Anticoagulant-related nephropathy: systematic review and meta-analysis

Associations of acute kidney injury with oral anticoagulants: a disproportionality analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database

OBJECTIVE

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) was used to evaluate the associations between oral anticoagulants (OACs) and acute kidney injury (AKI).

METHODS

Disproportionality analysis was applied to data in the FAERS database from January 2004 to December 2023 to detect adverse events (AEs) for various OACs. The adjusted reporting odds ratios (RORs) calculated using multiple logistic regression were used to explore the risk factors for OACs-associated AKI.

RESULTS

The crude RORs for the associations of AKI with warfarin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, and edoxaban were 1.35, 2.14, 2.98, 1.33, and 3.56, respectively. The risk of OACs-associated AKI was affected by age and sex, being higher in those aged 65 years and males. The adjusted RORs for rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, and edoxaban were 1.26, 1.67, 0.65, and 2.06, respectively.Nearly 50% of AKI cases occurred within the first 2 months, and each OAC was of the early-failure type. Hospitalization and mortality rates for AKI patients after OACs were 45.53% and 22.98%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed a strong association between AKI and OACs, emphasizing the need for regular renal function monitoring , especially in elderly male patients. Further in-depth research is needed to confirm these exploratory findings.

The impact of chronic kidney disease on prognosis in acute stroke: unraveling the pathophysiology and clinical complexity for optimal management

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increases stroke risk and severity, posing challenges in both acute management and long-term outcomes. CKD contributes to cerebrovascular pathology through systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, vascular calcification, impaired cerebral autoregulation, and a prothrombotic state, all of which exacerbate stroke risk and outcomes.

METHODS

This review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed literature to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms linking CKD and stroke. It evaluates the efficacy and safety of acute reperfusion therapies-intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy-in CKD patients with acute ischemic stroke. Considerations, such as renal function, drug dosage adjustments, and the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy, are critically analyzed. Evidence-based recommendations and research priorities are drawn from an analysis of current practices and existing knowledge gaps.

RESULTS

CKD influences stroke outcomes through systemic and local pathophysiological changes, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches. Reperfusion therapies are effective in CKD patients but require careful monitoring of renal function to mitigate risks, such as contrast-induced nephropathy and thrombolytic complications. The bidirectional relationship between stroke and CKD highlights the need for integrated management strategies to address both conditions. Early detection and optimized management of CKD significantly reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Optimizing stroke care in CKD patients requires a comprehensive understanding of their pathophysiology and clinical management challenges. This article provides evidence-based recommendations, emphasizing individualized treatment decisions and coordinated care. It underscores the importance of integrating renal considerations into stroke treatment protocols and highlights the need for future research to refine therapeutic strategies, address knowledge gaps, and consider tailored interventions to improve outcomes and quality of life for this high-risk population.

Anticoagulation in Chronic Kidney Disease

The nuanced landscape of anticoagulation therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a formidable challenge, intricately balancing the dual hazards of hemorrhage and thrombosis. These patients find themselves in a precarious position, teetering on the edge of these risks due to compromised platelet functionality and systemic disturbances within their coagulation frameworks. The management of such patients necessitates a meticulous approach to dosing adjustments and vigilant monitoring to navigate the perilous waters of anticoagulant therapy. This is especially critical considering the altered pharmacokinetics in CKD, where the clearance of drugs is significantly impeded, heightening the risk of accumulation and adverse effects. In the evolving narrative of anticoagulation therapy, the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has heralded a new era, offering a glimmer of hope for those navigating the complexities of CKD. These agents, with their promise of easier management and a reduced need for monitoring, have begun to reshape the contours of care, particularly for patients not yet on dialysis. However, this is not without its caveats. The application of DOACs in the context of advanced CKD remains a largely uncharted territory, necessitating a cautious exploration to unearth their true potential and limitations. Moreover, the advent of innovative strategies such as left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) underscores the dynamic nature of anticoagulation therapy, potentially offering a tailored solution for those at the intersection of CKD and elevated stroke risk. Yet the journey toward integrating such advancements into standard practice is laden with unanswered questions, demanding rigorous investigation to illuminate their efficacy and safety across the spectrum of kidney disease. In summary, the management of anticoagulation in CKD is a delicate dance, requiring a harmonious blend of precision, caution, and innovation. As we venture further into this complex domain, we must build upon our current understanding, embracing both emerging therapies and the need for ongoing research. Only then can we hope to offer our patients a path that navigates the narrow strait between bleeding and clotting, toward safer and more effective care.

