Estimated GFR reporting is not sufficient to allow detection of chronic kidney disease in an Italian regional hospital

A focus on CKD reporting and inappropriate prescribing among older patients discharged from geriatric and nephrology units throughout Italy: A nationwide multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study

Older hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are part of the geriatric population with a substantial risk of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use. The high rates of multimorbidity and polypharmacy, along with the progressive decline of eGFR, contribute to increasing the risk of drug–drug and drug–disease interactions, overdosing, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CKD under-reporting and PIMs among older patients discharged from acute geriatric and nephrology units throughout Italy. Renal function was determined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) through the Berlin Initiative Study (BIS) equation; the prevalence of PIMs was calculated by revising drug prescriptions at discharge according to STOPP criteria, Beers criteria, and summaries of product characteristics (smPCs). A descriptive analysis was performed to compare the clinical and pharmacological characteristics of patients in the two distinct settings; univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to explore factors associated with CKD under-reporting in the discharge report forms and PIM prevalence. Overall, the study population consisted of 2,057 patients, aged 83 (77–89) years, more commonly women, with a median of seven (5–10) drugs prescribed at discharge. CKD under-reporting was present in 50.8% of the study population, with higher rates in geriatric vs. nephrology units (71.1% vs. 10.2%, p < 0.001). 18.5% of the study population was discharged with at least one renally inappropriate medication; factors associated with at least one contraindicated drug at discharge were the number of drugs (PR 1.09, 95% CI 1.14–1.19); atrial fibrillation (PR 1.35, 95% CI 1.01–1.81); diabetes (PR 1.61, 95% CI 1.21–2.13); being hospitalized in nephrology units (PR 1.62, 95% CI 1.14–2.31), CKD stage 3b (PR 2.35, 95% CI 1.34–4.13), and stage 4–5 (PR 14.01, 95% CI 7.36–26.72). Conversely, CKD under-reporting was not associated with the outcome. In summary, CKD under-reporting and inappropriate medication use were common in older patients discharged from hospital; the relatively high number of PIMs in both nephrology and geriatric settings underlines the need to improve appropriate prescribing during hospital stay and to decrease the risk of ADRs and side effects in this highly vulnerable population.

Characterizing database granularity using SNOMED-CT hierarchy

Multi-center observational studies require recognition and reconciliation of differences in patient representations arising from underlying populations, disparate coding practices and specifics of data capture. This leads to different granularity or detail of concepts representing the clinical facts. For researchers studying certain populations of interest, it is important to ensure that concepts at the right level are used for the definition of these populations. We studied the granularity of concepts within 22 data sources in the OHDSI network and calculated a composite granularity score for each dataset. Three alternative SNOMED-based approaches for such score showed consistency in classifying data sources into three levels of granularity (low, moderate and high), which correlated with the provenance of data and country of origin. However, they performed unsatisfactorily in ordering data sources within these groups and showed inconsistency for small data sources. Further studies on examining approaches to data source granularity are needed.

Management of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic kidney disease: position statement of the joint committee of Italian association for the study of the liver (AISF), Italian society of internal medicine (SIMI), Italian society of infectious and tropical disease (SIMIT) and Italian society of nephrology (SIN)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now considered a systemic disease due to the occurrence of extra-hepatic manifestations. Among these, the renal involvement is frequent. HCV infection, in fact, is strongly associated with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and negatively affects the prognosis of renal patients. In the last few years, availability of more specific and effective drugs against HCV has dramatically changed the clinical course of this disease. These drugs may provide further advantages in the CKD population as a whole by reducing progression of renal disease, mortality rate and by increasing the survival of graft in renal transplant recipients. The strict pathogenetic and prognostic link between HCV infection and CKD requires an ongoing relationship among the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of both HCV infection and CKD. Therefore, Scientific Societies involved in the care of this high-risk population in Italy have organized a joint expert panel. The aim of the panel is to produce a position statement that can be used in daily clinical practice for the management of HCV infected patients across the whole spectrum of renal disease, from the conservative phase to renal replacement treatments (dialysis and transplantation). Sharing specific evidence-based expertise of different professional healthcare is the first step to obtain a common ground of knowledge on which to instate a model for multidisciplinary management of this high-risk population. Statements cover seven areas including epidemiology of CKD, HCV-induced glomerular damage, HCV-related renal risk, staging of liver disease in patients with CKD, prevention of transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units, treatment of HCV infection and management of HCV in kidney transplantation.

