Drug utilization in patients starting haemodialysis with a focus on cardiovascular and antidiabetic medications: an epidemiological study in the Lazio region (Italy), 2016-2020.

BACKGROUND: Entering dialysis is a critical moment in patients' healthcare journey, and little is known about drug therapy around it. A study funded by the Italian Medicines Agency offered the opportunity to leverage data from the Lazio Regional Dialysis and Transplant Registry (RRDTL) and perform an observational study on drug use patterns before and after initiating chronic dialysis. METHODS: Individuals initiating dialysis in 2016-2020 were identified from RRDTL, excluding patients with prior renal transplantation, stopping dialysis early, or dying within 12 months. Use of study drugs, predefined by clinicians, in the two years around the index date was retrieved from the drug claims register and described by semester. For each drug group, proportions of users (min 2 claims in 6 months) by semester, and intensity of treatment in terms of Defined Daily Doses (DDDs) for cardiovascular and antidiabetic agents were compared across semesters, stratifying by sex and age. RESULTS: In our cohort of 3,882 patients we observed a general increase in drug use after initiating dialysis, with the mean number rising from 5.5 to 6.2. Cardiovascular agents accounted for the highest proportions, along with proton pump inhibitors and antithrombotics over all semesters. Dialysis-specific therapies showed the most evident increase, in particular anti-anaemics (iron 4-fold, erythropoietins almost 2-fold), anti-parathyroids (6-fold), and chelating agents (4-fold). Use of cardiovascular and antidiabetic drugs was characterised by significant variations in terms of patterns and intensity, with some differences between sexes and age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Entering dialysis is associated with increased use of specific drugs and goes along with adaptations of chronic therapies.

[Long-term efficacy and safety of treatment with cinacalcet in hypercalcemic persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism in renal transplant].

Introduction: persistent hypercalcemic secondary hyperparathyroidism (PSHPT) in kidney transplantation (KTx) can expose renal transplant recipients (RTRs) to a series of complications. Cinacalcet has been shown to be effective in controlling hypercalcemic PSHPT. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of cinacalcet, over a period of 3 years, in the treatment of hypercalcemic PSHPT in a group of RTRs. Patients and Methods: eight patients with a kidney transplant age > 12 months, parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels > 120 pg/ml and total serum calcium (TCa) levels > 10.5 mg/dl, were treated with cinacalcet at an initial dose of 30 mg/day. Hypercalcemic PSHPT picture must have been present for at least 6 months before the start of treatment with cinacalcet. Every 6-8 weeks were determined: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), PTH, TCa, serum phosphorus, fractional excretion of calcium (FECa), tubular maximum reabsorption rate of phosphate (TmP/GFR), serum tacrolimus. Annually all patients underwent to ultrasound control of the transplanted kidney. The main endpoints of the study were the reduction of PTH levels > 30% from baseline and the normalization of TCa levels (<10.2 mg/dl). Results: the results are shown as median ± interquartile range (IQR). At follow-up PTH levels decreased from 223 (202-440) to 135 pg/ml (82-156) (P < 0.01), with a percentage decrease of -54 (-68;-44), TCa levels decreased from 11.0 (10.7-11.7) to 9.3 mg/dl (8.8-9.5) (P < 0.001). Serum phosphorus levels increased from 2.7 (2.0-3.0) to 3.2 mg/dl (2.9-3.5) (P < 0.05). Fractional excretion of calcium did not change, while TmPO4/GFR increased even not significantly. Renal function and serum levels of tacrolimus did not change throughout the observation period. At end of the study the average cinacalcet dosages were 30 mg/day (30-30). Ultrasound scans of the transplanted kidney showed no development of nephrocalcinosis and/or nephrolithiasis. Conclusions: cinacalcet has proved effective and well tolerated in the treatment of hypercalcemic PSHPT in RTRs.

[Long-term efficacy and safety of etelcalcetide in hemodialysis patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism].

