Correlation of mortality and location of arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: Since the type of vascular access is very important and a significant risk factor for mortality in patients on hemodialysis, the aim of our study was to determine the impact of AVF positioning on the mortality of our patients. METHODS: The survey was organized as a prospective, clinical and non-randomized study of 538 surgical interventions on 323 patients, which indicates that a large number of patients had more than one fistula. Among these patients, 120 subjects (81 (67.5%) men and 39 (32.5%) women) died during the study period. We analyzed the demographic structure, the site location and type of anastomosis for the arteriovenous fistula, artery and vein lumen and presence of instillation catheters, as well as measuring flow through the fistula and arterial blood pressure. Biochemical parameters thought to have a significant impact on survival were obtained from routine monthly analyses. RESULTS: In patients in whom infection was the cause of death, termino-terminal anastomosis was more frequently present (p=0.035). Variables that were statistically significant predictors of death were elderly individuals (Beta 0.033, p<0.001); patients whose diastolic blood pressure was low (Beta -0.028, p<0.001); and the position of the arteriovenous fistula (distal Beta -0.737, p=0.001; proximal Beta -0.581, p=0.008). Patients with a cubital fistula (p=0.001) had a significantly shorter Kaplan-Meier survival curve. CONCLUSIONS: End-to-end artery and vein connection was a significantly more common form of anastomosis in patients who died as a result of infection. Important parameters of mortality in our study were the position of the arteriovenous fistula, age, and the diastolic component of arterial blood pressure.

Association of metabolic changes with mortality of patients treated by peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the survival of patients treated by peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) and to detect any association with the type of metabolic changes. METHODS: The outcome of clinical treatment of 407 dialysis patients was analyzed over a 4-year period. This included the demographic characteristics, the duration of dialysis, smoking, residual renal function, existence of metabolic syndrome and malnutrition, waist girth, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, and routine biochemical parameters. RESULTS: The overall mortality of the treated patients during the 4-year period was 53%, 37% for HD patients and 65% for PD patients. Metabolic syndrome was the dominant metabolic disorder affecting more than half of the HD patients, as well as being a predictive mortality parameter (beta = 0.560; p = 0.045). The PD-treated patients had an equal prevalence of metabolic syndrome and malnutrition, whereas statistically significant predictors of mortality outcome were BMI (beta = 0.088; p = 0.002) and waist girth (beta = 0.023; p = 0.031). The median survival value was significantly higher for HD patients [108 months; 95% confidence interval (CI) 65-151]. Residual renal function in PD patients was significantly related to mortality (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome is a predictive parameter of mortality for HD patients, whereas for PD patients it is the waist girth and BMI. Preserved residual renal function in patients on PD is an important factor in reducing mortality.

Carotid ultrasonographic parameters as markers of atherogenesis and mortality rate in patients on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Vascular endothelium plays an important role in atherogenesis. The aim of this study was to estimate the correlation of endothelium malfunction and arteriosclerosis in patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: The investigation was designed as a clinical, non-randomized, five-year study in the "Kragujevac" Clinical Center and included 146 patients. We evaluated demographic characteristics, smoking, duration of dialysis, existence of tissue calcification and duplex ultrasound parameters of the carotid artery. All lethal outcomes, including the cause and time of death were recorded. RESULTS: The cumulative survival rate was 57.5%. Survival was short in patients with wider lumen diameter of the carotid arteries. Carotid artery lumen diameter in men was wider than in women. The area cross section was closely correlated with intima media thickness (r = 0.913; p < 0.0001), as well as with the lumen diameter of the carotid arteries (r = 0.527;p < 0.0001). Carotid artery lumen diameter was negatively associated with serum cholesterol (r = -0.278; p = 0.019), while serum triglycerides correlated negatively with the cross section of intima media (r = -0.261; p = 0.028). Positive correlations were found between the serum total protein level and carotid artery lumen diameter (r = 0.235; p = 0.047), cross section intima media (r = 0.269; p = 0.022) and cholesterol (r = 0.248; p = 0.037). Time on dialysis showed a negative correlation with carotid artery cross section (r = -0.241; p = 0.04), while age was positively correlated with intima media (r = 0.295; p = 0.013), lumen diameter (r = 0.296; p = 0.012) and intima media cross section (r = 0.347; p = 0.003). Regression analysis pointed to predictive importance of carotid artery lumen diameter for survival (Beta = 0.437; p = 0.011) of the examined patients. The cumulative rate of survival was 57%. CONCLUSION: In our study patient age correlated positively with all parameters of arteriosclerosis. The average duration of dialysis was negatively associated with carotid artery diameter, which was significantly higher in males. Regression correlation analyses indicated that the survival rate of the patients on hemodialysis was lower if the carotid artery diameter was larger.

