Evaluation of prophylaxis in primary prevention with acetylsalicylic acid in people with diabetes: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prophylaxis for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) remain controversial in people with diabetes (DM) without ACVD, because the possible increased risk of major bleeding could outweigh the potential reduction in the risk of mortality and of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) considered individually or together. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the overall risk-benefit of ASA prophylaxis in primary prevention in people with DM and to compare the recommendations of the guidelines with the results of the meta-analyses (MA) and systematic reviews (SR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for SR and MA published from 2009 to 2020 which compared the effects of ASA prophylaxis versus placebo or control followed up for at least one year in people with DM without ACVD. Heterogeneity among the randomized clinical trials (RCT) included in the SR and MA was assessed. Cardiovascular outcomes of efficacy (all-cause mortality [ACM], cardiovascular mortality [CVM], myocardial infarction [MI], stroke and MACE) and of safety (major bleeding events [MBE], major gastrointestinal bleeding events [MGIBE], and intracranial and extracranial bleeding) were shown. RESULTS: The recommendations of 12 guidelines were evaluated. The results of 25 SR and MA that included a total of 20 RCT were assessed. None of the MA or SR showed that ASA prophylaxis decreased the risk of ACM, CVM or MI. Only two of the 19 SR and MA that evaluated ischemic stroke showed a decrease in the stroke risk (mean 20.0% [SD±5.7]), bordering on statistical significance. Almost half of the MA and SR showed, bordering on statistical significance, a risk reduction for the MACE composite endpoint (mean 10.5% [SD±3.3]). The significant increases in MGIBE risk ranged from 35% to 55%. The significant increases in the risk of MBE and extracraneal bleeding were 33.4% (SD±14.9) and 54.5% (SD±0.7) respectively. CONCLUSION: The overall risk-benefit assessment of ASA prophylaxis in primary prevention suggests that it should not be applied in people with DM.

[Treatment of uraemic anorexia with megestrol acetate]. / Tratamiento de la anorexia urémica con acetato de megestrol.

BACKGROUND: Anorexia is a common disorder in patients treated with regular haemodialysis and is a contributing factor to malnutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of megestrol acetate, an appetite stimulant used in cancer patients, as a treatment for anorexia in dialysis patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In 2009, 16 patients in our haemodialysis unit, three with diabetes mellitus, were treated with megestrol (160 mg/day single dose) for anorexia defined according to a Likert scale of appetite. The schedule and dialysis dose were not changed during the study. RESULTS: In the third month of treatment there was, in the overall group, an increase in dry weight (60.8 vs 58.9 kg, P<.01), in albumin concentration (4.02 vs 3.8 g/dl, P<.05), in creatinine concentration (9.73 vs 8.26 mg/dl, P<.01), and protein catabolic rate (1.24 vs. 0.97 g/kg/day, P<.0001). Non-significant variations in the concentration of haemoglobin, erythropoietin dose, and lipid concentrations were found. One patient with diabetes mellitus had to increase the dose of insulin and two other patients suffered mild hyperglycaemia. Megestrol acetate did not suppress the secretion of pituitary sex hormones, but in 3 of 10 patients studied was found inhibition of ACTH secretion. The response was not homogeneous: one patient did not respond and reduced his dry weight, in 5 the weight gain was minimal (less than 1 kg) and in the remaining ten the response was good, with an increase in dry weight ranging between 1.5 and 5.5 kg. CONCLUSIONS: Megestrol acetate can improve appetite and nutritional parameters in patients treated with periodic haemodialysis who report anorexia. Megestrol acetate may induce hyperglycaemia and inhibit the secretion of ACTH in some patients. These side effects should be assessed when administering this treatment.