When anticoagulation management in atrial fibrillation becomes difficult: Focus on chronic kidney disease, coagulation disorders, and cancer

Anticoagulation therapy (AT) is fundamental in atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment but poses challenges in implementation, especially in AF populations with elevated thromboembolic and bleeding risks. Current guidelines emphasize the need to estimate and balance thrombosis and bleeding risks for all potential candidates of antithrombotic therapy. However, administering oral AT raises concerns in specific populations, such as those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), coagulation disorders, and cancer due to lack of robust data. These groups, excluded from large direct oral anticoagulants trials, rely on observational studies, prompting physicians to adopt individualized management strategies based on case-specific evaluations. The scarcity of evidence and specific guidelines underline the need for a tailored approach, emphasizing regular reassessment of risk factors and anticoagulation drug doses. This narrative review aims to summarize evidence and recommendations for challenging AF clinical scenarios, particularly in the long-term management of AT for patients with CKD, coagulation disorders, and cancer.

Acute Kidney Injury in Different Anticoagulation Strategies: A Large-Scale Pharmacoepidemiologic Study Using Real-World Data

PURPOSE

Acute kidney injury (AKI) following anticoagulant application has received growing attention as a significant emerging complication of anticoagulation. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of real-world studies to compare the incidence, clinical features, and prognosis of AKI across different anticoagulant regimens.

METHODS

Disproportionality analysis and Bayesian analysis were used to identify suspected AKI cases after different anticoagulant use within the Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System from January 2004 to March 2023. The time to onset, fatality, and hospitalization rates of anticoagulant-associated AKI were also investigated.

RESULTS

We identified 9313 anticoagulant-associated AKIs, which appeared to influence mostly patients over 65 years old (65.37%). Lepirudin displayed a stronger AKI association than others, based on the highest reporting odds ratio (ROR = 6.66, 95% CI = 3.97-11.18), proportional reporting ratio (PRR = 6.08, χ2 = 69.12), and empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM = 6.08, the lower 90% one-sided CI = 3.95). Warfarin showed the slightest association with AKI in oral anticoagulants, lower than any direct oral anticoagulants excluding apixaban. Edoxaban exhibited the highest potential renal risk among direct oral anticoagulants, with an ROR of 3.32 (95% CI = 2.95-3.72). The median time to AKI onset was 36 (IQR 7-205) days following the initiation of anticoagulation therapy, and most AKI cases occurred within the first month.

CONCLUSION

Particular attention should be directed toward monitoring renal function in individuals receiving anticoagulants, including warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants, as well as other anticoagulant agents. This diligence is particularly imperative within the first month after anticoagulant administration for individuals with a tendency for AKI.

Oral anticoagulant treatment and risk of kidney disease-a nationwide, population-based cohort study

Background

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are recommended as first-line treatment of atrial fibrillation. Whether DOAC use is associated with lower risks of kidney complications compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) remains unclear. We examined this association in a nationwide, population-based cohort study.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study including patients initiating oral anticoagulant treatment within 3 months after an atrial fibrillation diagnosis in Denmark during 2012-18. Using routinely collected creatinine measurements from laboratory databases, we followed patients in an intention-to-treat approach for acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. We used propensity-score weighting to balance baseline confounders, computed weighted risks and weighted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing DOACs with VKAs. We performed several subgroup analyses and a per-protocol analysis.

Results

We included 32 781 persons with atrial fibrillation initiating oral anticoagulation (77% initiating DOACs). The median age was 75 years, 25% had a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and median follow-up was 2.3 (interquartile range 1.1-3.9) years. The weighted 1-year risks of AKI were 13.6% in DOAC users and 15.0% in VKA users (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.82; 0.91). The weighted 5-year risks of CKD progression were 13.9% in DOAC users and 15.4% in VKA users (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.79; 0.92). Results were similar across subgroups and in the per-protocol analysis.

Conclusions

Initiation of DOACs was associated with a decreased risk of AKI and CKD progression compared with VKAs. Despite the potential limitations of observational studies, our findings support the need for increased clinical awareness to prevent kidney complications among patients who initiate oral anticoagulants.

The impact of anticoagulation therapy on kidney function in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely related. These diseases share common risk factors and are associated with increased risk of thromboembolic events. Choosing the appropriate oral anticoagulant therapy (OAC) in patients with AF and CKD is challenging. Deterioration of renal function is common in patients with AF treated with OACs, although not all OACs affect the kidneys equally.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge of the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients with AF and CKD, focusing on the impact of specific OAC agents on renal function.

EXPERT OPINION

Consideration of OAC use is mandatory in patients with AF and CKD who are at increased risk of stroke or systemic embolism. Available evidence suggests that the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is associated with slower deterioration of renal function in comparison to Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Hence, a NOAC should be used in preference to VKAs in all NOAC-eligible patients with AF and CKD. Regarding patients with end-stage renal dysfunction and those on dialysis or renal replacement therapy, the use of NOAC should be considered in line with locally relevant formal recommendations.

