Chronic kidney disease in the elderly

Lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular death in oldest-old (≥80 years) patients with acute myocardial infarction: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Compared with what is known about the prognostic value of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in middle-aged patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), less is understood concerning the role of Lp(a) in oldest-old (≥80 years old) with ASCVD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between Lp(a) and cardiovascular death (CD) among the oldest-old with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

A total of 1008 patients with AMI, older than 80 years, were consecutively enrolled between January 2012 and August 2018. The clinical characteristics were collected and Lp(a) concentrations were measured by the immunoturbidimetric method at baseline. The relationship between plasma Lp(a) concentration (≤10 mg/dL, 10-30 mg/dL, >30 mg/dL) and CD was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

During an average of 36.26 months of follow-up, 287 CD occurred. Data showed that patients with high Lp(a) levels (>30 mg/dL) had the highest rate of CD (p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the high Lp(a) group had the lowest event-free survival rate in the oldest-old with AMI (p = 0.030). In addition, subjects with Lp(a) > 30 mg/dL had a 1.5-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.083-2.132) higher risk of CD compared with those with Lp(a) ≤10 mg/dL in fully adjusted Cox proportional hazards model.

CONCLUSIONS

The current data firstly showed that plasma Lp(a) concentration was associated with the risk of CD in oldest-old with AMI, suggesting that Lp(a) could be a useful adjunctive measurement in the evaluation of CD in this population.

Blood Pressure is Associated with Rapid Kidney Function Decline in a Very Elderly Hypertensive Chinese Population

Purpose

In prior analyses, blood pressure (BP) was related to rapid kidney function decline (RKFD). However, studies of this relationship in populations of advanced age are lacking. In the present study, we therefore examined the relationship between BP and RKFD in a population of 284 hypertensive Chinese individuals over the age of 80.

Patients and Methods

All study participants were diagnosed with hypertension (systolic BP [SBP] 160–200 mmHg; diastolic BP [DBP] <110 mmHg). RKFD was defined based upon a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >5mL/min per 1.73 m² per year during follow-up. The Cox regression models (competing risk models) were used for calculating hazard ratios (HRs) to examine the relationship between SBP, DBP, pulse pressure (PP) and RKFD.

Results

Over a 3.3-year median follow-up period, 68 study participants (23.9%) were diagnosed with RKFD, while 35 (12.3%) died. After adjusting for confounding variables, we determined that each 10 mmHg rise in SBP and PP was associated with a 34% and 110% increase, respectively, in RKFD risk (adjusted HR: 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.71 for SBP, p=0.02; HR: 2.10, 95% CI: 0.87–5.08 for PP, p=0.10). In addition, we determined that each 10 mmHg increase in DBP was linked to a 10% reduction in RKFD risk (adjusted HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.70–1.14, p=0.37).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that SBP, but not DBP or PP, is positively correlated with RKFD risk in a very elderly hypertensive Chinese population.

[Estimated glomerular filtration rate and post-hospital mortality after discharge from an acute care for the elderly unit]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and mortality in a retrospective cohort of older adults admitted to an acute care for the elderly (ACE) unit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 1,678 patients aged 60 years and over admitted to an AEC, in Cali, Colombia, from 2012 to 2015, and followed- up until 2016. The primary outcome was mortality. Renal function (eGFR) was estimated using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD-4) equation. The renal function was grouped according to the eGFR (ml/min/1.73m²) as follows: slightly decreased (≥60), moderately decreased (30-59), and severely decreased (<30). Bivariate survival and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In the univariate analysis, patients with severely decreased eGFR had higher mortality than those with a higher eGFR (P=.046). In the group with severely decreased eGFR, survival was lower in the functionally dependent group (Barthel index [IB]<60) than in the independent group (IB≥60) (log rank test; P=.001). In the multivariate analysis, there was a significant increase in the risk of death in the elderly with severely decreased eGFR (<30) compared with slightly decreased eGFR (≥60) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.02-2.05, P=.039). There was also a significant increase in the risk of death in the dependent elderly compared to the independent ones [HR 1.72; 95% CI; 1.26-2.34, P=.000], those who had the high morbidity (≥4) with low albumin (<3.2g/dL) compared with those with low morbidity (0-3) and high albumin (≥3.2) [HR 1.77; 95% CI; 1.18-2.65, P=.005], and in those with a high (16-102mg/dL) C-reactive protein (CRP) compared with those with low CRP (0-15) [HR 1.42; 95% CI; 1.01-2.01, P=.043].

