Association between stopping renin-angiotensin system inhibitors immediately before hemodialysis initiation and subsequent cardiovascular events

It is controversial whether renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) should be stopped in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, it was reported that stopping RASIs in advanced CKD was associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular (CV) events; however, it remains unclear whether stopping RASIs before dialysis initiation affects clinical outcomes after dialysis, which this study aimed to evaluate. In this multicenter prospective cohort study in Japan, we included 717 patients (mean age, 67 years; 68% male) who had a nephrology care duration ≥90 days, initiated hemodialysis, and used RASIs 3 months before hemodialysis initiation. The multivariable adjusted Cox models were used to compare mortality and CV event risk between 650 (91%) patients who continued RASIs until hemodialysis initiation and 67 (9.3%) patients who stopped RASIs. During a median follow-up period of 3.5 years, 170 (24%) patients died and 228 (32%) experienced CV events. Compared with continuing RASIs, stopping RASIs was unassociated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50-1.34) but was associated with higher CV events (aHR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.06-2.38). Subgroup analyses showed that the risk of stopping RASIs for CV events was particularly high in patients aged <75 years, with a significant interaction between stopping RASIs and age. This study revealed that patients who stopped RASIs immediately before dialysis initiation were associated with subsequent higher CV events. Active screening for CV disease may be especially beneficial for these patients.

Analysis of risk factors for abdominal aortic calcification in dialysis patients and its influence on long-term recovery

This study investigated the risk factors of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the effects of AAC and different dialysis methods on the 3-year survival rate of patients with stage 5 CKD. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on stage 5 CKD patients who received dialysis treatment. The general data were collected, and all fasting venous blood samples were harvested before the first dialysis to detect biochemical markers. The AAC was evaluated by lateral abdominal X-ray. The patients were followed up with a cut-off date of March 31, 2022, with all-cause mortality as the endpoint event. A total of 205 patients were included. multivariable Cox regression analysis confirmed that AAC (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.173, 95% CI 1.029-4.588, p = 0.042), advanced age (HR = 1.061, 95% CI 1.031-1.093, p < 0.001), duration of dialysis (HR = 1.015, 95% CI 1.007-1.032, p < 0.001), diabetes (HR = 3.966, 95% CI 2.164-7.269, p < 0.001), and hypertension (HR = 1.897, 95% CI 1.089-3.303, p = 0.024) were independent risk factors for 3-year mortality. However, peritoneal dialysis (HR = 0.366, 95% CI 0.165-0.812, p = 0.013), high albumin (HR = 0.882, 95% CI 0.819-0.950, p = 0.001), and high hemoglobin (HR = 0.969, 95% CI 0.942-0.997, p = 0.031) were protective factors for 3-year mortality in stage 5 CKD patients. Increased age, long-term dialysis, high level of intact parathyroid hormone, diabetes, and hypertension are closely related to the occurrence of AAC in patients with stage 5 CKD. In addition, AAC is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with stage 5 CKD.

[Pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease in hemodialysis patients: a survey in French nephrologists]

Background

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is common in hemodialysis patients and severely impairs their quality of life, but the practices of nephrologists remain poorly known.

Methods

The objective of this on-line survey was to describe the management of CKD-aP in French nephrologists affiliated with the French-speaking Society of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation (SFNDT) and involved in hemodialysis.

Results

In total, 122 questionnaires were completed and 100 were usable. Nephrologists reported they personally managed a median of 52 patients; they estimated that the CKD-aP prevalence in their hemodialysis patients was a median of 10% (IQR, 6.3-17.2); 6% of nephrologists reported not following any patient with CKD-aP. In case of CKD-aP, the first-intention intervention was the evaluation of phosphocalcic metabolism (53.5%) and verification of dialysis adequacy (52%). For moderate-to-severe CKD-aP, the first-line prescription was topical therapy (71.3%), antihistamine (23.2%) and membrane change (15.9%). Patients were referred to a dermatologist mainly in case of treatment failure (86.9%) or scratching lesions (40.4%). Available treatments were considered ineffective for 50.5% of nephrologists, partially effective for 45.5% and effective for only 4%.

Conclusion

These results show that according to the opinion of nephrologists, the pruritus prevalence is low in dialysis patients. This is inconsistent with studies based on systematic patient interviews, thus suggesting that pruritus is a symptom overlooked by nephrologists. In the context of the arrival of a new drug for pruritus, patients should be more questioned about this symptom in order to propose this treatment.

Nationwide in-hospital mortality and morbidity analysis of COVID-19 in advanced chronic kidney disease, dialysis and kidney transplant recipients

Background

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and kidney transplants (KT) are at an elevated risk for COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality. A comprehensive comparison of morbidity and mortality between these populations with kidney disease and individuals without any kidney disease is lacking.

Methods

We analysed the 2020 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for non-elective adult COVID-19 hospitalizations, categorizing patients into advanced CKD, ESKD, KT, and kidney disease-free cohorts. Our analysis included a description of the distribution of comorbidities across the entire spectrum of CKD, ESKD, and KT. Additionally, we investigated in-hospital mortality, morbidity, and resource utilization, adjusting for potential confounders through multivariable regression models.

