Survival analysis of patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Beyond Numbers: How Biochemical Parameters Can Predict Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Introduction The treatment and management of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) requires constant evaluation through the assessment of biochemical markers. This is necessary for treatment, to prevent progression to complications such as mineral bone disease, and to improve quality of life. We aimed to study the biochemical profile of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) grades 4 and 5 on MHD, identify markers altered due to different etiologies, duration of illness, and duration of hemodialysis, and create a panel of markers that can be useful in planning better management. Methods All consecutive patients attending the dialysis unit of ESIC Super Speciality Hospital with CKD grade 4 or grade 5 on MHD between 2019 and 2020 were recruited. A detailed clinical history and demographic profile were taken, and blood samples were collected from the patients during follow-up visits in plain and EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) tubes for analysis. Results A total of 312 patients (22.1% females and 77.9% males.) with a mean age of 49.74 ± 11.49 years were recruited. In the study population, diabetic nephropathy (DN) (17%) and hypertensive nephropathy (48.7%) were the two most prevalent causes of CKD. The majority (64%) of the patients were on MHD three times a week. The range of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (ml/min/1.73 m2) at the time of initiation of MHD was 2.9-26.8 according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula. The mean duration of MHD was 51.58 months, with a mortality rate of 5.9% during the follow-up period (3-108 months). Conclusion Optimal selection and combination of biochemical tests will help in ascertaining the adequacy of management, progress of disease, or complications in MHD patients. This in turn will help guide the clinicians in effectively using these markers in their day-to-day practice.

Predictors of Mortality Among Hemodialysis Patients at Al-Thora General Hospital, Ibb Governate, Yemen: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

In addition to the global rise in the use of hemodialysis (HD) for end-stage renal disease, individuals receiving maintenance HD continue to have higher mortality rates than the general population. The mortality rates among HD patients in Yemen have not been studied because of the lack of a national registry system, and the impact of the disease on the country is yet to be evaluated. Our study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics and factors associated with mortality among patients with HD in a resource-limited setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study involved 4194 HD patients at the Nephrology Center of Al-Thora General Hospital, Ibb Governate, Yemen, between March 2014 and September 2023. Data on HD patients' demographic characteristics, risk factors, and comorbidities were gathered and analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to evaluate and compare survival curves, and the proportional Cox hazard model was used to investigate the factors associated with mortality.

RESULT

The mean age was 49.2 ± 16.5 years. The majority of cases were male (n= 2604, 62.1%) and from rural areas (3386, 80.7%), with 1226 (29.2%) living outside Ibb Governorate. Hepatitis C and B viruses were positive in 466 (11.1%) and 312 (7.4%) patients. The main comorbidity was hypertension (n= 3152, 75.2%), followed by diabetes mellitus (DM) (n= 1375, 32.8%). Five hundred and forty-eight patients died during the study period between 2017 and 2023, with an estimated mortality rate of 13.1%. The survival rates at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months of follow-up were approximately 97.4%, 93.3%, 91.7%, 86.0%, and 74.6%, respectively. Predictive factors for mortality among HD patients in the Cox regression model were age >65 years (HR:1.41; 95 % CI: 1.15-1.74, p<0.001), cardiovascular disease (HR: 7.28; 95 % CI: 2.68-19.81, p<0.001), coming from other cities (HR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.11-1.59, p= 0.002), DM (HR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.23-2.01, p <0.001), and cerebral vascular accidents (HR:1.57; 95 % CI: 1.13-2.18, p= 0.007).

CONCLUSION

 Instead of a higher mortality rate in this study, coming from other cities, DM, cardiovascular disease, cerebral vascular accidents, and age >65 years were predictive factors for mortality in HD patients. The study underlines the necessity of planning new HD facilities, avoiding and treating comorbidities, managing them early to decrease mortality, and educating regional administrative decision-makers on effective implementation techniques.

Centre-level variation in the survival of patients receiving haemodialysis in India: findings from a nationwide private haemodialysis network

Background

There are no large studies examining survival in patients receiving haemodialysis in India or considering centre-level effects on survival. We measured survival variation between dialysis centres across India and evaluated the extent to which differences are explained by measured centre characteristics.

Methods

This is a multilevel analysis of patient survival in centres of the NephroPlus dialysis network consisting of 193 centres across India. Patients receiving haemodialysis at a centre for ≥90 days between April 2014 and June 2019 were included, with analyses restricted to centres with ≥10 such patients. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, measured from 90 days after joining a centre. Proportional hazards models with shared frailty were used to model centre- and patient-level effects on survival.

Findings

Amongst 23,601 patients (median age 53 years; 29% female), the unadjusted centre-specific 180-day Kaplan-Meier survival estimates ranged between 55% (95% confidence interval [CI] 38-80%) and 100%, with a median of 88% (interquartile interval 83%-92%). After accounting for multilevel factors, estimated 180-day survival ranged between 83% (73-89%) and 97% (95-98%), with 90% 180-day survival in the average centre. The mortality rate in patients attending rural centres was 32% (Hazard Ratio 1.32; 95% CI 1.06-1.65) higher than those at urban centres in adjusted analyses. Multiple patient characteristics were associated with mortality.

Interpretation

This is the first national benchmark for survival amongst dialysis patients in India. Centre- and patient-level characteristics are associated with survival but there remains unexplained variation between centres. As India continues to widen dialysis access, ongoing quality improvement programs will be an important part of ensuring that patients experience the best possible outcomes at the point of care.

Funding

This project received no external funding.

Capacity for the management of kidney failure in the International Society of Nephrology South Asia region: report from the 2023 ISN Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA)

The South Asia region is facing a high burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with limited health resources and low expenditure on health care. In addition to the burden of CKD and kidney failure from traditional risk factors, CKD of unknown etiologies from India and Sri Lanka compounds the challenges of optimal management of CKD in the region. From the third edition of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA), we present the status of CKD burden, infrastructure, funding, resources, and health care personnel using the World Health Organization's building blocks for health systems in the ISN South Asia region. The poor status of the public health care system and low health care expenditure resulted in high out-of-pocket expenditures for people with kidney disease, which further compounded the situation. There is insufficient country capacity across the region to provide kidney replacement therapies to cover the burden. The infrastructure was also not uniformly distributed among the countries in the region. There were no chronic hemodialysis centers in Afghanistan, and peritoneal dialysis services were only available in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Kidney transplantation was not available in Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Maldives. Conservative kidney management was reported as available in 63% (n = 5) of the countries, yet no country reported availability of the core CKM care components. There was a high hospitalization rate and early mortality because of inadequate kidney care. The lack of national registries and actual disease burden estimates reported in the region prevent policymakers' attention to CKD as an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Data from the 2023 ISN-GKHA, although with some limitations, may be used for advocacy and improving CKD care in the region.

