A brief review of intradialytic hypotension with a focus on survival

Personalized prediction of intradialytic hypotension in clinical practice: Development and evaluation of a novel AI dashboard incorporating risk factors from previous and current dialysis sessions

BACKGROUND

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is one of the most common and critical complications of hemodialysis. Despite many proven factors associated with IDH, accurately predicting it before it occurs for individual patients during dialysis sessions remains a challenge.

PURPOSE

To establish artificial intelligence (AI) predictive models for IDH, which consider risk factors from previous and ongoing dialysis to optimize model performance. We then implement a novel digital dashboard with the best model for continuous monitoring of patients' status undergoing hemodialysis. The AI dashboard can display the real-time probability of IDH for each patient in the hemodialysis center providing an objective reference for care members for monitoring IDH and treating it in advance.

METHODS

Eight machine learning (ML) algorithms, including Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), K Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), Multilayer Perception (MLP), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and NaiveBayes, were used to establish the predictive model of IDH to determine if the patient will acquire IDH within 60 min. In addition to real-time features, we incorporated several features sourced from previous dialysis sessions to improve the model's performance. The electronic medical records of patients who had undergone hemodialysis at Chi Mei Medical Center between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 were included in this research. Impact evaluation of AI assistance was conducted by IDH rate.

RESULTS

The results showed that the XGBoost model had the best performance (accuracy: 0.858, sensitivity: 0.858, specificity: 0.858, area under the curve: 0.936) and was chosen for AI dashboard implementation. The care members were delighted with the dashboard providing real-time scientific probabilities for IDH risk and historic predictive records in a graphic style. Other valuable functions were appended in the dashboard as well. Impact evaluation indicated a significant decrease in IDH rate after the application of AI assistance.

CONCLUSION

This AI dashboard provides high-quality results in IDH risk prediction during hemodialysis. High-risk patients for IDH will be recognized 60 min earlier, promoting individualized preventive interventions as part of the treatment plan. Our approachis believed to promise an excellent way for IDH management.

Use of Intravenous Albumin: A Guideline From the International Collaboration for Transfusion Medicine Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Albumin is used commonly across a wide range of clinical settings to improve hemodynamics, to facilitate fluid removal, and to manage complications of cirrhosis. The International Collaboration for Transfusion Medicine Guidelines developed guidelines for the use of albumin in patients requiring critical care, undergoing cardiovascular surgery, undergoing kidney replacement therapy, or experiencing complications of cirrhosis.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Cochairs oversaw the guideline development process and the panel included researchers, clinicians, methodologists, and a patient representative. The evidence informing this guideline arises from a systematic review of randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews, in which multiple databases were searched (inception through November 23, 2022). The panel reviewed the data and formulated the guideline recommendations using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. The guidelines were revised after public consultation.

RESULTS

The panel made 14 recommendations on albumin use in adult critical care (three recommendations), pediatric critical care (one recommendation), neonatal critical care (two recommendations), cardiovascular surgery (two recommendations), kidney replacement therapy (one recommendation), and complications of cirrhosis (five recommendations). Of the 14 recommendations, two recommendations had moderate certainty of evidence, five recommendations had low certainty of evidence, and seven recommendations had very low certainty of evidence. Two of the 14 recommendations suggested conditional use of albumin for patients with cirrhosis undergoing large-volume paracentesis or with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Twelve of 14 recommendations did not suggest albumin use in a wide variety of clinical situations where albumin commonly is transfused.

INTERPRETATION

Currently, few evidence-based indications support the routine use of albumin in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. These guidelines provide clinicians with actionable recommendations on the use of albumin.

Direct Percutaneous Thrombolysis (DPT): A novel method of salvaging Thrombosed Native Arteriovenous Fistula

INTRODUCTION

Thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are either treated by thrombectomy or pharmaco-mechanical thrombolysis with or without percutaneous balloon angioplasty. In this study, we have described an effective and economical technique of salvaging these fistulae using a 20-22-gauge spinal needle and urokinase and have named it direct percutaneous thrombolysis (DPT).

MATERIALS AND METHOD

This prospective study comprised of 148 patients out of which 120 patients presented with AVF thrombosis and were divided into two groups; those with no obvious stenosis on ultrasound (n = 38) and second with venous stenosis (n = 82). Remaining 28 patients developed thrombosis post angioplasty for venous stenosis. Percutaneous injection of urokinase into the thrombus was done under ultrasound guidance, followed by balloon angioplasty if there was associated stenosis.

RESULTS

In 38 patients who didn't have any stenosis, 32 AVFs were successfully thrombolysed by DPT, with technical success of 84.2%. Remaining six patients required angioplasty because of chronic nature of clot. In 82 patients who had venous stenosis, 80 cases were treated successfully by DPT followed by angioplasty with technical success of 97.5%. In third group (n = 28), who developed thrombosis post angioplasty, 100% success rate was noted. The mean length of thrombus was 31.4 ± 4.6 mm and mean diameter of thrombosed vein was 10.5 ± 1.2 mm. There were no major complications encountered during the procedure. Minor complications were seen in 19 patients which included prolonged oozing from puncture site and local hematoma formation.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound guided DPT with urokinase is a safe and economical option for salvaging thrombosed AVF without vascular stenosis that does not need angioplasty.

Continuous Monitoring of Advanced Hemodynamic Parameters during Hemodialysis Demonstrated Early Variations in Patients Experiencing Intradialytic Hypotension

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a severe complication of hemodialysis (HD) with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. In this study, we used a wearable device for the continuous monitoring of hemodynamic vitals to detect hemodynamic changes during HD and attempted to identify IDH. End-stage kidney disease patients were continuously monitored 15 min before starting the session and until 15 min after completion of the session, measuring heart rate (HR), noninvasive cuffless systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Data were analyzed retrospectively and included comparing BP measured by the wearable devices (recorded continuously every 5 s) and the cuff-based devices. A total of 98 dialysis sessions were included in the final analysis, and IDH was identified in 22 sessions (22.5%). Both SBP and DBP were highly correlated (r > 0.62, p < 0.001 for all) between the wearable device and the cuff-based measurements. Based on the continuous monitoring, patients with IDH had earlier and more profound reductions in SBP and DBP during the HD treatment. In addition, nearly all of the advanced vitals differed between groups. Further studies should be conducted in order to fully understand the potential of noninvasive advanced continuous monitoring in the prediction and prevention of IDH events.

The Implementation of a Modified Fluid Assessment Tool to Improve the Clinical Assessment, Detection, and Management of Blood Pressure Control and Fluid Alterations Among Hemodialysis Patients

Background

Fluid overload is a common complication of the care of End-stage Renal Disease patients that may lead to prolonged hospitalization and mortality. This warrants an effective and systemic approach to early recognition and management to improve patient outcomes.

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the effect of a modified fluid assessment tool to improve accurate clinical assessments, detection, and management of blood pressure control and fluid alteration among hemodialysis patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, data were collected from forty-three dialysis patients who were seen and followed up from a dialysis unit of an acute care hospital during 8 weeks of standard care. A modified assessment tool was used to systematically highlight the appropriateness of the patient set dry weight using intradialytic weight gain (IWDG) and patient blood pressure. Paired sample t-test and repeated measure ANOVA within-group analysis were applied to compare the mean difference score for IDWG and the mean arterial pressure within the study group, respectively.

Result

A total of 43 patients were enrolled (mean age, 59.07) (ranges 27-88 years) (SD - 14.30); 51.16% female; 79% Emirati Nationals, with Chronic Kidney Disease. A repeated measure ANOVA analysis showed a significant difference in the mean arterial pressure within the study group based on time, over six measurements (p = 0.001). However, the difference between the pre- and post-intra-dialytic weight gain mean scores yields insignificant results (p = 0.346).

Conclusion

The implementation of a modified assessment tool improved blood pressure control, increased staff and physician involvement in assessing patient dry weight facilitated through fluid status evaluation, methodical assessment of dry weight, and precise fluid removal calculation, enhancing overall blood pressure and fluid management in HD patients.

Construction of an Early Alert System for Intradialytic Hypotension before Initiating Hemodialysis Based on Machine Learning

Introduction

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is prevalent and associated with high hospitalization and mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to explore the risk factors for IDH and use artificial intelligence to establish an early alert system before hemodialysis sessions to identify patients at high risk of IDH.

Materials and Methods

We obtained data on 314,534 hemodialysis sessions conducted at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from the renal disease treatment information system. IDH was defined as a systolic blood pressure drop ≥20 mm Hg, a mean arterial pressure drop ≥10 mm Hg during dialysis, or the occurrence of clinical hypotensive events requiring nursing intervention. After pre-processing, the data were randomly divided into training (80%) and testing (20%) sets. Four interpolation methods, three feature selection methods, and 18 machine learning algorithms were used to construct predictive models. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was the main indicator for evaluating the performance of the models, while Shapley Additive ExPlanation was used to explain the contribution of each variable to the best predictive model.

