Factors Associated With Physical Inactivity of Recipients of a Kidney Transplant: Results From the ADHERE BRAZIL Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: Physical activity is recommended for recipients of a kidney transplant. However, ADHERE BRAZIL study found a high prevalence (69%) of physical inactivity in Brazilian recipients of a kidney transplant. To tackle this behavior, a broad analysis of barriers is needed. This study aimed to identify factors (patient and transplant center levels) associated with physical inactivity among recipients of a kidney transplant. METHODS: This was a subproject of the ADHERE BRAZIL study, a cross-sectional, multicenter study of 1105 recipients of a kidney transplant from 20 kidney transplant centers. Using a multistage sampling method, patients were proportionally and randomly selected. Applying the Brief Physical Activity Assessment questionnaire, patients were classified as physically active (≥150 min/wk) or physically inactive (<150 min/wk). On the basis of an ecological model, 34 factors associated with physical inactivity were analyzed by sequential logistic regression. RESULTS: At the patient level, physical inactivity was associated with smoking (odds ratio = 2.43; 95% CI = 0.97-6.06), obesity (odds ratio = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.26-2.55), peripheral vascular disease (odds ratio = 3.18; 95% CI = 1.20-8.42), >3 posttransplant hospitalizations (odds ratio = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.17-2.13), family income of >1 reference salary ($248.28 per month; odds ratio = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.48-0.90), and student status (odds ratio = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.37-0.92). At the center level, the correlates were having exercise physiologists in the clinical team (odds ratio = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.46-0.64) and being monitored in a teaching hospital (undergraduate students) (odds ratio = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.01-2.13). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified factors associated with physical inactivity after kidney transplantation that may guide future multilevel behavioral change interventions for physical activity. IMPACT: In a multicenter sample of recipients of a kidney transplant with a prevalence of physical inactivity of 69%, we found associations between this behavior and patient- and center-level factors. At the patient level, the chance of physical inactivity was positively associated with smoking, obesity, and patient morbidity (peripheral vascular disease and hospitalization events after kidney transplantation). Conversely, a high family income and a student status negatively correlated with physical inactivity. At the center level, the presence of a dedicated professional to motivate physical activity resulted in a reduced chance of physical inactivity. A broad knowledge of barriers associated with physical inactivity can allow us to identify patients at a high risk of not adhering to the recommended levels of physical activity.

Evaluation of the use of a Renal Health application by kidney transplant recipients / Avaliação do uso do aplicativo Renal Health por transplantados renais / Evaluación del uso de la Aplicación Renal Health por parte de los receptores de trasplante renal

Abstract Objective: to evaluate the use of a renal health application by kidney transplant recipients. Method: a retrospective, observational study with a sample composed of individuals registered in the kidney transplant section of the application from July of 2018 to April of 2021. Demographic data, data entry, time of use, weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, creatinine, medication schedules, appointments, and tests were the variables collected. Descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Results: eight hundred and twenty-three downloads of the application were identified, and 12.3% of those were registered as kidney transplant recipients, the majority from southeastern Brazil (44.9%), 36±11 years old, and female (59.1%). Of the sample, 35.1% entered information such as creatinine (62%), weight (58.2%), and blood pressure (51.8%). Most used the application for one day (63.3%) and 13.9% for more than one hundred days. Those who used it for more than one day (36.7%) recorded weight (69%), medication intake (65.5%) and creatinine (62%), and scheduled appointments (69%). Conclusion: the kidney transplant recipient section of the Renal Health application generated interest in the young population, but showed low adherence throughout the assessed months. These results offer a relevant perspective on the implementation of mHealth technologies in kidney transplantation.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar o uso do aplicativo Renal Health por transplantados renais. Método: estudo observacional retrospectivo com amostra composta por usuários que realizaram cadastro na seção para transplantados renais do aplicativo de julho de 2018 a abril de 2021. Foram coletadas as seguintes variáveis: dados demográficos, inserção de dados, tempo de uso, registros de peso, pressão arterial, glicemia, creatinina, horários das medicações, consultas e exames. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados. Resultados: houve 1.823 downloads do aplicativo e 12,3% cadastraram-se na seção para transplantados renais, a maioria do Sudeste do Brasil (44,9%), com 36±11 anos e do sexo feminino (59,1%). Da amostra, 35,1% inseriram informações como creatinina (62%), peso (58,2%) e pressão arterial (51,8%). A maioria utilizou o aplicativo por um dia (63,3%) e 13,9% por mais de cem dias. Os que utilizaram por mais de um dia (36,7%), inseriram peso (69%), agendaram consultas (69%), medicações (65,5%) e creatinina (62%). Conclusão: a seção para transplantados renais do aplicativo Renal Health despertou interesse na população jovem, mas apresentou baixa adesão ao longo dos meses avaliados. Esses resultados oferecem perspectiva relevante na implementação de tecnologias mHealth no transplante renal.