Animal protein intake is directly associated with serum level of pentraxin 3 in hemodialysis patients

Inflammation plays an important role in Cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathogenesis as the main cause of mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Despite the relevance of nutrition and dietary intakes for inflammation status, the role of dietary protein sources remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the different types of dietary protein and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels in HD patients. In this multi-center cross-sectional study, 227 adult patients undergoing HD for a minimum 90 days were recruited. A validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intakes. Also, 5 ml blood samples were collected from each patient to measure the concentration of serum PTX3. Overall, 227 patients, including 63 women and 164 men, with a mean age of 58 years, participated in this study. There was a greater intake of animal protein per kilogram dry weight among patients with higher levels of PTX3 (0.46 vs. 0.54 g/kg; P = 0.035). In contrast, consumption of total protein and plant protein per kilogram dry weight was not different across PTX3 levels. Moreover, the chance of increased PTX3 concentration was directly associated with a one-unit increase in animal protein intake per kilogram dry weight, after adjusting for confounders. We did not observe any association between one-unit increases in plant protein intake per kilogram dry weight and chance of increased PTX3. In conclusion, animal protein intake was directly associated with circulating PTX3.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches in the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease

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

Assessing the Impact of Training on Healthcare Providers' Adherence to Infection Control Measures in Hemodialysis Services

Background and objective Developing and implementing nursing interventions to educate nurses on infection control procedures in hemodialysis units is of utmost importance and offers significant benefits in enhancing the quality of care. This study aimed to assess the impact of training on nursing professionals' practices of hospital infection control measures in hemodialysis services. The research also intended to explore the potential association between these practices and various sociodemographic variables. Materials and methods This was a single-group, pre- and post-interventional study carried out in Haryana State, India. A pretested questionnaire consisting of 29 statements, the responses of which were measured on a 5-point Likert scale, was used as the study tool. Descriptive and statistical tests like paired-t-test were used to analyze the data. Results The practices section of the questionnaire comprised 29 statements, the responses to which were measured on a five-point Likert scale. The scoring ranged from 5 ("strongly agree", i.e., positive practice) to 1 ("strongly disagree", i.e., negative practice). The maximum achievable score was 145 and the minimum achievable score was 9. The pre-test group (i.e., before training intervention) had a mean practice score of 115.0945 [standard deviation (SD)=9.34, standard error of the mean (SE)=0.66]. However, the post-test group (i.e. after training intervention) had a mean score of 135.26 (SD=8.34, SE=0.59). The study found that structured training significantly increased the mean practice score (t=-33.70, p=0.001). In addition, the study also highlighted the significant association of mean practice scores with various demographic variables among the pre-test and post-test groups. The improvement in mean practice scores among the post-test group after the structured training program reveals that such interventions will ultimately lead to a decrease in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) among hemodialysis patients. Conclusions Our findings showed that the educational intervention led to significant improvements in the practices of the participants.

Evaluation of laboratory values affecting mortality of end-stage renal disease patients: a competing risks approach

BACKGROUND

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a prevalent and life-threatening situation recognized as an emerging health issue. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of demographic and laboratory parameters on the survival of patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in a hemodialysis (HD) center in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on patients receiving chronic HD in Iran Helal Pharmaceutical and Clinical Complex between 2014 and 2018. The survival time was considered as the time interval between HD initiation and death. Receiving kidney transplantation was regarded as a competing risk, and an improper form of two-parameter Weibull distribution was utilized to simultaneously model the time to both death and renal transplantation. The Bayesian approach was conducted for parameters estimation.

RESULTS

Overall, 29 (26.6%) patients expired, and 19 (17.4%) received kidney transplants. The male gender was related to poor survival, having nearly 4.6 folds higher hazard of mortality (90% HPD region: 1.36-15.49). Moreover, Serum calcium levels [Formula: see text]9.5 mg/dL (adjusted Sub-hazard ratio (S-HR)=2.33, 90% HPD region: 1.05-5.32) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) [Formula: see text]150 pg/mL (adjusted S-HR = 2.56, 90% HPD region: 1.09-6.15) were associated with an elevated hazard of mortality. The cumulative incidence function (CIF) for transplantation was greater than death in the first two years of the study. Subsequently, the CIF for death exceeded transplantation in the following two years. The 4-year cumulative incidence of death and kidney transplantation was 63.7% and 36.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Male gender, hypercalcemia, and hypoparathyroidism were associated with worse outcomes. Correcting mentioned laboratory parameters may improve patients' survival in the HD population.

Survival Analysis and Its Predictors Among Hemodialysis Patients at Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College and Myungsung Christian Medical Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021

Background

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are the most prominent conditions causing chronic kidney disease and eventually end-stage renal disease. Renal replacement therapy, particularly hemodialysis (HD), is the mainstay of treatment. The aim of this study is to assess the overall survival status of HD patients and potential survival predictors at Saint Paul hospital millennium medical college (SPHMMC) and Myungsung Christian Medical Center (MCM) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on HD patients at SPHMMC and MCM general hospital from January 1, 2013 to December 30, 2020. Kaplan Meier, Log-rank, and Cox proportional regression models were used for the analysis. Estimated risks were reported as hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals and P<0.05 was considered as having a significant association.

Results

A total of 128 patients were included in the study. Median survival time was 65 months. The predominant co-morbid condition was found to be diabetes mellitus with hypertension (42%). The total risk time for these patients was 143,617 person years. The overall incidence rate of death was 2.9 per 10,000 person years (95% CI=2.2-4). Patients who developed blood stream infection were 2.98-times more likely to die than those without infection. Those using an arteriovenous fistula were 66% less likely to die than those using a central venous catheter. Additionally, patients treated in a government-owned facility were 79% less likely to die.

Conclusion

The study identified that the median survival time of 65 months was comparable with developed nations. Significant predictors of death were found to be blood stream infection and type of vascular access. Government-owned treatment facilities showed better patient survival.

Factors Associated with Long-Term Survival in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A 5-Year Prospective Follow-Up Study

OBJECTIVES

In addition to an increase in the prevalence of dialysis treatments for end-stage renal disease worldwide, the mortality rates among patients on maintenance hemodialysis remain higher than that of the general population. This study aims to evaluate factors associated with long-term survival in stable maintenance hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

A total of 100 patients initiating hemodialysis by February 2013 were included in this prospective cross-sectional 5-year follow-up study. Data on patient demographics, anthropometric-nutritional parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, and hemodialysis parameters, including etiology of kidney failure, hemodialysis duration, peritoneal dialysis history, relative interdialytic weight gain (RIDWG), and Kt/V, were recorded.

RESULTS

Overall 5-year survival rate was 56.6%. The 5-year survival rate was higher in patients with younger age (71.4% below median vs. 42.0% above median, p=0.023), lower systolic (63.3 vs. 50%, respectively, p=0.005) and diastolic (62.5 vs. 51.0%, respectively, p=0.02) blood pressure levels, higher Kt/V (46.9 vs. 66.0%, respectively, p=0.044), lower RIDWG (54.0 vs. 32.7%, respectively, p=0.026), and lower serum leptin levels (63.3 vs. 50.0%, respectively, p=0.047). Cox-regression analysis revealed that only systolic blood pressure (B = 1.081, 95% CI, 0.152 to 0.756, p=0.08) was a significant risk factor for poor survival.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure as the sole risk factor for poor long-term survival in stable maintenance hemodialysis patients. Malnutrition-inflammation, measures of nutrition, inflammation, and anemia had no significant impact on long-term survival.

Association between nutritional, inflammatory and oxidative status (NIOS) and risk of adverse outcomes in patients on haemodialysis (HD): the NIOS-HD prospective cohort study protocol

INTRODUCTION

The mortality of patients on chronic haemodialysis is 10-30 times greater than that of the general population and over 60% of these individuals die within the first 5 years of beginning haemodialysis. Although causes for excessive mortality in haemodialysis patients are not clearly defined, it seems that nutrition, inflammation and oxidative stress play key roles in this regard. Until now, no cohort study has focused on the association between nutritional, inflammatory or oxidative status and risk of complications and adverse outcomes in Iranian haemodialysis patients. Therefore, we sought to fill this gap and designed the Nutritional, Inflammatory, and Oxidative Status in Hemodialysis (NIOS-HD) prospective cohort study to determine the association of dietary factors, malnutrition, anthropometric indices, body composition, inflammation and oxidative stress with quality of life, dialysis access infections, hospitalisation, potential years of life lost and mortality in adults on maintenance haemodialysis in Isfahan, Iran.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The sample size of this cohort was estimated to be 300 participants. At baseline, demographic, medical and dialysis-related data of eligible patients will be recorded. In addition, participants will undergo anthropometric measurements, malnutrition assessment and body composition analysis. Also, their dietary intake and quality of life will be evaluated through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Moreover, their fasting blood samples will be collected and stored for biochemical assays including transthyretin, albumin, serum amyloid A, pentraxin-3, trimethylamine N-oxide, myeloperoxidase, paraoxonase-1 and superoxide dismutase. After baseline evaluation, patients will be followed up to 3 years to update exposure information (except biochemical assays) and measure adverse outcomes. Finally, collected data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The NIOS-HD is in agreement with the Declaration of Helsinki and has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (reference number: IR.MUI.

