Intensive Hemodialysis, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, and Cardiovascular Disease

Impact of volume indices in bioelectrical impedance measurement on the assessment of cardiac function indices by echocardiography in hemodialysis patients

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular events resulting from volume overload are a primary cause of mortality in hemodialysis patients. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is significantly valuable for assessing the volume status of hemodialysis (HD) patients. In this article, we explore the correlation between the volume index measured by BIA and the cardiac function index assessed by echocardiography (ECG) in HD patients.

METHODS

Between April and November 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving randomly selected 126 maintenance HD patients. Comprehensive data on medical history and laboratory test results were collected. Subsequently, we investigated the correlation between volume indices measured by BIA and cardiac function parameters by ECG.

RESULTS

We discovered a significant correlation between the volume indices measured by BIA and various parameter of cardiac function. The Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) group exhibited higher levels of the percentage of Extracellular Water (ECW%) and the percentage of Total Body Water (TBW%) compared to the Non-LVH group. Extracellular Water (ECW) and Third Interstitial Fluid Volume (TSFV) were identified as independent risk factors for Left Ventricular Mass (LVM), and both demonstrated a high predictive value for LVM. ECW% emerged as an independent risk factor for the Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI), with a high predictive value for LVMI.

CONCLUSION

ECW and TSFV were found to be positively associated with cardiac function parameters in HD patients.

Assessment of right ventricular dysfunction and its association with excess risk of cardiovascular events in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

AIMS

Recent accumulating evidence has recently documented a significant prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/pulmonary-artery systolic pressure (PASP) ratio assessed with echocardiography might be a useful clinical index of right ventricular (RV) -pulmonary arterial (PA) coupling. The current study aimed to investigate the value of the TAPSE/PASP ratios in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).

METHODS

We studied 83 times echocardiographic tests from 68 patients with MHD. The associations of TAPSE/PASP ratios with echocardiography variables, clinical characteristics, and biochemical parameters were analyzed, as well as the associations of TAPSE/PASP ratios with odds of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and frequent intermittent dialysis hypotension (IDH).

RESULTS

Correlation analysis showed TAPSE/PASP ratios positively correlated with LVEF and negatively correlated with E/A and E/e' values. For clinical and biochemical parameters, TAPSE/PASP ratios negatively correlated with BNP, NT-proBNP, age, CRP, and average interdialysis weight gain (ΔBW) and positively correlated with albumin. Logistic regression analysis, which induced the TAPSE/PASP ratio as a continuous variable (per 0.1 mm/mmHg increase), identified that the TAPSE/PASP ratio was associated with decreased CVD events (OR 0.386 [95% CI 0.231-0.645], p < 0.001) and frequent IDH odds (OR 0.571 [95% CI 0.397-0.820], p = 0.002). Moreover, the TAPSE/PASP ratio independently predicted CVD events (adjusted HR 0.539 [95% CI 0.391-0.743], p < 0.001) during a follow-up period of 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

RVD, assessed by echocardiography TAPSE/PASP ratio, was found to be associated with increased risks of CVD events and frequent IDH in patients with MHD.

Beyond prevalence: significance and differential impact of echocardiographic abnormalities in dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Echocardiography is commonly used to assess hydratation status and cardiac function in kidney failure patients, but the impact of structural or functional abnormalities on the prognosis of kidney failure patients was yet to be investigated. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of echocardiographic abnormalities in kidney failure patients.

METHODS

This study included 857 kidney failure patients who underwent echocardiography at dialysis initiation. Patients were followed up for a median of 4.2 years for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Among the 857 patients studied, 77% exhibited at least one echocardiographic abnormality. The most common abnormalities were left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement, but they were not significantly correlated with poor outcomes. Instead, the primary predictors of both major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in kidney failure patients were left ventricular systolic function, right ventricular systolic function, left ventricular volume index, and valvular abnormalities. Although diastolic dysfunction was linked to major adverse cardiovascular events, it was not associated with mortality. Furthermore, the study revealed that increased left ventricular volume index and left ventricular systolic dysfunction had a more significant impact on peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients than on hemodialysis (HD) patients.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insights into the echocardiographic abnormalities and their association with adverse outcomes in kidney failure patients, which can help clinicians optimize the management of patients and closely monitor possible high-risk populations.

Assessment of the Prognostic Value of MRI Left Ventricular Global Function Index (LVGFI) in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease Under Maintenance Dialysis

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular global function index (LVGFI) integrates LV volumetric and functional parameters. In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiac injury manifests as LV hypertrophy and dysfunction. However, the prognostic value of LVGFI in this population remains unclear.

PURPOSE

To investigate the association of LVGFI with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with ESRD.

STUDY TYPE

Prospective.

POPULATION

One hundred fifty-eight ESRD patients (mean age: 54.1 ± 14.4 years; 105 male) on maintenance dialysis.

FILED STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3.0 T, balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) cine and modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequences.

ASSESSMENT

LV volumetric and functional parameters were determined from bSSFP images. LVGFI was calculated as the ratio of stroke volume to global volume and native T1 was determined from MOLLI T1 maps. MACE was recorded on follow up. Models were developed to predict MACE from conventional risk factors combined with LVGFI, GLS, native T1, and LV mass index (LVMI), respectively. Subgroup analyses were further performed in participants with LVEF above median.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Cox proportional hazard regression and log-rank test were used to investigate the association between LVGFI and MACE. The predictive models were evaluated and compared using Harrell's C-statistics and DeLong tests. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Thirty-four MACE occurred during the median follow-up period of 26 months. The hazard of MACE increased by 114% for each 10% decrease in LVGFI in univariable analysis. The predictive model consisting of LVGFI (C-statistic: 0.724) had significantly better predictive performance than the others (all P < 0.001). These results were consistent in patients (N = 79) with LVEF > median (63.54%).

DATA CONCLUSION

LVGFI is a novel marker for MACE risk stratification in patients with ESRD and was better able to predict MACE than native T1 mapping and GLS.

EVIDENCE LEVEL

2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Association of Changes in Vector Length with Changes in Left Ventricular Mass among Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Secondary Analysis of the Frequent Hemodialysis Network Daily Trial

Key Points

Bioimpedance has been proposed as an objective method to assess volume status among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. The Frequent Hemodialysis Network Daily Trial measured bioimpedance parameters of volume status (vector length) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 12 months. We observed that changes in vector length were inversely associated with changes in left ventricular mass and volume over a 12-month period.

Background

Hypervolemia is thought to be a major contributor to higher left ventricular mass (LVM), a potent predictor for cardiovascular mortality among patients on maintenance hemodialysis. We hypothesized that a decrease in vector length (a bioimpedance proxy of hypervolemia) would be associated with an increase in LVM.

Methods

Using data from the Frequent Hemodialysis Network Daily Trial (n =160), we used linear regression to assess the association of changes in vector length from baseline to month 12 with changes in magnetic resonance imaging measures of LVM and other cardiac parameters. We adjusted models for the randomized group, baseline vector length, age, sex, race, body mass index, vascular access, dialysis vintage, history of hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes, residual kidney function, predialysis systolic BP, ultrafiltration rate, serum-dialysate sodium gradient, hemoglobin, phosphate, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker use, erythropoietin dose, and equilibrated Kt/V.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 50±13 years; 35% were female. In the fully adjusted models, a decline in vector length (per 50 Ω/m; i.e ., increase in volume) was associated with a 6.8 g (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.1 to 13.7) and 2.6 g/m2 (95% CI, −1.2 to 6.3) increase in LVM and LVM index, respectively, and an increase of 15.0 ml (95% CI, 7.5 to 22.4), 7.3 ml (95% CI, 3.0 to 12.7), 7.8 ml (95% CI, 3.0 to 12.7), and −0.9% (95% CI, −3.1 to 1.3) in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, left ventricular stroke volume, and left ventricular ejection fraction, respectively. The lowest tertile of change in vector length (i.e ., greater increase in volume) was associated with greater increases in left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular stroke volume, versus the highest tertile. There was no evidence of heterogeneity by randomized group.

Conclusions

Change in vector length, a bioimpedance-derived proxy of volume status, was inversely associated with indices of LVM and volume measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients randomized to conventional or frequent hemodialysis over 12 months.

Roxadustat reduces left ventricular mass index compared to rHuEPO in haemodialysis patients in a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is highly prevalent in haemodialysis (HD) patients and is associated with an increased risk of death. Roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, abbreviated as EPO) are the main treatment strategies for renal anaemia in HD patients, but it has not been clear whether there is a difference in their effect on LVH.

METHODS

In this multi-centre, prospective, randomized trial of 12-month duration, study participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the roxadustat group or the EPO group. The doses of both treatment regimens were adjusted so that the patients had a haemoglobin level of 10.0-12.0 g per dL. The primary study endpoint was the change from baseline to 12 months in the left ventricular mass index (LVMI, g/m2) measured by echocardiography.

