Extrapulmonary manifestations of pulmonary arterial hypertension

INTRODUCTION

Extrapulmonary manifestations of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may play a critical pathobiological role and a deeper understanding will advance insight into mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets. This manuscript reviews our understanding of extrapulmonary manifestations of PAH.

AREAS COVERED

A group of experts was assembled and a complimentary PubMed search performed (October 2023 - March 2024). Inflammation is observed throughout the central nervous system and attempts at manipulation are an encouraging step toward novel therapeutics. Retinal vascular imaging holds promise as a noninvasive method of detecting early disease and monitoring treatment responses. PAH patients have gut flora alterations and dysbiosis likely plays a role in systemic inflammation. Despite inconsistent observations, the roles of obesity, insulin resistance and dysregulated metabolism may be illuminated by deep phenotyping of body composition. Skeletal muscle dysfunction is perpetuated by metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and hypoperfusion, but exercise training shows benefit. Renal, hepatic, and bone marrow abnormalities are observed in PAH and may represent both end-organ damage and disease modifiers.

EXPERT OPINION

Insights into systemic manifestations of PAH will illuminate disease mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets. Additional study is needed to understand whether extrapulmonary manifestations are a cause or effect of PAH and how manipulation may affect outcomes.

The significance of volume overload in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients

INTRODUCTION

The underlying pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is multifactorial; however, the significance of chronic volume overload and its subsequent effects on cardiac function must be studied thoroughly. The main objective of this study was to determine the predictive parameters of PAH in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and bioimpedance analysis (BIA).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 43 eligible CAPD patients were chosen. The patients were examined by TTE and BIA before the morning dialysis session, and baseline patient characteristics, echocardiography, and BIA parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixteen (37.2%) patients were diagnosed with PAH. Patients with PAH had significantly greater left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and higher grades of diastolic dysfunction (DDF). Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) correlated with LAD (p < 0.001, r = 0.566), interventricular septal diameter (IVSD) (p = 0.004, r = 0.425), LVMI (p = 0.030, r = 0.323), and extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW) ratio (p = 0.002, r = 0.458).

CONCLUSION

Two volume status-related parameters including ECW/TBW ratio and inferior vena cava (IVC) expiratory diameter, and cardiac-related TTE findings such as LAD and DDF were predictors of sPAP in CAPD patients.

The problem of pulmonary arterial hypertension in end-stage renal disease: can peritoneal dialysis be the solution

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in the setting of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has important prognostic and therapeutic consequences. We estimated the prevalence of PAH among patients with ESRD treated with automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), investigated the effect of different variables and compared pulmonary artery pressure and cardiac function at the beginning and end of the study.

METHODS

This is a 5-year study in which 31 ESRD patients on APD were recruited after fulfilling inclusion criteria. Blood samples were collected from all patients for the biochemical and hematological data at the beginning of the study and every month and at the study termination. Total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were calculated using Watson's and Bird's calculation methods. All patients were followed-up at 3-month interval for cardiac evaluation. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relation between different variables and PAH.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population (n = 31) was 51.23 ± 15.24 years. PAH was found in 24.2% of the patients. Mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) were significantly higher in the APD patients at study initiation than at the end of the study (40.75 + 10.61 vs 23.55 + 9.20 and 29.66 + 11.35 vs 18.24 + 6.75 mmHg respectively, p = 0.001). The median ejection fraction was significantly lower in patients with PAH at zero point than at study termination [31% (27-34) vs 50% (46-52), p = 0.002]. Hypervolemia decreased significantly at the end of study (p <  0.001) and correlated positively with the PAP (r = 0.371 and r = 0.369), p = 0.002). sPAP correlated with left ventricular mass index, hemoglobin level, and duration on APD.

CONCLUSIONS

Long term APD (> 1 years) seemed to decrease pulmonary arterial pressure, right atrial pressure and improve left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Risk factors for PAH in ESRD were hypervolemia, abnormal ECHO findings and low hemoglobin levels. Clinical and echocardiographic abnormalities and complications are not uncommon among ESRD patients with PAH. Identification of those patients on transthoracic echocardiography may warrant further attention to treatment with APD.

The potential effect of cardiac function on pulmonary hypertension, other risk factors, and its impact on survival in dialysis patients

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a recently recognized as a complication of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. The pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension in this group of patients is not fully understood, probably due to the interaction of multiple aspects of the altered cardiovascular physiology and also hormonal and metabolic disorders. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of PH, correlation with cardiac function and other risk factors and its impact of survival in chronic hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.