RESEARCH

REC.1399.605). Findings of this study will be published in academic journals.

Serum uric acid as a predictor of cardio- and cerebro-vascular diseases in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Background: Hyperuricemia is associated with an increased risk of cardio-and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in general population. However, in the hemodialysis (HD) patients, low serum uric acid (SUA) increases the risk of mortality. Considering that CVD is the principal cause of death among maintenance HD patients, the present study aimed to determine the predictive value of SUA for CVD outcome in this population.

Methods: In this two-year follow-up prospective study, 205 outpatients under maintenance HD were enrolled from March 2017 to 2020. Patients’ demographic data, underlying diseases, and the results of serum tests, as well as two-year follow-up results of CVD events and mortality were recorded.

Results: A total of 130 (63%) patients were eligible for analysis; 62.9% were male; mean age of participants was 59±13years. At follow-up, coronary artery disease was observed in 43.2%, peripheral artery disease in 26.5%, and cerebrovascular disease in 20.5%; angiography was required in 52.3% and 4.5% died of CVD. SUA was ≤5.4 mg/dL in 52 patients, 5.5–6.1 mg/dL in 19, and ≥6.2 mg/dL in 59 patients with significant difference based on mean age, sex distribution, occurrence of cerebrovascular disease and cardiovascular mortality (P<0.05). Patients with cerebrovascular disease had a significantly lower SUA levels (P=0.006). Logistic regression showed the significant effect of SUA on the occurrence of cerebrovascular disease (P=0.008).

Conclusion: Low SUA can predict two-year incidence of cerebrovascular disease in HD patients. However, SUA levels did not show significant predictive effect on two-year coronary events, peripheral artery disease and cardiovascular mortality.

Survival and predictors of mortality among chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis in Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2021

BACKGROUND

Despite the high economic and mortality burden of chronic kidney disease, studies on survival and predictors of mortality among patients on hemodialysis in Ethiopia especially in the Amhara region are scarce considering their importance to identify some modifiable risk factors for early mortality to improve the patient's prognosis. So, this study was done to fill the identified gaps. The study aimed to assess survival and predictors of mortality among end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia, 2020/2021.

METHOD

Institution-based retrospective record review was conducted in Felege Hiwot, Gonder, and Gambi hospitals from March 5 to April 5, 2021. A total of 436 medical records were selected using a simple random sampling technique. A life table was used to estimate probabilities of survival at different time intervals. Multivariable cox regression was used to identify risk factors for mortality.

RESULT

Out of the 436 patients 153 (35.1%) had died. The median survival time was 345 days with a mortality rate of 1.89 per 1000 person-days (95%CI (1.62, 2.22)). Patients live in rural residences (AHR = 1.48, 95%CI (1.04, 2.12)), patients whose cause of CKD was hypertension (AHR = 1.49, 95%CI (1.01, 2.23)) and human immune virus (AHR = 2.22, 95%CI (1.41, 3.51)), and patients who use a central venous catheter (AHR = 3.15, 95%CI (2.08, 4.77)) had increased risk of death while staying 4 h on hemodialysis (AHR = 0.43, 95%CI (0.23, 0.80)) decreases the risk of death among chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall survival rate and median survival time of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis were low in the Amhara region as compared with other developing Sub-Saharan African counties.

Chronic hemodialysis: Evaluation of dialysis adequacy and mortality

Objective

Dialysis efficacy is one of the important issues in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study aimed to determine the adequacy of dialysis with mortality and hospital admissions in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent dialysis. Dialysis adequacy was measured based on the Kt/V criterion. Age, sex, disease etiology, duration of dialysis, and access dialysis were evaluated.

Results

128 patients with a mean age of 61.48 ± 13.36 years were included in the study. 8 patients had a history of kidney transplantation. The mean dialysis time in the patients was 4.30 ± 3.39 years. The mean Kt/V in the patients was 1.40 ± 1.8 years. Of the 128 patients, 53 were hospitalized for cardiac or renal reasons. The number of fatalities was 9 cases out of 128. The cause of death in all the cases was heart problems. There was a statistically significant correlation between the adequacy of dialysis in terms of Kt/V and mortality, but it was not associated with hospitalization.

Conclusion

Inadequate dialysis in terms of Kt/V is likely to increase the rate of mortality among dialysis patients.

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Dialysis efficacy is one of the important issues in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

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Inadequate dialysis in terms of Kt/V is likely to increase the rate of mortality among dialysis patient.

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The findings showed that there was no significant correlation between the dialysis adequacy and hospitalization.

The effects of India's COVID-19 lockdown on critical non-COVID health care and outcomes: Evidence from dialysis patients

India's COVID-19 lockdown, one of the most severe in the world, is widely believed to have disrupted critical non-COVID health services. However, linking these disruptions to effects on health outcomes has been difficult due to the lack of reliable, up-to-date health outcomes data. We identified all dialysis patients under a statewide health insurance program in Rajasthan, India (N = 2110), and conducted surveys to examine the effects of the lockdown on non-COVID care access and health outcomes. Post-lockdown mortality was our primary outcome and morbidity and hospitalization were secondary outcomes. 63% of patients experienced a disruption to their care. Transport barriers, hospital service disruptions, and difficulty obtaining medicines were the most common causes. We compared monthly mortality in the four months after the lockdown with pre-lockdown mortality trends, as well as with mortality trends for a similar cohort in the previous year. Mortality in May 2020, after a month of exposure to the lockdown, was 1.70 percentage points (95% CI 0.01–0.03) or 64% higher than in March 2020 and total excess mortality between April and July was estimated to be 22%. A 1SD increase in an index of care disruptions was associated with a 0.17SD (95% CI 0.13–0.22) increase in a morbidity index, a 3.1 percentage point (95% CI 0.012–0.051) increase in hospitalization, and a 2.1 percentage point (95% CI 0.00–0.04) increase in probability of death between May and July. Females, socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and patients living far from the health system faced worse outcomes. The results highlight the unintended consequences of the lockdown on critical, life-saving non-COVID health services that must be taken into account in the implementation of future policy efforts to control the spread of pandemics.

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India's nationwide COVID-19 lockdown severely disrupted critical chronic care.

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Non-COVID-19 morbidity and mortality increased sharply in the subsequent months.

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Socioeconomically disadvantaged patients were worst affected.

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Indirect health effects increase the toll of pandemics and worsen health inequality.

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Pandemic control policies must ensure critical health services continue.

Machine learning approaches for the mortality risk assessment of patients undergoing hemodialysis

Introduction:

Mortality is a major primary endpoint for long-term hemodialysis (HD) patients. The clinical status of HD patients generally relies on longitudinal clinical observations such as monthly laboratory examinations and physical examinations.

Methods:

A total of 829 HD patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. All patients were tracked from January 2009 to December 2013. Taken together, this study performed full-adjusted-Cox proportional hazards (CoxPH), stepwise-CoxPH, random survival forest (RSF)-CoxPH, and whale optimization algorithm (WOA)-CoxPH model for the all-cause mortality risk assessment in HD patients. The model performance between proposed selections of CoxPH models were evaluated using concordance index.

Results:

The WOA-CoxPH model obtained the highest concordance index compared with RSF-CoxPH and typical selection CoxPH model. The eight significant parameters obtained from the WOA-CoxPH model, including age, diabetes mellitus (DM), hemoglobin (Hb), albumin, creatinine (Cr), potassium (K), Kt/V, and cardiothoracic ratio, have also showed significant survival difference between low- and high-risk characteristics in single-factor analysis. By integrating the risk characteristics of each single factor, patients who obtained seven or more risk characteristics of eight selected parameters were dichotomized as high-risk subgroup, and remaining is considered as low-risk subgroup. The integrated low- and high-risk subgroup showed greater discrepancy compared with each single risk factor selected by WOA-CoxPH model.