Results

A total of 3,906 patients and 314,534 dialysis sessions were included, of which 142,237 cases showed IDH (incidence rate, 45.2%). Nineteen parameters were identified through artificial intelligence feature screening. They included age, pre-dialysis weight, dry weight, pre-dialysis blood pressure, heart rate, prescribed ultrafiltration, blood cell counts (neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts), hematocrit, serum calcium, creatinine, urea, glucose, and uric acid. Random forest, gradient boosting, and logistic regression were the three best models, and the AUCs were 0.812 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.811-0.813), 0.748 (95% CI, 0.747-0.749), and 0.743 (95% CI, 0.742-0.744), respectively.

Conclusion

Our dialysis software-based artificial intelligence alert system can be used to predict IDH occurrence, enabling the initiation of relevant interventions.

Acute kidney injury in neurocritical care

Approximately 20% of patients with acute brain injury (ABI) also experience acute kidney injury (AKI), which worsens their outcomes. The metabolic and inflammatory changes associated with AKI likely contribute to prolonged brain injury and edema. As a result, recognizing its presence is important for effectively managing ABI and its sequelae. This review discusses the occurrence and effects of AKI in critically ill adults with neurological conditions, outlines potential mechanisms connecting AKI and ABI progression, and highlights AKI management principles. Tailored approaches include optimizing blood pressure, managing intracranial pressure, adjusting medication dosages, and assessing the type of administered fluids. Preventive measures include avoiding nephrotoxic drugs, improving hemodynamic and fluid balance, and addressing coexisting AKI syndromes. ABI patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) are more susceptible to neurological complications. RRT can negatively impact cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure, and brain tissue oxygenation, with effects tied to specific RRT methods. Continuous RRT is favored for better hemodynamic stability and lower risk of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. Potential RRT modifications for ABI patients include adjusted dialysate and blood flow rates, osmotherapy, and alternate anticoagulation methods. Future research should explore whether these strategies enhance outcomes and if using novel AKI biomarkers can mitigate AKI-related complications in ABI patients.

Development and validation of AI-based triage support algorithms for prevention of intradialytic hypotension

BACKGROUND

Intradialytic hypotension remains one of the most recurrent complications of dialysis sessions. Inadequate management can lead to adverse outcomes, highlighting the need to develop personalized approaches for the prevention of intradialytic hypotension. Here, we sought to develop and validate two AI-based risk models predicting the occurrence of symptomatic intradialytic hypotension at different time points.

METHODS

The models were built using the XGBoost algorithm and they predict the occurrence of intradialytic hypotension in the next dialysis session and in the next month. The initial dataset, obtained from routinely collected data in the EuCliD® Database, was split to perform model derivation, training and validation. Model performance was evaluated by concordance statistic and calibration charts; the importance of features was assessed with the Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) methodology.

RESULTS

The final dataset included 1,249,813 dialysis sessions, and the incidence rate of intradialytic hypotension was 10.07% (95% CI 10.02-10.13). Our models retained good discrimination (AUC around 0.8) and a suitable calibration yielding to the selection of three classification thresholds identifying four distinct risk groups. Variables providing the most significant impact on risk estimates were blood pressure dynamics and other metrics mirroring hemodynamic instability over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent symptomatic intradialytic hypotension could be reliably and accurately predicted using routinely collected data during dialysis treatment and standard clinical care. Clinical application of these prediction models would allow for personalized risk-based interventions for preventing and managing intradialytic hypotension.

Prevention of Intradialytic Hypotension in Hemodialysis Patients: Current Challenges and Future Prospects

Intradialytic hypotension, defined as rapid decrease in systolic blood pressure of greater than or equal to 20 mmHg or in mean arterial pressure of greater than or equal to 10 mmHg that results in end-organ ischemia and requires countermeasures such as ultrafiltration reduction or saline infusion to increase blood pressure to improve patient's symptoms, is a known complication of hemodialysis and is associated with several potential adverse outcomes. Its pathogenesis is complex and involves both patient-related factors such as age and comorbidities, as well as factors related to the dialysis prescription itself. Key factors include the need for volume removal during hemodialysis and a suboptimal vascular response which compromises the ability to compensate for acute intravascular volume loss. Inadequate vascular refill, incorrect assessment or unaccounted changes of target weight, acute illnesses and medication interference are further potential contributors. Intradialytic hypotension can lead to compromised tissue perfusion and end-organ damage, both acutely and over time, resulting in repetitive injuries. To address these problems, a careful assessment of subjective symptoms, minimizing interdialytic weight gains, individualizing dialysis prescription and adjusting the dialysis procedure based on patients' risk factors can mitigate negative outcomes.

Application Value of Limb Ischemic Preconditioning in Preventing Intradialytic Hypotension during Maintenance Hemodialysis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of limb ischemia preconditioning (LIPC) in the treatment of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) in patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).

METHODS

This was a single-center, prospective, and randomized controlled case study. A total of 38 patients with MHD who met the inclusion criteria from September 2021 to August 2022 were selected from the Blood Purification Center of our hospital. They were randomly divided into the LIPC group (n = 19) and the control group (n = 19). For patients in the LIPC group, the femoral artery blood flow was blocked with an LIPC instrument for 5 min (pressurized to 200 mm Hg) before each dialysis, and they were reperfused for 5 min. The cycle was repeated five times, with a total of 50 min for 12 weeks. The control group was pressurized to 20 mm Hg with an LIPC instrument, and the rest was the same as the LIPC group. The blood pressure of 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, and body weight before and after hemodialysis were measured in the two groups during hemodialysis, the incidence of IDH and the changes of serum troponin I (TNI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) levels before and after the intervention were observed, and the ultrafiltration volume and ultrafiltration rate were recorded.

RESULTS

At the 8th and 12th week after intervention, the MAP in the LIPC group was higher than that in the control group (103.28 ± 12.19 mm Hg vs. 93.18 ± 11.11 mm Hg, p = 0.04; 101.81 ± 11.36 mm Hg vs. 91.81 ± 11.92 mm Hg, p = 0.047). The incidence of IDH in the LIPC group was lower than that in the control group (36.5% vs. 43.1%, p = 0.01). The incidence of clinical treatment in IDH patients in the LIPC group was lower than that in the control group (6.3% vs. 12.4%, p = 0.00). The incidence of early termination of hemodialysis in the LIPC group was lower than that in the control group (1.6% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.01). The levels of TNI and CK-MB in the LIPC group after the intervention were lower than those in the control group (322.30 ± 13.72 ng/dL vs. 438.50 ± 24.72 ng/dL, p = 0.00; 159.78 ± 8.48 U/dL vs. 207.00 ± 8.70 U/dL, p = 0.00). The changes of MAP before and after the intervention were negatively correlated with the changes of TNI and CK-MB before and after the intervention (r = -0.473, p = 0.04; r = -0.469, p = 0.04). There were no differences in dry body mass and ultrafiltration rate between the two groups before and after the LIPC intervention (p > 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis shows that TNI is the main influencing factor of ΔMAP. No LIPC-related adverse events were found during the study period.

CONCLUSION

LIPC can effectively reduce the incidence of IDH in patients with MHD and may be associated with the alleviation of myocardial damage.

Predicting dry weight change in Hemodialysis patients using machine learning

BACKGROUND

Machine Learning has been increasingly used in the medical field, including managing patients undergoing hemodialysis. The random forest classifier is a Machine Learning method that can generate high accuracy and interpretability in the data analysis of various diseases. We attempted to apply Machine Learning to adjust dry weight, the appropriate volume status of patients undergoing hemodialysis, which requires a complex decision-making process considering multiple indicators and the patient's physical conditions.

METHODS

All medical data and 69,375 dialysis records of 314 Asian patients undergoing hemodialysis at a single dialysis center in Japan between July 2018 and April 2020 were collected from the electronic medical record system. Using the random forest classifier, we developed models to predict the probabilities of adjusting the dry weight at each dialysis session.

RESULTS

The areas under the receiver-operating-characteristic curves of the models for adjusting the dry weight upward and downward were 0.70 and 0.74, respectively. The average probability of upward adjustment of the dry weight had sharp a peak around the actual change over time, while the average probability of downward adjustment of the dry weight formed a gradual peak. Feature importance analysis revealed that median blood pressure decline was a strong predictor for adjusting the dry weight upward. In contrast, elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein and hypoalbuminemia were important indicators for adjusting the dry weight downward.

CONCLUSIONS

The random forest classifier should provide a helpful guide to predict the optimal changes to the dry weight with relative accuracy and may be useful in clinical practice.

