Proteinuria and hematuria are associated with acute kidney injury and mortality in critically ill patients: a retrospective observational study

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients on haemodialysis at Jimma medical center, Ethiopia: a 7-Year review

BACKGROUND

Haemodialysis is the primary kidney replacement therapy modality in Africa. In Ethiopia, the number of patients undergoing Haemodialysis is increasing, yet data on their outcomes is scarce. This study assesses the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Haemodialysis patients at Jimma Medical Center.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from April 08 to 12, 2024, involving patients who underwent Haemodialysis at Jimma Medical Center from June 2017 to March 2024. The data were coded and entered into EpiData version 3.1, then exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics summarized the patients' clinical characteristics and outcomes, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess survival status.

RESULTS

During the seven-year study period, 68 patients underwent Haemodialysis at Jimma Medical Center, with a predominance of males (69.1%). The average age of patients was 42.7 (± 12.8) years with 69.1% (95% CI: 57.5-79.1%) diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, while 30.9% (95% CI: 20.9-42.5%) had acute kidney injury. Among chronic kidney disease patients, common clinical features included nausea and vomiting (100%), proteinuria (95.7%), and body swelling (82.9%), while acute kidney injury patients frequently presented with oliguria (100%), nausea and vomiting (90.5%), and hematuria (52.4%). Hypertensive nephropathy was the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (40.4%), and acute glomerulonephritis (38.1%) and severe malaria (33.3%) were the predominant causes of acute kidney injury. Mortality was observed at 47.6% (95% CI: 27.7-68.6%) in acute kidney injury patients and 40.4% (95% CI: 27.3-54.7%) in chronic kidney disease patients. Emergency vascular access was required in 95.7% of chronic kidney disease and 100% of acute kidney injury patients.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the substantial burden of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury among hemodialysis patients at Jimma Medical Center, revealing distinct clinical profiles and outcomes. Although acute kidney injury patients exhibited a longer median survival time, the significant mortality risk within the first year underscores the urgent need for improved treatment access and resource allocation. Enhancing early intervention and ensuring the availability of critical medications, such as erythropoietin, are essential for optimizing patient outcomes for both chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury groups.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Shear-wave elastography in renal stiffness in children with hematuria and/or proteinuria

BACKGROUND

We sought to evaluate renal stiffness in children with hematuria and/or proteinuria using shear wave elastography (SWE) and to investigate the clinical value of renal stiffness in children with hematuria and/or proteinuria.

METHODS

According to the results of urinary occult blood and urinary protein tests, 349 pediatric patients were categorized into one of four groups: pure hematuria (HU), pure proteinuria (PU), concomitant hematuria and proteinuria (HUPU), or control (non-HUPU). Patient demographic data, laboratory test results, and renal ultrasound data were collected.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in cortical/medullary elasticity among the four groups (the most sensitive cutoff value between HU and PU was 1.72) (P < 0.05). We found that hematuria and proteinuria interacted with renal cortical elasticity (P < 0.05) but that hematuria and proteinuria did not interact with renal medullary elasticity or cortical/medullary elasticity (P > 0.05). Renal elasticity values correlated with sex, age, body surface area, body mass index, qualitative urinary protein, urine N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, 24-hour urinary protein quantity, renal volume, and renal cortical thickness (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

SWE can be used to detect changes in renal stiffness in children with hematuria and/or proteinuria. SWE is beneficial for the early detection of glomerular disease in children with abnormal urine test results.

IMPACT

This study evaluated the utility of shear wave elastography for the assessment of renal elasticity in pediatric patients presenting with hematuria and/or proteinuria. Children with pure proteinuria had significantly higher renal cortical/medullary elasticity values than those with pure hematuria. An interaction effect between hematuria and proteinuria on renal cortical stiffness was observed. Shear wave elastography can be used as a tool to assess early renal injury in children with urinalysis abnormalities.

