Updates on hemodialysis techniques with a common denominator: The personalization of the dialytic therapy

Monitoring and maintaining quality in the paediatric haemodialysis unit

Chronic kidney disease in children is being increasingly recognised and reported worldwide, and the focus of paediatric dialysis planning has changed from acute care alone to encompass chronic care. In many parts of the world, haemodialysis for children is performed in adult units and is based on standards established for adults. This review proposes standards for paediatric haemodialysis, incorporating special requirements for children while simultaneously drawing from the adult experience. We discuss the optimum requirements, including space utilisation, equipment needed, water treatment facilities, disposables, safety standards, staffing needs, monitoring and maintenance, infection prevention, waste disposal and quality indicators. We also review recent advancements in the field that should be incorporated into future dialysis units and the steps required for achieving carbon neutrality and protecting the environment.

Effects of Diet and Supplements on Parameters of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Antioxidant Mechanisms in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide increases as the population ages. The progression of the disease increases the risk of complications and death and leads to end-stage renal failure, requiring renal replacement therapy. Despite the positive effect of hemodialysis (HD), patients are at risk of developing malnutrition, inflammation, oxidative stress, or cardiovascular disease, which worsens quality of life and can lead to organ dysfunction. The occurrence of the mentioned disorders depends largely on the diet, so changes in diet composition are an important part of the treatment of kidney disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a balanced diet on some parameters of oxidative stress, immune response, and nutritional status in patients. This study included 57 HD patients (19 women and 38 men). In all of them, nutritional status and diet were initially determined, and then, they were divided into six groups, which received different diets and supplements. Serum levels of albumin, total protein, MDA, and the cytokines Il-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-10 were determined, and the activity of the enzymes such as CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px were determined in erythrocytes by spectrophotometry. Based on the results of BMI, albumin, and total protein, it can be concluded that a well-balanced diet can reduce weight loss. This study shows that a well-balanced diet can reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and ensure the normal activity of antioxidative enzymes in the blood of HD patients.

Bioelectrical impedance phase angle combined with physical function predicts pre-frailty in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of pre-frailty is notably high among maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Pre-frailty, an early and reversible condition between non-frailty and frailty, can lead to adverse outcomes such as increased unplanned hospital admissions and a higher risk of other chronic diseases. Early identification and intervention of pre-frailty in MHD patients are crucial. This study aimed to establish a simple and effective model for screening and identifying MHD patients at high risk of pre-frailty by using 50 kHz-Whole Body Phase Angle (PhA) measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), hand grip strength (HGS), the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), and laboratory parameters, with a specific focus on gender differences.

METHODS

This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2023 at the Wenjiang Hemodialysis Center in the Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. A total of 244 MHD patients, including 130 males and 114 females, were enrolled, comprising 128 non-frail and 116 pre-frail individuals. Data were collected prospectively, including demographic information, physical measurements, and laboratory test results. All participants provided informed consent before enrollment. The FRAIL scale (FS) was used to assess pre-frailty in MHD patients. Grip strength was measured using an electronic grip strength tester, physical function was assessed using the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, and whole-body phase angle was measured using the InBody S10 device.

RESULTS

A total of 244 MHD patients with a mean age of 53.75 ± 0.90 years were enrolled, including 130 males with a mean age of 54.12 ± 1.26 years and 114 females with a mean age of 53.32 ± 1.29 years. ROC curve analysis showed that in male patients, the AUC of PhA for predicting pre-frailty was 0.919, with a sensitivity of 94.5% and specificity of 91.3%, and a cutoff value of 6.05°; in female patients, the AUC of PhA was 0.870, with a sensitivity of 70.5% and specificity of 90.6%, and a cutoff value of 5.25°. The AUC of FTSST for screening pre-frailty in male patients was 0.827, with a sensitivity of 62.3% and specificity of 96.2%, and a cutoff value of 12.95 s; in female patients, the AUC of FTSST was 0.784, with a sensitivity of 67.3% and specificity of 84.0%, and a cutoff value of 12.95 s. Additionally, in male patients, the combination of PhA and FTSST resulted in an AUC of 0.930, with a sensitivity of 96.4% and specificity of 81.3%; in female patients, the AUC was 0.911, with a sensitivity of 78.7% and specificity of 92.5%.

