Sex disparities in mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in chronic kidney disease

Sex (biologically determined) and gender (socially constructed) modulate manifestations and prognosis of a vast number of diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). CVD remains the leading cause of death in CKD patients. Population-based studies indicate that women present a higher prevalence of CKD and experience less CVD than men in all CKD stages, although this is not as clear in patients on dialysis or transplantation. When compared to the general population of the same sex, CKD has a more negative impact on women on kidney replacement therapy. European women on dialysis or recipients of kidney transplants have life expectancy up to 44.8 and 19.8 years lower, respectively, than their counterparts of similar age in the general population. For men, these figures stand at 37.1 and 16.5 years, representing a 21% to 20% difference, respectively. Hormonal, genetic, societal, and cultural influences may contribute to these sex-based disparities. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of these differences and their implications for patient care, well-designed clinical trials that involve a larger representation of women and focus on sex-related variables are urgently needed. This narrative review emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the epidemiology and prognosis of sex disparities in CVD among CKD patients. Such insights can guide research into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, leading to optimized treatment strategies and ultimately, improved clinical outcomes.

COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease

Millions of people worldwide have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Affected patients are at high risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease for several reasons. Among various comorbidities, CKD is associated with the more severe forms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This is particularly true for patients receiving dialysis or for kidney recipients. From the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several CV complications have been observed in affected subjects, spanning acute inflammatory manifestations, CV events, thrombotic episodes and arrythmias. Several pathogenetic mechanisms have been hypothesized, including direct cytopathic viral effects on the myocardium, endothelial damage and hypercoagulability. This spectrum of disease can occur during the acute phase of the infection, but also months after recovery. This review is focussed on the CV complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with particular interest in their implications for the CKD population.

SGLT2i for evidence-based cardiorenal protection in diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease: a comprehensive review by EURECA-m and ERBP working groups of ERA

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue affecting an estimated 850 million people globally. The leading causes of CKD is diabetes and hypertension, which together account for >50% of patients with end-stage kidney disease. Progressive CKD leads to the requirement for kidney replacement therapy with transplantation or dialysis. In addition, CKD, is a risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease, particularly from structural heart disease and heart failure (HF). Until 2015, the mainstay of treatment to slow progression of both diabetic and many non-diabetic kidney diseases was blood pressure control and renin-angiotensin system inhibition; however, neither angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) nor angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) reduced cardiovascular events and mortality in major trials in CKD. The emergence of cardiovascular and renal benefits observed with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) from clinical trials of their use as anti-hyperglycaemic agents has led to a revolution in cardiorenal protection for patients with diabetes. Subsequent clinical trials, notably DAPA-HF, EMPEROR, CREDENCE, DAPA-CKD and EMPA-KIDNEY have demonstrated their benefits in reducing risk of HF and progression to kidney failure in patients with HF and/or CKD. The cardiorenal benefits-on a relative scale-appear similar in patients with or without diabetes. Specialty societies' guidelines are continually adapting as trial data emerges to support increasingly wide use of SGLT2i. This consensus paper from EURECA-m and ERBP highlights the latest evidence and summarizes the guidelines for use of SGLT2i for cardiorenal protection focusing on benefits observed relevant to people with CKD.

Coronary microcirculation and left ventricular diastolic function but not myocardial deformation indices are impaired early in patients with chronic kidney disease

AIM

To investigate abnormalities in myocardial strain and classic echocardiographic indices and coronary flow reserve (CFR), in younger versus older CKD patients.

METHODS

Sixty consecutive CKD patients (<60 years old n = 30, ≥60 years old n = 30) and 30 healthy controls (age- and gender-matched with younger CKD patients) were recruited. An echocardiographic assessment including myocardial strain indices (i.e. global longitudinal strain -GLS -, TWIST, UNTWIST rate) was performed at baseline and following dipyridamole administration in all participants.

RESULTS

Younger CKD patients had higher E/e', left ventricular mass index and relative wall thickness and lower E' (p < .005 for all) compared to healthy controls. Older CKD patients had lower E/A and E' (p < .05 for both) compared to younger CKD patients; these differences did not remain significant after adjustment for age. CFR was higher in healthy controls compared to younger and older CKD patients (p < .05 for both) without a significant difference between CKD groups. There were no significant differences in GLS, TWIST or UNTWIST values among the three groups of patients. Dipyridamole-induced changes did not differ significantly among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to healthy controls, impaired coronary microcirculation and left ventricular diastolic function, but not myocardial strain abnormalities, are found in young CKD patients and deteriorate with aging.

Lower serum magnesium is a predictor of left ventricular hypertrophy in patients on dialysis

PURPOSE

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) represents one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. Low serum magnesium Mg is related with increased mortality in general and dialysis population. Aim of our study was to evaluate the association of Mg with LVH and cardiac geometry in dialysis patients.

METHODS

Hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients from nine nephrology departments were included. Echocardiographic LVH was defined by LV mass index > 95 g/m² in women and > 115 g/m² in men. Four LV geometric patterns were defined: normal, concentric remodeling, eccentric LVH and concentric LVH. Demographic and laboratory data were collected.

RESULTS

133 patients (68 HD, 65 PD) with a median age of 63 years (IQR 52-74) were studied. Mg correlated positively with creatinine, HDL and negatively with CRP levels and BMI. There were no significant differences in Mg between the modality groups. 80 patients presented LVH (43 HD and 37 PD patients). Patients with LVH were older (median age 68 vs 55 years, p < 0.001), with higher BMI (median 26.9 vs 24.7 kg/m², p = 0.009), had a history of PVD or CAD (55% vs 30.2%, p = 0.003), had higher pulse pressure (median 60 vs 50, p = 0.017), MIS score (median 5 vs 4, p = 0.011), lower albumin (median 3.5 vs 3.8 g/dl, p = 0.011) and Mg levels (median 2.1 vs 2.4 mg/dl, p < 0.001). In univariate analysis age, CVD comorbidities, pulse pressure, CRP, BMI, albumin, Mg, MIS and use of b-blockers or calcium blockers were LVH predictors. In multivariate analysis, Mg was an independent predictor of LVH, adjusted for age, MIS and b-blockers. Considering LV geometry, lower Mg levels were mainly correlated with concentric LVH.

