CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells in renal transplantation

The immune response to an allograft activates lymphocytes with the capacity to cause rejection. Activation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T regulatory cells (Treg) can down-regulate allograft rejection and can induce immune tolerance to the allograft. Treg represent <10% of peripheral CD4+T cells and do not markedly increase in tolerant hosts. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells include both resting and activated Treg that can be distinguished by several markers, many of which are also expressed by effector T cells. More detailed characterization of Treg to identify increased activated antigen-specific Treg may allow reduction of non-specific immunosuppression. Natural thymus derived resting Treg (tTreg) are CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells and only partially inhibit alloantigen presenting cell activation of effector cells. Cytokines produced by activated effector cells activate these tTreg to more potent alloantigen-activated Treg that may promote a state of operational tolerance. Activated Treg can be distinguished by several molecules they are induced to express, or whose expression they have suppressed. These include CD45RA/RO, cytokine receptors, chemokine receptors that alter pathways of migration and transcription factors, cytokines and suppression mediating molecules. As the total Treg population does not increase in operational tolerance, it is the activated Treg which may be the most informative to monitor. Here we review the methods used to monitor peripheral Treg, the effect of immunosuppressive regimens on Treg, and correlations with clinical outcomes such as graft survival and rejection. Experimental therapies involving ex vivo Treg expansion and administration in renal transplantation are not reviewed.

The incidence of IgG4-positive plasma cells staining TIN in patients with biopsy-proven tubulointerstitial nephritis

AIM

IgG4 disease is rare. However, IgG4 tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) is the most common renal manifestation. IgG4 disease is usually associated with elevated serum IgG4 levels and other organ involvement, low-density renal lesions on enhanced CT imaging and immune activation. The incidence of IgG4-TIN may be underestimated, as staining for IgG4 is not routine. This study sought to describe the prevalence of previously undiagnosed IgG4-TIN. Due to the complexity of the diagnosis, we only attempt to look at IgG4-positive plasma cell TIN as a potential indication for IgG4 renal disease.

METHODS

A retrospective review of native renal biopsies performed between 2002 and 2012 with a primary diagnosis of TIN was selected. Samples for which interstitial nephritis was secondary to a glomerular disease were excluded. The tissues were stained for IgG4 and scored by two blinded observers. Demographic and follow-up details were collected. This study was approved by the local ethics committee.

RESULTS

82 cases of interstitial nephritis from a total of 1238 renal biopsies (2002-2012) were available after staining for further assessment. 12 samples demonstrated staining consistent with the criteria for IgG4-positive plasma cell TIN, of which 3 had mildly positive staining, 7 moderately positive staining and 2 had markedly positive staining. There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the positive and negative staining groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A number of cases of IgG4-positive plasma cell TIN were observed histologically that had been previously diagnosed as non-specific chronic TIN. IgG4-positive plasma cell TIN made up 1% of all renal biopsies performed over 10 years and 13% of all biopsies demonstrating TIN not related to glomerular disease. IgG4 staining should be considered routinely in biopsies demonstrating primary TIN.

Examining internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease on haemodialysis: A feasibility open trial

OBJECTIVE

Treating depression among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is imperative because of its high prevalence and health-related costs. However, many patients with CKD experience significant barriers to effective face-to-face psychological treatments. Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) may help overcome the treatment barriers. The aim of the present study was to explore the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of iCBT for depression and anxiety among patients with CKD on haemodialysis.

METHODS

A single-group open trial design involving 22 patients on dialysis and an established iCBT treatment for anxiety and depression was employed. The primary outcomes were symptoms of depression, anxiety and general psychological distress. The secondary and tertiary outcomes were disability, quality of life, kidney disease-related loss and kidney disease burden. A generalised estimation equation modelling technique was employed.

RESULTS

Clinically significant improvements (avg. % of improvement) were observed in the primary outcomes of depression (34%), anxiety (31%) and general distress (26%), which were maintained or further improved to 3-month follow-up. Improvements were also observed for quality of life (12%) and kidney disease-related loss (30%). However, no improvements in disability and kidney disease burden were found. High levels of acceptability were reported and relatively little clinician time (99.45min; SD=14.61) was needed to provide the treatment.