Resumen Objetivo: evaluar el uso de la aplicación Renal Health por parte de los receptores de trasplante renal. Método: estudio observacional retrospectivo con una muestra compuesta por usuarios que se registraron en la sección de trasplantados renales dentro de la aplicación desde julio de 2018 hasta abril de 2021. Se recolectaron las siguientes variables: datos demográficos, ingreso de datos, tiempo de uso, registros de peso, presión arterial, glucosa en sangre, creatinina, esquemas de medicación, consultas y exámenes. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos. Resultados: Ocurrieron 1.823 descargas de la aplicación y 12,3% se registró en la sección de trasplantados, la mayoría del sudeste de Brasil (44,9%), con edad de 36±11 años y del sexo femenino (59,1%). De la muestra, 35,1% ingresó información como: creatinina (62%), peso (58,2%) y presión arterial (51,8%). La mayoría utilizó la aplicación durante un día (63,3%) y el 13,9% más de cien días. Quienes lo usaron por más de un día (36,7%), agregaron peso (69%), programación de consultas (69%), medicación (65,5%) y creatinina (62%). Conclusión: la sección para trasplantados renales de la aplicación Renal Health despertó interés en la población joven, pero mostró baja adherencia en los meses evaluados. Estos resultados ofrecen una perspectiva relevante en la implementación de tecnologías mHealth en el trasplante renal.

Management strategies for implementing a multicenter cross-sectional study: lessons from the ADHERE Brazil study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies involving large samples usually face financial and operational challenges. OBJECTIVES: To describe the planning and execution of ADHERE Brazil, an epidemiological study on 1,105 kidney transplant patients, and report on how the study was structured, difficulties faced and solutions found. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional multicenter study in 20 Brazilian kidney transplantation centers. METHODS: Actions developed in each phase of implementation were described, with emphasis on innovations used within the logistics of this study, aimed at estimating the prevalence of nonadherence to treatment. RESULTS: Coordination of activities was divided into four areas: general, regulatory, data collection and statistics. Weekly meetings were held for action planning. The general coordination team was in charge of project elaboration, choice of participating centers, definition of publication policy and monitoring other coordination teams. The regulatory team provided support to centers for submitting the project to ethics committees. The data collection team prepared a manual on the electronic collection system, scheduled web meetings and was available to respond to queries. It also monitored the data quality and reported any inadequacies found. Communication with the centers was through monthly reports via e-mail and distribution of exclusive material. The statistical team acted in all phases of the study, especially in creating the data analysis plan and data bank, generation of randomization lists and data extraction. CONCLUSIONS: Through these logistics, we collected high-quality data and built a local research infrastructure for further studies. We present supporting alternatives for conducting similar studies. CLINICAL TRIAL ANNOTATION: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ on October 10, 2013; NCT02066935.

Iron-based phosphorus chelator: Risk of iron deposition and action on bone metabolism in uremic rats.

Phosphate chelators are frequently used in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). New iron-based chelators remain understudied and offer a promising therapeutic option for the control of bone and mineral disorders of chronic kidney disease (BMD-CKD). We assessed the effect of the phosphorus chelator, chitosan-iron III (CH-FeCl), compared to calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in BMD-CKD and the potential iron overload in uremic rats. Thirty-two animals were divided into four groups, namely the control, CKD, CKD/CH-FeCl, and CKD/CaCO3 groups. CKD was induced by adding 0.75% (4 weeks) and 0.1% (3 weeks) adenine to the diet. The chelators were administered from week 3 through week 7. The renal function, BMD-CKD markers, and histomorphometry of the femur were assessed at week 7. The CKD group showed a significant increase in creatinine (83.9 ± 18.6 vs. 41.5 ± 22.1 µmol/L; P = 0.001), phosphate (3.5 ± 0.8 vs. 2.2 ± 0.2 mmol/L; P = 0.001), fractional excretion of phosphorus (FEP) (0.71 ± 0.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.17; P = 0.0001), and FGF23 (81.36 ± 37.16 pg/mL vs. 7.42 ± 1.96; P = 0.011) compared to the control group. There was no accumulation of serum or bone iron after the use of CH-FeCl. The use of chelators reduced the FEP (control: 0.71 ± 0.20; CKD/CH-FeCl: 0.40 ± 0.16; CKD/CaCO3 0.34 ± 0.15; P = 0.001), without changes in the serum FGF23 and parathyroid hormone levels. Histomorphometry revealed the presence of bone disease with high remodeling in the uremic animals without changes with the use of chelators. The CH-FeCl chelator was efficient in reducing the FEP without iron accumulation, thereby paving the way for the use of this class of chelators in clinical settings in the future.

