Transcatheter renal arterial embolization therapy on a patient with polycystic kidney disease on hemodialysis

Developing a patient-centred tool for pain measurement and evaluation in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Pain affects 60% of the autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) population. Despite being an early and debilitating symptom, it is poorly characterized and management is suboptimal. This study aimed to develop an ADPKD-specific pain assessment tool (APAT) to facilitate pain research.

METHODS

Following a systematic review of PATs used in ADPKD studies and against international recommendations for pain trials, our multi-disciplinary team of clinical experts and patients constructed an ADPKD-pain conceptual framework of key pain evaluation themes. We compiled a new APAT covering domains prioritized within our framework using components of questionnaires validated in other chronic pain disorders. The APAT was administered longitudinally within a randomized high-water intake trial (NCT02933268) to ascertain feasibility and provide pilot data on ADPKD pain.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine ADPKD participants with chronic kidney disease Stages 1-4 provided 129 APAT responses. Each participant completed a median of 3 (range 1-10) assessments. Respondents' mean ± standard deviation age was 47 ± 13 years; 59% (23) were female; and 69% (27) had enlarged kidneys with median time from diagnosis 14.2 (interquartile range 7.0-25.9) years. Pain (52%) and associated analgesic use (29%) were common. Pain severity was associated with increasing age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, P = 0.009], female gender (OR = 4.34, P = 0.018), estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR = 5.45, P = 0.021) and hypertension (OR = 12.11, P = 0.007), but not with kidney size (P = 0.23). The APAT achieved good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.91) and test-retest reliability (domain intra-class correlation coefficients ranging from 0.62 to 0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

The APAT demonstrated good acceptability and reliability, and following further validation in a larger cohort could represent an invaluable tool for future ADPKD pain studies.

Effect of renal transcatheter arterial embolization on quality of life in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Background

Currently, there are few strategies for improving the quality of life (QOL) in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and massive kidneys. Renal transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) reduces kidney volume, but its impact on QOL in ADPKD patients on hemodialysis is unknown. This study investigated the influence of renal TAE on QOL in ADPKD patients with massive kidneys receiving hemodialysis.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled 188 ADPKD patients on hemodialysis (92 men and 96 women; mean age 56.7 ± 9.1 years) who underwent renal TAE at Toranomon Hospital between August 2010 and July 2014. The 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and our original 15-item questionnaire were used to evaluate QOL.

Results

Using a linear mixed model, the least squares mean values of the SF-36 physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS) and role/social component summary (RCS) before renal TAE were calculated as 38.21 [95% confidence interval (CI) 36.50-39.91], 48.45 (47.05-49.86) and 43.04 (40.70-45.37), respectively. These values improved to 42.0 (40.22-43.77; P < 0.001 versus before TAE), 51.25 (49.78-52.71; P = 0.001) and 49.67 (47.22-52.12; P < 0.001), respectively, 1 year after renal TAE. Scores for abdominal fullness, poor appetite and heartburn showed marked improvement after renal TAE, while scores for fever, bodily pain and sleep disorder also improved slightly, but significantly. Scores for constipation and use of analgesics/sleeping medications/laxatives did not improve significantly. All of the SF-36 scores and the scores for specific symptoms (except bodily pain, snoring and constipation) were significantly correlated with the sequential decrease of the height-adjusted total kidney volume.

Conclusions

In ADPKD patients on hemodialysis, renal TAE was effective in improving abdominal fullness, appetite, heartburn and SF-36 scores (MCS and RCS scores), but not for sleep disturbance, constipation and physical strength (PCS score).

Survival after arterial embolization therapy in patients with polycystic kidney and liver disease

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has become a therapeutic option for symptomatic polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and polycystic liver disease (PLD). However, factors affecting survival with renal TAE remain unknown.

METHODS

All symptomatic patients with severe PKD and/or PLD who received renal and/or hepatic TAE at our center from October 1996 through March 2013 (n = 1,028) were followed until death. Their survival was compared with that of the general PKD population on dialysis in Japan. Factors affecting survival were analyzed using the Cox hazard model.

