Comparison of peritoneal dialysis with hemodialysis on survival of diabetic patients with end-stage kidney disease: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

Treatment Patterns for End-Stage Kidney Failure in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematous

BACKGROUND

This study aims to examine the treatment patterns of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) among SLE patients and to compare the outcome of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD).

METHODS

SLE patients identified from the national administration dataset in 2005-2021 were linked to the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry to identify ESKD cases. The adjusted odds ratio of having PD instead of HD as the first treatment for ESKD for Asian, Māori, and Pacific compared with European/others was estimated with the logistic regression model. The adjusted hazards ratio of all-cause mortality for patients having PD first compared with HD first was calculated.

RESULTS

Two hundred ten ESKD patients with SLE were identified. Two thirds (137/210) of the ESKD patients had HD as the first treatment, and one third (68, 32.4%) had PD first. Around 60% of Asian patients had PD as the first treatment, compared with 30% in other ethnic groups. The adjusted odds ratio of having PD as the first treatment for Asian patients compared with European/others was 3.00 (95% confidence interval, 1.16-7.73). The adjusted hazards ratio of all-cause mortality for patients in the PD group compared with the HD group was 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Asian patients with ESKD were more likely to have PD as the first treatment. The optimal dialysis type for ESKD patients with SLE might be different from ESKD patients caused by other diseases. ESKD patients with SLE receiving PD first had superior outcomes than patients receiving HD first.

Peritoneal dialysis versus haemodialysis for people commencing dialysis

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis (HD) are two possible modalities for people with kidney failure commencing dialysis. Only a few randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated PD versus HD. The benefits and harms of the two modalities remain uncertain. This review includes both RCTs and non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of PD, compared to HD, in people with kidney failure initiating dialysis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies from 2000 to June 2024 using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register were identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for NRSIs from 2000 until 28 March 2023.

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs and NRSIs evaluating PD compared to HD in people initiating dialysis were eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two investigators independently assessed if the studies were eligible and then extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using standard Cochrane methods, and relevant outcomes were extracted for each report. The primary outcome was residual kidney function (RKF). Secondary outcomes included all-cause, cardiovascular and infection-related death, infection, cardiovascular disease, hospitalisation, technique survival, life participation and fatigue.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 153 reports of 84 studies (2 RCTs, 82 NRSIs) were included. Studies varied widely in design (small single-centre studies to international registry analyses) and in the included populations (broad inclusion criteria versus restricted to more specific participants). Additionally, treatment delivery (e.g. automated versus continuous ambulatory PD, HD with catheter versus arteriovenous fistula or graft, in-centre versus home HD) and duration of follow-up varied widely. The two included RCTs were deemed to be at high risk of bias in terms of blinding participants and personnel and blinding outcome assessment for outcomes pertaining to quality of life. However, most other criteria were assessed as low risk of bias for both studies. Although the risk of bias (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) was generally low for most NRSIs, studies were at risk of selection bias and residual confounding due to the constraints of the observational study design. In children, there may be little or no difference between HD and PD on all-cause death (6 studies, 5752 participants: RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.07; I2 = 28%; low certainty) and cardiovascular death (3 studies, 7073 participants: RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.59; I2 = 29%; low certainty), and was unclear for infection-related death (4 studies, 7451 participants: RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.46; I2 = 56%; very low certainty). In adults, compared with HD, PD had an uncertain effect on RKF (mL/min/1.73 m2) at six months (2 studies, 146 participants: MD 0.90, 95% CI 0.23 to 3.60; I2 = 82%; very low certainty), 12 months (3 studies, 606 participants: MD 1.21, 95% CI -0.01 to 2.43; I2 = 81%; very low certainty) and 24 months (3 studies, 334 participants: MD 0.71, 95% CI -0.02 to 1.48; I2 = 72%; very low certainty). PD had uncertain effects on residual urine volume at 12 months (3 studies, 253 participants: MD 344.10 mL/day, 95% CI 168.70 to 519.49; I2 = 69%; very low certainty). PD may reduce the risk of RKF loss (3 studies, 2834 participants: RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.68; I2 = 17%; low certainty). Compared with HD, PD had uncertain effects on all-cause death (42 studies, 700,093 participants: RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.98; I2 = 99%; very low certainty). In an analysis restricted to RCTs, PD may reduce the risk of all-cause death (2 studies, 1120 participants: RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.86; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty). PD had uncertain effects on both cardiovascular (21 studies, 68,492 participants: RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.19; I2 = 92%) and infection-related death (17 studies, 116,333 participants: RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.42; I2 = 98%) (both very low certainty). Compared with HD, PD had uncertain effects on the number of patients experiencing bacteraemia/bloodstream infection (2 studies, 2582 participants: RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.18; I2 = 68%) and the number of patients experiencing infection episodes (3 studies, 277 participants: RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.62; I2 = 20%) (both very low certainty). PD may reduce the number of bacteraemia/bloodstream infection episodes (2 studies, 2637 participants: RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.71; I2 = 24%; low certainty). Compared with HD; It is uncertain whether PD reduces the risk of acute myocardial infarction (4 studies, 110,850 participants: RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.10; I2 = 55%), coronary artery disease (3 studies, 5826 participants: RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.97; I2 = 62%); ischaemic heart disease (2 studies, 58,374 participants: RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.28; I2 = 95%), congestive heart failure (3 studies, 49,511 participants: RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.21; I2 = 89%) and stroke (4 studies, 102,542 participants: RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.99; I2 = 0%) because of low to very low certainty evidence. Compared with HD, PD had uncertain effects on the number of patients experiencing hospitalisation (4 studies, 3282 participants: RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.30; I2 = 97%) and all-cause hospitalisation events (4 studies, 42,582 participants: RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.29; I2 = 91%) (very low certainty). None of the included studies reported specifically on life participation or fatigue. However, two studies evaluated employment. Compared with HD, PD had uncertain effects on employment at one year (2 studies, 593 participants: RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.20 to 3.43; I2 = 97%; very low certainty).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The comparative effectiveness of PD and HD on the preservation of RKF, all-cause and cause-specific death risk, the incidence of bacteraemia, other vascular complications (e.g. stroke, cardiovascular events) and patient-reported outcomes (e.g. life participation and fatigue) are uncertain, based on data obtained mostly from NRSIs, as only two RCTs were included.