Estudo das Crenças de Receptores acerca do Transplante Renal - Estudo Qualitativo / Study of Receptor Beliefs About Kidney Transplantation - Qualitative Study

Resumo Objetivo: investigar crenças sobre o transplante renal em pacientes submetidos a esse procedimento cirúrgico. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, realizada com 34 pacientes. A elaboração da entrevista e a discussão dos resultados foram realizadas a partir do Modelo de Crenças em Saúde e os dados organizados de acordo com a Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: amostra com média de idade de 45,94 (±10,67) anos, mediana de tempo de transplante de 13 anos, sendo 55,9% masculina. Discussão: observou-se predominância das crenças relacionadas aos benefícios percebidos na realização do transplante renal em comparação às dificuldades percebidas; as crenças sobre motivação pela escolha do transplante e motivação para o tratamento estavam associadas às crenças sobre o transplante renal e às crenças relativas aos benefícios percebidos.

Abstract Objective: to investigate beliefs about kidney transplantation in transplanted patients. Method: qualitative research with 34 participants. The elaboration of the interview and discussion of the results were based on the theory of the Health Belief Model and the data was organized according to the Content Analysis. Results: A mean age of 45.94 (± 10.67) years, median transplant time of 13 years, being 55.9% of men. Discussion: we observed a predominance of beliefs related to perceived benefits in renal transplantation compared to perceived difficulties; and beliefs about motivation for choosing a transplant and motivation for treatment were associated with beliefs about kidney transplantation and beliefs perceived benefits.

Similar quality in chronic kidney disease multidisciplinary follow-up between kidney / Qualidade semelhante no acompanhamento multidisciplinar de doença renal crônica entre pacientes pré-dialíticos transplantados e não transplantados

Abstract Introduction: Multidisciplinary clinics are the best approach towards Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients in pre-dialysis phases. The few studies regarding kidney transplant recipients (KTR) compare multidisciplinary and non-multidisciplinary clinics. Methods: In this study, we compared the quality of multidisciplinary CKD care between 101 KTR and 101 propensity score-matched non-transplant pre-dialysis patients (PDP). Prevalence of patients without specific treatment at any time and percent time without specific treatment for CKD complications were the main outcomes and patient and kidney function survival, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline, prevalence of CKD-related complications, and percent time within therapeutic goals were the exploratory ones. Results: Time within most goals was similar between the groups, except for diastolic blood pressure (83.4 vs. 77.3%, RR 0.92, CI 0.88-0.97, p = 0.002) and hypertriglyceridemia (67.7 vs. 58.2%, OR 0.85, CI 0.78-0.93, p < 0.001), better in non-transplant PDP, and for proteinuria (92.7 vs. 83.5%, RR 1.1, CI 1.05-1.16, p < 0.001), better in KTR. Patient survival and GFR decline were similar between the groups, although non-transplant PDP tended to progress earlier to dialysis (9.9% vs. 6.9%, HR 0.39, p = 0.07, CI 0.14-1.08). Discussion: The similar findings between non-transplant PDP and KTR suggests that good and comparable quality of multidisciplinary is a valid strategy for promoting optimal clinical management of CKD-related complications in KTR.