Introduction: Etelcalcetide has proven effective and well tolerated in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (IPS) in patients on hemodialysis (HD). Since long-term studies are scarce, we assessed the efficacy and safety of etelcalcetide in the treatment of severe IPS in a group of HD patients over a 12-month period. Patients and Methods: We selected 24 HD patients with PTH levels > 500 pg/mL (range 502-2148 pg/mL), despite following a therapy with cinacalcet and/or vitamin D analogues. The initial dosage of etelcalcetide was 7.5 mg/week, then it was adjusted based on the trend of the levels of the total albumin-corrected serum calcium (CaALb_c) and PTH. Treatment was temporarily suspended if CaALb_c levels were <7.5 mg/dL or if hypocalcemia was symptomatic. CaALb_c, phosphorus, PTH and total alkaline phosphatase (t-ALP) were measured monthly. The main endpoint was the decrease in PTH levels >30% compared to baseline values. Results: At F-U, the reduction in PTH levels was > 30% in 83% of our patients. PTH levels decreased from 1169 ± 438 to 452±241 pg/mL at F-U (P <0.001). The percentage of reduction in PTH levels at F-U was -56 ± 25%. CaALb_c and phosphate levels decreased from 9.8 ± 0.4 mg/dL to 9.0 ± 0.6 mg/dL (P <0.001), and from 6.1 ± 1.3 mg/dL to 4.9 ± 1.3 mg/dL (P <0.01), respectively. The main side effect was hypocalcaemia, but never so severe as to require the interruption of treatment. Hypocalcemia was more pronounced in patients with higher basal levels of PTH and t-ALP. During the study, the percentage of patients treated with calcium carbonate increased from 33% to 54% and that of patients treated with paricalcitol from 33% to 79%. At F-U the average weekly dosage of etelcalcetide was 21.0 ± 9.5 mg (range 7.5-37.5 mg/week). Conclusions: The treatment of severe IPS with etelcalcetide has been proved effective and safe in the long term. Hypocalcaemia, the most frequent side effect, was more evident in patients with the most severe forms of IPS and was probably due to a reduction in bone turnover rather than to the direct effect of etelcalcetide.

[Cholecalciferol supplementation improves secondary hyperparathyroidism control in renal transplant recipient].

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <30 ng/mL) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) is a frequent finding and represents an important component in the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Therefore, its more systematic supplementation is recommended. We herein report our experience on the impact of cholecalciferol supplementation on PTH and 25(OH)D levels in a group of RTRs with 25(OH)D <30 ng/mL and SHPT. Patients and Methods: For this purpose, 52 RTRs with SHPT were treated with cholecalciferol at the fixed dose of 25,000 IU p.o. weekly for 12 months. For the control group we selected 23 RTRs with SHPT and 25(OH)D levels <30 ng/mL. Every 6 weeks eGFR, sCa and sPO4 levels were evaluated; PTH, 25(OH)D, FECa e TmPO 4 were evaluated every 6 months. Results: At baseline, the two groups had similar clinical characteristics and biohumoral parameters. Parathormone was negatively correlated with 25(OH)D levels (r=-0.250; P <0.001) and TmPO4 values (r=-0.425; P<0.0001). At F-U there was a significant reduction in PTH levels in the supplemented group, from 131 ± 46 to 103 ± 42 pg/mL (P<0.001), while vitamin D levels, TmPO4 values, PO4 and sCa levels increased significantly, from 14.9 ± 6.5 to 37.9 ± 13.1 ng/mL (P<0.001), from 1.9 ± 0.7 to 2.6 ± 0.7 mg/dL (P<0.001), from 3.1 ± 0.5 to 3.5 ± 0.5 mg/dL (P<0.001), and from 9.3 ± 0.5 to 9.6 ± 0.4 (P<0.01), respectively. During the study there were no episodes of hypercalcaemia and/or hypercalciuria, while 25(OH)D levels always remained <100 ng/mL. In the control group, at F-U, PTH levels increased from 132 ± 49 to 169 ± 66 pg/ml (P <0.05), while 25(OH)D levels remained stable at <30 ng/mL. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency in RTRs is very frequent. Cholecalciferol supplementation is associated with a better control of SHPT and a correction of vitamin D deficiency in most patients, representing an effective, safe and inexpensive therapeutic approach to IPS.