Impact of metabolic syndrome and malnutrition on mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic abnormalities contribute to increases in the mortality rate of patients on hemodialysis. Here, we estimate the importance and influence of metabolic syndrome and malnutrition on mortality rate. DESIGN: This was a follow-up study. METHODS: We examined the demographic characteristics of time on dialysis, body mass index, indications for hospitalization, treatment outcomes, and biochemical parameters over a 4-year period. RESULTS: Whereas 31.7% of patients had metabolic syndrome, 26.7% showed evidence of malnutrition. More than two thirds of the malnourished patients died. Many patients (46%) with malnutrition were hospitalized because of problems with vascular access, whereas hospitalization of half of the examined patients with metabolic syndrome was attributable to cardiovascular disorders. Differences between groups in the parameters of anemia, total proteins, albumin, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol also occurred, with the lowest values in malnourished patients. Glycemia, total cholesterol, and fibrinogen were significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome, whereas those with malnutrition had a markedly higher concentration of C-reactive protein. The mean survival was 24 months with metabolic syndrome and 17.5 months with malnutrition, which was significantly shorter. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the examined patients had metabolic abnormalities. Patients with malnutrition had a lower rate of survival compared with those who had metabolic syndrome. Two thirds of our malnourished patients died, and the total rate of mortality in the examined sample was 38%.

[Results of kidney function measurement and blood pressure in population from endemic region of Vitina].

INTRODUCTION: The analysis of frequency of kidney diseases, causes of terminal renal failure in patients subjected to repeated dialysis in major dialysis centers in the region of Kosovo and Metohija as well as mortality rate in these patients showed a stable number of patients with kidney diseases, evidencing that the populations of Vitina and Gnjilane were the most commonly affected These towns are designated as regions with the highest incidence of Balkan endemic nephropathy. The present analysis was aimed at: (1) establishing the incidence rate of hypertension and renal function impairment by using clinical and laboratory analyses in individuals from Vitina and neighboring villages, and (2) investigating the correlation between creatinine clearance, age and arterial blood pressure in the studied group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis included 510 individuals (excluding diabetics) over the one-month period during 2004 (201 males with their age ranging from 18 to 90 years). Blood pressure measurements were performed in all the individuals, while renal function was determined by glomerular filtration rate (GFR), as calculated according to Cockcroft-Gault formula. RESULTS: Creatinine clearance was lower than 100 ml/min in 237 (46.5%) individuals, out of whom 62 (12%) had GFR below 60 ml/min. Among the remaining 273 (53.5%) individuals with GFR above 100 ml/min, 68 individuals had GFR above 140 ml/min. The distribution of patients depending on their systolic blood pressure values revealed that systolic blood pressure was lower in 44 subjects and higher in 302 subjects (59%). The correlation test revealed significant association between the studied parameters. The positive correlation between patients' age and kidney function means the higher the age of subjects the lower creatinine clearance value (r = --0.622, p < 0.001). The negative correlation of the systolic blood pressure value and kidney function was found, meaning that higher the systolic blood pressure is accompanied by lower creatinine clearance (r = --0.204, p < 0.001). Moreover, patients' age was significantly correlated with the systolic blood pressure level (r = 0.511, p < 0.001), as well as with the diastolic blood pressure level (r = 0.299, p < 0.001). The former means that higher values of both systolic and the diastolic pressures were found in older subjects. No correlation was found between the diastolic blood pressure level and kidney function (the results are not presented). Conclusion The results obtained in the study confirm significant incidence of renal function impairment measured according to creatinine clearance values in patients from the endemic nephropathy region. Reduced kidney function is found in both elderly individuals and those with high systolic blood pressure. In order to establish the correlation with the incidence and presence of BEN or other kidney diseases additional population screening is necessary.