The effect of dialysis modality on annual mortality: A prospective cohort study

Despite numerous studies on the effect of each dialysis modality on mortality, the issue remains controversial. We investigated the hazard rate of mortality in patients with incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD) concerning initial dialysis modality (hemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis). Using a nationwide, multicenter, prospective cohort in South Korea, we studied 2207 patients, of which 1647 (74.6%) underwent hemodialysis. We employed the weighted Fine and Gray model over the follow-up period using inverse probability of treatment and censoring weighting. Landmark analysis was used for identifying the changing effect of dialysis modality on individuals who remained event-free at each landmark point. No significant difference in hazard rate was observed overall. However, the peritoneal dialysis group had a significantly higher hazard rate than the hemodialysis group among patients under 65 years after 4- and 5- year follow-up. A similar pattern was observed among those with diabetes mellitus. Landmark analysis also showed the higher hazard rate for peritoneal dialysis at 2 years for the education-others group and at 3 years for the married group. These findings may inform dialysis modality decisions, suggesting a preference for hemodialysis in young patients with diabetes, especially for follow-ups longer than 3 years.

Improving accuracy of vascular access quality classification in hemodialysis patients using deep learning with K highest score feature selection

OBJECTIVE

To develop and evaluate a novel feature selection technique, using photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, for enhancing the performance of deep learning models in classifying vascular access quality in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved creating a novel feature selection method based on SelectKBest principles, specifically designed to optimize deep learning models for PPG sensor data, in hemodialysis patients. The method effectiveness was assessed by comparing the performance of multiple deep learning models using the feature selection approach versus complete feature set. The model with the highest accuracy was then trained and tested using a 70:30 approach, respectively, with the full dataset and the SelectKBest dataset. Performance results were compared using Student's paired t-test.

RESULTS

Data from 398 hemodialysis patients were included. The 1-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN1D) displayed the highest accuracy among different models. Implementation of the SelectKBest-based feature selection technique resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the CNN1D model's performance, achieving an accuracy of 92.05% (with feature selection) versus 90.79% (with full feature set).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the newly developed feature selection approach might aid in accurately predicting vascular access quality in hemodialysis patients. This advancement may contribute to the development of reliable diagnostic tools for identifying vascular complications, such as stenosis, potentially improving patient outcomes and their quality of life.

