Risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease progression: Long-term retrospective analysis from Qatar.

INTRODUCTION: The risk factors influencing the natural course of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are complex and heterogeneous. Recognizing the factors associated with CKD progression can enable the identification of high-risk patients for more intensive treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of CKD patients was performed under follow-up between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2016 at a tertiary health care center. RESULTS: Among 5370 screened patients, 1020 patients with complete data were included in the analysis. The median follow-up period for the studied patients was 9.3 years. Based on the analysis, 120 (11.8%) patients had reached end-stage kidney disease "ESKD" or death. The study revealed that the risk factors associated with reaching ESKD and/or death using Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log rank test included higher hemoglobin A1c among diabetic patients, higher grade of proteinuria, and non use of renin-angiotensin system blockers. The patients with CKD progression constituted 77.2% of all CKD patients. The study findings indicated that older age, Arab ethnicity, smoking habit, diabetes mellitus and hypertension (presumed as original kidney diseases) are among the significant risk factors associated with a further decline of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and further CKD progression. CONCLUSION: This study summarized the demographic and clinical risk factors associated with CKD progression and patients' outcomes among a unique and heterogeneous population in the state of Qatar. Intensive treatment of modifiable risk factors could be of value in halting the progression of CKD. However, prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

National response to the COVID-19 Omicron variant crisis in the ambulatory hemodialysis service in the State of Qatar.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant worldwide impact since its emergence in 2019. End-stage kidney disease patients have been among the most vulnerable population affected and have a higher risk of acquiring infection and developing more severe disease. We have encountered three major COVID-19 waves in Qatar and they have required different strategies to overcome. The most recent wave was due to the Omicron variant characterized by higher transmissibility. The monthly incidence of COVID-19 infection during the Omicron wave in patients with end-stage renal disease peaked at 256 patients compared to 35 and 39 patients during the first and second waves, respectively. In addition, more than one-third of our dialysis staff became infected during this wave. Unlike the previous two waves, COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant was less severe with only 5% of hemodialysis patients requiring admission to the intensive care unit compared to 25% during the previous waves. The Omicron variant wave resulted in a crisis in our country due to the high number of non-hospitalized COVID-19 hemodialysis patients and the severe staff shortage. Several measures were taken to overcome the crisis, such as designating one facility to dialyze all COVID-19 ambulatory patients, reducing dialysis sessions to 3 hours, and introducing a fourth dialysis shift. This article describes the challenges we faced in the ambulatory hemodialysis service during the Omicron wave and the measures taken in the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 designated facilities to combat the crisis.

Prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 in a multiethnic cohort of patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in Qatar.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) are characterized by immune dysfunction and associated with an increased risk of infections, which were of significant concern during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Variable rates of COVID-19 incidence have been reported in patients with ARDs; however, the true effect of this infection on this patient population is still unclear. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the COVID-19 prevalence among a multiethnic cohort of patients with ARDs in Qatar. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used telephonic surveys to collect demographic and clinical information of patients with ARD in Qatar between April 1 and July 31, 2020, including any close contact with a COVID-19 case at home or work and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. An electronic medical records review was conducted to verify pertinent data collected through the surveys. Prevalence with 95% confidence interval (CI), Student's t-tests, and chi-square/Fisher's exact tests were used for univariate analyses, whereas multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with COVID-19. RESULTS: The study included 700 patients with ARD (mean age, 43.2 ± 12.3 years), and 73% were female. Until July 2020, 75 (11%, 95% CI 9%-13%) patients had COVID-19. Factors associated with COVID-19 included being a man (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.56, 95% CI 1.35-4.88, p = 0.01) and having close contact with a COVID-19 case (aOR 27.89, 95% CI 14.85-52.38, p = 0.01). Disease severity and rheumatic medications had no significant association with the odds of contracting COVID-19. In the 86 patients with ARD having close contact, the frequency of hydroxychloroquine utilization was lower in patients who contracted COVID-19 than in those who did not (35% vs 72.5%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In Qatar, patients with ARDs had an overall higher prevalence of COVID-19 than global estimates. Being male and having close contact with a COVID-19 case were strongly associated with COVID-19 as reported globally. The presence of comorbid conditions, disease-specific factors, and rheumatic medications had no significant effect on the risk of COVID-19 in our study suggesting alternative mechanisms to the increased prevalence.

Validation of a noninvasive prognostic signature for allograft failure following BK virus associated nephropathy.