Incidence, predictors, clinical outcomes, and economic burden of recurrent acute kidney injury: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the incidence, predictors, mortality, and economic outcomes of recurrent Acute kidney injury (AKI) in Jordan.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study that included adult patients who were admitted with AKI to university hospitals in the country from 2010-2019. Recurrent episodes of AKI, laboratory data, baseline medication list, and death dates were retrieved from patient's medical records. The incidence rate of recurrent AKI was estimated. Predictors of recurrent AKI and mortality during the five years post-discharge was evaluated. Total admission charges were described and evaluated in total and by service provided.

RESULTS

Among 1162 AKI patients, 57 patients (4.9%) died during the index admission (first admission during the study period), and among the survivors, 220 patients were re-hospitalized with a recurrent AKI during five years of follow-up. Patients with higher discharge serum creatinine level (SCr) at index admission had higher odds of AKI recurrence (OR = 1.001). Patients who were on respiratory, antineoplastic, or anticoagulant medications were also more susceptible to recurrence; ORs were 1.69, 2.77, and 4.16, respectively. Patients who were elderly, with recurrent AKI episodes, or with a more extended hospital stay at index admission were more likely to die during the five years post discharge. The median charge of recurrent admissions was higher than the median charge of the index admissions; 1519.17 JOD ($2142.7) versus 1362.85 JOD ($1922.2), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent AKI is associated with increased mortality and health expenditures. Higher discharge SCr levels at index admission, and chronic comorbidities are associated with a higher likelihood of AKI recurrence.

Anticoagulant-related nephropathy induced by direct-acting oral anticoagulants: Clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes

INTRODUCTION

There is a scarcity of data on anticoagulation-related nephropathy (ARN) caused by direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in recent years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected literatures on DOACs-induced ARN to October 1, 2022, without language restrictions for retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty events were included with a median onset time of 28 days among which fourteen were caused by dabigatran. Patients accompanied by chronic kidney disease (85 %) seemed more easily to have an ARN. Clinical symptoms associated with ARN were mostly presented as hematuria and acute decline of renal function (100 %), then abnormal coagulation function (75 %) but only one with an INR over 3. Renal biopsies were performed in 14 patients, with thirteen showing occlusive intratubular red blood cell casts and ten showing acute tubular injury of varying intensity or even tubular necrosis. Extensive changes in interstitial compartment like hemorrhage, fibrosis or inflammation were also presented in eight biopsies. IgA nephropathy as a latent or undiagnosed disease was demonstrated in eight biopsies. Treatments of ARN were mainly supportive with all patients discontinuing DOACs and 35 % initiating dialysis for acute deterioration of renal function. Steroids were used in 9 patients with a severe ARN verified by biopsy. 60 % of patients did not recover baseline renal function and some even deteriorated.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, DOACs-induced ARN is a rare but serious adverse reaction. A prompt diagnosis of ARN and supportive treatments are necessary for patients receiving DOACs concurrent with an acute renal injury.

Effects of direct oral anticoagulants vs. vitamin K antagonists on acute kidney injury in patients with atrial fibrillation: A systematic review

Background

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are routinely prescribed oral anticoagulants to prevent thromboembolism. Concerns regarding the efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulants, such as vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), arise for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) because of their widespread use in clinical practice. Even though there have been an abundance of studies on this topic, it is still not clear if DOAC users with NVAF have a lower risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) than warfarin users.

Methods and results

We conducted electronic searches in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies for this systematic review. We included randomized clinical trials and observational studies that reported on the incidence rate, hazard ratio (HR), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of AKI in patients using oral anticoagulants. This systemic review included six observational studies and four randomized clinical trials (RCT). The overall results showed that DOACs were associated with a lower AKI risk than warfarin. However, for NVAF patients with severe renal dysfunction, DOACs may not have a reduced risk of AKI compared to warfarin.

Conclusion

The overall results suggest that, except for edoxaban, patients using DOACs may experience a reduced risk of AKI. However, it is uncertain whether this is also the case for patients with severe renal dysfunction. Further research is needed to confirm the effect of DOACs on this population.

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Should dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation receive oral anticoagulation?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for presenting atrial fibrillation (AF), which conditions an increased risk already present in CKD of suffering a thromboembolic event. And this risk is even higher in the hemodialysis (HD) population. On the other hand, in CKD patients and even more so in HD patients, the probability of suffering serious bleeding is also higher. Therefore, there is no consensus on whether or not to anticoagulate this population. Taking as a model what is advised for the general population, the most common attitude among nephrologists has been to opt for anticoagulation, even though there is no randomized studies to support it. Classically, anticoagulation has been done with vitamin K antagonists, at high cost for our patients: severe bleeding events, vascular calcification, and progression of nephropathy, among other complications. With the emergence of direct-acting anticoagulants, a hopeful outlook was opened in the field of anticoagulation, as they were postulated as more effective and safer drugs than antivitamin K. However, in clinical practice, this has not been the case. In this paper we review various aspects of AF and its anticoagulant treatment in the HD population.