Results

The study included 1,018,915 adults hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2020. The incidence of advanced CKD, ESKD, and KT in this cohort was 5.8%, 3.8%, and 0.4%, respectively. Patients with advanced CKD, ESKD, and KT exhibited higher multimorbidity burdens, with 90.3%, 91.0%, and 75.2% of patients in each group having a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) equal to or greater than 3. The all-cause in-hospital mortality ranged from 9.3% in kidney disease-free patients to 20.6% in advanced CKD, 19.4% in ESKD, and 12.4% in KT patients. After adjusting for potential confounders at both the patient and hospital levels, CKD stages 3-5; ESKD; and KT were found to be associated with increased odds of mortality, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 1.34, 1.80, 2.66, 1.97, and 1.69, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with advanced CKD, ESKD, or KT demonstrated a higher burden of comorbidities and increased mortality rates compared to those without kidney disease. After adjusting for confounders, CKD stages 3-5; ESKD; and KT were identified as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality, illustrating a dose-response relationship between the odds of mortality and adverse outcomes as CKD progressed from stages 3 to 5. Our study highlights the necessity for enhanced management of comorbidities, targeted interventions, and vigorous vaccination efforts to mitigate the risk of adverse outcomes in the vulnerable populations of patients with CKD, ESKD, and KT.

Gaps in Modern Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease Research

Heart failure and chronic kidney disease are common conditions and often coexist. Modern clinical trials are not entirely representative of heart failure patients in the community with respect to age and sex. Despite this, another group of heart failure patients, those with advanced chronic kidney disease, are even less represented in modern clinical trials. This review summarises the evidence for heart failure therapies across age, sex and severity of chronic kidney disease, and outlines the need for further research in these populations.

Association between GLIM-defined malnutrition and hospitalizations in kidney transplant candidates: A post hoc analysis of a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is frequent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has a negative impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The objective of this study was to assess the value of the Global Leadership Initiative for Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria to predict hospitalizations and mortality in candidates to kidney transplant during their first year on the waiting list.

METHODS

This was a post hoc analysis of 368 patients with advanced CKD. The main study variables were malnutrition, according to the GLIM criteria; number of hospital admissions during the first year on the waiting list; and mortality at the end of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and binary logistic regression were performed, adjusting for age, frailty status, handgrip strength, and Charlson Index as potential confounders.

RESULTS

The prevalence of malnutrition was 32.6%. Malnutrition was associated with increased risk of hospitalizations during the first year on the waiting list (odds ratio [OR] = 3.33 [95% CI = 1.34-8.26]), which persisted after adjustment for age and frailty status (adjusted OR = 3.61 [95% CI = 1.38-10.7]), age and handgrip strength (adjusted OR = 3.39 [95% CI = 1.3-8.85]), and age and Charlson Index (adjusted OR = 3.25 [95% CI = 1.29-8.13]).

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria was highly prevalent in patients with CKD and was associated with a threefold increased risk of hospitalizations during the first year on the waiting list; these associations remained significant after adjusting for age, frailty status, handgrip strength, and comorbidities.

Electronic Phenotype for Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease in a Veteran Health Care System Clinical Database: Systems-Based Strategy for Model Development and Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Identifying advanced (stages 4 and 5) chronic kidney disease (CKD) cohorts in clinical databases is complicated and often unreliable. Accurately identifying these patients can allow targeting this population for their specialized clinical and research needs.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted as a system-based strategy to identify all prevalent Veterans with advanced CKD for subsequent enrollment in a clinical trial. We aimed to examine the prevalence and accuracy of conventionally used diagnosis codes and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)-based phenotypes for advanced CKD in an electronic health record (EHR) database. We sought to develop a pragmatic EHR phenotype capable of improving the real-time identification of advanced CKD cohorts in a regional Veterans health care system.

METHODS

Using the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure services, we extracted the source cohort of Veterans with advanced CKD based on a combination of the latest eGFR value ≤30 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2 or existing International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 diagnosis codes for advanced CKD (N18.4 and N18.5) in the last 12 months. We estimated the prevalence of advanced CKD using various prior published EHR phenotypes (ie, advanced CKD diagnosis codes, using the latest single eGFR <30 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2, utilizing two eGFR values) and our operational EHR phenotypes of a high-, intermediate-, and low-risk advanced CKD cohort. We evaluated the accuracy of these phenotypes by examining the likelihood of a sustained reduction of eGFR <30 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2 over a 6-month follow-up period.

RESULTS

Of the 133,756 active Veteran enrollees at North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SG VHS), we identified a source cohort of 1759 Veterans with advanced nondialysis CKD. Among these, 1102 (62.9%) Veterans had diagnosis codes for advanced CKD; 1391(79.1%) had the index eGFR <30 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2; and 928 (52.7%), 480 (27.2%), and 315 (17.9%) Veterans had high-, intermediate-, and low-risk advanced CKD, respectively. The prevalence of advanced CKD among Veterans at NF/SG VHS varied between 1% and 1.5% depending on the EHR phenotype. At the 6-month follow-up, the probability of Veterans remaining in the advanced CKD stage was 65.3% in the group defined by the ICD-10 codes and 90% in the groups defined by eGFR values. Based on our phenotype, 94.2% of high-risk, 71% of intermediate-risk, and 16.1% of low-risk groups remained in the advanced CKD category.

