Patterns of kidney function and risk assessment in a nationwide laboratory database: the Brazilian CHECK-CKD study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem with rising prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and associated costs. Early identification and risk stratification are key to preventing progression to kidney failure. However, there is a paucity of data on practice patterns of kidney function assessment to guide the development of improvement strategies, particularly in lower-income countries. METHODS: A retrospective observational analysis was conducted in a nationwide laboratory database in Brazil. We included all adult patients with at least one serum creatinine assessment between June 2018 and May 2021. Our primary objective was to determine the proportion of patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) evaluations accompanied by predicted levels of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (pACR) assessments within 12 months. RESULTS: Out of 4,5323,332 serum creatinine measurements, 42% lacked pACR measurements within 12 months. Approximately 10.8% of tests suggested CKD, mostly at stage 3a. The proportion of serum creatinine exams paired with pACR assessment varied according to the CKD stage. Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Obstetrics/Gynecology were the specialties requesting most of the creatinine tests. Nephrology contributed with only 1.1% of serum creatinine requests for testing. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal that a significant proportion of individuals with a creatinine test lack an accompanying urinary albuminuria measurement in Brazil, contrary to the recommendations of the international guidelines. Non-Nephrologists perform most kidney function evaluations, even among patients with presumable advanced CKD. This highlights the urge to incorporate in clinical practice the early detection of CKD and to encourage more collaborative multidisciplinary care to improve CKD management.

Health Care Resource Utilization and Related Costs of Patients With CKD From the United States: A Report From the DISCOVER CKD Retrospective Cohort.

Introduction: It is well established that chronic kidney disease (CKD) results in a significant burden on patients' health and health care providers. However, detailed estimates of the health care resource utilization (HCRU) of CKD are limited, particularly those which consider severity, comorbidities, and payer type. This study aimed to bridge this evidence gap by reporting contemporary HCRU and costs in patients with CKD across the US health care providers. Methods: Cost and HCRU estimates of CKD and reduced kidney function without CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]: 60-75 and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio [UACR]: <30) were derived for US patients included in the DISCOVER CKD cohort study, using linked inpatient and outpatient data from the limited claims-EMR data set (LCED) and TriNetX database. Patients with a history of transplant or undergoing dialysis were not included. HCRU and costs were stratified by CKD severity using UACR and eGFR. Results: Overall health care costs ranged from $26,889 (A1) to $42,139 (A3), and from $28,627 (G2) to $42,902 (G5) per patient per year (PPPY), demonstrating a considerable early disease burden which continued to increase with declining kidney function. The PPPY costs of later stage CKD were particularly notable for patients with concomitant heart failure ($50,191 [A3]) and those covered by commercial payers ($55,735 [A3]). Conclusions: Health care costs and resource use associated with CKD and reduced kidney function pose a substantial burden across health care systems and payers, increasing in line with CKD progression. Early CKD screening, particularly of UACR, paired with proactive disease management may provide both an improvement to patient outcomes and a significant HCRU and cost saving to health care providers.

Healthcare resource utilisation and related costs of patients with CKD from the UK: a report from the DISCOVER CKD retrospective cohort.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is widely reported to decrease quality of life, increase morbidity and mortality and cause increased healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) as the disease progresses. However, there is a relative paucity of accurate and recent estimates of HCRU in this patient population. Our aim was to address this evidence gap by reporting HCRU and related costs in patients with CKD from the UK primary and secondary care settings. Methods: HCRU and cost estimates of CKD were derived for UK patients included in the DISCOVER CKD cohort study using clinical records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to external databases. Patients with a history of transplant or undergoing dialysis were not included. HCRU and costs were stratified by CKD severity using the urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results: Hospitalisation rates more than tripled between low (A1) and high (A3) UACR categories and the mean annual per-patient costs ranged from £4966 (A1) to £9196 (A3) and from £4997 (G2) to £7595 (G5), demonstrating that a large healthcare burden can be attributed to a relatively small number of patients with later stage CKD, including those with kidney failure and/or albuminuria. Conclusions: HCRU and costs associated with CKD impose a substantial burden on the healthcare system, particularly in the more advanced stages of CKD. New interventions that can delay the progression of CKD to kidney failure may not only prolong the patient's life, but would also provide significant resource and cost savings to healthcare providers.

