Effects of statins in patients with chronic kidney disease: meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomised controlled trials

Screening, identifying, and treating chronic kidney disease: why, who, when, how, and what?

1 in 7 American adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD); a disease that increases risk for CKD progression, cardiovascular events, and mortality. Currently, the US Preventative Services Task Force does not have a screening recommendation, though evidence suggests that screening can prevent progression and is cost-effective. Populations at risk for CKD, such as those with hypertension, diabetes, and age greater than 50 years should be targeted for screening. CKD is diagnosed and risk stratified with estimated glomerular filtration rate utilizing serum creatinine and measuring urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Once identified, CKD is staged according to C-G-A classification, and managed with lifestyle modification, interdisciplinary care and the recently expanding repertoire of pharmacotherapy which includes angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-II receptor blockers, sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and mineralocorticorticoid receptor antagonists. In this paper, we present the why, who, when, how, and what of CKD screening.

Statin Therapy and Lipid Indices in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials

BACKGROUND

Several studies have demonstrated the improvement in serum lipoproteins by statins in patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs), including End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). However, the results of these studies are inconclusive.

AIM

We aimed to systematically investigate the effect of statins on lipid profiles of patients with CKD by performing a meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Major electronic databases (Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, and ISI Web of Science) were searched from inception to August, 2023, to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of different statins on serum lipoproteins in CKD patients. Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) was used to estimate the effect size. Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) was performed to confirm the robustness of the evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 18 publications were identified. It was found that statins reduced serum levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)-C (WMD = -27.81 mg/dl, 95% CI = -34.47 to -21.15, P < 0.001) and total cholesterol (WMD = -25.44 mg/dl, 95% CI = -34.71 to -16.18, P < 0.001) in patients with CKD compared to the control group. Nonetheless, the effect of statins on High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)-C (WMD = 0.57 mg/dl, 95% CI = -0.71 to 1.85, P = 0.38) and Triglyceride (TG) (WMD = -9.08 mg/dl, 95% CI = -22.22 to 2.06, P = 0.11) was not statistically significant. The results of TSA confirmed the robustness of the evidence and were consistent with the pooled effect size. The findings of subgroup analysis and time response analysis were also significant.

CONCLUSION

It was found that statin therapy reduced the levels of LDL-C and total cholesterol in patients with CKD.

[Use of cinacalcet in secondary hyperparathyroidism: assessment of nutritional, lipid and inflammatory status in chronic kidney disease]

Introduction

Introduction: observations in cell lines suggest that the use of cinacalcet could be associated with increase in body fat, inflammatory state, and alteration in lipid metabolism. However, when scaling the model to the clinical level, the occurrence of these effects is unknown. Objectives: to analyze the effect of cinacalcet therapy on anthropometric, inflammatory and lipid parameters in renal patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Methods: observational study with two approaches. The retrospective study included 89 patients who started cinacalcet treatment since 2018 with a maximum follow-up of 36 months. Body mass index (BMI) variables, waist circumference, tricipital skinfold, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and biochemical profile were analyzed. The prospective study included 52 patients who started cinacalcet treatment since 2020 with a 12-month follow-up. BMI, PTH, lipid profile, and PCR variables were analyzed. Results: in the retrospective study, BMI was 27 kg/m2, with 62 % overweight and 65 % of patients with high cardiovascular risk. Cinacalcet reduced PTH by 12 % after six months (p < 0.01) and serum calcium decreased by 3.4 % at the end of follow-up (p = 0.04). According to the prospective study, BMI was 26.8 kg/m2, with 60 % overweight. PTH decreased by 8.4 % after six months. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased by 6.8 %, 12.5 %, and 5.5 %, respectively, at the end of follow-up. Conclusions: the prevalent nutritional status is excess weight. In patients with SHPT, cinacalcet improves PTH control without causing changes in anthropometric, lipid, and inflammatory parameters.

HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) for people with chronic kidney disease not requiring dialysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is the most frequent cause of death in people with early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the absolute risk of cardiovascular events is similar to people with coronary artery disease. This is an update of a review first published in 2009 and updated in 2014, which included 50 studies (45,285 participants).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of statins compared with placebo, no treatment, standard care or another statin in adults with CKD not requiring dialysis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 4 October 2023. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. An updated search will be undertaken every three months.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared the effects of statins with placebo, no treatment, standard care, or other statins, on death, cardiovascular events, kidney function, toxicity, and lipid levels in adults with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 90 to 15 mL/min/1.73 m2) were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two or more authors independently extracted data and assessed the study risk of bias. Treatment effects were expressed as mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous benefits and harms with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 63 studies (50,725 randomised participants); of these, 53 studies (42,752 participants) compared statins with placebo or no treatment. The median duration of follow-up was 12 months (range 2 to 64.8 months), the median dosage of statin was equivalent to 20 mg/day of simvastatin, and participants had a median eGFR of 55 mL/min/1.73 m2. Ten studies (7973 participants) compared two different statin regimens. We were able to meta-analyse 43 studies (41,273 participants). Most studies had limited reporting and hence exhibited unclear risk of bias in most domains. Compared with placebo or standard of care, statins prevent major cardiovascular events (14 studies, 36,156 participants: RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.79; I2 = 39%; high certainty evidence), death (13 studies, 34,978 participants: RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.96; I² = 53%; high certainty evidence), cardiovascular death (8 studies, 19,112 participants: RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.87; I² = 0%; high certainty evidence) and myocardial infarction (10 studies, 9475 participants: RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.73; I² = 0%; moderate certainty evidence). There were too few events to determine if statins made a difference in hospitalisation due to heart failure. Statins probably make little or no difference to stroke (7 studies, 9115 participants: RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.08; I² = 39%; moderate certainty evidence) and kidney failure (3 studies, 6704 participants: RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.05; I² = 0%; moderate certainty evidence) in people with CKD not requiring dialysis. Potential harms from statins were limited by a lack of systematic reporting. Statins compared to placebo may have little or no effect on elevated liver enzymes (7 studies, 7991 participants: RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.50; I² = 0%; low certainty evidence), withdrawal due to adverse events (13 studies, 4219 participants: RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.60; I² = 37%; low certainty evidence), and cancer (2 studies, 5581 participants: RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.30; I² = 0%; low certainty evidence). However, few studies reported rhabdomyolysis or elevated creatinine kinase; hence, we are unable to determine the effect due to very low certainty evidence. Statins reduce the risk of death, major cardiovascular events, and myocardial infarction in people with CKD who did not have cardiovascular disease at baseline (primary prevention). There was insufficient data to determine the benefits and harms of the type of statin therapy.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Statins reduce death and major cardiovascular events by about 20% and probably make no difference to stroke or kidney failure in people with CKD not requiring dialysis. However, due to limited reporting, the effect of statins on elevated creatinine kinase or rhabdomyolysis is unclear. Statins have an important role in the primary prevention of cardiovascular events and death in people who have CKD and do not require dialysis. Editorial note: This is a living systematic review. We will search for new evidence every three months and update the review when we identify relevant new evidence. Please refer to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for the current status of this review.

Trends and outcome of statin therapy in dialysis patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although statins are an effective strategy for the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population, the benefits for dialysis patients are controversial. We sought to assess trends of statin use and evaluate outcomes of statin therapy in dialysis patients with different types of ASCVD.