CONCLUSIONS

While the prevalence of advanced CKD has limited variation between different EHR phenotypes, the accuracy can be improved by utilizing two eGFR values in a stratified manner. We report the development of a pragmatic EHR-based model to identify advanced CKD within a regional Veterans health care system in real time with a tiered approach that allows targeting the needs of the groups at risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease.

Comprehensive conservative care for the management of advanced chronic kidney disease: overview and perspectives

Comprehensive “conservative care” is defined as any active therapeutic procedure for the management of stage 5 chronic kidney disease without recourse to dialysis. This therapeutic option is discussed in elderly, frail patients whose anticipated life expectancy is reduced with dialysis. The decision for conservative management primarily relies on an informed choice by the patient and his caregivers. This holistic approach, focused on quality of life, requires a multidisciplinary approach. The goals are to slow the progression of kidney disease, prevent complications, anticipate the risks of decompensation, provide support for the patient and his caregivers to maintain the best possible quality of life at home. This article describes the principles of conservative management, highlights various barriers to this care pathway, and proposes potential solutions.

Effect of sodium bicarbonate on cardiovascular outcome and mortality in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

Background: Metabolic acidosis is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Oral sodium bicarbonate is often used to treat metabolic acidosis and prevent CKD progression. However, there is limited information about the effect of sodium bicarbonate on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality in patients with pre-dialysis advanced CKD. Method: 25599 patients with CKD stage V between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2019 were identified from the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD), a multi-institutional electronic medical record database in Taiwan. The exposure was defined as receiving sodium bicarbonate or not. Baseline characteristics were balanced using propensity score weighting between two groups. Primary outcomes were dialysis initiation, all-cause mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke). The risks of dialysis, MACE, and mortality were compared between two groups using Cox proportional hazards models. In addition, we performed analyzes using Fine and Gray sub-distribution hazard models that considered death as a competing risk. Result: Among 25599 patients with CKD stage V, 5084 patients (19.9%) were sodium bicarbonate users while 20515 (80.1%) were sodium bicarbonate non-users. The groups had similar risk of dialysis initiation (hazard ratio (HR): 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-1.02, p < 0.379). However, taking sodium bicarbonate was associated with a significantly lower risks of MACE (HR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98, p < 0.001) and hospitalizations for acute pulmonary edema (HR: 0.92, 95% CI 0.88-0.96, p < 0.001) compared with non-users. The mortality risks were significantly lower in sodium bicarbonate users compared with sodium bicarbonate non-users (HR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.74-0.77, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This cohort study revealed that in real world practice, use of sodium bicarbonate was associated with similar risk of dialysis compared with non-users among patients with advanced CKD stage V. Nonetheless, use of sodium bicarbonate was associated with significantly lower rate of MACE and mortality. Findings reinforce the benefits of sodium bicarbonate therapy in the expanding CKD population. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Characteristics of Patients with Heart Failure and Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (Stages 4-5) Not Undergoing Renal Replacement Therapy (ERCA-IC Study)

BACKGROUND

Despite the frequent coexistence of heart failure (HF) in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), it has been understudied, and little is known about its prevalence and prognostic relevance.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 217 patients with advanced CKD (stages 4 and 5) who did not undergo renal replacement therapy (RRT). The patients were followed up for two years. The primary outcome was all-cause death or the need for RRT.

RESULTS

Forty percent of patients had a history of HF. The mean age was 78.2 ± 8.8 years and the mean eGFR was 18.4 ± 5.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. The presence of previous HF identified a subgroup of high-risk patients with a high prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and was significantly associated with the composite endpoint of all-cause hospitalization or need for RRT (66.7% vs. 53.1%, HR 95% CI 1.62 (1.04-2.52), p = 0.034). No differences were found in the need for RRT (27.6% vs. 32.2%, p = 0.46). Nineteen patients without HF at baseline developed HF during the follow-up and all-cause death was numerically higher (36.8 vs. 19.8%, p = 0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with advanced CKD have a high prevalence of HF. The presence of previous HF identified a high-risk population with a worse prognosis that required close follow-up.

Low Phase Angle Values Are Associated with Malnutrition according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition Criteria in Kidney Transplant Candidates: Preliminary Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy in the FRAILMar Study

Malnutrition has a negative impact on patients with chronic diseases and its early identification is a priority. The primary objective of this diagnostic accuracy study was to assess the performance of the phase angle (PhA), a bioimpedance analysis (BIA)-derived parameter, for malnutrition screening using the Global Leadership Initiative for Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria as the reference standard in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) waiting for kidney transplantation (KT); criteria associated with low PhA in this population were also analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative likelihood ratios, predictive values, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated for PhA (index test) and compared with GLIM criteria (reference standard). Of 63 patients (62.9 years old; 76.2% men), 22 (34.9%) had malnutrition. The PhA threshold with the highest accuracy was ≤4.85° (sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 65.9%, and positive and negative likelihood ratios 2.13 and 0.41, respectively). A PhA ≤ 4.85° was associated with a 3.5-fold higher malnutrition risk (OR = 3.53 (CI95% 1.0-12.1)). Considering the GLIM criteria as the reference standard, a PhA ≤ 4.85° showed only fair validity for detecting malnutrition, and thus cannot be recommended as a stand-alone screening tool in this population.

