Protocol for a multicentre prospective exploratory mixed-methods study investigating the modifiable psychosocial variables influencing access to and outcomes after kidney transplantation in children and young people in the UK.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney transplantation is the preferred therapy for children with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD-5). However, there is a wide variation in access to kidney transplantation across the UK for children. This study aims to explore the psychosocial factors that influence access to and outcomes after kidney transplantation in children in the UK using a mixed-methods prospective longitudinal design. METHODS: Qualitative data will be collected through semistructured interviews with children affected by CKD-5, their carers and paediatric renal multidisciplinary team. Recruitment for interviews will continue till data saturation. These interviews will inform the choice of existing validated questionnaires, which will be distributed to a larger national cohort of children with pretransplant CKD-5 (n=180) and their carers. Follow-up questionnaires will be sent at protocolised time points regardless of whether they receive a kidney transplant or not. Coexisting health data from hospital, UK renal registry and National Health Service Blood and Transplant registry records will be mapped to each questionnaire time point. An integrative analysis of the mixed qualitative and quantitative data will define psychosocial aspects of care for potential intervention to improve transplant access. ANALYSIS: Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data will be analysed using appropriate statistical methods to understand how these factors influence access to transplantation, as well as the distribution of psychosocial factors pretransplantation and post-transplantation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study protocol has been reviewed by the National Institute for Health Research Academy and approved by the Wales Research Ethics Committee 4 (IRAS number 270493/ref: 20/WA/0285) and the Scotland A Research Ethics Committee (ref: 21/SS/0038). Results from this study will be disseminated across media platforms accessed by affected families, presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

The influence of the National Health Insurance scheme of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on healthcare access and catastrophic health expenditures for patients with chronic renal disease, and the possibility of integrating organ transplantation into the health financing system.

Citizens of the Lao People's Democratic Republic have difficulties in obtaining proper health services compared to more developed countries, due to the lack of available health facilities and health financing programmes. Haemodialysis (HD) is currently included under the coverage of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme. However, there are several technical barriers related to health service utilization. This study aims to analyse the effects of the Lao NHI on issues of accessibility and the possibility of encountering catastrophic health expenditures for patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, the study provides policy recommendations for policy-makers regarding the provision of organ transplantation under NHI in the future. Savannakhet Province was purposively selected as a study site, where 342 respondents participated in the study. Two logistic regression models are used to assess the effectiveness of the NHI in terms of accessibility and financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures. The Andersen behavioural model is applied as a guideline to identify factors that affect accessibility and economic catastrophe. NHI is found to improve accessibility to health service utilization for household members with chronic kidney disease. However, due to the limited HD services, there are barriers to accessing health services and a risk of financial hardship due to nonmedical expenditures. Chronic conditions, in addition to kidney issues, dramatically increase the chances of suffering catastrophic health expenditures. In the short run, collaboration with neighbouring countries' hospitals through copayment programmes is strongly recommended for NHI's policy-makers. For long-term policy guidelines, the government should move forward to include kidney transplantation in the NHI healthcare system.

The Knowledge Assessment of Renal Transplantation (KART) 2.0: Development and Validation of CKD and Transplant Knowledge Scales.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many individuals with kidney disease, particularly those belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups and whose primary language is not English, lack knowledge related to kidney disease symptoms, physiologic functions of the kidney, and benefits and risks of kidney transplantation. Valid instruments to assess patients' knowledge of CKD and kidney transplantation are needed. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Using a sample of 977 patients with stages 3-5 CKD in the Kaiser Permanente health system, we developed the Knowledge Assessment of Renal Transplantation (KART) 2.0 instrument. We conducted cognitive interviews followed by item response theory (IRT) to reduce 48 candidate items. Construct validity was tested by examining differences in scores between patients who spent <1 and ≥1 hour receiving CKD and transplant education. RESULTS: Cognitive interviews modified four items and omitted 11. IRT analyses resulted in two scales: the KART 2.0-Transplant Knowledge Scale (16 items; Cronbach's α=0.8) and the KART 2.0-CKD Knowledge Scale (nine items; Cronbach's α=0.79). Differential item functioning showed that the scales were unbiased to capture knowledge across self-identified race, primary language, CKD stage, and sex. Both scales distinguished patients who had spent <1 and ≥1 hour speaking with health professionals (effect size [ES]=0.33 [transplant], 0.54 [CKD]; P<0.001 for both), reading about kidney disease (ES=0.45 [transplant], 0.62 [CKD]; P<0.001), reading about kidney transplantation (ES=0.67 [transplant], 0.69 [CKD]; P<0.001), and reading about living donor kidney transplant (ES=0.76 [transplant], 0.62 [CKD]; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The KART 2.0 is a valid tool to assess patients' knowledge of CKD and kidney transplantation.