CONCLUSION

Low serum magnesium levels seem to be an independent factor for LVH in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists for nephroprotection and cardioprotection in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) develops in ∼40% of patients with diabetes and is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Patients with CKD, especially those with diabetes mellitus, are at high risk of both developing kidney failure and cardiovascular (CV) death. The use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers to reduce the incidence of kidney failure in patients with DKD dates back to studies that are now ≥20 years old. During the last few years, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have shown beneficial renal effects in randomized trials. However, even in response to combined treatment with RAS blockers and SGLT2is, the renal residual risk remains high with kidney failure only deferred, but not avoided. The risk of CV death also remains high even with optimal current treatment. Steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) reduce albuminuria and surrogate markers of CV disease in patients already on optimal therapy. However, their use has been curtailed by the significant risk of hyperkalaemia. In the FInerenone in reducing kiDnEy faiLure and dIsease prOgression in DKD (FIDELIO-DKD) study comparing the actions of the non-steroidal MRA finerenone with placebo, finerenone reduced the progression of DKD and the incidence of CV events, with a relatively safe adverse event profile. This document presents in detail the available evidence on the cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects of MRAs, analyses the potential mechanisms involved and discusses their potential future place in the treatment of patients with diabetic CKD.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with a More Favorable Left Ventricular Geometry in Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease

Introduction. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet (MD) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and cardiac geometry in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis (CKD-5D), given the high prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity in this population. Methods. n = 127 (77 men and 50 women) CKD-5D patients (69 on hemodialysis and 58 on peritoneal dialysis) with a mean age of 62 ± 15 years were studied. An MD adherence score (MDS) (range 0−55, 55 representing maximal adherence) was estimated with a validated method. Echocardiographic LVH was defined by LV mass index (LVMI) > 95 g/m2 in women and >115 g/m2 in men. Based on LVMI and relative wall thickness (RWT), four LV geometric patterns were defined: normal (normal LVMI and RWT), concentric remodeling (normal LVMI and increased RWT > 0.42), eccentric LVH (increased LVMI and normal RWT), and concentric LVH (increased LVMI and RWT). Results. Patients with LVH (n = 81) as compared to patients with no LVH (n = 46) were older in age (66 ± 13 vs. 55 ± 16 years; p < 0.001) had lower MDS (24 ± 2.7 vs. 25 ± 4.3; p < 0.05) and higher malnutrition-inflammation score (5.0 ± 2.7 vs. 3.9 ± 1.9; p < 0.05), body mass index (27.5 ± 4.9 vs. 24.1 ± 3.5 kg/m2; p < 0.001), prevalence of diabetes (79% vs. 20%; p < 0.05), coronary artery disease (78% vs. 20%; p < 0.05) and peripheral vascular disease (78% vs. 20%; p < 0.01). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for all factors mentioned above, each 1-point greater MDS was associated with 18% lower odds of having LVH (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69−0.98; p < 0.05). MDS was inversely related to LVMI (r = −0.273; p = 0.02), and in a multiple linear regression model (where LVMI was analyzed as a continuous variable), MDS emerged as a significant (Β = −2.217; p < 0.01) independent predictor of LVH. Considering LV geometry, there was a progressive decrease in MDS from the normal group (25.0 ± 3.7) to concentric remodeling (25.8 ± 3.0), eccentric (24.0 ± 2.8), and then concentric (23.6 ± 2.7) group (p < 0.05 for the trend). Conclusions. The greater adherence to an MD is associated with lesser LVH, an important cardiovascular disease risk factor; MD preserves normal cardiac geometry and may confer protection against future cardiac dysfunction in dialysis patients.

MO429: The Association of Circulating Monocytes Subsets, NK Cells and Lymphocyte Subpopulations With Conventional and Novel Deformation Indices of Left Ventricular Function in CKD Patients With No Established Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely interrelated. Adverse immune responses have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both CVD and CKD [1, 2]. Monocyte subsets are key in atherogenesis and the inflammatory cascade occurring in heart failure [1, 2]. Likewise, the role of lymphocyte subpopulations including natural killer (NK) cells and CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the modulation of inflammation and immunity and subsequent cardiovascular implications have received increasing attention [2]. The implication of immune cells subsets in the abnormal myocardial remodeling as universally occurs in CKD patients even without overt CVD, remains to be clarified [3]. The aim of our study was to investigate potential correlations between blood levels of specific immune cells subsets with conventional and novel deformation-related indices of LV function in a cohort of patients with CKD without established CVD.

METHOD

A total of 35 stable CKD patients (mean age 66 ±12.2 years, 57% males, 20% diabetics) without established CVD were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included the history of malignancy, autoimmune disease and active or chronic infections. The peripheral blood immune cell subsets CD14++CD16-, CD14++CD16 + and CD14 + CD16++ percentage and absolute number of cells out of the total monocytes and NK cells (CD3 + CD16 + 56+), CD3-CD19 + B lymphocytes, CD3 + CD4 + T cells, CD3 + CD8 + T cells and Tregs (CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3+) absolute values and percentage out of the total lymphocytes were measured by flow cytometry. Simultaneously, conventional [left atrial volume index (LAVI), LV mass index (LVMI), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), E/E’] and novel 2D speckle tracking (2DST) echocardiographic indices of LV function [global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), TWIST and UNTWIST] were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 28 ±15 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD-EPI) and the mean 24-h proteinuria was 2457 ±2399 mg. The percentage of total blood lymphocytes, as well as both percentage and absolute counts of CD4 + T-cells, were positively correlated with the eGFR (P &lt; 0.05 and &lt; 0.01 respectively) whereas. In addition, both NK cells percentage (P &lt; 0.05) and absolute values (P &lt; 0.01) showed a negative association with proteinuria. Regarding classical indices of LV function, NK counts were negatively associated with LVEDV (P &lt; 0.05). An increased percentage of intermediate CD14++CD16 + monocytes was positively associated with the GRS (P &lt; 0.005). Furthermore, the percentage of T-cells and CD8 + T-cells were positively associated with LV TWIST whereas a positive association was found between the percentage of CD8 + T-cells and more negative values of LV UNTWIST (P &lt; 0.05). No specific significant correlations were observed between the rest immune cells subpopulations with either the classical or the novel indices of LV dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study suggest that alterations of immune cells subsets correlate with subclinical markers of LV dysfunction in CKD patients without established CVD. The significance of the implication of the cellular arm of the immune system in the pathophysiological pathways of specific CVD phenotypes in CKD and the utility of immune cells subsets as tools to identify CKD patients who are at the highest risk for developing complications shall be elucidated by future research.