Mortality and mode of dialysis: meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

The global use of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) has increased, mirroring the incidence of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Despite its growing clinical usage, patient outcomes with KRT modalities remain controversial. In this meta-analysis, we sought to compare the mortality outcomes of patients with any kidney disease requiring peritoneal dialysis (PD), hemodialysis (HD), or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

METHODS

The investigation was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were screened for randomized trials and observational studies comparing mortality rates with different KRT modalities in patients with acute or chronic kidney failure. A random-effects model was applied to compute the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) with CRRT vs. HD, CRRT vs. PD, and HD vs. PD. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics, and sensitivity using leave-one-out analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen eligible studies were identified, allowing comparisons of mortality risk with different dialytic modalities. The relative risk was non-significant in CRRT vs. PD [RR = 0.95, (95%CI 0.53, 1.73), p = 0.92 from 4 studies] and HD vs. CRRT [RR = 1.10, (95%CI 0.95, 1.27), p = 0.21 from five studies] comparisons. The findings remained unchanged in the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. Although PD was associated with lower mortality risk than HD [RR = 0.78, (95%CI 0.62, 0.97), p = 0.03], the significance was lost with the exclusion of 4 out of 5 included studies.

CONCLUSION

The current evidence indicates that while patients receiving CRRT may have similar mortality risks compared to those receiving HD or PD, PD may be associated with lower mortality risk compared to HD. However, high heterogeneity among the included studies limits the generalizability of our findings. High-quality studies comparing mortality outcomes with different dialytic modalities in CKD are necessary for a more robust safety and efficacy evaluation.

Inhibition of EZH2 mitigates peritoneal fibrosis and lipid precipitation in peritoneal mesothelial cells mediated by klotho

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal fibrosis caused by long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the main reason why patients withdraw from PD treatment. Lipid accumulation in the peritoneum was shown to participate in fibrosis, and klotho is a molecule involved in lipid metabolism. GSK343 (enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) inhibitor) has been verified to inhibit epithelial mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) and peritoneal fibrosis, but its related mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether lipid accumulation was involved in the effect of GSK343 and its related mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the expression of EZH2, klotho and EMT indices in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HMrSV5) incubated with high glucose (HG) levels was detected. After EZH2 was inhibited by GSK343, Western blot (WB), wound healing and Transwell assays were used to explore the effect of GSK343. EZH2 and klotho expression was also detected. Oil red O and Nile red staining and triglyceride (TG) detection kits were used to detect lipid accumulation. A rescue experiment with small interfering RNA specific for klotho (si-klotho) on the basis of GSK343 was also conducted to verify that GSK343 exerted its effect via klotho. In in vivo experiments, rats were administered GSK343, and the related index was assessed.

RESULTS

In our study, we revealed that the expression of EZH2 was significantly upregulated and klotho was significantly downregulated in HMrSV5 cells induced by high glucose. With the aid of GSK343, we found that lipid deposition caused by HG was significantly decreased. In addition, EMT and fibrosis were also significantly alleviated. Moreover, GSK343 could also restore the downregulation of klotho. To further verify whether klotho mediated the effect of EZH2, a rescue experiment with si-klotho was also conducted. The results showed that si-klotho could counteract the protective effect of GSK343 on high glucose-induced lipid accumulation and fibrosis. In vivo experiments also revealed that GSK343 could relieve peritoneal fibrosis, lipid deposition and EMT by mitigating EZH2 and restoring klotho expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining these findings, we found that EZH2 regulated lipid deposition, peritoneal fibrosis, and EMT mediated by klotho. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the effect of the EZH2-klotho interaction on peritoneal fibrosis. Hence, EZH2 and klotho could act as potential targets for the treatment of peritoneal fibrosis.

Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Kidney Failure in People with HIV-Infection in Africa: Current Status and a Call to Action

There is an increasing global burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), coupled with a high burden of people with HIV (PWH). Due to an increased lifespan on ART, PWH are now at risk of developing non-communicable diseases, including DM. Africa has the greatest burden of HIV infection and will experience the greatest increase in prevalence of DM over the next two decades. In addition, there is a rising number of people with CKD and progression to kidney failure. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the early identification and management of all 3 diseases to prevent disease progression and complications. This is particularly important in Africa for people with CKD where there is restricted or no access to dialysis and/or transplantation. This review focuses on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the interaction between HIV infection and DM and the impact that these diseases have on the development and progression of CKD. Finally, it also aims to review the data on the management, which stems from the growing burden of all three diseases.

Chinese experience on comparison of clinical efficacy and safety of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in the treatment of diabetic kidney failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) in the treatment of diabetic kidney failure.

Methods

Five databases were selected to retrieve research on PD and HD for diabetic kidney failure until 6 August 2022. A fixed-effects or random-effects model was utilized to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR) based on the heterogeneity among studies.