Nephrologists' Perspectives on Gender Disparities in CKD and Dialysis.

Introduction: Globally, there are more women with chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet they comprise only 40% of patients receiving kidney replacement therapy by dialysis. We aimed to describe the perspectives of nephrologists on gender disparities in access to care and outcomes in CKD and dialysis. Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with 51 nephrologists (28, 55% women) from 22 countries from October 2019 to April 2020. Transcripts were analyzed thematically. Results: We identified 6 themes. Related to women were primary commitment to caregiving (with subthemes of coordinating care, taking charge of health management, deprioritizing own health, centrality of family in decision-making); vigilance and self-reliance (diligence and conscientiousness, stoicism and tolerating symptoms, avoiding burden on family, isolation and coping alone); and stereotyping, stigma, and judgment (body image, dismissed as anxiety, shame and embarrassment, weakness and frailty). Related to men was protecting masculinity (safeguarding the provider role, clinging to control, self-regard, and entitled). Decisional power and ownership included men's dominance in decision-making and women's analytical approach in treatment decisions. Inequities compounded by social disadvantage (financial and transport barriers, without social security, limited literacy, entrenched discrimination, vulnerability) were barriers to care for women, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Conclusion: Nephrologists perceived that women with CKD faced many challenges in accessing care related to social norms and roles of caregiving responsibilities, disempowerment, lack of support, stereotyping by clinicians, and entrenched social and economic disadvantage. Addressing power differences, challenging systemic patriarchy, and managing unconscious bias may help to improve equitable care and outcomes for all people with CKD.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Identifies Significant Global Inequities in Hemodialysis Care in Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries-An ISN/DOPPS Survey.

Introduction: It is unknown how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care of vulnerable chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients across regions, particularly in low and lower-middle income countries (LLMICs). We aimed to identify global inequities in HD care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The ISN and the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) conducted a global online survey of HD units between March and November, 2020, to ascertain practice patterns and access to resources relevant to HD care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were categorized according to World Bank income classification for comparisons. Results: Surveys were returned from 412 facilities in 78 countries: 15 (4%) in low-income countries (LICs), 111 (27%) in lower-middle income countries (LMICs), 145 (35%) in upper-middle income countries (UMICs), and 141 (34%) in high-income countries (HICs). Respondents reported that diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 were unavailable or of limited availability in LICs (72%) and LMICs (68%) as compared with UMICs (33%) and HICs (20%). The number of patients who missed HD treatments was reported to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in LICs (64%) and LMICs (67%) as compared with UMICs (31%) and HICs (6%). Limited access to HD, intensive care unit (ICU) care, and mechanical ventilation among hospitalized patients on chronic dialysis with COVID-19 were also reportedly higher in LICs and LMICs as compared with UMICs and HICs. Staff in LLMICs reported less routine testing for SARS-CoV-2 when asymptomatic as compared with UMICs and HICs-14% in LICs and 11% in LMICs, compared with 26% and 28% in UMICs and HICs, respectively. Severe shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) were reported by the respondents from LICs and LMICs compared with UMICs and HICs, especially with respect to the use of the N95 particulate-air respirator masks. Conclusion: Striking global inequities were identified in the care of chronic HD patients during the pandemic. Urgent action is required to address these inequities which disproportionately affect LLMIC settings thereby exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities that may contribute to poorer outcomes.