MO710: Longitudinal Effects of Different Biocompatible Peritoneal Solutions on Membrane Function

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Peritoneal biocompatible dialysates (low GDPs, neutral pH) seem to sustain more steady peritoneal membrane characteristics compared to conventional ones. However, various brand biocompatible dialysates have different composition (e.g. in lactate concentration) and there is no published study comparing their effects on membrane characteristics in long peritoneal dialysis (PD). Our PD unit has been using solely two brands of biocompatible dialysates (Balance, Fresenius© and Physioneal, Baxter©) since 2000. The aim of our study was to compare longitudinal data on peritoneal membrane function between these two different brand solutions

METHOD

Membrane characteristics were assessed by uni-peritoneal equilibration test (uni-PET, a combination of modified and mini PET), which is performed at least annually on every patient. Patients with no less than two PETs were included. We estimated dialysate to plasma (D/P) creatinine, ultrafiltration (UF) at 4 h, sodium seiving expressed as Dip/DPNa = [(dialysate sodium time 0/plasma sodium)–(dialysate sodium time 1 h/plasma sodium)], sodium removal (in 1 h) and free water transport (FWT). We collected clinical and lab data of the patients too.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients (age 61.1 ± 15.1 years) were included—38 patients on Balance and 47 on Physioneal. The main characteristics of the patients are shown in Τable 1. Baseline membrane characteristics presented no differences between the two groups (D/Pcre 0.75 ± 0.125 versus 0.745 ± 0.11, P = 0.71—UF 660 ± 285 mL versus 651 ± 252 mL, P = 0.86—DipDPNA 0.05 ± 0.03 versus 0.047 ± 0.046 P = 0.54—sodium removal 30 (15.7, 42.3) mEq versus 38 (17.3, 46)mEq, P = 0.31—FWT 149 ± 85 mL versus 140 ± 109 mL, P = 0.69).

The patients were followed up for a median of 36 months (range 2.4–143). A total of 219 PETs were performed. Analysis for repeated PET tests was performed by using generalized linear regression models. The membrane characteristics (D/Pcre, Dip/DPNa, FWT and UF) of both groups remained stable longitudinally and overall no differences between the two different solutions were observed (Fig. 1). Only at the fourth year of follow-up, patients on Balance solutions had lower D/Pcre compared to Physioneal (0.62 versus 0.72, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Different biocompatible solutions had no differences on peritoneal membrane characteristics longitudinally.

MO891: Poor Tolerability of the Standard, Extended, 48h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Haemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), extended to 44h or 48h for the diagnosis of hypertension in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients, is recommended by Consensus Documents of the American Society of Nephrology and the European Renal Association. About 10%–20% of individuals in the general population report sleeping problems and other symptoms during 24 h ABPM. Because the longer recording period (44 or 48 h versus 24 h), the notorious sleeping disturbances and the high symptom burden of the ESKD population, the feasibility of the technique may be limited in this population. However, the large-scale tolerability of ABPM in the haemodialysis population, has never been investigated.

METHOD

We performed an international survey of feasibility and tolerability of 48 h ABPM in six centres in three European countries. These centres are led by motivated clinical nephrologists, all members of the EURECA-m working group. 48 h ABPM recording was proposed to a large, representative sample of the whole dialysis population of these centres. Well validated instruments (AAMI/ESH/ISO) were applied in all centres. As recommended by the European Society of Hypertension guidelines, recordings were made at 15-min intervals during the day and 30 min during the night. Reasons for refusal to undergo the test were accurately registered. A tolerability (symptoms) questionnaire and a specific questionnaire for sleep evaluation were administered to all participants who underwent 48h ABPM. Reasons for not completing of the ABPM monitoring were systematically recorded.

RESULTS

In the whole haemodialysis population of participating centres including 735 patients, 440 (60%) were invited to participate in the study. Among these patients, 119 (27%) refused to undergo ABPM recording. Reasons for refusal were fear of discomfort (n = 30, 25%), measurement too long (n = 22, 18%), logistic problems (n = 17, 14%), previous negative experience (n = 13, 11%), clinical reasons (n = 12, 10%), other reasons (n = 25). Among the 321 patients who performed the 48h ABPM recording, 29 (9%) did not complete it and the main reason for interrupting the recording were discomfort [12 patients (41%)], followed by device failure [10 patients (34%)]. Among symptoms developed during the ABPM study, frequent interruption of sleeping because of noise or discomfort was reported by 32% of patients, followed by itching (24%) and pain during the measurements (20%). The detailed list of symptoms, is reported in the Table 1.

CONCLUSION

Overall, about 25% of haemodialysis patients consider 48h ABPM a laborious and discomforting test and prejudicially refuse to undergo it. Among patients who undergo 48h ABPM, itching and interruption of sleeping are complained by about 1/3 of patients. These figures are substantially higher than those reported in studies in the general population and in hypertensive patients and point to peculiar barriers at applying extended ABPM recordings in the haemodialysis population. Studies applying more tolerable instruments and a minimum set of measurements over a shorter time, with a reduced number of measurements overnight, are clinical research priority for extending the use of ABPM in the haemodialysis population.

The Association of Circulating CD14++CD16+ Monocytes, Natural Killer Cells and Regulatory T Cells Subpopulations With Phenotypes of Cardiovascular Disease in a Cohort of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

The altered expression of immune cells including monocyte subsets, natural killer (NK) cells and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in end-stage kidney disease, affect the modulation of inflammation and immunity with significant clinical implications. The aim of this study was to investigate the profile of specific immune cells subpopulations and their correlations with phenotypes of established cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Materials and Methods: 29 stable PD patients and 13 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Demographic, laboratory, bioimpedance measurements, lung ultrasound and echocardiography data were collected. The peripheral blood immune cell subsets analysis was performed using flow cytometry.