Pretransplant Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: In older patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), the decision of kidney transplantation (KT) is a challenge for nephrologists. The use of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is increasingly gaining interest into the process of decision-making about treatment modality choice for CKD. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of geriatric impairment and frailty in older dialysis and nondialysis patients with advanced CKD using a pretransplant CGA model and to identify geriatric impairments influencing the geriatricians' recommendations for KT. METHODS: An observational study was conducted with retrospective data from July 2017 to January 2020. Patients aged ≥65 years with advanced CKD, treated or not with dialysis, and referred by the nephrologist were included in the study. The CGA assessed comorbidity burden, cognition, mood, nutritional status, (instrumental) activities of daily living, physical function, frailty, and polypharmacy. Geriatric impairments influencing the geriatricians' recommendations for KT were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: 156 patients were included (74.2 ± 3.5 years and 62.2% on dialysis). Geriatric conditions were highly prevalent in both dialysis and nondialysis groups. The rate of geriatric impairments was higher in dialysis patients regarding comorbidity burden, symptoms of depression, physical function, autonomy, and frailty. Geriatrician's recommendations for KT were as follows: favorable (79.5%) versus not favorable or multidisciplinary discussion needed with nephrologists (20.5%). Dependence for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) (odds ratio [OR] = 3.01 and 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30-7.31), physical functions (OR = 2.91 and 95% CI = 1.08-7.87), and frailty (OR = 2.66 and 95% CI = 1.07-6.65) were found to be independent geriatric impairments influencing geriatrician's recommendations for KT. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the burden of geriatric impairment provides an opportunity to direct KT decision-making and to guide interventions to prevent functional decline and preserve quality of life.

Assessment of renal function using cystatin C and creatinine in Saudi patients after transplantation.

Background: Rapid and accurate assessment of kidney function in patients after transplantation is of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to compare the relationships of serum creatinine and serum cystatin C with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in kidney transplants Saudi patients after a certain period of transplantation. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 127 patients were categorized into three groups based on their length of survival after kidney transplantation; <1 year, from 1 to 5 years, and above 5 years after transplantation. Results of cystatin C and creatinine levels were compared by eGFR derived from estimation equation chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration. Results: In the three assessed periods, the mean (standard deviation) cystatin C level was 1.72 (0.57), 1.59 (0.64), and 1.82 (0.82), respectively, being highest after 5 years of transplantation, normal in 9.40%, and elevated in 90.60% of the participants, while creatinine level, decreased from 1.57 (0.53) to 1.52 (0.64) in 1-5 years, then it became the highest at 1.75 (0.69) in more than 5 years. The mean was normal in 21.30% and elevated in 78.70% of the patients. Both serum creatinine and cystatin C levels were negatively correlated with posttransplantation time in kidney transplant patients. Conclusion: The cystatin C level was statistically significantly higher after 5 years of transplantation. It is a better parameter to rule out renal dysfunction after transplantation.

Résumé Une évaluation rapide et précise de la fonction rénale chez les patients après une transplantation est de la plus importance. Le but de cette étude était de comparer les relations de la créatinine et de la cystatine C sérique avec un taux de filtration glomérulaire estimé (DFG) chez des patients saoudiens transplantés rénaux après une certaine période de transplantation. Matériel et méthodes: Dans cette étude prospective, 127 patients ont été classés en trois groupes en fonction de leur durée de survie après une transplantation rénale; <1 an, de 1 à 5 ans et plus de 5 ans après la transplantation. Les résultats des taux de cystatine C et de créatinine ont été comparés par le DFG dérivé de l'équation d'estimation de la collaboration épidémiologique sur les maladies rénales chroniques. Résultats: Au cours des trois périodes évaluées, le taux moyen (écart-type) de cystatine C était de 1,72 (0,57), 1,59 (0,64) et 1,82 (0,82), respectivement, étant le plus élevé après 5 ans de transplantation, normal dans 9,40% et élevé chez 90,60% des participants, tandis que le niveau de créatinine est passé de 1,57 (0,53) à 1,52 (0,64) en 1 à 5 ans, puis il est devenu le plus élevé à 1,75 (0,69) en plus de 5 ans. La moyenne était normale chez 21,30% et élevée chez 78,70% des patients. Les taux sériques de créatinine et de cystatine C étaient corrélés négativement avec le temps post-transplantation chez les patients transplantés rénaux. Discussion: Le taux de cystatine C était significativement plus élevé après 5 ans de transplantation. C'est un meilleur paramètre pour exclure un dysfonctionnement rénal après une transplantation.

Racial Disparities in Eligibility for Preemptive Waitlisting for Kidney Transplantation and Modification of eGFR Thresholds to Equalize Waitlist Time.