Results

Sixteen studies were included. The results showed that patients with diabetic kidney failure treated with PD had lower levels of albumin, total protein, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and higher levels of urine volume, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and lower risk of cardiovascular and bleeding events, with significant statistical difference when compared with patients treated with HD (albumin: SMD = -1.22, 95%CI: -1.53, -0.91; total protein: SMD = -0.96, 95%CI: -1.16, -0.77; SBP: SMD = -0.35, 95%CI: -0.64, -0.06; urine volume: SMD = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.40, 0.96; creatinine: SMD = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.27, 0.72; BUN: SMD = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.25, 0.85; cardiovascular events: OR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.28, 0.62; bleeding: OR = 0.41, 95%CI 0.27, 0.62).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis summarized the advantages and disadvantages of PD and HD for treating diabetic kidney failure patients. Compared with HD, PD is more effective in preserving residual kidney function, reducing hemodynamic effect, and lowering the risk of bleeding and cardiovascular events in diabetic kidney failure patients, but it also predisposes to protein-energy malnutrition and increases the risk of infection.

Microalbuminuria as the Tip of Iceberg in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Associated Diabetic Complications

Background Microalbuminuria (MA) is an important clinical marker for the early detection of kidney damage in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), also known as urine microalbumin, is a sign of diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is a prevalent complication of diabetes and can result in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) if not managed. The prevalence of MA in T2DM has been steadily increasing worldwide, making it a significant public health concern. The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of MA and its relationship to hypertension and other diabetic complications among people with T2DM. Methodology This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February 5, 2022, to February 10, 2023, to analyse data from T2DM patients who visited the outpatient diabetic clinic of Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. This study included a total of 640 patients, aged 35-60 years, who had been diagnosed with T2DM for at least five years and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics, blood pressure (BP) measurements, and laboratory investigations were collected. MA was assessed based on the ACR in a spot urine sample of more than 30 mg/l. Blood pressure greater than 140/90 or already taking anti-hypertensives was taken to constitute hypertension. Factors associated with MA like hypertension, gender, mode of diabetes treatment, duration of diabetes, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), dyslipidemia, and other diabetic complications such as retinopathy and neuropathy were also recorded. Results The prevalence of MA in this study of T2DM patients study was 39.1%. The mean age of the participants with MA was 53.9 with a standard deviation (SD) of 6.1 years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 10.1 years (SD 6.2 years); 101 (33.4%) males (n=302) and 103 (30.5%) females (n=338) had MA.  There was a statistically significant correlation between MA > 30mg/d and hypertension (p = <0.001), diabetes duration since diagnosis (p=0.04), HbA1C level (p = <0.001), dyslipidemia (p=0.001), therapy type (p = <0.001), triglyceridemia (p = 0.03), history of diabetes retinopathy (p= <0.002), and peripheral neuropathy (p= <0.001). However, there was no statistically significant correlation between MA and age (p = 0.56), female gender (p = 0.08), low- and high-density lipids, or statin use (p = 0.06). Conclusion The prevalence of microalbuminuria among T2DM patients is significantly high (39.1%) and is positively correlated with various factors such as male gender, hypertension, suboptimal control of diabetes mellitus, high HbA1c levels, longer disease duration, dyslipidemia with high triglycerides, treatment modalities of T2DM, and other diabetic complications like neuropathy and retinopathy. As diabetes is very prevalent in our country, the number of patients with diabetic kidney disease will rise significantly in the near future, leading to ESRD and other diabetic complications, and immediate intervention is needed to prevent this. Further research is warranted to explore potential interventions and evaluate their impact on patient outcomes.

Global coagulation assays in patients with chronic kidney disease and their role in predicting thrombotic risk

BACKGROUND

Despite cardiovascular diseases and thrombosis being major causes of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), there remains no effective biomarker to predict thrombotic risk in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate global coagulation assays in patients with CKD and correlate the biomarkers to clinical outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with eGFR<30 mL/min/1.73m² were recruited (n = 90) in this prospective observational study. Blood samples were collected for global coagulation assays, including thromboelastography, calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT), overall hemostatic potential (OHP) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI).

RESULTS

Following adjustment for age and gender, CKD subjects (mean age 66 years, 36 % female) had increased maximum amplitude on thromboelastography (70.1 vs 60.2 mm, p < 0.001), higher peak thrombin (233.2 vs 219.7 mm, p = 0.030) and increased OHP (16.1 vs 6.4 units, p < 0.001) compared to healthy controls (n = 153). TFPI was also increased in CKD patients (36.4 vs 14.5 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Compared to hemodialysis patients (n = 43), peritoneal-dialysis patients (n = 25) had more hypercoagulable parameters. Thirty-five CKD patients reported thrombotic complications - key predictors included dialysis, higher fibrinogen, reduced endogenous thrombin potential, elevated D-dimer and increased TFPI. Using the dialysis cohort, the predictive risk model based on the key predictors performed better than Framingham heart score and number of cardiovascular risk factors (Harrell's C-stat 0.862 vs 0.585 vs 0.565).