Identifying kidney transplant recipients at risk for graft failure following BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) may allow personalization of therapy. We have reported that a noninvasive composite signature of urinary cell level of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) mRNA and serum creatinine level, measured at the time of BKVN diagnosis, is prognostic of graft failure. In this investigation, we determined whether the composite signature is prognostic of graft failure in an independent cohort of 25 patients with BKVN. Of the 25 patients, 8 developed graft failure and 17 did not. We measured urinary cell levels of PAI-1 mRNA, 18S rRNA, and BKV VP1 mRNA at the time of BKVN diagnosis and evaluated clinical parameters including Banff pathology scores, acute rejection, and graft function. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the noninvasive composite signature was 0.95 (P < .001) for prognosticating graft failure. The previously reported threshold of -0.858 predicted graft failure with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 94%. Our current study validates the use of composite signature and the threshold of -0.858 to identify those at risk for graft failure following BKVN diagnosis, and supports future studies utilizing the composite signature score to personalize treatment of BKVN.

Prediabetes and older age increase the risk of post-transplantation diabetes mellitus: Qatar experience.

Post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a major complication in kidney transplant recipients leading to reduced allograft and patient survival. Given the high prevalence of diabetes in Qatar, which is twice the global average, we were interested in determining the incidence of PTDM, identifying risk factors, and comparing clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients with and without diabetes. We retrospectively followed up 191 adult kidney allograft recipients transplanted between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016, for a median of 41 months. A total of 76 patients (40%) had pre-existing diabetes. A total of 39 patients developed PTDM during follow-up; they represent 34% of patients who did not have diabetes prior to transplantation. Two thirds of PTDM occurred within 3-6 months post-transplantation. Prediabetes before transplant [OR = 6.07 (1.24-29.74), P = .026] older recipient's age at the time of transplantation [OR = 1.10 (1.00-1.20), P = .039] and average fasting blood sugar during 3-6 months post-transplant [OR = 1.06 (1.01-1.11), P = .010] were independently associated with PTDM. Patient and kidney allograft survival rates exceeded 97% in all groups. The incidence of PTDM in kidney transplant recipients living in Qatar is high. Older age and prediabetes are independent risk factors for developing PTDM.

From past to present: Exploring COVID-19 in Qatar's hemodialysis population across Omicron dominant and pre-Omicron periods.

COVID-19 carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants have been identified since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aimed to compare the incidence and outcomes of the COVID-19 Omicron dominant period versus other pre-Omicron period in hemodialysis patients. In this observational, analytical, retrospective, nationwide study, we reviewed adult chronic hemodialysis patients between March 1, 2020, and January 31, 2022. Four hundred twenty-one patients had COVID-19 during the study period. The incidence of COVID-19 due to the Omicron dominant period was significantly higher than other pre-Omicron period (30.3% vs. 18.7%, P<0.001). In contrast, the admission rate to ICU was significantly lower in the Omicron dominant period than in the pre-Omicron period (2.8% vs. 25%, P<0001) but with no significant difference in ICU length of stay. The mortality rate was lower in the Omicron dominant period compared to the pre-Omicron period (2.4% vs. 15.5%, P<0.001). Using multivariate analysis, older age [OR 1.093 (95% CI 1.044-1.145); P<0.0001] and need for mechanical ventilation [OR 70.4 (95% CI 20.39-243.1); P<0.0001] were identified as two independent risk factors for death in hemodialysis patients with COVID-19. In Conclusion, the COVID-19 Omicron variant had a higher incidence and lower morbidity and mortality than pre-Omicron period in our hemodialysis population.

Effectiveness of Messenger RNA Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hemodialysis Patients: A Case-Control Study.

Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications compared with the general population. Several studies evaluated the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in the dialysis population but showed mixed results. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines against confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in hemodialysis (HD) patients in the State of Qatar. We included all adult ESKD patients on chronic HD who had at least one SARS-CoV-2 PCR test done after the introduction of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines on 24 December 2020. Vaccinated patients who were only tested before receiving any dose of their COVID-19 vaccine or within 14 days after receiving the first vaccine dose were excluded from the study. We used a test-negative case−control design to determine the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination. Sixty-eight patients had positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests (cases), while 714 patients had negative tests (controls). Ninety-one percent of patients received the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Compared with the controls, the cases were more likely to be older (62 ± 14 vs. 57 ± 15, p = 0.02), on dialysis for more than one year (84% vs. 72%, p = 0.03), unvaccinated (46% vs. 5%, p < 0.0001), and symptomatic (54% vs. 21%, p < 0.0001). The effectiveness of receiving two doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines against confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was 94.7% (95% CI: 89.9−97.2) in our HD population. The findings of this study support the importance of using the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in chronic HD patients to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in such a high-risk population.