Long-term outcomes after severe acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: the SALTO study

BACKGROUND

The extent of the consequences of an episode of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) on long-term outcome of critically ill patients remain debated. We conducted a prospective follow-up of patients included in a large multicenter clinical trial of renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation strategy during severe AKI (the Artificial Kidney Initiation in Kidney Injury, AKIKI) to investigate long-term survival, renal outcome and health related quality of life (HRQOL). We also assessed the influence of RRT initiation strategy on these outcomes.

RESULTS

Follow-up of patients extended from 60 days to a median of 3.35 years [interquartile range (IQR), 1.89 to 4.09] after the end of initial study. Of the 619 patients included in the AKIKI trial, 316 survived after 60 days. The overall survival rate at 3 years from inclusion was 39.4% (95% CI 35.4 to 43.4). A total of 46 patients (on the 175 with available data on long-term kidney function) experienced worsening of renal function (WRF) at the time of follow-up [overall incidence of 26%, cumulative incidence at 4 years: 20.6% (CI 95% 13.0 to 28.3)]. Fifteen patients required chronic dialysis (5% of patients who survived after day 90). Among the 226 long-term survivors, 80 (35%) answered the EQ-5D questionnaire. The median index value reported was 0.67 (IQR 0.40 to 1.00) indicating a noticeable alteration of quality of life. Initiation strategy for RRT had no effect on any long-term outcome.

CONCLUSION

Severe AKI in critically ill patients was associated with a high proportion of death within the first 2 months but less so during long-term follow-up. A quarter of long-term survivors experienced a WRF and suffered from a noticeable impairment of quality of life. Renal replacement therapy initiation strategy was not associated with mortality outcome.

Clinical Characteristics of Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Tropical Acute Febrile Illness

Tropical acute febrile illness (TAFI) is one of the most frequent causes of acute kidney injury (AKI). The prevalence of AKI varies worldwide because there are limited reports available and different definitions are used. This retrospective study aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of AKI associated with TAFI among patients. Patients with TAFI were classified into non-AKI and AKI cases based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Of 1019 patients with TAFI, 69 cases were classified as having AKI, a prevalence of 6.8%. Signs, symptoms, and laboratory results were significantly abnormal in the AKI group, including high-grade fever, dyspnea, leukocytosis, severe transaminitis, hypoalbuminemia, metabolic acidosis, and proteinuria. 20.3% of AKI cases required dialysis and 18.8% received inotropic drugs. Seven patients died, all of which were in the AKI group. Risk factors for TAFI-associated AKI were being male (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.1; 95% CI 1.3–7.4), respiratory failure (AOR 4.6 95% CI 1.5–14.1), hyperbilirubinemia (AOR 2.4; 95% CI 1.1–4.9), and obesity (AOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.4–6). We recommend clinicians investigate kidney function in patients with TAFI who have these risk factors to detect AKI in its early stages and offer appropriate management.

Association of microscopic hematuria with long-term mortality in patients with hypertensive crisis

BACKGROUND

Microscopic hematuria is associated with increased risk of developing chronic kidney function impairment and even death. However, data on the long-term mortality risk associated with microscopic hematuria among patients with hypertensive crisis are scarce. We hypothesized that microscopic hematuria at initial presentation in patients with hypertensive crisis would be associated with increased long-term mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients admitted to the emergency department between 2016 and 2019 for hypertensive crisis (systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg). Microscopic hematuria was defined as ≥ 3 red blood cells per high-power field on microscopic evaluation of urine.

RESULTS

Among 3595 patients, 1359 (37.8%) had microscopic hematuria. The 3-year all-cause mortality in patients with and without microscopic hematuria was 25.5% and 16.3%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables, patients with microscopic hematuria (adjusted HR, 1.30; 95% CI 1.10-1.54) showed a significantly higher risk of 3-year all-cause mortality than patients without microscopic hematuria. In a subgroup analysis based on the presence of proteinuria, microscopic hematuria was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality in patients without proteinuria (adjusted HR, 1.61; 95% CI 1.28-2.03) but not in patients with proteinuria.

CONCLUSION

Microscopic hematuria was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with hypertensive crisis. Our study suggests that microscopic hematuria can be a useful prognostic marker and may permit early detection of patients with an increased risk of death. Clinicians in the emergency department should consider screening for kidney function using urine analysis during the initial assessment of patients with hypertensive crisis.