Conclusion:

The study findings revealed WOA-CoxPH model could provide better risk assessment performance compared with RSF-CoxPH and typical selection CoxPH model in the HD patients. In summary, patients who had seven or more risk characteristics of eight selected parameters were at potentially increased risk of all-cause mortality in HD population.

Correlation between Noncompliance Behavior and Biochemical Parameters of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Background and Objectives Compliance with dietary, fluid, and medication instructions is a critically significant factor for the health and well-being of patients undergoing hemodialysis for an extended period. The current study assessed the correlation between noncompliance behavior and biochemical parameters of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis. The study's objectives were 1) to assess patients' noncompliance behavior using a questionnaire, 2) to determine the biochemical parameters of CKD patients having noncompliance behavior, and 3) to find the correlation between biological parameters and noncompliance behavior.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 12, 2018, to February 10, 2019. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the participants, and 100 participants were included in the study. The End-Stage Renal Disease–Adherence Questionnaire was used to assess the non-compliance behavior.

Results Most dialysis patients (70%) were compliant with the therapeutic regime, while 30% failed to comply. The study revealed a significant positive correlation between noncompliance behavior and biochemical parameters of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis (r = 0.578, p < 0.05).

Conclusion Noncompliance behavior is significantly correlated with the biochemical parameters among patients with CKD on dialysis. Optimal health is possible through fluid and dietary compliance in these patients. Hence, adherence behavior plays a significant role in the health and recovery of dialysis patients with CKD.

Outcomes of Dialysis Among Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Background

Dialysis-associated morbidity and mortality among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients has been increasing, despite the advancement in pharmacological treatment and dialysis technology. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of dialysis among ESRD patients presenting at the nephrology department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). 

Methodology

This cross-sectional study was conducted during the year 2015-2016, including 105 ESRD patients. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire inquiring about patient's demographics and hemodialysis details. The outcomes in terms of survival and death within one month of dialysis were also recorded. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY).

Results

Gender distribution showed that most of the study patients were males (58.1%). The mean duration of ESRD was 7.65 ± 3.69 months while the mean duration of hemodialysis was 36.5 ± 5.65 hours. Among the comorbid conditions, hypertension (69.5%) and diabetes (64.8%) were the most prevalent, followed by renal stones, chronic pyelonephritis, and chronic nephritis. The outcomes indicated mortality among 16.2% of patients; all deceased ESRD patients had diabetes (p < 0.05). Moreover, the duration of hemodialysis was significantly associated with the outcomes of dialysis (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, a considerable mortality rate was observed among ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis. Moreover, patient survival was better with the increased duration of dialysis.

Circulating Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Levels Predict Future Cardiovascular Event Risks in Hemodialyzed Black African Patients

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in patients. In this context, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) appears to be the new biomarker identified as interfering in lipid homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the association between PCSK9, dyslipidemia, and future risk of cardiovascular events in a population of black Africans.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2016 and July 2020 in six hemodialysis centers in the city of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Serum PCSK9 was measured by ELISA; lipid levels of 251 chronic kidney disease grade 5 (CKD G5) hemodialysis patients and the Framingham predictive instrument were used for predicting cardiac events.

RESULTS

Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and triglycerides (TG) were significantly increased in the tertile with the highest PCSK9. By contrast, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) was significantly decreased in the same tertile. A strong positive and significant correlation was found between PCSK9 and TC, TG, and LDL-c. Negative and significant correlation was observed between PCSK9 and HDL-c. The levels of PCSK9, smoking, overweight, and atherogenic dyslipidemia were associated with future risks for cardiovascular events in univariate analysis. After adjustment, all these variables persisted as independent determinants of future risk for cardiovascular events. The probability of having a cardiovascular event in this population was independently associated with PCSK9 levels. Compared to the patients in the lowest PCSK9 tertile, patients with PCSK9 levels in the middle (aOR 5.9, 95% CI 2.06-17.3, P<0.001) and highest tertiles (aOR 8.9, 95% CI 3.02-25.08, P<0.001) presented a greater risk of cardiac event.

CONCLUSION

Increased PCSK9 serum levels are associated with higher levels of TC, LDL-c, and TG and lower levels of HDL-c in black African hemodialysis patients. Serum PCSK9 levels in these patients predict increased risk of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional potential confounders.

Effect of intestinal dialysis using polyethylene glycol on fluid balance and thirst in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A comparative study

High inter-dialytic weight gains (IDWG) and Hyperkalemia have been associated with adverse outcomes like poor quality of life and high mortality. Thirst remains an unsolved problem in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) based intestinal dialysis on IDWG, thirst and biochemical parameters. A prospective interventional evidenced based paired comparative single center study was conducted. Thirty-five anuric patients on weekly thrice HD were studied for four consecutive dialysis weeks. Before the mid-week dialysis day of week 3, Patients received 2 L PEG solution. The primary end points were change in mean relative IDWG and change in mean subjective thirst feeling as measured on visual analog scale (VAS) with secondary endpoints being change in small molecule clearance. There was significant reduction in IDWG after the therapy from 3 ± 0.81 L to 2.35 ± 0.72 (P = 0.002). The therapy also reduced the % IDWG BW from 5.1 ± 1.7% to 4.15 ± 1.6% (P = 0.017). No change in thirst was seen, that is, 6.16 ± 0.66, 6.14 ± 0.64, and 6.16 ± 0.65 (P = 0.986). A multivariate linear regression did not reveal any effect of age, gender, and co-morbidities on the reduction of IDWG and thirst. The therapy achieved a significant urea, creatinine, and potassium reduction of 8.23%, 8.13%, and 8.33% respectively with an increase in sodium levels by 0.86%. This modality reduced the IDWG, was found to be a potent treatment modality for hyperkalemia but did not affect thirst sensation even after consumption of 2 L solution.

Nurses competence and hemodialysis adequacy achievement

Competence is defined as a combination of an individual's knowledge, attitude, and skills. Nurses, as the primary caregivers to hemodialysis patients, have an essential role in achieving hemodialysis adequacy. Hemodialysis adequacy achievement is one of the quality indicators of hemodialysis care. The research aims to identify the relationship between nurse competence and the achievement of hemodialysis in Bandung. The research design was correlation analytical with a cross-sectional method, which involved 82 hemodialysis nurses and 82 hemodialysis patients. Samples were using consecutive sampling. The data were analyzed using chi-square. The result shows that nurse's competence, especially nurse's attitude and skills in providing nursing care for hemodialysis patients, has a significant relationship with the achievement of hemodialysis adequacy. Nurses in the hemodialysis unit should improve their knowledge, attitude, and skills in providing nursing care.

Analyzing clinical characteristics of patients with different cumulative hemodialysis durations: a cross-sectional study

Background

The objective of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with different cumulative hemodialysis (HD) durations, so as to improve their survival rate.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we extracted background information and relevant clinical data from 145 patients who were undergoing maintenance HD three times a week at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University between January 1998 and January 2019. The study subjects were divided into four groups according to the duration of their HD: <5 years, 5–10 years, 10–15 years, and >15 years of HD. We collected the medical history and relevant clinical parameters for each subject, and measured the urea reduction ratio (URR), hemoglobin (Hb), serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and serum albumin (ALB) levels for each group.

Results

The average patient age was 52.06 ±  11.93 years old. The average patient age in the 10–15 years and >15 years groups was significantly lower than in the <5 years and 5–10 years groups (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.012, and P = 0.0025, respectively). The most common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was chronic glomerulonephritis. We found no significant differences in URR, Hb, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, iPTH, and ALB levels.

Conclusion

A prolonged HD duration was related to a younger mean age at the start of HD treatment. The leading cause of ESRD was chronic glomerulonephritis. We predominantly found diabetic nephropathy in the group with a duration of <5 years cumulative HD. Most of the indexes related to hemodialysis almost satisfied the recommended values in these patients.