Integrated Osteoporosis Care to Reduce Denosumab-Associated Hypocalcemia for Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease

The incidence of hypocalcemia is high in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing denosumab treatment. Since 2018, we have carried out a "multidisciplinary integrated care program for osteoporosis among patients with CKD and ESRD" in our hospital. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of denosumab-associated hypocalcemia among patients with advanced CKD and ESRD before and after the integrated care program. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients on their first dose of denosumab treatment from January 2012 to December 2021. A total of 3208 patients were included in our study. Among the 3208 patients, there were 101 dialysis patients, 150 patients with advanced CKD (stage 4 and 5), and 2957 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) higher than or equal to 30. The incidence of post-treatment severe hypocalcemia (corrected calcium level less than 7.0 mg/dl) within 30 days was significantly higher in the dialysis and advanced CKD group than in patients with an eGFR higher than or equal to 30 (6.9% vs. 2.0% vs. 0.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). Based on the results of the multivariate regression model, poor renal function (p < 0.05) and lower baseline corrected calcium level (p < 0.05) were associated with severe hypocalcemia within 30 days following the first dose of denosumab treatment. The incidence of post-treatment severe hypocalcemia within 30 days in advanced CKD and dialysis patients was significantly lower after the integrated care program (6.8% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.05). Our study shows that multidisciplinary integrated care may reduce the incidence rate of denosumab-associated severe hypocalcemia among patients with advanced CKD and ESRD.

Comorbidity and nutritional status in adult with advanced chronic kidney disease influence the decision-making choice of renal replacement therapy modality: A retrospective 5-year study

Background

Nutritional and inflammation status are significant predictors of morbidity and mortality risk in advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD). To date, there are a limited number of clinical studies on the influence of nutritional status in ACKD stages 4-5 on the choice of renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality.

Aim

This study aimed to examine relationships between comorbidity and nutritional and inflammatory status and the decision-making on the choice of RRT modalities in adults with ACKD.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 211 patients with ACKD with stages 4-5 from 2016 to 2021. Comorbidity was assessed using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) according to severity (CCI: ≤ 3 and >3 points). Clinical and nutritional assessment was carried out by prognosis nutritional index (PNI), laboratory parameters [serum s-albumin, s-prealbumin, and C-reactive protein (s-CRP)], and anthropometric measurements. The initial decision-making of the different RRT modalities [(in-center, home-based hemodialysis (HD), and peritoneal dialysis (PD)] as well as the informed therapeutic options (conservative treatment of CKD or pre-dialysis living donor transplantation) were recorded. The sample was classified according to gender, time on follow-up in the ACKD unit (≤ 6 and >6 months), and the initial decision-making of RRT (in-center and home-RRT). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were carried out for evaluating the independent predictors of home-based RRT.

Results

Of the 211 patients with ACKD, 47.4% (n = 100) were in stage 5 CKD, mainly elderly men (65.4%). DM was the main etiology of CKD (22.7%) together with hypertension (96.6%) as a CV risk factor. Higher CCI scores were significantly found in men, and severe comorbidity with a CCI score > 3 points was 99.1%. The mean time of follow-up time in the ACKD unit was 9.6 ± 12.8 months. A significantly higher CCI was found in those patients with a follow-up time > 6 months, as well as higher mean values of eGFR, s-albumin, s-prealbumin, s-transferrin, and hemoglobin, and lower s-CRP than those with a follow-up <6 months (all, at least p < 0.05). The mean PNI score was 38.9 ± 5.5 points, and a PNI score ≤ 39 points was found in 36.5%. S-albumin level > 3.8 g/dl was found in 71.1% (n = 150), and values of s-CRP ≤ 1 mg/dl were 82.9% (n = 175). PEW prevalence was 15.2%. The initial choice of RRT modality was higher in in-center HD (n = 119 patients; 56.4%) than in home-based RRT (n = 81; 40.5%). Patients who chose home-based RRT had significantly lower CCI scores and higher mean values of s-albumin, s-prealbumin, s-transferrin, hemoglobin, and eGFR and lower s-CRP than those who chose in-center RRT (p < 0.001). Logistic regression demonstrated that s-albumin (OR: 0.147) and a follow-up time in the ACKD unit >6 months (OR: 0.440) were significantly associated with the likelihood of decision-making to choose a home-based RRT modality (all, at least p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Regular monitoring and follow-up of sociodemographic factors, comorbidity, and nutritional and inflammatory status in a multidisciplinary ACKD unit significantly influenced decision-making on the choice of RRT modality and outcome in patients with non-dialysis ACKD.

Impact of the Nutrition-Inflammation Status on the Functionality of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Functional capacity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is compromised by their nutrition-inflammation status. We evaluated the functional capacity of advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) patients and the influence of the nutrition-inflammation status. In a cross-sectional study, which included ACKD patients from the nephrology department of the Hospital Universitario de la Princesa in Madrid, Spain, we assessed: functional capacity with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test, interpreting a result <7 in the test as low functionality; body composition with monofrequency bioimpedance; muscular strength with hand grip strength; nutritional and inflammatory status using biochemical parameters and the Malnutrition Inflammation Scale (MIS). A total of 255 patients with ACKD were evaluated, 65.8% were men, their mean age was 70.65 ± 11.97 years and 70.2% of the patients had an age >65 years. The mean score of SPPB was 8.50 ± 2.81 and 76.4% of the patients presented a score ≥7, with a higher percentage in the group of men. The percentage of patients with limitations increased with age. The patients with SPPB values higher than 7 showed high values of albumin and low soluble C-reactive protein (s-CRP) and MIS. We found better functionality in well-nourished patients. A multivariate logistic regression model established an association of high albumin values with a better functional capacity (OR: 0.245 CI: 0.084−0.714 p < 0.010), while another model showed an association between CRP values and decreased functionality (OR: 1.267 CI: 1.007−1.594 p = 0.044). Conclusion: nutritional status and body composition influence on the functional capacity of patients with ACKD.