RESULTS

In total, 114 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 50 years, and the median dialysis duration was 33 months. Sixty-one patients were men, and 24 were diabetic. LVMI decreased from 116.18 ± 27.84 to 110.70 ± 25.74 g/m2 in the roxadustat group. However, it increased from 109.35 ± 23.41 to 114.99 ± 28.46 g/m2 in the EPO group, with a significant difference in the change in LVMI between the two groups [-5.48 (-11.60 to 0.65) vs. 5.65 (0.74 to 10.55), p < 0.05]. Changes in left ventricular mass, end-diastolic volume and 6-min walk test seemed superior in the roxadustat group. There were no significant differences in other cardiac geometry, biochemical parameters and major adverse cardiovascular events between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to EPO, roxadustat is more helpful in the regression of LVH in HD patients.

Mitofilin in cardiovascular diseases: Insights into the pathogenesis and potential pharmacological interventions

The impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is increasing. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. Mitochondria produce cellular energy through oxidative phosphorylation while regulating calcium homeostasis, cellular respiration, and the production of biosynthetic chemicals. Nevertheless, problems related to cardiac energy metabolism, defective mitochondrial proteins, mitophagy, and structural changes in mitochondrial membranes can cause cardiovascular diseases via mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitofilin is a critical inner mitochondrial membrane protein that maintains cristae structure and facilitates protein transport while linking the inner mitochondrial membrane, outer mitochondrial membrane, and mitochondrial DNA transcription. Researchers believe that mitofilin may be a therapeutic target for treating cardiovascular diseases, particularly cardiac mitochondrial dysfunctions. In this review, we highlight current findings regarding the role of mitofilin in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and potential therapeutic compounds targeting mitofilin.

Patient-Centered Home Hemodialysis: Approaches and Prescription

Writing a home hemodialysis (HD) prescription is a complex, multifactorial process that requires the incorporation of patient values, preferences, and lifestyle. Knowledge of the different options available for home HD modality (conventional, nocturnal, short daily, and alternate nightly) is also important when customizing a prescription. Finally, an understanding of the different home HD machines currently approved for use at home and their different attributes and limitations helps guide providers when formulating their prescriptions. In this review article, we set out to address these different aspects to help guide providers in providing a patient-centered home HD approach.

Home Dialysis in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases

Kidney failure with replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease are frequently comorbid. In patients with kidney failure with replacement therapy, cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Conventional thrice-weekly in-center dialysis confers risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including acute hemodynamic fluctuations and rapid shifts in volume and solute concentration. Home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) may offer benefits in attenuation of cardiovascular disease risk factors primarily through improved volume and BP control, reduction (or slowing progression) of left ventricular mass, decreased myocardial stunning, and improved bone and mineral metabolism. Importantly, although trial data are available for several of these risk factors for home hemodialysis, evidence for PD is limited. Among patients with prevalent cardiovascular disease, home hemodialysis and PD may also have potential benefits. PD may offer particular advantages in heart failure given it removes volume directly from the splanchnic circulation, thus offering an efficient method of relieving intravascular congestion. PD also avoids the risk of blood stream infections in patients with cardiac devices or venous wires. We recognize that both home hemodialysis and PD are also associated with potential risks, and these are described in more detail. We conclude with a discussion of barriers to home dialysis and the critical importance of interdisciplinary care models as one component of advancing health equity with respect to home dialysis.

The number of valvular insufficiency is a strong predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between the number of valvular insufficiency (VI) and emergency hospitalization or mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients.

METHODS

The maintenance HD patients with cardiac ultrasonography were included. According to the number of VI ≥ 2 or not, the patients were divided into two groups. The difference of emergency hospitalized for acute heart failure, arrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stroke, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality between the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Among 217 maintenance HD patients, 81.57% had VI. 121 (55.76%) patients had two or more VI, and 96 (44.24%) with one VI or not. The study subjects were followed up for a median of 47 (3-107) months. At the end of the follow up, 95 patients died (43.78%), of whom 47 (21.66%) patients died because of cardiovascular disease. Age (HR 1.033, 95% CI 1.007-1.061, P = 0.013), number of VI ≥ 2 (HR 2.035, 95% CI 1.083-3.821, P = 0.027) and albumin (HR 0.935, 95% CI 0.881-0.992, P = 0.027) were independent risk factors for cardiovascular mortality. The three parameters were also independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. The patients with number of VI ≥ 2 were more likely to be emergency hospitalized for acute heart failure (56 [46.28%] vs 11 [11.46%], P = 0.001). On the contrary, the number of VI was not associated with emergency hospitalized for arrhythmia, ACS or stroke. Survival analysis results showed that probability of survival was statistically different in the two groups (P < 0.05), no matter based on cardiovascular mortality or all-cause mortality. Based on age, number of VI ≥ 2 and albumin, nomogram models for 5-year cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were built.

CONCLUSIONS

In maintenance HD patients, the prevalence of VI is prominently high. The number of VI ≥ 2 is associated with emergency hospitalized for acute heart failure, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Combining age, number of VI ≥ 2, and albumin can predict cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

Findings of Cardiovascular Workup of Kidney Transplant Candidates: A Retrospective Study of a Single-Center in Saudi Arabia

Background

There are limited data about the prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and the findings of CV workup among kidney transplant (KTx) recipients (KTRs) in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A single-center retrospective study of KTRs who underwent KTx from 2017 to 2020 was performed. We reviewed the prevalence of CV risk factors and the results of the pre-KTx CV workup which was derived from the American Heart Association guidelines.

Results

We included 254 KTRs. The mean age was 43.1 ± 15.9 years, and 55.5% were men and 79.5% were living-donor KTRs. Pre-emptive KTx was 9.8%, peritoneal dialysis was 11.8%, and hemodialysis was 78.3% (arteriovenous fistula: 33.1% versus hemodialysis catheter: 66.9%). The mean dialysis vintage was 4.8 ± 3.3 years for deceased-donor KTRs versus 2.4 ± 2.6 years for living-donor KTRs. CV risk factors were hypertension: 76%, diabetes: 40.6% (type 1 : 25.2% versus type 2 : 74.7%), hyperlipidemia (low-density lipoprotein >2.6 mmol/L): 40.2%, coronary artery disease (CAD): 12.6%, smoking: 9.1%, peripheral vascular disease: 2.8%, and cerebral vascular disease: 2.4%. The prevalence of obesity stage 1 was 19.7% and obesity stage 2 was 4%. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 38.5%. The ejection fraction was abnormal (<55%) in 22%. Abnormal wall motion was present in 34 patients (13.4%). A cardiac (PET-CT) stress test was conducted on 129 patients (50.8%) which showed abnormal perfusion in 37 patients (28.7%). Out of those who required PET-CT, 18.6% had a coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) of more than 400, 41.8% had a CACS of zero, 29.4% had a CACS of 1-100, and 14.7% had a CACS of 100-400. Coronary angiogram was required in only 41 patients (16.1%), 12 (29.3%) required coronary interventions, 25 (61%) were treated medically, and 4 (9.8%) did not have any CAD. CT scans of pelvic arteries were performed in 118 patients (46.5%). It showed moderate or severe calcifications in only 7 patients (5.9%), whereas it was normal in 97 patients (82.2%), or it showed only mild calcifications in 14 patients (11.9%).

Conclusion

This study outlines the prevalence of CV risk factors and the findings of the pretransplant CV workup among KTx candidates who underwent KTx. Multicenter national studies will be helpful to validate the generalizability of these findings.

Vancomycin and daptomycin dosing recommendations in patients receiving home hemodialysis using Monte Carlo simulation

BACKGROUND

Few drug dosing recommendations for patients receiving home hemodialysis (HHD) have been published which has hindered the adoption of HHD. HHD regimens vary widely and differ considerably from conventional, thrice weekly, in-center hemodialysis in terms of treatment frequency, duration and blood and dialysate flow rates. Consequently, vancomycin and daptomycin clearances in HHD are also likely to be different, consequently HHD dosing regimens must be developed to ensure efficacy and minimize toxicity when these antibiotics are used. Many HHD regimens are used clinically, this study modeled ten common HHD regimens and determined optimal vancomycin and daptomycin dosing for each HHD regimen.

METHODS

Monte Carlo simulations using pharmacokinetic data derived from the literature and demographic data from a large HHD program treating patients with end stage kidney disease were incorporated into a one-compartment pharmacokinetic model. Virtual vancomycin and daptomycin doses were administered post-HHD and drug exposures were determined in 5,000 virtual patients receiving ten different HHD regimens. Serum concentration monitoring with subsequent dose changes was incorporated into the vancomycin models. Pharmacodynamic target attainment rates were determined for each studied dose. The lowest possible doses that met predefined targets in virtual patients were chosen as optimal doses.