[Cholecalciferol supplementation improves secondary hyperparathyroidism control in hemodialysis patients].

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is common among hemodialysis (HD) patients and is an important component in the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). We herein report our experience on the impact of cholecalciferol supplementation on PTH levels in a group of HD patients. Patients and methods: We selected 122 HD patients. The main selection criteria were 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels ≤30 ng/mL and SHPT defined as PTH levels >300 pg/mL or PTH levels between 150-300 pg/mL during therapy with cinacalcet or paricalcitol. 82 patients agreed to receive cholecalciferol at the fixed dose of 25,000 IU per week orally for 12 months, while the remaining 40 represented the control group. The main endopoints of the study were the reduction in PTH levels ≥30% compared to baseline values and the increase of 25(OH)D levels to values >30 ng/mL. Results: At follow-up PTH levels decreased in the supplemented group from 476 ±293 to 296 ± 207 pg/mL (p<0.001), 25(OH)D levels increased from 10.3 ± 5.7 to 33.5 ± 11.2 ng/mL (p<0.001), serum calcium increased from 8.6 ± 0.5 to 8.8 ± 0.6 mg/dL (p<0.05) while serum phosphorus did not change. In this group the mean doses of paricalcitol were significantly reduced, from 8.7 ± 4.0 to 6.1 ± 3.9 µg/week (p<0.001). Moreover, in this group there were a significant increase of hemoglobin levels, from 11.6 ± 1.3 to 12.2 ± 1.1 g/dL (p <0.01) and a significant reduction of erythropoietin doses (p<0.05). In the control group the 25(OH)D and PTH levels did not change, while cinacalcet doses increased from 21 ±14 to 43 ± 17 mg/d (p<0.01). Conclusions: Vitamin deficiency is very common in HD patients. Cholecalciferol treatment significantly increased serum 25(OH)D levels, significantly decreased PTH levels and paricalcitol doses, concurrently entailing a better control of anemia.

[Association between low serum magnesium levels and the extent of abdominal aortic calcification in renal transplant recipients].

Introduction: In renal transplant recipients (RTRs) vascular calcifications has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular as well as all-cause mortality. Recent experimental and clinical studies showed that magnesium (Mg) deficiency may be related to the progression of vascular calcification. Aim of this study was to determine the hypothetical association between Mg and vascular calcifications in RTRs. Methods: Seventy-one RTRs underwent a lateral X-ray of the lumbar spine to assess the presence of calcification of the abdominal aorta. Abdominal aortic calcium (AAC) content was graded with a score ranging from 0 to 24 points. At the same time were evaluated: carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT); left ventricular mass index (LVMi); sCa, sPO4, sMg, uMg, PTH, HDL, LDL, blood pressure (BP). Results: AAC was correlated with: age (r=0.601; P<0.001), dialysis vintage (r=0.314; P<0.01), sMg (r=-0.438; P<0.001), PTH (r=0.322; P<0.01), SBP (r=0.539; P<0.001), IMT (r=0.706; P<0.001), LVMi (r=0.326; P<0.01). Serum Mg was correlated with PTH (r= -0.304; P<0.01). IMT was correlated with LVMi and SBP (r=0.330, P<0.01; r=0.494, P <0.0001; respectively). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the final model contained six predictor variables for AAC (IMT, sMg, age, SBP, proteinuria, and dialysis vintage; F5,64=31.7, P<0.001; Adjusted R2 =0.718). Patients in higher AAC thirtile (8-24) were older, with longer dialysis vintage, lower sMg, higher PTH, and higher IMT values. Conclusions: Our results suggest a hypothetical interrelationship between sMg and ACC, and IMT in RTRs.

Multifaceted approach to a rare clinical case of calciphylaxis in a renal transplant recipient.