Cost of End-of-Life Inpatient Encounters in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States: A Report from the DISCOVER CKD Retrospective Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Real-world data reporting healthcare resource utilisation and costs associated with end-of-life care for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited. We examined length of hospitalisation and costs associated with end-of-life inpatient encounters using retrospective data from DISCOVER CKD. METHODS: Data on inpatient encounters for patients with CKD aged ≥ 18 years between January 2016 and March 2020 were extracted from the US Premier Hospital Database. Encounters ending in death were identified and grouped by reason for the encounter, using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, and by their insurance coverage. Encounters were evaluated overall and stratified according to cardiovascular (CV), kidney failure and infection-related reasons, and by their coverage by commercial, Medicaid, Medicare or other insurers. Length of hospitalisation and total costs were calculated for encounters. RESULTS: Among 237,734 encounters ending in death, the mean [standard deviation (SD)] age was 74.2 (12.4) years, and 45.3% of patients were female. In total, 25,118, 4210 and 76,307 encounters were classified as relating to CV reasons, kidney failure and infection, respectively. Among all encounters, the mean (SD) length of hospitalisation ranged from 9.1 (11.2) (Medicare) to 12.8 (18.4) (Medicaid) days. Across insurers, encounters related to kidney failure were associated with the longest hospitalisations compared with CV and infection [mean range (days): 10.7-15.9 vs. 7.5-10.5 and 8.7-12.7, respectively]. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] total cost of any inpatient encounter was $17,057 ($8040-35,873). Kidney failure-related encounters had higher costs compared with CV and infection [median (IQR), $18,469 ($8673-38,315) vs. $17,503 ($7766-39,693) and $16,403 ($7762-34,910), respectively]. Medicaid-covered encounters had the highest costs of all insurers [median (IQR), $16,189 ($7725-33,443)]. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with CKD, end-of-life encounters were most frequently related to infection. Encounters relating to kidney failure incurred the highest costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04034992.

Economic Burden and Health-Related Quality of Life Associated with Current Treatments for Anaemia in Patients with CKD not on Dialysis: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The cost and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) burden associated with treatments for anaemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well characterized among non-dialysis-dependent (NDD) patients. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to review the literature on costs and HRQoL associated with current treatments for anaemia of CKD among NDD patients. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, NHS EED, and NHS HTA databases were searched for original studies published in English between 1 January 2000 and 17 March 2017. The following inclusion criteria were applied: adult population; primary focus was anaemia of CKD; patients received iron supplementation, red blood cell transfusion, or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs); and reported results on HRQoL and/or costs. Studies that included NDD patients, did not compare different treatments, and had relevant designs were retained. HRQoL and cost outcomes were summarized in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: In total, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria: six randomized controlled trials, four prospective single-arm trials, three retrospective studies, one prospective observational study, one simulation study, and one cross-sectional survey. All included ESAs. Treatment of anaemia (compared with no treatment) was associated with HRQoL improvements in five of six studies and lower costs in four of four studies. Treatment aiming for higher haemoglobin targets (compared with lower targets) resulted in modest HRQoL improvements, higher healthcare resource utilization (HRU), and higher costs. CONCLUSIONS: In NDD patients, untreated anaemia of CKD leads to higher costs, higher HRU, and lower HRQoL compared with initiating anaemia treatment. Relative to aiming for lower haemoglobin targets with ESAs, higher targets conferred modest HRQoL improvements and were associated with higher HRU.

Economic and quality of life burden of anemia on patients with CKD on dialysis: a systematic review.

Aims: The overall cost and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with current treatments for chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related anemia are not well characterized. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted on the costs and HRQoL associated with current treatments for CKD-related anemia among dialysis-dependent (DD) patients. Materials and methods: The authors searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, NHS EED, and NHS HTA for English-language publications. Original studies published between January 1, 2000 and March 17, 2017 meeting the following criteria were included: adult population; study focus was CKD-related anemia; included results on patients receiving iron supplementation, red blood cell transfusion, or erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs); reported results on HRQoL and/or costs. Studies which included patients with DD-CKD, did not directly compare different treatments, and had designs relevant to the objective were retained. HRQoL and cost outcomes, including healthcare resource utilization (HRU), were extracted and summarized in a narrative synthesis. Results: A total of 1,625 publications were retrieved, 15 of which met all inclusion criteria. All identified studies included ESAs as a treatment of interest. Two randomized controlled trials reported that ESA treatment improves HRQoL relative to placebo. Across eight studies comparing HRQoL of patients achieving high vs low hemoglobin (Hb) targets, aiming for higher Hb targets with ESAs generally led to modest HRQoL improvements. Two studies reported that ESA-treated patients had lower costs and HRU compared to untreated patients. One study found that aiming for higher vs lower Hb targets led to reduced HRU, while two other reported that this led to a reduction in cost-effectiveness. Limitations: Heterogeneity of study designs and outcomes; a meta-analysis could not be performed. Conclusions: ESA-treated patients undergoing dialysis incurred lower costs, lower HRU, and had better HRQoL relative to ESA-untreated patients. However, treatment to higher Hb targets led to modest HRQoL improvements compared to lower Hb targets.