[Analysis of variability in determining intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) according to the method used to process the sample]. / Análisis de la variabilidad en la determinación de la hormona paratiroidea (PTH-i) según el método empleado para procesar la muestra.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of i-PTH circulating is not easy due to its analytical variablity. Variability that appears in the process that goes from the sample collection to the final result determination. There are several important aspects that can influence within the pre-test variability: type of sample (serum o plasma), temperature, time elapses from blood extraction to freezing and from freezing to i-PTH quantification. Blood coming from centres far from our laboratory do not always meet the required processing conditions. Our aim was to study the stability of i-PTH with varying conditions of temperature and time until freezing in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: We have analyzed 294 blood samples of 49 patients with chronic kidney disease (18 transplantated patients (36.7%) and 31 patients in haemodyalisis (63.3%)). The blood samples were collected using tubes treated with ethylenediaminotetraacetic acid (EDTA); these samples were subjected to different conditions of temperature and time before they were frozen, constituting 6 groups: blood centrifuged and plasma immediately frozen (group A or reference group); blood maintained 1 hour at room temperature and plasma stored at 2-8 masculineC during 0, 8 and 24 hours (groups B,C,D); blood maintained 3 hours at room temperature and plasma stored at 2-8 masculineC during 0 and 8 hours (groups E,F). The intact PTH (i-PTH) was measured using the immunoradiometric assay (IRMA Total Intact Scantibodies assay). We have analyzed the differences between the PTH-i mean values in the referenced groud and the others. We have applied the tests of homogeneity variance and normality and we have perform a comparation by pairs with the t-test including the Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: The mean value of intact-PTH in the referente Group was 202.5+/-199.72 pg/ml. The means values of intact-PTH in the other groups were 196 +/- 203.23 pg/ml, 202.8 +/- 200.2 pg/ml, 200.06 +/- 194.87 pg/ml, 204.08 +/- 204.073 pg/ml, 197.94 +/- 182.31 pg/ml. The results were practically identical for each group. We did not find important differences with respect to the reference group (p = 0.87, p = 0,99, p = 0,95, p = 0,96, p = 0,90 when comparing with groups 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a y 3b). CONCLUSIONS: The use of EDTA maintain the PTH stability during a longer period without the necessity of freezing the samples immediately. These results can help to state strategies to management the samples in patients with ERC.

[Strongyloides stercoralis infection in renal transplant recipients]. / Infección por Strongyloides stercoralis en pacientes trasplantados renales.

We present two cases of strongyloides stercoralis infection in renal transplant recipients in our centre. We describe clinical presentation characteristics, treatment and resolution.

[How to carry out the search of kidney disease in patients with cardiovascular disease?]. / Cómo realizar la búsqueda de enfermedad renal en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular?

Patients with chronic kidney disease are at high risk of cardiovascular disease and should receive intensive risk-reduction therapy. Early detection of albuminuria and chronic kidney disease can identify individuals at increased risk of adverse clinical events and therefore may have a better opportunity to improve their outcomes. The determination of serum creatinine should not be the only parameter used to as renal function. The evaluation of the renal involvement in patients with cardiovascular disease should be done using the determination of albumin in a urine spot test and estimating glomerular filtration from predictive equations derived from creatinine. The MDRD equation is of choice but alternatively the Cockcroft-Gault formula can also be used.

[Social and health impact of advanced chronic kidney disease]. / Impacto socio sanitario de la enfermedad renal cronica avanzada.

The prevalence of CKD in Spain is 11%, with a high rate of associated vascular risk factors and a progressive increase in the number of patients requiring kidney replacement therapy, estimated at 5-8% annually. This has made CKD one of the leading health, social and economic problems for the health care systems of all developed countries. Kidney replacement therapy, although adequate, is not optimal for solving this clinical problem. The key aspects of the problem are: The increase in the number of patients with CKD due to: Early vascular injury as a result of the inflammatory process associated with CKD. Aging of the population, although CKD may be more dependent on comorbidities than age "per se", and prevalence may therefore not have the expected increase. The epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus. CKD is the major vascular risk factor both in the general and hypertensive population or patients with established vascular injury. The estimated cost of care of stage 1-4 CKD per year can be 1.6-2.4 times more than kidney replacement therapy. The approach to this serious social and health problem is based on: Early detection and diagnosis of CKD by estimation of glomerular filtration rate and assessment of associated risk factors. Establishment of treatment goals for control of cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus,) and albuminuria to reduce the rate of progression of kidney disease. Joint approach to problem by primary care physicians and other specialists caring for patients at high cardiovascular risk. Establishment of criteria for referral to nephrology departments.