Managing thrombotic risk in patients with diabetes

It is well known that diabetes is a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) events. The level of CV risk depends on the type and duration of diabetes, age and additional co-morbidities. Diabetes is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) and is frequently observed in patients with AF, which further increases their risk of stroke associated with this cardiac arrhythmia. Nearly one third of patients with diabetes globally have CV disease (CVD). Additionally, co-morbid AF and coronary artery disease are more frequently observed in patients with diabetes than the general population, further increasing the already high CV risk of these patients. To protect against thromboembolic events in patients with diabetes and AF or established CVD, guidelines recommend optimal CV risk factor control, including oral anticoagulation treatment. However, patients with diabetes exist in a prothrombotic and inflammatory state. Greater clinical benefit may therefore be seen with the use of stronger antithrombotic agents or innovative drug combinations in high-risk patients with diabetes, such as those who have concomitant AF or established CVD. In this review, we discuss CV risk management strategies in patients with diabetes and concomitant vascular disease, stroke prevention regimens in patients with diabetes and AF and how worsening renal function in these patients may complicate these approaches. Accumulating evidence from clinical trials and real-world evidence show a benefit to the administration of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with diabetes and AF.

Worsening of kidney function in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease: evidence from the real-world CALLIPER study

OBJECTIVE

Evidence is needed on the impact of anticoagulation therapy on kidney function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective of this analysis, which is part of the CALLIPER study, was to investigate the risk of worsening kidney function with rivaroxaban 15 mg once daily compared with warfarin in patients with AF and moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) in routine clinical practice in the United States.

METHODS

CALLIPER was an observational, retrospective, new-user cohort study. Adult patients with AF in the US IBM Watson MarketScan databases who newly initiated anticoagulation with rivaroxaban 15 mg once daily or warfarin between January 2013 and December 2017 were included. Comparative analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression after adjustment for potential confounding by the stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting approach and propensity score matching. One of the main study outcomes was worsening kidney function (composite of progression to CKD stage 5, kidney failure, or need for dialysis), besides traditional AF-related outcomes.

RESULTS

The cohort included 7368 patients: 5903 (80.1%) initiating warfarin and 1465 (19.9%) initiating rivaroxaban 15 mg once daily. Rivaroxaban 15 mg was associated with a significant 47% reduction in the risk of worsening kidney function versus warfarin (hazard ratio 0.53; 95% confidence interval 0.35-0.78). Similar results were observed in the subgroup of patients with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Rivaroxaban 15 mg may be associated with a lower risk of worsening kidney function as compared with warfarin in the atrial fibrillation population with moderate-to-severe CKD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03359876.

Real world data of anticoagulant treatment in non-valvular atrial fibrillation across renal function status

The objective is to assess the impact of anticoagulant treatment in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and different categories of renal dysfunction in real world. Electronic Health recordings of patients with diagnosis of AF and renal function collected throughout 5 years and classified according to KDIGO categories. Stroke, transitory ischemic attack (TIA), intracranial hemorrhage and all-cause mortality were identified. Anticoagulant treatments during the study period were classified in untreated (never received therapy), VKA, NOAC and Aspirin. The risk of events was calculated by Cox-proportional hazard models adjusted by confounders. A total of 65,734 patients with AF, mean age 73.3 ± 10.49 years old and 47% females and follow-up of 3.2 years were included. KDIGO classification were: G1 33,903 (51.6%), G2 17,456 (26.6%), G3 8024 (12.2%) and G4 6351 (9.7%). There were 8592 cases of stroke and TIA, 437 intracranial hemorrhage, and 9603 all-cause deaths (incidence 36, 2 and 38 per 103 person/year, respectively). 4.1% of patients with CHA2DS2-VASc Score 2 or higher did not receive anticoagulant therapy. Risk of stroke, TIA, and all-cause mortality increased from G1 to G4 groups. Anticoagulant treatments reduced the risk of events in the four categories, but NOAC seemed to offer significantly better protection. Renal dysfunction increases the risk of events in AF and anticoagulant treatments reduced the risk of stroke and all-cause mortality, although NOAC were better than VKA. Efforts should be done to reduce the variability in the use of anticoagulants even in this high risk group.