CONCLUSION

CKD appears to confer a hypercoagulable state compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, reduced thrombin generation and raised TFPI was paradoxically associated with increased thrombotic risks, highlighting possible complex compensatory mechanisms within the coagulation system, which may be important in predicting clinical outcomes.

Characteristics and 1-year survival of incident patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis compared with hemodialysis:a large 11-year cohort study

PURPOSE

Few studies have evaluated patients' characteristics and survival by dialysis modality in Brazil. We evaluated changes in dialysis modality and its survival in the country.

METHODS

This is a retrospective database of a cohort with incident chronic dialysis patients from Brazil. Patients' characteristics and one-year multivariate survival risk were assessed considering dialysis modality from 2011 to 2016 and 2017 to 2021. Survival analysis was also performed on a reduced sample after adjustment using propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Of the 8295 dialysis patients, 5.3% were on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 94.7% on hemodialysis (HD). PD patients had higher BMI, schooling and the prevalence of elective dialysis starting in the first period than those on HD. In the second period, PD patients were predominantly women, non-white, from the Southeast region, and funded by the public health system, having more frequent elective dialysis starting and predialysis nephrologist follow-ups than those on HD. There was no difference in mortality comparing PD and HD (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.39-2.42; and HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.63-2.16; first and second period, respectively). This non-significantly different survival between both dialysis methods was also found in the reduced matched sample. Higher age and non-elective dialysis initiation were associated with higher mortality. In the second period, the lack of predialysis nephrologist follow-up and living in the Southeast region increased the mortality risk.

CONCLUSION

Some sociodemographic factors have changed according to dialysis modality over the last decade in Brazil. The one-year survival of the two dialysis methods was comparable.

Patients with end-stage renal disease and diabetes had similar survival rates whether they received hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND

The survival rate of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing maintenance dialysis, including hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD), is markedly lower than that observed in patients with ESRD without DM.

METHODS

We used propensity score matching to balance the clinical characteristics of patients from the HD and PD groups. We compared the survival rate between HD or PD, followed by Cox regression analyses accounting for age, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), body mass index (BMI), and serum albumin levels to examine the outcome influence of dialysis modalities.

RESULTS

During follow-up, there were 19 (18.1%) and 18 (17.1%) deaths among patients who underwent HD and PD, respectively (P = 0.856). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses showed no significant difference in overall survival between patients in the HD and PD groups. Cox regression analyses stratified based on age, CCI, BMI, and serum albumin demonstrated that the choice of HD over PD did not influence survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of age, CCI, BMI, and albumin level, patients with DM and ESRD had similar survival rates whether they received HD or PD in China. The choice of dialysis modality should be individualized according to patients' physical status and local practices for patients with DM and ESRD.

Effect of Dialysis Modalities on All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Mortality in End-Stage Kidney Disease: A Taiwan Renal Registry Data System (TWRDS) 2005-2012 Study

Introduction: End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients who need renal replacement therapy need to face a dialysis modality decision: the choice between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Although the global differences in HD/PD penetration are affected by health-care policies, these two modalities may exert different effects on survival in patients with ESKD. Although Taiwan did not implicate PD as first policy, we still need to compare patients’ outcomes using two modalities in a nation-wise database to determine future patients’ care and health policies. Methods: We used the nationwide Taiwan Renal Registry Data System (TWRDS) database from 2005 to 2012 and included 52,900 patients (48,371 on HD and 4529 on PD) to determine all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among ESKD patients. Results: Age-matched survival probability from all-cause mortality was significantly lower in patients on PD than in those on HD (p < 0.05). The adjusted hazard ratios of 3-year and 5-year all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were significantly higher in PD compared with HD. The presence of comorbid conditions including myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus (DM), hypoalbuminemia, hyperferritinemia and hypophosphatemia was related with significantly higher all-cause and CV mortality in PD patients. No significant difference was noted among younger patients <45 years of age regardless of DM and/or comorbid conditions. Conclusion: Although PD did not have the survival advantage compared to HD in all dialysis populations, PD was related with superior survival in younger non-DM patients, regardless of the presence of comorbidities. Similarly, for younger ESKD patients without the risk of CV disease, both PD and HD would be suitable dialysis modalities.