Management of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic kidney disease: position statement of the joint committee of Italian association for the study of the liver (AISF), Italian society of internal medicine (SIMI), Italian society of infectious and tropical disease (SIMIT) and Italian society of nephrology (SIN)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now considered a systemic disease due to the occurrence of extra-hepatic manifestations. Among these, the renal involvement is frequent. HCV infection, in fact, is strongly associated with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and negatively affects the prognosis of renal patients. In the last few years, availability of more specific and effective drugs against HCV has dramatically changed the clinical course of this disease. These drugs may provide further advantages in the CKD population as a whole by reducing progression of renal disease, mortality rate and by increasing the survival of graft in renal transplant recipients. The strict pathogenetic and prognostic link between HCV infection and CKD requires an ongoing relationship among the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of both HCV infection and CKD. Therefore, Scientific Societies involved in the care of this high-risk population in Italy have organized a joint expert panel. The aim of the panel is to produce a position statement that can be used in daily clinical practice for the management of HCV infected patients across the whole spectrum of renal disease, from the conservative phase to renal replacement treatments (dialysis and transplantation). Sharing specific evidence-based expertise of different professional healthcare is the first step to obtain a common ground of knowledge on which to instate a model for multidisciplinary management of this high-risk population. Statements cover seven areas including epidemiology of CKD, HCV-induced glomerular damage, HCV-related renal risk, staging of liver disease in patients with CKD, prevention of transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units, treatment of HCV infection and management of HCV in kidney transplantation.

Management of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic kidney disease: position statement of the joint committee of Italian association for the study of the liver (AISF), Italian society of internal medicine (SIMI), Italian society of infectious and tropical disease (SIMIT) and Italian society of nephrology (SIN)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now considered a systemic disease due to the occurrence of extra-hepatic manifestations. Among these, the renal involvement is frequent. HCV infection, in fact, is strongly associated with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and negatively affects the prognosis of renal patients. In the last few years, availability of more specific and effective drugs against HCV has dramatically changed the clinical course of this disease. These drugs may provide further advantages in the CKD population as a whole by reducing progression of renal disease, mortality rate and by increasing the survival of graft in renal transplant recipients. The strict pathogenetic and prognostic link between HCV infection and CKD requires an ongoing relationship among the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of both HCV infection and CKD. Therefore, Scientific Societies involved in the care of this high-risk population in Italy have organized a joint expert panel. The aim of the panel is to produce a position statement that can be used in daily clinical practice for the management of HCV infected patients across the whole spectrum of renal disease, from the conservative phase to renal replacement treatments (dialysis and transplantation). Sharing specific evidence-based expertise of different professional healthcare is the first step to obtain a common ground of knowledge on which to instate a model for multidisciplinary management of this high-risk population. Statements cover seven areas including epidemiology of CKD, HCV-induced glomerular damage, HCV-related renal risk, staging of liver disease in patients with CKD, prevention of transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units, treatment of HCV infection and management of HCV in kidney transplantation.