METHODS

This nationwide retrospective population-based cohort study using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service included adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) undergoing chronic dialysis who had an initial ASCVD event in the time period of 2013 to 2018. Annual trends of statin use according to age, sex, and ASCVD types were analyzed. The association between 1-year mortality and statin use was examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

RESULTS

Among 17,242 subjects, 9,611(55.7%) patients were statin users. The overall prevalence of statin use increased from 52.9% in 2013 to 57.7% in 2018; the majority (77%) of dialysis patients were prescribed moderate-intensity statins. The proportions of low- or moderate-intensity statin use were similar, but high-intensity statin use increased from 5.7% in 2013 to 10.5% in 2018. The use of the statin/ezetimibe combination has gradually increased since 2016. Statin use was independently associated with the reduced 1-year all-cause mortality after adjusting for confounding factors (hazard ratio [HR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.96, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of statin prescriptions in dialysis patients after ASCVD event increased from 2013 to 2018. Most patients received moderate-intensity statin. However, high-intensity statin and statin/ezetimibe combination therapy has remarkably increased. Statin use was associated with decreased 1-year all-cause mortality in dialysis patients with ASCVD.

Design and methods of an open-label, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of pemafibrate on proteinuria in CKD patients (PROFIT-CKD)

BACKGROUND

Hypertriglyceridemia is increasingly considered a residual risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pemafibrate-a novel selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha modulator and a new treatment for hypertriglyceridemia in CKD patients-is reported to have fewer side effects in CKD patients than other fibrates. Appropriate control of hypertriglyceridemia can be expected to improve renal prognosis. However, data on the renal protective effect of pemafibrate are limited. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pemafibrate on urinary protein excretion in CKD patients.

METHODS

The Pemafibrate, open-label, Randomized cOntrolled study to evaluate the renal protective eFfect In hyperTriglyceridemia patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (PROFIT-CKD) study is an investigator-initiated, multi-center, open-label, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Participants are outpatients with hypertriglyceridemia aged 20 years and over, who have received the care of a nephrologist or a diabetologist for more than 3 months. Inclusion criteria include the following: proteinuria (urine protein/creatinine ratio of ≥ 0.15 g/gCr) within three months before allocation, and hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL and < 1,000 mg/dL) at allocation. In the treatment group, pemafibrate is added to conventional treatment, while conventional treatment is continued with no additional treatment in the control group. Target patient enrollment is 140 patients. The primary endpoint is the change from baseline in the logarithmic urine protein/creatinine ratio at 12 months after study start.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide new findings on the renal protective effect of pemafibrate in CKD patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This clinical trial was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Center (UMIN-CTR: UMIN000042284).

Antidyslipidemia Pharmacotherapy in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The benefits and safety of antidyslipidemia pharmacotherapy in patients with chronic kidney disease were not well defined so the latest evidence was summarized by this work.

METHODS

This systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) included searches of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to 28 February 2022, for randomized controlled trials of any antilipidaemic medications administered to adults with chronic kidney disease [CKD: defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² not undergoing transplantation], using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool to assess the certainty of the evidence.

RESULTS

55 trials and 30 works of them were included in our systematic review and NMA, respectively. In comparisons with no antidyslipidemia therapy or placebo, proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 inhibitors plus statin (PS) was the most effective drug regimen for reducing all-cause mortality (OR 0.62, 95% CI [0.40, 0.93]; GRADE: moderate), followed by moderate-high intensity statin (HS, OR 0.76, 95% CI [0.60, 0.93]; I² = 66.9%; GRADE: moderate). PS, HS, low-moderate statin (LS), ezetimibe plus statin (ES), and fibrates (F) significantly decreased the composite cardiovascular events. The subgroup analysis revealed the null effect of statins on death (OR 0.92, 95% CI [0.81, 1.04]) and composite cardiovascular events (OR 0.94, 95% CI [0.82, 1.07]) in dialysis patients.

CONCLUSION

In nondialysis CKD patients, statin-based therapies could significantly and safely reduce all-cause death and major composite cardiovascular events despite the presence of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease and LDL-c levels. Aggressive medication regimens, PS and HS, appeared to be more effective, especially in patients with established CAD.

Postoperative statin therapy is not associated with reduced incidence of venous thromboembolic events following kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

The pleiotropic effects of statin therapy on inflammation and coagulation may reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism. This study evaluated whether statin therapy is associated with decreased venous thromboembolic (VTE) events following kidney transplantation.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all primary kidney transplants performed between January 2014 and December 2019 at Mayo Clinic Arizona. Patients were divided into two groups depending on sustained statin therapy during the first year following transplantation. Recipient and donor clinical and demographic data were collected. The primary outcome was admission for symptomatic VTE events (deep vein thrombosis [DVT] or pulmonary embolism [PE]).

RESULTS

Sustained statin therapy in the first year following transplant was observed in 16.1% (n = 223) of 1384 kidney transplants. The overall incidence of VTE events in the year following kidney transplant was 3.8%. VTE occurred in 4.1% of recipients treated with statins and 3.8% of the controls - (hazard ratio [HR] .92, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] .39, 2.21, p = .86). However, there were significant differences between the groups in terms of age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, indication for transplant, diagnosis of diabetes and discharge antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. Following sensitivity analysis in which cohort matching was performed to account for these differences, there was no difference in VTE event-free survival (HR .89, 95% CI .41, 1.96, p = .78) or overall survival (HR .54, 95% CI .15, 1.94, p = .35) between patients treated with statins compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Statin therapy in the year following successful kidney transplant was not associated with a reduction in risk of VTE.

Effect of Statins on All-Cause Mortality in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Propensity Score-Matched Studies

Statins are lipid-lowering medications used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the pleiotropic effects of statins might be beneficial in other chronic diseases. This meta-analysis investigated the association between statin use and mortality in different chronic conditions. Eligible studies were real-world studies that compared all-cause mortality over at least 12 months between propensity score-matched statin users and non-users. Overall, 54 studies were included: 21 in CVD, 6 in chronic kidney disease, 6 in chronic inflammatory diseases, 3 in cancer, and 18 in other diseases. The risk of all-cause mortality was significantly reduced in statin users (hazard ratio: 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.66−0.76). The reduction in mortality risk was similar in CVD studies (0.73, 0.66−0.76) and non-CVD studies (0.70, 0.67−0.79). There were no significant differences in the risk reduction between cohorts with different diseases (p = 0.179). The greatest mortality reduction was seen in studies from Asia (0.61, 0.61−0.73) and the lowest in studies from North America (0.78, 0.73−0.83) and Australia (0.78, 0.62−0.97). There was a significant heterogeneity (I2 = 95%, tau2 = 0.029, p < 0.01). In conclusion, statin use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of all-cause mortality in real-world cohorts with CVD and non-CVD.

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Events in Adults With CKD Taking a Moderate- or High-Intensity Statin: The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study

Rationale & Objective

The 2018 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) cholesterol guideline uses risk stratification to guide the decision to initiate nonstatin lipid-lowering medication among adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). We determined atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) event rates among adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) taking statin therapy within 2018 AHA/ACC cholesterol guideline risk categories.

Study Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting & Participants

Adults with CKD not on dialysis in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study who were taking a moderate/high-intensity statin 1 year after enrollment (baseline for the current analysis, n = 1,753).

Exposure

2018 AHA/ACC cholesterol guideline risk categories: without a history of ASCVD, a history of 1 major ASCVD event and multiple high-risk conditions, and a history of ≥2 major ASCVD events.

Outcome

Adjudicated ASCVD events after the year 1 study visit.

Analytical Approach

We calculated age-sex standardized rates for ASCVD events and age-sex adjusted hazard ratios for ASCVD events accounting for the competing risk of death.