Resumo Introdução: Clínicas multidisciplinares são a melhor abordagem para pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) em fases pré-dialíticas. Os poucos estudos sobre receptores de transplante renal (RTR) comparam clínicas multidisciplinares e não multidisciplinares. Métodos: Neste estudo, comparamos a qualidade do atendimento multidisciplinar para DRC entre 101 RTR e 101 pacientes pré-dialíticos (PPD) não transplantados pareados com escore de propensão. A prevalência de pacientes sem tratamento específico em qualquer momento e a porcentagem de tempo sem tratamento específico para complicações de DRC foram nossos desfechos principais, e a sobrevida do paciente e da função renal, declínio da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG), prevalência de complicações relacionadas à DRC e porcentagem de tempo dentro dos objetivos terapêuticos foram os exploratórios. Resultados: O tempo no alvo para a maioria dos objetivos foi semelhante entre os grupos, exceto para a pressão arterial diastólica (83,4 vs. 77,3%, RR 0,92, IC 0,88-0,97, p = 0,002) e hipertrigliceridemia (67. 7 vs. 58,2%, OR 0,85, IC 0,78-0,93, p < 0,001), melhor em PPD não transplantados, e para proteinúria (92,7 vs. 83,5%, RR 1,1, IC 1,05-1,16, p < 0,001), melhor em RTR. A sobrevida do paciente e o declínio da TFG foram semelhantes entre os grupos, embora PPD não transplantados tendessem a progredir mais cedo para a diálise (9,9% vs. 6,9%, HR 0,39, p = 0,07, IC 0,14-1,08). Discussão: Os resultados semelhantes entre PPD não transplantados e os RTR sugerem que a qualidade multidisciplinar boa e comparável é uma estratégia válida para promover a gestão clínica ideal de complicações relacionadas à DRC em RTR.

Nonadherence to immunosuppressives and treatment in kidney transplant: ADHERE BRAZIL Study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and variability of nonadherence to immunosuppressives and nonpharmacological treatment across kidney transplantation centers and two health access-disparate regions in Brazil. METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, a random multistage sample of 1,105 patients was included, based on center transplantation activity (low/moderate/high) and region (R1: North/Northeast/Mid-West; and R2: South/Southeast). Nonadherence to immunosuppressives (implementation phase) was assessed using the Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale (BAASIS)©. Self-report questionnaires assessed nonadherence to physical activity, smoking cessation, alcohol intake, and appointment keeping. We compared regions using the adjusted-χ2 or t-test. RESULTS: Most patients were men (58.5%), white (51.4%), and had a mean age of 47.5 (SD = 12.6) years. Regarding kidney transplantation centers, 75.9% were from R2 and 38.2% had low activity. The patients in R2 were older, white-majority, had more frequently steady partners, and received peritoneal dialysis. Nonadherence to immunosuppressives ranged from 11-65.2%; 44.5-90% to physical activity; 0-23.7% to appointment keeping; and 0-14% to smoking cessation. The total prevalence of nonadherence and by region (R1 versus R2) were: for immunosuppressives, 39.7% (44.9% versus 38.1%, p = 0.18); for smoking, 3.9% (1% versus 5%, p < 0.001); for physical activity, 69.1% (71% versus 69%, p = 0.48); for appointment keeping, 13% (12.7% versus 12%, p = 0.77); and for alcohol consumption, 0%. CONCLUSION: Despite differences among centers and high variability, only the nonadherence to smoking cessation was higher in the region with greater access to kidney transplantation. We suppose that differences in healthcare access may have been overcome by other positive aspects of the post kidney transplantation treatment.

Nonadherence to immunosuppressives and treatment in kidney transplant: Adhere Brazil Study

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence and variability of nonadherence to immunosuppressives and nonpharmacological treatment across kidney transplantation centers and two health access-disparate regions in Brazil. METHODS In a cross-sectional design, a random multistage sample of 1,105 patients was included, based on center transplantation activity (low/moderate/high) and region (R1: North/Northeast/Mid-West; and R2: South/Southeast). Nonadherence to immunosuppressives (implementation phase) was assessed using the Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale (BAASIS)©. Self-report questionnaires assessed nonadherence to physical activity, smoking cessation, alcohol intake, and appointment keeping. We compared regions using the adjusted-χ2 or t-test. RESULTS Most patients were men (58.5%), white (51.4%), and had a mean age of 47.5 (SD = 12.6) years. Regarding kidney transplantation centers, 75.9% were from R2 and 38.2% had low activity. The patients in R2 were older, white-majority, had more frequently steady partners, and received peritoneal dialysis. Nonadherence to immunosuppressives ranged from 11-65.2%; 44.5-90% to physical activity; 0-23.7% to appointment keeping; and 0-14% to smoking cessation. The total prevalence of nonadherence and by region (R1 versus R2) were: for immunosuppressives, 39.7% (44.9% versus 38.1%, p = 0.18); for smoking, 3.9% (1% versus 5%, p < 0.001); for physical activity, 69.1% (71% versus 69%, p = 0.48); for appointment keeping, 13% (12.7% versus 12%, p = 0.77); and for alcohol consumption, 0%. CONCLUSION Despite differences among centers and high variability, only the nonadherence to smoking cessation was higher in the region with greater access to kidney transplantation. We suppose that differences in healthcare access may have been overcome by other positive aspects of the post kidney transplantation treatment.