Associations of Iron Sucrose and Intradialytic Blood Pressure

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Intradialytic hypotension and intradialytic hypertension are associated with morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD). Many factors can contribute to intra-HD blood pressure (BP) changes, such as drugs with vasoactive properties that can destabilize an already tenuous BP. Intravenous iron sucrose is commonly administered to correct iron deficiency; however, its reported associations with altered hemodynamics have not been consistent.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

950 outpatients receiving maintenance HD.

EXPOSURE

Iron sucrose administered during HD.

OUTCOME

Intradialytic hypotension, intradialytic hypertension, systolic blood pressure parameters.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Unadjusted and adjusted Poisson and linear repeated measures regression models.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients included in the study was 53±22 years, 43% were female, and 38% were Black. Mean pre-HD SBP was 152±26 (SD) mm Hg. At baseline, the patients who received higher doses of iron sucrose tended to have diabetes, have longer HD sessions, and have a higher frequency of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use, compared with those who did not receive iron sucrose. In adjusted models, higher doses of iron sucrose were associated with an 11% lower rate of intradialytic hypotension (incidence rate ratio [IRR] for iron sucrose≥100mg vs 0 mg, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.85-0.94]). In adjusted analyses, the administration of higher doses of iron sucrose during HD was associated with intradialytic hypertension (IRR for iron sucrose≥100mg vs 0 mg, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.04-1.10]).

LIMITATIONS

Nonavailability of the precise iron sucrose formulation (volume), laboratory data for each HD session, and outpatient medications. Objective measures of volume status, home medications, and symptom data were not recorded in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed an independent association of intravenous iron sucrose administration during HD with a lower risk of intradialytic hypotension and higher risk of intradialytic hypertension. Future studies to better understand the mechanisms underlying these associations are warranted.

PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Intradialytic hypotension and intradialytic hypertension are common among patients on hemodialysis, and they are associated with morbidity and mortality. Although many factors may contribute to these risks, medications administered during hemodialysis play an important role. We studied the significance of the intravenous iron sucrose used to treat iron deficiency and the impact it may have on blood pressure during dialysis. In our study of 950 outpatient hemodialysis patients, we observed that administration of iron sucrose was associated with higher systolic blood pressure (during and after hemodialysis sessions) as well as a lower risk of intradialytic hypotension. We also observed that higher doses of iron sucrose are associated with the development of intradialytic hypertension.

Evaluation of autonomic nervous system activity in intradialytic hypotension using entropy and skin sympathetic nerve activity

Introduction

The function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is crucial in the development of intradialytic hypotension (IDH). This study introduced the entropy of heart rate variability (HRV) and skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) to provide a complementary nonlinear and dynamic perspective for evaluating ANS function concerning IDH.

Methods

93 patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) were enrolled, and the baseline data, electrocardiogram (ECG), and SKNA were collected. The patients were separated into the IDH and nonIDH groups based on the thresholds, which were characterized as reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of at least 20 mm Hg or mean arterial pressure (MAP) of at least 10 mm Hg. We developed a logistic regression model for IDH after analyzing the changes in the time domain, frequency domain, the entropy of HRV, and SKNA indices during HD.

Results

After 4-h HD, the detected results for heart rate, the ratio of low frequency and high frequency (LF/HF), and average SKNA (aSKNA) all increased in both groups. Nine out of the ten HRV indices and aSKNA in the nonIDH group were higher than those in the IDH group at most moments. aSKNA was positively correlated with heart rate (p = 0.0001) and LF/HF (p = 0.0005) in the nonIDH group, while the correlation disappeared in the IDH group, which indicated a worse ANS response in IDH patients. The logistic regression model exhibited the results of initial SBP [odds ratio (OR) 1.076; p = 0.001], and the difference between the last and first segments (DLF) of heart rate [OR 1.101; p =0.012] and LF/HF [OR 0.209; p =0.034], as well as the extreme value of the difference between other segments and the first segments (EOF) of aSKNA [OR 2.908; p =0.017], which were independent indicators for IDH.

Discussion

The new nonlinear and dynamic assessment perspectives provided by the entropy of HRV and SKNA help to distinguish differences in ANS patterns between IDH patients and nonIDH patients and have the potential to be used in clinical monitoring for HD patients.

Bradykinin B2 receptor blockade and intradialytic hypotension

INTRODUCTION

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common clinical complication and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The pathogenesis of IDH has been attributed to the rapid reduction of plasma volume during hemodialysis and the inadequate compensatory mechanisms in response to hypovolemia, such as the lack of vasoconstriction. This may be due to the increased production of vasodilators, such as bradykinin. In this study we test the hypothesis that bradykinin B2 receptor blockade prevents intradialytic hypotension.

METHODS

We performed a post-hoc analysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, 2 × 2 crossover clinical trial comparing the continuous infusion of icatibant, a bradykinin B2 receptor blocker, and placebo during hemodialysis. Icatibant or placebo was infused for 30 min before and during hemodialysis in 11 patients on MHD.

RESULTS

Seven of the patients had IDH, defined as a reduction of systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 20 mmHg during hemodialysis. Stratified analysis, based on the presence of IDH, revealed that icatibant prevented the decrease in blood pressure compared to placebo in patients with IDH [blood pressure at average nadir (2.5 h after hemodialysis): Placebo,114.3 ± 8.9 vs. icatibant, 125.6 ± 9.1 mmHg, mean ± S.E.M]. Icatibant did not affect blood pressure in the group of patients without IDH.

CONCLUSION

Bradykinin B2 receptor blocker may prevent the occurrence of IDH. Further studies should evaluate the hemodynamic effects of icatibant during hemodialysis and the symptomatology associated with IDH.

Dynamics of Plasma Refill Rate and Intradialytic Hypotension During Hemodialysis: Retrospective Cohort Study With Causal Methodology

Key Points

Directly studying plasma refill rate (PRR) during hemodialysis (HD) can offer insight into physiologic mechanisms that change throughout HD. PRR at the start and during HD is associated with intradialytic hypotension, independent of ultrafiltration rate. A rising PRR during HD may be an early indicator of compensatory mechanisms for impending circulatory instability.

Background

Attaining the optimal balance between achieving adequate volume removal while preserving organ perfusion is a challenge for patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Current strategies to guide ultrafiltration are inadequate.

Methods

We developed an approach to calculate the plasma refill rate (PRR) throughout HD using hematocrit and ultrafiltration data in a retrospective cohort of patients receiving maintenance HD at 17 dialysis units from January 2017 to October 2019. We studied whether (1 ) PRR is associated with traditional risk factors for hemodynamic instability using logistic regression, (2 ) low starting PRR is associated with intradialytic hypotension (IDH) using Cox proportional hazard regression, and (3 ) time-varying PRR throughout HD is associated with hypotension using marginal structural modeling.

Results

During 180,319 HD sessions among 2554 patients, PRR had high within-patient and between-patient variability. Female sex and hypoalbuminemia were associated with low PRR at multiple time points during the first hour of HD. Low starting PRR has a higher hazard of IDH, whereas high starting PRR was protective (hazard ratio [HR], 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 1.35 versus HR, 0.79, 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.85, respectively). However, when accounting for time-varying PRR and time-varying confounders, compared with a moderate PRR, while a consistently low PRR was associated with increased risk of hypotension (odds ratio [OR], 1.09, 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.16), a consistently high PRR had a stronger association with hypotension within the next 15 minutes (OR, 1.38, 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.45).

Conclusions

We present a straightforward technique to quantify plasma refill that could easily integrate with devices that monitor hematocrit during HD. Our study highlights how examining patterns of plasma refill may enhance our understanding of circulatory changes during HD, an important step to understand how current technology might be used to improve hemodynamic instability.

Management of Intermittent Hemodialysis in the Critically Ill Patient

Intermittent hemodialysis remains a cornerstone of extracorporeal KRT in the intensive care unit, either as a first-line therapy for AKI or a second-line therapy when patients transition from a continuous or prolonged intermittent therapy. Intermittent hemodialysis is usually provided 3 days per week in this setting on the basis that no clinical benefits have been demonstrated with more frequent hemodialysis. This should not detract from the importance of continually assessing and refining the hemodialysis prescription (including the need for extra treatments) according to dynamic changes in extracellular volume and other parameters, and ensuring that an adequate dose of hemodialysis is being delivered to the patient. Compared with other KRT modalities, the cardinal challenge encountered during intermittent hemodialysis is hemodynamic instability. This phenomenon occurs when reductions in intravascular volume, as a consequence of ultrafiltration and/or osmotic shifts, outpace compensatory plasma refilling from the extravascular space. Myocardial stunning, triggered by intermittent hemodialysis, and independent of ultrafiltration, may also contribute. The hemodynamic effect of intermittent hemodialysis is likely magnified in patients who are critically ill due to an inability to mount sufficient compensatory physiologic responses in the context of multiorgan dysfunction. Of the many interventions that have undergone testing to mitigate hemodynamic instability related to KRT, the best evidence exists for cooling the dialysate and raising the dialysate sodium concentration. Unfortunately, the evidence supporting routine use of these and other interventions is weak owing to poor study quality and limited sample sizes. Intermittent hemodialysis will continue to be an important and commonly used KRT modality for AKI in patients with critical illness, especially in jurisdictions where resources are limited. There is an urgent need to harmonize the definition of hemodynamic instability related to KRT in clinical trials and robustly test strategies to combat it in this vulnerable patient population.