Evaluation of Renal Function and Urinalysis in Children With Simple Febrile Convulsions

Febrile convulsion (FC) is the most prevalent type of seizure in children. Febrile diseases have been associated with alterations in kidney function and urine indices. Therefore, in this study, renal function and urine analysis were examined in children with simple FC. The study comprised children with simple FC who were referred to the Amirkabir hospital in Arak between 2020 and 2021. Children were examined for urinalysis and kidney function by assessing the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A total of 157 patients with FC were admitted. Hematuria, proteinuria, and pyuria were detected in 8.9%, 1.9%, and 5.1% of cases, respectively. The urine cultures of 2 children were positive. Moreover, it was found that in simple FC, eGFR decreases regardless of gender (P > .05), although kidney function decreases more in children older than 24 months. In conclusion, all children with FC must undergo renal function assessments. Furthermore, urinalysis and urine culture are advised to rule out infection.

Clinical Outcome and Risk Assessment in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients with Elevated Transaminases and Acute Kidney Injury: A Single Center Study

OBJECTIVES

Initial reports indicate a high incidence of abnormal aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in patients with COVID-19 and possible association with acute kidney injury (AKI). We aimed to investigate clinical features of elevated transaminases on admission, its association with AKI, and outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the registered data of hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and assessment of the AST and ALT was performed. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with community-acquired AKI (CA-AKI) and hospital-acquired AKI (HA-AKI).

RESULTS

The subjects comprised 828 patients (mean age = 65.0±16.0 years; 51.4% male). Hypertension was present in 70.3% of patients, diabetes mellitus in 26.0%, and chronic kidney disease in 8.5%. In-hospital mortality was 21.0%. At admission, only 41.5% of patients had hypertransaminasemia. Patients with elevated transaminases at admission were younger, had higher levels of inflammatory markers and D-dimer, and poorer outcomes. The AKI incidence in the study population was 27.1%. Patients with hypertransaminasemia were more likely to develop AKI (33.5% vs. 23.3%, p = 0.003). Patients with predominantly elevated AST (compared to elevated ALT) were more likely to have adverse outcomes. Multinomial logistic regression found that hypertension, chronic kidney disease, elevated AST, and hematuria were associated with CA-AKI. Meanwhile, age > 65 years, hypertension, malignancy, elevated AST, and hematuria were predictors of HA-AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated transaminases on admission were associated with AKI and poor outcomes. Patients with elevated AST were more likely to have adverse outcomes. Elevated AST on admission was associated with CA-AKI and was a predictor of HA-AKI.

The Perspective of Vitamin D on suPAR-Related AKI in COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed the lives of millions of people around the world. Severe vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of death in people with COVID-19. There is growing evidence that acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in COVID-19 patients and is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. The kidney effects of SARS-CoV-2 are directly mediated by angiotensin 2-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptors. AKI is also caused by indirect causes such as the hypercoagulable state and microvascular thrombosis. The increased release of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) from immature myeloid cells reduces plasminogen activation by the competitive inhibition of urokinase-type plasminogen activator, which results in low plasmin levels and a fibrinolytic state in COVID-19. Frequent hypercoagulability in critically ill patients with COVID-19 may exacerbate the severity of thrombosis. Versican expression in proximal tubular cells leads to the proliferation of interstitial fibroblasts through the C3a and suPAR pathways. Vitamin D attenuates the local expression of podocyte uPAR and decreases elevated circulating suPAR levels caused by systemic inflammation. This decrease preserves the function and structure of the glomerular barrier, thereby maintaining renal function. The attenuated hyperinflammatory state reduces complement activation, resulting in lower serum C3a levels. Vitamin D can also protect against COVID-19 by modulating innate and adaptive immunity, increasing ACE2 expression, and inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. We hypothesized that by reducing suPAR levels, appropriate vitamin D supplementation could prevent the progression and reduce the severity of AKI in COVID-19 patients, although the data available require further elucidation.

