Parathyroidectomy: still the best choice for the management of severe secondary hyperparathyroidism / Paratireoidectomia: ainda a melhor escolha para o tratamento do hiperparatireoidismo secundário grave

Abstract Introduction: Management of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a challenging endeavor with several factors contruibuting to treatment failure. Calcimimetic therapy has revolutionized the management of SHPT, leading to changes in indications and appropriate timing of parathyroidectomy (PTX) around the world. Methods: We compared response rates to clinical vs. surgical approaches to SHPT in patients on maintenance dialysis (CKD 5D) and in kidney transplant patients (Ktx). A retrospective analysis of the one-year follow-up findings was carried out. CKD 5D patients were divided into 3 groups according to treatment strategy: parathyroidectomy, clinical management without cinacalcet (named standard - STD) and with cinacalcet (STD + CIN). Ktx patients were divided into 3 groups: PTX, CIN (cinacalcet use), and observation (OBS). Results: In CKD 5D we found a significant parathormone (PTH) decrease in all groups. Despite all groups had a higher PTH at baseline, we identified a more pronounced reduction in the PTX group. Regarding severe SHPT, the difference among groups was evidently wider: 31%, 14% and 80% of STD, STD + CIN, and PTX groups reached adequate PTH levels, respectively (p<0.0001). Concerning the Ktx population, although the difference was not so impressive, a higher rate of success in the PTX group was also observed. Conclusion: PTX still seems to be the best treatment choice for SHPT, especially in patients with prolonged diseases in unresourceful scenarios.

Resumo Introdução: O manejo do hiperparat-ireoidismo secundário (HPTS) é uma tarefa desafiadora com diversos fatores que contribuem para o fracasso do tratamento. A terapia calcimimética revolucionou o manejo do HPTS, levando a alterações nas indicações e no momento apropriado da paratireoidectomia (PTX) em todo o mundo. Métodos: Comparamos taxas de resposta às abordagens clínica vs. cirúrgica do HPTS em pacientes em diálise de manutenção (DRC 5D) e pacientes transplantados renais (TxR). Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva dos achados de um ano de acompanhamento. Pacientes com DRC 5D foram divididos em 3 grupos de acordo com a estratégia de tratamento: paratireoidectomia, manejo clínico sem cinacalcete (denominado padrão - P) e com cinacalcete (P + CIN). Os pacientes com TxR foram divididos em 3 grupos: PTX, CIN (uso de cinacalcete) e observação (OBS). Resultados: Na DRC 5D, encontramos uma redução significativa do paratormônio (PTH) em todos os grupos. Apesar de todos os grupos apresentarem um PTH mais elevado no início do estudo, identificamos uma redução mais acentuada no grupo PTX. Com relação ao HPTS grave, a diferença entre os grupos foi evidentemente maior: 31%, 14% e 80% dos grupos P, P + CIN e PTX atingiram níveis adequados de PTH, respectivamente (p< 0,0001). Com relação à população TxR, embora a diferença não tenha sido tão impressionante, também foi observada uma taxa maior de sucesso no grupo PTX. Conclusão: A PTX ainda parece ser a melhor escolha de tratamento para o HPTS, especialmente em pacientes com doenças prolongadas em cenários sem recursos.

An LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of 6-cyanodopamine, 6-nitrodopamine, 6-nitrodopa, 6-nitroadrenaline and 6-bromodopamine in human plasma and its clinical application in patients with chronic kidney disease.

The aim of this study was to develop a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of 6-cyanodopamine, 6-nitrodopamine, 6-nitrodopa, 6-nitroadrenaline and 6-bromodopamine in human plasma samples. Strata-X 33 µm solid-phase extraction cartridges were used for the extraction of the catecholamines from human plasma samples. The catecholamines were separated in a 150 × 3 mm Shim-pack GIST C18-AQ column with 3 µm particle size, placed in an oven at 40°C and perfused with 82% mobile phase A (acetonitrile-H2O; 90:10, v/v) + 0.4% acetic acid and 18% mobile phase B (deionized H2O) + 0.2% formic acid at a flow rate of 340 µl/min in isocratic mode. The injected volume was 4 µl and the run lasted 4 min. The method was linear from 0.1 to 20 ng/ml and the lower limit of quantification was 0.1 ng/ml for all analytes. The method was applied to evaluate the plasma levels of catecholamines in plasma of patients with chronic kidney disease and allowed the detection for the first time of circulating levels of the novel catecholamines 6-bromodopamine and 6-cyanodopamine.