Discontinuing Hemodialysis with Patient Care and a Successful 9-Year Follow-up in a Patient Presumed to have End-Stage Kidney Disease Scheduled to Lifelong Hemodialysis: A Case Report

End-stage kidney disease patients who require hemodialysis for more than 3 months have a small chance of leaving dialysis unless they have a kidney transplant. Educating the patient about lifestyle changes can play a major role in improving kidney function. Therefore, we created a patient education program according to our nephrology experiences. Herein, we show an end-stage kidney disease patient who underwent hemodialysis for 6 months. Afterwards, dialysis was terminated with patient care, and the patient was then followed up for 9 years without dialysis. To date, there have been no reports regarding the termination of long-term dialysis with a kidney care program and the ensuing 9-year follow-up without renal replacement therapy.

Prevalence of Newly Diagnosed End-Stage Renal Disease Patients in a Tertiary Hospital of Central Nepal, Chitwan: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

End-stage renal disease patients are in rising trend globally, and they have been found to occur predominantly in developing countries. Many studies have been published before, within and across the countries, to know the clinicodemographic profile of end-stage renal disease patients. However, no such studies were done in Chitwan, Nepal. This study's main objective was to find the prevalence of newly diagnosed end-stage renal disease patients.

METHODS

A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Nephrology from May 2016 to April 2019. Convenient sampling was done, and all the consecutive new end-stage renal disease patients were included in the study. The ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (reference number. 2016/COMSTH/IRC/042). The prevalence and demographic profile of new end-stage renal disease patients were studied. The data were analyzed with appropriate statistical tools.

RESULTS

A total of 250 new end-stage renal disease patients were found among 2200 admitted patients. The prevalence of new end-stage renal disease was found to be 250 (11.36%). Out of 250 patients, males were 156 (62.4%), and females were 94 (37.6%). The mean age was 49.6±15.5 years. The commonest cause of the incident end-stage renal disease was Type 2 Diabetes mellitus 89 (35.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of new end-stage renal disease was found to be quite high. The commonest cause of the incident end-stage renal disease was Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Relationship between serum leptin levels, non-cardiovascular risk factors and mortality in hemodialysis patients

Introduction. Hemodialysis (HD) patients have higher mortality rate than the general population. Recent studies indicate a significant role of non-cardiovascular risk factors in for mortality in HD patients. Leptin is protein hormone and may indicate malnutrition in HD patients. Its role in mortality in these patients is being examined. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum leptin levels and non-cardiovascular risk factors and relationship between leptin level and mortality in HD patients.

Methods The prospective study included 93 patients on maintenance HD and follow-up period was 12 months. We measured leptin level and evaluated non-cardiovascular risk factors: nutritional status, anemia, volemia, parameters of mineral and bone disorder.

Results. Out of 93 patients 9 died during study and 1 underwent kidney transplantation. Malnutrition and hypervolemia were two main non-cardiovascular risk factors among deceased subjects. Leptin showed a significant direct correlation with nutritional BMI (r = 0.72, P <0.001), fat tissue index (r = 0.74, P <0.001) and statistically significant inverse correlation with leantissue index (r = -0.349, P <0.05) and inverse correlation with volemic parameters (overhydration / extracellular water ratio (r = -0.38, P <0.001), but no association with anemia and mineral bone parameters was observed. Elevated leptin levels were associated with better survival. However, no statistically significant difference in survival rates was observed between the study groups (Log-Rank P =0.214, Breslow P =0.211, Tarone-Ware P=0.212).

Conclusion: Deceased patients had significantly lower leptin values. Leptin was associated with two non-cardiovascular risk factors for mortality: malnutrition and hypervolemia.

Survival and analysis of predictors of mortality in patients undergoing replacement renal therapy: a 20-year cohort

Background

optimal management of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients should be more studied because it is a serious risk factor for mortality, being considered an unquestionable global priority.

Methods

we performed a retrospective cohort study from the Nephrology Service in Brazil evaluating the survival of patients with ESRD in HD during 20 years. Kaplan-Meier method with the Log-Rank and Cox’s proportional hazards model explored the association between survival time and demographic factors, quality of treatment and laboratory values.

Results

Data from 422 patients were included. The mean survival time was 6.79 ± 0.37. The overall survival rates at first year was 82,3%. The survival time correlated significantly with clinical prognostic factors. Prognostic analyses with the Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier survival curves further identified that leukocyte count (HR = 2.665, 95% CI: 1.39–5.12), serum iron (HR = 8.396, 95% CI: 2.02–34.96), serum calcium (HR = 4.102, 95% CI: 1.35–12.46) and serum protein (HR = 4.630, 95% CI: 2.07–10.34) as an independent risk factor for the prognosis of survival time, while patients with chronic obstructive pyelonephritis (HR = 0.085, 95% CI: 0.01–0.74), high ferritin values (HR = 0.392, 95% CI: 0.19–0.80), serum phosphorus (HR = 0.290, 95% CI: 0.19–0.61) and serum albumin (HR = 0.230, 95% CI: 0.10–0.54) were less risk to die.

Conclusion

survival remains low in the early years of ESRD treatment. The present study identified that elevated values of ferritin, serum calcium, phosphorus, albumin, leukocyte, serum protein and serum iron values as a useful prognostic factor for the survival time.

Achieving dialysis adequacy: A global perspective

Dialysis adequacy is conventionally quantified as net urea clearance. Single pool (sp) Kt/V_urea remains the best studied measure of dialysis adequacy globally. Other measures such as fluid status control, anemia correction, and mineral metabolism are monitored variably. Increasing use of hemodiafiltration across Europe and many parts of Japan and Australia is predicated on studies showing better patient survival with middle molecule clearance. Apart from local clinical practice guidelines, the income level and public health policy of a country determine quality of dialysis services. Among developed nations, small solute clearance adequacy targets are achieved with high frequency. In the United States, dialysis adequacy target is met by focussing on high blood flow rates and large dialyzer size, sometimes at the cost of session time. In Japan, Australia, and Germany, session length is given importance. Dialysis adequacy reporting is restricted and inconsistent in developing nations. The Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Russia and Malaysia, respectively, are close to achieving dialysis adequacy target (spKt/V_urea ≥1.2) universally in their dialysis populations. Patient-reported outcomes are typically measured only in developed countries. Patient survival on dialysis, partly linked to dialysis adequacy, varies greatly around the world, with Japan having the best survival rates. Until the development of better markers of dialysis adequacy, universal consistency in reporting of conventional parameters with a focus on patient-reported measures should be endeavored.

Hemodialysis Adequacy and Its Impact on Long-Term Patient Survival in Demographically, Socially, and Culturally Homogeneous Patients

Background

Impact of hemodialysis adequacy on patient survival is extensively studied. The current study compares the survival of chronic hemodialyzed, undocumented, uninsured, Afghan immigrant patients with that of a group of insured Iranian patients matched for underlying disease, age, weight, level of education, marital status, income, and number of comorbid conditions.

Methods

Eighty chronic hemodialysis patients (mean age 42.8 ± 10.5 years) entered this historical cohort study in Mashhad, Iran, between January 2012 and January 2015. Half of the patients were undocumented, uninsured, Afghan immigrants (Group A) matched with forty insured Iranian patients (Group B). To compare the survival rate of the two patient groups, Kaplan–Meir survival analysis test was used.

Results

Group A patients were underdialyzed with a weekly Kt/V which was significantly less in comparison with that of Group B (1.63 ± 0.63 versus 2.54 ± 0.12, p value = 0.01). While Group A's number of hemodialysis sessions per week was fewer than that of Group B (1.45 ± 0.56 versus 2.8 ± 0.41, p value = 0.04), the mean of Kt/V in each hemodialysis session was higher in them, in comparison with Group B (1.43 ± 0.25 versus 1.3 ± 0.07, p value = 0.045). In Group B and Group A patients, one-year survival was 70% versus 50%, two-year survival was 55% versus 30%, and three-year survival was 40% versus 20%, respectively (p values = 0.04, 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). In Cox regression analysis, hemodialysis adequacy and uninsurance were factors impacting patients' survival (OR = 1.193 and 0.333, respectively).