Results

There were 394 ASCVD events over a median follow-up period of 8 years. The ASCVD event rates (with 95% CI) per 1,000 person-years among participants without a history of ASCVD, with a history of 1 major ASCVD event and multiple high-risk conditions, and with a history of ≥2 major ASCVD events were 21.7 (18.4-25.1), 45.0 (37.8-52.3), and 73.3 (53.3-93.4), respectively. Compared with participants without a history of ASCVD, the HR (95% CI) rates for ASCVD events among those with a history of 1 major ASCVD event and multiple high-risk conditions, and with a history of ≥2 major ASCVD events were 1.89 (1.52-2.36) and 2.50 (1.85-3.39), respectively.

Limitations

Data on whether participants were taking a maximally tolerated statin dosage were unavailable.

Conclusions

The 2018 AHA/ACC cholesterol guideline identifies adults with CKD who have very high ASCVD risk despite taking a moderate/high-intensity statin.

Elevated atherogenic index and higher triglyceride increase risk of kidney function decline: a 7-year cohort study in Chinese adults

Objective

This study explored whether lipid disorders or an elevated atherogenic index of plasma (AIP, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases) could predict major kidney function decline.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective 7-year cohort study of 3712 Chinese adults followed up between 2010 and 2017. Major kidney function decline was defined as a ≥ 30% reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between lipid profiles and major kidney function decline. Smoking habits, waist circumference, and physical activity were not assessed.

Results

During the 7-year follow-up, 1.70% (n = 63) of the participants developed major kidney function decline. After adjustment for potential confounders, the odds ratios (ORs) for developing eGFR decline with per standard deviation increase were 1.23 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–1.43] for triglyceride and 2.55 (95% CI: 1.01–6.42) for AIP in all participants. Furthermore, in the stratified analysis, we found sex-related differences; triglyceride and AIP were only independently associated with the risk of eGFR decline in men (OR, 1.27, 95% CI: 1.08–1.48; OR, 3.98, 95% CI: 1.22–12.99, respectively). When the participants were divided into groups according to the baseline lipid status, association was observed only between abnormal AIP and eGFR decline (all p values < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that a higher serum triglyceride level or an elevated AIP increases the risk of major kidney function decline in Chinese men with normal kidney function. Thus, assessment of AIP may help identify the risk of eGFR decline.

Statin initiation and all-cause mortality in incident statin-naïve dialysis patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. We aimed to explore the association between statin initiation after starting dialysis and all-cause mortality in statin-naïve ESKD patients.

METHODS

We analyzed nationwide claims data of incident dialysis patients from 2010 to 2017 in South Korea. Patients who had previous cardiovascular events or were administered statins before dialysis were excluded. The study group included dialysis patients receiving statins within 1 year after dialysis initiation. The control group was organized after propensity-score matching with age, sex, time of dialysis initiation, and underlying diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The main outcomes were all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events.

RESULTS

We included 1596 patients who started statin treatment and 1:1 matched statin-nonusers. During the 9438 person-year follow-up, 468 deaths and 264 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) occurred. Statin initiation was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60-0.87, p = 0.001), but not with MACE incidence (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 0.83-1.36, p = 0.62). In particular, patients prescribed the recommended dosage of statins according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines showed the lowest mortality risk (aHR 0.55, 95% CI 0.40-0.75, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Statin initiation was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality in statin-naïve ESKD patients. As indication bias may be present in observational study setting, further prospective studies are warranted to validate the association of statin initiation with mortality in incident dialysis cases.

Management of acute intradialytic cardiovascular complications: Updated overview (Review)

An increasing number of patients require renal replacement therapy through dialysis and renal transplantation. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects a large percentage of the world's population and has evolved into a major public health concern. Diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and a family history of kidney failure are all major risk factors for CKD. Patients in advanced stages of CKD have varying degrees of cardiovascular damage. Comorbidities of these patients, include, on the one hand, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia and, on the other hand, the presence of mineral-bone disorders associated with CKD and chronic inflammation, which contribute to cardiovascular involvement. Acute complications occur quite frequently during dialysis. Among these, the most important are cardiovascular complications, which influence the morbidity and mortality rates of this group of patients. Chronic hemodialysis patients manifest acute cardiovascular complications such as intradialytic hypotension, intradialytic hypertension, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes and sudden death. Thus, proper management is extremely important.

Impact of statin on long-term outcome among patients with end-stage renal disease with acute myocardial infarction (AMI): a nationwide case-control study

BACKGROUND

Use of statin has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases events and mortality. However, in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the protective effects of statin are controversial. To evaluate the impact of chronic statin use on clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with ESRD.

METHODS

We enrolled 8056 patients with ESRD who were initially diagnosed and admitted for first AMI from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Of which, 2134 patients underwent statin therapy. We randomly selected and use age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), peripheral vascular diseases (PVD), heart failure (HF), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, matched with the study group as controls (non-stain user). We compared the effects of statin use in term of all-cause death among patients with AMI with ESRD.

RESULTS

Statin use resulted in a significantly higher survival rate in patients ith AMI with ESRD compared with non-statin users. After adjusted the comorbidities the male patients and patients with DM, PVD, HF and CVA had lower long-term survival rate (all p<0.001). Patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (p<0.001), ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (p<0.001), β receptor blockers (p<0.001) and statin therapy (p=0.007) had better long-term survival rate. Patients with AMI with ESRD on statin therapy exhibited a significantly lower risk of mortality compared with non-statin users (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with ESRD with AMI, statin therapy was associated with reduced all-cause mortality.

Second revolution in cardiovascular prevention

Type 2 diabetes has become a major disease burden in twenty-first century. Both incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes have quadrupled between 1980 and 2004 in the whole world. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the major complication of type 2 diabetes. The introduction of statins in clinical settings is the first revolution in our battle against ASCVD. Most ASCVDs could be prevented or treated with statins. However, statin failed to reduce chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and heart failure (HF). Owing to a mandate from US Food and Drug Administration in 2008 that every new antidiabetic drug should be tested in clinical trials to demonstrate its safety, we now have a good opportunity to look for better antidiabetic drugs not only to decrease blood sugar but also to decrease CVD or renal disease. Among them, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2 i) are two most extensively studied ones. SGLT-2 i, in particular, prevent CKD and end-stage renal disease, and prevent HF. In the recent CREDENCE trial, canagliflozin reduced renal endpoints by 34% and end-stage renal disease by 32%. Furthermore, in the recent DAPA-HF trial, dapagliflozin decreased hospitalization for HF/cardiovascular death by 26%, and total death by 17%, in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, irrespective of diabetes or nondiabetes. The beneficial effects of SGLT-2 i in CKD and HF are complementary to the effects of statins. The introduction of SGLT-2 i in clinical practice is the second revolution in cardiovascular prevention.

Association between individual cholesterol and proteinuria response and exposure to atorvastatin or rosuvastatin

AIM

The PLANET trials showed that atorvastatin 80 mg but not rosuvastatin at either 10 or 40 mg reduced urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR) at similar effects on LDL-cholesterol. However, individual changes in both UPCR and LDL-cholesterol during treatment with these statins varied widely between patients. This inter-individual variability could not be explained by patients' physical or biochemical characteristics. We assessed whether the plasma concentrations of both statins were associated with LDL-cholesterol and UPCR response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PLANET trials randomized patients with a UPCR of 500-5000 mg/g and fasting LDL-cholesterol >2.33 mmol/L to a 52-week treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg, rosuvastatin 10 mg or 40 mg. For the current analysis, patients with available samples at week 52 and treatment compliance >80% by pill count were included (N = 295). The main outcome measurements were percentage change in UPCR and absolute change in LDL-cholesterol (delta LDL) from baseline to week 52.