Utilisation and clinical outcomes of kidney transplants from deceased donors with albuminuria in the UK: a national cohort study

BACKGROUND

Urinalysis is a standard component of potential deceased kidney donor assessment in the UK. The value of albuminuria as a biomarker for organ quality is uncertain. We examined the relationship between deceased donor albuminuria and kidney utilisation, survival, and function.

METHODS

We performed a national cohort study on adult deceased donors and kidney transplant recipients between 2016 and 2020, using data from the UK Transplant Registry. We examined the influence of donor albuminuria, defined as ≥ 2 + on dipstick testing, on kidney utilisation, early graft function, graft failure, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

RESULTS

Eighteen % (1681/9309) of consented donors had albuminuria. After adjustment for confounders, kidneys from donors with albuminuria were less likely to be accepted for transplantation (74% vs 82%; OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.81). Of 9834 kidney transplants included in our study, 1550 (16%) came from donors with albuminuria. After a median follow-up of 2 years, 8% (118/1550) and 9% (706/8284) of transplants from donors with and without albuminuria failed, respectively. There was no association between donor albuminuria and graft failure (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.11). There was also no association with delayed graft function, patient survival, or eGFR at 1 or 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests reluctance in the UK to utilise kidneys from deceased donors with dipstick albuminuria but no evidence of an association with graft survival or function. This may represent a potential to expand organ utilisation without negatively impacting transplant outcomes.

Using dipstick urinalysis to predict development of acute kidney injury in patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and may require renal replacement therapy (RRT). Dipstick urinalysis is frequently obtained, but data regarding the prognostic value of hematuria and proteinuria for kidney outcomes is scarce.

METHODS

Patients with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) PCR, who had a urinalysis obtained on admission to one of 20 hospitals, were included. Nested models with degree of hematuria and proteinuria were used to predict AKI and RRT during admission. Presence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and baseline serum creatinine were added to test improvement in model fit.

RESULTS

Of 5,980 individuals, 829 (13.9%) developed an AKI during admission, and 149 (18.0%) of those with AKI received RRT. Proteinuria and hematuria degrees significantly increased with AKI severity (P < 0.001 for both). Any degree of proteinuria and hematuria was associated with an increased risk of AKI and RRT. In predictive models for AKI, presence of CKD improved the area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval) to 0.73 (0.71, 0.75), P < 0.001, and adding baseline creatinine improved the AUC to 0.85 (0.83, 0.86), P < 0.001, when compared to the base model AUC using only proteinuria and hematuria, AUC = 0.64 (0.62, 0.67). In RRT models, CKD status improved the AUC to 0.78 (0.75, 0.82), P < 0.001, and baseline creatinine improved the AUC to 0.84 (0.80, 0.88), P < 0.001, compared to the base model, AUC = 0.72 (0.68, 0.76). There was no significant improvement in model discrimination when both CKD and baseline serum creatinine were included.

CONCLUSIONS

Proteinuria and hematuria values on dipstick urinalysis can be utilized to predict AKI and RRT in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We derived formulas using these two readily available values to help prognosticate kidney outcomes in these patients. Furthermore, the incorporation of CKD or baseline creatinine increases the accuracy of these formulas.

Frequency and factors associated with proteinuria in COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study

Proteinuria is a marker of severity and poor outcome of patients in intensive care unit (ICU). The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of proteinuria and the risk factors associated with proteinuria in Congolese COVID-19 patients. The present cross sectional study of proteinuria status is a post hoc analysis of data from 80 COVID-19 patients admitted at Kinshasa Medical Center (KMC) from March 10th to July 10th, 2020. The population under study came from all adult inpatients (≥18 years old) with a laboratory diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of COVID-19 were selected and divided into two groups (positive proteinuria and negative proteinuria group). Logistic regression models helped to identify the factors associated with proteinuria. The P value significance level was 0.05. Among 80 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, 55% had proteinuria. The mean age was 55.2 ± 12.8 years. Fourty-seven patients (58.8%) had history of hypertension and 26 patients (32.5%) diabetes. Multivariable analysis showed age ≥ 65 years (aOR 5,04; 95% CI: 1.51-16.78), diabetes (aOR 3,15; 95% CI: 1.14-8.72), ASAT >40 UI/L (aOR 7,08; 95% CI: 2.40-20.87), ferritin >300 (aOR 13,47; 95% CI: 1.56-26.25) as factors independently associated with proteinuria in COVID-19 patients. Proteinuria is common in Congolese COVID-19 patients and is associated with age, diabetes, ferritin and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT).