Conclusions

Undocumented, uninsured, inadequately hemodialyzed, Afghan patients had a significantly lower one-, two-, and three-year survival as opposed to their Iranian counterparts, probably due to lack of insurance.

Hemodialysis at Doorstep - "Hub-and-Spoke" Model of Dialysis in a Developing Country

End-stage kidney disease has become a huge burden in our country. There has been an increase in dialysis centers across the country. State-funded dialysis has been initiated in many states of India. However, most of the centers are concentrated in the cities. Patients living in the peripheral districts have to travel long distance to reach the dialysis centers. In addition, there is a dearth of nephrology services in the peripheral areas. To address this problem, the hub-and- spoke model of dialysis has been initiated in Telangana state in South India, which has brought dialysis at the doorstep for people residing in remote districts. This study highlights the important features of this model.

Impact of twice- or three-times-weekly maintenance hemodialysis on patient outcomes: A multicenter randomized trial

AIM

Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) frequency is associated with survival and complication rates. Achieving the optimal balance between healthcare, quality of life (QOL), and medical costs is challenging. We compared complications, inflammatory status, nutritional status, and QOL between patients with different MHD frequencies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a multicenter randomized trial of patients treated between May 2011 and August 2017 at 3 tertiary hospitals in Wenzhou. Patients were grouped according to their treatment schedule over 1 year: twice-weekly or 3-times-weekly. Complications, biochemistry parameters, and QOL (KDQOL-SFTM 1.3 scale) were assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred forty patients were included aged 29 to 68 years (mean age, 50.9 ± 4.3 years). There were no significant differences in infection, heart failure, or cerebral hemorrhage complications between the 2 groups (P = .664). Pre-dialysis hemoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, serum albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and ejection fraction were similar in both groups (P > .05). After 1 year of MHD, both groups exhibited significant improvements in these parameters (all P < .05) with no significant differences between groups. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and weekly standard hemodialysis treatment adequacy did not improve after treatment (all P > .05), although a difference in BUN was observed between the 2 groups (P < .001). QOL was superior in the twice-weekly group than in the 3-times-weekly group (all P < .05), except for social support, which was slightly better in the 3-times-weekly group than in the twice-weekly group.

CONCLUSIONS

Twice- and 3-times-weekly MHD resulted in comparable inflammatory and nutritional clinical outcomes and adverse events. QOL was better for the twice-weekly schedule. Even for patients with economic constraints, twice- or 3-times-weekly MHD should be selected with caution after consideration of BUN levels at baseline.

A Study of Executive Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease before and after a Single Session of Hemodialysis

Background  Executive functions (EFs) are critical to daily life and sensitive to our physiological functioning and emotional states. The number of people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD) globally is increasing steadily. We aimed to determine the impact of a single session of HD on EFs in patients with CKD receiving maintenance HD (MHD). Methods  This was a quasi-experimental study conducted at the department of psychiatry and dialysis unit of a tertiary hospital. Patients undergoing MHD underwent screening to rule out delirium, using the Confusion Assessment Method prior to EF testing. The tests of EF used were the Trail-Making Test-Part B (TMT-B) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), both of which were administered before and after a session of HD. Statistical tests used were Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks test, paired t -test, single sample t -test, and correlation analyses. Results  The mean time taken on TMT-B before HD was 195.36 seconds and after HD, 171.1 seconds; difference is significant ( p = 0.0001). The mean FAB score was 13.19 before HD and 14.83 after HD; the difference is significant ( p < 0.0001). Significant differences were observed on similarities (p = 0.003), lexical fluency (p = 0.02), and go-no go ( p = 0.003) subtests of FAB. Mean TMT-B scores before and after HD differed significantly from that of a reference study (reference TMT-B 150.69 seconds), p = 0.0002 and 0.04, respectively. Conclusion  We conclude that patients with CKD on MHD, in general, have worse executive cognitive functioning compared with healthy populations. A session of HD results in significant improvement in these functions.

Agreement Between Two Nutritional Assessment Scores as Markers of Malnutrition in Patients with End-stage Renal Disease

Background

Malnutrition is directly related to morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease. This should be picked up using simple techniques.

Methods

Adult patients on maintenance haemodialysis were included using a consecutive sampling technique. Compliance was assessed from attendance register (minimum 75% attendance for good compliance). Hypoalbuminemia signified malnutrition. Blood samples for measurement of haemoglobin, serum albumin, calcium and phosphate levels were drawn from the dialyser tubing at the start of the first of the two haemodialysis sessions for each patient. Height and weight were recorded at the end of the first haemodialysis session for each patient. Mini Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire and Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire were administered in direct face-to-face interviews during two consecutive dialysis sessions.

Results

There were 116 patients aged 53.46± 14.39 years. Majority were males (83.6%) and on twice a week haemodialysis (69.0%). Malnutrition was present in 30 (25.9%) patients. Serum albumin had a significant relationship with both haemoglobin (R = 0.399; p < 0.001) and serum phosphate levels (R = 0.253; p = 0.006) but not body mass index (R = 0.028; p = 0.769). Mean Mini Nutritional Assessment and Council on Nutrition Appetite scores were 19.45± 5.10 and 26.76± 6.28, respectively. Based on Mini Nutritional Assessment scores, 31 (26.7%) patients were malnourished, 59 (50.9%) were at risk of malnutrition, and 26 (22.4%) had normal nutritional status. Council on Nutrition Appetite scores were low in 65 (56.0%) patients, indicating risk of weight loss in next six months. Serum albumin had significant correlation with Mini Nutritional Assessment scores (R = 0.381; p < 0.001) and Council on Nutrition Appetite scores (R = 0.290; p = 0.002). Slopes of linear regression for Mini Nutritional Assessment and Council on Nutrition Appetite scores were not statistically different (p = 0.202).

Conclusions

Mini Nutritional Assessment and Council on Nutrition Appetite scores had a similar correlation with serum albumin levels. Either of the two could be used for evaluation of malnutrition in end-stage renal disease.

Imbalance of Th22/Treg cells causes microinflammation in uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are of critical functionality in immune activation and inflammation in uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). A disruption in balance of Treg cells has potency to elicit infectious disease progression. Here, we examined possible association between ratio imbalance of Th22/Treg cells and microinflammation in uremic patients undergoing HD.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated to allow measurement of the percentage of Th22 cells and Treg cells using flow cytometry. Subsequently, serum levels of related cytokines, interleukin (IL) 22 (IL-22) and IL-10 and inflammatory factors, C-reactive protein (CRP), (TNF-α), IL-6 were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then relationships among dialysis time, microinflammation status (CRP) and dialysis adequacy (immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH), urea clearance index (Kt/V), β2-MG, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus) were evaluated. Finally, correlation between microinflammation status and dialysis adequacy was analyzed with Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

An increased percentage of Th22 and a decreased percentage of Treg cells were evident in uremic patients undergoing HD. Serum levels of IL-22, CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 were increased, while IL-10 serum level was reduced. An imbalance of Th22/Treg cells was associated with microinflammation status in uremic patients undergoing HD. Furthermore, prolongation of the dialysis time, the microinflammation status and dialysis adequacy were changed. Increased dialysis adequacy was observed to correlate with alleviated microinflammation of uremic patients undergoing HD.

CONCLUSIONS

Conjointly, an imbalance of Th22/Treg cells may be a potential cause responsible for uremia occurrence, which in turn indicates that uremia could be effectively alleviated by altering the ratio of Th22/Treg cells.

Methodological challenges to collecting clinical and economic outcome data: Lessons from the pilot dialysis outcomes India study

AIM

Contemporary data on clinical and economic outcomes and quality of care amongst dialysis patients in India are not available. This pilot prospective study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of data collection and follow up within routine dialysis practice to inform setting up a dialysis registry.