Results: PD patients compared to normal controls had lower total lymphocytes (22.3 ± 6.28 vs. 31.3 ± 5.54%, p = <0.001) and B-lymphocytes (6.39 ± 3.75 vs. 9.72 ± 3.63%, p = 0.01) as well as higher CD14++CD16+ monocytes numbers (9.28 ± 6.36 vs. 4.75 ± 2.75%, p = 0.0002). PD patients with prevalent CAD had NK cells levels elevated above median values (85.7 vs. 40.9%, p = 0.04) and lower B cells counts (3.85 ± 2.46 vs. 7.2 ± 3.77%, p = 0.03). Patients with increased NK cells (>15.4%) had 3.8 times higher risk of CAD comparing with patients with lower NK cell levels (95% CI, 1.86 – 77.87; p = 0.034). B cells were inversely associated with the presence of CAD (increase of B-lymphocyte by 1% was associated with 30% less risk for presence of CAD (95% CI, −0.71 – 0.01; p = 0.05). Overhydrated patients had lower lymphocytes counts (18.3 ± 4.29% vs. 24.7 ± 6.18%, p = 0.006) and increased NK cells [20.5% (14.3, 23.6) vs. 13.21% (6.23, 19.2), p = 0.04)]. In multiple logistic regression analysis the CRP (OR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.00 – 2.05; p = 0.04)] and lymphocytes counts (OR 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63–0.99; p = 0.04)] were associated with the presence of lung comets. Patients with higher NK cells (>15.4%, n = 15) were more likely to be rapid transporters (D/P creatinine 0.76 ± 0.1 vs. 0.69 ± 0.08, p = 0.04). Patients displaying higher Tregs (>1.79%) were older (70.8 ± 10.7 years vs. 57.7 ± 14.7years, p = 0.011) and had higher nPCR (0.83 ± 0.14 vs. 0.91 ± 0.17, p = 0.09).

Conclusion: Future research is required to evaluate the role of immune cells subsets as potential tools to identify patients at the highest risk for complications and guide interventions.

Survival of Peritoneal Membrane Function on Biocompatible Dialysis Solutions in a Peritoneal Dialysis Cohort Assessed by a Novel Test

Background: Longitudinal surveillance of peritoneal membrane function is crucial in defining patients with a risk of ultrafiltration failure. Long PD is associated with increased low molecular weight solute transport and decreased ultrafiltration and free water transport. Classic PET test only provides information about low molecular solute transport, and the vast majority of longitudinal studies are based on this test and include patients using conventional dialysates. Our aim was to prospectively analyze longitudinal data on peritoneal function in patients on biocompatible solutions using a novel test. Methods: Membrane function data were collected based on uni-PET (a combination of modified and mini PET). A total of 85 patients (age 61.1 ± 15.1 years) with at least one test/year were included. Results: The median follow up was 36 months (21.3, 67.2). A total of 219 PETs were performed. One-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that there were no statistically significant differences over time in ultrafiltration, free water transport, ultrafiltration through small pores, sodium removal, D/D0 and D/PCre in repeated PET-tests. Twenty-three tests revealed ultrafiltration failure in 16 (18.8%) patients. Those patients were longer on PD, had higher D/P creatinine ratios, lower ultrafiltration at one hour with lower free water transport and higher urine volume at baseline. Multivariate analysis revealed that the variation of ultrafiltration over repeated PET-tests independently correlated only with D/Pcreatinine, free water transport and ultrafiltration through small pores. Conclusions. Uni-PET is a combination of two tests that provides more information on the function of the membrane compared with PET. Our study on a PD cohort using only biocompatible solutions revealed that function membrane parameters remained stable over a long time. Ultrafiltration failure was correlated with increased D/P creatinine and decreased free water transport and ultrafiltration through small pores.

Hyperkalemia in Chronic Kidney Disease in the New Era of Kidney Protection Therapies

Despite recent therapeutic advances, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the fastest growing global causes of death. This illustrates limitations of current therapeutic approaches and, potentially, unidentified knowledge gaps. For decades, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers have been the mainstay of therapy for CKD. However, they favor the development of hyperkalemia, which is already common in CKD patients due to the CKD-associated decrease in urinary potassium (K⁺) excretion and metabolic acidosis. Hyperkalemia may itself be life-threatening as it may trigger potentially lethal arrhythmia, and additionally may limit the prescription of RAAS blockers and lead to low-K⁺ diets associated to low dietary fiber intake. Indeed, hyperkalemia is associated with adverse kidney, cardiovascular, and survival outcomes. Recently, novel kidney protective therapies, ranging from sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to new mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have shown efficacy in clinical trials. Herein, we review K⁺ pathophysiology and the clinical impact and management of hyperkalemia considering these developments and the availability of the novel K⁺ binders patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, recent results from clinical trials targeting metabolic acidosis (sodium bicarbonate, veverimer), and an increasing understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease.

Arterial Stiffness, Cognitive Dysfunction and Adherence to Antihypertensive Agents. Is there a Link to Hypertensive Patients?

The incidence of hypertension (HTN) and its cardiovascular (CV) complications are increasing throughout the world. Blood pressure (BP) control remains unsatisfactory worldwide. Medical inertia and poor adherence to treatment are among the factors that can partially explain, why BP control rate remains low. The introduction of a method for measuring the degree of adherence to a given medication is now a prerequisite. Complex treatment regimes, inadequate tolerance and frequent replacements of pharmaceutical formulations are the most common causes of poor adherence. In contrast, the use of stable combinations of antihypertensive drugs leads to improved patient adherence. We aim to review the relationships between arterial stiffness, cognitive function and adherence to medication in patients with HTN. Large artery stiffening can lead to HTN. In turn, arterial stiffness induced by HTN is associated with an increased CV and stroke risk. In addition, HTN can induce disorders of brain microcirculation resulting in cognitive dysfunction. Interestingly, memory cognitive dysfunction leads to a reduced adherence to drug treatment. Compliance with antihypertensive treatment improves BP control and arterial stiffness indices. Early treatment of arterial stiffness is strongly recommended for enhanced cognitive function and increased adherence.

Adherence to Treatment, Arterial Stiffness and Cognitive Function in Irbesartan- Treated Newly Diagnosed Hypertensive Patients

OBJECTIVE

Non-adherence to antihypertensive agents leads to reduced blood pressure (BP) control. Data supporting the correlation of adherence with arterial stiffness (AS) are few. Furthermore, the causal relationship between AS and cognitive dysfunction (CO/DY) has not been clearly established. It is suggested that angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) exhibit the lowest discontinuation rate among antihypertensive drugs.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We followed up with patients receiving monotherapy with irbesartan. CO/DY was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MΜSE) and other tests.