CONCLUSION

The present results provide encouraging support for the potential of iCBT as an innovative way of increasing access to effective psychological treatment for CKD patients. These results provide much needed support for further research in this area.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613000103763.

RENEW-a renal redesign project in predialysis patient care

Background

An ageing population and geographical growth, along with an increase in the number of people that reside in specific location, are increasing the demand for renal replacement therapies. Hospital-based haemodialysis units are struggling to cope with the associated physical, staffing and cost demands. Home-based dialysis therapies are known to be more cost effective with superior social, physical health and survival outcomes.

Methods

‘RENEW, a renal redesign project, examined the pre-dialysis health care experience of renal patients to find opportunities to improve patient care outcomes and increase the uptake of home-based dialysis therapies. This article details two crucial parts of the approach to change management: (i) diagnostics—an inclusive, client focused, multidisciplinary approach to identify issues relating to the pre-dialysis journey—and (ii) solution design—an inclusive problem-solving approach to identify and marry solutions to the issues identified during diagnostics.

Results

Based on feedback from patients/caregivers and staff interviews, utilizing a clinical redesign methodology, a new model of care was developed, implemented and subsequently embedded into clinical practice. The results have been evident via improved care coordination, enhanced patient preparation for dialysis, improved patient psychosocial welfare and, importantly, an increased number of patients planned for and commencing home dialysis. This has empowered patients by giving them the confidence, knowledge and skills to be actively engaged in their own care. The project resulted in significant expenditure avoidance.

Conclusion

Change management strategies with successful implementation are vital components of evolving clinical practice to achieve both clinical and organizational goals.

ACEIs for cardiovascular risk reduction--have we taken our eye off the ball?

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. There is debate whether angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) offer similar reductions in CV risk.

OBJECTIVE

This article discusses some of the recent evidence for the prevention of CV events and mortality with ACEIs and ARBs, and the rationale for using an ACEI as the preferred agent for comprehensive CV risk reduction in specific patient populations.

DISCUSSION

ACEIs and ARBs are structurally and functionally very different agents; they are not interchangeable. Prescriptions for ARBs are increasing in Australia. However, clinical trial evidence suggests possible advantages of ACEIs over ARBs, particularly in terms of survival benefit. Many patients with hypertension have other CV risk factors that may affect medication choice. The aim of treatment should not be just to lower blood pressure, but to reduce absolute CV risk.

Effects of biocompatible versus standard fluid on peritoneal dialysis outcomes

The clinical benefits of using "biocompatible" neutral pH solutions containing low levels of glucose degradation products for peritoneal dialysis compared with standard solutions are uncertain. In this multicenter, open-label, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned 185 incident adult peritoneal dialysis patients with residual renal function to use either biocompatible or conventional solution for 2 years. The primary outcome measure was slope of renal function decline. Secondary outcome measures comprised time to anuria, fluid volume status, peritonitis-free survival, technique survival, patient survival, and adverse events. We did not detect a statistically significant difference in the rate of decline of renal function between the two groups as measured by the slopes of GFR: -0.22 and -0.28 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) per month (P=0.17) in the first year in the biocompatible and conventional groups, respectively, and, -0.09 and -0.10 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) per month (P=0.9) in the second year. The biocompatible group exhibited significantly longer times to anuria (P=0.009) and to the first peritonitis episode (P=0.01). This group also had fewer patients develop peritonitis (30% versus 49%) and had lower rates of peritonitis (0.30 versus 0.49 episodes per year, P=0.01). In conclusion, this trial does not support a role for biocompatible fluid in slowing the rate of GFR decline, but it does suggest that biocompatible fluid may delay the onset of anuria and reduce the incidence of peritonitis compared with conventional fluid in peritoneal dialysis.