RESULTS

Median (interquartile range) plasma concentration at week 52 for atorvastatin 80 mg was 3.9 ng/mL (IQR: 2.1 to 8.7), for rosuvastatin 10 mg 1.0 ng/mL (IQR: 0.7 to 2.0) and for rosuvastatin 40 mg 3.5 ng/mL (IQR: 2.0 to 6.8). Higher plasma concentration of statin was associated with larger LDL-cholesterol reductions at week 52 [rosuvastatin r = -0.40 (P < .001); atorvastatin r = -0.28 (P = .006)]. The plasma concentration of both statins did not correlate with UPCR change [rosuvastatin r = 0.07 (P = .30); atorvastatin r = 0.16 (P = .13)].

CONCLUSIONS

Individual variation in plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin was associated with LDL-cholesterol changes in patients. The individual variation in UPCR change was not associated with the plasma concentration of both statins.

Cholesterol Disturbances and the Role of Proper Nutrition in CKD Patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread disease with increasing prevalence in the modern society. Lipid disturbances are common in this group of patients. In most patients with CKD atherogenic dyslipidemia is observed. Dyslipidemia in patients with renal diseases increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and it accelerates the progression of chronic kidney disease to its end stage. The amelioration of dyslipidemia and the lowering of oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, insulin sensitivity and remnant lipoproteins levels may lead to the reduction in cardiovascular burden. Nutritional interventions can strengthen the beneficial effect of treatment and they play an important role in the preservation of overall well-being of the patients with CKD since the aim of appropriate diet is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, prevent malnutrition, and hamper the progression of kidney disease. The management of dyslipidemia, regardless of the presence of chronic kidney disease, should be initiated by the introduction of therapeutic lifestyle changes. The introduction of diet change was shown to exert beneficial effect on the lipid level lowering that reaches beyond pharmacological therapy. Currently available evidence give the impression that data on dietary interventions in CKD patients is not sufficient to make any clinical practice guidelines and is of low quality.

Low statin use in nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease in the absence of clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or diabetes

Background

Both reduced glomerular filtration rate and increased urine albumin excretion, markers of chronic kidney disease (CKD), are associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, CKD is not recognized as an ASCVD risk equivalent by most lipid guidelines. Statin medications, especially when combined with ezetimibe, significantly reduce ASCVD risk in patients with nondialysis-dependent CKD. Unless physicians recognize the heightened ASCVD risk in this population, statins may not be prescribed in the absence of clinical cardiovascular disease or diabetes, a recognized ASCVD risk equivalent. We examined statin use in adults with nondialysis-dependent CKD and examined whether the use differed in the presence of clinical ASCVD and diabetes.

Methods

This study ascertained statin use from pharmacy dispensing records during fiscal years 2012 and 2013 from the US Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. The study included 581 344 veterans aged ≥50 years with nondialysis-dependent CKD Stages 3-5 with no history of kidney transplantation or dialysis. The 10-year predicted ASCVD risk was calculated with the pooled risk equation.

Results

Of veterans with CKD, 62.1% used statins in 2012 and 55.4% used statins continuously over 2 years (2012-13). Statin use in 2012 was 76.2 and 75.5% among veterans with CKD and ASCVD or diabetes, respectively, but in the absence of ASCVD, diabetes or a diagnosis of hyperlipidemia, statin use was 21.8% (P < 0.001). The 10-year predicted ASCVD risk was ≥7.5% in 95.1% of veterans with CKD, regardless of diabetes status.

Conclusions

Statin use is low in veterans with nondialysis-dependent CKD in the absence of ASCVD or diabetes despite high-predicted ASCVD risk. Future studies should examine other populations.

The compliance and cost-effectiveness of smartphone urinalysis albumin screening for people with diabetes in England

BACKGROUND

People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and should undergo annual screening, but adherence is poor. A home urinalysis self-test has been developed to improve compliance with screening. The objective of this paper is to report on a clinical evaluation and economic analysis of home urinalysis self-testing.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

People with diabetes who had not undergone screening within the previous 18 months were recruited to a single-arm clinical evaluation to assess the uptake and compliance of home urinalysis self-testing. An economic evaluation assessed the likely cost-consequences of the use of home urinalysis self-testing over a lifetime time horizon.

RESULTS

A total of 2,196 people with diabetes were contacted as part of the clinical evaluation. Of these, 695 people agreed to be sent a home urinalysis self-testing kit and 499 people completed and returned the test. Cost savings of £2,008 per person were estimated over a lifetime due to increased CKD diagnosis and reduced progression to end stage renal disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Home urinalysis self-testing of ACR in people with diabetes is estimated to be a cost-effective use of NHS resources in England in people who would otherwise not comply with standard care.

Cholesterol-Lowering Treatment in Chronic Kidney Disease: Multistage Pairwise and Network Meta-Analyses

Pairwise and network meta-analyses on the relationship between the efficacy of the use of statins with or without ezetimibe and reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are presented. In the pairwise meta-analysis, statins with or without ezetimibe were shown to be efficacious in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with CKD and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m², in the context of both primary prevention [odds ratio (OR)/95% confidence interval (95% CI)/I²/number of studies (n): 0.50/0.40–0.64/0%/6] and primary/secondary prevention (0.66/0.57–0.76/57%/18). However, in the Bayesian network meta-analysis, compared to the placebo, only atorvastatin 80 mg daily and atorvastatin and rosuvastatin at doses equivalent to simvastatin 20 mg daily reduced the odds of MACEs in this patient population. The network meta-analysis for LDLc and CRP treatment objectives also showed that, regardless of eGFR and excluding dialysis patients, the number of MACEs decreased in patients with CKD, with reductions in both LDLc and CRP of less than 50% (surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA)/heterogeneity (vague)/n: 0.77/0.14/3). The evaluation of the benefits of drugs may lead to individualized therapy for CKD patients: Cholesterol-lowering treatment for CKD patients with high levels of both LDLc and CRP is suggested.

Co-administration of retinoic acid and atorvastatin mitigates high-fat diet induced renal damage in rats

Obesity causes many problems such as cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of retinoic acid and atorvastatin co-administration in kidneys protection against high-fat diet induced damage. Twenty-five male Wistar rats (200.00 ± 20.00 g) were divided into five groups: 1) Control (standard diet), 2) High-fat diet (cholesterol 1.00%, 75 days), 3) High-fat diet + atorvastatin (20.00 mg kg^-1 per day, orally, on the 30^th day, for 45 consecutive days), 4) High-fat diet + retinoic acid (5 mg kg^-1 per day, orally, on the 30^th day, for 45 consecutive days), and 5) High fat diet + atorvastatin and retinoic acid. At the end, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. The results showed that atorvastatin and retinoic acid alone and in combination decreased cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein and increased high-density lipoprotein in high-fat diet. Also, atorvastatin - caused total antioxidant capacity increase and protein carbonyl content decrease the in the renal tissue. Atorvastatin also prevented high-fat diet-induced renal histological injury. Treatment with atorvastatin significantly mitigates high-fat diet-induced renal changes probably due to its potent antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects. The effect of retinoic acid in renal protection in a high-fat diet is far less than that of atorvastatin. The protective effect of the combination of these two agents in the high-fat diet on the kidneys seems to be due to the effect of atorvastatin.