METHODS

We studied 125 stable hemodialysis and peritoneal patients (females 40%, mean age 52.42 ± 11.88 years) on renal replacement therapy (RRT) for more than 3 months with a follow up 2 years. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, blood test, and thoroughly echocardiographic evaluation at the optimal dry weight were collected. After conventional echocardiographic examination, tissue Doppler echocardiographic (TDE) examination was performed to evaluate global and regional myocardial systolic as well as diastolic function, and pulmonary hypertension. PH was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) ≥ 35 mmHg. To rule out secondary PH, patients with pulmonary disease, collagen vascular disease, and volume overload at the time of echocardiography were excluded. Variables were compared between two groups-subjects with PH and non-PH. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factor for PH and its impact on survival.

RESULTS

According to the echocardiographic findings, PH was found in 28% (35 patients) of all patients. Mean PH was 33.46 ± 5.38 mmHg. The higher level of higher parathormone (PTH), C-reactive protein (CRP) and E/E' average, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), peak systolic velocity at the lateral mitral annulus (MASa) and the peak systolic velocity at the lateral tricuspid annulus (TASa) were found predictor of PH. The cardiovascular mortality rate was 15.5%. Patients evaluated with PH have a significantly lower cardiovascular survival rate [Long Rank (Mantel-Cox) p = 0.0001]. In ROC analysis for CV mortality, the area under the curve (AUC) for PH and CRP was found 0.8; for LVM-I, E/E' and PP, AUC = 0.76; 0.75; 0.72 respectively while the inverse relationship was found with MASa and TASa with AUC = 0.66 and 0.95 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that PH is frequent in dialysis patients. It is influenced by inflammation, CKD-MBD biomarkers associated with diastolic and also systolic left and right ventricle dysfunction. Pulmonary hypertension, inflammation, vascular stiffness, and left ventricular hypertrophy are interrelated and all contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among dialysis patients. Easy to implement, cardiac imaging at the bedside and in outpatient clinics offers a positive perspective in early diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities and immediate approach to this condition, so is highly recommended in the dialysis population.

Prognostic value of pulmonary hypertension in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, the prognostic value of pulmonary hypertension in Chinese predialytic CKD patients is rarely reported. We evaluated the relevant factors and prognostic value of pulmonary hypertension in CKD patients.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 1092 predialytic patients from The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from May 1st, 2011, to December 31st, 2016. Data of interest were retrieved from electronic medical records. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) ≥ 35 mmHg by echocardiology. All participants were followed from the date of the first echocardiography examination. The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. The secondary endpoint was end-stage renal disease (ESRD) defined as starting renal replacement therapy.

RESULTS

The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension was 15.9% in the study population. For CKD stage 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4 and 5, the prevalence was 6.0%, 9.6%, 17.2%, 13.3%, 20.7% and 26.6%, respectively. Older age, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, anemia and higher pulse pressure were independently associated with pulmonary hypertension in CKD patients. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, pulmonary hypertension was the independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, but not of all-cause mortality and ESRD.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary hypertension is not rare in early CKD patients. Patients with older age, anemia, higher pulse pressure and compromised heart function were more likely to comorbid pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension maybe a sign of worse cardiovascular outcome in CKD patients.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients Starting Peritoneal Dialysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). One such complication is pulmonary hypertension (PH). Its prevalence in patients in peritoneal dialysis (PD) varies from 12.6-41.7% and its related factors are not well known. The main objective of this multicenter study was to determine the prevalence of PH and its risk factors in patients starting in PD.

METHODS

Patients incident in PD were studied. Clinical, biochemical, and PD parameters were evaluated. A transthoracic echocardiography was performed and the evaluated according to the American Society of Echocardiography. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) was calculated with tricuspid regurgitation gradient and PH considered if pulmonary artery pressure was ≥35 mmHg.