CONCLUSION

PhA measured by BIA, in combination with the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, serves as an effective screening tool and predictor of pre-frailty in MHD patients. The combination of PhA and FTSST shows enhanced diagnostic value in female patients, while PhA alone is sufficient for predicting pre-frailty in male patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051111), registered on 2021-09-13.

Interleukin-6 as a Director of Immunological Events and Tissue Regenerative Capacity in Hemodialyzed Diabetes Patients

Hemodialyzed patients have innate immunity activation and adaptive immunity senescence. Diabetes mellitus is a frequent cause for chronic kidney disease and systemic inflammation. We studied the immunological pattern (innate and acquired immunity) and the tissular regeneration capacity in two groups of hemodialyzed patients: one comprised of diabetics and the other of non-diabetics. For inflammation, the following serum markers were determined: interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumoral necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-6 soluble receptor (sIL-6R), NGAL (human neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin), and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Serum tumoral necrosis factor β (TNF-β) was determined as a cellular immune response marker. Tissue regeneration capacity was studied using neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and vascular endothelial growth factor β (VEGF-β) serum levels. The results showed important IL-6 and sIL-6R increases in both groups, especially in the diabetic patient group. IL-6 generates trans-signaling at the cellular level through sIL-6R, with proinflammatory and anti-regenerative effects, confirmed through a significant reduction in NT-3 and VEGF-β. Our results suggest that the high serum level of IL-6 significantly influences IL-1β, TNF-β, NT-3, VEGF-β, and IL-10 behavior. Our study is the first that we know of that investigates NT-3 in this patient category. Moreover, we investigated VEGF-β and TNF-β serum behavior, whereas most of the existing data cover only VEGF-α and TNF-α in hemodialyzed patients.

Intradialytic Tolerance and Recovery Time in Different High-Efficiency Hemodialysis Modalities

There are several forms of maintenance high-efficiency hemodialysis (HD), including hemodiafiltrations (HDF) in different technical modes and expanded HD, using dialyzers with medium cut-off membranes. The aim of the study was to assess the intradialytic tolerance and length of dialysis recovery time (DRT) in these modalities. This is an exploratory, crossover study in maintenance HD patients with low comorbidity and no clinical indications for the use of high-efficiency HD, who were exposed to five intermittent dialyses in random order: high-flux hemodialysis (S-HD), expanded HD (HDx), pre-dilution HDF (PRE-HDF), mix-dilution HDF (MIX-HDF) and post-dilution HDF (POST-HDF). Twenty-four dialysis sessions of each method were included in the analysis. Dialysis parameters, including blood flow rate, dialysis fluid flow rate and temperature, and pharmacological treatment were constant. Average total convection volume for post-HDF, pre-HDF and mix-HDF were 25.6 (3.8), 61.5 (7.2) and 47.1 (11.4) L, respectively. During all therapies, patients were monitored for the similarity of their hydration statuses using bioimpedance spectroscopy, and for similar variability over time in systemic blood pressure and cardiac output, while peripheral resistance was monitored using impedance cardiography. The lowest frequency of all intradialytic adverse events were observed during HDx. Delayed DRT was the shortest during PRE-HDF. Patients were also more likely to report immediate recovery while receiving PRE-HDF. These differences did not reach statistical significance; however, the study results suggest that intradialytic tolerance and DRT may depend on the dialysis method used. This supports the need of taking into account patient preferences and quality of life while individualizing high-efficiency therapy in HD patients.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches in the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and incurable disease that impairs kidney function. Its prevalence is estimated to affect up to 800 million individuals within the general population, and patients with diabetes and hypertension are particularly at risk. This disorder disrupts the physiological mechanisms of the body, including water and electrolyte balance, blood pressure regulation, the excretion of toxins, and vitamin D metabolism. Consequently, patients are exposed to risks such as hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, metabolic acidosis, and blood pressure abnormalities. These risks can be reduced by implementing appropriate diagnostic methods, followed by non-pharmacological (such as physical activity, dietary, and lifestyle adjustment) and pharmacological strategies after diagnosis. Selecting the appropriate diet and suitable pharmacological treatment is imperative in maintaining kidney function as long as possible. Drugs such as finerenone, canakinumab, and pentoxifylline hold promise for improved outcomes among CKD patients. When these interventions prove insufficient, renal replacement therapy becomes essential. This is particularly critical in preserving residual renal function while awaiting renal transplantation or for patients deemed ineligible for such a procedure. The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge and recent advances, providing novel insights into the treatment of chronic kidney disease.