First-year mortality in incident dialysis patients: results of the Peridialysis study

Background

Controversy surrounds which factors are important for predicting early mortality after dialysis initiation (DI). We investigated associations of predialysis course and circumstances affecting planning and execution of DI with mortality following DI.

Methods

Among 1580 patients participating in the Peridialysis study, a study of causes and timing of DI, we registered features of predialysis course, clinical and biochemical data at DI, incidence of unplanned suboptimal DI, contraindications to peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD), and modality preference, actual choice, and cause of modality choice. Patients were followed for 12 months or until transplantation. A flexible parametric model was used to identify independent factors associated with all-cause mortality.

Results

First-year mortality was 19.33%. Independent factors predicting death were high age, comorbidity, clinical contraindications to PD or HD, suboptimal DI, high eGFR, low serum albumin, hyperphosphatemia, high C-reactive protein, signs of overhydration and cerebral symptoms at DI. Among 1061 (67.2%) patients who could select dialysis modality based on personal choice, 654 (61.6%) chose PD, 368 (34.7%) center HD and 39 (3.7%) home HD. The 12-months survival did not differ significantly between patients receiving PD and in-center HD.

Conclusions

First-year mortality in incident dialysis patients was in addition to high age and comorbidity, associated with clinical contraindications to PD or HD, clinical symptoms, hyperphosphatemia, inflammation, and suboptimal DI. In patients with a “free” choice of dialysis modality based on their personal preferences, PD and in-center HD led to broadly similar short-term outcomes.

Comparison of planned-start, early-start and deferred-start strategies for peritoneal dialysis initiation in end-stage kidney disease

INTRODUCTION

In patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) suitable for peritoneal dialysis (PD), PD should ideally be planned and initiated electively (planned-start PD). If patients present late, some centres initiate PD immediately with an urgent-start PD strategy. However, as urgent-start PD is resource intensive, we evaluated another strategy where patients first undergo emergent haemodialysis (HD), followed by early PD catheter insertion, and switch to PD 48-72 hours after PD catheter insertion (early-start PD). Conventionally, late-presenting patients are often started on HD, followed by deferred PD catheter insertion before switching to PD≥14 days after catheter insertion (deferred start PD).

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of new ESKD patients, comparing the planned-start, early-start and deferred-start PD strategies. Outcomes within 1 year of dialysis initiation were studied.

RESULTS

Of 148 patients, 57 (38.5%) patients had planned-start, 23 (15.5%) early-start and 68 (45.9%) deferred-start PD. Baseline biochemical parameters were similar except for a lower serum urea with planned-start PD. No significant differences were seen in the primary outcomes of technique and patient survival across all 3 subgroups. Compared to planned-start PD, early-start PD had a shorter time to catheter migration (hazard ratio [HR] 14.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-121.04, P=0.016) while deferred-start PD has a shorter time to first peritonitis (HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.03-6.01, P=0.043) and first hospital admission (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.35-3.07, P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Planned-start PD is the best PD initiation strategy. However, if this is not possible, early-start PD is a viable alternative. Catheter migration may be more frequent with early-start PD but does not appear to impact technique survival.

Propensity-matched comparison of mortality between peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

The optimal choice of dialysis modality for diabetic patients remains controversial. This study aimed to compare mortality between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

Our observational, longitudinal cohort consisted of all incident ESRD patients with T2D who received either PD or HD in our center from January 2012 to December 2017 and were followed until December 2019. Propensity scores were used to select a 1:1 matched cohort. Mortality was compared between dialysis modalities using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and risk factors for mortality were estimated using multivariate Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

The median follow-up times were 35.5 months in the PD group (n = 134) and 41.6 months in the HD group (n = 134, p = 0.0381). The 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 7-year patient survival rates were 98%, 91%, 77%, 61%, and 35% for diabetic PD patients and 96%, 88%, 81%, 60%, and 57% for diabetic HD patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that overall mortality did not significantly differ between modalities (log-rank = 0.9473, p = 0.6575). Using a multivariate Cox regression model, advanced age and increased cholesterol at the initiation of PD treatment were independent risk factors associated with mortality, whereas under HD therapy, the risk factors associated with mortality were lower BMI and higher HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that in patients with T2D, mortality is comparable between PD and HD irrespective of whether there are the first 2 years or over the 2-year period, and that different mortality predictor patterns exist between patients treated with PD versus HD.