RESULTS

There were 105 men and 72 women included in the study (aged 53.7 ± 12.8 vs. 52.9 ± 15.5 years). PH was found in 69 patients (38.98%), they had sPAP of 49.05 ± 13.80 vs. 18.81 ± 11.15 mmg, in patients without PH (p <0.001). Patients with PH tend to be more frequently men than women (42 vs. 35%, p = 0.33), and were younger (51.0 ± 14.9 vs. 55,1 ± 12.8 years; p = 0.05). Risk factor for PH were diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV) (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.094-1.973), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVF) (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.29-5.09); and residual renal function (RRF) was a protector factor (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.068-0.915).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of PH in patient's incident in PD was 38%. The factors associated with PH were diastolic dysfunction of the LV and LV hypertrophy. RRF was a protector factor.

Relationship between volume status and possibility of pulmonary hypertension in dialysis naive CKD5 patients

Background

Chronic fluid overload is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and can with time lead to poor prognosis regarding to the cardiovascular events. Serum NT-proBNP and OH/ECW might reflect fluid status of the patients, and the maximal tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRVmax) could reflect systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP). We investigated the relationship between markers of volume status and marker of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in non-dialysis CKD5 (CKD5-ND) patients.

Methods

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), echocardiography, and measurement of serum NT-proBNP were performed in 137 consecutive patients on the same day. TRVmax greater than or equal to 2.9 m/s, corresponding to SPAP of approximately 36 mmHg, was used as a definition of the possibility of PH in the absence of left heart disease and chronic respiratory disease (PH group).

Results

Patients with possibility of PH (TRVmax ≥ 2.9 m/s) was found in 27 (19.70%) patients. Among the values obtained from BIS, those reflecting the fluid balance (OH, OH/ECW, and E/I ratio) were significantly higher in the PH group. The OH/ECW in patients with PH were significantly higher than those patients without (26.76 ± 15.07 vs. 13.09 ± 15.05, P < 0.001). NT-proBNP was also significantly higher in PH group compared to the non-PH group (median = 10,112 pg/ml, IQR = 30,847 pg/ml vs. median = 1,973 pg/ml, IQR = 7,093 pg/ml, P < 0.001). OH/ECW was positively associated with TRVmax (r = 0.235, P = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that increased OH/ECW and serum NT-proBNP were significantly associated with an increased risk of PH.

Conclusions

A significant number of patients showed increased TRVmax, which was closely related to volume status in CKD5-ND patients. Echocardiography and BIS could be important players in a high possibility of PH detection and treatment in asymptomatic CKD patients. Therefore, these measures could be helpful to improve the cardiac outcomes after initiating renal replacement therapy. Further research may be needed to validate the consistency of this association across other stages of CKD.

Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in peritoneal dialysis patients: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Recent epidemiological evidence indicates an association between peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the true prevalence of PH associated with PD has not been well described. So we conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the point prevalence of PH in adults with PD.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, and the reference lists of relevant articles were searched to identify eligible studies. We used a random-effect meta-analysis model to estimate the prevalence of PH. We also performed sensitivity analyses and assessments of publishing bias.

RESULTS

Fourteen observational studies (n = 1483 participants) were included in this meta-analysis. The result of analysis in random-effect model showed that the pooled prevalence was 21% (95% CI 16-28), with significant heterogeneity between these studies (I² = 84%, p < 0.01). Sensitivity analysis further demonstrated the results to be robust. Besides, the Egger's test (p = 0.287) showed no significant publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

PH is highly prevalent in patients with PD. Further studies are encouraged to definitively clarify the relationship between PH and PD.

Epidemiology and risk factors in CKD patients with pulmonary hypertension: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare disease often associated with high mortality and is recently recognized as a common complication secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Epidemiological data for this disorder across the spectrum of CKD is poorly understood.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 705 CKD patients with complete clinical records from July 2013 to September 2015. All the patients were estimated by echocardiography and PH was defined as pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) > 35 mmHg. The prevalence of PH in CKD patients was investigated, and their association was evaluated with a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of PH was 47.38%, in which mild, moderate and severe PH accounted for 22.13, 15.04 and 10.21%, respectively. The prevalence of PH in CKD stage 1-5 was 14.29, 33.33, 38.89, 40.91 and 64.47%. The prevalence of total PH was 57.63% in PD patients and 58.82% in HD patients. Compared with the non-dialysis patients, the prevalence of PH was much higher in patients receiving dialysis. Body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, triglyceride (TG), proteinuria, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were independent risk factors of PH in CKD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of PH is increased with the deterioration of renal function, however, which has no direct relation to the severity of PH. PH occurs more frequently in dialysis patients. Higher BMI and TG, more sever anemia, proteinuria and secondary hyperparathyroidism, poor renal dysfunction predict predict the more prevalence of PH in CKD patients.