Effect of cross-linked chitosan iron (III) on vascular calcification in uremic rats.

Cross-linked chitosan iron (III) is a chitin-derived polymer with a chelating effect on phosphorus, but it is untested in vascular calcification. We evaluated this compound's ability to reduce hyperphosphatemia and its effect on vascular calcification in uremic rats using an adenine-based, phosphorus-rich diet for seven weeks. We used a control group to characterize the uremia. Uremic rats were divided according the treatment into chronic kidney disease, CKD-Ch-Fe(III)CL (CKD-Ch), CKD-calcium carbonate, or CKD-sevelamer groups. We measured creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus excretion fraction, parathyroid hormone, and fibroblast growth factor 23. Vascular calcification was assessed using the aortic calcium content, and a semi-quantitative analysis was performed using Von Kossa and hematoxylin-eosin staining. At week seven, rats in the chronic kidney disease group had higher creatinine, phosphorus, phosphorus excretion fraction, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, fibroblast growth factor 23, and aortic calcium content than those in the Control group. Treatments with cross-linked chitosan iron (III) and calcium carbonate prevented phosphorus increase (20%-30% reduction). The aortic calcium content was lowered by 88% and 85% in the CKD-Ch and CKD-sevelamer groups, respectively. The prevalence of vascular changes was higher in the chronic kidney disease and CKD-calcium carbonate (62.5%) groups than in the CKD-Ch group (37.5%). In conclusion, cross-linked chitosan iron (III) had a phosphorus chelating effect similar to calcium carbonate already available for clinical use, and prevented calcium accumulation in the aorta. Impact statement Vascular calcification (VC) is a common complication due to CKD-related bone and mineral disorder (BMD) and is characterized by deposition of calcium in vessels. Effective therapies are not yet available but new phosphorus chelators can prevent complications from CV. We tested the effect of chitosan, a new phosphorus chelator, on the VC of uremic animals. It has recently been proposed that chitosan treatment may be effective in the treatment of hyperphosphataemia. However, its action on vascular calcification has not been investigated yet. In this study, we demonstrated that chitosan reduced the calcium content in the aorta, suggesting that this may be a therapeutic approach in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia by preventing CV.

Stress, coping and adherence to immunosuppressive medications in kidney transplantation: a comparative study / Estresse, coping e aderência a medicamentos imunossupressores em transplante renal: um estudo comparativo

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE : Adherence to medication is a key issue relating to outcomes from transplantation and it is influenced by several factors, such as stress and coping strategies. However, these factors have been poorly explored. We aimed to compare stress and coping strategies between adherent and nonadherent renal transplant recipients who were receiving immunosuppression. DESIGN AND SETTING : We conducted a comparative, cross-sectional and observational study at a university-based transplantation clinic in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. METHODS :Fifty patients were recruited and classified as adherent or nonadherent following administration of the Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale. Stress was evaluated using the Lipp Stress Symptom Inventory for Adults and coping strategies were assessed using the Ways of Coping Scale. RESULTS : The study included 25 nonadherent patients and 25 controls with a mean age of 44.1 ± 12.8 years and median post-transplantation time of 71.8 months. Stress was present in 50% of the patients. Through simple logistic regression, nonadherence was correlated with palliative coping (OR 3.4; CI: 1.02-11.47; P < 0.05) and had a marginal trend toward significance with more advanced phases of stress (OR 4.7; CI: 0.99-22.51; P = 0.053). CONCLUSION :Stress and coping strategies may have implications for understanding and managing nonadherent behavior among transplantation patients and should be considered among the strategies for reducing nonadherence.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO :Aderência à medicação é uma questão chave para o resultado do transplante e é influenciada por diversos fatores, tais como o estresse e estratégias de enfrentamento ou coping . Entretanto, esses aspectos têm sido pouco explorados. Compararmos o estresse e as estratégias de coping em paciente transplantados renais, aderentes e não aderentes, em uso de imunossupressores. TIPO DE ESTUDOE LOCAL : Realizamos estudo comparativo, transversal e observacional em uma clínica universitária de transplantes em Juiz de Fora, Brasil. MÉTODO :Cinquenta pacientes foram selecionados e classificados como aderentes e não aderentes a partir da escala Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale. O estresse foi avaliado pelo Inventário de Sintomas de Estresse para Adulto de Lipp e as estratégias de coping foram avaliadas pela escala Escala de Modos de Enfrentamento de Problemas. RESULTADOS : O estudo inclui 25 pacientes não aderentes e 25 controles com idade média de 44,1 ± 12,8 anos e mediana de tempo de transplante de 71,8 meses. Estresse esteve presente em 50% dos pacientes. Por regressão linear simples, a não aderência foi associada com o coping paliativo (OR 3,4, CI: 1,02-11,47; P < 0,05) e teve uma tendência marginal a significância com as fases mais avançadas do estresse (OR 4,7, CI: 0,99-22,51; P = 0,053). CONCLUSÃO : Estresse e estratégias de coping podem trazer implicações na compreensão e manejo do comportamento de não aderência dos pacientes transplantados e deveriam ser considerados nas estratégias na redução da não aderência.