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of mortality after hospital admission to an AEC unit is greater in patients with eGFR<30. Poor functional status performance, high comorbidity, low plasma albumin, and increased inflammation markers are additional prognostic factors to be taken into account. The improvement in the functional status could improve the survival after hospitalisation.

The prevalence of depression and the association between depression and kidney function and health-related quality of life in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Purpose: The prevalence of depression and the relationship between depression and kidney function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are not well understood in elderly patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression and the association between depression and kidney function and HRQOL. Patients and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1079 elderly participants with CKD were recruited at 32 clinical centers located within 26 cities throughout 24 provinces in China. Demographic information and laboratory analyses were collected. Symptoms of depression were assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). HRQOL was evaluated using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36) instrument. Results: The prevalence of depression was 23.0%. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was negatively correlated with the GDS score whether it was treated as a categorical variable (r=-0.097, P=0.001) or as a continuous variable (r=-0.100, P=0.001). Marital status, education level, history of CVD and diabetes, CKD stage and proteinuria confirmed to be independent and significant predictors of depression in patients with CKD. Compared with CKD 1-2 patients, we observed an increase of 0.541 and 4.171 in the odds for developing depression in patients CKD 4 (odds ratio [OR] =1.541; P=0.031) and CKD 5 (odds ratio [OR] =5.171; P<0.001), respectively. We observed negative and significant correlations with the GDS score for the following components: PCS (r=-0.370, P<0.001), MCS (r=-0.412, P<0.001), burden of kidney disease (r=-0.403, P<0.001), symptoms and problems of kidney disease (r=-0.360, P<0.001) and effects of kidney disease (r=-0.355, P<0.001). Depression was an independent and significant predictor of all the subcomponents of the HRQOL. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression in elderly patients with CKD was high and was negatively correlated with kidney function. Depression had a major negative impact on HRQOL.

10-Year Renal Function Trajectories in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Exploring the Risk Factors for Different Patterns

Longitudinal changes of renal function help inform patients’ clinical courses and improve risk stratification. Rare studies address risk factors predicting changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time in older adults, particularly of Chinese ethnicity. We identified prospectively enrolled community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) receiving annual health examinations between 2005 and 2015 with serum creatinine available continuously in a single institute, and used linear regression to derive individual’s annual eGFR changes, followed by multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify features associated with different eGFR change patterns. Among 500 elderly (71.3 ± 4.2 years), their mean annual eGFR changes were 0.84 ± 1.67 mL/min/1.73 m²/year, with 136 (27.2%) and 238 (47.6%) classified as having downward (annual eGFR change <0 mL/min/1.73 m²/year) and upward eGFR (≥1 mL/min/1.73 m²/year) trajectories, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that higher age (odds ratio (OR) 1.08), worse renal function (OR 13.2), and more severe proteinuria (OR 9.86) or hematuria (OR 3.39) were predictive of a declining eGFR while greater waist circumference (OR 1.06) and higher leukocyte counts (OR 1.21) were predictive of an uprising 10-year eGFR. These findings elucidate important features associated with geriatric renal function variations, which are expected to improve their renal care.

Cognitive function and 3-year mortality in the very elderly Chinese population with chronic kidney disease

Background

Cognitive function has been suggested to be correlated with mortality, while studies regarding the association among the very elderly population with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are extremely limited.

Aim

To explore the association between cognitive function and mortality among the very elderly Chinese population with CKD.

Methods

This prospective study included 163 Chinese participants aged 80 years or older with CKD. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m². Cognitive function was evaluated using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) at baseline. Participants were divided into three groups based on the MMSE score. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the contribution of cognitive function to mortality.