RESULTS

After renal TAE, 5- and 10-year survival was, respectively, 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.82) and 0.56 (0.49-0.63); with hepatic TAE, 0.69 (0.58-0.77) and 0.41 (0.22-0.60); and with dual TAE (renal and hepatic), 0.82 (0.72-0.88) and 0.45 (0.31-0.59). Survival after dialysis initiation was better among patients with renal TAE than among general PKD patients. Factors affecting survival after renal TAE were age [hazard ratio (HR) 3.02 (1.44-6.33) for every 10 years] and albumin [HR 0.70 (0.55-0.89) per 0.1 g/dl]. Kidney volume was not associated with patient death after TAE. The main causes of death among patients after renal TAE were similar to those of the general PKD population on dialysis whereas, after hepatic TAE, the main cause was cyst infection with liver failure (12.5% with PLD and 5.9% with PKD, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Survival after renal TAE with severe PKD was better than for the general PKD population on dialysis, suggesting that renal TAE could overcome the disadvantage due to huge organ size.

Intravascular embolization therapy in patients with enlarged polycystic liver

BACKGROUND

Hepatic transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has become an accepted treatment option for patients with symptomatic autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) who also have polycystic liver disease and who are not good candidates for surgery. However, indications for TAE and long-term outcome with it are still unclear.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

Symptomatic patients with ADPKD with polycystic liver disease who underwent hepatic TAE, June 2001 to December 2012, at Toranomon Hospital and whose liver volume data were available were studied (N=244; 56% on dialysis therapy, none with kidney transplants). Mean age was 55 ± 9 (SD) years, and mean liver volumes were 8,353 ± 2,807 and 6,626 ± 2,485 cm(3) in men and women, respectively. Target arteries were embolized from the periphery using platinum microcoils.

PREDICTORS

Sex-specific quartiles (6,433, 8,142, and 9,574 cm(3) in men and 4,638, 6,078, and 8,181 cm(3) in women) of total liver volume pretreatment.

OUTCOMES

All causes of mortality were obtained from medical records, followed up until July 31, 2013.

MEASUREMENTS

Laboratory values were measured before TAE and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after. Organ volumes were measured pretreatment, then 6 and 12 months after, by summing the products of the organ areas traced in each computed tomographic image.

RESULTS

Liver/cyst volume decreased to 94.7% (95% CI, 93.5%-95.8%) at 6 months and 90.8% (95% CI, 88.7%-92.9%) at 12 months of pretreatment volumes. Serum protein and hematocrit values improved significantly without liver damage. Survival was significantly better for patients with liver volume ≤ 9,574 cm(3) (men) and ≤ 8,181 cm(3) (women) than for those with larger livers (5-year survival, 69% and 48%; P=0.02). Infection and liver failure caused most deaths, especially in patients with larger livers.

LIMITATIONS

Referral bias and lack of control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic TAE appears to be a safe and less invasive option for patients with symptomatic polycystic liver, especially those contraindicated for surgical treatment (eg, with malnutrition or on dialysis therapy), improving both hepatic volume and nutrition.

Renal relevant radiology: radiologic imaging in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease is a systemic disorder and the most common hereditary renal disease, which is characterized by cyst growth, progressive renal enlargement, and development of renal failure. The cystic nature of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and its renal and extrarenal complications (kidney stones, cyst hemorrhage, intracerebral aneurysm, liver cysts, cardiac valve abnormalities, etc.) give radiologic imaging studies a central role in the management of these patients. This article reviews the indications, comparative use, and limitation of various imaging modalities (ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography scan, Positron emission tomography scan, and renal scintigraphy) for the diagnosis and management of complications in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Finally, this work provides evidence for the value of total kidney volume to predict disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Transcatheter renal artery embolization improves lung function in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease on hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Since 1996, transcatheter renal artery embolization (renal TAE) has been performed to reduce the volume of the kidneys in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and complications of nephromegaly at our hospital. Respiratory dysfunction is often a serious problem in these patients before TAE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2006 and October 2008, renal TAE was performed and lung function testing [percent vital capacity (%VC) and percent forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%FEV(1.0))] was done by spirometry in 28 patients on maintenance hemodialysis who had respiratory symptoms.