[The concurrence of kidney and liver dysfunctions in decompensated heart failure]

AIM

To study the incidence, pattern, and predictive factors of concurrent kidney and liver dysfunctions in patients with decompensated heart failure (HF).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The kidney and liver function indicators were estimated in 322 patients aged 69.5±10.6 years with decompensated HF (hypertension in 87%, myocardial infarction in 57%, atrial fibrillation in 65%, chronic kidney disease in 39%, type 2 diabetes in 42%, a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of 38±13%, EF <35% 39%, NYHA Functional Class IV in 56%). Cardiohepatic syndrome (CHS) was diagnosed if at least one indicator of liver function was increased; acute kidney injury (AKI) was diagnosed using the KDIGO criteria.

RESULTS

AKI and CHS had been previously diagnosed in 60 (18.6%) and 274 (85.1%) patients, respectively. Among the patients with signs of kidney and/or liver dysfunction, the incidence of isolated CHS, concurrent AKI and CHS, and isolated AKI was 78.4, 20.1, and 1.5%, respectively. The patients with concurrent kidney and liver dysfunctions were observed to have more profound systemic hemodynamic changes (hypoperfusion and congestion). The risk of concurrent AKI and CHS increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <45 ml/min/1.73 m2, admission systolic blood pressure <110 mm Hg, needs for vasopressors, hydropericardium, and EF <35%. The concurrence of AKI and CHS was associated with longer hospital stay (15.7±6.5 and 13.5±4.8 days, respectively; p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of concurrent AKI and CHS in patients with decompensated HF is 20.1%. Concurrent kidney and liver dysfunctions is associated with more obvious signs of hypoperfusion and congestion and characterized by worse prognosis.

[Risk factors for pulmonary hypertension at the predialysis stage of chronic kidney disease]

AIM

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

86 patients (53% men, 47% women; mean age, 45±13 years) with nondiabetic CKD were examined. According to the magnitude of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decrease, all the patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) 33 patients with a GFR of 89--45 ml/min; 2) 33 with a GFR of 44--15 ml/min; 3) 20 with a GFR of <15 ml/min who were treated with hemodialysis. A control group consisted of 20 individuals with preserved kidney function (a GFR of >90 ml/min). Physical examination and transthoracic echocardiography were performed in all the patients. The serum concentrations of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNT) and cystatin C were determined.

RESULTS

PH was detected in 21 (24.4%) of the 86 patients with CKD. As CKD progressed, its prevalence in Groups 1, 2, and 3 increased, amounting to 18.2, 24.2, and 35%, respectively. The most predictably significant risk factors for PH were hypertension (ρ=0.35; р=0.001) and kidney dysfunction (creatinine (ρ=0.23; р=0.02). Elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) correlated with right ventricular (RV) dimension index (ρ=0.45; р<0.0001), right atrial volume index (ρ=0.3; р=0.02), left atrial volume index (ρ=0.3; р=0.009), and left ventricular mass index (ρ=0.35; р=0.03). In all the patients with CKD in the presence of PH, the NT-proBNP level was significantly higher than in its absence: 37.43 (5.83; 59.84) and 8.54 (5.1; 20.43) fmol/ml, respectively (р=0.01). Positive correlations were found between the level of cystatin C and the presence of PH (ρ=0.32; р=0.003). Analysis of the ROC curve (AUC=0.718; р=0.03) in the predialysis-stage CKD groups (n=66) revealed that the cystatin C level of > 1045 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 60% suggested that PH was present. Multivariate analysis showed that the factors correlating with the presence of PH were NT-proBNP (β=0.34; р=0.008) and RV dimension index (β=0.3; р=0.002).

CONCLUSION

EchoCG reveals PH in almost 25% of the patients with CKD, which occurs at its predialysis stage. Elevated PASP is associated with myocardial structural changes. Traditional risk factors (hypertension) and diminished kidney function affect the development of PH.

Pulmonary hypertension: prevalence and risk factors

Introduction

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), defined as a systolic pulmonary artery pressure above 35 mm Hg, is another vascular disease entity recently described in patients receiving hemodialysis. It is a major problem due to its high prevalence and morbidity and mortality. Its pathophysiological mechanism is just known and the strategies for its supported not yet defined.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of PAH in our hemodialysis patients and its risk factors.