Cholinergic Stimulation Exerts Cardioprotective Effects and Alleviates Renal Inflammatory Responses after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats (SHRs).

BACKGROUND: In this investigation, we explored the effects of pharmacological cholinergic stimulation on cardiac function and renal inflammation following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS: Adult male SHRs were randomized into three experimental groups: sham-operated; AMI + Veh (infarcted, treated with vehicle); and AMI + PY (infarcted, treated with the cholinesterase inhibitor, pyridostigmine bromide (PY)-40 mg/kg, once daily for seven days). Rats were euthanized 7 or 30 days post-surgery. The clinical parameters were assessed on the day before euthanasia. Subsequent to euthanasia, blood samples were collected and renal tissues were harvested for histological and gene expression analyses aimed to evaluate inflammation and injury. RESULTS: Seven days post-surgery, the AMI + PY group demonstrated improvements in left ventricular diastolic function and autonomic regulation, and a reduction in renal macrophage infiltration compared to the AMI + Veh group. Furthermore, there was a notable downregulation in pro-inflammatory gene expression and an upregulation in anti-inflammatory gene expression. Analysis 30 days post-surgery showed that PY treatment had a sustained positive effect on renal gene expression, correlated with a decrease in biomarkers, indicative of subclinical kidney injury. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term cholinergic stimulation with PY provides both cardiac and renal protection by mitigating the inflammatory response after AMI.

Analysis of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios as inflammatory biomarkers in chronic kidney disease: impact of parathyroidectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is one of the causes for inflammation in CKD. We assessed the impact of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N/L) and platelet-to-lymphocyte (P/L) ratios in SHPT patients. METHODS: A total of 118 patients [hemodialysis (HD, n = 81), and transplant recipients (TX, n = 37)] undergoing PTX between 2015 and 2021 were analyzed. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in calcium and PTH levels in both groups, in addition to an increase in vitamin D. In the HD group, PTX did not alter N/L and P/L ratios. In the TX group, there was a reduction in N/L and P/L ratios followed by a significant increase in total lymphocyte count. CONCLUSION: N/L and P/L ratios are not reliable biomarkers of inflammation in SHPT patients undergoing PTX. Uremia, which induces a state of chronic inflammation in dialysis patients, and the use of immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients are some of the confounding factors that prevent the use of this tool in clinical practice.

Phosphate is associated with frailty in older patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis.

PURPOSE: Frailty is common in older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has been considered an independent risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in this population. CKD-associated mineral and bone metabolism (CKD-MBD) increases energy expenditure and causes malnutrition and inflammation leading to frailty. We investigated whether CKD-MBD markers and energy metabolism are associated with frailty in patients with advanced CKD on conservative management. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we investigated factors associated with frailty in a sample of 75 patients ≥ 65 years, with stage 4 or 5 CKD. Collected data included age, sex, body mass index, physical activity status, educational level, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and laboratory markers. Frailty was evaluated according to Fried's classification. RESULTS: Frailty was observed in 51.3% and pre-frailty in 47.3%. The frail population was significantly older, with a high proportion of females, more inactive, had lower educational levels, spent a long time sitting throughout the day, and had higher phosphate and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21). In the multivariate logistic analysis age (odds ratio 1.13, p = 0.026) and phosphate (odds ratio 3.38, p = 0.021) remained independently associated with frailty. CONCLUSION: Serum phosphate seems to be a toxin associated with the frailty phenotype in older patients with CKD. Whether strategies to decrease serum phosphate would reduce the risk of frailty in this population deserves further evaluation.

Parathyroidectomy: still the best choice for the management of severe secondary hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Management of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a challenging endeavor with several factors contruibuting to treatment failure. Calcimimetic therapy has revolutionized the management of SHPT, leading to changes in indications and appropriate timing of parathyroidectomy (PTX) around the world. METHODS: We compared response rates to clinical vs. surgical approaches to SHPT in patients on maintenance dialysis (CKD 5D) and in kidney transplant patients (Ktx). A retrospective analysis of the one-year follow-up findings was carried out. CKD 5D patients were divided into 3 groups according to treatment strategy: parathyroidectomy, clinical management without cinacalcet (named standard - STD) and with cinacalcet (STD + CIN). Ktx patients were divided into 3 groups: PTX, CIN (cinacalcet use), and observation (OBS). RESULTS: In CKD 5D we found a significant parathormone (PTH) decrease in all groups. Despite all groups had a higher PTH at baseline, we identified a more pronounced reduction in the PTX group. Regarding severe SHPT, the difference among groups was evidently wider: 31%, 14% and 80% of STD, STD + CIN, and PTX groups reached adequate PTH levels, respectively (p<0.0001). Concerning the Ktx population, although the difference was not so impressive, a higher rate of success in the PTX group was also observed. CONCLUSION: PTX still seems to be the best treatment choice for SHPT, especially in patients with prolonged diseases in unresourceful scenarios.