RESULTS

HHD frequency, total dialysate volumes and HHD durations influenced drug exposure and led to different dosing regimens to meet targets. Antibiotic dosing regimens were identified that could meet targets for 3- and 7-h HHD regimens occurring every other day or 4-5 days/week. HHD regimens with 3-day interdialytic periods required higher doses prior to the 3-day period. The addition of vancomycin serum concentration monitoring allowed for calculation of necessary dosing changes which increased the number of virtual subjects meeting pharmacodynamic targets.

CONCLUSIONS

Doses of vancomycin and daptomycin that will meet desired pharmacodynamic targets in HHD are dependent on patient and HHD-specific factors. Doses used in conventional thrice weekly hemodialysis are unlikely to meet treatment goals. The antibiotic regimens paired with the HHD parameters studied in this analysis are likely to meet goals but require clinical validation.

Findings of Cardiovascular Workup of Kidney Transplant Candidates: A Retrospective Study of a Single-Center in Saudi Arabia.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3030184/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Background: There are limited data about the prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and the findings of CV workup among kidney transplant (KTx) recipients (KTRs) in Saudi Arabia. Method: A single-center retrospective study of KTRs who underwent KTx from 2017 to 2020. We reviewed the prevalence of CV risk factors and the results of the pre-KTx CV workup which was derived from the American Heart Association guidelines. Results: We included 254 KTRs. The mean age was 43.1±15.9 years, 55.5% were men and 79.5% were living-donor KTRs. Pre-emptive KTx was 9.8%, peritoneal dialysis: 11.8% and hemodialysis: 78.3% (arteriovenous fistula: 33.1% versus hemodialysis catheter: 66.9%). Mean dialysis vintage was 4.8±3.3 years for deceased-donor KTRs versus 2.4±2.6 years for living-donor KTRs. CV risk factors were hypertension: 76%, diabetes: 40.6% (type 1: 25.2% versus type 2: 74.7%), hyperlipemia (low-density lipoprotein> 2.6 mmol/L): 40.2%, coronary artery disease (CAD): 12.6%, smoking: 9.1%, peripheral vascular disease: 2.8%, and cerebral vascular disease: 2.4%. The prevalence of obesity stage 1 was 19.7% and obesity stage 2 was 4%. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 38.5%. Ejection fraction was abnormal (<55%) in 22%. Abnormal wall motion was present in 34 patients (13.4%). Cardiac (PET-CT) stress test was indicated in 129 patients (50.8%) and showed abnormal perfusion in 37 patients (28.7%). Out of those who required PET-CT, 18.6% had coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) more than 400, 41.8 had CACS of zero, 29.4% had CACS of 1-100, and 14.7% had CACS of 100-400. Coronary angiogram was required in only 41 patients (16.1%), 12 (29.3%) required coronary interventions, 25 (61%) were treated medically, and 4 (9.8%) did not have any CAD. CT scans of pelvic arteries were performed in 118 patients (46.5%). It showed moderate or severe calcifications in only 7 patients (5.9%), whereas it was normal in 97 patients (82.2%), or it showed only mild calcifications in 14 patients (11.9%). Conclusion: This study outlines the prevalence of CV risk factors and the findings of the pretransplant CV workup among KTx candidates who underwent KTx. Multicenter national studies will be helpful to validate the generalizability of these findings.

Recent Developments in the Evaluation and Management of Cardiorenal Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is an increasingly recognized diagnostic entity associated with high morbidity and mortality among acutely ill heart failure (HF) patients with acute and/ or chronic kidney diseases (CKD). While traditionally viewed as a state of decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) due to decreased renal perfusion, mainly due to therapeutic interventions to relieve congestive in HF, recent insights into the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of CRS led to a broader definition and further classification of CRS into 5 distinct types. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the classification of CRS, highlighting the underlying common pathogenetic pathways of heart failure and kidney injury, including increased congestion, neurohormonal dysregulation, oxidative stress as well as inflammation, and cytokine storm that are particularly evident in COVID-19 patients with multiorgan failure and also in those with other disorders including sepsis, systemic lupus erythematosus and amyloidosis. In this review we also present the recent advances in the diagnostic strategies of CRS including cardiac and renal biomarkers as well as advanced cardiac and renal imaging techniques that are available to aid in the diagnosis as well as in the prognostication of this disorder. Finally, we discuss the various therapeutic options available to-date, including fluid optimization, hemofiltration, renal replacement therapy as well as the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in light of recent data from RCTs. It is important to note that, CRS population are either excluded or underrepresented, at best, in major RCTs and therefore, therapeutic recommendations are largely extrapolated from HF and CKD clinical trials.

Two Years' Experience of Intensive Home Hemodialysis with the Physidia S3 System: Results from the RECAP Study

The RECAP study reports results and outcomes (clinical performances, patient acceptance, cardiac outcomes, and technical survival) achieved with the S³ system used as an intensive home hemodialysis (HHD) platform over a three-year French multicenter study. Ninety-four dialysis patients issued from ten dialysis centers and treated more than 6 months (mean follow-up: 24 months) with S³ were included. A two-hour treatment time was maintained in 2/3 of patients to deliver 25 L of dialysis fluid, while 1/3 required up to 3 h to achieve 30 L. The additional convection volume produced by means of the SeCoHD tool (internal filtration backfiltration) was 3 L/session, and the net ultrafiltration produced to achieve dry weight was 1.4 L/session. On a weekly basis, an average 156 L of dialysate corresponding to 94 L of urea clearance when considering 85% dialysate saturation under low flow conditions was delivered. Such urea clearance was equivalent to 9.2 [8.0-13.0] mL/min weekly urea clearance and a standardized Kt/V of 2.5 [1.1-4.5]. The predialysis concentration of selected uremic markers remained remarkably stable over time. Fluid volume status and blood pressure were adequately controlled by means of a relatively low ultrafiltration rate (7.9 mL/h/kg). Technical survival on S³ was 72% and 58% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. The S³ system was easily handled and kept by patients at home, as indicated by technical survival. Patient perception was improved, while treatment burden was reduced. Cardiac features (assessed in a subset of patients) tended to improve over time. Intensive hemodialysis relying on the S³ system offers a very appealing option for home treatment with quite satisfactory results, as shown in the RECAP study throughout a two-year follow-up time, and offers the best bridging solution to kidney transplantation.

Cardiovascular Alterations and Structural Changes in the Setting of Chronic Kidney Disease: a Review of Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 4

Cardiovascular and renal physiology are interrelated. More than a decade ago this was codified in guidelines defining the five subtypes of the cardiorenal syndrome. Morbidity and mortality for those with the cardiorenal syndrome is high compared to demographically matched individuals without cardiorenal disease, acute or chronic. The focus of this review will be the epidemiology, the impact of chronic kidney disease on cardiac structure and function, and associated clinical symptoms, outcomes, and potential treatments for patients with chronic reno-cardiac syndrome, or cardiorenal syndrome type 4. Cardiac structural changes can be profound and are described in detail both at a cellular and physiologic level. Integrating therapies for the treatment of causative or resulting comorbidities may ultimately slow progression of both cardiac and renal disease as well as minimize symptoms and death.

Interleukin-6 blockade reduces salt-induced cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in subtotal nephrectomized mice

Cardiovascular disease is the most common comorbidity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), affecting both their prognosis and quality of life. Cardiac fibrosis is common in patients with CKD with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and it is associated with increased risk of heart failure and mortality. Recent evidence suggests that high salt intake activates immune responses associated with local accumulation of sodium. We reported that high salt intake promotes cardiac inflammation in subtotal nephrectomized (Nx) mice. We investigated the effects of administration of MR16-1, a rat anti-mouse monoclonal interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antibody, in Nx mice with salt loading (Nx-salt). Expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNAs and macrophage infiltration was significantly reduced in the heart of Nx-salt mice treated with MR16-1 (Nx-salt-MR16-1) compared with Nx-salt mice treated with control rat rat IgG1 (Nx-salt-rat IgG1). Correspondingly, cardiac fibrosis was significantly attenuated in Nx-salt-MR16-1 mice compared with Nx-salt-rat IgG1 mice. Furthermore, in the heart of Nx-salt-MR16-1 mice, expression of mRNA for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-2, an oxidative stress marker, was significantly downregulated compared with Nx-salt-rat IgG1 mice. Increases in cardiac metabolites, including histidine and γ-butyrobetaine, were also reversed by IL-6 blockade treatment. In conclusion, IL-6 blockade exerts anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and partial antioxidative effects in the heart of Nx-salt mice.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, IL-6 blockade exerted anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and partial antioxidative effects on the hearts of mice with CKD on a high-salt diet. Therefore, IL-6 potentially mediates cardiac fibrosis induced by high salt intake in patients with CKD, a finding with therapeutic implications. Of note, the next therapeutic implication may simply be the reinforcement of low-salt diets or diuretics and further research on the anti-inflammatory effects of these measures rather than IL-6 blockade with high-salt diet.