Management of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic kidney disease: position statement of the joint committee of Italian association for the study of the liver (AISF), Italian society of internal medicine (SIMI), Italian society of infectious and tropical disease (SIMIT) and Italian society of nephrology (SIN)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now considered a systemic disease due to the occurrence of extra-hepatic manifestations. Among these, the renal involvement is frequent. HCV infection, in fact, is strongly associated with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and negatively affects the prognosis of renal patients. In the last few years, availability of more specific and effective drugs against HCV has dramatically changed the clinical course of this disease. These drugs may provide further advantages in the CKD population as a whole by reducing progression of renal disease, mortality rate and by increasing the survival of graft in renal transplant recipients. The strict pathogenetic and prognostic link between HCV infection and CKD requires an ongoing relationship among the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of both HCV infection and CKD. Therefore, Scientific Societies involved in the care of this high-risk population in Italy have organized a joint expert panel. The aim of the panel is to produce a position statement that can be used in daily clinical practice for the management of HCV infected patients across the whole spectrum of renal disease, from the conservative phase to renal replacement treatments (dialysis and transplantation). Sharing specific evidence-based expertise of different professional healthcare is the first step to obtain a common ground of knowledge on which to instate a model for multidisciplinary management of this high-risk population. Statements cover seven areas including epidemiology of CKD, HCV-induced glomerular damage, HCV-related renal risk, staging of liver disease in patients with CKD, prevention of transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units, treatment of HCV infection and management of HCV in kidney transplantation.

A narrative review of the impact of interventions in acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is independently associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and is thus an important challenge facing physicians in modern healthcare. This narrative review assesses the impact of strategies employed to tackle AKI following the 2009 NCEPOD report on acute kidney injury (Sterwart et al. Acute kidney injury: adding insult to injury, pp 1-22, 2009). There is scarce and heterogeneous research into hard end points such as mortality and AKI progression for AKI interventions. This review found that e-alerts have varying effects on mortality and AKI progression, but decrease the incidence of contrast-induced AKI. The use of AKI bundles delivers statistically significant improvements in mortality and AKI progression. Similarly, AKI nurses generate statistically significant improvements on hospital acquired AKI and mortality. As yet there is no evidence base for the effects of education, sick day rules and smart phone apps. Overall, a combination of e-alerts and AKI bundles supported by education yielded the most effective and statistically significant results. Current practice revolves around reactive rather than preventative behaviour. This narrative review discusses reactive interventions and their impact on the progression and severity of AKI, and on mortality from it. Preventative behaviour, such as risk stratification and early intervention in the deteriorating patient, may be influential in decreasing AKI incidence.

Metabolic syndrome and its components are associated with increased chronic kidney disease risk: Evidence from a meta-analysis on 11 109 003 participants from 66 studies

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Observational studies examining the relationship between metabolic syndrome and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have reported inconclusive results. This meta-analysis was performed to resolve these controversies.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed databases were systematically searched from their inception until March 2016 to identify all relevant studies. Risk estimates and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of MetS and its components with CKD risk were extracted and pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 66 studies, including 18 prospective cohorts and 48 cross-sectional studies, with 699 065 CKD patients and 11 109 003 participants were included in the meta-analysis. When all definitions were pooled, the presence of MetS was associated with a significant 50% increase of CKD risk (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.43-1.56), with evidence of moderate heterogeneity (I2  = 72.3%, P < .001). The risk of CKD associated with MetS was higher in studies using the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute criteria (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.25-2.10) compared with those using the Adult Treatment Panel III (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.42-1.56) and the International Diabetes Federation (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.22-1.41) definitions. This relationship was independent of diabetes status. Moreover, all individual components of the MetS were significantly associated with CKD, and their coexistence resulted in an escalating dose-response relationship. The sensitivity and subgroup analyses established the stability of the findings.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis strongly suggests that the metabolic syndrome and its components are independently associated with the increased risk of CKD.

Subnormal Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Strongly Predict Incident Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetic Chinese Population With Normoalbuminuria

No study has evaluated whether subnormal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (between 61 and 90 mL/min) and high normal albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) (<30 mg/g) are associated with cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients with normoalbuminuria.We observed a longitudinal cohort study of 1291 T2DM patients with normoalbuminuria who were receiving intensified multifactorial treatment from 2004 to 2008. Cox regression models were used to evaluate eGFR and ACR as the risk factors of major CV events (nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke) and mortality.During the 4-year period, 56 patients died and 159 patients developed major CV events. We found eGFR, but not ACR, to be associated with major CV events. Compared to those with eGFR higher than 90 mL/min, patients with subnormal eGFR (HR: 3.133, 1.402-7.002, P = 0.005) were at greater risk of incident major CV events. Extremely low eGFR (<30 mL/min) was associated with mortality only in patients under 65 years old.Subnormal eGFR was a strong predictor of major CV events in diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria. Normoalbuminuric diabetic patients with subnormal eGFR may need intensive CV risk factor intervention to prevent and treat CV events.