Changes of Hemodynamic Parameters after Intradialytic Glucose Injection

BACKGROUND

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a frequent complication of hemodialysis (HD). Current methods of IDH prevention are insufficient.

METHODS

We analyzed the intradialytic time course of systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), and heart rate (HR) in a group of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. First, 30 min into HD, a 40% glucose solution was injected into the venous line of the extracorporeal circulation at a dose of 0.5 g/kg of dry weight. Pressures and HR were measured in frequent intervals. Relative volume overload was determined by bioimpedance spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Thirty-five participants were studied. SBP increased after 5, 10, and 20 min of glucose infusion. DBP increased after 2 and 3 h and also at the end of HD. PP increased after 5, 10, and 20 min of glucose infusion and fell after the 2nd and 3rd hour and also at the end of HD. MAP increased after 2 and 3 h of glucose injection and at the end of HD. Significant interactions of the time course of SBP, DBP, MAP, with HR at baseline and of the time course of PP with fluid overload were observed. Symptomatic hypotensive episodes were absent.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucose infusions during HD prevent symptomatic IDH and do not cause severe hypertensive episodes.

Chinese Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of "CKD-PeriDialysis"-the Periods Prior to and in the Early-Stage of Initial Dialysis

The National Experts Group on Nephrology have developed these guidelines to improve the management of pre-dialysis and initial dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (two periods contiguous with dialysis initiation termed here 'PeriDialysis CKD'). The pre-dialysis period is variable, whereas the initial dialysis period is more fixed at 3 months to 6 months after initiating dialysis. The new concept and characteristics of 'CKD-PeriDialysis' are proposed in the guideline. During the CKD-PeriDialysis period, the incidence rate of complications, mortality and treatment cost significantly increases and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) rapidly decreases, which requires intensive management. The guideline systematically and comprehensively elaborates the recommendations for indicators to be used in for disease evaluation, timing and mode selection of renal replacement therapy, dialysis adequacy evaluation, and diagnosis and treatment of common PeriDialysis complications. Finally, future research directions of CKD-PeriDialysis are proposed. CKD-PeriDialysis management is a difficult clinical issue in kidney disease, and the development and implementation of these guidelines is important to improve the management of CKD-PeriDialysis patients in China, which could ultimately improve survival rates and quality of life, and reduce the medical burden.

Pre-Dialysis B-Line Quantification at Lung Ultrasound Is a Useful Method for Evaluating the Dry Weight and Predicting the Risk of Intradialytic Hypotension

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a frequent and well-known complication of hemodialysis, occurring in about one third of patients. An integrated approach with different methods is needed to minimize IDH episodes and their complications. In this prospective observational study, recruited patients underwent a multiparametric evaluation of fluid status through a lung ultrasound (LUS) with the quantification of B-lines, a physical examination, blood pressure, NT-proBNP and chest X-rays. The evaluation took place immediately before and at the end of the dialysis session, and the patients were divided into IDH and no-IDH groups. We recruited a total of 107 patients. A pre-dialysis B-line number ≥ 15 showed a high sensitivity in fluid overload diagnosis (94.5%), even higher than a chest X-ray (78%) or physical examination (72%) alone. The identification at the beginning of dialysis of <8 B-lines in the overall cohort or <20 B-lines in patients with NYHA 3−4 class are optimal thresholds for identifying those patients at higher risk of experiencing an IDH episode. In the multivariable analysis, the NYHA class, a low pre-dialysis systolic BP and a low pre-dialysis B-line number were independent risk factors for IDH. At the beginning of dialysis, the B-line quantification at LUS is a valuable and reliable method for evaluating fluid status and predicting IDH episodes. A post-dialysis B-line number <5 may allow for an understanding of whether the IDH episode was caused by dehydration, probably due to due to an overestimation of the dry weight.

Moderator Effect of Hypoalbuminemia in Volume Resuscitation and Plasma Expansion with Intravenous Albumin Solution

Intravenous administration of crystalloid or colloid solutions is the most common intervention for correcting hypovolemia in intensive care unit patients. In critical illness, especially sepsis and severe trauma, vascular wall permeability increases, and trans-endothelial escape of serum albumin, the major oncotic plasma constituent, contributes to the development of hypoalbuminemia and edema formation. The volume effects of intravenous human albumin solution exceed those of crystalloid solutions. If hypoalbuminemia is an effect moderator, the crystalloid-to-albumin ratio of fluid resuscitation volumes is not well characterized. Randomized controlled trials have confirmed that intravenous administration of human albumin solutions for volume resuscitation results in a lower net fluid balance compared with crystalloids, and smaller infusion volumes may be sufficient for hemodynamic stabilization when human albumin solutions are used. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence and conclusions drawn regarding the role of hypoalbuminemia in volume resuscitation. In the 'Saline versus Albumin Fluid Evaluation' study using 4% human albumin solution or saline, the saline-to-albumin ratio of study fluids was significantly higher in patients with baseline serum albumin concentrations of 25 g/L or less as compared to patients with baseline serum albumin concentrations of more than 25 g/L. In patients receiving renal replacement therapy, intravenous administration of 20-25% human albumin solution reduces intradialytic hypotension and improves fluid removal better than saline if serum albumin levels are similarly reduced. These data suggest that hypoalbuminemia acts as an effect moderator in volume resuscitation and plasma expansion with albumin solution. The volume effectiveness of intravenous human albumin solution in resuscitation appears to be greater when the serum albumin levels are low. In clinical situations, serum albumin concentrations per se may inform when and how to include intravenous albumin in fluid resuscitation if large amounts of crystalloids are needed, which requires further studies.

The interstitial compartment as a therapeutic target in heart failure

Congestion is the single most important contributor to heart failure (HF) decompensation. Most of the excess volume in patients with HF resides in the interstitial compartment. Inadequate decongestion implies persistent interstitial congestion and is associated with worse outcomes. Therefore, effective interstitial decongestion represents an unmet need to improve quality of life and reduce clinical events. The key processes that underlie incomplete interstitial decongestion are often ignored. In this review, we provide a summary of the pathophysiology of the interstitial compartment in HF and the factors governing the movement of fluids between the interstitial and vascular compartments. Disruption of the extracellular matrix compaction occurs with edema, such that the interstitium becomes highly compliant, and large changes in volume marginally increase interstitial pressure and allow progressive capillary filtration into the interstitium. Augmentation of lymph flow is required to prevent interstitial edema, and the lymphatic system can increase fluid removal by at least 10-fold. In HF, lymphatic remodeling can become insufficient or maladaptive such that the capacity of the lymphatic system to remove fluid from the interstitium is exceeded. Increased central venous pressure at the site of the thoracic duct outlet also impairs lymphatic drainage. Owing to the kinetics of extracellular fluid, microvascular absorption tends to be transient (as determined by the revised Starling equation). Therefore, effective interstitial decongestion with adequate transcapillary plasma refill requires a substantial reduction in plasma volume and capillary pressure that are prolonged and sustained, which is not always achieved in clinical practice. The critical importance of the interstitium in the congestive state underscores the need to directly decongest the interstitial compartment without relying on the lowering of intracapillary pressure with diuretics. This unmet need may be addressed by novel device therapies in the near future.

Elevated Cardiac Troponin I following Asymptomatic Intradialytic Hypotension: A Pilot Study with a 2-Year Follow-Up

Background

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) has been recognized as a serious and frequent complication during hemodialysis (HD) of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, but the effect of asymptomatic IDH on cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels is not definitively elucidated.

Methods

70 asymptomatic HD patients with negative predialysis cTnI were included. They were on maintenance HD thrice weekly. All patients were monitored during the HD session for hemodynamic changes and symptoms related to IDH. Patients were followed for two years, and their outcomes are noted as an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), cardiac death, no ACS, noncardiac death, and kidney transplant.

Results

Compared with the baseline blood pressure values, there was a drop in systolic blood pressure for all subjects, but according to the 2007 European Best Practice Guidelines on hemodynamic instability, asymptomatic IDH was defined in 27 (38.6%) patients. The results demonstrated a significant correlation (r = 0.492) (p < 0.05) between asymptomatic IDH and elevated postdialysis levels of cTnI. In 2-year follow-up of patients, ACS and cardiac death happened more in patients with elevated cTnI.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that asymptomatic IDH affects cTnI levels. Given that cTnI is a marker of myocardial damage and a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in ESRD patients, these findings recommend that considering the asymptomatic decrease in blood pressure levels during HD is very important and critical.