Sarcopenia and echocardiographic parameters for prediction of cardiovascular events and mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

Background

Sarcopenia is prevalent and is associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular complications in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). It is unknown how skeletal muscle may be associated with aspects of myocardial structure and function. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sarcopenia and cardiac structure and function in patients undergoing MHD. We also examined the prognostic role of sarcopenia for mortality and cardiovascular events (CVE) in this population.

Methods

Participants from a single center underwent bioimpedance body composition analysis to measure skeletal muscle and echocardiography to assess myocardial structure and function. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. The end points were all-cause mortality and CVE.

Results

Of the 158 participants, 46 (29.1%) had sarcopenia, 102 (64.6%) had left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), and 106 (67.0%) had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Participants with sarcopenia had smaller right ventricular sizes (2.54 ± 0.77 vs 2.76 ± 0.28; P < 0.01), inter-ventricular thickness (1.07 ± 0.19 vs 1.14 ± 0.20; P = 0.039), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (0.96, 0.89-1.10 vs 1.06, 0.95-1.20; P = 0.018). Skeletal muscle mass was strongly correlated with left ventricular mass (LVM) (r = 0.577; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the risk of LVDD (OR: 4.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.73-13.95]) and LVH (OR: 4.88, 95% CI [1.08-21.96]) was much higher in the sarcopenic group than in the non-sarcopenic group. During a follow-up period of 18 months, 11 (6.9%) patients died, of which seven died (4.4%) of CVE, and 36 (22.8%) experienced CVE. The presence of sarcopenia (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 6.59; 95% CI [1.08-39.91]; P = 0.041) and low skeletal muscle index (HR, 3.41; 95% CI [1.01-11.57]; P = 0.049) and handgrip strength (HR, 0.88; 95% CI [0.78-0.99]; P = 0.037) independently predicted death. Sarcopenia was a significant predictor of CVE (HR, 10.96; 95% CI [1.14-105.10]; P = 0.038).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that sarcopenia is associated with LVDD and LVH, and is associated with a higher probability of death and CVE.

Nephrologists' Perspectives of the Potential Utilization of Home Hemodialysis in Saudi Arabia

Home hemodialysis (HD) is an attractive renal replacement modality that has been shown to provide several benefits to the patient and health-care system. However, home HD programs have not been well-established in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to explore the perspectives of adult nephrology consultants in Saudi Arabia about the potential utilization of home HD via a survey-based cross-sectional study. The survey was distributed via email to all adult nephrology consultants practicing in Saudi Arabia and registered in the Saudi Society of Nephrology and Transplantation. Out of 236 invited consultants, 151 (64%) participated in the study. Half of the participants defined home HD as a trained patient who can independently perform his/her HD sessions at home. Eighty-one (54%) consultants have never managed a patient on home HD during their nephrology training period. More than 70% of participants believed that home HD provides advantages over in-center HD, and that its utilization in Saudi Arabia would be feasible. Although 40% of participants worked in centers with no accredited nephrology training program, most of the remaining participants believed that the local training program did not provide enough teaching about home HD to trainees. Patients' refusal, the nephrologists' lack of motivation and experience, a lack of administrative support, and the lack of infrastructure and nursing support were identified by most participants as the major barriers to the utilization of home HD in Saudi Arabia. Addressing these barriers would be the first step to facilitate initiatives aiming to establish home HD programs in this country.

Long-term outcomes of intermediate coronary stenosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis after deferred revascularization based on fractional flow reserve

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) after deferred revascularization based on fractional flow reserve (FFR).

BACKGROUND

FFR is a practical technique for assessing the functional severity of intermediate coronary stenosis. Prior research has revealed a satisfactory outcome in patients after the deferral of percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary lesions based on FFR measurement. However, little research has been conducted focusing on patients undergoing HD.

METHODS

The retrospective study comprised 225 consecutive patients with FFR assessment and deferred revascularization between January 2016 and December 2019. Based on a deferral cutoff FFR value of >0.80, we assessed the differences in all-cause death, major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and target vessel failure (TVF) between the HD (n = 69) and non-HD groups (n = 156) during a mean ± standard deviation routine follow-up of 32.2 ± 13.4 months.

RESULTS

Although the HD group had significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus than the non-HD group (53.6% vs. 37.2%, p = 0.021), there were no significant differences in sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, or other risk factors between the groups, nor with respect to stenosis diameter or mean FFR. The HD group had a significantly higher incidence of TVF than the non-HD group (34.8% vs. 14.1%, p < 0.001), as well as a significantly higher risk of all-cause death and MACEs.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed that deferred revascularization in coronary lesions with an FFR value of >0.80 in patients undergoing HD was associated with poor outcomes. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor patients with intermediate coronary stenosis undergoing HD.

Cardiovascular Effects of Home Dialysis Therapies: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Currently, thrice-weekly in-center hemodialysis for 3 to 5 hours per session is the most common therapy worldwide for patients with treated kidney failure. Outcomes with thrice-weekly in-center hemodialysis are poor. Emerging evidence supports the overarching hypothesis that a more physiological approach to administering dialysis therapy, including in the home through home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, may lead to improvement in several cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular outcomes compared with thrice-weekly in-center hemodialysis. The Advancing American Kidney Health Initiative, which has a goal of increasing the use of home dialysis, is aligned with the American Heart Association's 2024 mission to champion a full and healthy life and health equity. We conclude that incorporation of interdisciplinary care models to increase the use of home dialysis therapies in an equitable manner will contribute to the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients with kidney failure and cardiovascular disease.

Sodium First Approach, to Reset Our Mind for Improving Management of Sodium, Water, Volume and Pressure in Hemodialysis Patients, and to Reduce Cardiovascular Burden and Improve Outcomes

New physiologic findings related to sodium homeostasis and pathophysiologic associations require a new vision for sodium, fluid and blood pressure management in dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients. The traditional dry weight probing approach that has prevailed for many years must be reviewed in light of these findings and enriched by availability of new tools for monitoring and handling sodium and water imbalances. A comprehensive and integrated approach is needed to improve further cardiac health in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Adequate management of sodium, water, volume and hemodynamic control of HD patients relies on a stepwise approach: the first entails assessment and monitoring of fluid status and relies on clinical judgement supported by specific tools that are online embedded in the HD machine or devices used offline; the second consists of acting on correcting fluid imbalance mainly through dialysis prescription (treatment time, active tools embedded on HD machine) but also on guidance related to diet and thirst management; the third consist of fine tuning treatment prescription to patient responses and tolerance with the support of innovative tools such as artificial intelligence and remote pervasive health trackers. It is time to come back to sodium and water imbalance as the root cause of the problem and not to act primarily on their consequences (fluid overload, hypertension) or organ damage (heart; atherosclerosis, brain). We know the problem and have the tools to assess and manage in a more precise way sodium and fluid in HD patients. We strongly call for a sodium first approach to reduce disease burden and improve cardiac health in dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients.

Experience in Spain with the first patients in home hemodialysis treated with low-flow dialysate monitors

Home hemodialysis (HHD) with low-flow dialysate devices has gained popularity in recent years due to its simple design, portability, and ability to provide greater freedom of movement for our patients. However, there are doubts about the adequacy that this technology offers, since it uses monitors with low-flow bath and lactate. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical benefits of low-flow HHD with the NxStage System One® recently introduced in Spain. We present the results of an observational, retrospective cohort study that included the first patients who started short daily HHD with this device in 12 Spanish centers. We analyzed the evolution of 86 patients at 0, 6 and 12 months, including data related to prescription, and evolution of biochemical parameters related to dialysis dose, anemia, mineral-bone metabolism; evolution of residual renal function, medication usage, and causes of withdrawal during the followup. We were able to demonstrate that this NxStage System One® monitor, in patients with HHD, have provided an adequate dialysis dose, with optimal ultrafiltration rate, with improvement of main biochemical markers of dialysis adequacy. The usage of this technique was associated to a decrease of antihypertensive drugs, phosphate binders and erythropoietin agents, with very good results both patient and technique survival. The simplicity of the technique, together with its good clinical outcomes, should facilitate the growth and utilization of HHD, both in incident and prevalent patients.

Lessons from effect of etelcalcetide on left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with end-stage kidney disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) frequently develop left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is associated with an exceptionally high risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. This review focuses on interventional studies that modify levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and examine effects on myocardial hypertrophy, cardiovascular events and mortality.