Increasing access to integrated ESKD care as part of universal health coverage.

The global nephrology community recognizes the need for a cohesive strategy to address the growing problem of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In March 2018, the International Society of Nephrology hosted a summit on integrated ESKD care, including 92 individuals from around the globe with diverse expertise and professional backgrounds. The attendees were from 41 countries, including 16 participants from 11 low- and lower-middle-income countries. The purpose was to develop a strategic plan to improve worldwide access to integrated ESKD care, by identifying and prioritizing key activities across 8 themes: (i) estimates of ESKD burden and treatment coverage, (ii) advocacy, (iii) education and training/workforce, (iv) financing/funding models, (v) ethics, (vi) dialysis, (vii) transplantation, and (viii) conservative care. Action plans with prioritized lists of goals, activities, and key deliverables, and an overarching performance framework were developed for each theme. Examples of these key deliverables include improved data availability, integration of core registry measures and analysis to inform development of health care policy; a framework for advocacy; improved and continued stakeholder engagement; improved workforce training; equitable, efficient, and cost-effective funding models; greater understanding and greater application of ethical principles in practice and policy; definition and application of standards for safe and sustainable dialysis treatment and a set of measurable quality parameters; and integration of dialysis, transplantation, and comprehensive conservative care as ESKD treatment options within the context of overall health priorities. Intended users of the action plans include clinicians, patients and their families, scientists, industry partners, government decision makers, and advocacy organizations. Implementation of this integrated and comprehensive plan is intended to improve quality and access to care and thereby reduce serious health-related suffering of adults and children affected by ESKD worldwide.

Assessment of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness as an Early Marker Of Vascular Damage In Hypertensive Children / Avaliação da Espessura Médio-Intimal Carotídea como um Marcador Vascular Precoce em Crianças Hipertensas

Abstract Background: The increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) correlates with the presence of atherosclerosis in adults and describes vascular abnormalities in both hypertensive children and adolescents. Objective: To assess CIMT as an early marker of atherosclerosis and vascular damage in hypertensive children and adolescents compared with non-hypertensive controls and to evaluate the influence of gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) on CIMT on each group. Methods: Observational cohort study. A total of 133 hypertensive subjects (male, n = 69; mean age, 10.5 ± 4 years) underwent carotid ultrasound exam for assessment of CIMT. One hundred and twenty-one non-hypertensive subjects (male, n = 64; mean age, 9.8 ± 4.1 years) were selected as controls for gender, age (± 1 year), and BMI (± 10%). Results: There were no significant difference regarding gender (p = 0.954) and age (p = 0.067) between groups. Hypertensive subjects had higher BMI when compared to control group (p = 0.004), although within the established range of 10%. Subjects in the hypertensive group had higher CIMT values when compared to control group (0.46 ± 0.05 versus 0.42 ± 0.05 mm, respectively, p < 0.001; one-way ANOVA). Carotid IMT values were not significantly influenced by gender, age, and BMI when analyzed in both groups separately (Student's t-test for independent samples). According to the adjusted determination coefficient (R²) only 11.7% of CIMT variations were accounted for by group variations, including age, gender, and BMI. Conclusions: Carotid intima-media thickness was higher in hypertensive children and adolescents when compared to the control group. The presence of hypertension increased CIMT regardless of age, gender, and BMI.