Steroidal MRA Across the Spectrum of Renal Function: A Pooled Analysis of RCTs

BACKGROUND

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are underused in patients with kidney dysfunction, and their efficacy among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of steroidal MRAs across the spectrum of estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) in randomized controlled trials. The study included patients with heart failure (HF) or myocardial infarction and advanced CKD who participated in the RALES (Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study), EMPHASIS-HF (Eplerenone in Mild Patients Hospitalization and Survival Study in Heart Failure), TOPCAT (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist) in the Americas, and EPHESUS (Eplerenone Post-AMI Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival Study) trials.

METHODS

This study used individual patient data meta-analysis using Cox models stratified by trial with treatment-by-eGFR interaction terms. eGFR was recalculated by using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine formula.

RESULTS

A total of 12,700 patients were included, of whom 331 (2.6%) had an eGFR ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m² (mean eGFR: 26.8 ± 3.2 mL/min/1.73 m²). Patients with advanced CKD had higher annualized event rates for all studied outcomes: placebo event rate for the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization was ∼3-fold higher in patients with eGFR ≤30 compared with those with eGFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m²: 41.6 vs 14.6 events per 100 person-years. MRAs (vs placebo) reduced the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization, but the effect was attenuated as eGFR decreased: the corresponding HRs by eGFR categories were: HR for >90 mL/min/1.73 m²: 0.62 (95% CI: 0.49-0.78); HR for 61-90 mL/min/1.73 m²: 0.69 (95% CI: 0.61-0.77); HR for 46-60 mL/min/1.73 m²: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74-0.95); HR for 31-45 mL/min/1.73 m²: 0.79 (95% CI: 0.68-0.91); and HR for ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m²: 0.96 (95% CI: 0.70-1.32) (treatment-by-eGFR interaction P for trend = 0.033). Investigator-reported hyperkalemia and worsening renal function were more frequent (2- to 3-fold) among MRA users, and hyperkalemia was more frequent as eGFR decreased (treatment-by-eGFR interaction P for trend = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Steroidal MRAs reduced HF hospitalizations and mortality across a wide range of eGFR. However, declining benefit and worsening safety may limit their use in patients with lower eGFR, particularly those with levels ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m².

Nutritional Status, Body Composition, and Inflammation Profile in Older Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 4-5: A Case-Control Study

Nutritional status is a predictor of adverse outcomes and mortality in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD). This study aimed to explore and evaluate risk factors related to nutritional status, body composition, and inflammatory profile in patients with ACKD compared with age- and sex-matched controls in a Mediterranean cohort of the Spanish population. Out of 200 volunteers recruited, 150 participants (64%) were included, and a case-control study was conducted on 75 ACKD patients (stages 4−5), matched individually with controls at a ratio of 1:1 for both age and sex. At enrolment, demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory parameters were measured. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was used to assess both body composition and hydration status. ACKD patients had lower body cell mass (BCM%), muscle mass (MM%) phase angle (PA), s-albumin, and higher C-reactive protein (s-CRP) than controls (at least, p < 0.05). PA correlated positively with BCM% (cases: r = 0.84; controls: r = 0.53, p < 0.001), MM% (cases: r = 0.65; controls: r = 0.31, p < 0.001), and inversely with s-CRP (cases: r = −0.30, p < 0.001; controls: r = −0.31, p = 0.40). By univariate and multivariate conditional regression analysis, total body water (OR: 1.186), extracellular mass (OR: 1.346), s-CRP (OR: 2.050), MM% (OR: 0.847), PA (OR: 0.058), and s-albumin (OR: 0.475) were significantly associated among cases to controls. Nutritional parameters and BIA-derived measures appear as prognostic entities in patients with stage 4−5 ACKD compared to matched controls in this Mediterranean cohort.

The unmet need of evidence-based therapy for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and heart failure: Position paper from the Cardiorenal Working Groups of the Spanish Society of Nephrology and the Spanish Society of Cardiology

Despite the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its high cardiovascular risk, patients with CKD, especially those with advanced CKD (stages 4-5 and patients on kidney replacement therapy), are excluded from most cardiovascular clinical trials. It is particularly relevant in patients with advanced CKD and heart failure (HF) who have been underrepresented in many pivotal randomized trials that have modified the management of HF. For this reason, there is little or no direct evidence for HF therapies in patients with advanced CKD and treatment is extrapolated from patients without CKD or patients with earlier CKD stages. The major consequence of the lack of direct evidence is the under-prescription of HF drugs to this patient population. As patients with advanced CKD and HF represent probably the highest cardiovascular risk population, the exclusion of these patients from HF trials is a serious deontological fault that must be solved. There is an urgent need to generate evidence on how to treat HF in patients with advanced CKD. This article briefly reviews the management challenges posed by HF in patients with CKD and proposes a road map to address them.