Effects of nutritional supplementation stabilizing muscle mass loss in older patients on hemodiafiltration.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Malnutrition is common in older individuals with end-stage renal disease on maintenance dialysis. Whether nutritional supplementation may improve skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and survival rate in this population is uncertain. We aimed to analyze the effect of a year of nutritional supplementation on muscle mass and survival rate in older patients on hemodiafiltration. METHODS: In this observational study, older patients (≥65 years old) on maintenance hemodiafiltration were selected to receive nutritional counselling + nutritional supplementation (N = 85, Supp+) or nutritional counselling alone (N = 47, Supp-) and followed for 1 year. The outcomes were a change in SMM and sarcopenia diagnosis. The secondary outcome was 1-year mortality rate. Nutritional parameters included calf circumference, body mass index, anthropometric measurements, subjective global assessment, and handgrip strength (HGS). Data were evaluated using GLM for repeated measures with adjustment for covariates (age and diabetes). RESULTS: Malnutrition was found in 50.8% of patients. At baseline, patients from the Supp+ group were older and had worse nutritional parameters including hand grip strength, calf circumference, anthropometric findings and sarcopenia (all p values < 0.05). During the follow-up, there was no significant change in sarcopenia (from 50.8% to 58.3%, p = 0.108), and there was a more pronounced decrease in the SMM index in the Supp-group (p = 0.049), with a significant intervention interaction (p = 0.030). Twenty deaths occurred, 7 (35%) in the Supp- and 13 (65%) in the Supp+ group (p = 0.540). SMM index (relative risk 0.90, p = 0.030) and age (relative risk 1.07, p = 0.046) were independently associated with higher mortality rates. CONCLUSION: Nutritional supplementation in older and malnourished individuals undergoing hemodiafiltration mitigates the loss of the SMM index and benefits survival rate.

Corneal and Coronary Calcification in Maintenance Hemodialysis: The Face Is No Index to the Heart.

Although the eyes are the main site of metastatic calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), corneal and conjunctival calcification (CCC) is poorly evaluated in this population. Whether CCC correlates with coronary artery calcification remains unknown since studies so far have relied on methods with low sensitivity. Our objective was to test the relationship between CCC and coronary calcification based on tomography. This was a cross-sectional study that included patients on maintenance dialysis. Clinical, demographic, and biochemical data (calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, alkaline phosphatase, and 25(OH)-vitamin D) were recorded. Hyperparathyroidism was defined as parathyroid hormone (PTH) > 300 pg/mL. CCC was evaluated by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), and coronary calcium scores (Agatston method) were assessed by computed tomography. We compared no/mild with moderate/severe CCC. Twenty-nine patients were included (49.6 ± 15.0 years, 62.1% female, on hemodialysis for 5.7 [2.7-9.4] years, 17.2% with diabetes mellitus, 75.9% with hyperparathyroidism). CCC was found in 82.7% of patients, with median scores of 9 (3, 14.5), ranging from 0 to 16. CCC was classified as absent/mild, moderate, and severe in 27.6%, 20.7%, and 51.7%, respectively. Coronary calcification was found in 44.8% of patients, with median scores of 11 (0, 464), varying from 0 and 6456. We found no significant correlation between coronary calcium scores and CCC (r = 0.203, p = 0.282). Hyperphosphatemia was more frequent in patients with moderate/severe CCC than in those with absent/mild CCC. We concluded that CCC was frequent in patients with CKD on dialysis and did not correlate with coronary calcium scores. Hyperphosphatemia appears to contribute to CCC. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Evaluation of IL-6, FoxP3 Treg lymphocytes, intestinal barrier biomarkers and the use of synbiotics in obese adolescents: a pilot study.

