Antihypertensive medications and risk of death and hospitalizations in US hemodialysis patients: Evidence from a cohort study to inform hypertension treatment practices

Statins and atherosclerotic cardiovascular outcomes in patients on incident dialysis and with atherosclerotic heart disease

Statins failed to reduce cardiovascular (CV) events in trials of patients on dialysis. However, trial populations used criteria that often excluded those with atherosclerotic heart disease (ASHD), in whom statins have the greatest benefit, and included outcome composites with high rates of nonatherosclerotic CV events that may not be modified by statins. Here, we study whether statin use associates with lower atherosclerotic CV risk among patients with known ASHD on dialysis, including in those likely to receive a kidney transplant, a group excluded within trials but with lower competing mortality risks.

METHODS

Using data from the United States Renal Data System including Medicare claims, we identified adults initiating dialysis with ASHD. We matched statin users 1:1 to statin nonusers with propensity scores incorporating hard matches for age and kidney transplant listing status. Using Cox models, we evaluated associations of statin use with the primary composite of fatal/nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke (including within prespecified subgroups of younger age [<50 years] and waitlisting status); secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and the composite of all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke.

RESULTS

Of 197,716 patients with ASHD, 47,562 (24%) were consistent statin users from which we created 46,186 matched pairs. Over a median 662 days, statin users had similar risk of fatal/nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke overall (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00, 95% CI 0.97-1.02), or in subgroups (age< 50 years [HR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.95-1.17]; waitlisted for kidney transplant [HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97-1.02]). Statin use was modestly associated with lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98; E value = 1.21) and, similarly, a modest lower composite risk of all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke over the first 2 years (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.88-0.91) but attenuated thereafter (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our large observational analyses are consistent with trials in more selected populations and suggest that statins may not meaningfully reduce atherosclerotic CV events even among incident dialysis patients with established ASHD and those likely to receive kidney transplants.

Prescription of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) and its determinants in patients with advanced CKD under nephrologist care

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) are recommended for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. In this study, we describe RAASi prescription patterns in the Chronic Kidney Disease Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (CKDopps) in Brazil, Germany, France, and the United States (US). 5870 patients (mean age 66-72 years; congestive heart failure [CHF] in 11%-19%; diabetes in 43%-54%; serum potassium ≥5 in 20%-35%) were included. RAASi prescription was more common in Germany (80%) and France (77%) than Brazil (66%) and the United States (52%), where the prevalence of prescription decreases particularly in patients with CKD stage 5. In the multivariable regression model, RAASi prescription was least common in the United States and more common in patients who were younger, had diabetes, hypertension, or less advanced CKD. In conclusion, RAASi prescription patterns vary by country, and by demographic and clinical characteristics. RAASi appear to be underused, even among patients with strong class-specific recommendations. Although the reasons for this variation could not be fully identified in this cross-sectional observation, our data indicate that the risk of hyperkalemia may contribute to the underuse of this class of agents in moderate to advanced CKD.

Psychoactive Medications and Adverse Outcomes among Older Adults Receiving Hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend avoidance of several psychoactive medications such as hypnotics in older adults due to their adverse effects. Older patients on hemodialysis may be particularly vulnerable to complications related to use of these agents, but only limited data are available about the risks in this population.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between the use of psychoactive medications and time to first emergency department visit or hospitalization for altered mental status, fall, and fracture among older patients receiving hemodialysis.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING

National registry of patients receiving hemodialysis (US Renal Data System).

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 60 007 adults 65 years or older receiving hemodialysis with Medicare Part D coverage in 2011.

MEASUREMENTS

The predictors were use of sedative-hypnotics and anticholinergic antidepressants (modeled as separate time-varying exposures). The outcomes were time to first emergency department visit or hospitalization for altered mental status, fall, and fracture (modeled separately).

RESULTS

Overall, 17% and 6% used sedative-hypnotics and anticholinergic antidepressants, respectively, in 2011. In multivariable-adjusted Cox regression, anticholinergic antidepressant use was associated with a 25%, 27%, and 39% higher hazard of altered mental status, fall, and fracture, respectively, compared with no use. Use of sedative-hypnotics was not associated with adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Anticholinergic antidepressants were associated with adverse outcomes in older hemodialysis patients, and alternative treatments should be considered. Sedative-hypnotics were not associated with the risks evaluated in this study, but further investigation of the harms of this class of agents is warranted before their recommendation as a treatment option for insomnia in this population. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:449-454, 2019.

Practice patterns in transitioning patients from chronic kidney disease to dialysis: a survey of United States nephrologists

Background

There are no guidelines for transitioning patients from chronic kidney disease stage 5 to hemodialysis. We conducted this study to determine if there are uniform patterns in how nephrologists transition patients to dialysis.

Methods

We designed an electronic survey with 39 questions and sent it to a database of practicing nephrologists at the National Kidney Foundation. Factors that were important for transitioning a patient to hemodialysis were evaluated, including medication changes on dialysis initiation, dry weight and dialysis prescription.