RECENT FINDINGS

Quantitative evaluations of trials of calcimimetics found no effects on cardiovascular events and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality when compared with placebo. However, a recent randomized, controlled trial of etelcalcetide versus alfacalcidol showed that etelcalcetide effectively inhibited the progression of LVH in comparison to vitamin D in patients on haemodialysis after 1 year of treatment. Prior to that, oral calcimimetic treatment has already been shown to reduce left ventricular mass in patients on haemodialysis, whereas treatment with active vitamin D or mineralocorticoids was ineffective in patients with ESKD.

SUMMARY

Data from a recent trial of etelcalcetide on LVH suggest that FGF23 may be a possible therapeutic target for cardiac risk reduction in patients on haemodialysis. If these findings are confirmed by further research, it might be speculated that a treatment shift from active vitamin D towards FGF23-lowering therapy may occur in patients on haemodialysis.

Value of native T1 mapping in the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the association of myocardial characterization by native T1 mapping using cardiac MR (CMR) with the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) in end-stage renal dysfunction (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis.

METHODS

A total of 52 ESRD patients and 52 healthy individuals were prospectively recruited between June 2017 and June 2018. ESRD patients underwent CMR examinations post-hemodialysis for the evaluation of cardiac function and global native T1 mapping. Demographics, serum biomarkers, and coronary artery calcification were collected. MACE including all-caused death, and new onset of myocardial infarction, heart failure leading to hospitalization, fatal arrhythmia, and cardiac arrest was set as the endpoint.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 38.0 months, 13 patients (25.0%) reached the endpoints. Global native T1 mapping in patients on hemodialysis was significantly higher compared with that of healthy individuals (1280.3 ms ± 45.3 vs. 1238.2 ms ± 31.1, p < 0.001). In the univariate Cox regression analysis, global native T1 mapping (HR [hazard ratios]: 1.887, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.302-2.736, p = 0.001) was associated with the prediction of MACE. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that global native T1 mapping (HR: 1.580, 95% CI: 1.112-2.244, p = 0.011) and age (HR: 1.088, 95% CI: 1.032-1.146, p = 0.002) were associated with the incidence of MACE after adjusting for other conventional risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Global native T1 mapping by CMR can potentially become a novel predictor of MACE in ESRD patients on hemodialysis, providing additional prognostic values over conventional risk factors. However, this conclusion should be validated in a larger sample size of hemodialysis patients.

KEY POINTS

• Global native T1 mapping was significantly higher in ESRD patients on hemodialysis compared with that of normal controls. • Global native T1 mapping was associated with myocardial enzymes, myocardial hypertrophy, coronary calcification, and cardiac function. • Global native T1 mapping value was independently predictive of MACE in hemodialysis patients, providing additional prognostic values over conventional risk factors.

Association Between Left Ventricular Geometry and Renal Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: Findings From Korean Cohort Study for Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Study

Background

The impact of left ventricular (LV) geometry on the renal outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been established yet. We aimed to investigate the association of LV geometry with renal outcomes and all-cause mortality in patients with pre-dialysis CKD.

Methods

A total of 2,144 subjects from the Korean Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD) were categorized by LV geometry, which was defined by LV mass index and relative wall thickness [normal geometry, concentric remodeling, eccentric hypertrophy (eLVH), and concentric hypertrophy (cLVH)]. Study outcomes were composite renal events [decline of kidney function (the first occurrence of > 50% decline of eGFR or doubling of serum creatinine from the baseline) and onset of ESRD (initiation of dialysis or kidney transplantation) during follow-up periods)] and all-cause mortality.

Results

Cox regression analysis revealed that eLVH [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.498, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.197–1.873] and cLVH (adjusted HR 1.289, 95% CI 1.011–1.643) were associated with increased risk of composite renal events, whereas concentric remodeling (adjusted HR 1.881, 95% CI 1.135–3.118) and cLVH (adjusted HR 2.216, 95% CI 1.341–3.664) were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality. Sensitivity analyses confirmed that concentric remodeling (adjusted HR 1.993, 95% CI 1.197–3.368) and eLVH (adjusted HR 1.588, 95% CI 1.261–2.001) are independently associated with all-cause mortality and composite renal events, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we report that LV geometry is significantly associated with adverse renal outcomes and all-cause mortality in patients with pre-dialysis CKD. Echocardiographic determination of LV geometry may help the early identification for the patients with high risk of CKD progression.

Physical Exercise Affects Quality of Life and Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Patients With Chronic Kidney Failure Submitted to Hemodialysis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Performing physical exercise during hemodialysis has been debated regarding safety and efficacy for improving life quality for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thus, we explored the influence of physical exercise during hemodialysis on both autonomic modulation of heart rate and quality of life for patients with CKF in a randomized clinical trial. We randomly allocated participants requiring hemodialysis to an experimental exercise group (EG) and a control no-exercise group (CG) and assessed their quality of life with the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form—KDQOL-SF™ 1.3 and with Polar RS800CX to monitor their heart rate variability (HRV) before and three months after the end of the exercise intervention. EG participants reported a significant increase in their quality of life ( p = .05, physical function, physical aspects, pain, emotional well-being, emotional function; p = .03, energy and fatigue) and showed HRV improvement ( p = .05, RMSSD, SDNN, and SD2; p = .004, SD1) after three months of exercise. Thus, we recommend supervised physical exercise during hemodialysis for carefully selected patients.

Echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy and geometry in Chinese chronic hemodialysis patients: the prevalence and determinants

Background

To investigate the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and explore left ventricular geometry in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, and to explore the risk factors of LVH which is an important predictor of cardiovascular events.

Methods

The subjects were patients who are on MHD for more than 3 months in Peking University People's Hospital from March 2015 to February 2017. Demographic and clinical data were retrospectively collected. Left ventricular mass was measured by echocardiography. LVH is defined by Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) > 115 g/m² for men and > 95 g/m² in women. LVMI and relative wall thickness were used to determine left ventricular geometry. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of LVH.

Results

Altogether, 131 patients including 77 males were enrolled. The median age was 60 (47, 69) years, with a median dialysis vintage of 48 (18, 104) months. There were 80 patients with LVH, the prevalence rate was 61.1%, and 66.3% of them were moderate to severe LVH. We found that (1) most of the patients were concentric hypertrophy; (2) one-third of the patients were concentric remodeling; (3) only 4 cases with normal geometry. The pre-dialysis serum sodium level and time average pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure (SBP) were independent risk factors of LVH.

Conclusion

LVH is prevalent in MHD patients. Concentric hypertrophy and concentric remodeling are the most common geometric patterns. Attention should be paid to long-term pre-dialysis SBP management and pre-dialysis sodium control as they might be potentially modifiable risk factors for LVH.

Protocol of a pilot-scale, single-arm, observational study to assess the utility and acceptability of a wearable hydration monitor in haemodialysis patients

Background

Fluid overload has a high prevalence in haemodialysis patients and is an important risk factor for excess mortality and hospitalisations. Despite the risks associated with chronic fluid overload, it is clinically difficult to assess and maintain fluid status adequately. Current methods of fluid status assessment are either imprecise or time intensive. In particular, to date, no method exists to accurately assess fluid status during the interdialytic interval.

Objectives

This pilot study aimed to evaluate whether a prototype wearable hydration monitor can accurately and reproducibly detect fluid overload in the haemodialysis population when compared to haemodialysis and bioimpedance data.

Methods

A prospective, open-label, single-arm observational trial of 20 patients commenced in January 2021 in a single haemodialysis centre in Ireland, with a wearable hydration monitor, the Sixty device. The Sixty device uses diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to measure fluid levels at the level of the subdermis and uses machine learning to develop an algorithm that can determine fluid status. The Sixty device was worn at every dialysis session and nocturnally over a three-week observational period. Haemodialysis parameters including interdialytic weight gain, ultrafiltration volume, blood pressure, and relative blood volume were collected from each session, and bioimpedance measurements using the Fresenius body composition monitor were performed on 4 occasions as a comparator. The primary objective of this trial was to determine the accuracy and reproducibility of the Sixty device compared to bioimpedance measurements.

Conclusion

If the accuracy of the wearable hydration monitor is validated, further studies will be conducted to integrate the device output into a multi-parameter machine learning algorithm that can provide patients with actionable insights to manage fluid overload in the interdialytic period.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.govNCT04623281. Registered November 10th, 2020.

