Utility of new image-derived biomarkers for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease prognosis using automated instance cyst segmentation.

New image-derived biomarkers for patients affected by autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease are needed to improve current clinical management. The measurement of total kidney volume (TKV) provides critical information for clinicians to drive care decisions. However, patients with similar TKV may present with very different phenotypes, often requiring subjective decisions based on other factors (e.g., appearance of healthy kidney parenchyma, a few cysts contributing significantly to overall TKV, etc.). In this study, we describe a new technique to individually segment cysts and quantify biometric parameters including cyst volume, cyst number, parenchyma volume, and cyst parenchyma surface area. Using data from the Consortium for Radiologic Imaging Studies of Polycystic Kidney Disease (CRISP) study the utility of these new parameters was explored, both quantitatively as well as visually. Total cyst number and cyst parenchyma surface area showed superior prediction of the slope of estimated glomerular filtration rate decline, kidney failure and chronic kidney disease stages 3A, 3B, and 4, compared to TKV. In addition, presentations such as a few large cysts contributing significantly to overall kidney volume were shown to be much better stratified in terms of outcome predictions. Thus, these new image biomarkers, which can be obtained automatically, will have great utility in future studies and clinical care for patients affected by autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Venglustat, a Novel Glucosylceramide Synthase Inhibitor, in Patients at Risk of Rapidly Progressing ADPKD: Primary Results of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2/3 Randomized Clinical Trial.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by the formation of multiple kidney cysts that leads to growth in total kidney volume (TKV) and progression to kidney failure. Venglustat is a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor that has been shown to inhibit cyst growth and reduce kidney failure in preclinical models of ADPKD. STUDY DESIGN: STAGED-PKD was a 2-stage, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2/3 study in adults with ADPKD at risk of rapidly progressive disease, who were selected based on Mayo Clinic imaging classification of ADPKD class 1C, 1D, or 1E and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30-89.9mL/min/1.73m2. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Enrollment included 236 and 242 patients in stages 1 and 2, respectively. INTERVENTIONS: In trial stage 1, the patients were randomized 1:1:1 to venglustat, 8mg; venglustat, 15mg; or placebo. In stage 2, the patients were randomized 1:1 to venglustat, 15mg (highest dose identified as safe and well tolerated in stage 1), or placebo. OUTCOMES: Primary end points were rate of change in TKV over 18 months in stage 1 and eGFR slope over 24 months in stage 2. Secondary end points were eGFR slope over 18 months (stage 1), rate of change in TKV (stage 2), and safety/tolerability, pain, and fatigue (stages 1 and 2). RESULTS: A prespecified interim futility analysis showed that venglustat treatment had no effect on the annualized rate of change in TKV over 18 months (stage 1) and had a faster rate of decline in eGFR slope over 24 months (stage 2). Due to this lack of efficacy, the study was terminated early. LIMITATIONS: The short follow-up period after the end of treatment and limited generalizability of the findings. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with rapidly progressing ADPKD, treatment with venglustat at either 8mg or 15mg showed no change in the rate of change in TKV and a faster rate of eGFR decline in STAGED-PKD despite a dose-dependent decrease in plasma glucosylceramide levels. FUNDING: This study was funded by Sanofi. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with study number NCT03523728.

Utilization of Cystatin C in the Outpatient Setting.

INTRODUCTION: Serum creatinine is the traditional biomarker for estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Cystatin C is an alternative biomarker for which estimating equations exist. The use of cystatin C testing, and the interrelationships among the recently revised Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) 2021 estimating equations, was evaluated in a national outpatient laboratory dataset. METHODS: Cystatin C results reported on adults between November 2011 and June 2018 by Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings were examined, with classification of ordering providers and diagnostic codes. Updated eGFR results were calculated using the CKD-EPI 2021 equations for each sample with both cystatin C and creatinine values available. The Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated. Reclassification at clinically relevant cut-off values was examined. RESULTS: There were 87,803 serum cystatin C levels among 55,360 patients; mean age 58 ± 17 years; 50% women. Cystatin C usage increased over time and was ordered for many indications. Among 73,367 samples with simultaneous creatinine and cystatin C, r = 0.84 between eGFR-creatinine and eGFR-cystatin. Correlations of eGFR-creatinine, eGFR-cystatin, and the averaged result of the two equations to the new combined equation were r = 0.94, r = 0.97, and r = 0.998, respectively (p < 0.001 for all). Use of combined/averaged equations tended to result in a higher eGFR and upclassification, compared to eGFR-creatinine. CONCLUSION/DISCUSSION: Use of Cystatin C is increasing and has moved beyond the nephrology community and the original indications from the 2012 KDIGO guidelines. Community utilization of cystatin C measurement is likely to expand, and understanding of the relationships between estimating equations will help clinicians optimize their use in the outpatient setting.