[Vaccination scheme in advanced chronic kidney disease]. / Calendario de vacunas en la enfermedad renal cronica avanzada.

1. VACCINATION AGAINST HEPATITIS B a) All patients with chronic advanced renal disease and negative serology for HBsAg and antiHBs are to be vaccinated against hepatitis B (Evidence level: B). b) For classic vaccines (Engerix B and HBVAxpro) the adult vaccine dose is 40 mcg (20 mcg in the paediatric population). There are two dose regimens based on the medicinal product used: 0, 1 and 6 months with HBVAxpro and 0, 1, 2 and 6 months with Engerix B. With the new vaccine Fendrix, the dose is 20 mcg and the schedule 0, 1, 2 and 6 months (Evidence level: C). c) The antiHBs titre is to be measured 1-2 months after administration of the last dose. In patients whose antibody titres are below 10 mIU/mL, a booster may be administered, checking the response or administering a second full vaccination (Evidence level: B). d) In responders, antibody levels are to be tested at least once a year. If the antiHBs titre is below 10 mIU/mL, a booster is to be administered (Evidence level: C). 2. VACCINATION AGAINST INFLUENZA a) All patients with chronic advanced renal disease are to be vaccinated every year against influenza (Evidence level: B). b) The vaccination dose and regimen are the same as recommended for the general population (Evidence level: C) 3. VACCINATION AGAINST PNEUMOCOCCUS a) Vaccination against pneumococcus is recommended in patients with chronic renal disease associated with nephrotic syndrome or who may be future candidates for renal transplant (Evidence level: B). b) There is no evidence of the clinical value of the pneumococcal vaccine in adult patients with chronic renal failure, not transplanted. However, some regions are recommending routine vaccination in the population aged >or= 60 years, the age of a high percentage of our patients. c) To maintain immunisation, revaccination is required every 3- 5 years. 4. OTHER VACCINES a) Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended in patients with renal failure associated with chronic liver disease or who are candidates for renal transplant (Evidence level: C). b) The recommendations for vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria are the same as for the general population (Evidence level: C). c) Chickenpox vaccine is indicated in children with chronic renal disease, particularly if they are candidates for transplant (Evidence level: B). Although there is no evidence of the value of this vaccine in adults, it is advisable to perform it in those who may be candidates for renal transplant with no protecting antibodies. d) There is no evidence of the clinical value of the vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus.

[Recurrence of p-ANCA positive vasculitis with lung hemorrhage in a patient on hemodialysis]. / Recidiva de vasculitis p-ANCA positiva con hemorragia pulmonar en paciente en hemodiálisis.

Relapses of p-ANCA vasculitis during chronic dialysis treatment are infrequent. We report a patient with a pulmonary-renal syndrome and p-ANCA vasculitis who relapsed one year after starting hemodialysis treatment. Treatment with steroids and cyclosphosphamide successfully controlled the relapse, though cyclophosphamide had to be discontinued because of leucopenia. Clinical features of renal vasculitis, relapse after dialysis, the usefulness of ANCA titles as possible predictors and therapeutic options are discussed.

A Mediterranean age-comorbidity prognostic index for survival in dialysis populations.