Kidney dysfunction requiring dialysis is a heterogeneous syndrome: we should treat it like one

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Advanced kidney failure requiring dialysis, commonly labeled end-stage kidney disease or chronic kidney disease stage 5D, is a heterogeneous syndrome -a key reason that may explain why: treating advanced kidney dysfunction is challenging and many clinical trials involving patients on dialysis have failed, thus far. Treatment with dialytic techniques - of which maintenance thrice-weekly hemodialysis is most commonly used - is broadly named kidney 'replacement' therapy, a term that casts the perception of a priori abandonment of intrinsic kidney function and subsumes patients into a single, homogeneous group.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with advanced kidney failure necessitating dialytic therapy may have ongoing endogenous kidney function, and differ in their clinical manifestations and needs. Different terminology, for example, kidney dysfunction requiring dialysis (KDRD) with stages of progressive severity could better capture the range of phenotypes of patients who require kidney 'assistance' therapy.

SUMMARY

Classifying patients with KDRD based on objective, quantitative levels of endogenous kidney function, as well as patient-reported symptoms and quality of life, would facilitate hemodialysis prescriptions tailored to level of kidney dysfunction, clinical needs, and personal priorities. Such classification would encourage clinicians to move toward personalized, physiological, and adaptive approach to hemodialysis therapy.

OUP accepted manuscript

Patients on chronic hemodialysis are counseled to reduce dietary sodium intake to limit their thirst and consequent interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), chronic volume overload and hypertension. Low-sodium dietary trials in hemodialysis are sparse and mostly indicate that dietary education and behavioral counseling are ineffective in reducing sodium intake and IDWG. Additional nutritional restrictions and numerous barriers further complicate dietary adherence. A low-sodium diet may also reduce tissue sodium, which is positively associated with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. A potential alternative or complementary approach to dietary counseling is home delivery of low-sodium meals. Low-sodium meal delivery has demonstrated benefits in patients with hypertension and congestive heart failure but has not been explored or implemented in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The objective of this review is to summarize current strategies to improve volume overload and provide a rationale for low-sodium meal delivery as a novel method to reduce volume-dependent hypertension and tissue sodium accumulation while improving quality of life and other clinical outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Informed decision-making in delivery of dialysis: combining clinical outcomes with sustainability

As the prevalence of chronic kidney disease is expected to rise worldwide over the next decades, provision of renal replacement therapy (RRT), will further challenge budgets of all healthcare systems. Most patients today requiring RRT are treated with haemodialysis (HD) therapy and are elderly. This article demonstrates the interdependence of clinical and sustainability criteria that need to be considered to prepare for the future challenges of delivering dialysis to all patients in need. Newer, more sustainable models of high-value care need to be devised, whereby delivery of dialysis is based on value-based healthcare (VBHC) principles, i.e. improving patient outcomes while restricting costs. Essentially, this entails maximizing patient outcomes per amount of money spent or available. To bring such a meaningful change, revised strategies having the involvement of multiple stakeholders (i.e. patients, providers, payers and policymakers) need to be adopted. Although each stakeholder has a vested interest in the value agenda often with conflicting expectations and motivations (or motives) between each other, progress is only achieved if the multiple blocs of the delivery system are advanced as mutually reinforcing entities. Clinical considerations of delivery of dialysis need to be based on the entire patient disease pathway and evidence-based medicine, while the non-clinical sustainability criteria entail, in addition to economics, the societal and ecological implications of HD therapy. We discuss how selection of appropriate modes and features of delivery of HD (e.g. treatment modalities and schedules, selection of consumables, product life cycle assessment) could positively impact decision-making towards value-based renal care. Although the delivery of HD therapy is multifactorial and complex, applying cost-effectiveness analyses for the different HD modalities (conventional in-centre and home HD) can support in guiding payability (balance between clinical value and costs) for health systems. For a resource intensive therapy like HD, concerted and fully integrated care strategies need to be urgently implemented to cope with the global demand and burden of HD therapy.

Multitargeted interventions to reduce dialysis-induced systemic stress

Hemodialysis (HD) is a life-sustaining therapy as well as an intermittent and repetitive stress condition for the patient. In ridding the blood of unwanted substances and excess fluid from the blood, the extracorporeal procedure simultaneously induces persistent physiological changes that adversely affect several organs. Dialysis patients experience this systemic stress condition usually thrice weekly and sometimes more frequently depending on the treatment schedule. Dialysis-induced systemic stress results from multifactorial components that include treatment schedule (i.e. modality, treatment time), hemodynamic management (i.e. ultrafiltration, weight loss), intensity of solute fluxes, osmotic and electrolytic shifts and interaction of blood with components of the extracorporeal circuit. Intradialytic morbidity (i.e. hypovolemia, intradialytic hypotension, hypoxia) is the clinical expression of this systemic stress that may act as a disease modifier, resulting in multiorgan injury and long-term morbidity. Thus, while lifesaving, HD exposes the patient to several systemic stressors, both hemodynamic and non-hemodynamic in origin. In addition, a combination of cardiocirculatory stress, greatly conditioned by the switch from hypervolemia to hypovolemia, hypoxemia and electrolyte changes may create pro-arrhythmogenic conditions. Moreover, contact of blood with components of the extracorporeal circuit directly activate circulating cells (i.e. macrophages-monocytes or platelets) and protein systems (i.e. coagulation, complement, contact phase kallikrein-kinin system), leading to induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation, further contributing to poor outcomes. The multifactorial, repetitive HD-induced stress that globally reduces tissue perfusion and oxygenation could have deleterious long-term consequences on the functionality of vital organs such as heart, brain, liver and kidney. In this article, we summarize the multisystemic pathophysiological consequences of the main circulatory stress factors. Strategies to mitigate their effects to provide more cardioprotective and personalized dialytic therapies are proposed to reduce the systemic burden of HD.

Biomarkers of Uremic Cardiotoxicity

Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality increase along with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The potential novel biomarkers of cardiotoxicity have been tested with the aim of the early detection of patients at high CV risk, and among them are markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, acute renal injury, and microRNAs. The study analyzed biomarkers in non-dialysis-dependent (NDD; stage 3a-4 CKD) and dialysis-dependent (DD) CKD patients. The prospective cohort study included 87 patients who were followed for 18 months, during which period newly occurred CV events were recorded. Cox regression analysis confirmed serum albumin, urea, interventricular septum thickness diameter (IVST), the use of calcium antagonist, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent to be significant predictors of CV outcome. No significant difference was observed in biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, acute kidney injury (IL-18, CRP, ferritin, IMA, SOD, NGAL, and KIM-1), and miR-133a, in regards to the presence/absence of CV event, CV death, and left ventricular hypertrophy. Serum albumin, urea, IVST, and the use of calcium antagonist and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents were confirmed to be factors associated with CV events in CKD patients. Apart from traditional risk factors, new research is needed to define novel and reliable biomarkers of cardiotoxicity in CKD patients.

Cardiac geometry, function, and remodeling patterns in patients under maintenance hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatment

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients with end-stage-kidney disease. Evidence on the possible echocardiographic differences between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate differences in left (LA) and right atrial (RA), left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) geometry, systolic and diastolic function in hemodialysis, and PD patients. Thirty-eight hemodialysis and 38 PD patients were matched for age, sex, and dialysis vintage. Two-dimensional and tissue-Doppler echocardiography, and lung ultrasound were performed during an interdialytic day in hemodialysis and before a programmed follow-up visit in PD patients. Vena cava diameter (11.09 ± 4.53 vs. 14.91 ± 4.30 mm; p < 0.001) was significantly lower in hemodialysis patients. Indices of LA, RA, LV, and RV dimensions were similar between the two groups. LVMi (116.91 [38.56] vs. 122.83 [52.33] g/m² ; p = 0.767) was similar, but relative wall thickness was marginally (0.40 [0.14] vs. 0.45 [0.15] cm; p = 0.055) lower in hemodialysis patients. LV hypertrophy prevalence was similar between groups (73.7% vs. 71.1%; p = 0.798), but hemodialysis patients presented eccentric and PD patients concentric LVH. Regarding ventricular systolic function, stroke volume (p = 0.030) and cardiac output (p = 0.036) were higher in hemodialysis, while RV systolic pressure (RVSP) (20.37 [22.54] vs. 27.68 [14.32] mm Hg; p = 0.009) was higher in PD. No significant differences were evidenced in diastolic function indices and lung water excess between the two groups. A moderate association was noted between ultrasound B-lines score and LA volume index (r = 0.465, p < 0.001), RVSP (r = 0.431, p < 0.001), and E/e' ratio (r = 0.304, p = 0.009). Hemodialysis and PD patients present largely similar echocardiographic indices reflecting cardiac geometry, systolic, and diastolic function, but different patterns of abnormal LV remodeling.