Mortality and associated risk factors of COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients in Qatar: A nationwide cohort study.

CONTEXT: Patients on maintenance dialysis are more susceptible to COVID-19 and its severe form. We studied the mortality and associated risks of COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients in the state of Qatar. METHODS: This was an observational, analytical, retrospective, nationwide study. We included all adult patients on maintenance dialysis therapy who tested positive for COVID-19 (PCR assay of the nasopharyngeal swab) during the period from February 1, 2020, to July 19, 2020. Our primary outcome was to study the mortality of COVID-19 in dialysis patients in Qatar and risk factors associated with it. Our secondary objectives were to study incidence and severity of COVID-19 in dialysis patients and comparing outcomes between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. Patient demographics and clinical features were collected from a national electronic medical record. Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate potential risk factors for mortality in our cohort. RESULTS: 76 out of 1064 dialysis patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 (age 56±13.6, 56 hemodialysis and 20 peritoneal dialysis, 56 males). During the study period, 7.1% of all dialysis patients contracted COVID-19. Male dialysis patients had double the incidence of COVID-19 than females (9% versus 4.5% respectively; p<0.01). The most common symptoms on presentation were fever (57.9%), cough (56.6%), and shortness of breath (25%). Pneumonia was diagnosed in 72% of dialysis patients with COVID-19. High severity manifested as 25% of patients requiring admission to the intensive care unit, 18.4% had ARDS, 17.1% required mechanical ventilation, and 14.5% required inotropes. The mean length of hospital stay was 19.2 ± -12 days. Mortality due to COVID-19 among our dialysis cohort was 15%. Univariate Cox regression analysis for risk factors associated with COVID-19-related death in dialysis patients showed significant increases in risks with age (OR 1.077, CI 95%(1.018-1.139), p = 0.01), CHF and COPD (both same OR 8.974, CI 95% (1.039-77.5), p = 0.046), history of DVT (OR 5.762, CI 95% (1.227-27.057), p = 0.026), Atrial fibrillation (OR 7.285, CI 95%(2.029-26.150), p = 0.002), hypoxia (OR: 16.6; CI 95%(3.574-77.715), p = <0.001), ICU admission (HR30.8, CI 95% (3.9-241.2), p = 0.001), Mechanical ventilation (HR 50.07 CI 95% (6.4-391.2)), p<0.001) and using inotropes(HR 19.17, CI 95% (11.57-718.5), p<0.001). In a multivariate analysis, only ICU admission was found to be significantly associated with death [OR = 32.8 (3.5-305.4), p = 0.002)]. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to be conducted at a national level in Qatar exploring COVID-19 in a dialysis population. Dialysis patients had a high incidence of COVID-19 infection and related mortality compared to previous reports of the general population in the state of Qatar (7.1% versus 4% and 15% versus 0.15% respectively). We also observed a strong association between death related to COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients and admission to ICU.

Eradication of hepatitis C virus infection in kidney transplant recipients using direct-acting antiviral therapy: Qatar experience.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has detrimental effects on patient and graft survival after kidney transplantation. In the pre-direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era, treatment of HCV infection was associated with low response rates, poor tolerance, and increased risk of allograft rejection. However, DAAs have revolutionized HCV treatment. The aims of this study were to determine the impact of DAA on the sustained virologic response (SVR), renal function, and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels and assess the tolerability to treatment in kidney transplant recipients with HCV infection in Qatar. METHODS: This retrospective study included the medical records of all kidney transplant recipients with confirmed HCV infection before January 1, 2020. All data were obtained from the patients' electronic medical records; these included patient demographics; virologic responses to treatment; serum creatinine levels during treatment; urine protein to creatinine ratios and CNI levels before, during, and after treatment; and side effects related to DAA therapy. RESULTS: A total of 27 kidney transplant recipients with HCV were identified, 23 of whom received DAA therapy. The length of treatment ranged from 12 to 24 weeks, and 52% of patients had HCV genotype 1 infection. The median log10 HCV RNA was 6.6 copies per milliliter. None of the patients had liver cirrhosis, and all of them achieved SVR. There was no statistically significant difference in the glomerular filtration rate before, during, and after treatment. Most patients had stable CNI trough levels during treatment and did not require dose adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: HCV infection was successfully eradicated by DAA therapy in kidney transplant recipients, with a 100% SVR rate. Moreover, DAA therapy was well-tolerated, and kidney function remained stable without an increased risk of rejection. These results are expected to drive the eradication of hepatitis C from the entire country.