Resumo Fundamento: O aumento da espessura médio-intimal carotídea (EMIC) correlaciona-se com a presença de aterosclerose em adultos e descreve anormalidades vasculares em crianças e adolescentes hipertensos. Objetivo: Avaliar a EMIC como marcador precoce de aterosclerose e dano vascular em crianças e adolescentes hipertensos em comparação com um grupo controle e avaliar a influência do sexo, idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC) sobre a EMIC em cada grupo. Métodos: Estudo observacional de coorte. Um total de 133 indivíduos hipertensos (sexo masculino, n = 69; idade média 10.5 ± 4 anos) foi submetido à ultrassonografia das artérias carótidas para avaliação da EMIC. Cento e vinte e um indivíduos saudáveis (sexo masculino, n = 64; idade média, 9.8 ± 4.1 anos) foram selecionados como controles para as seguintes características: sexo, idade (± 1ano) e IMC (±10%). Resultados: Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos com relação ao sexo (p = 0,954) e idade (p = 0,067). Os indivíduos hipertensos apresentaram maior IMC (p = 0,004), porém dentro da faixa estabelecida de até 10%. Os indivíduos hipertensos apresentaram maiores valores de EMIC quando comparados ao grupo-controle (0,46 ± 0,05 versus 0,42 ± 0,05 mm, respectivamente, p < 0.001; ANOVA com um parâmetro). Os valores da EMIC não foram influenciados por sexo, idade e IMC quando analisados em ambos os grupos separadamente (Teste t de Student para amostras independentes). De acordo com o coeficiente de determinação (R²) ajustado, apenas 11.7% das variações da EMIC são devidas às variações em cada grupo, incluindo idade, sexo e IMC. Conclusões: A espessura médio-intimal das carótidas apresentou-se aumentada em crianças e adolescentes hipertensos quando comparados ao grupo controle. A presença de hipertensão aumentou a EMIC independentemente de idade, sexo e IMC.

Changes in the worldwide epidemiology of peritoneal dialysis.

As the global burden of chronic kidney disease continues to increase, so does the need for a cost-effective renal replacement therapy. In many countries, patient outcomes with peritoneal dialysis are comparable to or better than those with haemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis is also more cost-effective. These benefits have not, however, always led to increased utilization of peritoneal dialysis. Use of this therapy is increasing in some countries, including China, the USA and Thailand, but has proportionally decreased in parts of Europe and in Japan. The variable trends in peritoneal dialysis use reflect the multiple challenges in prescribing this therapy to patients. Key strategies for facilitating peritoneal dialysis utilization include implementation of policies and incentives that favour this modality, enabling the appropriate production and supply of peritoneal dialysis fluid at a low cost, and appropriate training for nephrologists to enable increased utilization of the therapy and to ensure that rates of technique failure continue to decline. Further growth in peritoneal dialysis use is required to enable this modality to become an integral part of renal replacement therapy programmes worldwide.

Understanding kidney care needs and implementation strategies in low- and middle-income countries: conclusions from a "Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes" (KDIGO) Controversies Conference.

Evidence-based cinical practice guidelines improve delivery of uniform care to patients with and at risk of developing kidney disease, thereby reducing disease burden and improving outcomes. These guidelines are not well-integrated into care delivery systems in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The KDIGO Controversies Conference on Implementation Strategies in LMIC reviewed the current state of knowledge in order to define a road map to improve the implementation of guideline-based kidney care in LMICs. An international group of multidisciplinary experts in nephrology, epidemiology, health economics, implementation science, health systems, policy, and research identified key issues related to guideline implementation. The issues examined included the current kidney disease burden in the context of health systems in LMIC, arguments for developing policies to implement guideline-based care, innovations to improve kidney care, and the process of guideline adaptation to suit local needs. This executive summary serves as a resource to guide future work, including a pathway for adapting existing guidelines in different geographical regions.

Assessment of Intima-Media Thickness in Healthy Children Aged 1 to 15 Years / Avaliação da Espessura Médio-Intimal em Crianças Saudáveis entre 1 e 15 Anos