Prognostic Implication of Longitudinal Changes in Cardiothoracic Ratio and Aortic Arch Calcification in Hemodialysis Patients

Patients with end-stage renal disease have a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Chest radiography can be used to assess cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) and aortic arch calcification (AoAC). The aims of this longitudinal follow-up study were to investigate factors associated with changes in CTR and AoAC and understand whether these changes are associated with overall and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We enrolled 260 patients undergoing HD who had at least two available chest X-rays from 2008 to 2015. CTR and AoAC were assessed in each patient using measurements from baseline and annual chest X-rays. The CTR increased from 49.05% to 51.86% and the AoAC score increased from 3.84 to 9.73 over 7 years. The estimated slopes were 0.24 (p < 0.0001) for CTR and 0.08 (p = 0.0441) for AoAC. Increased AoAC, older age, female sex, coronary artery disease, and decreased albumin were associated with an increase in CTR, and older age, cerebrovascular disease, decreased albumin, increased Kt/V, and the use of antiplatelet agents were associated with an increase in AoAC. During follow-up, 136 of the 260 (52.3%) patients died, of whom 72 died due to cardiovascular causes. The change in CTR was greater in those who died (p = 0.0125) than in those who survived. The AoAC score was also higher in those who died than in those who survived, although there was no significant difference in the change in AoAC between the two groups (p = 0.8035). CTR and AoAC increased significantly over time in the HD patients in this longitudinal follow-up study, and the change in CTR was greater in those who died than in those who survived. Chest radiography is a simple and useful tool to assess the progression of CTR and AoAC as a prognostic marker.

Experience in Spain with the first patients in home hemodialysis treated with low-flow dialysate monitors

Home hemodialysis (HHD) with low-flow dialysate devices has gained popularity in recent years due to its simple design, portability, and ability to provide greater freedom of movement for our patients. However, there are doubts about the adequacy that this technology offers, since it uses monitors with low-flow bath and lactate. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical benefits of low-flow HHD with the NxStage System One® recently introduced in Spain. We present the results of an observational, retrospective cohort study that included the first patients who started short daily HHD with this device in 12 Spanish centers. We analyzed the evolution of 86 patients at 0, 6 and 12 months, including data related to prescription, and evolution of biochemical parameters related to dialysis dose, anemia, mineral-bone metabolism; evolution of residual renal function, medication usage, and causes of withdrawal during the followup. We were able to demonstrate that this NxStage System One® monitor, in patients with HHD, have provided an adequate dialysis dose, with optimal ultrafiltration rate, with improvement of main biochemical markers of dialysis adequacy. The usage of this technique was associated to a decrease of antihypertensive drugs, phosphate binders and erythropoietin agents, with very good results both patient and technique survival. The simplicity of the technique, together with its good clinical outcomes, should facilitate the growth and utilization of HHD, both in incident and prevalent patients.

Cardiovascular Benefits of Extended-Time Nocturnal Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis (HD) remains the most utilized treatment for End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) globally, mainly as conventional HD administered in 4 h sessions thrice weekly. Despite advances in HD delivery, patients with ESKD carry a heavy cardiovascular morbidity and mortality burden. This is associated with cardiac remodeling, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), myocardial stunning, hypertension, decreased heart rate variability, sleep apnea, coronary calcification and endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, intensive HD regimens closer to renal physiology were developed. They include longer, more frequent dialysis or both. Among them, Nocturnal Hemodialysis (NHD), carried out at night while asleep, provides efficient dialysis without excessive interference with daily activities. This regimen is closer to the physiology of the native kidneys. By providing increased clearance of small and middle molecular weight molecules, NHD can ameliorate uremic symptoms, control hyperphosphatemia and improve quality of life by allowing a liberal diet and free time during the day. Lastly, it improves reproductive biology leading to successful pregnancies. Conversion from conventional to NHD is followed by improved blood pressure control with fewer medications, regression of LVH, improved LV function, improved sleep apnea, and stabilization of coronary calcifications. These beneficial effects have been associated, among others, with better extracellular fluid volume control, improved endothelial- dependent vasodilation, decreased total peripheral resistance, decreased plasma norepinephrine levels and restoration of heart rate variability. Some of these effects represent improvements in outcomes used as surrogates of hard outcomes related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this review, we consider the cardiovascular effects of NHD.

Electrocardiographic parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy and prediction of mortality in hemodialysis patients

Background

In hemodialysis patients, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) contributes to high cardiovascular mortality. We examined cardiovascular mortality prediction by the recently proposed Peguero-Lo Presti voltage since it identifies more patients with electrocardiographic (ECG) LVH than Cornell or Sokolow-Lyon voltages.

Methods

A total of 308 patients on hemodialysis underwent 24 h ECG recordings. LVH parameters were measured before and after dialysis. The primary endpoint of cardiovascular mortality was recorded during a median 3-year follow up. Risk prediction was assessed by Cox regression, both unadjusted and adjusted for the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Cardiovascular Mortality Risk Score.

Results

The Peguero-Lo Presti voltage identified with 21% the most patients with positive LVH criteria. All voltages significantly increased during dialysis. Factors such as ultrafiltration rate, Kt/V, body mass index, sex, and phosphate were the most relevant for these changes. During follow-up, 26 cardiovascular deaths occurred. Post-dialysis Peguero-Lo Presti cut-off as well as the Peguero-Lo Presti and Cornell voltages were independently associated with cardiovascular mortality in unadjusted and adjusted analysis. The Sokolow-Lyon voltage was not significantly associated with mortality. An optimal cut-off for the prediction of cardiovascular mortality was estimated at 1.38 mV for the Peguero-Lo Presti.

Conclusions

The post-dialysis Peguero-Lo Presti cut-off as well as the Peguero-Lo Presti and Cornell voltages allowed independent risk prediction of cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients. Measuring the ECG LVH parameters after dialysis might allow a standardized interpretation as dialysis-specific factors influence the voltages.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40620-021-01068-0.

Axl is related to inflammation in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis (HD) patients often develop chronic inflammation, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications and mortality. Axl and its ligand, growth arrest 6 (Gas6), have been reported to play key roles in regulating the immune response. However, the function of Axl in HD patients has not been clarified.

METHODS

In the present study, we enrolled 130 HD patients and 117 normal controls (NCs) and evaluated the levels of inflammatory markers, soluble Axl (sAxl), membrane Axl (mAxl), and Gas6 in all participants. The potential downstream cascades of Gas6-Axl signaling in HD patients were identified by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.

RESULTS

The levels of inflammatory cytokines-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-plasma sAxl, and Gas6, were significantly increased in HD patients compared to NCs. Additionally, sAxl was positively associated with the inflammatory factor, interleukin-6 (IL-6), in HD patients. Moreover, we found that mAxl in CD14⁺ mononuclear cells and CD19⁺ B cells was increased upon HD. Furthermore, we discovered that the metalloproteinase ADAM17, also called TACE, contributed to the cleavage of mAxl into sAxl, and not ADAM10, in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HD patients. The upregulation of Gas6-mAxl signaling caused the activation of the STAT1-SOCS3 pathway in the PBMCs of HD patients. After two years follow-up, patients with lower sAxl levels had longer survival time than those with higher sAxl levels.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that Axl may play a significant role in systemic inflammation in HD patients.

Randomized Trial of Etelcalcetide for Cardiac Hypertrophy in Hemodialysis

[Figure: see text].

Challenges and Opportunities in Expanding Home Hemodialysis for 2025

The Advancing American Kidney Health Initiative has set an aggressive target for home dialysis growth in the United States, and expanding both peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis (HHD) will be required. While there has been a growth in HHD across the United States in the last decade, its value in controlling specific risk factors has been underappreciated and as such its appropriate utilization has lagged. Repositioning how nephrologists incorporate HHD as a critical renal replacement therapy will require overcoming a number of barriers. Advancing education of both nephrology trainees and nephrologists in practice, along with increasing patient and family education on the benefits and requirements for HHD, is essential. Implementation of a transitional care unit design coupled with an intensive patient curriculum will increase patient awareness and comfort for HHD; patients on peritoneal dialysis reaching a modality transition point will benefit from Experience the Difference programs acclimating them to HHD. In addition, the potential link between HHD program size and patient outcomes will necessitate an increase in the size of the average HHD program to more consistently deliver quality dialysis results. Addressing the implications of the nursing shortage and need for designing in scope staffing models are necessary to safeguard HHD growth. Seemingly, certain government payment policy changes and physician documentation requirements deserve further examination. Future HHD innovations must result in decreasing the burden of care for HHD patients, optimize the level of device and biometric data flow, facilitate a more functional centralized patient management care approach, and leverage computerized clinical decision support for modality assignment.