RESULTS

Patients [n=77; mean age: 56±11 years; 39 men (50.6%)] were followed-up for 16.1±10.9 months. At the end of follow up, significant reductions were observed in mean peripheral systolic BP (135±117 vs 153±11 mmHg; p<0.005), mean peripheral diastolic BP (85±11 vs 95±10 mmHg; p<0.005), mean central systolic BP (130±11 vs 142±12 mmHg; p<0.005) as well as in mean central diastolic BP (85±8 vs 95±97 mmHg; p<0.005). AS indices [carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and augmentation index] also improved significantly: 7.7±1.4 vs 8.2±1.4 m/sec (p<0.005), and 29.1±8.3 vs 32.3±9.1 (p<0.005), respectively. At the end of the study, a significant improvement was observed in the MMSE test (29.7±0.7 vs. 29.2±0.9; p<0.02), as well as a significant reduction in 24h urine albumin (94±82 vs. 204±112 mg/24h, p<0.005). The level of adherence was high in 60/77 (77.9%), medium in 9/77 (11.6%) and low in 8/77 (10.38%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Hypertensive patients receiving mono-therapy with an ARB showed reduced AS, cognitive improvement, significant reductions in BP (peripheral and central) and decreased 24h urinary albumin excretion.

Assessment of Hydration Status in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Validity, Prognostic Value, Strengths, and Limitations of Available Techniques

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) suffer from volume overload and this overhydration is associated with increased mortality. Thus, optimal assessment of volume status in PD is an issue of paramount importance. Patient symptoms and physical signs are often unreliable indexes of true hydration status.

SUMMARY

Over the past decades, a quest for a valid, reproducible, and easily applicable technique to assess hydration status is taking place. Among existing techniques, inferior vena cava diameter measurements with echocardiography and natriuretic peptides such as brain natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide were not extensively examined in PD populations; while having certain advantages, their interpretation are complicated by the underlying cardiac status and are not widely available. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) techniques are the most studied tool assessing volume overload in PD. Volume overload assessed with BIA has been associated with technique failure and increased mortality in observational studies, but the results of randomized trials on the value of BIA-based strategies to improve volume-related outcomes are contradictory. Lung ultrasound (US) is a recent technique with the ability to identify volume excess in the critical lung area. Preliminary evidence in PD showed that B-lines from lung US correlate with echocardiographic parameters but not with BIA measurements. This review presents the methods currently used to assess fluid status in PD patients and discusses existing data on their validity, applicability, limitations, and associations with intermediate and hard outcomes in this population. Key Message: No method has proved its value as an intervening tool affecting cardiovascular events, technique, and overall survival in PD patients. As BIA and lung US estimate fluid overload in different compartments of the body, they can be complementary tools for volume status assessment.

P0236COMPARISON OF THE CHARACTERISTICS AND SEVERITY OF RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME AND INSOMNIA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Background and Aims

Symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and on dialysis, affecting up to 25% of patients when the international RLS diagnostic criteria are applied. RLS has been associated with disordered sleep, impaired quality of life, increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality risk in patients with CKD. The aim of our study was to examine the relationship between RLS and the prevalence and severity of insomnia in non-dialysis CKD patients (CKD stage IV and V), in haemodialysis and PD patients, in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) as well as to identify the risk factors independently associated with RLS prevalence and severity in each group.

Method

436 patients were included in the study (152 patients with CKD stage IV and V, 117 haemodialysis patients, 78 PD patients and 89 RTRs). RLS diagnosis was made according to IRLSSG diagnostic criteria. The questions of the IRLSSG Severity Scale were answered. Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was used for the diagnosis of insomnia. Statistical analysis was performed with appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests and regression analysis models.

Results

Applying the IRLSSG criteria for diagnosis, the prevalence of RLS was 17%, 25.9%, 26.5%, 32.1% and 16.9% in patients with CKD stage IV, CKD stage V, hemodialysis patients, PD patients and RTRs respectively. The mean severity of the syndrome was higher in PD patients (14.64), followed by haemodialysis patients (12), CKD stage V patients (11.9), KTRs (11.3) and patients with CKD stage IV patients (10.5). Prevalence of RLS did not significantly differ between groups. CKD patients displayed the lowest presence of insomnia, while PD patients showed the relatively highest presence of insomnia. The mean severity of insomnia differed between the pairs: RTRs vs PD patients, RTRs vs haemodialysis patients and PD patients vs patients with CKD stage IV and V (p &lt;0.05). RLS in all groups correlated with the presence of peripheral neuropathy and female gender. By regression analysis models we found that among CKD patients, presence of RLS independently correlated with number of pregnancies in women, previous cerebrovascular disease, hypothyroidism requiring treatment and antidepressant drugs use, whereas RLS severity independently correlated with the presence of peripheral neuropathy. Regarding hemodialysis patients, presence of RLS independently correlated with body mass index (BMI), female gender, antidepressant drugs use and serum PTH levels. RLS severity in the same group independently correlated only with female gender. Regarding PD patients, RLS presence was independently associated with number of pregnancies in women and left ventricular ejection fraction. RLS severity in the same group was independently associated only with the presence of peripheral arterial disease. Among RTRs, RLS presence independently correlated with female gender and a lower GFR. We were the first to find that presence of RLS was associated with a higher bone mass density and lower levels of 25-OH vitamin D.

Conclusion

The prevalence and severity of RLS and insomnia worsen as kidney function deteriorates in CKD patients, being most burdensome among patients with stage V CKD, haemodialysis and PD patients. The severity of insomnia is especially increased in PD patients. Although the frequency of RLS decreases in KTRs, it still occurs at higher rates compared to the general population. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between RLS and associated risk factors in patients with CKD and following kidney transplantation.

P1149PERITONEAL MEMBRANE CHARACTERISTICS OVER TIME: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Background and Aims

Modified PET (use of 3.86% glucose dialysate instead of 2.27%) and temporal drainage at one hour allows a more complete study of peritoneal membrane transport, as it provides information about sodium sieving, free water transport (FWT) and ultrafiltration failure (UFF). Longitudinal data using this PET are sporadic. Aims of our study were a) longitudinal follow-up of the membrane function using modified PET b) evaluation of UFF and association with clinical and membrane characteristics.