BACKGROUND: The most widely used prognostic indices for estimation of survival, including for dialysis patients, were described by Charlson, and an adaptation was proposed by Hemmelgarn for dialysis patients. We present the first age-comorbidity prognostic index (ACPI) designed in a Mediterranean incident dialysis population and examine its concordance with other prognostic indices. METHODS: Incident dialysis patients were scored in relation to age and 11 diseases. Cox regression analysis was performed to construct multiple regression models, and diseases with a hazard ratio (HR) higher than 1.2 were included in the index. The impact of age was assessed by including it in a separate multivariate model. Scores were categorized in 3 levels of risk: low (0-1 points), medium (2-4 points) and high levels (5 or more points). The probability of survival of each group was calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to examine the concordance with other prognostic indices. RESULTS: A cohort of 304 patients on hemodialysis (80%) and peritoneal dialysis was analyzed. Global mortality rate was 31% (93/304). The mean score was 4.41 +/- 2.84. Diseases that received the highest scores were ischemic heart disease (IHD) with chronic heart failure (CHF), and malignancies of less than 5 years of evolution. With regard to age, the maximum score was received by patients over 60 years old. The probability of survival at 3 years was 89%, 77% and 54% for low-, medium- and high-risk groups, respectively (log-rank test, 19; p=0.0001). The ROC curves showed similar areas for our index (0.749), the Charlson index (0.758) and Hemmelgarn index (0.708), but our index scored higher than Charlson in older patients, IHD with CHF, CHF, peripheral vascular disease and systemic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Although prospective external validation of this new index is required, this index adequately estimates the probability of survival at 3 years. The prognostic power of ACPI is similar to that of the Charlson index; however, relevant differences were found, concerning the weight of factors age, cardiovascular diseases and myocardial dysfunction. In end-stage renal disease we recommend estimating survival by indices established in incident dialysis patients, due to the particular comorbid conditions of this population.

High body mass index and posttransplant weight gain are not risk factors for kidney graft and patient outcome.

BACKGROUND: High body mass constitutes a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality in the general population, but it has been associated with an increased survival among dialysis patients. Its effects on renal transplant outcomes are controversial. The aim of our present work was to investigate the impact of high body mass and posttransplant weight gain on patient and graft outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One thousand consecutive renal transplant recipients (631 men and 369 women) were included in the study. Their mean age was 42.9 years and the follow-up was at least 2 years. Basal immunosuppression was azathioprine (Aza) and steroids in 196 patients, cyclosporine (CsA) without or with antiproliferative agent in 557, and 239 were presented tacrolimus (Tac). RESULTS: At the time of transplantation the body mass index (BMI) was 23.7 +/- 3.9 kg/m2, namely, <18.5 kg/m2 in 6.3%; 18.5 to 25 in 61.7%; 25 to 30 in 25.4%; and >30 in 6.5%. Pretransplant obesity was associated with old age and female gender. Obese patients experienced a greater risk of delayed graft function (P < .01) and surgical wound complications (P < .01). After 1 year, 299 patients (29.9%) displayed weight gain >10% (mean 8.6% +/- 10.4% or 5.0 +/- 6.1 kg). Patients on Aza showed increased body weight by 11.9% +/- 10.9%; CsA patients by 9.5% +/- 10.3%, and Tac patients by 4.9% +/- 9.1% (P < .001). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that pretransplant BMI had no effect on graft or patient survival either in the whole group or in the patients treated with CsA or TAC. Posttransplant weight gain above 5% or 10% did not influence graft or patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The new immunosuppressive regimes reduce posttransplant weight gain. Pretransplant high body mass and 1-year posttransplant weight gain were not risk factors for graft or patient survival in our experience.