Influence of the level of renal insufficiency on endoscopic changes in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

AIM: Lesions of the gastrointestinal tract are frequent finding in uremic patients but their actual nature is not completely clear. The aim of this study was to detect any correlation between endoscopic lesions of patients with different levels of renal insufficiency. METHODS: This prospective study involved 244 cases, with dyspeptic difficulties including 124 patients in different stages of renal insufficiency, and a control group of 120 patients with normal renal function. Upper esophagogastroscopy was performed in all patients because of the appearance of dyspeptic difficulties. Helicobacter pylori infection was detected by the urease test. RESULTS: H. pylori infection (P=0.009), gastric erosions (P=0.019), gastric ulcer (P=0.002), and duodenal ulcer (P<0.001) were more common in the control group of patients. Significant negative correlations were found between the level of renal insufficiency and H. pylori infection (Kendall's tau=-0.346; P=0.003), stomach erosions (Kendall's tau=-0.272; P=0.019), stomach ulcer (Kendall's tau=-0.347; P=0.003), and duodenal ulcer (Kendall's tau=-0.531; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with end stage renal disease, endoscopic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract are detected less frequently in relation to patients without kidney disease.

[Frequency and characteristics of metabolic disorders in patients on haemodialysis].

BACKGROUND/AIM: . Metabolic syndrome and malnutrition represent metabolic abnormalities which significantly characterize patients on haemodialysis. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and find characteristics of metabolic disbalance in patients on haemodialysis. METHODS: The study involved 124 patients on chronic haemodialysis at the Clinical Centre Kragujevac. There were analyzed demographic and anthropometric characteristics of the examined patients. Of clinical characteristics, there were determined smoking habit, time on dialysis, arterial pressure; of comorbid states there were recorded heart diseases and diabetes mellitus. Routine biochemical analyses were carried out by a standard laboratory procedure. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was found in 29.8% of the examined patients. The patients with metabolic syndrome were older as compared to the patients without metabolic syndrome (58.45 +/- 12.91 vs 52.25 +/- 11.63 years). The values of systolic pressure (143.88 +/- 19.75 vs 133.01 +/- 22.93 mmHg; p = 0.014), body mass index (21.2 +/- 3.71 vs 19.4 +/- 2.88 kg/m2;p = 0.001), fat body mass (19.57 +/- 8.47 vs 16.45 +/- 5.82%; p = 0.0002) and waist scope (89 +/- 12.54 vs 96 +/- 12.34 cm; p = 0.0001) were significantly higher in the patients with metabolic syndrome as compared to those without metabolic syndrome. The values of erythrocytes (3.4 +/- 0.45 vs 19 +/- 0.53 x 10(12); p = 0.04) and hemoglobin (107 +/- 15.76 vs 101 +/- 13.87 g/l; p = 0.009), glycaemia (9.5 +/- 8.15 vs 5.6 +/- 1.4 mmol/l; p = 0.04) triglycerides (2.44 +/- 1.8 vs 1.41 +/- 0.64 mmol/l; p = 0.007), HDL cholesterol (1.11 +/- 0.19 vs 0.82 +/- 0.25 mmol/l; p = 0.005) and albumins (32.5 +/- 5.6 vs 29.5 +/- 3.7 g/l; p = 0.007) were statistically higher in the patients with metabolic syndrome than in patients without disturbance. Diabetes mellitus was a significant etiological factor of renal insufficiency in the patients with metabolic syndrome (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: In our study approximately 30% of patients on haemodialysis had pronounced metabolic syndrome. The older, more obese men with increased levels of triglycerides and glucose in the serum dominated among them. Diabetes mellitus was a leading etiological factor of renal insufficiency in these patients.