Retrospective Study on Acute Kidney Injury among Cholera Patients in an Outbreak in Whitefield, Bengaluru

Introduction

Cholera is gastroenteritis caused by Vibrio cholerae. It presents with vomiting, severe secretory diarrhoea, and dehydration. It can cause severe complications with severe electrolyte imbalances and oligoanuric acute kidney injury due to acute tubular necrosis secondary to dehydration or infection itself. However, cholera presenting with significant proteinuria and acute kidney injury has not been reported. Hence, this study was conducted. Aims and Objectives. This aim of this study was to assess clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of AKI in cholera patients; to correlate proteinuria with AKI in cholera patients; and to compare cholera patients with normal kidney function and those with AKI. Material and Methods. It was a retrospective observational study involving patients with cholera. Information regarding cholera patients with acute kidney injury, proteinuria, and prognosis were collected.

Results

Most of the patients had significant vomiting, moderate-to-severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and hypovolaemic shock. Cholera caused severe complications such as severe electrolyte imbalances including hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia, acute kidney injury, and proteinuria secondary to dehydration or infection. A surprising finding noted was the lack of significant association between the onset of acute kidney injury and usual risk factors such as hypovolaemic shock and dehydration. It was found that proteinuria had influenced the onset of acute kidney injury, but it did not influence recovery. As there was complete recovery in kidney function, none of the cases required kidney biopsy. There was no mortality noted.

Conclusions

This study points towards the rare occurrence of proteinuria and acute kidney injury in Vibrio cholerae infection with spontaneous remission of kidney disease with appropriate therapy.

COVID-19 and the kidney: A retrospective analysis of 37 critically ill patients using machine learning

INTRODUCTION

There is evidence that SARS-CoV2 has a particular affinity for kidney tissue and is often associated with kidney failure.

METHODS

We assessed whether proteinuria can be predictive of kidney failure, the development of chronic kidney disease, and mortality in 37 critically ill COVID-19 patients. We used machine learning (ML) methods as decision trees and cut-off points created by the OneR package to add new aspects, even in smaller cohorts.

RESULTS

Among a total of 37 patients, 24 suffered higher-grade renal failure, 20 of whom required kidney replacement therapy. More than 40% of patients remained on hemodialysis after intensive care unit discharge or died (27%). Due to frequent anuria proteinuria measured in two-thirds of the patients, it was not predictive for the investigated endpoints; albuminuria was higher in patients with AKI 3, but the difference was not significant. ML found cut-off points of >31.4 kg/m2 for BMI and >69 years for age, constructed decision trees with great accuracy, and identified highly predictive variables for outcome and remaining chronic kidney disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Different ML methods and their clinical application, especially decision trees, can provide valuable support for clinical decisions. Presence of proteinuria was not predictive of CKD or AKI and should be confirmed in a larger cohort.

AKI in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Early reports indicate that AKI is common among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and associated with worse outcomes. However, AKI among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the United States is not well described.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational study involved a review of data from electronic health records of patients aged ≥18 years with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the Mount Sinai Health System from February 27 to May 30, 2020. We describe the frequency of AKI and dialysis requirement, AKI recovery, and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with mortality.