Nephrotoxins and acute kidney injury - The consensus of the Taiwan acute kidney injury Task Force

The Taiwan Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Task Force conducted a review of data and developed a consensus regarding nephrotoxins and AKI. This consensus covers: (1) contrast-associated AKI; (2) drug-induced nephrotoxicity; (3) prevention of drug-associated AKI; (4) follow up after AKI; (5) re-initiation of medication after AKI. Strategies for the avoidance of contrast media related AKI, including peri-procedural hydration, sodium bicarbonate solutions, oral N-acetylcysteine, and iso-osmolar/low-osmolar non-ionic iodinated contrast media have been recommended, given the respective evidence levels. Regarding anticoagulants, both warfarin and new oral anticoagulants have potential nephrotoxicity, and dosage should be reduced if renal pathology exam proves renal injury. Recommended strategies to prevent drug related AKI have included assessment of 5R/(6R) reactions - risk, recognition, response, renal support, rehabilitation and (research), use of AKI alert system and computerized decision support. In terms of antibiotics-associated AKI, avoiding concomitant administration of vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam, monitoring vancomycin trough level, switching from vancomycin to teicoplanin in high-risk patients, and replacing conventional amphotericin B with lipid-based amphotericin B have been shown to reduce drug related AKI. With respect to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug associated AKI, it is recommended to use these drugs cautiously in the elderly and in patients receiving renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors/diuretics triple combinations.

IgA nephropathy is the most common underlying disease in patients with anticoagulant-related nephropathy

Introduction

Anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN) is a relatively novel recognized entity characterized by hematuria-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) in the context of overanticoagulation. Preexisting or underlying kidney disease seems to be a predisposing factor; however, few studies have described histologic findings in patients with ARN. We aimed to evaluate underlying kidney pathology in patients on oral anticoagulation who presented an episode of AKI with hematuria in whom a kidney biopsy was performed.

Methods

Retrospective observational multicenter case study in patients treated with oral anticoagulants who developed macroscopic or intense hematuria followed by AKI. Only patients with available kidney biopsy specimens were included. Histologic findings and clinical data throughout follow-up were analyzed.

Results

A total of 26 patients were included with a median age of 75 years (62–80) and a follow-up period of 10.1 months. Of the patients, 80% were male, and most cases (92%) were on anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). At admission, median serum creatinine (SCr) level was 4.2 mg/dl (2.8–8.2), median international normalized ratio (INR) 2.4 (1.5–3.4), and 11 patients (42%) required acute dialysis during hospitalization. Kidney biopsy results revealed that all patients except 1 had an underlying nephropathy: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in 19, probable IgAN in 1, diabetic nephropathy in 3, nephrosclerosis in 1, and idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis in 1. At 12 weeks after discharge, only 6 subjects (24%) attained complete kidney recovery whereas 7 (28%) remained on chronic dialysis.

Conclusion

IgAN was the most common underlying kidney disease in our biopsy-proven series of ARN, in which a significant percentage of patients did not achieve kidney function recovery.

Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation in CKD: Role of Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants. A Narrative Review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in chronic kidney disease (CKD), with a close bidirectional relationship between the two entities. The presence of CKD in AF increases the risk of thromboembolic events, mortality and bleeding. Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) have been the mainstay of treatment for the prevention of thromboembolic events in AF until recently, with confirmed benefits in AF patients with stage 3 CKD. However, the risk-benefit profile of VKA in patients with AF and stages 4-5 CKD is controversial due to the lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials. Treatment with VKA in CKD patients has been associated with conditions such as poorer anticoagulation quality, increased risk of bleeding, faster progression of vascular/valvular calcification and higher risk of calciphylaxis. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have shown equal or greater efficacy in stroke/systemic embolism prevention, and a better safety profile than VKA in post-hoc analysis of the pivotal randomized controlled trials in patients with non-valvular AF and stage 3 CKD, yet evidence of its risk-benefit profile in more advanced stages of CKD is scarce. Observational studies associate DOACs with a good safety/effectiveness profile compared to VKA in non-dialysis CKD patients. Further, DOACs have been associated with a lower risk of acute kidney injury and CKD development/progression than VKA. This narrative review summarizes the evidence of the efficacy and safety of warfarin and DOACs in patients with AF at different CKD stages, as well as their effects on renal function, vascular/valvular calcification and bone health.