Using the Intelligent System to Improve the Delivered Adequacy of Dialysis by Preventing Intradialytic Complications

Acute kidney failure patients while detoxificated by hemodialysis (HD) mostly or continuously faced regular problems such as low blood pressure (hypotension), muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting. Higher intradialytic symptom leads to low-quality HD treatment. Although more known therapeutic interventions are used to relieve the HD side effects, this study was designed to investigate how intelligent systems can make highly beneficial alterations in dialysis facilities and equipment to ease intradialytic complications and help the staff deliver high-quality treatment. A search was performed among relevant research articles based on nonpharmacological intervention methods considered to prevent adverse effects of renal replacement therapy until 2020 in the PubMed databases using the terms “intradialytic complications,” “intradialytic complication interventions,” “nonpharmacological interventions,” “intradialytic exercises,” and “adequacy calculation methods.” Studies included the prevalence of intradialytic complications, different strategies with the aim of preventing complications, the outcome of intradialytic exercises on dialysis symptoms, and dialysis dose calculation methods. The results showed the incidence of hypotension varying between 5% and 30%, fatigue, muscular cramps, and vomiting as the most common complications during dialysis, which greatly affect the outcome of HD sessions. To prevent hypotension, ultrafiltration profiling, sodium modeling, low dialysate temperature, and changing the position to Trendelenburg are some strategies. Urea reduction ratio (URR), formal urea kinetic modeling (FUKM), formal single-pool urea kinetics, and online clearance monitoring (OCM) are methods for calculating the delivered dose of dialysis in which OCM is a low-cost and accessible way to monitor regularly the quality of dialysis delivered. Integration of the chair and HD machine which is in direct contact with the patient provides an intelligent system that improves the management of the dialysis session to enhance the quality of healthcare service.

Hidden risks associated with conventional short intermittent hemodialysis: A call for action to mitigate cardiovascular risk and morbidity

The development of maintenance hemodialysis (HD) for end stage kidney disease patients is a success story that continues to save many lives. Nevertheless, intermittent renal replacement therapy is also a source of recurrent stress for patients. Conventional thrice weekly short HD is an imperfect treatment that only partially corrects uremic abnormalities, increases cardiovascular risk, and exacerbates disease burden. Altering cycles of fluid loading associated with cardiac stretching (interdialytic phase) and then fluid unloading (intradialytic phase) likely contribute to cardiac and vascular damage. This unphysiologic treatment profile combined with cyclic disturbances including osmotic and electrolytic shifts may contribute to morbidity in dialysis patients and augment the health burden of treatment. As such, HD patients are exposed to multiple stressors including cardiocirculatory, inflammatory, biologic, hypoxemic, and nutritional. This cascade of events can be termed the dialysis stress storm and sickness syndrome. Mitigating cardiovascular risk and morbidity associated with conventional intermittent HD appears to be a priority for improving patient experience and reducing disease burden. In this in-depth review, we summarize the hidden effects of intermittent HD therapy, and call for action to improve delivered HD and develop treatment schedules that are better tolerated and associated with fewer adverse effects.

Reconsidering the Trendelenburg position during intradialytic hypotension

ABSTRACT

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is the most common complication that patients experience during hemodialysis. This article discusses IDH and its emergency management, focusing on Trendelenburg position, which may create more risks than benefits.

Predicting factors of intradialytic hypotension in the last half of hemodialysis therapy

Background

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is one of the most frequent complications of hemodialysis. IDH alters a patient’s quality of life and has a strong association with mortality. IDH mainly occurs when ultrafiltration during hemodialysis exceeds the pace of the plasma refill. Ultrasonography has been used to evaluate the intravascular volume status. We evaluated the association between IDH and baseline laboratory data or ultrasound findings during IDH during the latter half of a hemodialysis session.

Methods

Sixty-two patients who underwent hemodialysis were enrolled in this study. The peak early mitral inflow wave velocity (peak E-velocity), the inferior vena cava (IVC) dimensions, and number of B-lines were estimated at two time points (just after the start and at the midpoint of the hemodialysis session). We compared the parameters between the patients without IDH throughout the hemodialysis session (non-IDH group) and patients with IDH only during the latter half of the hemodialysis session (IDH in the latter half group).

Results

Of the 62 study participants, 28 patients were in non-IDH group, and 16 patients were in IDH in the latter half group. The serum sodium level was significantly lower in the IDH in the latter half group (135 ± 4 mEq/L) than in the non-IDH group (138 ± 4 mEq/L) (P = 0.015). The rate of decrease of the peak E-velocity was significantly higher in the IDH in the latter half group (0.33 ± 0.13) than in the non-IDH group (0.24 ± 0.14) (P = 0.037). The best cutoff point of the serum level of sodium was 137 mEq/L, with a sensitivity of 68.8% and specificity of 64.3%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.71. The best cutoff point of the rate of decrease of the peak E-velocity was 0.295, with a sensitivity of 73.3% and a specificity of 71.4%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.71.

Conclusions

A low serum level of sodium at baseline and an early decrease in the peak E-velocity during hemodialysis may be related to intradialytic hypotension in the latter half of a hemodialysis session. Careful observation may be needed in the hemodialysis patients in whom the serum level of sodium is below 137 mEq/L or the rate of decrease of the peak E-velocity is over 0.295.

Echocardiographic parameters in patients with and without hypotension during dialysis

Introduction: Hypotension during dialysis is a common complication of hemodialysis and is associated with increased patient mortality and morbidity. Intradialytic hypotension is a decrease in systolic BP ≥20 mm Hg or a reduction in mean arterial pressure by 10 mm Hg along with clinical events and the need for correction. This study compares cardiac function, using transthoracic echocardiography with strain modality in patients with intradialytic hypotension with those without hypotension during dialysis.

Methods: We studied 60 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing regular hemodialysis from April 2018 to February 2019. We compared thirty patients in the intradialytic hypotension group, with the remaining 30 patients in the control group. We did transthoracic echocardiography a day after hemodialysis using conventional, tissue doppler, and strain imaging.

Results: Early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (e’) was lower in the intradialytic hypotension group in comparison with the control group which their difference was statistically significant (5.540 ± 1.51 versus 6.920 ± 1.98, P value:0.007) Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) was also significantly lower in the intradialytic hypotension group (51.07 ± 8.714 versus 59.43 ± 4.133, P value < 0.001). Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) was significantly lower in the intradialytic hypotension group (-14.17 ± 2.79 versus -18.99 ± 2.25, P value < 0.001). The receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve point-coordinates that GLS of -16.85 and lower (more positive) has 83% sensitivity and 87% specificity for intradialytic hypotension.

Conclusion: The echocardiographic assessment could be used as a tool for the prediction of hypotension during dialysis.

Integrating Monitoring of Volume Status and Blood Volume-Controlled Ultrafiltration into Extracorporeal Kidney Replacement Therapy

Purpose

Volume management in hemodialysis (HD) requires the ability to assess volume status objectively and determine treatment strategies that achieve euvolemia without compromising hemodynamic stability. The aim of this study was to compare dialysis with and without blood volume-controlled ultrafiltration (UF) in combination with body composition monitoring, and to evaluate indicators for adequate dialysis (Kt/V), ultrafiltration volume, fluid status, and the occurrence of intradialytic morbid events (IME).

Patients and Methods

Patients undergoing hemodialysis or on-line hemodiafiltration with support of a blood volume monitor (BVM) - a feedback control device integrated into the 5008 and 6008 HD systems - were enrolled. Patients received treatment for four weeks using the 6008 CAREsystem and the BVM (6008+). Data on dialysis dose (Kt/V), UF volume and predialysis fluid status were documented. This data was also documented retrospectively for four weeks with (5008+) and without (5008-) the use of the BVM with the 5008 system. Comparisons were analyzed using linear mixed models.

Results

Twenty-four patients were enrolled. Kt/V was unaffected by blood volume-controlled UF (5008- vs 5008+: p=0.230) and was equally achieved with both HD systems (5008+ vs 6008+: p=0.922). The UF volume and fluid status achieved were comparable, independent of the use of UF control with BVM (5008- vs 5008+; UF volume: p=0.166; fluid overload: p=0.390) or the HD system (5008+ vs 6008+: UF volume: p=0.003; fluid overload: p=0.838), except for UF volume being higher in the 6008+ phase. IMEs occurred in less than 3% of treatments, with no difference between study phases.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a clinical approach to kidney replacement therapy that tracks volume status and manages intradialytic fluid removal by blood volume-controlled UF delivers adequate dialysis without compromising fluid removal. It maintains volume status and ensures low incidence of IMEs.