Abstract Background: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been shown to be increased in children and adolescents with traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, compared with those of healthy children. Objective: To assess the influence of sex, age and body mass index (BMI) on the CIMT in healthy children and adolescents aged 1 to 15 years. Methods: A total of 280 healthy children and adolescents (males, n=175; mean age, 7.49±3.57 years; mean BMI, 17.94±4.1 kg/m2) were screened for CIMT assessment. They were divided into 3 groups according to age: GI, 1 to 5 years [n=93 (33.2%); males, 57; mean BMI, 16±3 kg/m2]; GII, 6 to 10 years [n=127 (45.4%); males, 78; mean BMI, 17.9±3.7 kg/m2], and GIII, 11 to 15 years [n=60 (21.4%); males, 40; mean BMI, 20.9±4.5 kg/m2]. Results: There was no significant difference in CIMT values between male and female children and adolescents (0.43±0.06 mm vs. 0.42±0.05 mm, respectively; p=0.243). CIMT correlated with BMI neither in the total population nor in the 3 age groups according to Pearson correlation coefficient. Subjects aged 11 to 15 years had the highest CIMT values (GI vs. GII, p=0.615; GI vs. GIII, p=0.02; GII vs. GIII, p=0.004). Conclusions: CIMT is constant in healthy children younger than 10 years, regardless of sex or BMI. CIMT increases after the age of 10 years.

Resumo Fundamentos: A espessura médio-intimal (EMI) na artéria carótida comum tem se mostrado aumentada em crianças e adolescentes com fatores de risco tradicionais, como obesidade, hipertensão e doença renal crônica, quando comparada à de crianças saudáveis. Objetivos: Avaliar a influência do sexo, idade e índice de massa corpórea (IMC) sobre a EMI em crianças e adolescentes saudáveis entre 1 e 15 anos de idade. Métodos: Este estudo incluiu 280 indivíduos saudáveis (sexo masculino, n=175; idade, 7,49±3,57 anos; IMC, 17,94±4,1 kg/m2), que foram divididos em 3 grupos de acordo com a faixa etária: GI, crianças de 1 a 5 anos [n=93 (33,2%); sexo masculino, 57; IMC, 16±3 kg/m2]; GII, crianças de 6 a 10 anos [n=127 (45,4%); sexo masculino, 78; IMC, 17,9±3,7 kg/m2]; e GIII, crianças de 11 a 15 anos [n=60 (21,4%); sexo masculino, 40; IMC, 20,9±4,5 kg/m2]. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa nos valores da EMI entre os sexos (masculino, 0,43±0,06 mm; feminino, 0,42±0.05 mm; p=0,243). A EMI não se correlacionou com o IMC na população total ou nos 3 grupos de acordo com o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Crianças entre 11 e 15 anos apresentaram maiores valores de EMI (GI vs. GII, p=0,615; GI vs. GIII, p=0,02; GII vs. GIII, p=0,004). Conclusões: Independentemente de sexo e IMC, a EMI é constante em crianças saudáveis abaixo dos 10 anos de idade, aumentando a partir daí.

Assessment of Intima-Media Thickness in Healthy Children Aged 1 to 15 Years.

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been shown to be increased in children and adolescents with traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, compared with those of healthy children. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of sex, age and body mass index (BMI) on the CIMT in healthy children and adolescents aged 1 to 15 years. METHODS: A total of 280 healthy children and adolescents (males, n=175; mean age, 7.49±3.57 years; mean BMI, 17.94±4.1 kg/m2) were screened for CIMT assessment. They were divided into 3 groups according to age: GI, 1 to 5 years [n=93 (33.2%); males, 57; mean BMI, 16±3 kg/m2]; GII, 6 to 10 years [n=127 (45.4%); males, 78; mean BMI, 17.9±3.7 kg/m2], and GIII, 11 to 15 years [n=60 (21.4%); males, 40; mean BMI, 20.9±4.5 kg/m2]. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in CIMT values between male and female children and adolescents (0.43±0.06 mm vs. 0.42±0.05 mm, respectively; p=0.243). CIMT correlated with BMI neither in the total population nor in the 3 age groups according to Pearson correlation coefficient. Subjects aged 11 to 15 years had the highest CIMT values (GI vs. GII, p=0.615; GI vs. GIII, p=0.02; GII vs. GIII, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: CIMT is constant in healthy children younger than 10 years, regardless of sex or BMI. CIMT increases after the age of 10 years.

Overview of hemodialysis treatment funded by the Brazilian Unified Health System--An economic perspective.