[The Cockcroft-Gault equation is better than MDRD equation to estimate the glomerular filtration rate in patients with advanced chronic renal failure]. / La ecuación de Cockcroft-Gault es preferible a la ecuación MDRD para medir el filtrado glomerular en la insuficiencia renal crónica avanzada.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of three kidney function estimating equations: classic Cockcroft-Gault (classic CG), corrected Cockcroft-Gault (corrected CG) and simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), in patients with advanced chronic renal failure. The study was made in 84 nondialyzed patients with chronic renal disease in stage 4 or 5. The glomerular filtration rate was measured on a 24-hour urine collection as the arithmetic mean of the urea and creatinine clearances (CUrCr). In each patient, the difference between each estimating equation and the measured glomerular filtration rate was calculated. The absolute difference expressed as a percentage of the measured glomerular filtration rate indicates the intermethod variability. In the total group the glomerular filtration rate measured as the CUrCr was de 13,5+/-5,1 ml/min/1.73 m(2); and the results of the estimating equations were: classic CG 14,2+/-5 (p<0,05); corrected CG 12+/-4,2 (p<0,01) and MDRD : 12,1+/-4,8 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (p<0,01). The variability of the estimating equations was 15,2+/-12,2%, 17,1+/-13,4 % and 19,3+/-13,3% (p<0,05), for classic CG, corrected CG and MDRD respectively. The percent of estimates falling within 30% above o below the measured glomerular filtration rate was 90% for CG classic, 87% for corrected CG and 79% for MDRD. The intraclass correlation coefficients respect to CUrCr were 0,86 for classic CG, 0,81 for corrected CG and 0,77 for MDRD. The MDRD variability, but not classic CG variability or corrected CG variability, showed a positive correlation with the glomerular filtration rate (r=0,25, p<0,05). In patients with chronic renal disease in stage 5, the variability of the different estimating equations was similar. We conclude that in our population with advanced chronic renal failure the classic CG equation is more accurate than the MDRD equation. Corrected CG equation has not any advantage respect to classic CG equation.

[Control of the dialysis dose by ionic dialysance and bioimpedance]. / Control de la dosis de diálisis mediante dialisancia iónica y bioimpedancia.

INTRODUCTION: The ionic dialysance monitor allows an automated measure of Kt in each dialysis session. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) determines the total body water which it is equivalent to the urea volume of distribution (V). If the Kt, determined by ionic dialysance, is divided by the V, estimated by bioelectrical impedance, a Kt/V at the end of dialysis session (Kt/VDiBi) is obtained. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the agreement between the Kt/VDiBi and the Kt/V obtained by two simplified formulas: the monocompartimental (Kt/Vm) and the equilibrated (Kt/Ve) Daugirdas equations. METHODS: The Kt/VDiBi, the Kt/Vm and the Kt/Ve were determined in 38 hemodialysis patients (27 males and 11 females) in the same hemodialysis session. The patients were on dialysis three times a week for 3.5 to 4 hours. The V was determined by monofrequency bioelectrical impedance (50 kHz) at the end of the dialysis session. RESULTS: The Kt/VDiBi, Kt/Vm and Kt/Ve were 1.29+/-0.26, 1.54+/-0.29 and 1.36+/-0.25, respectively (p<0.001 between the Kt/VDiBi and the KtVm, and p<0.001 between the KtV/DiBi and the Kt/Ve). The intraclass correlation coefficient showed better concordance between the KtV/DiBi and the Kt/Ve (coefficient 0.88) than between the Kt/VDiBi and the KtVm (coefficient 0.65). The relative difference of the Kt/VDiBi was 8.3+/-6.4% with respect to the Kt/Ve and 18.4+/-7.8 % with respect to the Kt/Vm (p<0.001). The relative difference between the Kt/VDiBi and the Kt/Ve was lower than 15% in the 84% of the patients and lower than 10% in the 64% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: If the V obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis is included in the ionic dialysance monitor, we can obtain a Kt/V for each patient in real time, which is similar to the equilibrated Kt/V obtained from the Daugirdas equation.

[Chronic renal failure secondary to hyperoxaluria following small bowel syndrome]. / Insuficiencia renal crónica secundaria a hiperoxaluria tras resección intestinal por trombosis mesentérica.