Agreement of Food Records and 24-Hour Urine Studies in Clinical Practice.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the level of agreement between 3-day food records obtained as part of clinical care with 24-hour urine collections specifically assessing sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, protein, and fluid intake. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected from patients at a nephrology clinic in a metropolitan, academic medical center. Patients who completed both a 3-day food record and a 24-hour urine collection were analyzed. Food record and urine collection measurements were compared using a simple ratio, Pearson's correlation, and general linear models. RESULTS: Patients (n = 85) were 47.9 ± 15.2 years of age, 54% were female, with a mean serum creatinine of 1.3 ± 0.7 mg/dL and estimated glomerular filtration rate of 64.2 ± 25.6 mL/min. Patients had autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (48.2%), nephrolithiasis (31.1%), chronic kidney disease (4.7%), or other genetic or cystic conditions impacting the kidney (12.9%). Nutrient intake was measured utilizing a 3-day food record. Food records and urine collections were compared using the values, correlations, and general linear models. Fluid intake demonstrated the highest agreement (ratio 1.01) and calcium demonstrated the least agreement (ratio 6.30). Significant correlations were demonstrated for phosphorus (r = 0.321, P = .003), magnesium (r = 0.256, P = .018), protein (r = 0.555, P < .000), and fluid (r = 0.277, P = .010) intake. Food record intake of potassium (P = .046), protein (P = .004), and fluid (P = .010) were significant predictors of 24-hour urine excretion. CONCLUSION: 3-day food records are useful tools to determine patient dietary patterns, but should be used with caution when assessing specific nutrient intake in clinical settings.

The Effect of Tolvaptan on BP in Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of the TEMPO 3:4 Trial.

BACKGROUND: The V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan is prescribed to patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease to slow disease progression. Tolvaptan may alter BP via various acute and chronic effects. METHODS: To investigate the magnitude and time course of the effect of tolvaptan use on BP, we conducted a post hoc study of the TEMPO 3:4 trial, which included 1445 patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease randomized 2:1 to tolvaptan or placebo for 3 years. We evaluated systolic and diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, hypertension status, and use and dosing of antihypertensive drugs over the course of the trial. RESULTS: At baseline, BP did not differ between study arms. After 3 weeks of tolvaptan use, mean body weight had decreased from 79.7 to 78.8 kg, and mean plasma sodium increased from 140.4 to 142.6 mmol/L (both P<0.001), suggesting a decrease in circulating volume. We observed none of these changes in the placebo arm. Nonetheless, BP remained similar in the study arms. After 3 years of treatment, however, mean systolic BP was significantly lower in participants receiving tolvaptan versus placebo (126 versus 129 mm Hg, respectively; P=0.002), as was mean diastolic BP (81.2 versus 82.6 mm Hg, respectively; P=0.01). These differences leveled off at follow-up 3 weeks after discontinuation of the study medication. Use of antihypertensive drugs remained similar in both study arms during the entire study. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term treatment with tolvaptan gradually lowered BP compared with placebo, which may be attributed to a beneficial effect on disease progression, a continued natriuretic effect, or both. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER: TEMPO 3:4, NCT00428948.