METHODS

An electronic instrument was developed to collect information on clinical and socio-demographic characteristics, outcome and out-of-pocket expenditure on incident patients commencing haemodialysis (HD) at two centres. Dialysis unit staff were trained in collecting and entering information on an electronic case record form. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months to ascertain outcomes and treatment related costs.

RESULTS

A total of 119 patients (37 females, age 47.5 ± 17.2 years) were enrolled. After 1 year, 38 (32%) patients were continuing on HD; 35 (29%) had died, 30 (25%) underwent a kidney transplant, and 16 (13%) had stopped dialysis. We noted a high prevalence of catastrophic health expenditure. Data collection was facilitated by appointing a designated staff member who received an incentive. Collection of financial information, clinical course for patients transferring out of the primary unit and the cause of death, when it occurred out of hospital was challenging.

CONCLUSION

Prospective data collection of incident dialysis patients was feasible but is resource-intensive. High out-of-pocket costs force some patients to stop dialysis and can generate a sense of despair. Poor patient experiences and suspicion over the use of such data adversely affects collection of important clinical and health economic data.

Comparison of Penalized Cox Regression Methods in Low-Dimensional Data with Few-Events: An Application to Dialysis Patients' Data

BACKGROUND

Dialysis is a dominant therapeutic method in patients with chronic renal failure. The ratio of those who experienced the event to the predictor variables is expressed as event per variable (EPV). When EPV is low, one of the common techniques which may help to manage the problem is penalized Cox regression model (PCRM). The aim of this study was to determine the survival of dialysis patients using the PCRM in low-dimensional data with few events.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Information of 252 dialysis patients of Bandar Abbas hospitals, southern Iran, from 2010-16 were used. To deal with few mortality cases in the sample, the PCRM (lasso, ridge and elastic net, adaptive lasso) were applied. Models were compared in terms of calibration and discrimination.

RESULTS

Thirty-five (13.9%) mortality cases were observed. Dialysis data simulations revealed that the lasso had higher prediction accuracy than other models. For one unit of increase in the level of education, the risk of mortality was reduced by 0.32 (HR=0.68). The risk of mortality was 0.26 (HR=1.26) higher for the unemployed than the employed cases. Other significant factors were the duration of each dialysis session, number of dialysis sessions per week and age of dialysis onset (HR=0.93, 0.95 and 1.33).

CONCLUSION

The performance of penalized models, especially the lasso, was satisfying in low-dimensional data with low EPV based on dialysis data simulation and real data, therefore these models are the good choice for managing of this type of data.

The Effect of Mechanically-Generated Vibrations on the Efficacy of Hemodialysis; Assessment of Patients' Safety: Preliminary Reports

Muscle activity during a hemodialysis procedure improves its efficacy. We have formulated a hypothesis that vibrations generated by a specially-designed dialysis chair can, the same as physical exercise, affect the filtering of various fluids between fluid spaces during the hemodialysis procedure. This prospective and interventional study included 21 dialyzed patients. During a single dialysis session, each patient used a prototype device with the working name “vibrating chair”. The chair’s drive used a low-power cage induction motor, which, along with the worm gear motor, was a part of the low-frequency (3.14 Hz) vibration-generating assembly with an amplitude of 4 mm. Tests and measurements were performed before and after the vibration dialysis. After a single hemodialysis session including five 3-min cycles of vibrations, an increase in Kt/V in relation to non-vibration Kt/V (1.53±0.26 vs. 1.62±0.23) was seen. Urea reduction ratio increased significantly (0.73±0.03 vs. 0.75±0.03). A significant increase in systolic blood pressure was observed between the first and the third measurement (146±18 vs. 156±24). The use of a chair generating low-frequency vibrations increased dialysis adequacy; furthermore, it seems an acceptable and safe alternative to intradialytic exercise.

Effectiveness of Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition in Treating Protein-Energy Wasting in Hemodialysis: A Rapid Systematic Review

Intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) is commonly requested before recommended therapies in malnourished patients on hemodialysis. This review provides updated critical synthesis of the evidence on the use of IDPN in patients on hemodialysis. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and other sources to identify evidence. Two reviewers sequentially selected studies, abstracted data, rated study quality, and synthesized evidence using predefined criteria. IDPN did not improve clinically relevant outcomes compared with dietary counseling or oral supplementation and had varied results compared with usual care in 12 studies. Data are limited on adverse events or cost-effectiveness of IDPN. Important limitations of the evidence, including limited measurement of clinically important outcomes, methodological concerns, and heterogeneity between studies, weaken our confidence in these findings. IDPN may be a reasonable treatment option for patients who fail to respond or cannot receive recommended treatments, but the broad usage of IDPN before recommended treatment options does not appear warranted.

Effect of Isothermic Dialysis on Intradialytic Hypertension

The primary outcome was incidence of intradialytic hypertension (IDH) during standard and cooler isothermic dialysate temperatures. Two pair of haemodialysis sessions were done at 37°C (SHD) and at isothermic temperature (IHD). All the four dialysis were done on the same time of the day to negate the changes due to circadian variation in body temperature. Axillary and tympanic temperatures were measured before start of the dialysis and dialysis temperature was adjusted as per axillary temperature. Sixty patients were enrolled and completed the study. The mean delivered dialysate temperature in the intervention group was 36.5 ± 0.2 achieving a 0.5 ± 0.2°C between-group separation. The incidence of IDH and intradialytic hypotension while on SHD and IHD were 79/120 (66%) vs 44/120 (37%), odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.96–5.65) and 45/120 (38%) vs 14/120 (12%), OR 4.5, 95% CI (2.3–8.7), respectively. The 4 h time averaged mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) at IHD and SHD were 154 ± 1.7 and 157.2 ± 1.1 mmHg, respectively, the mean difference in SBP being −3.4 mmHg to −3.1 mmHg, 95% CI, P < 0.001. The standard deviation, a measure of BP variability was lower at IHD than at SHD (P < 0.001). In a subgroup analysis during IHD there was a significant reduction of both SBP and diastolic BP during the entire duration of dialysis in 35 out of 60 patients (systolic 4 h mean 154.96 ± 2.22 vs 164.32 ± 1.99 mmHg), (diastolic 4 h mean 79.24 ± 0.82 vs 82.54 ± 0.68 mmHg) – (rANOVA for systolic and diastolic <0.001). This phenomenon of cooler dialysis causing reduction of BP was reproduced in the same group of patients when the IHD was repeated another time (systolic 4 h mean 157.95 ± 1.88 vs 160.65 ± 1.47), (diastolic 4 h mean 79.27 ± 0.74 vs 82.03 ± 1.07) rANOVA for systolic and diastolic <0.001. The incidence of IDH can be reduced significantly by reducing the dialysate temperature to patients' body temperature. Hypertension during dialysis is related to heat gain during dialysis.

Plasma syndecan-1 in hemodialysis patients associates with survival and lower markers of volume status

Syndecan-1, a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan, associates with renal and cardiovascular functioning. We earlier reported syndecan-1 to be involved in renal tubular regeneration. We now examined plasma values of syndecan-1 in a hemodialysis cohort and its association with volume and inflammatory and endothelial markers in addition to outcome. Eighty-four prevalent hemodialysis patients were evaluated for their plasma syndecan-1 levels by ELISA before the start of hemodialysis, as well as 60, 180, and 240 min after start of dialysis. Patients were divided into sex-stratified tertiles based on predialysis plasma syndecan-1 levels. We studied the association between plasma levels of syndecan-1 and volume, inflammation, and endothelial markers and its association with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses with adjustments for gender, age, diabetes, and dialysis vintage. Predialysis syndecan-1 levels were twofold higher in men compared with women ( P = 0.0003). Patients in the highest predialysis plasma syndecan-1 tertile had a significantly higher ultrafiltration rate ( P = 0.034) and lower plasma values of BNP ( P = 0.019), pro-ANP ( P = 0.024), and endothelin ( P < 0.0001) compared with the two lower predialysis syndecan-1 tertiles. No significant associations with inflammatory markers were found. Cox regression analysis showed that patients in the highest syndecan-1 tertile had significantly less cardiovascular events and better survival compared with the lowest syndecan-1 tertile ( P = 0.02 and P = 0.005, respectively). In hemodialysis patients, higher plasma syndecan-1 levels were associated with lower concentrations of BNP, pro-ANP, and endothelin and with better patient survival. This may suggest that control of volume status in hemodialysis patients allows an adaptive tissue regenerative response as reflected by higher plasma syndecan-1 levels.