Psychosocial risk and protective factors for depression in the dialysis population: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis

OBJECTIVE

Research into the association between psychosocial factors and depression in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has expanded considerably in recent years identifying a range of factors that may act as important risk and protective factors of depression for this population. The present study provides the first systematic review and meta-analysis of this body of research.

METHODS

Published studies reporting associations between any psychosocial factor and depression were identified and retrieved from Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO, by applying optimised search strategies. Mean effect sizes were calculated for the associations across five psychosocial constructs (social support, personality attributes, cognitive appraisal, coping process, stress/stressor). Multiple hierarchical meta-regression analysis was applied to examine the moderating effects of methodological and substantive factors on the strength of the observed associations.

RESULTS

57 studies covering 58 independent samples with 5956 participants were identified, resulting in 246 effect sizes of the association between a range of psychosocial factors and depression. The overall mean effect size (Pearsons correlation coefficient) of the association between psychosocial factor and depression was 0.36. The effect sizes between the five psychosocial constructs and depression ranged from medium (0.27) to large levels (0.46) with personality attributes (0.46) and cognitive appraisal (0.46) having the largest effect sizes. In the meta-regression analyses, identified demographic (gender, age, location of study) and treatment (type of dialysis) characteristics moderated the strength of the associations with depression.

CONCLUSION

The current analysis documents a moderate to large association between the presence of psychosocial risk factors and depression in ESRD.

Studying psychosocial adaptation to end-stage renal disease: the proximal-distal model of health-related outcomes as a base model

OBJECTIVE

Studying psychosocial adaptation in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is increasingly important, as it may explain the variability in health outcomes unaccounted for by clinical factors. The Brenner et al. proximal-distal model of health-related outcomes provides a theoretical foundation for understanding psychosocial adaptation and integrating health outcomes, clinical, and psychosocial factors (Brenner MH, Curbow B, Legro MW. The proximal-distal continuum of multiple health outcome measures: the case of cataract surgery. Med Care. 1995;33(4 Suppl):AS236-44). This study aims to empirically validate the proximal-distal model in the dialysis population and examine the impact of psychosocial factors on the model.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with a sample of long-term dialysis patients (n=201). Eleven factors: quality of life (QoL), depression, positive affect, comorbidity, symptoms, physical functioning, disease accommodation, loss, self-efficacy, illness acceptance, and social support were measured by standardized psychometric scales. A three-month average of hemoglobin was used. Latent composite structural equation modeling was used to examine the models.

RESULTS

The proximal-distal model with slight modification was supported by fit statistics [χ(2)=16.04, df=13, P=.25, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.024], indicating that the impact of clinical factors on QoL is mediated through a range of functional and psychological factors, except for hemoglobin which impacts directly on QoL. The model with additional psychosocial factors was also supported by fit statistics (χ(2)=43.59, df=41, P=.36, RMSEA=0.018). These additional factors mainly impact on symptom status, psychological states, and QoL components of the model.

CONCLUSION

The present study supported the proximal-distal model in the dialysis population and demonstrated the considerable impact of psychosocial factors on the model. The proximal-distal model plus psychosocial factors as a biopsychosocial model can be applied to studying psychosocial adaptation in ESRD.

An unusual renal manifestation of chronic HBV infection

Hepatitis B viral infection is usually a self-limiting disease in immunocompetent individuals. Chronic infection can be seen in up to 5% of infected patients. Renal manifestations of chronic HBV infection are usually glomerular. We describe here an uncommon presentation of a patient with chronic HBV infection with very high viral load and rapidly progressive renal failure. Renal biopsy showed features of tubulointerstitial nephritis and tubular epithelial inclusion bodies suggestive of HBV infection. Entecavir treatment slowed down the progression of his renal disease. Tubulointerstitial nephritis should be considered as a part of the differential diagnosis in patients with HBV infection. Early antiviral treatment may halt the progression of renal disease.