A 70-year-old woman was admitted in the Department of Nephrology because of renal insufficiency. Six years previously, as consequence of a venous mesenteric thrombosis, she underwent an extense intestinal resection with subsequent short intestine syndrome. Five years after the surgery an increase in the creatinine concentration was observed (1.4 mg/dl). One year later, it increased up to 3.1 mg/dl and the patient was remitted to our Department. The radiological study revealed calcifications on both kidney silhouettes. In the next year, renal function worsened and the calcifications increased. Coinciding with the beginning of the chronic hemodialysis treatment she suffered a renal colic with passage of a calcium oxalate stone.

[Temperature dialysate and hemodialysis tolerance]. / Temperatura del baño y tolerancia a la hemodiálisis.

In this study, the effect of dialysate temperature on hemodynamic stability, patients' perception of dialysis discomfort and postdialysis fatigue were assessed. Thirty-one patients of the morning shift were eligible to participate in the study. Three patients refused. Patients were assessed during 6 dialysis sessions: in three sessions the dialysate temperature was normal (37 degrees C) and in other three sessions the dialysate temperature was low (35.5 degrees C). To evaluate the symptoms along the dialysis procedure and the postdialysis fatigue, specific scale questionnaires were administered in each dialysis session and respective scores were elaborated. Low temperature dialysate was associated with higher postdialysis systolic blood pressure (122 +/- 24 vs. 126 +/- 27 mmHg, p < 0.05), and lower postdialysis heart rate (82 +/- 13 vs. 78 +/- 9 beats/min, p < 0.05) with the same ultrafiltration rate. Dialysis symptoms score and postdialysis fatigue score were better with the low dialysate temperature (0.7 +/- 0.9 vs. 0.4 +/- 1 vs. p < 0.05, and 1.3 +/- 1 vs. 1 +/- 0.9 p < 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, low temperature dialysate shortened the post-dialysis fatigue period (5.4 +/- 6.3 vs. 3.1 +/- 3.3 vs. hours, p < 0.05). The clinical improvement experimented with the low temperature dialysate was not universal. A beneficial effect was exclusively observed in the patients with higher dialysis symptoms and postdialysis fatigue scores or having more than one episode of hypotension in a week. The patients were asked about their temperature preference, 7 patients (23%) request a dialysate at 37 degrees C, 19 patients (61%) prefered to be dialysed with the low temperature dialysate, and 5 patients (16%) were indifferent. The later two groups of the patients continued with the low temperature dialysate during other 4 weeks. At the end of that period, the clinical improvement remained unchanged. In summary, low temperature dialysate is particularly beneficial for highly symptomatic patients.

[Urea distribution volume calculated by ionic dialysance]. / Cálculo del volumen de distribución de la urea mediante dialisancia iónica.

BACKGROUND: Direct dialysis quantification is considered the gold standard for determining urea distribution volume, but it is impractical for routine use. So, urea distribution volume in hemodialysis patients is usually estimated from anthropometric equations. Ionic dialysance allows to calculate the urea distribution volume dividing the Kt obtained by ionic dialysance by the Kt/V obtained by a simplified formula. The aim of the present work was to analyse the concordance between the ionic dialysance and the direct dialysis quantification methods to estimate de urea distribution volume. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 15 hemodialysis patients (10 males and 5 females), we have estimated the urea distribution volume by the direct dialysis quantification (Vurea), by the anthropometrics equations of Watson (VWatson) and Chertow (VChertow) and by the ionic dialysance method (VDI). To obtain VDI we have used two simplified Kt/V formulas: the monocompartimental and the equilibrated Daugirdas equations (VDIm and VDIe respectively). The intermethod variability was assessed by the relative difference (absolute difference between VUrea and the other methods, divided by the mean). RESULTS: VUrea (26,2 L) was statistically different from theVDIe (30,6 L, p < 0.01), VWatson 35.2 L (p < 0.001) and VChertow (38 L, p < 0.001). VDIm was 26.3 L (p = ns). VUrea represents the 42% of the body weight for the males (range 36 to 49%) and the 33% of the body weight for the female (range 28 to 38%). The intermethod variability was high for the VDIe (21.6%), VWatson (37.4%) and VChertow (48. 1%), but it was low for the VDIm (9.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Urea distribution volume calculated by the ionic dialysance method using the monocompartimental Daugirdas Kt/V equation has an acceptable agreement with the urea distribution volume calculated by the direct dialysis quantification. Anthropometry-based equations overestimate the urea distribution volume in hemodialysis patients.