Association of Dose and Frequency on the Survival of Patients on Maintenance of Hemodialysis in China: A Kaplan-Meier and Cox-Proportional Hazard Model Analysis

Background

Dialysis frequency and dose are controversial prognostic factors of hemodialysis morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of frequency and dosage of dialysis on mortality and survival in a group of Chinese hemodialysis patients.

Material/Methods

In total, 183 patients seen from February 2008 to January 2018, who were on maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 months, were included in the study cohort. An anonymized database of age, gender, diabetic status, comorbidities, date of initiation of dialysis, hematological characters, biochemical variables, and status of survived or died was established from DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files of patients. Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional hazard model was used for calculation of survival over time at 95% confidence level.

Results

Overall, the 10-year survival rate was 27%. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed patient survival as 94% at one-year, 59% at 5-years, and 27% at 10-years. Hemoglobin, serum albumin, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, calcium-phosphorous-products, and hemodialysis frequency and the dose had a significant effect on survival. Cox regression proportional hazard model showed that patients with serum albumin level of >4 g/dL were better associated with survival. Patients who underwent twice-weekly hemodialysis had 4.26 times less chance of survival as compared to patients with thrice-weekly hemodialysis. A higher dialysis dose of >1.2 spKt/V offered better survival as compared to a lower dose of <1.2 spKt/V.

Conclusions

Hypoalbuminemia, hemodialysis time, and hemodialysis frequency were significantly associated with mortality.

Is Dietary Protein Intake Predictive of 1-Year Mortality in Dialysis Patients?

BACKGROUND

High mortality in dialysis patients may be associated with protein-energy wasting (PEW) syndrome characterized by progressively depleted protein and energy stores. While early diagnosis and treatment of PEW can reduce mortality, clinically practical measures for its detection are lacking. Poor dietary protein intake (DPI) is associated with risk of malnutrition and PEW. However, the impact of DPI on mortality is unclear. The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of DPI to predict 1-year mortality in dialysis patients.

METHODS

This prospective, secondary study using data from the Comprehensive Dialysis Study and United States Renal Data System examined risk factors associated with 1-year mortality in dialysis patients.

RESULTS

Seventeen (7.5%) of the 227 subjects died within 1 year following baseline data collection. One year survivors were significantly younger (60 ± 13.6 versus 71 ± 12.8; P = 0.0043), had a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index score (1.6 ± 2.3 versus 4.0 ± 3.6; P = 0.0157), higher serum albumin level (3.5 ± 0.5 versus 3.3 ± 0.4; P = 0.0173) and had higher DPI (63 ± 33.7 versus 49.5 ± 21.5 g/day; P = 0.0386) than those who died. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards model analyses, only the Charlson Comorbidity Index adjusted hazard ratio for death (1.24) was significantly associated with increased mortality. The Comprehensive Dialysis Study data showed no association between DPI and 1-year mortality in dialysis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies using more precise measures should further examine the impact of DPI on mortality given the known association of DPI with PEW syndrome and the definitive link between PEW syndrome and survival in dialysis patients.

Chronic Kidney Disease, Gender, and Access to Care: A Global Perspective

Little is known regarding the ways in which chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence and progression differ between the sexes. Still less is known regarding how social disparities between men and women may affect access to care for CKD. In this review, we briefly describe biological sex differences, noting how these differences currently do not influence CKD management recommendations. We then describe what is known within the published literature regarding differences in CKD epidemiology between sexes; namely prevalence, progression, and access to treatment throughout the major world regions. We highlight that health care expenditure and social gender disparities ultimately may determine whether women have equitable access to care for CKD and end-stage kidney disease. Among many high- and low-income settings, women more often donate and are less likely to receive kidney transplants when compared with men. Research is needed urgently to elucidate the reasons behind these disparities, as well as to develop CKD treatment strategies tailored to women's unique health care needs.

Detection of human herpes virus type-6 in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Aim: To investigate the epidemiology of human herpes virus type-6 (HHV-6) among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Materials & methods: DNA was extracted from plasma samples of 149 patients undergoing HD with no history of organ transplantation from 2011 to 2013. Presence of HHV-6 was investigated by using real-time PCR. Results: Diabetes (36.2%) and hypertension (28.8%) were two major factors for HD. The HHV-6 DNA was identified in eight patients (5.37%). Conclusion: This study is one of the few reports of HHV-6 infection among HD patients. In HD patient population, it is critical to improve standards of infection control in dialysis and expand treatment coverage. Furthermore, studies on clinical implications of HHV-6 infection in HD patients are crucial.

The Impact of Hemodialysis Frequency and Duration on Blood Pressure Management and Quality of Life in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

Cardiovascular complications are the most prominent causes of morbidity and mortality among chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing standard hemodialysis (HD) therapy. Cardiovascular disease risk is increased significantly through persistent hypertension and blood pressure (BP) fluctuation, which are the most common complications of CKD. It was hypothesized that an extended approach with lengthier and more frequent dialysis sessions, referred to in this paper as "extended hemodialysis" (EHD), can potentially lower and stabilize blood pressure, and consequently reduce the rate of morbidity and mortality. A greater reduction of volume (salt and water) with higher frequency can improve patient quality of life (QOL). Eleven papers, including clinical trials and systematic reviews were chosen and analyzed. The extracted data was used to evaluate the change in blood pressure levels between standard HD and EHD. Overall, the studies showed that EHD resulted in improved blood pressure management; therefore, we concluded that there will be a decrease in cardiovascular disease risk, stroke, and morbidity and mortality rate. There will be also an improvement in patient QOL due to beneficial effects of the EHD.

Hemodialysis outcomes and practice patterns in end-stage renal disease: Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kerala

This study was planned to analyze the hemodialysis practice patterns from a tertiary care referral centre as there is very limited data from India. All patients of ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) in dialysis unit at AIMS, Kochi, Kerala for a minimum period of 3 months were included. A total of 134 patients (M: F 2:1) with age of 20 to 84 years (Mean: 59.83; SD: 11.98) were studied. The most common causes of ESRD in study population were diabetic nephropathy (DN) (59.7%) followed by unclassified group (19.4%), chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) (11.9%). Majority (81%) were initiated on MHD through temporary vascular access on emergency basis. Majority (79%) of the patients were on twice weekly MHD. The range of eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2) at the time of initiation of MHD was 1.26-11.78 by CG formula and 2.18-16.4 by MDRD equation. The mean duration on hemodialysis was 37.16 months and 50.7% patients had died during the follow-up period (3-108 months). The mean survival time on hemodialysis was 40.31 months (SD = 26.69). The mean survival time was lower in diabetic nephropathy (35.93 months) than in non-diabetic renal disease (47.46 months). The most common causes of deaths were cardiovascular events (51.5%), and infections (26.5%). In conclusion, males outnumbered females, among those on hemodialysis. There was no significant difference in eGFR at initiation of MHD based on etiologies. Initiation of MHD via temporary access, presence of LVH, acute coronary syndrome, use of acetate dialysate, need for parenteral iron therapy had impact on mortality. Survival rates while on hemodialysis at end 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th and 7^th years were 87.31, 45.52, 21.64 and 7.46 percentages respectively.