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) is a highly morbid condition usually found in ESRD patients that has rarely been reported after renal transplantation and renal function restoration. Furthermore, little is known about the optimal management of CUA in this setting. Herein, we report on the clinical case of AB, a 70-year-old woman who developed CUA after renal transplantation and renal function restoration. However, other risk factors for CUA such as diabetes and warfarin treatment, due to mechanical aortic valve implantation, were present. Thirty-eight months after renal transplantation she developed erythema and livedo reticularis in both legs and a gradually enlarging skin ulcer in the right leg. A skin biopsy of the ulcer showed features compatible with the CUA, such as sub-intimal calcification and luminal obstruction of the small dermal arterioles, tissue ischemia and signs of adipocytes degeneration. A multidisciplinary approach was adopted, including medical and non-medical treatments such as surgical debridement and vacuum-assisted closure therapy. Medical treatments included a five weeks course of once a week intravenous infusion of pamidronate and intravenous sodium thiosulfate (STS) at increasing doses. Four months after beginning the therapy with STS, a complete healing of the ulcer on the right leg and the disappearance of the livedo reticularis on the left leg was noted. In conclusion, although rare CUA may develop also in renal transplanted patients, a timely and combined therapeutic approach is essential for its resolutive treatment. Sodium thiosulfate therapy has proven to be effective and tolerated.

[Correction of secondary hyperparathyroidism with paricalcitol in renal transplant improves left ventricular hypertrophy].

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common in renal transplant recipients (RTRs), and persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is considered to be one of the main causes of its pathogenesis. In this study we evaluated if the control of SHPT with paricalcitol is associated with a reduction of LVH in RTRs. METHODS: For this purpose we selected 24 RTRs with LVH and SHPT. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was defined as PTH levels 1.5 times higher than the high normal limits, while LVH was defined as a left ventricular mass index (LVMi) >95g/m2 in females, and >115g/m2 in males. Treatment with paricalcitol started at mean dose of 1µg/day and lasted 18 months. The dose of paricalcitol was reduced to 1µg on the other day when serum calcium was >10.5mg/dl and/or fractional excretion of calcium was >0.020%; administration was temporarily stopped when serum calcium was >11 mg/dl. RESULTS: At follow-up PTH levels decreased from 198 ± 155 to 105 ± 43pg/ml, and LVMi decreased from 134 ± 21 to 113 ± 29g/m2; the presence of LVH decreased from 100% at baseline to 54% at F-U. Serum calcium levels showed a modest and not significant increase. Renal function was stable in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary hyperparathyroidism seems to play an important role in the development and maintenance of LVH and its correction with paricalcitol has a favorable impact on its progression.

[Update 2017 of the KDIGO guidelines on Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). What are the real changes?]

Guidelines for the assessment, diagnosis and therapy of the alterations that characterize the CKD-MBD are an important support in the clinical practice of the nephrologist. Compared to the KDIGO guidelines published in 2009, the 2017 update made changes on some topics on which there was previously no strong evidence both in terms of diagnosis and therapy. The recommendations include the diagnosis of bone anomalies in CKD-MBD and the treatment of mineral metabolism abnormalities with particular regard to hyperphosphataemia, calcium levels, secondary hyperparathyroidism and anti-resorptive therapies. The Italian Study Group on Mineral Metabolism, in reviewing the 2017 recommendations, aimed to assess the weight of the evidence that led to this update. In fact, on some topics there has not been a substantial difference on the degree of evidence compared to the previous guidelines. The Italian Study Group emphasizes the points that may still reserve critical issues, including interpretation, and invites an evaluation that is articulated and personalized for each patient.

CKD-MBD management: what is the role of parathyroidectomy? Results from a nationwide survey in Italy.

We herein report on a nationwide survey conducted in Italy to investigate the use of parathyroidectomy (PTX). In spite of the availability of newer and more effective drugs to control chronic kidney disease mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) biochemical abnormalities, PTX still remains a resource for nephrologists to use. However, observational analyses suggest that in recent years there has been a constant decline in the number of patients undergoing PTX. The reasons are not clear, though the increasing age and number of comorbidities of dialysis patients may partly explain this trend. Poor adherence to guidelines and/or geographical as well as logistic factors may also contribute to the lower use of PTX. The working group on CKD-MBD of the Italian Society of Nephrology launched a nationwide survey to investigate clinical practice patterns for PTX in Italy and identify modifiable factors that may limit accessibility to surgery.