Results

During a median follow-up of 28 months, 24 (14.7%) participants died, and 14 of the events were cardiovascular death. After making adjustment for potential confounders, every 1-point increase of MMSE score was associated with 29% decreased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [HR], 0.71; 95% CI, 0.58–0.87) and 39% decreased risk of cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.44–0.83). Compared with participants with top category of MMSE score, the adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality among those with bottom category of MMSE score were 8.18 (95% CI, 2.05–32.54) and 14.72 (95% CI, 1.65–131.16).

Conclusion

Cognitive function was associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality among the very elderly population with CKD.

Clinical Update on Nursing Home Medicine: 2016

This is the tenth clinical update. It covers chronic kidney disease, dementia, hypotension, polypharmacy, rapid geriatric assessment, and transitional care.

Altitude and regional gradients in chronic kidney disease prevalence in Costa Rica: Data from the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies in Central America indicate that mortality attributable to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising rapidly. We sought to determine the prevalence and regional variation of CKD and the relationship of biologic and socio-economic factors to CKD risk in the older-adult population of Costa Rica.

METHODS

We used data from the Costa Rican Longevity and Health Aging Study (CRELES). The cohort was comprised of 2657 adults born before 1946 in Costa Rica, chosen through a sampling algorithm to represent the national population of Costa Ricans >60 years of age. Participants answered questionnaire data and completed laboratory testing. The primary outcome of this study was CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 .

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence of CKD for older Costa Ricans was 20% (95% CI 18.5-21.9%). In multivariable logistic regression, older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.08 per year, 95% CI 1.07-1.10, P < 0.001) was independently associated with CKD. For every 200 m above sea level of residence, subjects' odds of CKD increased 26% (aOR 1.26 95% CI 1.15-1.38, P < 0.001). There was large regional variation in adjusted CKD prevalence, highest in Limon (40%, 95% CI 30-50%) and Guanacaste (36%, 95% CI 26-46%) provinces. Regional and altitude effects remained robust after adjustment for socio-economic status.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed large regional and altitude-related variations in CKD prevalence in Costa Rica, not explained by the distribution of traditional CKD risk factors. More studies are needed to explore the potential association of geographic and environmental exposures with the risk of CKD.

Consequences of high-sensitivity troponin T testing applied in a primary care population with chest pain compared with a commercially available point-of-care troponin T analysis: an observational prospective study

Background

There is a demand for a highly sensitive and specific point-of care test to detect acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It is unclear if a high-sensitivity troponin assay will have enough discriminative power to become a decision support in primary care. The aim of this study was to evaluate a high-sensitivity troponin T assay performed in three primary health care centres in southeast Sweden and to compare the outcome with a point-of-care troponin T test.

Methods

This study included 115 patients who consulted their general practitioner for chest pain, dyspnoea on exertion, unexplained weakness and/or fatigue in the last 7 days. Troponin T was analysed by a point-of-care test and a high-sensitivity method together with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and creatinine. All patients were checked for AMI or unstable angina (UA) within 30 days of study enrolment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was carried out to examine possible connections between troponin T ≥ 15 ng/L, clinical variables and laboratory findings at baseline. In addition, 21 patients with troponin T ≥ 15 ng/L and no signs of AMI or UA were followed up for 2–3 years.

Results

Three patients were diagnosed with AMI and three with UA. At the ≥ 15 ng/L cut-off, the troponin T method had 100% sensitivity, 75% specificity for AMI and a positive predictive value of 10%. The troponin T point-of-care test missed one case of AMI and the detection limit was 50 ng/L. Troponin T ≥ 15 ng/L was correlated to age ≥65 years (odds ratio (OR), 10.9 95% CI 2.28–51.8) and NT-proBNP in accordance with heart failure (OR 8.62 95% CI 1.61–46.1). Fourteen of the 21 patients, without signs of AMI or UA at baseline, still had increased troponin T at follow-up after 2–3 years.

Conclusions

A high-sensitivity troponin T assay could become useful in primary care as a point-of-care test for patients <65 years. For patients older than 65–70 years, a higher decision limit than ≥15 ng/L should be considered and used in conjunction with clinical parameters and possibly with NT-proBNP.