RESULTS

Of 3993 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, AKI occurred in 1835 (46%) patients; 347 (19%) of the patients with AKI required dialysis. The proportions with stages 1, 2, or 3 AKI were 39%, 19%, and 42%, respectively. A total of 976 (24%) patients were admitted to intensive care, and 745 (76%) experienced AKI. Of the 435 patients with AKI and urine studies, 84% had proteinuria, 81% had hematuria, and 60% had leukocyturia. Independent predictors of severe AKI were CKD, men, and higher serum potassium at admission. In-hospital mortality was 50% among patients with AKI versus 8% among those without AKI (aOR, 9.2; 95% confidence interval, 7.5 to 11.3). Of survivors with AKI who were discharged, 35% had not recovered to baseline kidney function by the time of discharge. An additional 28 of 77 (36%) patients who had not recovered kidney function at discharge did so on posthospital follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

AKI is common among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and is associated with high mortality. Of all patients with AKI, only 30% survived with recovery of kidney function by the time of discharge.

Association of acute kidney injury and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 in Shenzhen, China: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) was found in some patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and accompanied with poor outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of AKI with clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

In this cohort study, we reviewed electronic medical data from patients with COVID-19 in Shenzhen from January 11 to February 19, 2020. Clinical features and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients with and without AKI were analyzed. Further, we evaluated the association between AKI development and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

In this study, 9.6% patients developed AKI during hospitalization. Those with AKI presented older age, severer pneumonia, more comorbidity and lower lymphocyte count. Totally, more patients (77.5%) had primary composite outcomes (intensive care unit (ICU) admission, use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and mechanical ventilation) in AKI group compared to non-AKI group (2.9%) during the observation period. The median length of stay (LOS) and ICU stay were longer among those with AKI. After adjusted for related covariates, AKI development was independently correlated with LOS (β (95% CI): 9.16 (3.87-14.46)), rather than primary outcomes (HR (95% CI): 1.34 (0.56-3.21)) in COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of AKI was not one of the reasons for ICU admission, use of HFNC and mechanical ventilation, but a kind of manifestation of severe illness in COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

Is the COVID-19 disease associated with de novo nephritic syndrome?

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to determine the incidence of de novo nephritic syndrome (NS) in COVID-19 patients and identify its associated factors.

METHODS

All ward patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were investigated. After determining the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study population was identified. The urine dipstick test and urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) measurements were performed. Patients with de novo NS findings, nasopharyngeal swab, and urine RT-PCR tests were performed simultaneously.

RESULTS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 21 patients with COVID-19. The mean age of the patients was 42.2±8.8 years, and 71.4% of them were male. The mean duration of follow-up was 28.4±9.3 days. The urine RT-PCR test was positive in one patient (4.8%). Improvements were observed in hematuria by 71.4%, and proteinuria by 85.7% at the end of the follow-up. A significant decrease in the measured UPCR was found in comparison to the baseline(P=0.000). Also, improvements were recorded in the complete blood counts, inflammatory parameters, ferritin, and coagulation tests, compared to the baseline. There was a positive correlation between baseline UPCR and ferritin, and a negative correlation between baseline UPCR and sodium values.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19-induced de novo nephritic syndrome may occur mainly due to tubulointerstitial involvement and often results in spontaneous remission. However, why these findings were not present in all patients who had no comorbidities is not clear.

Serum and Urine Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Levels Measured at Admission Predict Progression to Chronic Kidney Disease in Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury Patients

Background

To evaluate the ratio of acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) patients of the intensive care unit (ICU) and predictive value of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) measured at the admission time in the progression of AKI to CKD.

Methods

A study of 121 consecutive adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) diagnosed as SA-AKI. AKI and CKD were defined based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated by the CKD-EPI formula. Serum and urine NGAL was measured using the BioVendor Human Lipocalin-2/NGAL ELISA with a blood sample taken at hospital admission time.

Results

The ratio of AKI to CKD in SA-AKI patients was 22.3%. Mean concentration of serum and urine NGAL in AKI to the CKD group was 790.99 ng/ml and 885.72 ng/ml, higher significantly than those of recovery patients (351.86 ng/ml and 264.68 ng/ml), p < 0.001. eGFR, both serum and urine NGAL had a predictive value for AKI to CKD (eGFR: AUC = 0.857, Se = 74.1%, Spe = 92.6%, p < 0.001. Serum NGAL: AUC = 0.868, Se = 77.8%, Spe = 91.5%. Urine NGAL: AUC = 0.869, Se = 77.8%, Spe = 92.6%, p < 0.001.