RESULTS

Renal volume was 6,330.5 ± 3,126.5 cm(3) (range 1,771-12,761 cm(3)) before TAE, and decreased significantly to 2,892.2 ± 1,841.7 cm(3) (range 622-6,961 cm(3)) by 12 months after TAE (p = 0.0001). The percent decrease of renal volume at 12 months after TAE versus baseline was 45.6 ± 14.6% (range 6.6-67.3%). %VC showed a significant increase from 95.9 ± 14.8% (range 63-127%) before renal TAE to 100.1 ± 11.7% (range 78-120%) at 12 months after TAE (p < 0.01). %FEV(1.0) was also significantly increased from 87.9 ± 15.0% (range 55-110%) before renal TAE to 92.5 ± 14.4% (range 58.0-115.0%) at 12 months after TAE (p < 0.01). The changes of VC (ΔVC%) and FEV(1.0) (ΔFEV(1.0)%) both showed a significant positive correlation with the reduction of renal volume (Δ renal volume) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Since TAE not only led to a significant decrease of renal volume in ADPKD patients with nephromegaly, but also improved lung function (both %VC and %FEV(1.0)), pulmonary dysfunction should be recognized as one of the extrarenal complications of ADPKD.

Aristolochic acid nephropathy revisited: a place for innate and adaptive immunity?

AIMS

The histological features of aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) consist of paucicellular interstitial fibrosis, severe tubular atrophy, and almost intact glomeruli with media lesions of interlobular arteries. As an early phase of interstitial inflammation preceded peritubular fibrosis in the rat model of AAN, the aim was to investigate the presence of inflammatory cells in human AAN.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Reports of confirmed cases and case series of AAN were reviewed in terms of interstitial inflammation and found to have very conflicting results. This prompted us to search for and characterize inflammatory cells within the native kidneys provided from four end-stage AAN patients. Prior aristolochic acid exposure was attested by the intrarenal presence of the typical aristolactam I-derived DNA adduct. Besides the tubulointerstitial lesions usually seen in the cortex, a massive infiltration of macrophages, T and B lymphocytes was detected by immunohistochemistry in the medullary rays and in the outer medullae with some extension to the upper cortical labyrinth.

CONCLUSIONS

In parallel with histological findings reported in the rat model, inflammatory cells are present preferentially in the interstitium of the medullary rays and of the outer medulllae in renal interstitium from human AAN cases, even in the terminal stages. Further studies must be undertaken to determine the respective roles of innate and adaptive immunity in the progression of AAN.

Transcatheter arterial embolization using ethanol in a dialysis patient for contracting enlarged polycystic kidneys

The mass effect of nephromegaly in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease may cause pain and symptoms by compressing the alimentary tract, lungs, and heart. Conventional therapies exist to contract enlarged polycystic kidneys including surgical and interventional procedures. A surgical nephrectomy is often difficult to perform in dialysis patients due to the associated risks related to surgery. In contrast, renal transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with metallic coils, which is a less invasive interventional procedure, can also be utilized to contract enlarged kidneys in dialysis patients as an effective treatment. However, metallic coils present the possibility of recanalization and cost issues. Thus, we used ethanol instead of coils in renal TAE to resolve these issues. We report a dialysis patient with enlarged polycystic kidneys and poor oral intake due to abdominal distention that was successfully treated by TAE with absolute ethanol.

Evaluation and management of pain in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Transient episodes of pain are common in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). A small fraction of patients have disabling chronic pain. In this review, we discuss the etiologies of pain in ADPKD; review how ADPKD patients should be assessed; and discuss medical, surgical, and other management options.

Transarterial renal embolization for enlarged horseshoe kidney

A 56-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital with abdominal fullness in June 2006. He had been diagnosed as having a horseshoe kidney by computed tomography in January 2002. At that time, renal dysfunction (serum creatine: 2.0 mg/dl) was detected. Even after hemodialysis was started for end-stage renal failure in March 2006, his abdominal fullness became progressively worse. CT scanning showed a markedly enlarged horseshoe kidney. Transarterial embolization (TAE) was performed via the right renal arteries with 14 platinum microcoils; the left renal arteries were not embolized in order to preserve sufficient parenchyma and a urine volume of more than 1,000 ml daily. Two years after TAE, a decrease in the size of the left kidney was noted along with the right kidney. However, urine output was still more than 1,000 ml daily. It is possible that one kidney compressed the contralateral kidney, resulting in enlargement of both components of the horseshoe kidney and renal dysfunction. TAE may be a useful option for obstructive uropathy in patients with horseshoe kidney, which has conventionally been treated surgically.

Percutaneous transcatheter hepatic artery embolization for liver cysts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

We have achieved renal contraction therapy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) by means of renal transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using intravascular coils, decreasing renal size and improving quality of life in almost all patients. We presently perform hepatic TAE in patients with intractable symptomatic polycystic liver.