Clinical value of NT-proBNP assay in the emergency department for the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) in very elderly people

OBJECTIVE

Scanty data are available on the accuracy of NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of HF and effects of comorbidities in very elderly patients.

METHODS

Symptoms, signs, NT-proBNP, eGFR, Ht, CRP and the presence of cardiomegaly and pleuric effusion were assessed in 895 consecutive patients aged 86±4.3 years admitted to Emergency Department and used to define the diagnosis of HF according to Framingham criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to calculate diagnostic performance and cutoff of NT-proBNP. Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were computed for all NT-proBNP cutoffs.

RESULTS

Satisfactory diagnostic performance was obtained with a lower threshold of 980pg/mL (Sn 0.95; NPV 0.90) and a higher threshold of 5340 (Sp 0.85; PPV 0.76) but with 42.4% of patients in the uncertainty area. We determined a second couple of cutoffs (1470-4200) that reduced the gray-area to 27.4%, maintaining an acceptable diagnostic performance compared to commonly used cutoffs (300-1800). Ht, CRP and eGFR all correlated with NT-proBNP in groups with and without HF but none affected diagnostic performance.

CONCLUSION

NT-proBNP performs satisfactorily for the diagnosis of HF in very elderly patients. Proposed threshold couple, compared with the most used cutoffs, showed a gain in Sp and PPV with a slightly lower performance in Sn and NPV and with a decrease in the gray-area with the second one. Our data do not support the use of different NT-proBNP cutoffs depending on eGFR, Ht and CRP.

Renal effects of targeted anticancer therapies

The use of novel targeted anticancer agents has led to overall improvement in the prognosis of many patients affected by various malignancies, but has also been associated with an increased risk of poorly characterized toxic effects to different organs, including the kidneys. The high prevalence of kidney impairment in the general population complicates the issue further. Nephrologists most frequently work with patients with cancer when they are asked to investigate kidney function to assess the need for dose adjustments in anticancer therapy. A thorough knowledge of the renal safety profile of novel life-prolonging anticancer therapies, specific features of their metabolism, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties (under normal circumstances as well as in the setting of renal replacement therapy) is, therefore, necessary to preserve kidney function as far as possible and to ensure optimum treatment. In this Review we summarize the present knowledge of renal toxic effects from novel targeted anticancer agents and discuss whether the management of patients' treatment needs to be modified. We also advocate the development of a new onconephrology subspeciality.

Chronic kidney disease in the elderly: evaluation and management

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a very common clinical problem in elderly patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. As life expectancy continues to improve worldwide, there is a rising prevalence of comorbidities and risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes predisposing to a high burden of CKD in this population. The body of knowledge on the approach to elderly patient with CKD is still evolving. Thus, this review seeks to explore the epidemiology and to discuss current understanding of challenges in the diagnosis and management of elderly patients CKD.

Protein intake and exercise for optimal muscle function with aging: recommendations from the ESPEN Expert Group

The aging process is associated with gradual and progressive loss of muscle mass along with lowered strength and physical endurance. This condition, sarcopenia, has been widely observed with aging in sedentary adults. Regular aerobic and resistance exercise programs have been shown to counteract most aspects of sarcopenia. In addition, good nutrition, especially adequate protein and energy intake, can help limit and treat age-related declines in muscle mass, strength, and functional abilities. Protein nutrition in combination with exercise is considered optimal for maintaining muscle function. With the goal of providing recommendations for health care professionals to help older adults sustain muscle strength and function into older age, the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) hosted a Workshop on Protein Requirements in the Elderly, held in Dubrovnik on November 24 and 25, 2013. Based on the evidence presented and discussed, the following recommendations are made (a) for healthy older people, the diet should provide at least 1.0-1.2 g protein/kg body weight/day, (b) for older people who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition because they have acute or chronic illness, the diet should provide 1.2-1.5 g protein/kg body weight/day, with even higher intake for individuals with severe illness or injury, and (c) daily physical activity or exercise (resistance training, aerobic exercise) should be undertaken by all older people, for as long as possible.