Double whammy: anticoagulant-related nephropathy with leukocytoclastic vasculitis due to warfarin

Anticoagulation-related nephropathy (ARN) is a rare form of acute kidney injury where the use of anticoagulation causes hemorrhage in various compartments of nephron including glomerulus, renal tubules, and interstitial compartment. Also, warfarin-induced vasculitis is an extremely rare condition characterized by the appearance of purpuric lesions on the skin which on biopsy are suggestive of leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LV). We hereby report a case presenting with coexistent warfarin-induced nephropathy and cutaneous vasculitis. A 64-year-old male, on warfarin for 10 years, presented with complaints of palpable purpuric rashes over lower limbs, hematuria, and decrease urine output. INR was in the supratherapeutic range (INR-6.3). Skin biopsy of the lesion was suggestive of LV and kidney biopsy showed RBCs in Bowman's capsule, RBCs and RBC casts in tubules suggestive of ARN. All vasculitic markers were negative. Thus, a diagnosis of warfarin-induced nephropathy and cutaneous vasculitis was made. Warfarin was discontinued and oral steroids were started. Gradually, his skin lesions improved, and he became dialysis independent. He was then discharged on apixaban. On follow-up after 3 months, his skin lesions had disappeared with partial recovery of kidney function (cr-5.49).

Warfarin-related nephropathy: A case report of a delayed renal function improvement

We experienced a case in which improving the renal damage caused by warfarin-related nephropathy took a long time. It is important to follow up for a long time after the initiation of dialysis due to warfarin-related nephropathy.

Oral anticoagulation in chronic kidney disease with atrial fibrillation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexist, amplifying the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. In patients with CKD stage 3 and non-valvular AF, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have shown, compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA), equal or greater efficacy in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism, and greater safety. There are no randomizedtrials of the efficacy and safety of DOACs and VKA in advanced CKD. On the other hand, observational studies suggest that DOACs, compared to warfarin, are associated with a lower risk of acute kidney damage and generation/progression of CKD. This paper reviews the epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of the CKD and AF association, the evidence of the efficacy and safety of warfarin and ACODs in various stages of CKD with AF as well as the comparison between warfarin and ACODs in efficacy and anticoagulant safety, and in its renal effects.

Management of Anticoagulant-Related Nephropathy: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN) is a form of acute kidney injury that mainly occurs in patients with previously unrecognized glomerular disease in addition to excessive anticoagulation. Since a renal biopsy is not performed in most cases, the diagnosis is often presumptive.

METHODS

Here, we present the characteristics of a national Slovenian patient cohort with histologically verified ARN, from the first case in 2014 to December 2020, and a review of the current literature (Pubmed database).

RESULTS

In Slovenia, ARN has been detected in 13 patients, seven of whom were treated with coumarins, and others with direct oral anticoagulants. In seven patients, ARN appeared after excessive anticoagulation. As many as 11 patients had underlying IgA nephropathy. Similar to the global data presented here, the pathohistological impairment associated with pre-existing glomerulopathy was mild and disproportionate to the degree of functional renal impairment. The majority of our patients with ARN experienced severe deterioration of renal function associated with histological signs of accompanying acute tubular injury, interstitial edema, and occlusive red blood cell casts. These patients were treated with corticosteroids, which (in addition to supportive treatment and discontinuation of the anticoagulant drug) led to a further improvement in renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

Anticoagulant therapy combined with a pre-existing glomerular injury may lead to ARN. In addition to discontinuation of the anticoagulant and supportive care, corticosteroids, which are currently listed in only a few cases in the world literature, may have a positive influence on the course of treatment. However, the benefits of steroid treatment must be weighed against the risk of complications, especially life-threatening infections.

Idarucizumab for the treatment of dabigatran-related nephropathy

Anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN) is a clinical syndrome of acute kidney injury in patients taking vitamin K antagonists or direct oral anticoagulants. It is associated with increased mortality and there is no specific treatment. We report the case of a 78-year-old man on dabigatran who developed macroscopic haematuria and acute kidney injury 2 weeks after mitral valve repair, reaching a peak creatinine of 415 µmol/L from a normal baseline, which was successfully treated with one course of idarucizumab. This case illustrates the efficacy of an anticoagulant reversal agent for the treatment of ARN.

Use of Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention across the Stroke Spectrum: Progress and Prospects

Multiple randomized controlled trials and many real-world evidence studies have consistently shown that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are preferable to vitamin K antagonists for thromboembolic stroke prevention in the majority of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, their role in the management of patients with AF and comorbidities, as well as in other patient populations with a high risk of stroke, such as patients with prior embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and those with atherosclerosis, is less clear. There is now increasing evidence suggesting that NOACs have a beneficial effect in the prevention of stroke in patients with AF and comorbidities, such as renal impairment and diabetes. In addition, while studies investigating the efficacy and safety of NOACs for the prevention of secondary stroke in patients with a history of ESUS demonstrated neutral results, subanalyses suggested potential benefits in certain subgroups of patients with ESUS. One NOAC, rivaroxaban, has also recently been found to be effective in reducing the risk of stroke in patients with chronic cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease, further broadening the patient groups that may benefit from NOACs. In this article, we will review recent evidence for the use of NOACs across the stroke spectrum in detail, and discuss the progress and future prospects in the different stroke areas.