Rising Serum Uric Acid Level Is Negatively Associated with Survival in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Aim and Background: To investigate the association of serum uric acid (SUA) levels along with statin use in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), as statins may be associated with improved outcomes in RCC and SUA elevation is associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: Retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery for RCC with preoperative/postoperative SUA levels between 8/2005–8/2018. Analysis was carried out between patients with increased postoperative SUA vs. patients with decreased/stable postoperative SUA. Kaplan-Meier analysis (KMA) calculated overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS). Multivariable analysis (MVA) was performed to identify factors associated with increased SUA levels and all-cause mortality. The prognostic significance of variables for OS and RFS was analyzed by cox regression analysis. Results: Decreased/stable SUA levels were noted in 675 (74.6%) and increased SUA levels were noted in 230 (25.4%). A higher proportion of patients with decreased/stable SUA levels took statins (27.9% vs. 18.3%, p = 0.0039). KMA demonstrated improved 5- and 10-year OS (89% vs. 47% and 65% vs. 9%, p < 0.001) and RFS (94% vs. 45% and 93% vs. 34%, p < 0.001), favoring patients with decreased/stable SUA levels. MVA revealed that statin use (Odds ratio (OR) 0.106, p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (OR 2.661, p = 0.004), stage III and IV disease compared to stage I (OR 1.887, p = 0.015 and 10.779, p < 0.001, respectively), and postoperative de novo CKD stage III (OR 5.952, p < 0.001) were predictors for increased postoperative SUA levels. MVA for all-cause mortality showed that increasing BMI (OR 1.085, p = 0.002), increasing ASA score (OR 1.578, p = 0.014), increased SUA levels (OR 4.698, p < 0.001), stage IV disease compared to stage I (OR 7.702, p < 0.001), radical nephrectomy (RN) compared to partial nephrectomy (PN) (OR 1.620, p = 0.019), and de novo CKD stage III (OR 7.068, p < 0.001) were significant factors. Cox proportional hazard analysis for OS revealed that increasing age (HR 1.017, p = 0.004), increasing BMI (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.099, p < 0.001), increasing SUA (HR 4.708, p < 0.001), stage III and IV compared to stage I (HR 1.537, p = 0.013 and 3.299, p < 0.001), RN vs. PN (HR 1.497, p = 0.029), and de novo CKD stage III (HR 1.684, p < 0.001) were significant factors. Cox proportional hazard analysis for RFS demonstrated that increasing ASA score (HR 1.239, p < 0.001, increasing SUA (HR 9.782, p < 0.001), and stage II, III, and IV disease compared to stage I (HR 2.497, p < 0.001 and 3.195, p < 0.001 and 6.911, p < 0.001) were significant factors. Conclusions: Increasing SUA was associated with poorer outcomes. Decreased SUA levels were associated with statin intake and lower stage disease as well as lack of progression to CKD and anemia. Further investigation is requisite.

Statin use among Veterans with dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease

INTRODUCTION

The benefits of statin medications in patients receiving maintenance dialysis remains controversial and clinical trials overall have shown no benefit. Potential side effects of statin medications include myalgias, myopathy, and memory loss and risk of side effects associated with statin medications increase with higher statin doses. We examined statin use and statin dose among Veterans with dialysis dependent CKD. Such information may help clinicians modulate medication use and reduce pill burden in appropriate patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analysis ascertained medication utilization by linking records from the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) Managerial Cost Accounting Pharmacy National Data Extracts and Medicare Part D during calendar year 2013 for Veterans with dialysis-dependent CKD enrolled in and/or using VA healthcare. The venue of dialysis and patient characteristics were ascertained by linking VA Medical SAS datasets, VA Fee Basis datasets (for non-VA care paid for by VA), Medicare claims and the United States Renal Data Systems patient core files.

FINDINGS

We identified 18,494 Veterans with dialysis-dependent CKD who were enrolled in and/or used VA healthcare, had no history of kidney transplantation, and were alive on January 1, 2014. More than half (58.1%) of Veterans with dialysis-dependent CKD used statins and 35.7% of statin utilization was high dose. Statins were the third most commonly prescribed medication after beta blockers (64.8%) and phosphate binders (64.5%).

DISCUSSION

Statins are a commonly prescribed medication among Veterans receiving maintenance dialysis and approximately one-third of statin utilization is high dose in this population. Future studies should examine patient preferences, comorbidities, and dialysis characteristics that impact the risks and benefits of statin use in order to identify those patients who will or will not benefit from continued statin use.

Statin therapy and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent hyporesponsiveness in patients with nondialysis chronic kidney disease: A retrospective study in Beijing, China

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are frequently used among patients with renal anemia, while a significant proportion of patients exhibit ESA hyporesponsiveness despite adequate dosing. Previous studies have suggested an inverse association between ESA hyporesponsiveness and statin use among patients receiving dialysis therapy. However, studies based on predialysis patients are extremely limited.Based on electronic medical records of a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China between April 2010 and April 2015, we investigated the association between statin use and ESA hyporesponsiveness among patients with predialysis-chronic kidney disease (CKD).Altogether 232 patients with CKD initiating ESA therapy and with hemoglobin levels monitored for at least 6 months were included in our analyses. Among them, 77 (38.5%) were long-term statin users (regular statin treatment for more than 3 months) before ESA initiation. Overall, 6.5% of the statin users and 17.1% of nonusers were considered to have ESA hyporesponsiveness. Long-term statin therapy was significantly associated with a lower proportion of ESA hyporesponsiveness in fully adjusted model (odds ratio 0.15, 95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.64).We found that long-term statin therapy was inversely associated with ESA hyporesponsiveness among predialysis patients with CKD. Further studies are needed to validate our observations, and to explore the potential mechanisms between ESA resistance and statin therapy.

Effects of Uremic Serum Residue on OATP1B1- and OATP1B3-Mediated Pravastatin Uptake in OATP-Expressing HEK293 Cells and Human Hepatocytes

Patients with end-stage renal disease have increased plasma concentrations of statins, which is a risk factor for rhabdomyolysis, as well as elevated levels of uremic toxins (UTs). We investigated the effects of uremic serum residue and UTs on organic anion-transporting peptide (OATP1B1)- and OATP1B3-mediated pravastatin uptake. We evaluated the effects of normal serum residue with four UTs (hippuric acid, 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furan propionate, indole-3-acetic acid, and 3-indoxyl sulfate) and uremic serum residue on pravastatin uptake by OATP1B1- or OATP1B3-expressing HEK293 cells. Furthermore, we assessed the contribution of each transporter using cryopreserved human hepatocytes. Uremic serum residue and UTs significantly inhibited OATP1B1-mediated pravastatin uptake. Uremic serum residue accelerated OATP1B3-mediated pravastatin uptake, while UTs had no effect. There was no difference in pravastatin uptake between uremic- and normal serum residue-treated hepatocytes. The results suggest that the effects of uremic serum on pravastatin hepatic uptake may be considered negligible in end-stage renal disease patients.

Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusions (from the Japanese Multicenter Registry)

The impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and potential pharmacologic intervention on clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTOs) remains unknown. A total of 1,463 patients underwent successful CTO-PCI between August 2004 and December 2014. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization, cardiac death, and stent thrombosis were compared between patients with and without CKD (555 and 908 patients, respectively). The results demonstrated higher risks of MACE (log-rank p = 0.015), all-cause death (log-rank p <0.001), and cardiac death (log-rank p <0.001) in the CKD group compared with the non-CKD group. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that CKD was an independent predictor for MACE (hazard ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.47, p = 0.03). With regard to pharmacotherapy, statin use was associated with significantly lower rates of MACE in the CKD group (log-rank p = 0.003). In conclusion, the presence of CKD would be an important predictor of long-term clinical outcomes in patients who underwent CTO-PCI, and use of statin may influence in reducing the adverse clinical outcomes.

Statin Use during Hospitalization and Short-Term Mortality in Acute Ischaemic Stroke with Chronic Kidney Disease

OBJECTIVES

Statin use during hospitalization improves prognosis in patients with ischaemic stroke. However, it remains uncertain whether acute ischaemic stroke patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) benefit from statin therapy. We investigated the effect of statin use during hospitalization in reducing short-term mortality of patients with ischaemic stroke and CKD.