Aim: This prospective pilot study evaluated inflammatory and intestinal barrier biomarkers and the effects of a synbiotic in obese adolescents. Methods: Eighteen obese and 20 eutrophic adolescents were evaluated for body composition using bioimpedance analysis (BIA), body mass index (BMI), IL-6 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) serum levels, CD4 and FoxP3 Treg lymphocytes and monocytes. Synbiotic supplementation for 60 days was also evaluated for these parameters only in obese adolescents. Results: We observed an increase in CD4 lymphocyte (18.0 ± 12.4 vs. 8.9 ± 7.5; p < 0.01), IL-6 (0.30 ± 0.06 vs. 0.20 ± 0.06; p = 0.02) and LPS (0.18 ± 0.15 vs. 0.08 ± 0.05; p < 0.01) levels in obese compared to eutrophic adolescents. After synbiotic supplementation, FoxP3 Treg lymphocytes increased (14.0 ± 6.7 vs. 9.9 ± 5.4; p = 0.02) in obese adolescents. Conclusions: Obese adolescents presented a state of microinflammation and intestinal barrier breakdown, and synbiotic supplementation increased the expression of FoxP3 Treg lymphocytes, an anti-inflammatory regulator. Whether the increase in FoxP3 Treg lymphocytes may have an impact on inflammation and outcomes in obese adolescents deserves further evaluation.

Prospective effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on irisin levels in sedentary postmenopausal women: A pilot study.

Introduction: In postmenopausal women, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with disability, low muscle mass and fractures. Irisin is an important myokine that may contribute to the maintenance of muscle and bone density. Vitamin D is associated with the growth and function of muscle tissue through interactions between the vitamin D receptor and PGC-1α and activation of p38/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) in muscle, a mechanism similar to irisin action. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on serum irisin levels in sedentary postmenopausal women with hypovitaminosis D (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL). Material and methods: 80 sedentary postmenopausal women with hypovitaminosis D and low sun exposure were supplemented with cholecalciferol (30,000 IU/month) for 12 months. Calcium, parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase (AP) and irisin levels were measured before and after supplementation. Results: 25(OH) vitamin D increased in all participants. Serum levels of irisin increased (from 0.52 ± 0.27 to 0.80 ± 0.53; p < 0.003), accompanied by a decrease in AP (from 80 ± 24 to 66 ± 23; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Restoration of vitamin D status increased serum irisin levels in sedentary postmenopausal women. Whether increased serum irisin levels may have an impact on clinical outcomes deserves further evaluation.

Older patients are less prone to fast decline of renal function: a propensity-matched study.

PURPOSE: Despite CKD is common among older patients, and although factors associated with CKD progression have been explored over decades, little is known about the decline of renal function specifically in older individuals. METHODS: We included adult patients with CKD on conservative management in a propensity-score matched study 1:1 older (> 65 year) and young (≤ 65 yr). Factors associated with the slope of the decline of eGFR such as proteinuria, initial eGFR, diabetes, sex, and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor block (ACEI/ARB) were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were at least two consultations in the service and an initial eGFR lower than 45 ml/min/m2, in the period between January 2012 and December 2017. RESULTS: Crude analysis of eGFR decline shows a slower progression of older patients when compared to younger patients in both absolute change [- 2.0 (- 4.5, - 1.0) vs. -3.0 (- 7.0, - 1.0) ml/min/1.73m2, p < 0.001] and slope of eGFR reduction [- 2.2 (- 4.4, - 1.0) vs. 3.1 (- 6.7, - 1.2)) ml/min/1.73m2, p < 0.001]. Patients considered fast progressors (> 5 ml/min/1.73 m2/year decline in eGFR) were less likely to be older (35.2% young vs. 22.0% older, p < 0.001). Adjusted logistic multivariate regression confirmed that older patients had less odds ratio of eGFR decline, independently of the presence of proteinuria, diabetes, ACEI/ARB use, sex, baseline eGFR, baseline phosphate and baseline 25(OH) vitamin D. CONCLUSION: Older patients present slower CKD progression even after multiple adjustments. This information should be taken into consideration while treating these patients on conservative management and should be kept in mind while planning dialysis start.