Sodium Thiosulfate for Calciphylaxis Treatment in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: A Systematic Review

Limited data are available on the utilization of sodium thiosulfate (STS) treatment for calciphylaxis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, while it is well-studied in hemodialysis (HD) patients. A systematic literature search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EBM Reviews-Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify reported cases of PD patients with calciphylaxis who received STS. The search covered the inception of the databases through August 2022. Across 19 articles, this review identified 30 PD patients with calciphylaxis who received STS. These included 15 case reports, 2 case series, and 2 cohort studies. The administration routes and doses varied depending on the study. For intravenous (IV) administration (n = 18), STS doses ranged from 3.2 g twice daily to 25 g three times weekly for 5 weeks to 8 months. Outcomes included 44% of patients experiencing successful wound healing, 6% discontinuing STS due to adverse effects, 67% transitioning to HD, and 50% dying from calciphylaxis complications. For intraperitoneal (IP) administration (n = 5), STS doses ranged from 12.5 to 25 g three to four times weekly for 12 h to 3 months. Results showed 80% of patients achieving successful wound healing, 80% discontinuing STS due to adverse effects, 40% transitioning to HD, and 20% dying from IP STS-related chemical peritonitis. In cases where patients switched from IV to IP STS (n = 3), doses ranged from 12.5 to 25 g two to three times weekly for 2.5 to 5 months. Among them, 67% experienced successful wound healing, while 33% died from sepsis. Two cases utilized oral STS at a dose of 1500 mg twice daily for 6 and 11 months, resulting in successful wound healing without adverse effects or need for HD. However, one patient (50%) died due to small bowel obstruction. This systematic review provides an overview of STS treatment for PD patients with calciphylaxis. Although successful treatment cases exist, adverse effects were significant. Further research, including larger clinical studies and pharmacokinetic data, is necessary to establish the optimal route, dose, and efficacy of STS in PD patients.

Renal Biomarkers and Novel Therapies in Pediatric Nephrology: From Chronic Kidney Disease to Renal Transplantation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a growing problem with an estimated prevalence of 74 [...].

FGF23 in Chronic Kidney Disease: Bridging the Heart and Anemia

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a phosphaturic hormone produced mainly in osteocytes. In chronic kidney disease (CKD) FGF23 levels increase due to higher production, but also as the result of impaired cleavage and reduced excretion from the body. FGF23 has a significant role in disturbed bone and mineral metabolism in CKD, which leads to a higher cardiovascular risk and mortality in these patients. Current research has emphasized the expression of FGF23 in cardiac myocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, and in addition to the effects on the kidney, its primary role is in cardiac remodeling in CKD patients. Recent discoveries found a significant link between increased FGF23 levels and anemia development in CKD. This review describes the FGF23 role in cardiac hypertrophy and anemia in the setting of CKD and discusses the best therapeutical approach for lowering FGF23 levels.