Mineral bone disease in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Mice with disruption of Pkd1 in osteoblasts demonstrate reduced bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume and cortical thickness. To date, the bone phenotype in adult patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) with stage I and II chronic kidney disease has not been investigated. To examine this, we characterized biochemical markers of mineral metabolism, examined bone turnover and biology, and estimated risk of fracture in patients with ADPKD. Markers of mineral metabolism were measured in 944 patients with ADPKD and other causes of kidney disease. Histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry were compared on bone biopsies from 20 patients with ADPKD with a mean eGFR of 97 ml/min/1.73m2 and 17 healthy individuals. Furthermore, adults with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) initiating hemodialysis between 2002-2013 and estimated the risk of bone fracture associated with ADPKD as compared to other etiologies of kidney disease were examined. Intact fibroblast growth factor 23 was higher and total alkaline phosphatase lower in patients with compared to patients without ADPKD with chronic kidney disease. Compared to healthy individuals, patients with ADPKD demonstrated significantly lower osteoid volume/bone volume (0.61 vs. 1.21%) and bone formation rate/bone surface (0.012 vs. 0.026 µm3/µm2/day). ESKD due to ADPKD was not associated with a higher risk of fracture as compared to ESKD due to diabetes (age adjusted incidence rate ratio: 0.53 (95% confidence interval 0.31, 0.74) or compared to other etiologies of kidney disease. Thus, individuals with ADPKD have lower alkaline phosphatase, higher circulating intact fibroblast growth factor 23 and decreased bone formation rate. However, ADPKD is not associated with higher rates of bone fracture in ESKD.

Establishing a Core Outcome Set for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Report of the Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Polycystic Kidney Disease (SONG-PKD) Consensus Workshop.

The omission of outcomes that are of relevance to patients, clinicians, and regulators across trials in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) limits shared decision making. The Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Polycystic Kidney Disease (SONG-PKD) Initiative convened an international consensus workshop on October 25, 2018, to discuss the identification and implementation of a potential core outcome set for all ADPKD trials. This article summarizes the discussion from the workshops and the SONG-PKD core outcome set. Key stakeholders including 11 patients/caregivers and 47 health professionals (nephrologists, policy makers, industry, and researchers) attended the workshop. Four themes emerged: "Relevance of trajectory and impact of kidney function" included concerns about a patient's prognosis and uncertainty of when they may need to commence kidney replacement therapy and the lack of an early prognostic marker to inform long-term decisions; "Discerning and defining pain specific to ADPKD" highlighted the challenges in determining the origin of pain, adapting to the chronicity and repeated episodes of pain, the need to place emphasis on pain management, and to have a validated measure for pain; "Highlighting ADPKD consequences" encompassed cyst-related complications and reflected patient's knowledge because of family history and the hereditary nature of ADPKD; and "Risk for life-threatening but rare consequences" such as cerebral aneurysm meant considering both frequency and severity of the outcome. Kidney function, mortality, cardiovascular disease, and pain were established as the core outcomes for ADPKD.

Sex Differences of Kidney Stone Urine Risk Factors after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a bariatric surgical procedure that is associated with higher risk of kidney stones after surgery. We examined urine composition in 18 men and women before and after RYGB to examine differences in kidney stone risk. METHODS: Three 24-h urine collections were performed before and 1 year after RYGB. We analyzed mean urinary values for pre- and post-RYGB collections and compared men and women. RESULTS: Seven men and eleven women completed pre- and post-RYGB urine collections. Pre-RYGB, men had higher calcium oxalate supersaturation (CaOx SS) (7.0 vs. 5.0, p = 0.04) compared with women. Post-RYGB, women had higher urine CaOx SS (13.1 vs. 4.6, p = 0.002), calcium phosphate supersaturation (1.04 vs. 0.59, p = 0.05), and lower urine volumes (1.7 vs. 2.7L, p < 0.001) compared with men. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: There are important differences in urine composition by sex that may contribute to higher kidney stone risk in women after RYGB compared with men.

Study Design and Baseline Characteristics of the CARDINAL Trial: A Phase 3 Study of Bardoxolone Methyl in Patients with Alport Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Alport syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects as many as 60,000 persons in the USA and a total of 103,000 persons (<5 per 10,000) in the European Union [1, 2]. It is the second most common inherited cause of kidney failure and is characterized by progressive loss of kidney function that often leads to end-stage kidney disease. Currently, there are no approved disease-specific agents for therapeutic use. We designed a phase 3 study (CARDINAL; NCT03019185) to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of bardoxolone methyl in patients with Alport syndrome. METHODS: The CARDINAL phase 3 study is an international, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized registrational trial. Eligible patients were of ages 12-70 years with confirmed genetic or histologic diagnosis of Alport syndrome, eGFR 30-90 mL/min/1.73 m2, and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) ≤3,500 mg/g. Patients with B-type natriuretic peptide values >200 pg/mL at baseline or with significant cardiovascular histories were excluded. Patients were randomized 1:1 to bardoxolone methyl or placebo, with stratification by baseline UACR. RESULTS: A total of 371 patients were screened, and 157 patients were randomly assigned to receive bardoxolone methyl (n = 77) or placebo (n = 80). The average age at screening was 39.2 years, and 23 (15%) were <18 years of age. Of the randomized population, 146 (93%) had confirmed genetic diagnosis of Alport syndrome, and 62% of patients had X-linked mode of inheritance. Mean baseline eGFR was 62.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, and the geometric mean UACR was 141.0 mg/g. The average annual rate of eGFR decline prior to enrollment in the study was -4.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 despite 78% of the patient population receiving ACE inhibitor (ACEi) or ARB therapy. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: CARDINAL is one of the largest interventional, randomized controlled trials in Alport syndrome conducted to date. Despite the use of ACEi or ARB, patients were experiencing significant loss of kidney function prior to study entry.