Methodology

Single center descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, including 111 hemodialysis patients who had benefit from a trans-thoracic cardiac Doppler ultrasound during 2014. A value greater than or equal to 35 mm Hg is considered PAH and classified as follows: mild PAH (35 50 mm Hg), moderate PAH (50 70 mm Hg), and severe pulmonary hypertension (> 70 mm Hg). Patients with a high probability of secondary PAH, especially those with the following history: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary embolism, were not included.

Results

The mean age was 44.3 ± 14.2 years. Among the 111 patients, 18 had pulmonary arterial pressure above 35 mm Hg corresponding to 16.22% of PAH prevalence. The average pressure was 45 mm Hg. Of these 18 patients, 11.8% had mild PAH, 3.4% moderate PAH and 0.8% severe PAH. The average hemodialysis duration was significantly associated with PAH (p = 0.003); as well as valvular calcification (p = 0.000), mitral regurgitation (p = 0.001) and tricuspid regurgitation (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a major problem among our hemodialysis because of its high prevalence and its risk factors.

Prevalence and risk factors for pulmonary arterial hypertension in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major complication in renal failure patients, but very little information is available on the cardiovascular parameters in these patients. The prevalence and risk factors for PAH were systematically evaluated in patients with end-stage renal diseases (ESRD) undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

METHODS

Between January 2010 and January 2014, 177 ESRD patients (85 males and 92 females) undergoing CAPD therapy were recruited. General data, biochemical parameters and echocardiographic findings were collected and PAH risk factors studied.

RESULTS

Study participants consisted of 65 patients (36.52%) with PAH (PAH group) and 112 patients without PAH (non-PAH group). The interdialytic weight gain, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure and hypertensive nephropathy incidence in the PAH group were significantly higher than the non-PAH group (all p < 0.05). There were significant differences between PAH group and non-PAH group in C-reactive protein-positive rate, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), hemoglobin, prealbumin and serum albumin levels (all p < 0.05). Compared with non-PAH group, PAH group showed significant increases in right ventricular internal diameter (RVID), right ventricular outflow tract diameter (RVOTD), main pulmonary artery diameter, left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular mass index, early diastolic mitral annulus velocity and valve calcification incidence (all p < 0.05), and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and early diastolic blood flow peak and mitral annulus velocity (E/E') (all p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that DBP, NT-proBNP, LAD, RVID, RVOTD, LVEF, TAPSE and E/E' are major risk factors for PAH.

CONCLUSION

We observed a high incidence of PAH in ESRD patients undergoing CAPD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that DBP, NT-proBNP, LAD, RVID, RVOTD, LVEF, TAPSE and E/E' are high-risk factors for PAH in ESRD patients undergoing CAPD.

Inflammation is associated to volume status in peritoneal dialysis patients

AIM

The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a relationship between inflammation and volume status in patients underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD).

PATIENTS AND METHOD

This cross-sectional study included 159 PD patients. The median duration of PD was 17 (range, 1-151) months. All patients were examined using bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate the ratio of extracellular water to total body water (ECW/TBW), which was used to assess their volume status. The patients were categorized as having one of the following three volume statuses: hypervolemic (above +2 SD from the mean, which was obtained from healthy controls), normovolemic (between +2 SD and -2 SD), or hypovolemic (below -2 SD from the mean). Five patients with hypovolemia were excluded from the study. Fifty-six patients were hypervolemic whereas 98 patients were euvolemic. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured to evaluate inflammation in all patients.

RESULTS

hs-CRP value levels were significantly higher in hypervolemic patients compared with euvolemic patients [7.1 (3.1-44.0) mg/L vs. 4.3 (3.1-39.6), p: 0.015, respectively]. Left ventricular hypertrophy was more frequent in hypervolemic patients compared with euvolemic patients (53.6% vs. 30.6%, p: 0.004, respectively). ECW/TBW ratio positively correlated with hs-CRP (r: 0.166, p: 0.039). Gender, hs-CRP, and residual Kt/V urea were found to be independent risk factors for hypervolemia in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Inflammation is associated with hypervolemia in PD patients. Residual renal functions play an important role to maintain euvolemia in PD patients.

High estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure predicts adverse cardiovascular outcomes in stage 2-4 chronic kidney disease

High estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP) is an established risk factor for mortality and cardiovascular (CV) events in the general population. High ePASP predicts mortality in dialysis patients but such a relationship has not been tested in patients with early CKD. Here we estimated the prevalence and the risk factors of high ePASP in 468 patients with CKD stage 2-4 and determined its prognostic power for a combined end point including cardiovascular death, acute heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular and peripheral artery events. High ePASP (35 mm Hg and above) was present in 108 CKD patients. In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for age, diabetes, hemoglobin, left atrial volume (LAV/BSA), left ventricular mass (LVM/BSA), and history of CV disease, age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 12 1.04-1.09) and LAV/BSA (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.07) were the sole significant independent predictors of high ePASP. Elevated ePASP predicted a significantly high risk for the combined cardiovascular end point both in unadjusted analyses (HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.68-4.32) and in analyses adjusting for age, eGFR, hemoglobin, LAV/BSA, LVM/BSA, and the presence of diabetes and CV disease (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.05-2.91). High ePASP is relatively common in patients with stage 2-4 CKD and predicts adverse CV outcomes independent of established classical and CKD-specific risk factors. Whether high ePASP is a modifiable risk factor in patients with CKD remains to be determined in randomized clinical trials.

Relationship between pulmonary hypertension, peripheral vascular calcification, and major cardiovascular events in dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is a recently recognized complication of chronic kidney disease. In this study, we investigated the association between PHT, peripheral vascular calcifications (VCs), and major cardiovascular events.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we included 172 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing dialysis [hemodialysis (HD)=84, peritoneal dialysis=88]. PHT was defined as an estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure>37 mmHg using echocardiography. The Simple Vascular Calcification Score (SVCS) was measured using plain radiographic films of the hands and pelvis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PHT was significantly higher in HD patients (51.2% vs. 22.7%). Dialysis patients with PHT had a significantly higher prevalence of severe VCs (SVCS≥3). In multivariate analysis, the presence of severe VCs [odds ratio (OR), 2.68], mitral valve disease (OR, 7.79), HD (OR, 3.35), and larger left atrial diameter (OR, 11.39) were independent risk factors for PHT. In addition to the presence of anemia, severe VCs, or older age, the presence of PHT was an independent predictor of major cardiovascular events in ESRD patients.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PHT was higher in HD patients and was associated with higher rates of major cardiovascular events. Severe VCs are thought to be an independent risk factor for predicting PHT in ESRD patients. Therefore, in dialysis patients with PHT, careful attention should be paid to the presence of VCs and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events.

Pulmonary hypertension: epidemiology in different CKD stages and its association with cardiovascular morbidity

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was recently recognized as a common complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) that causes an increased risk of mortality. Epidemiological data for this disorder in earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its association with cardiovascular (CV) morbidity are scarce.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 2,351 Chinese CKD patients with complete clinical records and echocardiography data between Jan 2008 and May 2012. The patients were divided into the following 6 groups: CKD Stages 1–4; Stage 5 for those not on or initiated on hemodialysis for <3 months; and Stage 5D for the patients undergoing hemodialysis for ≥3 months. The prevalence of PH and CV morbidity was investigated, and their association was evaluated with a logistic regression model.

Results

PH was detected in 426 patients (18.1%). Mild, moderate and severe PH was diagnosed in 12.1%, 4.9% and 1.1% of the patients, respectively. Severe PH was detected in CKD Stages 5 and 5D. CV morbidity was found in 645 patients (27.4%). Compared with the non-PH group, the PH group had a higher risk for cardiac disease but not for cerebrovascular disease risk. PH severity was associated with cardiac morbidity risk [odds ratio (95% CI) for mild PH: 1.79 (1.30–2.47); moderate PH: 2.75 (1.73–4.37); severe PH: 3.90 (1.46–10.42)].

Conclusions

Our study showed for the first time the epidemiology profile of PH across the spectrum of CKD. Mild-to-moderate PH occurs with more frequency in advanced CKD, and severe PH is scarce in non-ESRD CKD. PH in CKD is associated with cardiac but not cerebrovascular disease, with increasing cardiac morbidity seen with increasing PH severity. Evidence from prospective studies addressing PH in this population is needed to predict cardiac events.