METHODS

Data of first-ever ischaemic stroke patients without a history of pre-stroke statin treatment was derived from the China National Stroke Registry. Patients were stratified according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): normal renal function (eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2), mild CKD (eGFR 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m2) and moderate CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between statin use during hospitalization and all-cause mortality with different renal functions at 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 5,951 patients included, 2,595 (43.6%) patients were on statin use during hospitalization after stroke (45.7% in patients with normal renal function, 42.0% in patients with mild CKD, and 39.0% in patients with moderate CKD). Compared with the non-statin group, statin use during hospitalization was associated with decreased all-cause mortality in patients with normal renal function (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.97, p = 0.04), mild CKD (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38-0.91, p = 0.02) and moderate CKD (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23-0.75, p = 0.004) at 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Statin use during hospitalization was associated with decreased 3-month mortality of ischaemic stroke patients with mild and moderate CKD. However, the conclusion should be confirmed in further studies with larger population, especially with moderate CKD.

Primary IgA nephropathy: current challenges and future prospects

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide, exhibiting a variable clinical and pathological course and significantly contributing to the global burden of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Current standards of care focus on optimization of antihypertensive and antiproteinuric therapies (typically renin- angiotensin system blockade) to reduce disease progression. Much recent attention has focused on whether additional immunosuppression confers better outcomes than supportive management alone, and indeed, several trials have demonstrated renoprotective effects following the use of oral corticosteroids. However, results have been inconsistent, and perceived benefits must be balanced against risks and adverse effects associated with generalized immunosuppression, as highlighted by the high-profile STOP-IgAN and TESTING clinical trials. Recent translational research in vitro and animal models of IgAN have generated greater insight into potential therapeutic targets for this complex autoimmune disease. Deeper understanding of the roles of the mucosal immune barrier, complement activation and deposition, T-cell dependent and independent mechanisms of B cell activation, and of the deposition and downstream inflammatory signaling pathways of nephritogenic polymeric IgA1 complexes (e.g., signaling of immune receptors via spleen tyrosine kinase) has formed the rationale for the development of novel agents and clinical trials of more targeted therapies. However, translating findings into clinical practice is challenging, with many immunopathological features of IgAN specific to humans. Recent comprehensive reviews outline current understanding of mechanisms of IgAN as well as ongoing and future clinical trials; it is not our aim to replicate this here. Instead, we take a mechanistic approach to current treatment strategies, outlining advantages and limitations of each before exploring ongoing research with potential translation into future targeted therapies for this complex disease.

Evaluation of Trace Elements in Augmentation of Statin-Induced Cytotoxicity in Uremic Serum-Exposed Human Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells

Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at higher risk for rhabdomyolysis induced by statin than patients with normal kidney function. Previously, we showed that this increase in the severity of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis was partly due to uremic toxins. However, changes in the quantity of various trace elements in ESKD patients likely contribute as well. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of trace elements on statin-induced toxicity in rhabdomyosarcoma cells exposed to uremic serum (US cells) for a long time. Cell viability, apoptosis, mRNA expression, and intracellular trace elements were assessed by viability assays, flow cytometry, real-time RT-PCR, and ICP-MS, respectively. US cells exhibited greater simvastatin-induced cytotoxicity than cells long-time exposed with normal serum (NS cells) (non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals). Intracellular levels of Mg, Mn, Cu, and Zn were significantly less in US cells compared to that in NS cells (p < 0.05 or 0.01). Pre-treatment with TPEN increased simvastatin-induced cytotoxicity and eliminated the distinction between both cells of simvastatin-induced cytotoxicity. These results suggest that Zn deficiencies may be involved in the increased risk for muscle complaints in ESKD patients. In conclusion, the increased severity of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis in ESKD patients may be partly due to trace elements deficiencies.

Vitamin D status and all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high in patients with chronic kidney disease. Less attention has been paid to measurement and correction of serum level of 25(OH)D in these patients.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the association between different levels of serum 25(OH)D and risk of all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic search were done using MedLine and EMBASE from inception up to November 2016. Reference lists of all relevant articles and reviews also were searched.

STUDY SELECTION

Prospective or retrospective cohort studies that reported risk estimates of all-cause mortality for three or more categories of serum 25(OH)D in patients with chronic kidney disease were selected. Studies that reported results as continuously also were included. Two independent investigators screened and selected the articles. Of 1281 identified studies, 13 prospective cohorts, two retrospective cohorts and one nested case-control study with 17053 patients and 7517 incident death were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two independent authors extracted data from included studies. Any discrepancies were resolved through consensus.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Reported risk estimates were combined using a random-effects model. Summary risk estimates of all-cause mortality were1.63 (95%CI: 1.32, 1.94) for severe deficiency (<10 ng/ml), 1.22 (95%CI: 1.09, 1.35) for mild deficiency (10-20 ng/ml) and 1.12 (95%CI: 1.06, 1.18) for insufficiency (20-30 ng/ml). Results were more evident in dialysis dependent patients. 10 ng/ml increment in serum 25(OH)D was associated with 21% reduction in the risk of overall mortality (RR: 0.79, 95%CI: 0.70, 0.87).Lower risk of all-cause mortality was observed at serum 25(OH)D about 25 to 30 ng/ml. Dialysis treatment was one of the sources of variation between studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of serum 25(OH) D were associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease, but concerning serum levels more than 35 ng/mL we have no conclusive evidence.

Quality of Care for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease in the Primary Care Setting: A Retrospective Cohort Study From Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease may not be receiving recommended primary renal care.

OBJECTIVE

To use recently established primary care quality indicators for chronic kidney disease to determine the proportion of patients receiving recommended renal care.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using administrative data with linked laboratory information.

SETTING

The study was conducted in Ontario, Canada, from 2006 to 2012.

PATIENTS

Patients over 40 years with chronic kidney disease or abnormal kidney function in primary care were included.

MEASUREMENTS

In total, 11 quality indicators were assessed for chronic kidney disease identified through a Delphi panel in areas of screening, monitoring, drug prescribing, and laboratory monitoring after initiating an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).

METHODS

We calculated the proportion and cumulative incidence at the end of follow-up of patients meeting each indicator and stratified results by age, sex, cohort entry, and chronic kidney disease stage.

RESULTS

Less than half of patients received follow-up tests after an initial abnormal kidney function result. Most patients with chronic kidney disease received regular monitoring of serum creatinine (91%), but urine albumin-to-creatinine monitoring was lower (70%). A total of 84% of patients age 66 and older did not receive a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescription of at least 2-week duration. Three quarters of patients age 66 and older were on an ACE inhibitor or ARB, and 96% did not receive an ACE inhibitor and ARB concurrently. Among patients 66 to 80 years of age with chronic kidney disease, 65% were on a statin. One quarter of patients age 66 and older who initiated an ACE inhibitor or ARB had their serum creatinine and potassium monitored within 7 to 30 days.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited to people in Ontario with linked laboratory information.

CONCLUSIONS

There was generally strong performance across many of the quality of care indicators. Areas where more attention may be needed are laboratory testing to confirm initial abnormal kidney function test results and monitoring serum creatinine and potassium after initiating a new ACE inhibitor or ARB.

Effects of statin therapy on cerebrovascular and renal outcomes in patients with predialysis advanced chronic kidney disease and dyslipidemia

BACKGROUND

Treatment with statin may be beneficial for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the debate over the clinical importance of statin in patients with predialysis advanced CKD remains unresolved.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the article was to evaluate the effect of statin on mortality, cerebrovascular, and renal outcomes in patients with predialysis advanced CKD and dyslipidemia.