Sorting nexin 1 loss results in increased oxidative stress and hypertension.

Acute renal depletion of sorting nexin 1 (SNX1) in mice results in blunted natriuretic response and hypertension due to impaired dopamine D5 receptor (D5 R) activity. We elucidated the molecular mechanisms for these phenotypes in Snx1-/- mice. These mice had increased renal expressions of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 R), NADPH oxidase (NOX) subunits, D5 R, and NaCl cotransporter. Basal reactive oxygen species (ROS), NOX activity, and blood pressure (BP) were also higher in Snx1-/- mice, which were normalized by apocynin, a drug that prevents NOX assembly. Renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells from hypertensive (HT) Euro-American males had deficient SNX1 activity, impaired D5 R endocytosis, and increased ROS compared with cells from normotensive (NT) Euro-American males. siRNA-mediated depletion of SNX1 in RPT cells from NT subjects led to a blunting of D5 R agonist-induced increase in cAMP production and decrease in Na+ transport, effects that were normalized by over-expression of SNX1. Among HT African-Americans, three of the 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms interrogated for the SNX1 gene were associated with a decrease in systolic BP in response to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The results illustrate a new paradigm for the development of hypertension and imply that the trafficking protein SNX1 may be a crucial determinant for hypertension and response to antihypertensive therapy.

Expanded Imaging Classification of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: The Mayo Clinic imaging classification of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) uses height-adjusted total kidney volume (htTKV) and age to identify patients at highest risk for disease progression. However, this classification applies only to patients with typical diffuse cystic disease (class 1). Because htTKV poorly predicts eGFR decline for the 5%-10% of patients with atypical morphology (class 2), imaging-based risk modeling remains unresolved. METHODS: Of 558 adults with ADPKD in the HALT-A study, we identified 25 patients of class 2A with prominent exophytic cysts (class 2Ae) and 43 patients of class 1 with prominent exophytic cysts; we recalculated their htTKVs to exclude exophytic cysts. Using original and recalculated htTKVs in association with imaging classification in logistic and mixed linear models, we compared predictions for developing CKD stage 3 and for eGFR trajectory. RESULTS: Using recalculated htTKVs increased specificity for developing CKD stage 3 in all participants from 82.6% to 84.2% after adjustment for baseline age, eGFR, BMI, sex, and race. The predicted proportion of class 2Ae patients developing CKD stage 3 using a cutoff of 0.5 for predicting case status was better calibrated to the observed value of 13.0% with recalculated htTKVs (45.5%) versus original htTKVs (63.6%). Using recalculated htTKVs reduced the mean paired difference between predicted and observed eGFR from 17.6 (using original htTKVs) to 4.0 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for class 2Ae, and from -1.7 (using original htTKVs) to 0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for class 1. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a recalculated htTKV measure that excludes prominent exophytic cysts facilitates inclusion of class 2 patients and reclassification of class 1 patients in the Mayo classification model.

Detection and characterization of mosaicism in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited, progressive nephropathy accounting for 4-10% of end stage renal disease worldwide. PKD1 and PKD2 are the most common disease loci, but even accounting for other genetic causes, about 7% of families remain unresolved. Typically, these unsolved cases have relatively mild kidney disease and often have a negative family history. Mosaicism, due to de novo mutation in the early embryo, has rarely been identified by conventional genetic analysis of ADPKD families. Here we screened for mosaicism by employing two next generation sequencing screens, specific analysis of PKD1 and PKD2 employing long-range polymerase chain reaction, or targeted capture of cystogenes. We characterized mosaicism in 20 ADPKD families; the pathogenic variant was transmitted to the next generation in five families and sporadic in 15. The mosaic pathogenic variant was newly discovered by next generation sequencing in 13 families, and these methods precisely quantified the level of mosaicism in all. All of the mosaic cases had PKD1 mutations, 14 were deletions or insertions, and 16 occurred in females. Analysis of kidney size and function showed the mosaic cases had milder disease than a control PKD1 population, but only a few had clearly asymmetric disease. Thus, in a typical ADPKD population, readily detectable mosaicism by next generation sequencing accounts for about 1% of cases, and about 10% of genetically unresolved cases with an uncertain family history. Hence, identification of mosaicism is important to fully characterize ADPKD populations and provides informed prognostic information.