U-Shaped Association between Waist-to-Hip Ratio and All-Cause Mortality in Stage 3-5 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Body Mass Index Paradox

The obesity paradox, referring to the association of high body mass index (BMI) with low all-cause mortality risk, is found in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Central obesity is associated with metabolic syndrome and may have better prognostic value than BMI for all-cause mortality. Whether central obesity is associated with all-cause mortality in cases of obesity paradox in CKD patients remains unknown. We included 3262 patients with stage 3–5 CKD, grouped into five quintiles (Q1–5) by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Low WHR and BMI were associated with malnutrition and inflammation. In Cox regression, high BMI was not associated with all-cause mortality, but BMI < 22.5 kg/m² increased the mortality risk. A U-shaped association between central obesity and all-cause mortality was found: WHR Q1, Q4, and Q5 had higher risk for all-cause mortality. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of WHR Q5 and Q1 for all-cause mortality was 1.39 (1.03–1.87) and 1.53 (1.13–2.05) in male and 1.42 (1.02–1.99) and 1.28 (0.88–1.85) in female, respectively. Waist-to-height ratio and conicity index showed similar results. Low WHR or low BMI and high WHR, but not high BMI, are associated with all-cause mortality in advanced CKD.

Advanced CKD Among Adults With Cerebral Palsy: Incidence and Risk Factors

Rationale & Objective

Recent evidence suggests that adults with cerebral palsy have an elevated risk for developing advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). To develop effective interventions, the objective was to identify whether demographics and preexisting medical conditions are risk factors for advanced CKD among adults with cerebral palsy.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting & Participants

Data were from the Optum Clinformatics Data Mart. Adults 18 years or older with cerebral palsy and without advanced CKD (CKD stage 4 or later) were identified from 2013 and subsequently followed up from January 1, 2014, to the development of advanced CKD, death, loss to follow-up, or end of the study period (December 31, 2017), whichever came first. Diagnostic, procedure, and diagnosis-related group codes were used to identify cerebral palsy, incident cases of advanced CKD, comorbid intellectual disability, and 10 preexisting medical conditions.

Exposures

Demographic variables and 10 preexisting medical conditions: CKD stages 1-3, hypertension, diabetes, heart and cerebrovascular disease, non-CKD urologic conditions, bowel conditions, respiratory disease, skeletal fragility, arthritis, and dysphagia.

Outcome

Incidence of advanced CKD.

Analytic Approach

Crude incidence rate (IR) of advanced CKD and IR ratios with 95% CIs were estimated. Cox proportional hazards regression models that were adjusted for demographics, intellectual disability, and preexisting medical conditions were used to evaluate the adjusted independent effect of predictor variables.

Results

237 of the 8,011 adults with cerebral palsy developed advanced CKD during follow-up (IR, 10.16/1,000 person years; 95% CI, 8.87-11.46). In the crude analysis, all preexisting medical conditions were associated with an elevated IR and IR ratio of advanced CKD. In the fully adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model, the HR was elevated for older age, CKD stages 1-3 (HR, 3.32; 95% CI, 2.39-4.61), diabetes (HR, 2.69; 95% CI, 2.03-3.57), hypertension (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, .10-2.16), heart and cerebrovascular disease (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.12-2.07), and non-CKD urologic conditions (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.05-1.84).

Limitations

Private insurance database, short follow-up period, and lack of laboratory values, such as albuminuria/proteinuria.

Conclusions

Advanced CKD was common among adults with cerebral palsy and its development was associated with both traditional and nontraditional urologic risk factors.

Long-Term Effects of Ketoanalogues on Mortality and Renal Outcomes in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Receiving a Low-Protein Diet

The effects of ketoanalogues (KA) supplementation on mortality and progression to dialysis in patients with pre-dialysis stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving a low-protein diet (LPD) remain ambiguous. From Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database during 1996–2011, 165 patients with pre-dialysis CKD on an LPD (0.6 g/kg/day) with KA supplementation were matched with 165 patients with pre-dialysis CKD on an LPD without KA supplementation. Of the 165 patients with advanced CKD receiving KA supplementation, 34 (20.6%) died, and 124 (75.2%) underwent long-term dialysis during the study period. There was no significant difference in mortality between the KA-user group and the KA-nonuser group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68–2.93; p = 0.355). KA supplementation significantly increased long-term dialysis risk (adjusted HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.04–1.90; p = 0.025) and combined outcome risk (defined as long-term dialysis and death; adjusted HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.02–1.83; p = 0.034). KA supplementation also increased long-term dialysis risk (adjusted HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.00–2.20; p = 0.048) in the subgroup of pre-dialysis patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), but not in those patients without DM. In conclusion, KA supplementation might increase long-term dialysis risk in patients with advanced CKD receiving an LPD, but it did not increase mortality.