Comparison of mortality and complications between urgent-start peritoneal dialysis and urgent-start hemodialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The advantages of urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) vis-à-vis urgent-start hemodialysis (HD) are not clear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the two modalities. Databases of PubMed, Embase, Ovoid, and Google Scholar were searched up to November 1, 2020. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes were dialysis-related infectious complications and mechanical complications. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for all outcomes. Seven studies were included. The pooled analysis revealed a statistically significant reduced risk of all-cause mortality in patients undergoing urgent-start PD as compared to urgent-start HD (RR: 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.40, 0.94], I²  = 56.34%). A meta-analysis of dialysis-related infectious complications indicated no statistically significant difference between the two modalities (RR: 0.66, 95% CI [0.29, 1.50], I²  = 69.62%). Our analysis revealed a statistically significant reduced risk of mechanical complications in patients undergoing urgent-start PD (RR: 0.54, 95% CI [0.40, 0.73], I²  = 0%). To conclude, unadjusted data from observational studies are indicative of lower mortality and lower risk of mechanical complications with urgent-start PD versus urgent-start HD. The risk of infectious complications was not different between the two groups. Further studies with a larger sample size using propensity-matched cohorts are needed to strengthen current evidence.

Risk Factors Associated with All-Cause Death Among Dialysis Patients with Diabetes

BACKGROUND Patients receiving dialysis who also have diabetes mellitus have high mortality. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with all-cause death among Polish patients with diabetes receiving dialysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective observational study included 100 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who were treated with peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Blood laboratory tests, the occurrence of diabetes complications, and comorbidity, using the Charlson Comorbidity Index, were estimated. Survival analysis was performed using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, and Kaplan-Meyer survival analyses with log-rank tests were performed to show differences between groups. RESULTS During 16.0±5.0 months, 23 patients died. The deceased group had significantly higher levels of HbA1c (P=0.046) and fructosamine (P=0.011) than the surviving group. The deceased patients also had higher comorbidity scores (P=0.013). In the stepwise multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack was an independent risk factor of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 3.15, 95% CI 1.34-7.39; P=0.009), while regular physical activity significantly reduced the risk of all-cause death (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08-0.87; P=0.029). CONCLUSIONS Deceased patients had higher HbA1c and fructosamine levels and higher comorbidity. However, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack was an independent risk factor of all-cause death, while regular physical activity was associated with the reduction of the risk of all-cause death in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes treated with peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Regular physical activity should be recommended to improve survival in this population.

Comparison of long-term outcomes between Chinese peritoneal dialysis patients with and without diabetes: A 10-year cohort study

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with and without diabetes in southern China.

METHODS

This retrospective and observational cohort study included all adult patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who received PD in our center from January 2009 to December 2017 and were followed until December 2019. Clinical outcomes were compared by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and cumulative incidence function, and risk factors were estimated using Cox regression analyses and competing risk models.

RESULTS

Of 401 patients receiving PD, 120 (29.9%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and 281 (70.1%) did not have diabetes mellitus (NDM). Patients with DM were older and had more cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidities than patients without DM. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with DM had shorter survival (Log-rank 3.215, P < 0.0001) compared with patients without DM. Patients with DM had a lower death-censored technique survival (Log-rank 2.029, P = 0.0180), however, there was no significant difference in peritonitis-free period (Log rank 1.375, P = 0.1133). These results were reproduced after taking competing events into account. Both on multivariate Cox analysis and on multivariate competing risk regression, diabetes was an independent predictor for increased mortality and technique failure, but not for peritonitis-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing PD with DM had increased risk of mortality and technique failure, and closer monitoring and additional focus in patients with DM treated by PD are, therefore, warranted.

Comparative study on the efficacy of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis in patients with end-stage diabetic nephropathy

Objective

Diabetic nephropathy is a serious threat to human health, and its incidence is on the rise. End-stage diabetic nephropathy (ESDN) requires extra investigation due to its complexity and severity, as well as serious concurrent diseases. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in the treatment of ESDN.

Methods

Clinical data of 84 patients with ESDN admitted to our hospital from June 2016 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into an HD group that received hemodialysis and a PD group that received peritoneal dialysis. Their general conditions, biochemical indicators, residual renal function and incidence of complications were recorded and compared between the two groups.