Value of quantitative analysis of left ventricular systolic function in patients on maintenance hemodialysis based on myocardial work technique

Background

This study aimed to determine the left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) using the myocardial work (MW) technique and investigate the clinical value of the MW technique for the quantitative analysis of left ventricular (LV) systolic function in MHD patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Methods

A total of 68 MHD patients and 35 controls were registered in this study. The MHD patients were divided into the non-left ventricular hypertrophy (NLVH) group (n = 35) and the LVH group (n = 33) according to the LV mass index (LVMI). MW was used to generate the LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), and global wasted work (GWW), global work efficiency (GWE). GLS and the MW parameters (GWI, GCW, GWW, GWE) were compared between groups and the correlations between these parameters and the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in the LVH group were examined. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of MW parameters and GLS for the assessment of LV systolic dysfunction in MHD with LVH patients.

Results

The LVH group had significantly lower GWE, GWI, GCW, and GLS but higher GWW than the control and NLVH groups. Compared with the control group, the NLVH group had significantly lower GWE and GLS and higher GWW, but no significant differences in GWI, GCW were observed between these two groups. The LVEF was negatively correlated with GWW in MHD patients, but positively correlated with GWI, GWE, and GCW in the LVH group. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis revealed that GWE, GWW, GWI, and GCW had appreciable area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for evaluating LV function in LVH patients on MHD.

Conclusions

The MW parameters can quantitatively represent the LV myocardial work in MHD patients. Thus, the technique provides a new method for the quantitative evaluation of LV systolic function in MHD with LVH patients.

Asystole episodes and bradycardia in patients with end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of arrhythmias in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is mainly based on ambulatory electrocardiography (ECG) studies and observations during haemodialysis. We used insertable cardiac monitors to define the prevalence of arrhythmias, focusing on bradyarrhythmias, in ESRD patients treated with several dialysis modes including home therapies. Moreover, we assessed whether these arrhythmias were detected in baseline or ambulatory ECG recordings.

METHODS

Seventy-one patients with a subcutaneously insertable cardiac monitor were followed for up to three years. Asystole (≥4.0 secs) and bradycardia (heart rate <30 bpm for ≥4 beats) episodes, ventricular tachyarrhythmias and atrial fibrillation were collected and verified visually. A baseline ECG and a 24-48-hour ambulatory ECG were recorded at recruitment and once a year thereafter.

RESULTS

At recruitment, forty-four patients were treated in in-center haemodialysis, 12 in home haemodialysis and 15 in peritoneal dialysis. During a median follow-up of 34.4 months, 18 (25.4%) patients had either an asystolic or a bradycardic episode. The median length of each patient's longest asystole was 6.6 seconds and that of a bradycardia 13.5 seconds. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were detected in 16 (23%) patients, and atrial fibrillation in 34 (51%) patients. In-center haemodialysis and type II diabetes were significantly more frequent among those with bradyarrhythmias whereas no bradyarrhythmias were found in home haemodialysis. No bradyarrhythmias were evident in baseline or ambulatory ECG recordings.

CONCLUSIONS

Remarkably many patients with ESRD had bradycardia or asystolic episodes, but these arrhythmias were not detected by baseline or ambulatory ECG.

Speckle-tracking echocardiography in comparison with ejection fraction for prediction of cardiovascular mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). To develop better means to assess cardiovascular risk in these patients, we compared conventional echocardiography-derived left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) with the novel method of 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography to determine cardiac strain.

Methods

Predictive performances of conventional EF and speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived global longitudinal strain (GLS) were compared using receiver-operator curve (ROC) analyses and calibration by calibration plots. We also took into account other known cardiovascular risk factors through multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study comprised 171 ESRD patients (mean age 64 years, 64% male) on maintenance dialysis therapy (93% haemodialysis, 7% peritoneal dialysis) for an average period of 39 months. During 2.1 years of follow-up, 42 patients (25%) died from cardiovascular disease. ROC analysis of GLS resulted in an area under the curve of 0.700 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.603–0.797] compared with an area under the curve of EF of 0.615 (95% CI 0.514–0.716) (P = 0.059 for difference). The total absolute deviation between predicted and observed outcome frequencies obtained by calibration plots were 13.8% for EF compared with only 6.4% for GLS. Best results of ROC analysis (area under the curve = 0.759; P = 0.06), calibration and goodness-of-fit (χ² = 28.34, P ≤ 0.0001, R² = 0.25) were achieved for GLS added to a baseline model consisting of known cardiovascular risk factors in a multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusions

In summary, in chronic dialysis patients, GLS is a more precise predictor of cardiovascular mortality than conventional echocardiography-derived EF.

Volume Balance in Chronic Kidney Disease: Evaluation Methodologies and Innovation Opportunities

BACKGROUND

Patients affected by chronic kidney disease are at a risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Body fluids unbalance is one of the main characteristics of this condition, as fluid overload is highly prevalent in patients affected by the cardiorenal syndrome.

SUMMARY

We describe the state of the art and new insights into body volume evaluation. The mechanisms behind fluid balance are often complex, mainly because of the interplay of multiple regulatory systems. Consequently, its management may be challenging in clinical practice and even more so out-of-hospital. Availability of novel technologies offer new opportunities to improve the quality of care and patients' outcome. Development and validation of new technologies could provide new tools to reduce costs for the healthcare system, promote personalized medicine, and boost home care. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, a proper monitoring of chronic patients suffering from fluid unbalances is extremely relevant. Key Message: We discuss the main mechanisms responsible for fluid overload in different clinical contexts, including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and heart failure, emphasizing the potential impact provided by the implementation of the new technologies.

Relationship between Soluble ST2 and Left Ventricular Geometry in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

INTRODUCTION

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a highly prevalent presentation of cardiac structural abnormality and a strong predictor of adverse outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Different left ventricular geometry may provide additional clinical information. Soluble ST2 is a novel cardiac prognostic biomarker in MHD patients and is closely related to cardiac remodeling.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate the association of sST2 and left ventricular structure in a cohort of MHD patients.

METHODS

Two hundred eighty-seven patients were enrolled. Left ventricular structure was assessed via transthoracic echocardiography. Left ventricular geometric patterns were defined according to left ventricular mass index and relative wall thickness (RWT). Serum sST2 levels were measured.

RESULTS

Prevalence of LVH was 44.9% in the study population. In univariate analysis, sST2 levels were correlated with interventricular septal wall thickness, posterior wall thickness, and RWT. After multivariate adjustment, sST2 was independently correlated with only RWT (p = 0.028). Comparing sST2 concentrations across different LV geometric patterns, we found sST2 levels were significantly increased in patients with concentric cardiac remodeling and concentric LVH.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study found that sST2 were significantly increased in patients with concentric remodeling and concentric LVH. ST2/interleukin (IL)-33 signaling might participate in the process of cardiac remodeling via its pro-fibrotic action. Future studies on the mechanism of ST2/IL-33 pathway are needed.

[Is the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide a predictor of cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients?]

Aim To evaluate the role of N-terminal pro-hormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as a predictor of cardiovascular events (CVE) in patients receiving programmed hemodialysis (PHD).Material and methods This study included 74 patients (men, 64.8 %) older than 18 years receiving PHD. Data were processed using mean values of standard biochemical indexes for 16 months. NT-proBNP level was measured and transthoracic echocardiography (EchoCG) and bioimpedancemetry were performed at the time of inclusion into the study. Cumulative incidence of CVE for 16 months was evaluated in patients with different levels of NT-proBNP (quartile 1: &lt;1127 pg/ml; quartile 1-4: 1127-3210 pg/ml; quartile 4: &gt;3210 pg/ml) using the Kaplan-Meier method. For assessment of NT-proBNP as a CVE predictor, receiver operational characteristic curves (ROC curves) were constructed.Results The serum concentration of NT-proBNP was 2114.5 [1127; 3210.4] pg/ml. During 16 months, CVE were observed in 25.6 % of patients. The risk of CVE increased with increasing NT-proBNP quartile in the analysis of Kaplan-Meier curves (Log-Rank test, p=0.032). In this process, CVE did not develop in patients with NT-proBNP concentrations lower than 1127 pg/ml. The ROC analysis demonstrated a good predictive value of NT-proBNP (p=0.006, AUC 0.71, 95 % CI: 0.59-0.83). The optimum cut-off threshold of the NT-proBNP level predictive of CVE was 2093 pg/ml (sensitivity, 84.2 %, specificity, 58.2 %). CVE developed in patients with greater values of volumetric myocardial parameters, indirect signs of hyperhydration (higher predialysis sodium level and pulmonary artery systolic pressure), smaller volumes of substituate per dialysis procedure, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion In patients receiving programmed extracorporeal therapy, the serum concentration of NT-proBNP was considerably higher than mean values in the general population. Apparently, serum NT-proBNP concentrations in the range of 1127-2093 pg/ml can be used as a predictor for a high risk of CVE in the dialysis population. Pronounced structural alterations of the myocardium, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and hyperhydration are the factors that provide development of CVE on PHD. Large volumes of the PHD substitution solution are associated with a lower incidence of CVE in the dialysis population.