Conclusion

Serum and urine NGAL, measuring at hospital admission time, were good prognostic biomarkers of AKI to CKD in SA-AKI patients.

Renal Involvement and Early Prognosis in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Some patients with COVID-19 pneumonia also present with kidney injury, and autopsy findings of patients who died from the illness sometimes show renal damage. However, little is known about the clinical characteristics of kidney-related complications, including hematuria, proteinuria, and AKI.

METHODS

In this retrospective, single-center study in China, we analyzed data from electronic medical records of 333 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, including information about clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and other characteristics, as well as information about renal outcomes.

RESULTS

We found that 251 of the 333 patients (75.4%) had abnormal urine dipstick tests or AKI. Of 198 patients with renal involvement for the median duration of 12 days, 118 (59.6%) experienced remission of pneumonia during this period, and 111 of 162 (68.5%) patients experienced remission of proteinuria. Among 35 patients who developed AKI (with AKI identified by criteria expanded somewhat beyond the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes definition), 16 (45.7%) experienced complete recovery of kidney function. We suspect that most AKI cases were intrinsic AKI. Patients with renal involvement had higher overall mortality compared with those without renal involvement (28 of 251 [11.2%] versus one of 82 [1.2%], respectively). Stepwise multivariate binary logistic regression analyses showed that severity of pneumonia was the risk factor most commonly associated with lower odds of proteinuric or hematuric remission and recovery from AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal abnormalities occurred in the majority of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Although proteinuria, hematuria, and AKI often resolved in such patients within 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms, renal complications in COVID-19 were associated with higher mortality.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of acute kidney injury in the intensive care units of developed and developing countries

Objectives

Although the majority of the global population lives in developing countries, most of the epidemiological data related to intensive care unit (ICU) acute kidney injury (AKI) comes from developed countries. This systematic review aims to ascertain the methodology of studies on ICU AKI patients in developing and developed countries, to determine whether epidemiological comparisons between these two settings are possible, and to present a summary estimate of AKI incidence.

Methods

A systematic review of published studies reporting AKI in intensive care units (2005–2015) identified in PubMed, LILACS, and IBECs databases was conducted. We compared developed and developing countries by evaluating study methodology, AKI reference serum creatinine definitions, population characteristics, AKI incidence and mortality. AKI incidence was calculated with a random-effects model.

Results

Ninety-two studies were included, one of which reported data from both country categories: 60 from developed countries (1,057,332 patients) and 33 from developing countries (34,539 patients). In 78% of the studies, AKI was defined by the RIFLE, AKIN or KDIGO criteria. Oliguria had 11 different definitions and reference creatinine 23 different values. For the meta-analysis, 38 studies from developed and 18 from developing countries were selected, with similar AKI incidence: 39.3% and 35.1%, respectively. The need for dialysis, length of ICU stay and mortality were higher in developing countries.

Conclusion

Although patient characteristics and AKI incidence were similar in developed and developing countries, main outcomes were worse in developing country studies. There are significant caveats when comparing AKI epidemiology in developed and developing countries, including lack of standardization of reference serum creatinine, oliguria and the timeframe for AKI assessment. Larger, prospective, multicenter studies from developing countries are urgently needed to capture AKI data from the overall population without ICU access.

Mild to moderate proteinuria is a heralding sign for acute kidney injury and mortality for intensive care unit patients

Background/aim

Lack of early predictors of acute kidney injury is currently delaying timely diagnosis.This study was done to evaluate the relationship between mild to moderate proteinuria and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and 28-day mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Materials and methods

This observational, retrospective study was conducted in the internal medicine ICU. A total of 796 patients were screened and 525 patients were used for this analysis. Proteinuria was measured by urine dipstick test. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines.

Results

Patients with dipstick urine protein positivity on admission had higher proportion of AKI and 28-day mortality compared to dipstick urine protein negative group [164 (59.6%) vs. 111 (44.4%) and 101 (36.7%) vs. 54 (21.6%), P = 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively]. Urine dipstick protein positivity was also a significant predictor of 28-day mortality in patients with GFR > 60 mL/min (hazard ratio: 1.988, 95% confidence interval 1.380–2.862).