Kidney Transplant Recipients Infected With Coronavirus Disease 2019: Retrospective Qatar Experience.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on kidney transplant, mortality, and risk factors associated with infection acquisition and severe illness in kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19. METHODS: Of 693 kidney transplant recipients who reported to our center, 249 were tested for COVID-19 by throat and nasal swab reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Of these, 43 recipients tested positive and 206 recipients tested negative. Among the 43 positive recipients, 9 were treated within an isolation facility, 25 were admitted to the hospital, and 9 were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Risk factors associated with positive results and ICU admission were evaluated. RESULTS: COVID-19 was found in 6% of transplant recipients. Asian ethnicity (p = .003), history of hypertensive nephropathy (p = .01), AB blood group (P = .04), and higher tacrolimus trough levels (P = .007) were more frequent in the COVID-19 positive than in the COVID-19 negative group. ICU admission was more frequent in recipients presenting with fever, shortness of breath, and acute allograft dysfunction. Renal replacement therapy was required in 3 (7%) of 43 recipients, and mortality was reported in 1 (2.3%) recipient. Acute allograft dysfunction was an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 (odds ratio, 93.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.37-3710.94; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Higher tacrolimus targets may be associated with COVID-19 development. Acute kidney injury during the COVID-19 course may be a sign of severe disease. Prognostication of COVID-19 severity in kidney transplant recipients is crucial for early recognition of critical illness and may ensure early intervention.

Restructuring nephrology services to combat COVID-19 pandemic: Report from a Middle Eastern country.

Coronavirus disease 2019 has spread across the world and has been classified as a pandemic. It has overwhelmed the healthcare systems. Specifically, it has overstretched the intensive care units and renal replacement therapy services in many countries. In this paper, we discuss the reconfiguration of nephrology services in the State of Qatar during the current pandemic. We highlight the key strategies that have been implemented to ensure that renal replacement therapy capacity is not constrained in either the intensive care or ambulatory setting. Some innovative approaches for the safe delivery of ambulatory care to dialysis and kidney transplant patients are also discussed.

Acute Rejection, Kidney Allograft Function, and Graft Survival in Patients with Circulating Pre-Transplant IgG Antibodies Directed Against Donor HLA-A, -B, or -C Locus Determined Antigens.

The relationship between circulating pre-transplant immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to donor human leukocyte antigen (HLA) -C locus determined antigens alone and acute rejection, kidney allograft function, and graft survival is not fully defined. Also, the impact of circulating pre-transplant IgG antibodies to donor HLA-C locus antigens alone on these outcomes has not been compared with the impact of circulating pre-transplant IgG antibodies to donor HLA-A or -B locus antigens. We conducted a retrospective review of records of 1252 kidney allograft recipients transplanted at our center between January 2010 and January 2016 to identify patients with circulating pre-transplant IgG antibodies directed at kidney donor HLA-A, -B, or -C locus determined antigens. Antibodies were detected and reported using the LABScreen Single Antigen Bead assay with microbeads coated with single HLA class I antigens. Pre-transplant and post-transplant data were collected and the graft outcomes of 16 kidney graft recipients with antibodies to HLA-C locus antigens were compared to the outcomes in 56 recipients with antibodies to HLA-A or -B locus determined antigens. The one-year acute rejection rate was 6% in those with donor-specific antibodies (DSA) to HLA-C locus antigens and 20% in those with DSA to HLA-A or -B locus antigens. The graft survival rate was 100% in those with DSA to HLA-C locus antigens and 95% in those with DSA to HLA-A or -B locus antigens. None of the numerical differences were statistically significant (p>0.05). The presence of circulating pre-transplant IgG antibodies directed at kidney donor HLA-C locus antigens alone may not be associated with an increased risk of acute rejection or a decreased graft survival rate. Our observations support the concept that circulating pre-transplant IgG antibodies directed at kidney donor HLA-C locus antigens alone do not negatively impact kidney allograft outcomes and that the mean fluorescence intensities of the antibodies directed at HLA-C locus alone should not be used to list unacceptable HLA-C locus antigens for kidney allocation. A study with a larger cohort is needed to investigate our hypothesis.