Wisconsin and Celsior solutions in renal preservation: a comparative preliminary study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Celsior (C) solution for flushing and cold storage of cadaveric renal allografts. Among 177 cadaveric renal allografts harvested and transplanted in our unit, 138 were preserved with the University of Wisconsin (W) solution and 39 with the C solution. The mean age of the recipients was 48.1 +/- 13.5 years, including 107 men and 70 women. The immunosuppressive regimens were tacrolimus-based (n = 118) or cyclosporine-based (n = 59). Grafts perfused with W solution were obtained from older donors than those perfused with C solution (42.3 +/- 16.9 vs 38.1 +/- 12.5 years; P = .017) and had been transplanted to older recipients (49.5 +/- 14.4 vs 43.3 +/- 13.0 years; P = .017). The prevalence of delayed graft function (DGF) was similar in the 2 groups (39.1% in the W group vs 23.7% in the C group; P = .097), as well as the incidence of primary nonfunction grafts (5.8% vs 2.7%; P = .427). The serum creatinine value at 1 month was significantly higher among grafts preserved with W versus solution (1.9 +/- 0.9 vs 1.5 +/- 0.5 mg/dL; P = .000) as well as at 12 months (1.63 +/- 0.5 vs 1.35 +/- 0.4 mg/dL; P = .003). There were no differences in graft survival at 12 months (97% C group vs 88% W group; P = .069). Our results showed that C solution was equivalent to W solution with respect to DGF and primary function of kidneys. The differences in renal function may have been due to differences in donor and recipient ages.

Chronic kidney disease in renal transplant recipients.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the present study was to investigate the utility in renal transplant patients of the guidelines for the diagnosis and classification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) elaborated by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) of the National Kidney Foundation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred forty-seven cadaveric kidney transplants performed between 1980 and 1994 with graft function at 12 months were included in the study. The GFR was calculated according to the MDRD equation. RESULTS: The mean GFR at 12 months was 54.5 +/- 20.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2): 23 patients (5.1%) had a GFR > or =90 mL/min/1.73 m(2); 136 patients (30.6%), 60-89; 246 (54.7%), 30-59; 35 patients (7.8%), 15-29; and 7 patients (1.6%), GFR <15. Similar distribution of CKD stages was observed at 5 and 10 years. Unadjusted graft survival at 10 years was better among patients with a higher GFR at 12 months: 87% in patients with GFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m(2); 83% of GFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m(2); 63%, GFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2); and 23%, GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P < .001). The association between GFR and graft survival persisted when adjusted by the age and gender of the recipients and donors, time on dialysis, body mass index, immunosuppression, delayed graft function, rejection, and HLA mismatches. The prevalence of complications, such as anemia, hypertension, dyslipidemias, and number of drugs increased as GFR declined. CONCLUSIONS: More than 60% of recipients presented chronic kidney disease. GFR was a predictive factor for graft survival at 10 years. The classification of renal transplant patients by CKD stages may help to identify patients with increased risk of graft loss and also to design strategies to improve outcomes.

Renal function impairment caused by intravenous urography. A prospective study.