Central venous catheters in hemodialysis: to accept recommendations or to stick to own experience.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Hemodialysis catheter, as an integral part of hemodialysis, is a catheter placed into the jugular, subclav ian and femoral vein. The most common catheter-related complications are infections and thrombosis. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of complications associated with differently inserted central-vein catheters for hemodialysis. METHODS: The study was organized as a prospective examination during the period from December 2003 to No vember 2006, and included all patients who needed an active depuration by hemodialysis, hospitalized at the Clinical Center Kragujevac. The subject of the study were 464 central-vein catheters inserted during the mentioned period and there were recorded all complications related to the placement and usage of catheters. RESULTS: The largest percent of inserted catheters was into the femoral vein--403 (86.8%), significantly less into the jugular vein--42 (9.2%), while into the subclavian vein there were placed only 19 catheters (4%). The average of femoral catheter functioning was 17 catheter days, in jugular catheters it was 17.3 days while the subclavian catheters had an average rate of functioning of 25.9 catheter days; there was found a statistically significant difference re garding the duration of functioning (p = 0.03). By microbe colonization of smear culture of the skin at the catheter in sertion site, in clinically present suspicion of catheter infection, there was obtained a positive finding in 5.5% of catheters placed into the femoral vein and 7.1% of catheters instilled into the jugular vein, of which Staphylococcus aureus was the most important bacterial type, without statistically significant difference (p = 0.51). Haemoculture, done when there was a suspicion of bacteriemia, was positive in 3.7% of the patients with femoral and 4.8% with jugular catheters; Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria type, but there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.65). Colonizing the smears of the cut catheter tops, there was found a positive finding in 8.9% of femoral and 4.7% of jugular catheters in which the mentioned type of staphylococcal bacteria was prevalent, without statistically significant difference (p = 0.82). In 77% of femoral, 71.4% of jugular and 68.4% of subclavian catheters, there were no complications associated with insertion and manipulation of catheters for hemodialysis and the difference was at the limits of statistical significance (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Unconvincing rate of infections and a smaller percent of serious complications associated with the placement and use of central vein catheters instilled into the femoral vein, indicate that personal experience is sufficient recommendation to convince us that femoral vein does not represent a region with an increased risk for insertion of hemodialysis catheters.

The influence of atherosclerosis and plasma D-dimer concentration in patients with a functioning arteriovenous fistula for maintenance hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to deduce the influence of atherosclerosis and plasma D-dimer concentration on the functioning of arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis. METHODS: The study was organized as a prospective and non-randomized investigation in the "Kragujevac" Clinical Center. The 81 examined patients, 49 (60.5%) males and 32 (39.5%) females, were divided into a group (n = 36) requiring several attempts to create arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis and a group (n = 45) with no complications of arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis. The demographic structure, etiology of renal disease, biochemical parameters and concentration of D-dimer were analyzed at the beginning of the study and 1 year later, as well as the existence of tissue calcification and Duplex ultrasound parameters of the carotid artery. RESULTS: The patients with arteriovenous fistulae complications were significantly older (58.4 +/- 12.9 vs. 52.3 +/- 11.6 years; P = 0.026). High venous pressure (98.6 +/- 29.98 vs. 80 +/- 33.57 mmHg; P = 0.005) and soft-tissue calcification (P = 0.03) were correlated with the occurrence of arteriovenous fistula complications. The greatest risk for failure of fistula was within the first month after creation of the anastomosis (failure rate was 0.235). The hemoglobin concentration (89 +/- 14.0 vs. 96.6 +/- 17.7 g/l; P = 0.048) was lower, and concentration of D-dimer at the end of the study was higher (219.56 +/- 193.05 vs. 332.03 +/- 149.48; P = 0.012) in patients with vascular access complications. By Cox regression analysis, the concentration of fibrin D-dimer at the end of the study was shown to be a significant predictor of fistula survival (beta = 0.002; P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Complications of arteriovenous fistulae were more often recorded in older patients. The greatest risk for fistula functioning was within the first month after creation of the anastomosis. Vein pressure and anemia were important indicators of arteriovenous fistula complications. D-dimer was a significant marker of arteriovenous fistula thrombosis.

[The evaluation of hemodialysis adequacy during the use of different dialysis membranes].

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis efficacy that significantly influences morbidity and mortality of patients can be evaluated by different widely used indices of adequacy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the adequacy of hemodialysis in the group of patients on maintenance hemodialysis and to examine the influence of different dialysis membranes on the indices of adequacy and frequency of symptoms and complications developing during dialysis treatment. METHOD: The study involved 14 patients dialyzed in three successive months with three different types of dialyzers: E3 (Hemomed)--cuprophane membrane, 1.3 m2, F6 (Hemomed)--polysulfone membrane, 1.3 m2, CM23 (Zdravlje)--cuprophane membrane, 1.25 m2. Each type of dialyzers was used during one month, meaning during 12 successive 4-hour hemodialyses. RESULTS: Mean value of Kt/V index was 1.39 +/- 0.21 for E3 dialyzer, 1.18 +/- 0.24 for F6 dialyzer and 1.44 +/- 0.25 for CM23 dialyzer. The difference between the indices was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Mean protein catabolic rate (PCRn) ranged between 1.6 and 1.7 and no significant difference was found between the dialyzers used. The frequency of hypertension episodes was similar during the hemodialysis with different dialyzers, but the incidence of different symptoms and hypotension episodes was significantly lower during hemodialysis with polysulfone membrane. CONCLUSION: Hemodialysis with three examined types of dialyzers enabled acceptable dialysis adequacy. Dialyzers with cuprophane membrane enabled significantly higher Kt/V index, but the incidence of symptoms and hypotension was significantly lower during hemodialysis with polysulfone membrane.