METHODS

Data on predialysis advanced CKD patients were retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database based on the guidelines for prescribing regular erythropoietin-stimulating agent in CKD patients. Patients with dyslipidemia were further selected and divided into 2 groups by their statin use after the prescribed erythropoietin-stimulating agent. All-cause mortality and cerebrovascular and renal outcomes were analyzed after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

There were 2016 and 14,412 patients in the statin and nonstatin groups. Their average follow-up periods were 3.7 and 3.0 years, respectively. After 1:2 propensity score matching, the annual all-cause mortality rate was higher in the nonstatin than in the statin group (143.99 vs 109.50 per 1000 person-years; P < .001; hazard ratio: 0.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.68-080). The annual risk of ischemic stroke (P = .186) and intracranial hemorrhage (P = .322) were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The nonstatin group had a higher risk of dialysis than the statin group (1269.45 vs 1095.00 per 1000 person-years; P = .002). Adverse events were not significant between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Statins may reduce the all-cause mortality and reduced the risk of dialysis in patients with predialysis advanced CKD and dyslipidemia. However, statins have no impact on ischemic-hemorrhage stroke.

Statins and Renin Angiotensin System Inhibitors Dose-Dependently Protect Hypertensive Patients against Dialysis Risk

Background

Taiwan has the highest renal disease incidence and prevalence in the world. We evaluated the association of statin and renin–angiotensin system inhibitor (RASI) use with dialysis risk in hypertensive patients.

Methods

Of 248,797 patients who received a hypertension diagnosis in Taiwan during 2001–2012, our cohort contained 110,829 hypertensive patients: 44,764 who used RASIs alone; 7,606 who used statins alone; 27,836 who used both RASIs and statins; and 33,716 who used neither RASIs or statins. We adjusted for the following factors to reduce selection bias by using propensity scores (PSs): age; sex; comorbidities; urbanization level; monthly income; and use of nonstatin lipid-lowering drugs, metformin, aspirin, antihypertensives, diuretics, and beta and calcium channel blockers. The statin and RASI use index dates were considered the hypertension confirmation dates. To examine the dose–response relationship, we categorized only statin or RASI use into four groups in each cohort: <28 (nonusers), 28–90, 91–365, and >365 cumulative defined daily doses (cDDDs).

Results

In the main model, PS-adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for dialysis risk were 0.57 (0.50–0.65), 0.72 (0.53–0.98), and 0.47 (0.41–0.54) in the only RASI, only statin, and RASI + statin users, respectively. RASIs dose-dependently reduced dialysis risk in most subgroups and in the main model. RASI use significantly reduced dialysis risk in most subgroups, regardless of comorbidities or other drug use (P < 0.001). Statins at >365 cDDDs protected hypertensive patients against dialysis risk in the main model (aHR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.54–0.71), regardless of whether a high cDDD of RASIs, metformin, or aspirin was used.

Conclusion

Statins and RASIs independently have a significant dose-dependent protective effect against dialysis risk in hypertensive patients. The combination of statins and RASIs can additively protect hypertensive patients against dialysis risk.

Eligibility for Statin Treatment in Korean Subjects with Reduced Renal Function: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between statin eligibility and the degree of renal dysfunction using the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III and the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines in Korean adults.

METHODS

Renal function was assessed in 18,746 participants of the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study from January 2011 to December 2012. Subjects were divided into three groups according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): stage 1, eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m²; stage 2, eGFR 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m²; and stages 3 to 5, eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m². Statin eligibility in these groups was determined using the ATP III and ACC/AHA guidelines, and the risk for 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was calculated using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE).

RESULTS

There were 3,546 (18.9%) and 4,048 (21.5%) statin-eligible subjects according to ATP III and ACC/AHA guidelines, respectively. The proportion of statin-eligible subjects increased as renal function deteriorated. Statin eligibility by the ACC/AHA guidelines showed better agreement with the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) recommendations compared to the ATP III guidelines in subjects with stage 3 to 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) (κ value, 0.689 vs. 0.531). When the 10-year ASCVD risk was assessed using the FRS and PCE, the mean risk calculated by both equations significantly increased as renal function declined.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of statin-eligible subjects significantly increased according to worsening renal function in this Korean cohort. ACC/AHA guideline showed better agreement for statin eligibility with that recommended by KDIGO guideline compared to ATP III in subjects with CKD.

Serum Uric Acid Level Predicts Progression of IgA Nephropathy in Females but Not in Males

Background

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is one of most common forms of glomerulonephritis. At this point, the clinical impact of hyperuricemia on IgAN is not clear. The aim of the present study was to explore the clinical impact of hyperuricemia on the progression of IgAN.

Study Design

Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Setting & Participants

935 IgAN patients who were diagnosed by kidney biopsy at Osaka University Hospital, Osaka General Hospital, and Osaka Rosai Hospital. were included in this study.

Predictor

Uric acid levels at renal biopsy.

Outcomes

The outcome of interest was the time from the kidney biopsy to the time when a 50% increase in the baseline serum creatinine level was observed, which was defined as "progression".

Measurements

The baseline characteristics according to the kidney biopsy at the time of diagnosis were collected from the medical records, and included age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes (use of antidiabetic drugs), serum levels of creatinine, urinary protein, smoking status, RAAS blockers and steroid therapy.

Results

An elevated serum uric acid level was an independent risk factor for progression in female patients (per 1.0 mg/dL, multivariate-adjusted incident rate ratio 1.33 [95% confidence interval 1.07, 1.64], P = 0.008) but not in male patients (1.02 [0.81, 1.29], P = 0.855). To control a confounding effect of renal function on an association between serum uric acid level and progression in female patients, age- and serum creatinine-matched and propensity score-matched analyses were performed, and these results also supported the effect by uric acid on kidney disease progression independent of basal kidney function.

Limitations

A cohort analyzed retorospectively.

Conclusions

This study revealed that an elevated uric acid level was an independent risk factor for ESKD in female IgAN patients. Therefore, uric acid might be a treatable target in female IgAN patients.

Atorvastatin attenuates p‑cresyl sulfate‑induced atherogenesis and plaque instability in ApoE knockout mice

p-cresyl sulfate (PCS) is a protein-bound uremic toxin retained in the blood of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) As atherosclerosis is a primary cardiovascular complication for patients with CKD, the aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the aggravation of atherosclerosis by PCS. In addition, the effect of atorvastatin was assessed in reversing the effects of PCS. PCS was revealed to promote the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Following treatment with atorvastatin, apolipoprotein E knockout mice demonstrated a reduction in PCS-induced atherogenesis and plaque vulnerability. In addition, atorvastatin decreased the protein expression levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1, and the interaction between leukocytes and endothelia. The plasma lipid profiles of mice were not significantly affected by gavage of low-dose atorvastatin. The results of the present study indicate that PCS promotes plaque growth and instability by enhancing leukocyte-endothelium interaction, and that these effects may be attenuated by atorvastatin treatment.

Improvement in Renal Function and Reduction in Serum Uric Acid with Intensive Statin Therapy in Older Patients: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SAGE Trial

Background

Improvement in renal function and decreases in serum uric acid (SUA) have been reported following prolonged high-intensity statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) therapy. This post hoc analysis of the SAGE trial examined the effect of intensive versus less intensive statin therapy on renal function, safety, and laboratory parameters, including SUA, in elderly coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (65–85 years) with or without chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Patients were randomized to atorvastatin 80 mg/day or pravastatin 40 mg/day and treated for 12 months. Patients were stratified using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) in CKD (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and non-CKD populations.