Thromboembolic and Bleeding Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Role of Anticoagulation Therapy

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are strictly related; several independent risk factors of AF are often frequent in CKD patients. AF prevalence is very common among these patients, ranging between 15% and 20% in advanced stages of CKD. Moreover, the results of several studies showed that AF patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) have a higher mortality rate than patients with preserved renal function due to an increased incidence of stroke and an unpredicted elevated hemorrhagic risk. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are currently contraindicated in patients with ESRD and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), remaining the only drugs allowed, although they show numerous critical issues such as a narrow therapeutic window, increased tissue calcification and an unfavorable risk/benefit ratio with low stroke prevention effect and augmented risk of major bleeding. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the applications of DOAC therapy in CKD patients, especially in ESRD patients.

Differences in risk factors for anticoagulant-related nephropathy between warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants: Analysis of the Japanese adverse drug event report database

Limited information is available on anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN). We therefore reviewed the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database to investigate kidney injury (KI) in patients administered warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and sought to clarify the risk factors for ARN. KI risk in warfarin users was associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-2.13; P < .01) and age ≥80 years (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.07-1.72; P = .01). KI risk in DOAC users was associated with body weight ≥80 kg (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.01-2.53; P = .04) and use of dabigatran (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.09-2.37; P < .01). Our findings suggest that risk factors for ARN differ between warfarin and DOACs and that these risk factors may be associated with bleeding risk. Therefore, the risk of ARN may be decreased by better managing bleeding risk in patients taking anticoagulants.

Anticoagulation-related nephropathy for the internist: a concise review

Anticoagulation-related nephropathy (ARN) is a clinical entity that has significant morbidity and mortality consequences/burden but has not been well described. Consequently, ARN has been underdiagnosed and sub-optimally managed. ARN has been reported with warfarin use especially in the setting of supratherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) but the association is far less established with the use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC). Accelerated progression to CKD and ultimately ESRD has been reported in patients with ARN. With the expanding indications for DOAC use, there is growing concern about ARN in the setting of DOAC use and its attendant clinical and socioeconomic burden. In this review, we highlight precautionary measures to aid prompt diagnosis of ARN and suggest possible therapeutic strategies.

Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin in Medicare Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Atrial Fibrillation

Background and Purpose:

The comparative effectiveness of direct-acting oral anticoagulants, compared with warfarin, for risks of stroke/systemic embolism, major bleeding, or death have not been studied in Medicare beneficiaries with atrial fibrillation and nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease.

Methods:

Medicare data from 2011 to 2017 were used to identify patients with stages 3, 4, or 5 chronic kidney disease and new atrial fibrillation who received a new prescription for warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, or dabigatran. We estimated marginal hazard ratios with 95% CIs for the association of each direct-acting oral anticoagulant, compared with warfarin, for the outcomes of interest using inverse-probability-of-treatment weighted Cox proportional hazards models in as-treated and intention-to-treat analyses.

Results:

A total of 22 739 individuals met criteria (46.3% warfarin, 29.6% apixaban, 17.2% rivaroxaban, 6.9% dabigatran). Across the groups of anticoagulant users, mean age was 78.4 to 79.0 years; 50.3% to 51.4% were women, and 80.3% to 82.8% had stage 3 chronic kidney disease. In the as-treated analysis, for stroke/systemic embolism, hazard ratios, all compared with warfarin, were 0.70 (0.51–0.96) for apixaban, 0.80 (0.54–1.17) for rivaroxaban, and 1.15 (0.69–1.94) for dabigatran. For major bleeding, analogous hazard ratios were 0.47 (0.37–0.59) for apixaban, 1.05 (0.85–1.30) for rivaroxaban, and 0.95 (0.70–1.31) for dabigatran. There was no difference in the risk of all-cause mortality between the direct-acting oral anticoagulants and warfarin. Results of the intention-to-treat analysis were similar.

Conclusions:

Apixaban, compared with warfarin, was associated with decreased risk of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding; risks for both outcomes with rivaroxaban and dabigatran did not differ from risks with warfarin.