[Monocentric experience of left atrial appendage occlusion among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and non-valvular atrial fibrillation]

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac disorder among chronic nephropathic patients. Possible therapeutic approaches include the use of anticoagulants, which are able to reduce the risk of thromboembolism but lead to an increasing bleeding risk, especially in this cohort of patients. Also, novel oral anticoagulant agents (NAO), due to their mainly renal clearance, are a relative contraindication in advanced renal disease. As an alternative to the oral anticoagulant therapy, left atrial appendage occlusion seems a promising opportunity in high risk, difficult to manage patients. Since there is limited evidence of LAAO in advanced chronic renal disease or dialysis patients, we report here a monocenter experience on 12 patients (6 of which in regular dialytic treatment) with a median clinical follow-up of fourteen months (3-22 months).

Symptom Burden Clustering in Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 5, experience multiple symptoms that negatively affect the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study examined the cluster of symptoms and their association with disease severity and comorbidities. The study sample included 123 patients with CKD Stage 5; 60 patients were in the dialysis group and 63 patients in the Conservative Kidney Management group. Symptom data were collected using the Spanish modified version of Palliative Care Outcome Scale-Symptoms (POS-S) Renal, a validated questionnaire to assess symptoms in this population. More than half of the patients described weakness, difficulty sleeping, and feeling depressed. Two symptom clusters were identified. There was no significant statistical correlation between disease severity and symptoms and between comorbidities and symptoms. The tendency of these symptoms to occur together has implications for improving symptom management in this population. Routine symptom assessment can be useful in clinical and research settings.

Transition of care from pre-dialysis prelude to renal replacement therapy: the blueprints of emerging research in advanced chronic kidney disease

In patients with advanced (estimated glomerular filtration rate <25 mL/min/1.73 m2) non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) the optimal transition of care to renal replacement therapy (RRT), i.e. dialysis or transplantation, is not known. Mortality and hospitalization risk are extremely high upon transition and in the first months following the transition to dialysis. Major knowledge gaps persist pertaining to differential or individualized transitions across different demographics and clinical measures during the 'prelude' period prior to the transition, particularly in several key areas: (i) the best timing for RRT transition; (ii) the optimal RRT type (dialysis versus transplant), and in the case of dialysis, the best modality (hemodialysis versus peritoneal dialysis), format (in-center versus home), frequency (infrequent versus thrice-weekly versus more frequent) and vascular access preparation; (iii) the post-RRT impact of pre-RRT prelude conditions and events such as blood pressure and glycemic control, acute kidney injury episodes, and management of CKD-specific conditions such as anemia and mineral disorders; and (iv) the impact of the above prelude conditions on end-of-life care and RRT decision-making versus conservative management of CKD. Given the enormous changes occurring in the global CKD healthcare landscape, as well as the high costs of transitioning to dialysis therapy with persistently poor outcomes, there is an urgent need to answer these important questions. This review describes the key concepts and questions related to the emerging field of 'Transition of Care in CKD', systematically defines six main categories of CKD transition, and reviews approaches to data linkage and novel prelude analyses along with clinical applications of these studies.

Decisional Needs Assessment to Help Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Make Better Dialysis Choices

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) face many choices regarding future dialysis modalities. Decision-making is difficult for patients. The objective of this study was to describe the decision-making needs from the perspectives of patients with advanced CKD, professionals, and others involved in the decision. Guided by a shared decision-making model, this qualitative study was conducted using interviews with key informants (17 patients, two peer helpers, and eight health professionals) and a focus group (five nurses). The results revealed evolving decisional needs in five-stage through the decision making journey: 1) Progress toward acceptance of dialysis, 2) Receive information, 3) Take some time for personal reflection, 4) Seek opinion and support of other, and 5) Re-evaluate one's choice. As we anticipate decisional needs, we will be able to develop decision support interventions that are stage-matched.

Predialysis Cardiovascular Disease Medication Adherence and Mortality After Transition to Dialysis

BACKGROUND

Medication nonadherence is a known risk factor for adverse outcomes in the general population. However, little is known about the association of predialysis medication adherence among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and mortality following their transition to dialysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

32,348 US veterans who transitioned to dialysis during 2007 to 2011.

PREDICTORS

Adherence to treatment with cardiovascular drugs, ascertained from pharmacy database records using proportion of days covered (PDC) and persistence during the predialysis year.

OUTCOMES

Post-dialysis therapy initiation all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, using Cox models with adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

Mean age of the cohort was 72±11 (SD) years; 96% were men, 74% were white, 23% were African American, and 69% had diabetes. During a median follow-up of 23 (IQR, 9-36) months, 18,608 patients died. Among patients with PDC>80%, there were 14,006 deaths (mortality rate, 283 [95% CI, 278-288]/1,000 patient-years]); among patients with PDC>60% to 80%, there were 3,882 deaths (mortality rate, 294 [95% CI, 285-304]/1,000 patient-years); among patients with PDC≤60%, there were 720 deaths (mortality rate, 291 [95% CI, 271-313]/1,000 patient-years). Compared with patients with PDC>80%, the adjusted HR for post-dialysis therapy initiation all-cause mortality for patients with PDC>60% to 80% was 1.12 (95% CI, 1.08-1.16), and for patients with PDC≤60% was 1.21 (95% CI, 1.11-1.30). In addition, compared with patients showing medication persistence, adjusted HR risk for post-dialysis therapy initiation all-cause mortality for patients with nonpersistence was 1.11 (95% CI, 1.05-1.16). A similar trend was detected for cardiovascular mortality and in subgroup analyses.

LIMITATIONS

Large number of missing values; results may not be generalizable to women or the general US population.