INTRODUCTION: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a public health problem and, in Brazil, lacks of data on one of the main treatments, hemodialysis, are still identified. OBJECTIVE: To determine, through description of resources used in ESRD treatment and its complications, the cost associated to hemodialysis and supplementary medical therapy in patients attended by Brazilian Public Health (SUS). METHODS: Methods of cross-sectional and prospective cohort observational analysis were conducted using public data, where information about inpatient and outpatient resource use and patients' characteristics were collected. From described resource use, costs were calculated. In cross-sectional analysis subjects who underwent hemodialysis between January/2008 and November/2012 were considered and in prospective cohort, started in 2009. Descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS: 91,475 and 118,847 hemodialysis procedures were performed in 2008 and 2012, respectively, and 24.8% of increase was estimated until 2017. Analysis by federation unit showed that São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states represented almost half of the procedures observed, with mean cost per patient of US$ 7,932.52 in 2008 and US$ 9,112.75 in 2011. In the cohort, composed by 96,600 subjects, the most used drug was alfaepoetin and 8% of the sample used calcitriol 1.0 mcg. The occurrence of complications was observed in 28.2% of patients. CONCLUSION: After data analysis, different aspects of hemodialysis use were demonstrated, with an increase in amount of procedures and, also, in disease related expenses.

Panorama do tratamento hemodialítico financiado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde - Uma perspectiva econômica / Overview of hemodialysis treatment funded by the Brazilian Unified Health System - An economic perspective

ResumoIntrodução:A doença renal crônica (DRC) é um problema de saúde pública e, no Brasil, ainda são identificadas carências de dados sobre características de um dos principais tratamentos, a hemodiálise.Objetivo:Determinar, por meio da descrição do consumo de recursos para o tratamento e suas complicações, o custo associado à hemodiálise e às terapias medicamentosas suplementares em pacientes financiados pelo SUS.Métodos:Métodos de análise observacional transversal e coorte prospectiva foram utilizados considerando dados públicos, dos quais foram coletadas informações referentes a procedimentos hospitalares e ambulatoriais, além de características dos pacientes. Os custos foram calculados a partir dos recursos descritos. Na análise transversal foram considerados indivíduos que realizaram hemodiálise entre janeiro de 2008 e novembro de 2012 e na coorte prospectiva, iniciada em 2009. Análises descritivas foram conduzidas.Resultados:Um total de 91.475 e 118.847 procedimentos de hemodiálise foram realizados em 2008 e 2012, respectivamente, e, para o ano 2017, foi estimado um aumento de 24,8%. A análise por unidade federativa mostrou que São Paulo, Minas Gerais e Rio de Janeiro representam quase metade dos procedimentos, com média de custo, por paciente, de US$ 7.932,52 em 2008, e de US$ 9.112,75 em 2011. Na coorte, composta por 96.600 indivíduos, o medicamento mais utilizado foi a alfapoetina, além de 8% da amostra utilizar calcitriol 1,0 mcg. Foi observada a ocorrência de complicações em 28,2% dos pacientes.Conclusão:Após análise dos dados, diferentes aspectos da utilização da hemodiálise foram demonstrados, sendo observado um aumento na quantidade de procedimentos e, também, nos gastos decorrentes do procedimento.

AbstractIntroduction:End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a public health problem and, in Brazil, lacks of data on one of the main treatments, hemodialysis, are still identified.Objective:To determine, through description of resources used in ESRD treatment and its complications, the cost associated to hemodialysis and supplementary medical therapy in patients attended by Brazilian Public Health (SUS).Methods:Methods of cross-sectional and prospective cohort observational analysis were conducted using public data, where information about inpatient and outpatient resource use and patients' characteristics were collected. From described resource use, costs were calculated. In cross-sectional analysis subjects who underwent hemodialysis between January/2008 and November/2012 were considered and in prospective cohort, started in 2009. Descriptive analyses were performed.Results:91,475 and 118,847 hemodialysis procedures were performed in 2008 and 2012, respectively, and 24.8% of increase was estimated until 2017. Analysis by federation unit showed that São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states represented almost half of the procedures observed, with mean cost per patient of US$ 7,932.52 in 2008 and US$ 9,112.75 in 2011. In the cohort, composed by 96,600 subjects, the most used drug was alfaepoetin and 8% of the sample used calcitriol 1.0 mcg. The occurrence of complications was observed in 28.2% of patients.Conclusion:After data analysis, different aspects of hemodialysis use were demonstrated, with an increase in amount of procedures and, also, in disease related expenses.