Skeletal muscle changes in older patients undergoing online hemodiafiltration.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and function are negatively affected in chronic kidney disease (CKD). SMM and the assessment of muscle strength and functionality are indicators of clinical and nutritional status. We aimed to evaluate older patients undergoing online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF), using muscle ultrasound (US) to monitor the SMM, correlating findings with strength and physical performance. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort that included patients on OL-HDF, evaluated at admission (T0), 6 months (T1), and 12 months (T2) by anthropometric data, calf circumference (CC) measurement, muscle strength measured by handgrip (HGS) and functionality by gait speed. Muscle US was used for serial assessment of the quantity and quality of SMM during the 12-month follow-up. The main outcome was change in the following muscle parameters: quadriceps muscle thickness (QT), rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RF-CSA), pennation angle (PA) and muscle echogenicity, evaluated by the US. RESULTS: Thirty subjects were included (75.9 ± 7.8 years, 76.7% men). Over time, there was a significant reduction in CC (p < 0.01) in both sexes and gait speed only in men (p < 0.01). The reduction of SMM was observed in both sexes by the assessment of QT and RF-CSA (p < 0.01). There was an increased muscle echogenicity in both men (p < 0.01) and women (p = 0.01). The percentage of SMM loss of the RF-CSA in 12 months was -19.3 ± 6.9% (95% CI: 15.2-23.2; p < 0.01) in men and -23.0 ± 8.2% (95% CI: 12.8-31.1; p < 0.01) in women. CONCLUSION: Muscle US, a bedside, non-invasive, accessible, and inexpensive tool, can be applied for assessment of the accelerated loss of SMM in older patients with CKD on dialysis.

Self-reported and objective sleep duration in patients with CKD: are they telling the same story? / Duração do sono autorrelatada e objetiva em pacientes com DRC: contam a mesma história?

Abstract Introduction: There is disagreement between data on sleep duration obtained from questionnaires and objective measurements. Whether this is also true for individuals with CKD is unknown. Here we compared self-reported sleep duration with sleep duration obtained by actigraphy. Methods: This prospective study included adult individuals with stage 3 CKD recruited between September/2016 and February/2019. We evaluated subjective sleep duration by asking the following question: "How many hours of actual sleep did you get at night?" Results: Patients (N=34) were relatively young (51 ± 13 years). Self-reported and measured sleep duration were 7.1 ± 1.7 and 6.9 ± 1.6 hours, respectively, with no correlation between them (p=0.165). Although the mean difference between measurements was 0.21 h, the limits of agreement ranged from -3.7 to 4.1 h. Conclusion: Patients with CKD who are not on dialysis have an erroneous sleep perception. Data on sleep duration should be preferentially obtained from objective measurements in patients with CKD.

Resumo Introdução: Há discordância entre os dados sobre duração do sono obtidos a partir de questionários e medições objetivas. Não se sabe se isto também é verdade para indivíduos com DRC. Aqui comparamos a duração do sono autorrelatada com a duração do sono obtida por meio de actigrafia. Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu indivíduos adultos com DRC estadio 3 recrutados entre Setembro/2016 e Fevereiro/2019. Avaliamos a duração subjetiva do sono, fazendo a seguinte questão: "Quantas horas de sono real você teve à noite?" Resultados: Os pacientes (N=34) eram relativamente jovens (51 ± 13 anos). A duração do sono autorrelatada e mensurada foi de 7,1 ± 1,7 e 6,9 ± 1,6 horas, respectivamente, sem correlação entre elas (p=0,165). Embora a diferença média entre as medições tenha sido de 0,21 h, os limites de concordância variaram de -3,7 a 4,1 h. Conclusão: Pacientes com DRC que não estão em diálise apresentam uma percepção equivocada do sono. Dados sobre a duração do sono devem ser obtidos preferencialmente a partir de medições objetivas em pacientes com DRC.

Physical activity for obstructive sleep apnea after stroke? A pilot study assessing the contribution of body fluids.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and physical inactivity are common after stroke. Physical inactivity can lead to/or exacerbate edema following stroke, and the resultant overnight fluid shift may increase the risk of OSA. We aimed to investigate the effect of physical activity on nocturnal rostral fluid shift, sleep pattern, and edematous state of hemiparetic patients. METHODS: Neck circumference (tape measured) and arms, legs, and trunk fluid volume (bioelectrical impedance spectrum analyzer) were measured before and after 2 polysomnography (PSG) examinations. In the lab, a whole night PSG was performed after the intervention. The intervention consisted of inactivity (lying down and sitting) or activity (standing, performing calf muscle contractions while standing, walking, and climbing stairs) between 13 and 21 h, after the randomization of the participants. With a 7-day interval, participants crossed over to the other group. RESULTS: From 126 eligible participants, 8 with hemiparetic post-first-ever ischemic stroke at the subacute phase were recruited (age: 53.2 ± 16.2; 6 women). Physical activity reduced AHI from 19 to 13 n°/h and wake after sleep onset from 76.5 to 60.3 min and increased fluid volume of paretic and non-paretic arms and trunk before sleep compared to inactivity. CONCLUSION: An acute bout of physical activity reduced OSA classification based on AHI (from moderate to mild) and sleep fragmentation. Our results provide preliminary evidence of a possible link between physical activity in patients after stroke as an intervention to counteract OSA severity and improve sleep.