Machine learning models using non-linear techniques improve the prediction of resting energy expenditure in individuals receiving hemodialysis

PURPOSE

Approximately 700,000 people in the USA have chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. Protein-energy wasting (PEW), a condition of advanced catabolism, contributes to three-year survival rates of 50%. PEW occurs at all levels of Body Mass Index (BMI) but is devastating for those people at the extremes. Treatment for PEW depends on an accurate understanding of energy expenditure. Previous research established that current methods of identifying PEW and assessing adequate treatments are imprecise. This includes disease-specific equations for estimated resting energy expenditure (eREE). In this study, we applied machine learning (ML) modelling techniques to a clinical database of dialysis patients. We assessed the precision of the ML algorithms relative to the best-performing traditional equation, the MHDE.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of the Rutgers Nutrition and Kidney Database. To build the ML models we divided the population into test and validation sets. Eleven ML models were run and optimized, with the best three selected by the lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) from measured REE. Values for eREE were generated for each ML model and for the MHDE. We compared precision using Bland-Altman plots.

RESULTS

Individuals were 41.4% female and 82.0% African American. The mean age was 56.4 ± 11.1 years, and the median BMI was 28.8 (IQR = 24.8 - 34.0) kg/m2. The best ML models were SVR, Linear Regression and Elastic net with RMSE of 103.6 kcal, 119.0 kcal and 121.1 kcal respectively. The SVR demonstrated the greatest precision, with 91.2% of values falling within acceptable limits. This compared to 47.1% for the MHDE. The models using non-linear techniques were precise across extremes of BMI.

CONCLUSION

ML improves precision in calculating eREE for dialysis patients, including those most vulnerable for PEW. Further development for clinical use is a priority.

Acute Kidney Injury: Advances in Clinical Management

Acute kidney injury (AKI), closely related to increased mortality, involved 15-20% of hospitalized patients with higher incidence, with about 50% in the intensive care unit (ICU) [...].

Free Light Chains, High Mobility Group Box 1, and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Uremic toxins are associated with immune dysfunction and inflammation. The inadequate removal by hemodialysis (HD) of serum free light chains (FLCs) determines their accumulation. This study evaluated FLCs in HD patients, analyzing their relations with other biomarkers, such as serum high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Methods: FLC and HMGB1 were evaluated in a cohort of 119 HD patients. κFLC and λFLC were summated to give a combined (c) FLC concentration. Patients were followed prospectively until the end of the observation period of four years, or until the endpoint: the patient’s death. Results: cFLC values in HD patients were 244.4 (197.9−273.5) mg/L. We detected a significant reduction in CD8+ cells and a decreased CD4+/CD8+ ratio. HMGB1 levels were 94.5 (55−302) pg/mL. After multivariate analysis, cFLCs correlated with β2-microglobulin and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Subjects with cFLC values above 263 mg/L and with sHMGB1 values < 80 pg/mL experienced a significantly faster evolution to the endpoint (mean follow-up time to progression of 27.5 and 28.5 months, respectively; p < 0.001). After an adjusted multivariate Cox analysis, cFLCs were associated with 11% increased risk of death, whereas low sHMGB1 increased this risk by 5%. Conclusions: cFLCs and HMGB1 reflect the inflammation and immune dysfunction in HD patients representing two strong and independent risk markers of mortality.

Immune System Dysfunction and Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Biocompatibility in hemodialysis (HD) has considerably improved in recent decades, but remains an open issue to be solved, appearing essential to reduce systemic inflammation and enhance patients’ clinical outcomes. Clotting prevention, reduction in complement and leukocyte activation, and improvement of antioxidant effect represent the main goals. This review aims to analyze the different pathways involved in HD patients, leading to immune system dysfunction and inflammation. In particular, we mostly review the evidence about thrombogenicity, which probably represents the most important characteristic of bio-incompatibility. Platelet activation is one of the first steps occurring in HD patients, determining several events causing chronic sub-clinical inflammation and immune dysfunction involvement. Moreover, oxidative stress processes, resulting from a loss of balance between pro-oxidant factors and antioxidant mechanisms, have been described, highlighting the link with inflammation. We updated both innate and acquired immune system dysfunctions and their close link with uremic toxins occurring in HD patients, with several consequences leading to increased mortality. The elucidation of the role of immune dysfunction and inflammation in HD patients would enhance not only the understanding of disease physiopathology, but also has the potential to provide new insights into the development of therapeutic strategies.