STUDY DESIGN

Uncontrolled trial.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

30 patients with ADPKD referred for arteriography to an academic medical center. 22 patients had kidney failure treated by means of dialysis.

INTERVENTION

We embolized arteries supplying hepatic segments replaced by cysts that were associated with well-developed hepatic arteries, but obstructed intrahepatic portal veins.

OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS

Various volumes before and after TAE were compared by using computed tomography and National Institutes of Health Image software in 30 patients with follow-up computed tomography 18 to 37 months after therapy.

RESULTS

Total liver volume and total intrahepatic cyst volume decreased from 7,882 +/- 2,916 and 6,677 +/- 2,978 to 6,041 +/- 2,282 and 4,625 +/- 2,299 cm(3), respectively (P < 0.0001 for both). Fractions of remaining (FR) total liver volume and FR of intrahepatic cyst volume were 78.8% +/- 17.6% and 70.4% +/- 20.9%, respectively. Hepatic parenchyma increased from 1,205 +/- 250 to 1,406 +/- 277 cm(3) (P = 0.0004). In 29 of 30 patients, both total liver volume and intrahepatic cyst volume decreased; in 1 patient, total liver volume increased from 5,755 to 7,069 cm(3), whereas cysts enlarged from 4,500 to 5,531 cm(3). No serious complications were experienced. In 24 patients, the post-TAE course was favorable. TAE failed to benefit 6 patients because of unrelated hepatic infection, peritonitis, hepatic failure, acute leukemia, or pelvic fracture.

LIMITATIONS

Absence of a control group.

CONCLUSIONS

TAE may be an option for patients with ADPKD with symptomatic polycystic liver who are not candidates for surgical treatment.

New therapeutic option for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients with enlarged kidney and liver

The kidneys of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) usually continue to increase in size even after patients begin dialysis, and mass effects can lead to severe complications. Thus far, renal manifestations of this disorder have been discussed only from the viewpoint of cyst formation or cytogenesis, not from that of vascular abnormality. Because kidneys in ADPKD patients are usually supplied by well-developed arteries, we attempted renal contraction therapy in ADPKD patients with renal transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using intravascular coils. Mainly peripheral branches of renal arteries encircling the cysts were embolized. Our treatment has been confirmed to be effective in 266 patients until 2005. Renal size continued to decrease to 53% of the pre-TAE after 1 year. Almost all patients have had improved quality of life and nutritional status. We next tried TAE in 76 intractable patients with symptomatic polycystic liver. We tried to embolize only the hepatic segments replaced by cystic lesions in which the hepatic arteries were well-developed but the intrahepatic portal vein was obstructed. Sixty-four patients have had a good clinical course with this method. Based on our observation of ADPKD through treatment with TAE, we speculate that cyst growth in both the kidney and the liver progresses via the mechanism of 'arteriogenesis' of large vessels as well as 'angiogenesis' of small vessels.

Pelvic insufficiency fracture related to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

We report the case of a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and an insufficiency-type fracture of the pelvis. A 60-year-old Japanese woman was admitted because of pain in the right ischium and pubis that began suddenly with no precipitating cause. Computed tomography showed the bony pelvis to be compressed by enlarged dependent kidneys and an enlarged liver. We relieved compression on the pelvic bones by means of transarterial embolization (TAE) to the kidneys and liver after initiation of hemodialysis therapy. The fracture healed gradually after TAE, and the patient could walk 4 months later. In an iliac bone specimen obtained before TAE, cancellous bone was intact, but periosteal and endosteal surfaces of cortical bone showed marked resorption and were irregular. Normally, many ligaments are connected tightly to the periosteal surface, supporting the cortical bone. However, because of extensive surface resorption associated with pressure from enlarged kidneys, connections between ligaments and the periosteal surface presumably became fragile, promoting an insufficiency fracture from unapparent external forces. Thus, ADPKD is a potential cause of insufficiency fracture owing to abnormalities of cortical bone.

Successful renal transcatheter arterial embolization in three patients with symptomatic hydronephrosis due to ureteral obstruction

BACKGROUND

Conventional treatments for symptomatic enlargement of a nonfunctional hydronephrotic kidney caused by obstructive uropathy include surgical treatments.

METHODS

Patients included a 67-year-old woman whose obstruction was caused by a lower urinary tract stone complicating spinal tuberculosis (patient 1); a 52-year-old man with compressive complete congenital obstruction crossing the ureteropelvic junction from an aberrant renal artery (patient 2); and a 19-year-old woman with essentially complete idiopathic congenital obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction (patient 3), who required antibiotics for pyelonephritis before embolization. The renal artery was embolized using platinum microcoils.