Association of Pulmonary Hypertension with Mortality in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of pulmonary hypertension at the start of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in patient survival is unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of incident patients who initiated PD therapy from January 2007 to December 2011, and followed up through June 2013. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as an estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of ≥ 35 mm Hg using echocardiography. Clinical parameters and laboratory findings were compared between patients with and without pulmonary hypertension and a logistic regression model was elaborated. Patient outcomes (all-cause and cardiovascular mortality) were recorded during follow-up. Survival curves were constructed by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the influences of pulmonary hypertension on outcomes were analyzed by Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Pulmonary hypertension was prevalent in 99 (16.0%) of the 618 patients studied. The independent risk factors for pulmonary hypertension were female (odds ratio [OR] = 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29 - 3.46), left atrial diameter (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10 - 1.20), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95 - 0.99), and serum sodium (OR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89 - 0.99). Over a median follow-up of 29.4 months, 93 patients (15.0%) died, 59.1% of them due to cardiovascular disease. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with pulmonary hypertension had worse overall rates of survival and cardiovascular death-free survival than those without pulmonary hypertension. After multivariate adjustment, pulmonary hypertension was independently associated with increased risk for both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 2.10 (95% CI: 1.35 - 3.27) and 2.60 (95% CI: 1.48 - 4.56), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension at the start of PD was common and associated with increased risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in incident PD patients.

Pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic and end-stage kidney disease

Pulmonary hypertension is defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg and is a recently recognized complication of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. There is significant epidemiological overlap with kidney disease and the underlying causes of World Health Organization group 1-4 pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary arteriopathy, left heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease, and chronic thromboembolic disease, respectively). In addition, an entity of 'unexplained pulmonary hypertension,' group 5, in patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease has emerged, with prevalence estimates of 30-50%. The pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension in this population is due to alterations in endothelial function, increased cardiac output, and myocardial dysfunction leading to elevated left heart filling pressure, with recent data suggesting that left heart dysfunction may account for the vast majority of pulmonary hypertension in patients with kidney disease. Pulmonary hypertension is an independent predictor of increased mortality in patients on dialysis and those undergoing kidney transplantation. This review summarizes what is known about the epidemiology, pathogenesis, transplantation outcomes, mortality, and treatment of pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.

Pulmonary hypertension in renal disease: epidemiology, potential mechanisms and implications

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is highly prevalent in end-stage renal disease. Several observational studies, based on an echocardiographic diagnosis of PH, have suggested a prevalence of 30-60% and an association with increased mortality and poorer outcome following renal transplantation. The pathogenesis of PH in this population remains poorly understood. Reported associations include arteriovenous fistulae, cardiac dysfunction, fluid overload, bone mineral disorder and non-biocompatible dialysis membranes. However, due to the small numbers, the cross-sectional nature of the majority of studies in this field, and the reliance on echocardiography for the diagnosis of PH, no consistent association with any individual risk factor has been demonstrated. There is no difference in prevalence between patients receiving different dialysis modalities and emerging evidence suggests that the onset of the condition may precede dialysis treatment in many patients. Furthermore, little is known about the impact of the 'uraemic vasculopathy' on the pulmonary vasculature. Given the similarities between vascular changes in uraemia and those seen in pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is possible that a pulmonary vasculopathy may be present in a proportion of patients. There is a need for better understanding of the natural history and the pathogenesis of the condition which would help to individualise treatment of PH in end-stage renal disease. To enable such understanding, prospective adequately powered studies with an integrated investigational approach including right heart catheterisation are needed.

Pulmonary hypertension among patients on dialysis and kidney transplant recipients

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious cardiac complication among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We investigated pulmonary hypertension and its associated factors among patients who were on chronic dialysis and kidney transplant recipients. One hundred-eighty patients in three groups of hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and kidney transplant were studied. Demographic and clinical characteristics and echocardiographic findings were evaluated. A multivariable linear regression model was used to find factors associated with pulmonary artery pressure. The mean age of participants was 50.3 ± 15.5 years and 63.9% were male. We found pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure >25 mmHg) in 31.6%, 8.3%, and 5% of the patients on HD, PD, and transplant recipients, respectively (p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, being on HD (B = 5.276, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.211-9.341), age (B = -0.319, CI 95%: -0.501 to -0.138), smoking (B = 11.631, CI 95%: 1.847-21.416), systolic cardiac dysfunction (B = 6.313, CI 95%: 3.073-9.554), and diastolic cardiac dysfunction (B = 5.227, CI 95%: 1.176-9.277) were associated with systolic pulmonary artery pressure. These results showed that pulmonary hypertension is a frequent cardiac complication among patients with ESRD, and the type of renal replacement therapy (HD), systolic and diastolic cardiac dysfunction, and smoking are associated with increased pulmonary artery pressure. Further studies with larger sample sizes and also prospective studies are recommended in this regard.