Cardiac Outcomes in Isolated Heart and Simultaneous Kidney and Heart Transplants in the United States

Introduction

Kidney dysfunction is not uncommon in patients with advanced heart failure. Simultaneous kidney and heart transplants (SKHTs) have gained acceptance as a treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure and severe kidney dysfunction. United States saw a rise of 650% in SKHT from 2000 to 2019. Despite increasing number of SKHT, the selection criteria remain poorly defined and vary across transplant centers.

Methods

We evaluated patient and cardiac allograft survival for SKHT and heart transplant alone (HTA) using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. We then performed a subgroup analysis in recipients with post-transplant acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) and compared outcomes between SKHT and HTA recipients.

Results

Although patient survival was comparable between SKHT and HTA groups (12.4 vs. 11.3 years), patients dependent on dialysis pretransplant derived greater survival advantage from SKHT as compared with HTA (12.4 vs. 9.9 years). Cardiac graft survival was better in SKHT (12.5 vs. 11.2 years). Among patients who developed acute kidney injury requiring RRT postoperatively, SKHT recipients had a significantly better survival (11.9 vs. 2.7 years).

Conclusion

Our data support consideration of SKHT in dialysis-dependent heart transplant candidates and suggest that patients who are at increased risk of requiring RRT after heart transplant may benefit from SKHT.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines as potential predictors for intradialytic hypotension

Background

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common complication in maintaining hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Immune activation might be part of the mechanisms. However, the association between pro-inflammatory cytokines and blood pressure (BP) has not been deeply explored. So we aim to evaluate the potential role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in IDH.

Methods

MHD patients starting hemodialysis before January 2016 were enrolled in our retrospective study. Patients' characteristics, laboratory results, and intradialytic BP were collected. IDH was defined as nadir systolic BP ≤ 90 mmHg during hemodialysis. The definition of IDH group was that those who suffered from more than one hypotensive event during one month after the enrollment (10% of dialysis treatments). Spearman correlation analysis and logistic regression were employed to explore the relationship between pro-inflammatory cytokines and IDH.

Results

Among 390 patients, 72 were identified with IDH (18.5%). High levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were observed in the IDH group (p < 0.001). Both TNF-α and IL-1β positively correlated with predialysis BP (p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of serum IL-1β and TNF-α for IDH. The area under the curve of IL-1β was 0.772 (95% CI: 0.708-0.836, p < 0.01), and that of TNF-α was 0.701 (95% CI: 0.620-0.781, p < 0.01). After adjusting for patients' characteristics, biochemical parameters, comorbid conditions, predialysis BP, and medications, elevated TNF-α and IL-1β were still risk factors for IDH.

Conclusion

Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) could be potential predictors for IDH.

Use of Sertraline in Hemodialysis Patients

Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric disorders in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) and may correlate with lower quality of life and increased mortality. Depression treatment in HD patients is still a challenge both for nephrologists and psychiatrists. The possible treatment of depressive disorders can be pharmacological and non-pharmacological. In our article, we focus on the use of sertraline, the medication which seems to be relatively safe and efficient in the abovementioned population, taking under consideration several limitations regarding the use of other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In our paper, we discuss different aspects of sertraline use, taking into consideration possible benefits and side effects of drug administration like impact on QTc (corrected QT interval) prolongation, intradialytic hypotension (IDH), chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP), bleeding, sexual functions, inflammation, or fracture risk. Before administering the medication, one should consider benefits and possible side effects, which are particularly significant in the treatment of ESRD patients; this could help to optimize clinical outcomes. Sertraline seems to be safe in the HD population when provided in proper doses. However, we still need more studies in this field since the ones performed so far were usually based on small samples and lacked placebo control.

Comparative analysis of therapeutic effects between medium cut-off and high flux dialyzers using metabolomics and proteomics: exploratory, prospective study in hemodialysis

In this single-center prospective study of 20 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD), we compared the therapeutic effects of medium cut-off (MCO) and high flux (HF) dialyzers using metabolomics and proteomics. A consecutive dialyzer membrane was used for 15-week study periods: 1st HF dialyzer, MCO dialyzer, 2nd HF dialyzer, for 5 weeks respectively. ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance was used to identify the metabolites and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis was used to identify proteins. To compare the effects of the HF and MCO dialyzers, orthogonal projection to latent structure discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was performed. OPLS-DA showed that metabolite characteristics could be significantly classified by 1st HF and MCO dialyzers. The Pre-HD metabolites with variable importance in projection scores ≥ 1.0 in both 1st HF versus MCO and MCO versus 2nd HF were succinate, glutamate, and histidine. The pre-HD levels of succinate and histidine were significantly lower, while those of glutamate were significantly higher in MCO period than in the HF period. OPLS-DA of the proteome also substantially separated 1st HF and MCO periods. Plasma pre-HD levels of fibronectin 1 were significantly higher, and those of complement component 4B and retinol-binding protein 4 were significantly lower in MCO than in the 1st HF period. Interestingly, as per Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, an increase in epithelial cell proliferation and a decrease in endothelial cell apoptosis occurred during the MCO period. Overall, our results suggest that the use of MCO dialyzers results in characteristic metabolomics and proteomics profiles during HD compared with HF dialyzers, which might be related to oxidative stress, insulin resistance, complement-coagulation axis, inflammation, and nutrition.

Intradialytic hypotension: is timing everything?

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a major complication of hemodialysis, leading to myocardial stunning, cerebral hypoperfusion, gut ischemia, loss of residual kidney function, high symptom burden, and death. This study by Keane et al. provides new data on the incidence of IDH over well-defined time intervals during the hemodialysis treatment session, clinical parameters associated with the timing of IDH onset, and whether timing of IDH impacts survival in a nationally representative hemodialysis cohort.

Sodium and ultrafiltration profiling in hemodialysis: A long-forgotten issue revisited

Sodium and ultrafiltration profiling are method of dialysis in which dialysate sodium concentration and ultrafiltration rate are altered during the course of the dialysis session. Sodium and ultrafiltration profiling have been used, commonly simultaneously, to improve hemodynamic stability during hemodialysis. Sodium profiling is particularly effective in decreasing the incidence of intradialytic hypotension, while ultrafiltration profiling is suggested to decrease subclinical repeated end organ ischemia during dialysis. However, complications such as increased interdialytic weight gain and thirst due to sodium excess have prevented widespread use of sodium profiling. Evidence suggest that different sodium profiling techniques may lead to different clinical results, and preferring sodium balance neutral sodium profiling may mitigate adverse effects related to sodium overload. However, evidence is lacking on the long-term clinical outcomes of different sodium profiling methods. Optimal method of sodium profiling as well as the utility of sodium/ultrafiltration profiling in routine practice await further clinical investigation.

Assessment and Management of Volume Overload Among Patients on Chronic Dialysis

Volume overload is the most common complication in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, being directly related to numerous complications including resistant hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, congestive heart failure or arterial stiffness, among others. Therefore, volume overload is now considered an important risk factor for hard outcomes, like all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. Relying solely on clinical examination for assessing volume overload in ESRD patients lacks sensitivity and specificity. Numerous efforts have been made to identify new methods that could objectively assess volume status; however, each of them has important limitations. This review aims to discuss the most frequently used methods (biomarkers, inferior vena cava assessment, lung ultrasonography, bioimpedance analysis and blood volume monitoring) and to compare the advantage of each method vs. the overall/ clinical strategy.

Patient perspectives of target weight management and ultrafiltration in haemodialysis: a multi-center survey

Background

Decisions around planned ultrafiltration volumes are the only part of the haemodialysis prescription decided upon at every session. Removing too much fluid or too little is associated with both acute symptoms and long-term outcomes. The degree to which patients engage with or influence decision-making is not clear. We explored patient perspectives of prescribing ultrafiltration volumes, their understanding of the process and engagement with it.

Methods

A questionnaire developed for this study was administered to 1077 patients across 10 UK Renal Units. Factor analysis reduced the dataset into factors representing common themes. Relationships between survey results and factors were investigated using regression models. ANCOVA was used to explore differences between Renal Units.

Results

Patients generally felt in control of their fluid management and that they were given the final say on planned ultrafiltration volumes. Around half of the respondents reported they take an active role in their treatment. However, respondents were largely unable to relate signs and symptoms to fluid management practice and a third said they would not report common signs and symptoms to clinicians. A fifth of patients reported not to know how ultrafiltration volumes were calculated. Patients responded positively to questions relating to healthcare staff, though with significant variation between units, highlighting differences in perception of care.

Conclusions

Despite a lack of formal acknowledgement in fluid management protocols, patients have significant involvement in decisions regarding fluid removal during dialysis. Furthermore, substantial gaps remain in patient knowledge and engagement. Formalizing the role of patients in these decisions, including patient education, may improve prescription and achievement of target weights.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-021-02399-7.