Deficits in information transfer between hospital-based and primary-care physicians, the case of kidney disease: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Late recognition plays an important role in prognosis associated with kidney disease; thus, information transfer at hospital discharge regarding kidney disease is crucial. Whether it is notified in patients' hospital discharge summary (HDS) is presently largely unknown.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

The prevalence of kidney dysfunction [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)] and its reporting to primary-care physicians from 26 units [11 surgery, 11 medical, 4 intensive care units (ICUs)] of a university hospital were analyzed in 14,000 hospitalizations.

PREDICTOR

eGFR.

OUTCOME

Notification of kidney dysfunction in HDS.

MEASUREMENTS

GFR was estimated from serum creatinine using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula.

RESULTS

Kidney dysfunction was frequent (27.2 %) but infrequently notified in the main-body of the HDS (overall 25.3 %, medical 25 %, surgical 16.3 %, ICU 48.4 %) even when severe (eGFR 15-29.9 ml/min/1.73 m(2) was notified in 68.8, 38.5, and 79.8 % of HDSs in medical, surgical and ICUs, respectively). Notification in the HDS conclusion was rare (overall 11.4 %, medical 9.8 %, surgical 8.4 %, ICU 27.5 %). Reporting remained low when eGFR remained abnormal at discharge (medical 35.8 %, surgical 22.5 %, ICU 62.2 %) but was worse for acute kidney injury (16.0, 17.1, and 37.7 %, respectively). The optimal eGFR cut-off for reporting was 39 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Longer durations of hospitalization, greater numbers of creatinine measurements and of abnormal eGFR were associated with notification, regardless of the type of unit.

LIMITATIONS

Lack of data to define acute or chronic kidney injury with precision.

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney dysfunction is frequent in hospitalized patients but is usually not notified, even when severe or still present at discharge, suggesting that it is not considered important to disclose to primary-care physicians. This lack of information may decrease physicians' awareness, and may affect continuity of care in patients with kidney dysfunction.

Awareness of chronic kidney disease in Austria: a frequently under-recognized clinical picture

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising at an alarming rate, thus presenting a substantial burden for the patient as an individual and-because of the enormous treatment costs-for society as a whole. Early diagnosis and therapy could slow disease progression and reduce the prevalence of cost-intensive end stage renal disease. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of diagnosis of CKD in acute patients presenting at an internal ward.

METHODS

Routine laboratory parameters of kidney function of 238 inpatients were retrospectively evaluated to determine the prevalence of CKD, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Those results were compared with the actual documentation of the ICD-10 diagnosis CKD in the discharge reports of the respective patients.

RESULTS

Of 238 patients, 228 patients were included in the analysis. The overall median (range) eGFR was 60.7 (10.4-171.9) mL/min/1.73 m(2), with no gender-specific difference. Of patients, 49.6 % (n = 113) were retrospectively diagnosed with CKD stage 3 or higher. However, the review of the discharge reports found correct diagnosis of CKD in only 38.1 % (n = 43) of these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The present analysis shows that CKD remains frequently unrecognized, even in a hospital setting. This could have dramatic implications on the care, treatment and prevention of CKD and associated complications.

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D at critical care initiation is associated with increased mortality

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that deficiency in 25-hydroxyvitamin D at critical care initiation would be associated with all-cause mortalities.

DESIGN

Two-center observational study.

SETTING

Two teaching hospitals in Boston, MA.

PATIENTS

The study included 1,325 patients, age ≥ 18 yrs, in whom 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured 7 days before or after critical care initiation between 1998 and 2009.

