total parathyroidectomy in a patient with secondary hyperparathyroidism. We suggest caution should be taken when choosing to auto- transplant parathyroid tissue and that careful postoperative observation should be performed.