ISPD Cardiovascular and Metabolic Guidelines in Adult Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Part I - Assessment and Management of Various Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

Cardiovascular disease contributes significantly to the adverse clinical outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Numerous cardiovascular risk factors play important roles in the development of various cardiovascular complications. Of these, loss of residual renal function is regarded as one of the key cardiovascular risk factors and is associated with an increased mortality and cardiovascular death. It is also recognized that PD solutions may incur significant adverse metabolic effects in PD patients. The International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) commissioned a global workgroup in 2012 to formulate a series of recommendations regarding lifestyle modification, assessment and management of various cardiovascular risk factors, as well as management of the various cardiovascular complications including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia (specifically atrial fibrillation), cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease and sudden cardiac death, to be published in 2 guideline documents. This publication forms the first part of the guideline documents and includes recommendations on assessment and management of various cardiovascular risk factors. The documents are intended to serve as a global clinical practice guideline for clinicians who look after PD patients. The ISPD workgroup also identifies areas where evidence is lacking and further research is needed.

Assessment of dipyridamole stress echocardiography for risk stratification of diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in medical therapy, cardiovascular disease, mainly coronary artery disease (CAD), remains the leading cause of mortality among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The objective of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of dipyridamole stress echocardiography in identify diabetic patients at high risk for cardiovascular events. METHODS: Dipyridamole stress echocardiography was administered to 483 diabetic patients (294 women; mean age 63.41 ± 11.28 years) between July 2006 and December 2012. RESULTS: Follow-up data were available for 264 patients (163 women; mean age 64.3 ± 10.5 years): 250 with a negative stress echocardiography and 14 with a positive stress echo. During a mean follow-up time of 18 ± 14 months, a cardiovascular event occurred in 18 (6.8%) patients, 12 (4.8%) in patients with a negative stress echo (n = 250) during a mean follow-up period of 20 ± 16 months and 6 (42%) in patients with positive stress echo (n = 14) during a mean follow-up of 13 ± 13 months. The positive and negative predictive values of stress echocardiography were 42% and 96% respectively. The accuracy value was 92%. A Cox regression model showed that CAD (hazard ratio [HR] 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-15.4; p = 0.002) and positive stress echocardiography (HR 7.1, 95% CI 2.5-20.5; p < 0.001) were significant predictors of cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with diabetes, a negative dipyridamole stress echocardiogram predicts favorable outcome during the first year of follow-up. A new stress imaging test should be done after 12 months in diabetic patients.

Burden of disease: prevalence and incidence of ESRD in Latin America.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major challenge for Latin America (LA), due to its epidemic proportions and high burden to the population affected and to public health systems. METHODS: Our methods have been reported previously: This paper shows the data for the last 10 years until 2010, from the Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplantation Registry (RLADTR). RESULTS: 20 countries participated in the surveys, covering 99% of Latin America (LA). The prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) under renal replacement therapy (RRT) in LA increased from 119 patients per million population (pmp) in 1991 to 660 pmp in 2010 (hemodialysis (HD) 413 pmp, peritoneal dialysis (PD) 135 pmp, and LFG 111 pmp). HD proportionally increased more than PD and transplant and continues to be the treatment of choice in the region (75%). The kidney transplant rate increased from 3.7 pmp in 1987 to 6.9 pmp in 1991 and to 19.1 in 2010. The total number of transplants in 2010 was 10,397, with 58% being deceased donors. The total RRT prevalence correlated positively with gross national income (GNI) (r = 0.86; p < 0.05) and life expectancy at birth (r = 0.58; p < 0.05). The global incidence rate correlated significantly only with GNI (r = 0.56; p < 0.05). Diabetes remained the leading cause of ESRD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence and incidence of RRT continues to increase. In countries with 100% public health or insurance coverage for RRT the rates are comparable to those displayed by developed countries with better GNI. PD is still an underutilized strategy for RRT in the region. Diagnostic and prevention programs for hypertension and diabetes, appropriate policies promoting the expansion of PD and organ procurement as well as transplantation as cost effective forms of RRT are needed in the region.