RESULTS

Although the sensation of abdominal fullness diminished within approximately two week after TAE, it took one to two years until the embolized kidney size shrank from 1377+/-634 cm3 (range, 829 to 2072) to 43+/-46 cm3 (42 to 94) by the evaluation of computed tomography. Fever after embolization persisted for 5 days in patient 1, 3 in patient 2, and 9 in patient 3. Flank pain resolved within 5 days in all. Pyelonephritis and complications of treatment have not occurred.

CONCLUSION

Embolization for this indication was safe and effective.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease showing rupture of a lateral ventral hernia following paralytic ileus

We report an 83-year-old Japanese male with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which was marked by unusually enlarged kidneys, and in whom ileus occurred after administration of procainamide. The bowels became swollen and ruptured the skin and appeared on the outside of the skin. Even after the ileus state was resolved, the projected intestinal tract was not restored due to a large defect of the skin, and ostomy was performed. Abdominal hernia including lateral ventral hernia due to enlarged kidneys may result in perforation of the abdominal wall as well as intestinal wall.

Intravascular embolization therapy in a patient with an enlarged polycystic liver

Because the kidneys in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are usually supplied by well-developed arteries, the authors attempted renal contraction therapy in such patients with renal transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using intravascular coils. In most patients with marked nephromegaly, renal TAE was effective. However, in patients with marked hepatomegaly without significant nephromegaly, renal TAE was not effective, and hepatic treatment was always required. In June 2001, the authors obtained approval for a new treatment,"TAE for enlarged polycystic liver," from an ethics committee discussing new treatment at their hospital. A 56-year-old man undergoing hemodialysis for 2 months was referred to the authors' institute with the complaint of severe abdominal distension and loss of appetite in March 2001. Most of the liver (about 90%) had been replaced by multiple cysts, and near-intact hepatic parenchyma was quite scarce. The kidneys were quite small compared with the liver. Angiography results showed that almost all hepatic arterial branches were well developed, although most of the portal vein was obstructed, and only the left medial portal vein was spared; the former corresponded to the hepatic region replaced by multiple cysts and the latter to the preserved intact hepatic parenchyma. The target of TAE was the hepatic arterial branches of the former. Microcoils were used as embolization material. Two years after TAE, abdominal distension has markedly decreased because of decrease in liver size (to 54% of the previous value), and muscle and fat volume in the thoracic region have increased owing to improvement of appetite. Ascites became obscure. Nutrition and activities of daily living have improved. Hepatic TAE may be an option for treatment of patients in poor condition with symptomatic polycystic liver.

Renal contraction therapy for enlarged polycystic kidneys by transcatheter arterial embolization in hemodialysis patients

Kidneys of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) usually continue to increase in size, even after patients begin dialysis therapy, and the mass effects may lead to severe complications. Such external conventional therapies as surgical and laparoscopic procedures have not yielded satisfactory results. Because kidneys in patients with ADPKD usually are supplied by well-developed arteries, we attempted renal contraction therapy in patients with ADPKD by renal transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using intravascular coils. After obtaining informed consent, we selected anuric patients on dialysis therapy with markedly distended abdomens or macroscopic hematuria. Between October 1996 and December 2000, a total of 64 patients were treated. Renal size, abdominal circumference, dry weight, hematocrit, and insulin-like growth factor-I were measured before TAE and 3, 6, and 12 months after TAE. Renal sizes decreased to 73.8% +/- 12.0%, 61.7% +/- 14.7%, and 53.4% +/- 11.6% of preinterventional values at 3, 6, and 12 months after therapy, respectively (P < 0.0001). Abdominal circumference and dry weight were significantly decreased at 3, 6, and 12 months (P < 0.0001) compared with baseline values before therapy. Hematocrits increased sequentially after 3, 6, and 12 months (P < 0.0001). Levels of insulin-like growth factor-I an index of nutritional status, significantly increased at 3, 6, and 12 months compared with the baseline value (P < 0.001). This therapy was effective for all patients. Serious complications were not seen after this treatment, although such minor complications as fever and flank pain were observed within the first week after the procedure. Our internal treatment with TAE is a safe and effective procedure that has resulted in improvement in the quality of life and nutritional status of patients with ADPKD.