MEASUREMENTS

25-hydroxyvitamin D was categorized as deficiency in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (≤ 15 ng/mL), insufficiency (16-29 ng/mL), and sufficiency (≥ 30 ng/mL). Logistic regression examined death by days 30, 90, and 365 postcritical care initiation and in-hospital mortality. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated by multivariable logistic regression models.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

KEY RESULTS

25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency is predictive for short-term and long-term mortality. Thirty days following critical care initiation, patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency have an odds ratio for mortality of 1.85 (95% confidence interval 1.15-2.98; p = .01) relative to patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D sufficiency. 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency remains a significant predictor of mortality at 30 days following critical care initiation following multivariable adjustment for age, gender, race, Deyo-Charlson index, sepsis, season, and surgical vs. medical patient type (adjusted odds ratio 1.94; 95% confidence interval 1.18-3.20; p = .01). Results were similarly significant at 90 and 365 days following critical care initiation and for in-hospital mortality. The association between vitamin D and mortality was not modified by sepsis, race, or neighborhood poverty rate, a proxy for socioeconomic status.

CONCLUSION

Deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D at the time of critical care initiation is a significant predictor of all-cause patient mortality in a critically ill patient population.

Transient impact of automated glomerular filtration rate reporting on drug dosing for hospitalized older adults with concealed renal insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Older adults with concealed renal insufficiency are at risk of medication dosing errors. It is not known whether automated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reporting is associated with reduced dosing errors in this population.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the present study was to examine the impact on prescribing patterns in older adults with concealed renal insufficiency for a variety of renally cleared medications before and after the addition of automated eGFR reporting.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review at a single tertiary academic medical center among hospitalized patients aged ≥ 70 years with concealed renal insufficiency. Data were examined from the months of July, December, and May before and after the hospital initiated automated eGFR reporting, in 2006-2007 and 2008-2009, respectively. Doses of selected renally cleared medications were classified as appropriate or inappropriate on the basis of published recommendations. Regression models were used to identify demographic, clinical, and care factors associated with dosing appropriateness.

RESULTS

Before implementation of automated eGFR reporting, we observed 260 persons in whom 42.2% of relevant prescriptions were inappropriately dosed; after implementation, there were 280 subjects in whom 36.6% of relevant prescriptions were inappropriately dosed. The multivariable model suggested an overall trend toward less inappropriate dosing after automated eGFR reporting began, compared with rates before (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.75 [95% confidence interval: 0.52-1.07], P = 0.11). However, a gradient was observed as the academic year progressed. A marked reduction in the rate of inappropriate medication dosing was seen in July after initiation of eGFR reporting compared with the July before initiation (AOR = 0.28; P < 0.01). This effect was attenuated in December (AOR = 0.45; P = 0.05) and gone by May (AOR = 0.85; P = 0.67).

CONCLUSION

Automated eGFR reporting alone, without any order entry intervention, was associated only transiently with improved dosing appropriateness for these older adults with concealed renal insufficiency.

The impact of reporting estimated glomerular filtration rate

The 'Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative' guidelines recommend laboratory reporting of a calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The United Kingdom and several states already mandate reporting eGFR for every laboratory serum creatinine (sCr) measurement. In our study, we evaluated the impact of reporting eGFR on the management of hospitalized patients. We reviewed the medical records for 2000 patients, 1000 pre- and 1000 post-reporting eGFR. We excluded patients with previous diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, acute kidney failure, and end-stage renal disease. We analyzed the subgroup of patients with eGFR <60 and sCr <1.5 mg/dL. We did not notice an increase in the number of renal consult, ordering laboratory or imaging study to evaluate chronic kidney disease. The prescription habits did not change for nephrotoxic medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aminoglycosides). We did not find any change in the percentage of patients who received hydration for a radiological contrast study or the use of N-acetylcysteine. In conclusion, reporting eGFR did not improve the renal management of hospitalized patients.