CONCLUSIONS

Predialysis cardiovascular medication nonadherence is an independent risk factor for postdialysis mortality in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease transitioning to dialysis therapy. Further studies are needed to assess whether interventions targeting adherence improve survival after dialysis therapy initiation.

Home Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: Preliminary Results

Healthcare for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) on conservative treatment very often poses healthcare problems that are difficult to solve. At the end of 2011, we began a program based on the care and monitoring of these patients by Primary Care Teams. ACKD patients who opted for conservative treatment were offered the chance to be cared for mainly at home by the Primary Care doctor and nurse, under the coordination of the Palliative Care Unit and the Nephrology Department. During 2012, 2013, and 2014, 76 patients received treatment in this program (mean age: 81 years; mean Charlson age-comorbidity index: 10, and mean glomerular filtration rate: 12.4 mL/min/1.73 m²). The median patient follow-up time (until death or until 31 December 2014) was 165 days. During this period, 51% of patients did not have to visit the hospital's emergency department and 58% did not require hospitalization. Forty-eight of the 76 patients died after a median time of 135 days in the program; 24 (50%) died at home. Our experience indicates that with the support of the Palliative Care Unit and the Nephrology Department, ACKD patients who are not dialysis candidates may be monitored at home by Primary Care Teams.

The impact of dialysis therapy on older patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: a nationwide population-based study

BACKGROUND

Older patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) face the decision of whether to undergo dialysis. Currently available data on this issue are limited because they were generated by small, short-term studies with statistical drawbacks. Further research is urgently needed to provide objective information for dialysis decision making in older patients with advanced CKD.

METHODS

This nationwide population-based cohort study was conducted using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Data from 2000 to 2010 were extracted. A total of 8,341 patients≥70 years old with advanced CKD and serum creatinine levels>6 mg/dl, who had been treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents were included. Cox proportional hazard models in which initiation of chronic dialysis was defined as the time-dependent covariate were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios for mortality. The endpoint was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 2.7 years, 6,292 (75.4%) older patients chose dialysis therapy and 2,049 (24.6%) received conservative care. Dialysis was initiated to treat kidney failure a median of 6.4 months after enrollment. Dialysis was associated with a 1.4-fold increased risk of mortality compared with conservative care (adjusted hazard ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.30 to 1.49). In subgroup analyses, the risk of mortality remained consistently increased, independent of age, sex and comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

In older patients, dialysis may be associated with increased mortality risk and healthcare cost compared with conservative care. For patients who are ≥70 years old with advanced CKD, decision making about whether to undergo dialysis should be weighted by consideration of risks and benefits.

Challenges of caring for an advanced chronic kidney disease patient with severe thrombocytopenia

An autogenous arteriovenous fistula has been considered to be the optimal form of vascular access for hemodialysis (HD) in the field of nephrology. Nevertheless, the decision regarding the type of access, whether it be an arteriovenous fistula, an arteriovenous graft, or a central venous catheter, must still be individualized. In the present report, we describe the case of a female patient with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with a hemostatic disorder. Despite the exhausted peripheral vasculature, she required recurrent platelet transfusions for severe thrombocytopenia due to aplastic anemia. The goal of care for this patient was to optimize the dialysis treatment without increasing the bleeding risk. Various concerns regarding the therapeutic conundrums encountered in the case are also discussed.

Advanced chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease and renal death among HIV-positive individuals in Europe

OBJECTIVES

Knowledge about advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in HIV-positive persons is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate incidence, predictors and outcomes for advanced CKD/ESRD and renal death.

METHODS

Advanced CKD was defined as confirmed (two consecutive measurements ≥ 3 months apart) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) using Cockcroft-Gault, and ESRD as haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis for ≥ 1 month or renal transplant. Renal death was death with renal disease as the underlying cause, using Coding Causes of Death in HIV (CoDe) methodology. Follow-up was from 1 January 2004 until last eGFR measurement, advanced CKD, ESRD or renal death, whichever occurred first. Poisson regression was used to identify predictors.

RESULTS

Of 9044 individuals included in the study, 58 (0.64%) experienced advanced CKD/ESRD/renal death [incidence rate 1.32/1000 person-years of follow-up (PYFU); 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98-1.66]; 52% of those who experienced the endpoint had a baseline eGFR ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) compared with 3% of those who did not. Using Kaplan-Meier methods, at 6 years from baseline, 0.83% (95% CI 0.59-1.07%) were estimated to have experienced the endpoint overall and 11.26% (95% CI 6.75-15.78%) among those with baseline eGFR ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) . Independent predictors of the endpoint included any cardiovascular event [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 2.16; 95% CI 1.24-3.77], lower eGFR (IRR 0.64 per 5 mL/min/1.73 m(2) ; 95% CI 0.59-0.70) and lower CD4 count (IRR 0.77 per doubling; 95% CI 0.62-0.95). One year after experiencing advanced CKD or ESRD, an estimated 19.21% (95% CI 7.84-30.58%) of patients had died, mostly from extra-renal causes.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of advanced CKD/ESRD/renal death was low and predictors included traditional renal risk factors, HIV-related factors and pre-existing renal impairment. The prognosis following advanced CKD/ESRD was poor. Larger studies should address possible contributions of specific antiretrovirals.