Intravenous Albumin for Mitigating Hypotension and Augmenting Ultrafiltration during Kidney Replacement Therapy

Among its many functions, owing to its oversized effect on colloid oncotic pressure, intravascular albumin helps preserve the effective circulatory volume. Hypoalbuminemia is common in hospitalized patients and is found especially frequently in patients who require KRT either for AKI or as maintenance hemodialysis. In such patients, hypoalbuminemia is strongly associated with morbidity, intradialytic hypotension, and mortality. Intravenous albumin may be administered in an effort to prevent or treat hypotension or to augment fluid removal, but this practice is controversial. Theoretically, intravenous albumin administration might prevent or treat hypotension by promoting plasma refilling in response to ultrafiltration. However, clinical trials have demonstrated that albumin administration is not nearly as effective a volume expander as might be assumed according to its oncotic properties. Although intravenous albumin is generally considered to be safe, it is also very expensive. In addition, there are potential risks to using it to prevent or treat intradialytic hypotension. Some recent studies have suggested that hyperoncotic albumin solutions may precipitate or worsen AKI in patients with sepsis or shock; however, the overall evidence supporting this effect is weak. In this review, we explore the theoretical benefits and risks of using intravenous albumin to mitigate intradialytic hypotension and/or enhance ultrafiltration and summarize the current evidence relating to this practice. This includes studies relevant to its use in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and critically ill patients with AKI who require KRT in the intensive care unit. Despite evidence of its frequent use and high costs, at present, there are minimal data that support the routine use of intravenous albumin during KRT. As such, adequately powered trials to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous albumin in this setting are clearly needed.

Effects of Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee on Hemodialysis-Related Headache (CoffeeHD): A Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

Historically, headache was reported in up to 76% of hemodialysis patients. Some authors suggested that headache resulted from caffeine withdrawal. This study aims to compare the incidence of headache and hypotension between patients drinking regular or decaffeinated coffee during dialysis.

METHODS

One-hundred fifty-six patients were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Patients with atrial fibrillation were excluded. Group A was given 80 mL of regular coffee and group B 80 mL of decaffeinated coffee (placebo) in the middle of the session for 12 consecutive sessions. Ultrafiltration rate was fixed to a maximum of 13 mL/kg/hour. The primary outcome was the incidence of headache during dialysis.

RESULTS

A total of 139 patients completed the trial (6.4% vs. 15.4% of withdrawal in Groups A and B, respectively). The number of sessions with headache was not significantly different between Group A and B (33.3% vs. 37.1% respectively, P = .522), nor the number of sessions with hypotension (27% vs. 26% respectively, P = .539). In a subgroup analysis, headache tended to be more frequent in Group B (P = .06) in 2 categories of patients: those with the highest potassium dialysate (K = 2) and the non-hypertensive patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Headache occurred in 35% of patients during their chronic hemodialysis sessions. Caffeine intake did not prevent headache occurrence in these patients.

Changes in extracellular water with hemodialysis and fall in systolic blood pressure

Introduction:

Intra-dialytic hypotension (IDH) remains the most common complication with outpatient hemodialysis (HD) sessions. As fluid is removed during HD, there is contraction of the extracellular volume (ECW). We wished to determine whether the fall in ECW was associated with a fall in systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the records of adult dialysis outpatients attending for their midweek sessions who had corresponding pre- and post-HD bioimpedance measurements of ECW.

Result:

We reviewed 736 patients, median age 67 (54–76) years, 62.8% male, 45.7% diabetic with a median dialysis vintage of 24.4 (9.2–56.8) months. The percentage fall in ECW (ECW%) was associated with post-dialysis systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = −0.14, p < 0.001). Patients with SBP falls of >20 mmHg had a greater fall in ECW% compared to patients with stable SBP 7.6 (4.6–10.1) vs 6.0 (4.0–8.5), p < 0.001). Patients with greater dialyzer urea clearance had greater fall in ECW% (r = 0.19, p < 0.001). In a logistic model an increased fall in ECW% was associated with weight loss (odds ratio (OR) 1.88, 95% confidence limits (CL) 1.62–2.176, p < 0.001), and session duration (OR 1.45 (CL 1.05–1.99), p = 0.024), and negatively with hemodiafiltration compared to hemodialysis (OR 0.37 (0.19–0.74) p = 0.005 and dialysate sodium to plasma gradient (OR 0.95 (CL 0.90–0.99), p = 0.021).

Conclusion:

We observed an association between the reduction in ECW and SBP with dialysis. Our results would advocate monitoring ECW changes during dialysis and developing biofeedback devices to control ultrafiltration and dialysate sodium to reduce the risk of IDH.

The time of onset of intradialytic hypotension during a hemodialysis session associates with clinical parameters and mortality

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common complication of hemodialysis, but there is no data about the time of onset during treatment. Here we describe the incidence of IDH throughout hemodialysis and associations of time of hypotension with clinical parameters and survival by analyzing data from 21 dialysis clinics in the United States to include 785682 treatments from 4348 patients. IDH was defined as a systolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or under while IDH incidence was calculated in 30-minute intervals throughout the hemodialysis session. Associations of time of IDH with clinical and treatment parameters were explored using logistic regression and with survival using Cox-regression. Sensitivity analysis considered further IDH definitions. IDH occurred in 12% of sessions at a median time interval of 120-149 minutes. There was no notable change in IDH incidence across hemodialysis intervals (range: 2.6-3.2 episodes per 100 session-intervals). Relative blood volume and ultrafiltration volume did not notably associate with IDH in the first 90 minutes but did thereafter. Associations between central venous but not arterial oxygen saturation and IDH were present throughout hemodialysis. Patients prone to IDH early as compared to late in a session had worse survival. Sensitivity analyses suggested IDH definition affects time of onset but other analyses were comparable. Thus, our study highlights the incidence of IDH during the early part of hemodialysis which, when compared to later episodes, associates with clinical parameters and mortality.

Individualized acute kidney injury after care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to summarize the current evidence around the impact of individualizing patient care following an episode of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the ICU.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the last years, evidence has demonstrated that the follow-up care after episodes of AKI is lacking and standardization of this process is likely needed. Although this is informed largely by large retrospective cohort studies, a few prospective observational trials have been performed. Medication reconciliation and patient/caregiver education are important tenants of follow-up care, regardless of the severity of AKI. There is evidence the initiation and/or reinstitution of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone agents may improve patient's outcomes following AKI, although they may increase the risk for adverse events, especially when reinitiated early. In addition, 3 months after an episode of AKI, serum creatinine and proteinuria evaluation may help identify patients who are likely to develop progressive chronic kidney disease over the ensuing 5 years. Lastly, there are emerging differences between those who do and do not require renal replacement therapy (RRT) for their AKI, which may require more frequent and intense follow-up in those needing RRT.

SUMMARY

Although large scale evidence-based guidelines are lacking, standardization of post-ICU-AKI is needed.

Intradialytic hypotension and relationship with cognitive function and brain morphometry

Background

The haemodynamic stress brought about by dialysis could justify the loss of structural and functional integrity of the central nervous system (CNS). The main objective of this study was to analyse the relationship between intradialytic hypotension (IDH) and cognitive function and brain morphometry.

Methods

The cross-sectional KIDBRAIN study (Cohort Study of Morphological Changes of the Brain by MRI in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients) included 68 prevalent patients with no history of neurological disorders (cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment) undergoing haemodialysis (HD). We analysed 18 non-consecutive dialysis sessions (first three of each month over a 6-month period) and various definitions of IDH were recorded. Global cognitive function (GCF) was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and parameters of structural integrity of the CNS were obtained using volume morphometry magnetic resonance imaging analysis [grey matter (GM), white matter (WM) and hippocampus).

Results

A greater number of sessions with IDH were associated with less volume of WM (r = −0.359,P = 0.003) and hippocampus (r = −0.395, P = 0.001) independent of cardiovascular risk factors according to multivariable linear regression models (β = −0.198, P = 0.046 for WM; β = −0.253, P = 0.017 for hippocampus). The GCF by the MMSE was 27.3 ± 7.3.1 and was associated with WM volume (β = 0.403, P = 0.001) independent of GM and hippocampus volume. Symptomatic IDH was associated with GCF (r = −0.420, P < 0.001) in adjusted analysis (β = −0.339, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Even when asymptomatic, IDH is associated with a lower WM and hippocampus volume and reduced GCF in patients undergoing HD, thus suggesting greater vulnerability of the brain to the haemodynamic stress that may be generated by a dialysis session.