Results

160 US Nephrologists replied to the survey; 18% (29/160) of the responses were completed via social media sites. Prior to dialysis, 74% (118/160), prescribed furosemide and 67% (107/160) used furosemide with metolazone. Once dialysis started, only 46% (74/160) of the responders continued patients on diuretics daily. Hypertension medications prescribed in dialysis were calcium channel blockers 69% (112/160), beta blockers 36% (58/160), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor 32% (53/160), angiotensin receptor blocker 29% (46/160) and diuretics 25% (42/160). Once dialysis started, 68% (109/160) routinely changed medications. Most, 67% (107/160) ordered patients to avoid anti-hypertensive medications on dialysis days to allow for ultrafiltration. Dry weight was determined in the first week by 29% (46/160) and in the first month by 53% (85/160). Most, 59% (94/160) felt that multiple causes lead to hypertension. Most nephrologists would prescribe small dialyzers and a shorter period of time for the first dialysis session.

Conclusion

The transition period to chronic hemodialysis has variations in practice patterns and may benefit from further studies to optimize clinical practice.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12882-018-0943-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Opioid Analgesics and Adverse Outcomes among Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Patients on hemodialysis frequently experience pain and may be particularly vulnerable to opioid-related complications. However, data evaluating the risks of opioid use in patients on hemodialysis are limited.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Using the US Renal Data System, we conducted a cohort study evaluating the association between opioid use (modeled as a time-varying exposure and expressed in standardized oral morphine equivalents) and time to first emergency room visit or hospitalization for altered mental status, fall, and fracture among 140,899 Medicare-covered adults receiving hemodialysis in 2011. We evaluated risk according to average daily total opioid dose (>60 mg, ≤60 mg, and per 60-mg dose increment) and specific agents (per 60-mg dose increment).

RESULTS

The median age was 61 years old, 52% were men, and 50% were white. Sixty-four percent received opioids, and 17% had an episode of altered mental status (15,658 events), fall (7646 events), or fracture (4151 events) in 2011. Opioid use was associated with risk for all outcomes in a dose-dependent manner: altered mental status (lower dose: hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.23 to 1.34; higher dose: hazard ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.56 to 1.78; hazard ratio, 1.29 per 60 mg; 95% confidence interval, 1.26 to 1.33), fall (lower dose: hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 1.36; higher dose: hazard ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.31 to 1.61; hazard ratio, 1.04 per 60 mg; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.05), and fracture (lower dose: hazard ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.33 to 1.56; higher dose: hazard ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.44 to 1.89; hazard ratio, 1.04 per 60 mg; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.05). All agents were associated with a significantly higher hazard of altered mental status, and several agents were associated with a significantly higher hazard of fall and fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Opioids were associated with adverse outcomes in patients on hemodialysis, and this risk was present even at lower dosing and for agents that guidelines have recommended for use.

Paritaprevir/Ritonavir/Ombitasvir Plus Dasabuvir Regimen in the Treatment of Genotype 1 Chronic Hepatitis C Infection in Patients with Severe Renal Impairment and End-Stage Renal Disease: a Real-Life Cohort

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection reactivates under immunosuppressive drugs and therefore has a negative impact on long-term survival of kidney transplant recipients. Treatment-induced clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in kidney transplant candidates prevents virus reactivation after transplantation. Paritaprevir/Ritonavir/Ombitasvir with Dasabuvir (PrOD) represents a highly effective treatment regimen for HCV genotype 1 (GT1), also suitable for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Serious drug-drug interactions may represent a limiting factor of this regimen. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate safety, efficacy and drug-drug interactions management associated with PrOD treatment in the Czech real-world cohort.

METHODS

Emphasizing concomitant medication adjustment, we described the treatment course with PrOD regimen in 23 patients (4 with CKD4 and 19 on maintenance haemodialysis) infected with HCV GT1 (21 GT1b, 2 GT1a), 18 males and 5 females with an average age of 53.7 years. Six patients had compensated liver cirrhosis and 3 of them were liver transplant recipients.

RESULTS

All 23 patients completed the 12-week treatment and achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks after the treatment (SVR12 rate 100%). None of the patients presented with a significant decrease in haemoglobin level, white blood cell and platelet count during the treatment period. The most frequent adverse events were nausea, hypotension, diarrhoea, and hyperkalemia. Four patients presented with a serious adverse event unrelated to the antiviral drugs (salmonellosis, non-functional kidney graft rejection, early gastric cancer, renal cyst infection, initiation of haemodialysis). Concomitant medication had to be modified with the treatment initiation in 10 out of 23 (43.5%) patients (calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, diuretics, tacrolimus); four patients required further adjustment of antihypertensive drugs or tacrolimus dosage on-treatment.

CONCLUSION

PrOD regimen demonstrated an excellent efficacy and good tolerability. Both prospective adjustment of concomitant medication and further on-treatment adjustment allowed for a safe treatment course.