Tolvaptan in Later-Stage Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: In a previous trial involving patients with early autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD; estimated creatinine clearance, ≥60 ml per minute), the vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist tolvaptan slowed the growth in total kidney volume and the decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) but also caused more elevations in aminotransferase and bilirubin levels. The efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in patients with later-stage ADPKD are unknown. METHODS: We conducted a phase 3, randomized withdrawal, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. After an 8-week prerandomization period that included sequential placebo and tolvaptan run-in phases, during which each patient's ability to take tolvaptan without dose-limiting side effects was assessed, 1370 patients with ADPKD who were either 18 to 55 years of age with an estimated GFR of 25 to 65 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area or 56 to 65 years of age with an estimated GFR of 25 to 44 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive tolvaptan or placebo for 12 months. The primary end point was the change in the estimated GFR from baseline to follow-up, with adjustment for the exact duration that each patient participated (interpolated to 1 year). Safety assessments were conducted monthly. RESULTS: The change from baseline in the estimated GFR was -2.34 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 (95% confidence interval [CI], -2.81 to -1.87) in the tolvaptan group, as compared with -3.61 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 (95% CI, -4.08 to -3.14) in the placebo group (difference, 1.27 ml per minute per 1.73 m2; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.68; P<0.001). Elevations in the alanine aminotransferase level (to >3 times the upper limit of the normal range) occurred in 38 of 681 patients (5.6%) in the tolvaptan group and in 8 of 685 (1.2%) in the placebo group. Elevations in the aminotransferase level were reversible after stopping tolvaptan. No elevations in the bilirubin level of more than twice the upper limit of the normal range were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Tolvaptan resulted in a slower decline than placebo in the estimated GFR over a 1-year period in patients with later-stage ADPKD. (Funded by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development and Commercialization; REPRISE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02160145 .).

Range and Variability of Outcomes Reported in Randomized Trials Conducted in Patients With Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Trials in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) have increased, but their impact on decision making has been limited. Because heterogeneity in reported outcomes may be responsible, we assessed their range and variability in ADPKD trials. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. SETTING & STUDY POPULATION: Adult participants in clinical trials in ADPKD. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES: We included trials that studied adults and were published in English. For trials that enrolled patients without ADPKD, only those enrolling ≥50% of participants with ADPKD were included. DATA EXTRACTION: We extracted information on all discrete outcome measures, grouped them into 97 domains, and classified them into clinical, surrogate, and patient-reported categories. For each category, we choose the 3 most frequently reported domains and performed a detailed analysis of outcome measures. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Frequencies and characteristics of outcome measures were described. RESULTS: Among 68 trials, 1,413 different outcome measures were reported. 97 domains were identified; 41 (42%) were surrogate, 30 (31%) were clinical, and 26 (27%) were patient reported. The 3 most frequently reported domains were in the surrogate category: kidney function (54; 79% of trials; using 46 measures), kidney and cyst volumes (43; 63% of trials; 52 measures), and blood pressure (27; 40% of trials, 30 measures); in the clinical category: infection (10; 15%; 21 measures), cardiovascular events (9; 13%; 6 measures), and kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy (8; 12%; 5 measures); and in the patient-reported category: pain related to ADPKD (16; 24%; 26 measures), pain for other reasons (11; 16%; 11 measures), and diarrhea/constipation/gas (10; 15%; 9 measures). LIMITATIONS: Outcome measures were assessed for only the top 3 domains in each category. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes in ADPKD trials are broad in scope and highly variable. Surrogate outcomes were most frequently reported. Patient-reported outcomes were uncommon. A consensus-based set of core outcomes meaningful to patients and clinicians is needed for future ADPKD trials.