Measuring kidney disease-related loss in samples of predialysis and dialysis patients: validating the kidney disease loss scale

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Kidney disease-related loss is clinically significant in patients with ESRD and is related to depression and quality of life. The Kidney Disease Loss Scale (KDLS) was recently developed for long-term dialysis patients as a means of studying loss and applying it to clinical practice; however, its validity and usability in the other developmental stages of ESRD-predialysis and early dialysis-remain unknown. This study examined the validity and reliability of the KDLS in the long-term dialysis, early dialysis, and predialysis populations.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Four groups of participants were recruited from four large university teaching hospitals in the Sydney metropolitan area. Participants were long-term dialysis (n=151), early dialysis (n=163), and predialysis (n=111) patients. An additional independent group of dialysis (n=50) patients were recruited to measure the test-retest reliability. Multisample confirmatory factor analysis and correlational analysis were used.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated good internal consistency and test-retest reliability for KDLS. Multisample confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the factor structure of KDLS was invariant across samples and thus supported its construct validity. The convergent and discriminant validities of KDLS were supported by its correlations with scales that measure health-related quality of life, depression, and positive affect in the expected directions and magnitudes. The KDLS was sensitive to the developmental stages of ESRD.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrated that the concept of loss exists in dialysis patients. The KDLS is a reliable measure of loss in ESRD and valid in the developmental stages of ESRD.

Needle-stick injury: a novel intervention to reduce the occupational health and safety risk in the haemodialysis setting

Needle-stick injury (NSI) is a major occupational health and safety issue facing healthcare professionals. The administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) in haemodialysis patients represents a major cause for injections. The purpose of this initiative was to familiarise nursing staff with needle-free administration of an ESA in haemodialysis patients to reduce the risk of NSI. Epoetin beta comes in a commercial presentation with a detached needle. Epoetin beta was administered to 10 haemodialysis patients via the venous bubble trap short line of the haemodialysis circuit. An audit was conducted that included a retrospective assessment of NSI for the previous six months; and a prospective assessment for eight weeks to assess whether there is a nursing staff preference for needle-free administration of ESA. There were no reports of NSI in the needle-free group. Haemoglobin levels were maintained. Ninety-one percent of the nursing staff preferred needle-free administration of ESA. In conclusion, the commercial presentation of epoetin beta with the detached needle presents an opportunity to reduce the potential risk of NSI in haemodialysis units.

The effects of kidney-disease-related loss on long-term dialysis patients' depression and quality of life: positive affect as a mediator

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In kidney disease, the concept of loss is widely discussed but minimally researched. It appears that dialysis patients who grieve a range of losses suffer increased depression and reduced quality of life (QoL). Limited research is partly due to the lack of a relevant loss measure. The study presented here developed a measure and tested the criterion validity of loss in relation to depression and QoL.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

In a cross-sectional observational study, 151 long-term dialysis patients were interviewed using standardized psychometric measures and the Kidney Disease Loss Scale (KDLS), developed for the study. Factor, path and multigroup analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The factor structure and reliability of KDLS were supported. The path analyses supported the criterion validity of loss. It was a stronger contributor to depression than other clinical variables. Its effect on QoL was fully mediated by depression and positive affect (coping). The magnitude of the paths from loss to QoL through depression and positive affect was larger in home-based dialysis patients than in hospital-based patients.

CONCLUSIONS

KDLS is a promising measure of loss. Patient-defined losses may contribute to the high level of depression and in turn a reduction in patients' coping and QoL. These findings suggest several points of intervention to improve long-term dialysis patients' QoL.

Pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) in a hemodialysis patient

Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are predisposed to malignancy. A patient who presented with a persisting fever, episodically above 38 degrees C, of unknown origin is described. The diagnosis of the illness remained elusive, over repeated hospital admissions and comprehensive investigations for over 11 weeks, until her last admission when the patient finally represented with features of acute liver cell failure and succumbed shortly afterwards. A liver biopsy revealed high grade lymphoma, an uncommon presentation for lymphoma. While malignancy is increased in dialysis patients, lymphoma is a relatively uncommon malignancy described. This case is a rare incidence of diffuse Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) isolated to the liver, causing fever, liver cell failure and death in a hemodialysis patient.