Results

(1) No significant difference in diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, body weight, or urine output was detected between the two groups at the beginning of dialysis (P>0.05). (2) Compared to the PD group, the HD group had significantly lower total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) (P<0.05), and significantly higher total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) after treatment (P<0.05). (3) The two groups also showed significant difference in residual renal function after treatment (P<0.05). (4) The HD group had significantly higher systolic pressure than the PD group after treatment (P<0.05). And more cases of infection were observed in the PD group than the HD group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Both HD and PD are used for treatment of ESDN, and can achieve similar calcium and phosphorus control. Compared to HD, PD has less adverse effect on hemodynamics and better preserves residual renal function, but is more likely to cause malnutrition and disorders of lipid metabolism. Therefore, choice of dialysis method should be based on specific conditions of each patient.

Controversies in the application of corticosteroids for pediatric septic shock treatment: a preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis-compliant updated meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Septic shock is the major cause of childhood mortality. However, the application of corticosteroids remains controversial. This work aimed to analyze the source of controversy based on existing data and recent randomized controlled trials by meta-analysis and to assess whether it can avoid these factors to guide clinical treatment.

METHODS

We searched the public databases up to 8 June 2019 and included only randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was mortality. Sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and dose-response meta-analysis were performed in this work.

RESULTS

We included twelve studies consisting of 701 children in the meta-analysis. For primary outcome, the fixed-effect model showed steroids could significantly reduce the mortality compared to the control (Odds Ratio: 0.67; 95% confidence interval: 0.46-0.98; P = .041). However, the random-effect model showed a negative result (Odds Ratio: 0.69; 95% confidence interval: 0.32-1.51; P = .252). None of the subgroup results rejected the null hypothesis that the overall effect equaled zero. Dose-response effect analysis showed that increased dosage at a low dosage might reduce the mortality, while at a high dosage, increasing the dose might increase the mortality. Moreover, the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation level of evidence is low for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Corticosteroid application is not recommended for septic shock children under current medical conditions.

When ESKD complicates the management of diabetes mellitus

Given the increased incidence and prevalence of ESKD (end-stage kidney disease) attributed to diabetes mellitus, it is important to consider the physiological and global sociodemographic factors that give rise to unique challenges in providing excellent care to this population. The individual with diabetes and ESKD faces alterations of glucose homeostasis that require close therapeutic attention, as well as the consideration of safe and effective means of maintaining glycemic control. Implementation of routine monitoring of blood glucose and thoughtful alteration of the individual's hypoglycemic drug regimen must be employed to reduce the risk of neurological, cardiovascular, and diabetes-specific complications that may arise as a result of ESKD. Titration of insulin therapy may become quite challenging, as kidney replacement therapy often significantly impacts insulin requirements. New medications have significantly improved the ability of the clinician to provide effective therapies for the management of diabetes, but have also raised an equal amount of uncertainty with respect to their safety and efficacy in the ESKD population. Additionally, the clinician must consider the challenges related to the delivery of kidney replacement therapy, and how inter-modality differences may impact glycemic control, diabetes, and ESKD-related complications, and issues surrounding dialysis vascular access creation.

Complications and outcomes of urgent-start peritoneal dialysis in elderly patients with end-stage renal disease in China: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the complications and survival of elderly patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who received urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (USPD) or urgent-start haemodialysis (USHD), and to explore the value of peritoneal dialysis (PD) as the emergent dialysis method for elderly patients with ESRD.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Two tertiary care hospitals in Shanghai, China.

PARTICIPANTS

Chinese patients (n=542) >65 years of age with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤15 mL/min/m2 who received urgent-start dialysis between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2015, and with at least 3 months of treatment. Patients who converted to other dialysis methods, regardless of the initial dialysis method, were excluded, as well as those with comorbidities that could significantly affect their dialysis outcomes.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Dialysis-related complications and survival were compared. Patients were followed until death, stopped PD, transfer to other dialysis centres, loss to follow-up or 31 December 2016.

RESULTS

There were 309 patients in the USPD group and 233 in the USHD group. The rate of dialysis-related complications within 30 days after catheter implantation was significantly lower in the USPD group compared with the USHD group (4.5% vs 10.7%, p=0.031). The 6-month and 1, 2 and 3-year survival rates were 95.3%, 91.4%, 86.6% and 64.8% in the USPD group, and 92.2%, 85.7%, 70.2% and 57.8% in the USHD group, respectively (p=0.023). The multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that USHD (HR=2.220, 95% CI 1.298 to 3.790; p=0.004), age (HR=1.025, 95% CI 1.013 to 1.043, p<0.001) and hypokalaemia (HR=0.678, 95% CI 0.487 to 0.970; p=0.032) were independently associated with death.

CONCLUSIONS

USPD was associated with slightly better survival compared with USHD. USPD was associated with fewer complications and better survival than USHD in elderly patients with ESRD.