Dialysis-Induced Cardiovascular and Multiorgan Morbidity

Hemodialysis has saved many lives, albeit with significant residual mortality. Although poor outcomes may reflect advanced age and comorbid conditions, hemodialysis per se may harm patients, contributing to morbidity and perhaps mortality. Systemic circulatory "stress" resulting from hemodialysis treatment schedule may act as a disease modifier, resulting in a multiorgan injury superimposed on preexistent comorbidities. New functional intradialytic imaging (i.e., echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and kinetic of specific cardiac biomarkers (i.e., Troponin I) have clearly documented this additional source of end-organ damage. In this context, several factors resulting from patient-hemodialysis interaction and/or patient management have been identified. Intradialytic hypovolemia, hypotensive episodes, hypoxemia, solutes, and electrolyte fluxes as well as cardiac arrhythmias are among the contributing factors to systemic circulatory stress that are induced by hemodialysis. Additionally, these factors contribute to patients' symptom burden, impair cognitive function, and finally have a negative impact on patients' perception and quality of life. In this review, we summarize the adverse systemic effects of current intermittent hemodialysis therapy, their pathophysiologic consequences, review the evidence for interventions that are cardioprotective, and explore new approaches that may further reduce the systemic burden of hemodialysis. These include improved biocompatible materials, smart dialysis machines that automatically may control the fluxes of solutes and electrolytes, volume and hemodynamic control, health trackers, and potentially disruptive technologies facilitating a more personalized medicine approach.

Predictive modeling of blood pressure during hemodialysis: a comparison of linear model, random forest, support vector regression, XGBoost, LASSO regression and ensemble method

BACKGROUND

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is commonly occurred and links to higher mortality among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Its early prediction and prevention will dramatically improve the quality of life. However, predicting the occurrence of IDH clinically is not simple. The aims of this study are to develop an intelligent system with capability of predicting blood pressure (BP) during HD, and to further compare different machine learning algorithms for next systolic BP (SBP) prediction.

METHODS

This study presented comprehensive comparisons among linear regression model, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), tree-based ensemble machine learning models (random forest [RF] and extreme gradient boosting [XGBoost]), and support vector regression to predict the BP during HD treatment based on 200 and 48 maintenance HD patients containing a total of 7,180 and 2,065 BP records for the training and test dataset, respectively. Ensemble method also was computed to obtain better predictive performance. We compared the developed models based on R², root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE).

RESULTS

We found that RF (R²=0.95, RMSE=6.64, MAE=4.90) and XGBoost (R²=1.00, RMSE=1.83, MAE=1.29) had comparable predictive performance on the training dataset. However, RF (R²=0.49, RMSE=16.24, MAE=12.14) had more accurate than XGBoost (R²=0.41, RMSE=17.65, MAE=13.47) on testing dataset. Among these models, the ensemble method (R²=0.50, RMSE=16.01, MAE=11.97) had the best performance on testing dataset for next SBP prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

We compared five machine learning and an ensemble method for next SBP prediction. Among all studied algorithms, the RF and the ensemble method have the better predictive performance. The prediction models using ensemble method for intradialytic BP profiling may be able to assist the HD staff or physicians in individualized care and prompt intervention for patients' safety and improve care of HD patients.

Quality of Care for Acute Kidney Disease: Current Knowledge Gaps and Future Directions

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute kidney disease (AKD) are common complications in hospitalized patients and are associated with adverse outcomes. Although consensus guidelines have improved the care of patients with AKI and AKD, guidance regarding quality metrics in the care of patients after an episode of AKI or AKD is limited. For example, few patients receive follow-up laboratory testing of kidney function or post-AKI or AKD care through nephrology or other providers. Recently, the Acute Disease Quality Initiative developed a consensus statement regarding quality improvement goals for patients with AKI or AKD specifically highlighting efforts regarding quality and safety of care after hospital discharge after an episode of AKI or AKD. The goal is to use these measures to identify opportunities for improvement that will positively affect outcomes. We recommend that health care systems quantitate the proportion of patients who need and actually receive follow-up care after the index AKI or AKD hospitalization. The intensity and appropriateness of follow-up care should depend on patient characteristics, severity, duration, and course of AKI of AKD, and should evolve as evidence-based guidelines emerge. Quality indicators for discharged patients with dialysis requiring AKI or AKD should be distinct from end-stage renal disease measures. Besides, there should be specific quality indicators for those still requiring dialysis in the outpatient setting after AKI or AKD. Given the limited preexisting data guiding the care of patients after an episode of AKI or AKD, there is ample opportunity to establish quality measures and potentially improve patient care and outcomes. This review will provide specific evidence-based and expert opinion–based guidance for the care of patients with AKI or AKD after hospital discharge.

Ultrafiltration rates and intradialytic hypotension: A case-control sampling of pooled haemodialysis data

BACKGROUND

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is one of the most critical adverse events during maintenance haemodialysis. Previous studies reported the association of fluid removal rate with the occurrence of IDH.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify the optimal threshold of ultrafiltration rate to prevent the occurrence of IDH events. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Prognostic factor research with a retrospective case-control design was conducted. Patient data were gathered from four haemodialysis units from January to December 2017. All the haemodialysis records were independently justified, whether IDH occurred or not, based on the standard definition. A total of 10 haemodialysis sessions were sampled from each patient's pool based on the incidence of events. The association of ultrafiltration rates and IDH events was explored by multivariable multilevel logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1080 haemodialysis sessions from 108 patients were included: 149 (13.8%) with IDH and 931 (86.2%) without IDH. After adjusting for all pre-specified risk factors and imbalance baselines, the odds ratio of IDH were 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59, 2.52) for rate 10-12 ml/kg/h; 2.52 (95% CI: 1.20, 5.29) for rate 12-14 ml/kg/h; 4.02 (95% CI: 1.61, 10.03) for rate 14-16 ml/kg/h; and 7.41 (95% CI: 2.53, 21.68) for rate >16 ml/kg/h comparing to the referent rate of <10 ml/kg/h.

CONCLUSION

The ultrafiltration rate should be limited to 12 ml/kg/h. If a higher rate of fluid removal was indicated, it should not exceed 16 ml/kg/h to avoid the occurrence of IDH.

Towards personalized fluid monitoring in haemodialysis patients: thoracic bioimpedance signal shows strong correlation with fluid changes, a cohort study

Background

Haemodialysis (HD) patients are burdened by frequent fluid shifts which amplify their comorbidities. Bioimpedance (bioZ) is a promising technique to monitor changes in fluid status. The aim of this study is to investigate if the thoracic bioZ signal can track fluid changes during a HD session.

Methods

Prevalent patients from a single centre HD unit were monitored during one to six consecutive HD sessions using a wearable multi-frequency thoracic bioZ device. Ultrafiltration volume (UFV) was determined based on the interdialytic weight gain and target dry weight set by clinicians. The correlation between the bioZ signal and UFV was analysed on population level. Additionally regression models were built and validated per dialysis session.

Results

66 patients were included, resulting in a total of 133 HD sessions. Spearman correlation between the thoracic bioZ and UFV showed a significant strong correlation of 0.755 (p < 0.01) on population level. Regression analysis per session revealed a strong relation between the bioZ value and the UFV (R² = 0.982). The fluid extraction prediction error of the leave-one-out cross validation was very small (56.2 ml [− 121.1–194.1 ml]) across all sessions at all frequencies.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that thoracic bioZ is strongly correlated with fluid shifts during HD over a large range of UFVs. Furthermore, leave-one-out cross validation is a step towards personalized fluid monitoring during HD and could contribute to the creation of autonomous dialysis.

Integrated strategies to prevent intradialytic hypotension: research protocol of the DialHypot study, a prospective randomised clinical trial in hypotension-prone haemodialysis patients

INTRODUCTION

In patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD), intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a clinical problem that nephrologists and dialysis nurses face daily in their clinical routine. Despite the technological advances in the field of HD, the incidence of hypotensive events occurring during a standard dialytic treatment is still very high. Frequently recurring hypotensive episodes during HD sessions expose patients not only to severe immediate complications but also to a higher mortality risk in the medium term. Various strategies aimed at preventing IDH are currently available, but there is lack of conclusive data on more integrated approaches combining different interventions.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a prospective, randomised, open-label, crossover trial (each subject will be used as his/her own control) that will be performed in two distinct phases, each of which is divided into several subphases. In the first phase, 27 HD sessions for each patient will be used, and will be aimed at the validation of a new ultrafiltration (UF) profile, designed with an ascending/descending shape, and a standard dialysate sodium concentration. In the second phase, 33 HD sessions for each patient will be used and will be aimed at evaluating the combination of different UF and sodium profiling strategies through individualised dialysate sodium concentration.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial protocol has been reviewed and approved by the local Institutional Ethics Committee (Comitato Etico AVEN, prot. 43391 22.10.19). The results of the trial will be presented at local and international conferences and submitted for publication to a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03949088).