Method

We analyzed all modified PET tests performed in our unit during the last 9 years. Patients who underwent the first test during the first year of treatment and then once a year were included. We estimated classic peritoneal transport parameters like D/P creatinine, D/D0 glucose and ultrafiltration (UF) at 4 hours. Moreover we calculated sodium seiving expressed as Dip/DPNa= (Dialysate sodium time 0/plasma sodium)-(Dialysate sodium time 1 hour/plasma sodium)], sodium removal (in one hour) and FWT. We collected clinical and lab data of the patients too.

Results

A total of 219 PETs were performed in 85 PD patients, (median age 64 years (range 18-45). The baseline membrane characteristics of the patients were: DP creatinine=0.74±0.11, D/D0glucose=0.28±0.08, DipDPNa=0.05±0.04, sodium removal=29,804 ±26,894 (mmol/L), FWT=214.9±194.7 ml and UF =655.1±265.5 ml. On multivariate regression analysis D/P creatinine, FWT and sodium removal were significant independent covariates accounting for 50% of the variability of ultrafiltration . The patients were followed-up for a median of 36 months (range 2.4-143).For the repeated measurements, the analysis showed that the observed values of D/Pcre,D/D0, Dip/DPNa, FWT and UF remained rather stable across the different time measurements. During the study, 23 out of 85 pts developed peritoneal UF failure (UFF). Analysis was performed using univariate random effects logistic time-series models and only D/D0 (OR=0.84, P=0.001), D/P Cre (OR=1.15, p&lt;0.001), urine volume (OR=1.26, p=0.027) and sodium removal (OR=0.99, p=0.003) were significantly associated with relative risk of UFF development.

Conclusion

Surprisingly, our patients present a stable membrane function over time. Possible explanations could be the low peritonitis rate and strict use of hypertonic glucose dialysates. Ultrafiltration failure was correlated with higher D/P creatinine and lower D/D0 glucose values, higher baseline urine volume and lower sodium sieving.

Histological grading in primary membranous nephropathy is essential for clinical management and predicts outcome of patients

Aims

Diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is mainly based on immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry findings. However, assessment of specific features on optical microscopy can help to estimate the severity of the disease, guide treatment and predict the response. The aim of this study was to identify, classify and grade the precise histological findings in PMN to predict renal function outcome and guide treatment.

Methods and results

Histological parameters, including focal segmental sclerosis (FSGS), tubular atrophy (TA), interstitial fibrosis (IF) and vascular hyalinosis (VH), were re‐evaluated in 752 patients with PMN. Their predictive value was estimated separately, and also in a combination score (FSTIV) graded from 0 to 4. Finally, the impact of histology was assessed in the response to immunosuppressive treatment. Mean age of patients was 53.3 (15–85) years and most presented with nephrotic syndrome. FSGS was present in 32% and VH in 51% of the patients, while TA and IF were graded as stage ≥1 in 52% and 51.4%, respectively. The follow‐up period was 122.3 (112–376) months. FSGS, TA and IF and VH were associated with impaired renal function at diagnosis (P = 0.02, P < 0.0001, P = 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively) and at the end of follow‐up (P = 0.004, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.04, respectively). In multiple regression and binary logistic analysis, the presence of FSGS and degree of TA were the most significant parameters predicting renal function outcome, defined either by eGFR (end), FSGS (r = 0.6, P < 0.0001) and TA (r = 0.6, P < 0.0001), or by the endpoint of >50% eGFR reduction, FSGS (P = 0.001) and TA (P = 0.02). Also, patients presented with FSGS, IF, VH and/or with FSTIV > 1 could benefit from immunosuppression, regardless of clinical presentation.

Conclusions

The presence and degree of four histological indices, FSGS, VH, TA and IF, assessed separately or in combination, and FSTIV score not only predict renal function outcome after long‐term follow‐up, but can also help in the choice of appropriate treatment. Decisions concerning immunosuppressive treatment can be guided by pathology regardless of clinical findings.

Immunosuppressive regimens based on Cyclophospamide or Calcineurin inhibitors: Comparison of their effect in the long term outcome of Primary Membranous Nephropathy

INTRODUCTION

Management of the Primary Membranous Nephropathy (PMN) usually involves administration of immunosuppressives. Cyclophosphamide (Cyclo) and Calcineurin Inhibitors (CNIs) are both widely used but only limited data exist to compare their efficacy in long term follow-up.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to estimate and compare long term effects of Cyclo and CNIs in patients with PMN.

PATIENTS-METHODS

Clinical data, histologic findings and long term outcome were retrospectively studied. The response to treatment and rate of relapse was compared between patients treated with CNIs or Cyclo based immunosuppressive regimens.

RESULTS

Twenty three centers participated in the study, with 752 PMN patients (Mean age 53.4(14-87) yrs, M/F 467/285), followed for 10.1±5.7 years. All patients were initially treated with Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System inhibitors (RAASi) for at least 6 months. Based on their response and tolerance to initial treatment, patients were divided into 3 groups, group I with spontaneous remission, who had no further treatment, group II, continued on RAASi only, and group III on RAASi+immunosuppression. Immunosuppressive regimes were mainly based on CNIs or Cyclo. Frequent relapses and failure to treatment were more common between patients who had started on CNIs (n = 381) compared to those initially treated with Cyclo (n = 110), relapse rate: 25.2% vs. 6.4%, p<0.0001, and no response rate: 22.5% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.04, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Long term follow up showed that administration of Cyclo in PMN is followed by better preservation of renal function, increased response rate and less frequent relapses, compared to CNIs.

Is there long-term value of pathology scoring in immunoglobulin A nephropathy? A validation study of the Oxford Classification for IgA Nephropathy (VALIGA) update

Background

It is unknown whether renal pathology lesions in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) correlate with renal outcomes over decades of follow-up.

Methods

In 1130 patients of the original Validation Study of the Oxford Classification for IgA Nephropathy (VALIGA) cohort, we studied the relationship between the MEST score (mesangial hypercellularity, M; endocapillary hypercellularity, E; segmental glomerulosclerosis, S; tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis, T), crescents (C) and other histological lesions with both a combined renal endpoint [50% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) loss or kidney failure] and the rate of eGFR decline over a follow-up period extending to 35 years [median 7 years (interquartile range 4.1–10.8)].