[Parathormone and left ventricular hypertrophy]. / Trattamento dell'iperparatiroidismo secondario con attivatori dei recettori della vitamina D e progressione della ipertrofia ventricolare sinistra nel paziente uremico.

In order to examine the relation between secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hemodialysis (HD) patients, were selected retrospectively 60 of 228 HD patients who had two echocardiography over a 12-16 months period (13.2 1.2 months). Patients were subdivided in three groups (G) according to PTH behaviour: G1 (n = 19), with PTH levels < 300 pg/ml not requiring with vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs) treatment; G2 (n = 20), with a progressive increase of PTH levels to values > 300 pg/ml that required to start or to increase VDRAs therapy in 18/20 patients during follow-up; G3 (n = 21), with PTH levels > 300 pg/ml and > 50% reduction after VDRAs treatment. Parathormone levels correlated with left ventricular mass index (LVMi; r = 0.714; P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that PTH levels were an independent predictor of LVMi (P < 0.001). Patients with baseline PTH levels > 300 pg/ml (n = 27) had higher LVMi with respect to those with PTH < 300 pg/ml (n=33), 197 50 vs 136 30 g/m2 (P < 0.01). In G1 LVMi did not change during follow-up. In G2 LVMi increased from 146 26 to 169 35 g/m2 (P=NS). In G3LVMi decreased from 210 44 to 154 42 g/m2 (P < 0.05). Parathyroid hormone seems to play an important role in the genesis and perpetuation of LVH, whereas treatment of sHPT with VDRAs may determine LVH regression or at least slow down its progression.

What can we learn from a statistically inconclusive trial? Consensus conference on the EVOLVE study results.

The link between serum parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and cardiovascular (CVS) mortality has not been fully elucidated. The EVOLVE Study was designed to test whether a drug such as cinacalcet, aimed at lowering iPTH, could reduce the astonishingly high cardiovascular risk in patients on maintenance dialysis (CKD-5D). Accordingly, the primary outcome of the study was the combined endpoint of time to death or hospitalization due to CVS factors or from any cause. Time to bone fracture and parathyroidectomy were regarded as secondary endpoints. At study completion, the Intention-To-Treat analysis documented a non- significant 7% (Hazard Ratio: 0.93; 95% Confidence interval: 0.85-1.02; P = 0.11) reduction of the primary composite endpoint. However, the intention to treat analysis does not take into account adherence to drug regimens or control for factors that may potentially jeopardize the conduction of the study. In particular, in spite of a careful pre-planned study sample calculation, the final power of the EVOLVE study was 54% instead of the assumed 90%, greatly reducing the reliability of study results. Furthermore, the pre-planned multivariable adjustment of the primary endpoint suggests a nominally significant reduction of the risk of the primary composite endpoint when age is entered into the statistical model. The sensitivity analysis further corroborates this result. The Lag Time Censoring Analysis (LTCA) evidenced a nominally significant 15% risk reduction of the composite endpoint among patients allocated to cinacalcet if the patients follow-up was terminated 6 months after the study drug discontinuation, as pre-planned in the protocol. It is interesting that the LTCA suggests that the effect of cinacalcet weakened over time and became insignificant after about 1 year from drug discontinuation. Although authors could not detect any effect of cinacalcet on bone fracture associated with cinacalcet use, the secondary analyses of the EVOLVE trial suggest a nominally significant 60-70% risk reduction of parathyroidectomy and a reassuring safety profile of prolonged exposure to cinacalcet. In summary, the EVOLVE study adds to the list of inconclusive randomized clinical trials in Nephrology. However, the preplanned exploratory and sensitivity analyses suggest that when imbalances of patients characteristics at study entry (i.e. age) or study drug discontinuation are considered, a 'nominally' significant risk reduction in CVS and parathyroidectomy associated with cinacalcet treatment is noted.