Recommendations for the use of icodextrin in peritoneal dialysis patients

Icodextrin is a starch-derived, high molecular weight glucose polymer, which has been shown to promote sustained ultrafiltration equivalent to that achieved with hypertonic (3.86%/4.25%) glucose exchanges during prolonged intraperitoneal dwells (up to 16 h). Patients with impaired ultrafiltration, particularly in the settings of acute peritonitis, high transporter status and diabetes mellitus, appear to derive the greatest benefit from icodextrin with respect to augmentation of dialytic fluid removal, amelioration of symptomatic fluid retention and possible prolongation of technique survival. Glycaemic control is also improved by substituting icodextrin for hypertonic glucose exchanges in diabetic patients. Preliminary in vitro and ex vivo studies suggest that icodextrin demonstrates greater peritoneal membrane biocompatibility than glucose-based dialysates, but these findings need to be confirmed by long-term clinical studies. This paper reviews the available clinical evidence pertaining to the safety and efficacy of icodextrin and makes recommendations for its use in peritonal dialysis.

Sclerosing peritonitis with gross peritoneal calcification: a case report

We report the case of a patient on dialysis for 13 years, including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for 11 years, who developed sclerosing peritonitis with gross peritoneal calcification. The patient first presented with abdominal pain in January 1990, when peritoneal calcification was detected for the first time. Her symptoms settled spontaneously and 1 year later she presented with acute peritonitis and adynamic ileus. The peritonitis settled with antibiotics and Tenchkoff catheter removal, but the ileus persisted. She was commenced on long-term parenteral nutrition, but never recovered useful bowel function. After 8 weeks of hemodialysis and total parenteral nutrition, a further laparotomy for an acute abdomen showed what appeared to be extensive bowel infarction and peritoneal calcification. She died several days later. Of significance, peritoneal calcification was first noted on x-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan while the patient was still largely asymptomatic and before peritoneal ultrafiltration capacity was significantly impaired. Unlike other reported cases of calcifying peritonitis, sclerosing peritonitis was present and calcification was far more extensive. It was not associated with factors such as frequent infective peritonitis or acetate dialysate. Calciphylaxis was not present nor was there any abnormality of calcium-phosphate metabolism. The outcome of this case suggests that patients with recurrent or persistent bowel symptoms on long-term CAPD should have early abdominal x-ray or CT scanning to exclude sclerosing peritonitis or bowel calcification. If present, consideration should be given to transferring the patient to another therapeutic dialysis modality if possible.

Short-term responsiveness of membranous glomerulopathy to cyclosporine

We administered a 12-week course of cyclosporine (CsA) (4 to 6 mg/kg/24 h) to nephrotic patients with membranous glomerulopathy (MG). Nephrotic patients with minimal change nephropathy (MCN) served as a comparison group. We evaluated the effects of CsA on proteinuria, glomerular function, and the release of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in culture. Proteinuria was restored to normal levels within 2 to 4 weeks in MCN. Proteinuria declined from nephrotic to subnephrotic levels (< 3,500 mg/24 h) in 10 of 14 patients with MG, also within 2 to 4 weeks of onset of therapy. The four nonresponders exhibited a rapidly progressive and presumably irreversible form of MG culminating in renal failure. On average, fractional clearances of albumin and IgG declined by 59% and 73% in MG (P < 0.005); corresponding declines in MCN were by 99% (P < .0001). Corresponding rates of glomerular filtration in each glomerular injury remained unchanged. A strong trend for proteinuria to relapse after CsA was withdrawn was evident in both disorders. The release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha by mononuclear cells in culture was enhanced in each glomerular injury, both before and after the course of CsA. We conclude that the proteinuria in most cases of MG exhibits a responsiveness to CsA that is qualitatively similar to, but less complete than, that in MCN. The rapidity with which barrier function improves suggests a possible role for cell-mediated immune injury in MG.