RESUMEN
Background: Cardiorenal programs have emerged to improve the management of cardiorenal disease (CRD). Evidence about the benefits of these programs is still scarce. This work aims to evaluate the performance of a novel cardiorenal program and describe the clinical profile and outcomes of patients with CRD. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with CRD attended in a cardiorenal unit (CRU) from February 2021 to February 2022. Demographics and laboratory tests were collected and events (all-cause death and cardiovascular hospitalizations) were evaluated. Optimization of comorbidities and protective therapies was also assessed. Results: Eighty-two patients were included, with a mean age of 76.8 years [standard deviation (SD) 8.5] and 72% were men. A total of 58.5% (n = 47) had left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. The mean follow-up was 11 months (SD 4.0). Almost 54% of the patients (n = 44) required hospitalization, 30.5% for heart failure (HF) decompensation. Total hospitalizations significantly decreased after CRU inclusion: 0.70 versus 0.45 admissions/year (P < .02). Global mortality was 17.1% (n = 14). The percentage of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction on quadruple therapy increased by 20%, and up to 60% of the patients were on three drugs. A total of 39% of the patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction started treatment with sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors. Hyperkalaemia required the use of potassium binders in 12.2% of the patients and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism was started in 42.7% and renal anaemia in 23.2%. Renal replacement therapy was initiated in 10% of the patients (n = 8). Conclusion: CRD confers a considerable risk of adverse outcomes. Cardiorenal programs may improve cardiorenal syndrome management by optimizing therapies, treating comorbidities and reducing hospitalizations.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan and rapidly spread, affecting >10 million cases worldwide. Caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and primarily manifesting as an acute respiratory failure with interstitial and alveolar pneumonia, it can also affect multiple organs. Kidney involvement was underestimated in early reports and its role remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of kidney damage in COVID-19 outcome. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of 1603 consecutive patients admitted in a University Reference Hospital in the heart of the European outbreak. RESULTS: Median age was 64 years, 40.4% were female, 15.2% presented diabetes mellitus, 35.7% hypertension and 20.3% obesity. On admission, the prevalence of elevated serum creatinine (sCr), proteinuria, leucocyturia and haematuria were 21.0, 37.8, 31.8 and 45.6%, respectively. In total, 43.5% of those with an elevated sCr had previous chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 11.4% of those with normal sCr developed an in-hospital acute kidney injury (AKI); 17 patients needed acute haemodialysis; and 197 patients died during hospitalization. Cox proportional hazard regression confirmed that elevated baseline sCr [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) 2.40 (1.79-3.22)], previous CKD [1.59 (1.06-2.37)], haematuria [1 + 1.68 (0.92-3.06), 2-3 + 2.69 (1.49-4.87)] and in-hospital AKI [1.50 (0.92-2.44)] were independent risk factors for in-hospital death after adjusting for age, sex and comorbidity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of acute and chronic kidney disease on admission and in-hospital AKI is higher than previously reported in Wuhan, and is associated with high in-hospital mortality. We should increase our awareness towards kidney involvement and design specific strategies for management of COVID-19 in these patients.