Results

Of the 893 patients randomized, 858 had complete renal data and 418 of 858 (49 %) had CKD (99 % Stage 3). Over 12 months, eGFR increased with atorvastatin and remained stable with pravastatin (+2.38 vs. +0.18 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively; p < 0.0001). MDRD eGFR improved significantly in both CKD treatment arms; however, the increased eGFR in patients without CKD was significantly greater with atorvastatin (+2.08 mL/min/1.73 m²) than with pravastatin (−1.04 mL/min/1.73 m²). Modest reductions in SUA were observed in both treatment arms, but a greater fall occurred with atorvastatin than with pravastatin (−0.52 vs. −0.09 mg/dL, p < 0.0001). Change in SUA correlated negatively with changes in eGFR and positively with changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Reports of myalgia were rare (3.6 % CKD; 5.7 % non-CKD), and there were no episodes of rhabdomyolysis. Elevated serum alanine and aspartate transaminase to >3 times the upper limit of normal occurred in 4.4 % of atorvastatin- and 0.2 % of pravastatin-treated patients.

Conclusion

Intensive management of dyslipidemia in older patients with stable coronary heart disease may have beneficial effects on renal function and SUA.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Incident ESRD: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Carotid intima-media thickness has been reported to predict kidney function decline. However, whether carotid intima-media thickness is associated with a hard kidney end point, ESRD, has not been investigated.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We studied 13,197 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities participants at visit 1 (1987-1989) without history of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure, at baseline and assessed whether carotid intima-media thickness measured by B-mode ultrasound is associated with ESRD risk using Cox proportional hazards models. Regarding carotid intima-media thickness parameters, we investigated the mean and maximum values of overall and segment-specific (common, bifurcation, and internal carotid arteries) measurements.

RESULTS

Mean age was 54.0 (SD=5.7) years old, and there were 3373 (25.6%) blacks and 7370 (55.8%) women. During a median follow-up of 22.7 years, 433 participants developed ESRD (1.4/1000 person-years). After adjusting for shared risk factors for atherosclerosis and kidney disease, including baseline kidney function, carotid intima-media thickness was significantly associated with ESRD risk (hazard ratio [HR] between quartiles 4 and 1, 1.46; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02 to 2.08 for overall mean intima-media thickness and HR between quartiles 4 and 1, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.24 to 2.48 for overall maximum intima-media thickness). The associations were largely consistent in demographic and clinical subgroups. When we explored segment-specific intima-media thicknesses, the associations with ESRD were most robust for bifurcation carotid (e.g., adjusted HR between quartiles 4 and 1 of mean intima-media thickness, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.13 for bifurcation; adjusted HR between quartiles 4 and 1 of mean intima-media thickness, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.97 for common; and adjusted HR between quartiles 4 and 1 of mean intima-media thickness, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.29 for internal).

CONCLUSIONS

Carotid intima-media thickness was independently associated with incident ESRD in the general population, suggesting the shared etiology of atherosclerosis and ESRD.

Indoxyl Sulfate Downregulates Mas Receptor via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor/Nuclear Factor-kappa B, and Induces Cell Proliferation and Tissue Factor Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

Angiotensin converting enzyme-related carboxypeptidase 2/angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis is protective in the development of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. This study is aimed at investigating whether indoxyl sulfate (IS) affects Mas receptor expression, cell proliferation and tissue factor expression in vascular smooth muscle cells, and if Ang-(1-7), an activator of Mas receptor, counteracts the IS-induced effects.

METHODS

IS was administered to normotensive and hypertensive rats. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were cultured with IS.

RESULTS

IS reduced the expression of Mas receptor in the aorta of normotensive and hypertensive rats. IS downregulated the Mas receptor expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HASMCs. Knockdown of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-x03BA;B) inhibited IS-induced downregulation of Mas receptor. Further, IS stimulated cell proliferation and tissue factor expression in HASMCs. Ang-(1-7) attenuated IS-induced cell proliferation and tissue factor expression in HASMCs. Ang-(1-7) suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and NF-x03BA;B in HASMCs.

CONCLUSION

IS downregulated the expression of Mas receptor via AhR/NF-x03BA;B, and induced cell proliferation and tissue factor expression in HASMCs. Ang-(1-7) inhibited IS-induced cell proliferation and tissue factor expression by suppressing the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-x03BA;B p65.

Soluble CD40 ligand in haemodialysis patients: survival impact and cardiovascular prognostic role

CONTEXT

Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40l) can predict cardiovascular events (CVE) and mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients (short-, medium-term follow-up studies).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between sCD40l and survival, CVE and mortality in HD patients on long-term follow-up.

METHODS

We registered 46 HD patients' baseline characteristics, mortality and CVE for 108 months.

RESULTS

SCD40l correlated positively with C-reactive protein, was higher in survivors, but had no impact on survival and was not predictive for CVE or CV mortality.

CONCLUSION

The levels of sCD40l have no influence on survival or CVE and mortality in HD patients in a long-term follow-up.

Electronegative low density lipoprotein induces renal apoptosis and fibrosis: STRA6 signaling involved

Dyslipidemia has been proven to capably develop and aggravate chronic kidney disease. We also report that electronegative LDL (L5) is the most atherogenic LDL. On the other hand, retinoic acid (RA) and RA receptor (RAR) agonist are reported to be beneficial in some kidney diseases. “Stimulated by retinoic acid 6” (STRA6), one retinol-binding protein 4 receptor, was recently identified to regulate retinoid homeostasis. Here, we observed that L5 suppressed STRA6 cascades [STRA6, cellular retinol-binding protein 1 (CRBP1), RARs, retinoid X receptor α, and retinol, RA], but L5 simultaneously induced apoptosis and fibrosis (TGFβ₁, Smad2, collagen 1, hydroxyproline, and trichrome) in kidneys of L5-injected mice and L5-treated renal tubular cells. These L5-induced changes of STRA6 cascades, renal apoptosis, and fibrosis were reversed in kidneys of LOX1^−/− mice. LOX1 RNA silencing and inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38MAPK rescued the suppression of STRA6 cascades and apoptosis and fibrosis in L5-treated renal tubular cells. Furthermore, crbp1 gene transfection reversed downregulation of STRA6 cascades, apoptosis, and fibrosis in L5-treated renal tubular cells. For mimicking STRA6 deficiency, efficient silencing of STRA6 RNA was performed and was found to repress STRA6 cascades and caused apoptosis and fibrosis in L1-treated renal tubular cells. In summary, this study reveals that electronegative L5 can cause kidney apoptosis and fibrosis via the suppression of STRA6 cascades, and implicates that STRA6 signaling may be involved in dyslipidemia-mediated kidney disease.

Association of statin use and the risk of end-stage renal disease: A nationwide Asian population-based case-control study

BACKGROUND

Although experimental models have shown that statins could alleviate glomerular damage and decrease urinary protein excretion, the renal effects of statins remain unclear. A case-control study was conducted using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance system.

METHODS

An end-stage renal disease (ESRD) group comprising 11,486 patients was established. Each patient was frequency-matched by age, sex, and comorbidities with one person without ESRD from the general population. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the influence of statin use on ESRD risk.

RESULTS

The overall adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of ESRD among patients who received statins was 1.59 (95% confidence interval=1.50-1.68). The raised ESRD risk of statin remained consolidated regardless of statin type (P<.001), except lovastatin. Further, while stratified by cumulative define daily dose, the risk of ESRD increased with accumulative dosage of statins (P for trend<.001).

CONCLUSION

This population-based case-control study showed that statin use might be associated with increased ESRD risks. Large-scale randomized clinical trial encompassing statins of different kinds and populations of different comorbidities would be helpful to clarify the potential ESRD risks of statin users.