Core Outcome Domains for Trials in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: An International Delphi Survey.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Outcomes reported in trials involving patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are heterogeneous and rarely include patient-reported outcomes. We aimed to identify critically important consensus-based core outcome domains to be reported in trials in ADPKD. STUDY DESIGN: An international 2-round online Delphi survey was conducted in English, French, and Korean languages. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Patients/caregivers and health professionals completed a 9-point Likert scale (7-9 indicating critical importance) and a Best-Worst Scale. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: The absolute and relative importance of outcomes were assessed. Comments were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: 1,014 participants (603 [60%] patients/caregivers, 411 [40%] health professionals) from 56 countries completed round 1, and 713 (70%) completed round 2. The prioritized outcomes were kidney function (importance score, 8.6), end-stage kidney disease (8.6), death (7.9), blood pressure (7.9), kidney cyst size/growth (7.8), and cerebral aneurysm (7.7). Kidney cyst-related pain was the highest rated patient-reported outcome by both stakeholder groups. Seven themes explained the prioritization of outcomes: protecting life and health, directly encountering life-threatening and debilitating consequences, specificity to ADPKD, optimizing and extending quality of life, hidden suffering, destroying self-confidence, and lost opportunities. LIMITATIONS: Study design precluded involvement from those without access to internet or limited computer literacy. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney function, end-stage kidney disease, and death were the most important outcomes to patients, caregivers, and health professionals. Kidney cyst-related pain was the highest rated patient-reported outcome. Consistent reporting of these top prioritized outcomes may strengthen the value of trials in ADPKD for decision making.

Plasma copeptin levels predict disease progression and tolvaptan efficacy in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

In the TEMPO 3:4 Trial, treatment with tolvaptan, a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, slowed the increase in total kidney volume and decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). We investigated whether plasma copeptin levels, a marker of plasma vasopressin, are associated with disease progression, and whether pre-treatment copeptin and treatment-induced change in copeptin are associated with tolvaptan treatment efficacy. This post hoc analysis included 1,280 TEMPO 3:4 participants (aged 18-50 years, estimated creatinine clearance ≥60 ml/min and total kidney volume ≥750 mL) who had plasma samples available at baseline for measurement of copeptin using an automated immunofluorescence assay. In placebo-treated subjects, baseline copeptin predicted kidney growth and eGFR decline over 3 years. These associations were independent of sex, age, and baseline eGFR, but were no longer statistically significant after additional adjustment for baseline total kidney volume. In tolvaptan-treated subjects, copeptin increased from baseline to week 3 (6.3 pmol/L versus 21.9 pmol/L, respectively). In tolvaptan-treated subjects with higher baseline copeptin levels, a larger treatment effect was noted with respect to kidney growth rate and eGFR decline. Tolvaptan-treated subjects with a larger percentage increase in copeptin from baseline to week 3 had a better disease outcome, with less kidney growth and eGFR decline after three years. Copeptin holds promise as a biomarker to predict outcome and tolvaptan treatment efficacy in ADPKD.

Long-term trajectory of kidney function in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by cyst and kidney growth, which is hypothesized to cause loss of functioning renal mass and eventually end-stage kidney disease. However, the time course of decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is poorly defined. The Consortium for Radiologic Imaging Studies of Polycystic Kidney Disease study is a 14-year observational cohort study of 241 adults with ADPKD. As an estimate of the rate of kidney growth, participants were stratified into 5 subclasses based on baseline age and magnetic resonance imaging measurements of total kidney volume (TKV) according to the method of Irazabal. GFR trajectories spanning over four decades of life were reconstructed and fitted using mixed polynomial models, which were validated using data from the HALT-PKD study. GFR trajectories were nonlinear, with a period of relative stability in most participants, followed by accelerating decline. The shape and slope of these trajectories were strongly associated with baseline Irazabal class. Patients with PKD1 mutations had a steeper GFR decline than patients with PKD2 mutations or with no detected mutation, largely mediated by the effect of genotype on Irazabal class. Thus, GFR decline in ADPKD is nonlinear, and its trajectory throughout adulthood can be predicted from a single measurement of kidney volume. These models can be used for clinical prognostication, clinical trial design, and patient selection for clinical interventions. Our findings support a causal link between growth in kidney volume and GFR decline, adding support for the use of TKV as a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials.

Analytical validity of a genotyping assay for use with personalized antihypertensive and chronic kidney disease therapy.