Pulmonary hypertension in CKD

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease often associated with positive antinuclear antibody and high mortality. Pulmonary hypertension, which rarely is severe, occurs frequently in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension ranges from 9%-39% in individuals with stage 5 CKD, 18.8%-68.8% in hemodialysis patients, and 0%-42% in patients on peritoneal dialysis therapy. No epidemiologic data are available yet for earlier stages of CKD. Pulmonary hypertension in patients with CKD may be induced and/or aggravated by left ventricular disorders and risk factors typical of CKD, including volume overload, an arteriovenous fistula, sleep-disordered breathing, exposure to dialysis membranes, endothelial dysfunction, vascular calcification and stiffening, and severe anemia. No specific intervention trial aimed at reducing pulmonary hypertension in patients with CKD has been performed to date. Correcting volume overload and treating left ventricular disorders are factors of paramount importance for relieving pulmonary hypertension in patients with CKD. Preventing pulmonary hypertension in this population is crucial because even kidney transplantation may not reverse the high mortality associated with established pulmonary hypertension.

The impact of arteriovenous fistula creation in pulmonary hypertension: measurement of pulmonary pressures by right heart catheterization in a patient with respiratory failure following arteriovenous fistula creation

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is frequent in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) and carries a high mortality. While it has been suggested that arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) may exacerbate PHT in HD patients, it has also been observed that creating AVF in patients with chronic lung disease and normal renal function may lead to improved exercise tolerance. Most of the observations regarding HD patients using echocardiography demonstrated that temporary closure of AVF improved pulmonary pressures. We present the case of a 45-year-old patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on HD who experienced respiratory failure following AVF formation and underwent right heart catheterization. Severe PHT was diagnosed but transient occlusion of the fistula failed to improve the PHT. This case supports the theory that fistula creation does not exacerbate pre-existing PHT and that AVF can be the access of choice in patients with known chronic lung disease and pulmonary hypertension.

A consensus approach to the classification of pediatric pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease: Report from the PVRI Pediatric Taskforce, Panama 2011

Current classifications of pulmonary hypertension have contributed a great deal to our understanding of pulmonary vascular disease, facilitated drug trials, and improved our understanding of congenital heart disease in adult survivors. However, these classifications are not applicable readily to pediatric disease. The classification system that we propose is based firmly in clinical practice. The specific aims of this new system are to improve diagnostic strategies, to promote appropriate clinical investigation, to improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis, physiology and epidemiology, and to guide the development of human disease models in laboratory and animal studies. It should be also an educational resource. We emphasize the concepts of perinatal maladaptation, maldevelopment and pulmonary hypoplasia as causative factors in pediatric pulmonary hypertension. We highlight the importance of genetic, chromosomal and multiple congenital malformation syndromes in the presentation of pediatric pulmonary hypertension. We divide pediatric pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease into 10 broad categories.

Left atrial volume is an independent predictor of mortality in CAPD patients

BACKGROUND

Echocardiography is an established technique to estimate the risk for cardiovascular complications in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). An enlarged left atrium (LA) has recently emerged as a marker of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in various pathologic conditions. However, there have been few studies to evaluate its prognostic value in patients with ESRD, particularly those receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

METHODS

We conducted an observational cohort study to investigate whether enlarged LA can predict patient outcome in 216 patients with CAPD. Study outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

Increased left atrium volume index (LAVI > 32 mL/m(2)) was observed in 99 (45.8%) of the CAPD patients. During the follow-up (26.3 ± 18.6 months), 20 patients (9.3%) died. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the 5-year survival rate was significantly lower in patients with LAVI > 32 mL/m(2) than those with LAVI ≤ 32 mL/m(2) (69 versus 82%, P = 0.024). In multivariate analyses adjusted for echocardiographic parameters and clinical and laboratory data, increased LAVI was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.10, P = 0.03] and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.14, P = 0.006). Furthermore, increased LAVI provided the highest predictive value for all-cause mortality [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.766, P < 0.001] and cardiovascular mortality (AUC = 0.836, P < 0.001) among the measured echocardiographic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that increased LAVI predicted adverse outcomes better than other echocardiographic parameters in patients with CAPD.