Self-reported and objective sleep duration in patients with CKD: are they telling the same story?

INTRODUCTION: There is disagreement between data on sleep duration obtained from questionnaires and objective measurements. Whether this is also true for individuals with CKD is unknown. Here we compared self-reported sleep duration with sleep duration obtained by actigraphy. METHODS: This prospective study included adult individuals with stage 3 CKD recruited between September/2016 and February/2019. We evaluated subjective sleep duration by asking the following question: "How many hours of actual sleep did you get at night?" RESULTS: Patients (N=34) were relatively young (51 ± 13 years). Self-reported and measured sleep duration were 7.1 ± 1.7 and 6.9 ± 1.6 hours, respectively, with no correlation between them (p=0.165). Although the mean difference between measurements was 0.21 h, the limits of agreement ranged from -3.7 to 4.1 h. CONCLUSION: Patients with CKD who are not on dialysis have an erroneous sleep perception. Data on sleep duration should be preferentially obtained from objective measurements in patients with CKD.

Calf Circumference Predicts Falls in Older Adults on Hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: Older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis are at a higher risk of falling. However, there is no standard method to screen patients at higher risk. We have evaluated whether calf circumference (CC) measurement would be able to predict falls in this population. METHODS: This is a prospective study that enrolled patients aged ≥65 years on conventional hemodialysis, followed for 6 months. The presence of falls was associated with demographical, clinical, and biochemical data. Reduced CC was set at <34 cm for men and <33 cm for women. We evaluated physical status using Duke activity status index (DASI) and hand grip strength (HGS). RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were included (age 73.7 ± 5.4 years, 69.2% men, 56% with diabetes). Mean CC was 32.6 ± 3.7 cm, with a high prevalence of reduced CC (61.5%). During the follow-up, 13 falls were identified (1 had a fracture and died). These patients were older and heavier (P = .017 and P = .025, respectively). Most falls occurred in patients with sarcopenic obesity (BMI >27 kg/m2 plus reduced HGS or reduced CC). In a logistic regression model, reduced CC (hazard ratio (HR) 7.81, confidence interval (CI): 1.13-53.86, P = .037), higher age (HR 1.19, CI: 1.04-1.36, P = .011), and higher body weight (relative risk (RR) 1.13, CI: 1.04-1.22, P = .003) were independently associated with falls in a fully adjusted model. CONCLUSION: CC measurement, an easy and nonexpensive tool, was able to predict falls in older patients on HD. Further studies should test the inclusion of CC in a fall risk assessment in older patients on hemodialysis.

A feasibility study of avoiding positive calcium balance and parathyroid hormone increase in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Background: The effect of the dialysate calcium concentration (D[Ca]) on mineral and bone metabolism in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is overlooked. D[Ca] of 1.75 mmol/L is still prescribed to many patients on PD around the world. Previous studies on the effects of reducing D[Ca] have been carried out before the incorporation of calcimimetics in clinical practice. We hypothesized that a reduction in D[Ca] is safe and without the risk of a rise in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH). Methods: In this non-randomized clinical trial, the D[Ca] was reduced from 1.75 mmol/L to 1.25 mmol/L for one year in prevalent patients on PD. Demographic, clinical, and CKD-MBD-related biomarkers were evaluated at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. Results: 20 patients completed 1-year follow-up (56 ± 16 years, 50 % male, 25 % diabetic, 55 % with baseline parathyroid hormone - PTH >300 pg/mL). Over time, there was no significant change in calcium, phosphate, total alkaline phosphatase, 25(OH)-vitamin D or PTH, although adjustments in calcitriol and sevelamer prescription were required. After 1 year, absolute and percentual change in PTH levels were 36 (-58, 139) pg/mL, and 20 % (-28, 45) respectively. The proportion of patients with PTH > 300 pg/mL did not change during the follow-up (p = 0.173). Conclusion: Knowing the risk of a positive calcium balance in patients on PD, reducing the D[Ca] concentration is a safe and valuable option, although medication adjustments are needed to detain PTH rising.