Hypertension and chronic kidney disease are inextricably linked. Hypertension is a well-recognized contributor to chronic kidney disease progression and, in turn, renal disease potentiates hypertension. A generalized approach to drug selection and dosage has not proven effective in managing these conditions, in part, because patients with heterogeneous kidney disease and hypertension etiologies are frequently grouped according to functional or severity classifications. Genetic testing may serve as an important tool in the armamentarium of clinicians who embrace precision medicine. Increasing scientific evidence has supported the utilization of genomic information to select efficacious antihypertensive therapy and understand hereditary contributors to chronic kidney disease progression. Given the wide array of antihypertensive agents available and diversity of genetic renal disease predictors, a panel-based approach to genotyping may be an efficient and economic means of establishing an individualized blood pressure response profile for patients with various forms of chronic kidney disease and hypertension. In this manuscript, we discuss the validation process of a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-approved genetic test to relay information on 72 genetic variants associated with kidney disease progression and hypertension therapy. These genomic-based interventions, in addition to routine clinical data, may help inform physicians to provide personalized therapy.

Mutations in GANAB, Encoding the Glucosidase IIα Subunit, Cause Autosomal-Dominant Polycystic Kidney and Liver Disease.

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common, progressive, adult-onset disease that is an important cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which requires transplantation or dialysis. Mutations in PKD1 or PKD2 (∼85% and ∼15% of resolved cases, respectively) are the known causes of ADPKD. Extrarenal manifestations include an increased level of intracranial aneurysms and polycystic liver disease (PLD), which can be severe and associated with significant morbidity. Autosomal-dominant PLD (ADPLD) with no or very few renal cysts is a separate disorder caused by PRKCSH, SEC63, or LRP5 mutations. After screening, 7%-10% of ADPKD-affected and ∼50% of ADPLD-affected families were genetically unresolved (GUR), suggesting further genetic heterogeneity of both disorders. Whole-exome sequencing of six GUR ADPKD-affected families identified one with a missense mutation in GANAB, encoding glucosidase II subunit α (GIIα). Because PRKCSH encodes GIIß, GANAB is a strong ADPKD and ADPLD candidate gene. Sanger screening of 321 additional GUR families identified eight further likely mutations (six truncating), and a total of 20 affected individuals were identified in seven ADPKD- and two ADPLD-affected families. The phenotype was mild PKD and variable, including severe, PLD. Analysis of GANAB-null cells showed an absolute requirement of GIIα for maturation and surface and ciliary localization of the ADPKD proteins (PC1 and PC2), and reduced mature PC1 was seen in GANAB(+/-) cells. PC1 surface localization in GANAB(-/-) cells was rescued by wild-type, but not mutant, GIIα. Overall, we show that GANAB mutations cause ADPKD and ADPLD and that the cystogenesis is most likely driven by defects in PC1 maturation.

Identifying patient-important outcomes in polycystic kidney disease: An international nominal group technique study.

AIM: Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are at increased risk of premature mortality, morbidities and complications, which severely impair quality of life. However, patient-centered outcomes are not consistently reported in trials in ADPKD, which can limit shared decision-making. We aimed to identify outcomes important to patients and caregivers and the reasons for their priorities. METHODS: Nominal group technique was adopted involving patients with ADPKD and caregivers who were purposively selected from eight centres across Australia, France and the Republic of Korea. Participants identified, ranked and discussed outcomes for trials in ADPKD. We calculated an importance score (0-1) for each outcome and conducted thematic analyses. RESULTS: Across 17 groups, 154 participants (121 patients, 33 caregivers) aged 19 to 78 (mean 54.5 years) identified 55 outcomes. The 10 highest ranked outcomes were: kidney function (importance score 0.36), end-stage kidney disease (0.32), survival (0.21), cyst size/growth (0.20), cyst pain/bleeding (0.18), blood pressure (0.17), ability to work (0.16), cerebral aneurysm/stroke (0.14), mobility/physical function (0.12), and fatigue (0.12). Three themes were identified: threatening semblance of normality, inability to control and making sense of diverse risks. CONCLUSION: For patients with ADPKD and their caregivers, kidney function, delayed progression to end-stage kidney disease and survival were the highest priorities, and were focused on achieving normality, and maintaining control over health and lifestyle. Implementing these patient-important outcomes may improve the meaning and relevance of trials to inform clinical care in ADPKD.