Conclusion

Proteinuria before ICU admission is a risk factor for development of AKI within seven days of ICU stay and also is a risk factor for 28-day mortality, even in patients with GFR > 60 mL/min.

A large retrospective review of persistent proteinuria in children

BACKGROUND

Proteinuria is a common finding in children. It may be due to a benign cause, but it can also represent early renal injury. Of children with persistent proteinuria noted in mass urine screening programs, 35% have a urine protein level greater than 100 mg/dl and many of them are associated with many underlying renal diseases. The aim of this study was to identify the etiology and prognosis of persistent proteinuria in children.

METHODS

We collected data on urine protein from January 2011 to December 2016 in a tertiary medical center. During this 6-year period, 37,645 children received urinalysis, and 2.3% were found to have persistent proteinuria. We reviewed their medical charts for clinical diagnoses and renal function. According to the level of persistent proteinuria, we divided the children into three groups (mild, moderate, and severe).

RESULTS

Most clinical diagnoses in the mild persistent proteinuria group were not readily identifiable. In the moderate and severe groups, acute kidney injury was the leading cause of significant proteinuria, followed by systemic lupus erythematosus, steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome, and congenital urogenital tract anomalies. There were significant differences in the rate of chronic renal insufficiency among the three groups. Prematurity with extremely low birth weight was also a major factor associated with pediatric chronic renal insufficiency.

CONCLUSION

Assessing persistent proteinuria in children is important due to the diverse range of associated diseases or mortality.

Renal recovery after acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of critical illness and carries a significant risk of short- and long-term mortality, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular events. The degree of renal recovery from AKI may substantially affect these long-term endpoints. Therefore maximising recovery of renal function should be the goal of any AKI prevention and treatment strategy. Defining renal recovery is far from straightforward due in part to the limitations of the tests available to assess renal function. Here, we discuss common pitfalls in the evaluation of renal recovery and provide suggestions for improved assessment in the future. We review the epidemiology of renal recovery and of the association between AKI and the development of CKD. Finally, we stress the importance of post-discharge follow-up of AKI patients and make suggestions for its incorporation into clinical practice. Summary key points are that risk factors for non-recovery of AKI are age, CKD, comorbidity, higher severity of AKI and acute disease scores. Second, AKI and CKD are mutually related and seem to have a common denominator. Third, despite its limitations full recovery of AKI may best be defined as the absence of AKI criteria, and partial recovery as a fall in AKI stage. Fourth, after an episode of AKI, serial follow-up measurements of serum creatinine and proteinuria are warranted to diagnose renal impairment and prevent further progression. Measures to promote recovery are similar to those preventing renal harm. Specific interventions promoting repair are still experimental.

Proteinuria as an independent risk factor for contrast-induced acute kidney injury and mortality in patients with stroke undergoing cerebral angiography

BACKGROUND

The correlation between proteinuria and contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients with cerebrovascular disease is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether proteinuria is a risk factor for CI-AKI and death in patients with stroke undergoing cerebral angiography.

METHODS

Data from 2015 patients with stroke undergoing cerebral angiography between January 2009 and December 2013 were retrospectively collected. Clinical parameters were obtained from the hospital's computerized database. All variables were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

CI-AKI was seen in 85 patients (4.2%). After adjustment for potential confounding risk factors, patients with proteinuria had a fivefold higher risk of CI-AKI than patients without proteinuria (OR=5.74; 95% CI 2.23 to 14.83; p<0.001). Other independent risk factors for CI-AKI were estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, anemia, and a high National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score. Proteinuria did not increase in-hospital mortality (OR=1.25; 95% CI 0.49 to 3.17; p=0.639) but did increase 1-year mortality (HR=2.30, 95% CI 1.55 to 3.41, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Proteinuria is an independent risk factor for CI-AKI and 1-year mortality in patients with stroke undergoing cerebral angiography. More attention should be paid to the development of CI-AKI in patients with stroke with proteinuria.