Results

In this extended analysis, M1, S1 and T1–T2 lesions as well as the whole MEST score were independently related with the combined endpoint (P &lt; 0.01), and there was no effect modification by age for these associations, suggesting that they may be valid in children and in adults as well. Only T lesions were associated with the rate of eGFR loss in the whole cohort, whereas C showed this association only in patients not treated with immunosuppression. In separate prognostic analyses, the whole set of pathology lesions provided a gain in discrimination power over the clinical variables alone, which was similar at 5 years (+2.0%) and for the whole follow-up (+1.8%). A similar benefit was observed for risk reclassification analyses (+2.7% and +2.4%).

Conclusion

Long-term follow-up analyses of the VALIGA cohort showed that the independent relationship between kidney biopsy findings and the risk of progression towards kidney failure in IgAN remains unchanged across all age groups and decades after the renal biopsy.

Prevalence and control of hypertension by 48-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in haemodialysis patients: a study by the European Cardiovascular and Renal Medicine (EURECA-m) working group of the ERA-EDTA

Background

Population-specific consensus documents recommend that the diagnosis of hypertension in haemodialysis patients be based on 48-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring. However, until now there is just one study in the USA on the prevalence of hypertension in haemodialysis patients by 44-h recordings. Since there is a knowledge gap on the problem in European countries, we reassessed the problem in the European Cardiovascular and Renal Medicine working group Registry of the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association.

Methods

A total of 396 haemodialysis patients underwent 48-h ABP monitoring during a regular haemodialysis session and the subsequent interdialytic interval. Hypertension was defined as (i) pre-haemodialysis blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive agents and (ii) ABP ≥130/80 mmHg or use of antihypertensive agents.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension by 48-h ABP monitoring was very high (84.3%) and close to that by pre-haemodialysis BP (89.4%) but the agreement of the two techniques was not of the same magnitude (κ statistics = 0.648; P &lt;0.001). In all, 290 participants were receiving antihypertensive treatment. In all, 9.1% of haemodialysis patients were categorized as normotensives, 12.6% had controlled hypertension confirmed by the two BP techniques, while 46.0% had uncontrolled hypertension with both techniques. The prevalence of white coat hypertension was 18.2% and that of masked hypertension 14.1%. Of note, hypertension was confined only to night-time in 22.2% of patients while just 1% of patients had only daytime hypertension. Pre-dialysis BP ≥140/90 mmHg had 76% sensitivity and 54% specificity for the diagnosis of BP ≥130/80 mmHg by 48-h ABP monitoring.

Conclusions

The prevalence of hypertension in haemodialysis patients assessed by 48-h ABP monitoring is very high. Pre-haemodialysis BP poorly reflects the 48 h-ABP burden. About a third of the haemodialysis population has white coat or masked hypertension. These findings add weight to consensus documents supporting the use of ABP monitoring for proper hypertension diagnosis and treatment in this population.

IgA nephropathy in Greece: data from the registry of the Hellenic Society of Nephrology

Background

Natural history, predisposing factors to an unfavourable outcome and the effect of various therapeutic regimens were evaluated in a cohort of 457 patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and follow-up of at least 12 months.

Methods

Patients with normal renal function and proteinuria <1 g/24 h as well as those with serum creatinine (SCr) >2.5 mg/dL and/or severe glomerulosclerosis received no treatment. Patients with normal or impaired renal function and proteinuria >1 g/24 h for >6 months received daily oral prednisolone or a 3-day course of intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone per os every other day or a combination of prednisolone and azathioprine. The clinical outcome was estimated using the primary endpoints of end-stage renal disease and/or doubling of baseline SCr.

Results

The overall 10-year renal survival was 90.8%, while end-stage renal disease and doubling of baseline SCr developed in 9.2% and 14.7% of patients, respectively. Risk factors related to the primary endpoints were elevated baseline SCr, arterial hypertension, persistent proteinuria >0.5 g/24 h and severity of tubulointerstial fibrosis. There was no difference in the clinical outcome of patients treated by the two regimens of corticosteroids; nevertheless, remission of proteinuria was more frequent in patients who received IV methylprednisolone (P = 0.000). The combination of prednisolone with azathioprine was not superior to IV methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone. Side effects related to immunossuppressive drugs were observed in 12.8% of patients.

Conclusion

The clinical outcome of patients with IgAN was related to the severity of clinical and histological involvement. The addition of azathioprine to a corticosteroid-based regimen for IgAN does not improve renal outcome.

The Agreement between Auscultation and Lung Ultrasound in Hemodialysis Patients: The LUST Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Accumulation of fluid in the lung is the most concerning sequela of volume expansion in patients with ESRD. Lung auscultation is recommended to detect and monitor pulmonary congestion, but its reliability in ESRD is unknown.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

In a subproject of the ongoing Lung Water by Ultra-Sound Guided Treatment to Prevent Death and Cardiovascular Complications in High Risk ESRD Patients with Cardiomyopathy Trial, we compared a lung ultrasound-guided ultrafiltration prescription policy versus standard care in high-risk patients on hemodialysis. The reliability of peripheral edema was tested as well. This study was on the basis of 1106 pre- and postdialysis lung ultrasound studies (in 79 patients) simultaneous with standardized lung auscultation (crackles at the lung bases) and quantification of peripheral edema.

RESULTS

Lung congestion by crackles, edema, or a combination thereof poorly reflected the severity of congestion as detected by ultrasound B lines in various analyses, including standard regression analysis weighting for repeated measures in individual patients (shared variance of 12% and 4% for crackles and edema, respectively) and κ-statistics (κ ranging from 0.00 to 0.16). In general, auscultation had very low discriminatory power for the diagnosis of mild (area under the receiver operating curve =0.61), moderate (area under the receiver operating curve =0.65), and severe (area under the receiver operating curve =0.68) lung congestion, and the same was true for peripheral edema (receiver operating curve =0.56 or lower) and the combination of the two physical signs.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung crackles, either alone or combined with peripheral edema, very poorly reflect interstitial lung edema in patients with ESRD. These findings reinforce the rationale underlying the Lung Water by Ultra-Sound Guided Treatment to Prevent Death and Cardiovascular Complications in High Risk ESRD Patients with Cardiomyopathy Trial, a trial adopting ultrasound B lines as an instrument to guide interventions aimed at mitigating lung congestion in high-risk patients on hemodialysis.