Acute Renal Failure in a Patient with Rivaroxaban-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome: A Case Report with a Review of the Literature and of Pharmacovigilance Registries

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications, and DOAC-associated kidney dysfunction may be a problem that is underrecognized by clinicians. We report on the case of an 82-year-old patient who, two weeks after the prescription of rivaroxaban for atrial fibrillation, was hospitalized for a drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome whose main clinical manifestations were low-grade fever with a petechial rash in the legs and acute renal failure (ARF). Within one week after rivaroxaban withdrawal, the patient's clinical condition improved and the renal function normalized. In a review of the literature, we only found five case reports of rivaroxaban-related ARF: two patients had tubulo-interstitial nephritis (TIN), two had anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN), and the last one had IgA nephropathy. As some recent publications suggest that kidney injury due to anticoagulation drugs may be largely underdiagnosed, we also analyzed the data from the VigiAccess database, the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance program that collects drug-related adverse events from 134 national registries worldwide. Among all the rivaroxaban-associated adverse events reported in VigiAccess since 2006, 4,323 (3.5%) were renal side effects, of which 2,351 (54.3%) were due to unspecified ARF, 363 (8.4%) were due to renal hemorrhage (characteristically associated with ARN), and 24 (0.6%) were due to TIN. We also compared these results with those reported in VigiAccess for other DOACs and vitamin K antagonists. This analysis suggests that the frequency of renal adverse events associated with rivaroxaban and other DOACs may be appreciably higher than what one might currently consider based only on the small number of fully published cases.

Narrative Review of Hypercoagulability in Small-Vessel Vasculitis

Pauci-immune necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN) is the most common etiology of rapidly progressive GN. Clinical presentation in those afflicted is usually related to rapid loss of kidney function. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman who came to medical attention for signs and symptoms related to lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). At presentation, the patient had biochemical abnormalities consistent with active GN, which quickly progressed to rapid loss in kidney function requiring renal replacement therapy. Kidney biopsy revealed small-vessel vasculitis with glomerular crescents. Serologic studies were negative for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody antibodies and other causes of acute GN. Plasmapheresis, immunosuppressive, and anticoagulant therapies were prescribed. Absence of other apparent end-organ involvement with vasculitis pointed toward renal-limited small-vessel vasculitis, yet presence of unprovoked DVT argues for systemic vascular inflammation. This case illustrates that venous thrombosis can be the presenting manifestation in patients with vasculitis and silent, severe end-organ involvement. The epidemiology and pathophysiology of venous thromboembolism in small-vessel vasculitis are discussed in this report.

Molecular pathways driving omeprazole nephrotoxicity

Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor used to treat peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease, has been associated to chronic kidney disease and acute interstitial nephritis. However, whether omeprazole is toxic to renal cells is unknown. Omeprazole has a lethal effect over some cancer cells, and cell death is a key process in kidney disease. Thus, we evaluated the potential lethal effect of omeprazole over tubular cells. Omeprazole induced dose-dependent cell death in human and murine proximal tubular cell lines and in human primary proximal tubular cell cultures. Increased cell death was observed at the high concentrations used in cancer cell studies and also at lower concentrations similar to those in peptic ulcer patient serum. Cell death induced by omeprazole had features of necrosis such as annexin V/7-AAD staining, LDH release, vacuolization and irregular chromatin condensation. Weak activation of caspase-3 was observed but inhibitors of caspases (zVAD), necroptosis (Necrostatin-1) or ferroptosis (Ferrostatin-1) did not prevent omeprazole-induced death. However, omeprazole promoted a strong oxidative stress response affecting mitochondria and lysosomes and the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine reduced oxidative stress and cell death. By contrast, iron overload increased cell death. An adaptive increase in the antiapoptotic protein BclxL failed to protect cells. In mice, parenteral omeprazole increased tubular cell death and the expression of NGAL and HO-1, markers of renal injury and oxidative stress, respectively. In conclusion, omeprazole nephrotoxicity may be related to induction of oxidative stress and renal tubular cell death.

Role of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with kidney disease

The anticoagulation field is experiencing a renaissance that began with regulatory approval of the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran, a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), in 2010. The DOAC medication class has rapidly evolved to include the additional approval of 4 direct factor Xa inhibitors. Commensurately, DOAC use has increased and collectively account for the majority of new anticoagulant prescriptions. Despite exclusion of patients with moderate-to-severe kidney disease from most pivotal DOAC trials, DOACs are increasingly used in this setting. An advantage of DOACs is similar or improved antithrombotic efficacy with less bleeding risk when compared with traditional agents. Several post hoc analyses, retrospective studies, claims data studies, and meta-analyses suggest that these benefits extend to patients with kidney disease. However, the lack of randomized controlled trial data in specific kidney disease settings, with their unique pathophysiology, should be a call to action for the kidney community to systematically study these agents, especially because early data suggest that DOACs may pose less risk of anticoagulant-related nephropathy than do vitamin K antagonists. Most DOACs are renally cleared and are significantly protein bound in circulation; thus, the pharmacokinetics of these drugs are influenced by reduced renal function and proteinuria. DOACs are susceptible to altered metabolism by P-glycoprotein inhibitors and inducers, including drugs commonly used for the management of kidney disease comorbidities. We summarize the currently available literature on DOAC use in kidney disease and illustrate knowledge gaps that represent important opportunities for prospective investigation.