Renal function was evaluated before and after intravenous urography (IVU) in 124 randomly selected patients. In cases with renal insufficiency (RI) (serum creatinine level, greater than or equal to 2 mg/dL), the incidence of renal impairment was higher (11 of 20 patients, 55%) than in the group without RI (16 of 104 patients, 15%). In the latter group, high blood pressure (BP) was associated with a higher frequency of renal impairment (28.6% vs 10.5%). Advanced age, mild proteinuria, and a single functioning kidney were not risk factors. The IVU preparation contributed to renal function impairment in ten cases, while in the other 17 cases, the iodinated contrast material was the only factor apparently involved. Renal function returned to its previous level in a mean period of 12 days. One patient suffered progressive and irreversible renal failure, and two others had a slight, persistent impairment of renal function. It was concluded that the incidence of renal function impairment is high, but cases are usually mild and reversible. The most important predisposing factors are RI and high BP.

Outcome of cadaveric renal transplant patients treated for 10 years with cyclosporine: is chronic allograft nephropathy the major cause of late graft loss?

BACKGROUND: The introduction of cyclosporine (CsA) has improved the short-term outcome of renal transplantation, but its effect on the long-term survival is not well known. METHODS: We analyzed 128 cadaveric first renal transplant recipients with CsA and prednisone as basal immunosuppression followed for at least 10 years, and we have compared them with a group of 185 historical patients treated with azathioprine (Aza) and prednisone. RESULTS: The 1-year graft survival was 83% in the CsA-treated patients and 68% in the Aza-treated patients (P<0.025), and the differences were significant for 3 years. Acute rejection accounted for the 10.9% of losses in CsA-treated patients and for 23.8% of losses in Aza-treated patients (P=0.046). Chronic allograft nephropathy was the cause of graft losses in 40.6% and 16.8% of cases (P=0.008). Patient survival at 5 years was 88% in CsA-treated patients and 79% in the Aza-treated patients (P<0.025). When analyzing the data of the 64 CsA-treated patients and the 84 Aza-treated patients with one functioning graft at 10 years, mean serum creatinine values were significantly higher in the CsA-treated patients at all time points but the increases were not significantly different. At 10 years, mean blood pressure was higher (P=0.002), and hypercholesterolemia (P=0.011) and hyperuricemia (P=0.000) were more prevalent in the CsA-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: CsA resulted in a better short-time patient and graft survival that was not maintained in the long-term outcome. Chronic allograft nephropathy was the leading cause of graft loss in CsA-treated patients. Graft function was poorer in the CsA-treated patients, but its decline was similar in the two groups.

Delayed graft function does not reduce the survival of renal transplant allografts.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of delayed graft function (DGF) in graft outcome when adjusted by the presence of acute rejection in the first month after transplantation. METHODS: A total of 437 cadaveric renal transplant patients on cyclosporine and steroids were included in the study. Variables related to donor, recipient, and graft were prospectively collected. RESULTS: The incidence of DGF was 44.4%. When patients dying with a functioning graft were censored, graft survival rates at 1 and 6 years were similar in patients with immediate function to those with DGF, when rejection was not present (96% and 81% vs. 95% and 83%, respectively). Rejection negatively influenced graft survival rates at 1 and 6 years, both in patients with immediate graft function (80% and 73%, P<0.05 vs. no DGF/no rejection) and more deeply in those with associated DGF (77% and 62%, P<0.001 vs. no DGF/no rejection). Rejection was more frequently diagnosed in patients with DGF than in those with immediate graft function (50% vs. 39.9%, P<0.05). Length of hospitalization was longer and the number of needle core biopsies was higher in patients with DGF or rejection. The presence of both complications had an additive effect. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that DGF did not adversely affect kidney graft survival in patients without rejection. However, it increased the length of hospitalization and the number of graft biopsies, thus increasing the cost of transplantation. Moreover, rejection was more frequent in patients with DGF, and it had a negative impact on graft outcome. Because the association of DGF and rejection gave the poorest outcome, an effort should be made to prevent both complications.