"Diabetic nephropathy" in a non-diabetic patient

Kimmelstiel and Wilson originally described nodular glomerulosclerosis as the pathognomonic lesion of diabetic nephropathy. Nevertheless, nodular glomerulosclerosis pattern can rarely occur in non-diabetic patients. In such cases, the differential diagnosis includes membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, light or heavy chain deposition disease, amyloidosis, fibrillary and immunotactoid glomerulonephritis and chronic hypoxic or ischemic conditions. In cases that the above entities cannot be proven, the term idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis is given. Here, we report a case of a male patient with renal failure stage IV and non-nephrotic range proteinuria. He had a history of heavy smoking and hypertension. The kidney biopsy revealed diabetic-like lesions. However, there was no evidence of glucose impairment despite the thorough work-up at the biopsy time and thereafter. The laboratory data and the electron microscopy of the specimen could not prove any other cause of nodular glomerulosclerosis, and the final diagnosis was idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis. Moreover, we focus on the pathological differential diagnosis and work-up.

THE IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS ON QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN GREECE

BACKGROUND

Quality of Life (QoL) is often poor in people undergoing dialysis and this sometimes contributes to the high rate of morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study is to assess the QoL of patients on haemodialysis in Greece and discuss the socio-demographic factors that affect QoL in this period of financial crisis.

DESIGN/PATIENTS

Patients with CKD not on dialysis, plus those undergoing Haemodialysis (HD) and Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) were invited to complete the SF-36 questionnaire electronically, supervised by a trained nurse. Patients were asked about their marital status, education level and monthly household income. Additionally, patients were requested to comment on their subjective financial difficulties.

RESULTS

A total of 172 patients were enrolled in the study, 39 of them were undergoing PD, 90 on HD and 43 had CKD. Among those with CKD, on HD and PD, 9.3%, 17.8% and 23.1%, respectively, had 'some/a lot' difficulties in copying with financial problems. The physical component summary score was significant lower in HD, while the summary score of the mental component showed no differences between the groups. In multiple linear regression analysis, age and dialysis had significantly negative correlations with physical functioning scores. Those who were divorced or widowed tended to perform worse in physical scores compared with those who were married. Mental scores were affected only by coping with financial difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS

In general terms, people with CKD patients present with a poor QoL. Apart from the burden of the renal disease per se, social and economic factors (divorce, financial difficulties) seem to aggravate their status, especially in this period of financial crisis.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: a noteworthy syndrome in end-stage renal disease patients

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiologic entity characterized by headache, visual disturbances, seizures, and the presence of edema on MRI scan, predominantly in the posterior white matter. Regarding end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and PRES, only a few cases of children on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and adults on hemodialysis have been described in the literature.

CASES

We report 4 cases of adult patients on PD who presented with PRES, all of which were due to hypertension and inadequate management of fluid balance. The patients expressed typical PRES symptoms such as headache, visual disorders, and tonic/clonic seizures. The patients recovered completely and the MRI lesions disappeared after strict control of volume status.

CONCLUSION

Nephrologists should be aware of the syndrome, especially when they manage hypertensive ESRD patients not compliant with the fluid and diet restrictions. MRI scan is the only diagnostic tool for defining the syndrome. Early diagnosis is important, since complete remission is achieved after appropriate treatment.

Risk factors for cognitive dysfunction in CKD and hypertensive subjects

PURPOSE

Cognitive dysfunction (CO/DY) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients has long been recognized. Hypertension is also associated with CO/DY. The study describes associated factors with CO/DY in CKD patients compared to hypertensive subjects.

METHODS

Ninety-six hypertensive subjects without CKD, 19 patients with CKD stages I-II, 33 with CKD III, 42 with CKD stage IV, 33 on hemodialysis (HD) and 33 on peritoneal dialysis (PD) were included in our study. Cognitive impairment measured by MMSE, clock-drawing test and IADL was considered as primary outcome.

RESULTS

In all groups tested, age was significantly associated with CO/DY by almost all cognitive function tests. Among CKD patients, CKD stage and DM were significantly associated with CO/DY by all three cognitive function tests. PTH levels were also associated with CO/DY by MMSE and clock-drawing tests. In hypertensives, pulse pressure (PP) was associated with CO/DY by clock-drawing and IADL tests, while those receiving CCBs as monotherapy were less likely to have CO/DY by IADL test. For dialysis patients, DM was significantly related to CO/DY by MMSE and clock-drawing tests. In the same group of patients Hb <11 g/dl was significantly correlated with CO/DY by MMSE, dialysis modality and Kt/V >1.2 by IADL test. PD patients were less likely to present with CO/DY by clock-drawing test.

CONCLUSIONS

In every CKD stage, the risk of CO/DY increased significantly. Low Hb levels (Hb <11 g/dl) and increased serum PTH levels were associated with CO/DY while DM plays also a significant role in cognitive function deterioration. Among hypertensive subjects, those with PP ≤60 mmHg or receiving CCBs showed a better executive function.

Optimal medical management in patients with renovascular hypertension

Renovascular hypertension refers to the rise of arterial pressure due to reduced perfusion of the kidney caused by the stenotic renal artery/ies. The most common cause of stenotic renal artery is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic renal stenosis is usually part of a systemic syndrome that involves hypertension, intrinsic renal damage, and cardiovascular morbidity. So far, large trials have not proven the superiority of interventional therapies to medical management. As a result, renal artery stenosis should be treated mainly as a coronary artery disease equivalent focusing on rigorous management of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Antihypertensive treatment should include renin-angiotensin system blockade medication in most cases, while HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) can be used even in chronic kidney disease with safety. Lifestyle modifications, such as cessation of smoking, and antiplatelet therapy have reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients.

Peritoneal dialysis and cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular (CV) death is the most frequent cause of dying in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Risk factors include not only those that can be present in the general population, but also those related to the presence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and factors that are specific for PD modality. Hypertension is the most important general risk factor in PD patients, while obesity remains controversial. Inflammation, malnutrition, calcifications and probably endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress are all CV risk factors present in ESRD that contribute to mortality in PD patients. Additional CV risk factors in PD are related to the glucose load, leading to increasing insulin resistance and a more atherogenic lipid profile. The presence of glucose degradation products in conventional dialysis solutions is mainly related to the development of peritoneal abnormalities, but not directly to cardiovascular disease. Loss of residual renal function and ultrafiltration failure promote overhydration, which is the most important PD-related risk factor for CV disease.