Stress, coping and adherence to immunosuppressive medications in kidney transplantation: a comparative study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: : Adherence to medication is a key issue relating to outcomes from transplantation and it is influenced by several factors, such as stress and coping strategies. However, these factors have been poorly explored. We aimed to compare stress and coping strategies between adherent and nonadherent renal transplant recipients who were receiving immunosuppression. DESIGN AND SETTING: : We conducted a comparative, cross-sectional and observational study at a university-based transplantation clinic in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. METHODS: :Fifty patients were recruited and classified as adherent or nonadherent following administration of the Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale. Stress was evaluated using the Lipp Stress Symptom Inventory for Adults and coping strategies were assessed using the Ways of Coping Scale. RESULTS: : The study included 25 nonadherent patients and 25 controls with a mean age of 44.1 ± 12.8 years and median post-transplantation time of 71.8 months. Stress was present in 50% of the patients. Through simple logistic regression, nonadherence was correlated with palliative coping (OR 3.4; CI: 1.02-11.47; P < 0.05) and had a marginal trend toward significance with more advanced phases of stress (OR 4.7; CI: 0.99-22.51; P = 0.053). CONCLUSION: :Stress and coping strategies may have implications for understanding and managing nonadherent behavior among transplantation patients and should be considered among the strategies for reducing nonadherence.

Analysis of the changes and difficulties arising from kidney transplantation: a qualitative study / Análise das mudanças e dificuldades advindas após o transplante renal: uma pesquisa qualitativa / Análisis de los cambios y dificultades surgidas después del trasplante renal: una investigación cualitativa

to identify the main gains and stressors perceived by the patient, one year subsequent to kidney transplantation.

identificar os principais ganhos e estressores percebidos pelo paciente, após um ano de transplante renal.

identificar las principales ganancias y estresores percibidos por el paciente, después de un año de trasplante renal.

Low-level laser therapy decreases renal interstitial fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). BACKGROUND DATA: Regardless of the etiology, CKD involves progressive widespread tissue fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and loss of kidney function. This process also occurs in kidney allograft. At present, effective therapies for this condition are lacking. We investigated the effects of LLLT on the interstitial fibrosis that occurs after experimental UUO in rats. METHODS: The occluded kidney of half of the 32 Wistar rats that underwent UUO received a single intraoperative dose of LLLT (AlGaAs laser, 780 nm, 22.5 J/cm(2), 30 mW, 0.75 W/cm(2), 30 sec on each of nine points). After 14 days, renal fibrosis was assessed by Sirius red staining under polarized light. Immunohistochemical analyses quantitated the renal tissue cells that expressed fibroblast (FSP-1) and myofibroblast (α-SMA) markers. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to determine the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and Smad3. RESULTS: The UUO and LLLT animals had less fibrosis than the UUO animals, as well having decreased expression inflammatory and pro-fibrotic markers. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we showed that LLLT had a protective effect regarding renal interstitial fibrosis. It is conceivable that by attenuating inflammation, LLLT can prevent tubular activation and transdifferentiation, which are the two processes that mainly drive the renal fibrosis of the UUO model.