[Impact of arteriosclerosis on the functioning of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Numerous clinical studies have shown that the incidence of artheriosclerosis is higher in patients with progressive renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of artheriosclerosis in patients on chronic hemodialysis and its influence on survival and functioning of vascular access. METHODS: The study was organized as one-year prospective study. All the patients had arteriovenous fistulas native as a vascular access. The study analyzed demographic, biochemical, clinical and Doppler echomorphological characteristics of the patients in order to make an evidence of artheriosclerotic incidences as compared to functioning arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. RESULTS: The examined patients were of the mean age 55.7+/-12.68 years. Of them, 53.8% were males and 46.2% females. Functioning arteriovenous fistulas for haemodialysis were found in 56.8% of the examined patients. Concentration of hemoglobin was a significant parameter of functioning fistula (group with complications--89<--14.034 vs. group with no complications-- 96.6+/-17.71;p = 0.0489. An amount of urea removed (URR) was a statistically more significant parameter among the patients without fistula complications: (group with complications--58.67+/-7.92% vs. group with no complications--62.80+/-7.53%; p = 0.037). A Cox regressive analysis of an index of Doppler parameters of the carotid arteries found no statistical significance between the examined groups. There was a positive correlation between artheriosclerosis and the age, as well as the time on dialysis. In multiple regression, where intima media is a dependent and the age and time on dialysis independent variables, the regressive model was statistically significant (F = 8.22, p = 0.001). Both independent variables had statistically significant inclinations, p < 0.01. CONCLUSION: Anemia and the level of urea elimination, as a statistically significant indicator of hemodialysis adequacy, were in correlation with the risk for fistula complications. B-mode ultrasonography of the carotid arteries is a significant non-invasive method for detecting artheriosclerosis. Intima-media thickness of the carotid arteries was an important marker of artheriosclerosis correlating significantly with the age and time on dialysis, but not with the traditional risk factors.

Parametres of clinical and biohumoral status of pruritus in patients on chronic haemodialysis.

Pruritus is one of the commonest symptoms of dermatologic appearances in uraemic syndrome and it occurs in 90% of patients on dialysis with different etiology and pathophysiology. The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of uraemic pruritus and the comparison with clinical and biochemical parameters in 124 patients treated by chronic haemodialysis at Department of Haemodialysis, Clinical Centre in Kragujevac. The routine laboratory analyses were carried out in the examined patients and the concentration of parathyroid hormone was determined. The study was based on data from history of disease and questionnaire taken out in all patients. Of 124 patients 46.8% had symptoms of uraemic pruritus. Concentration of urea, albumin concentration, iron, parameters UIBC, as well as hyperglycemia and time on dialysis are the significant are significantly correlated with uraemic pruritus. 27.6% of the examined patients had itching of all the body. Between the patients with localized itching and patients with generalized itching, there are statistically significant differences in the following parameters: erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and TIBC, as well as glycemia concentration.

[Ultrasound diagnostics of atherosclerosis in chronic renal insufficiency].

INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerosis is more frequent in patients with chronic renal insufficiency than in general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of atherosclerosis and risk factors in hemodialysis patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 62 patients (36 male and 26 female; mean age, 56 +/- 13 years). The mean time on HD was 65.7 +/- 46.7 months. These patient underwent the following examinations: assessments of risk factors, body mass index, soft tissue calcification biochemical analyses and Duplex ultrasonography of carotid arteries; RESULTS: In two thirds of patients older than fifty years, thickening of the intima-media complex was found. No statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of atherosclerosis regarding sex, tissue calcification, plaque, smoking and Diabetes Mellitus. There was no correlation between the thickness of the intima-media complex and traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis. However, there was a statistically significant correlation among atherosclerosis, age and time on dialysis. Atherosclerosis was found in 68% of patients between the age of fifty and seventy years. Duration of dialysis and age are statistically significant factors for atherosclerosis.