BACKGROUND: Patients may accrue wait time for kidney transplantation when their eGFR is ≤20 ml/min. However, Black patients have faster progression of their kidney disease compared with White patients, which may lead to disparities in accruable time on the kidney transplant waitlist before dialysis initiation. METHODS: We compared differences in accruable wait time and transplant preparation by CKD-EPI estimating equations in Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort participants, on the basis of estimates of kidney function by creatinine (eGFRcr), cystatin C (eGFRcys), or both (eGFRcr-cys). We used Weibull accelerated failure time models to determine the association between race (non-Hispanic Black or non-Hispanic White) and time to ESKD from an eGFR of ≤20 ml/min per 1.73 m2. We then estimated how much higher the eGFR threshold for waitlisting would be required to achieve equity in accruable preemptive wait time for the two groups. RESULTS: By eGFRcr, 444 CRIC participants were eligible for waitlist registration, but the potential time between eGFR ≤20 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and ESKD was 32% shorter for Blacks versus Whites. By eGFRcys, 435 participants were eligible, and Blacks had 35% shorter potential wait time compared with Whites. By the eGFRcr-cys equation, 461 participants were eligible, and Blacks had a 31% shorter potential wait time than Whites. We estimated that registering Blacks on the waitlist as early as an eGFR of 24-25 ml/min per 1.73 m2 might improve racial equity in accruable wait time before ESKD onset. CONCLUSIONS: Policies allowing for waitlist registration at higher GFR levels for Black patients compared with White patients could theoretically attenuate disparities in accruable wait time and improve racial equity in transplant access.

Personalized Treatment for Small Renal Tumors: Decision Analysis of Competing Causes of Mortality.

Purpose To compare the effectiveness of personalized treatment for small (≤4 cm) renal tumors versus routine partial nephrectomy (PN), accounting for various competing causes of mortality. Materials and Methods A state-transition microsimulation model was constructed to compare life expectancy of management strategies for small renal tumors by using 1 000 000 simulations in the following ways: routine PN or personalized treatment involving percutaneous ablation for risk factors for worsening chronic kidney disease (CKD), and otherwise PN; biopsy, with triage of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to PN or ablation depending on risk factors for worsening CKD; active surveillance for growth; and active surveillance when MRI findings are indicative of papillary RCC. Transition probabilities were incorporated from the literature. Effects of parameter variability were assessed in sensitivity analysis. Results In patients of all ages with normal renal function, routine PN yielded the longest life expectancy (eg, 0.67 years in 65-year-old men with nephrometry score [NS] of 4). Otherwise, personalized strategies extended life expectancy versus routine PN: in CKD stages 2 or 3a, moderate or high NS, and no comorbidities, MRI guidance for active surveillance extended life expectancy (eg, 2.60 years for MRI vs PN in CKD 3a, NS 10); and with Charlson comorbidity index of 1 or more, biopsy or active surveillance for growth extended life expectancy (eg, 2.70 years for surveillance for growth in CKD 3a, NS 10). CKD 3b was most effectively managed by using MRI to help predict papillary RCC for surveillance. Conclusion For patients with chronic kidney disease and small renal tumors, personalized treatment selection likely extends life expectancy. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Mechanical Anisotropy Assessment in Kidney Cortex Using ARFI Peak Displacement: Preclinical Validation and Pilot In Vivo Clinical Results in Kidney Allografts.

The kidney is an anisotropic organ, with higher elasticity along versus across nephrons. The degree of mechanical anisotropy in the kidney may be diagnostically relevant if properly exploited; however, if improperly controlled, anisotropy may confound stiffness measurements. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the clinical feasibility of acoustic radiation force (ARF)-induced peak displacement (PD) measures for both exploiting and obviating mechanical anisotropy in the cortex of human kidney allografts, in vivo. Validation of the imaging methods is provided by preclinical studies in pig kidneys, in which ARF-induced PD values were significantly higher ( , Wilcoxon) when the transducer executing asymmetric ARF was oriented across versus along the nephrons. The ratio of these PD values obtained with the transducer oriented across versus along the nephrons strongly linearly correlated ( R2 = 0.95 ) to the ratio of shear moduli measured by shear wave elasticity imaging. On the contrary, when a symmetric ARF was implemented, no significant difference in PD was observed ( p > 0.01 ). Similar results were demonstrated in vivo in the kidney allografts of 14 patients. The symmetric ARF produced PD measures with no significant difference ( p > 0.01 ) between along versus across alignments, but the asymmetric ARF yielded PD ratios that remained constant over a six-month observation period post-transplantation, consistent with stable serum creatinine level and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio in the same patient population ( p > 0.01 ). The results of this pilot in vivo clinical study suggest the feasibility of 1) implementing symmetrical ARF to obviate mechanical anisotropy in the kidney cortex when anisotropy is a confounding factor and 2) implementing asymmetric ARF to exploit mechanical anisotropy when mechanical anisotropy is a potentially relevant biomarker.

Prospective assessment of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipoprotein in living kidney donors: toward understanding differences between chronic kidney diseases of surgical and medical origin.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical implications of postoperative urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipoprotein (NGAL) changes and the association between urinary NGAL (uNGAL) and renal function in living kidney donors. SUBJECTS, PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 76 healthy adults who underwent donor nephrectomy between December 2013 and November 2014. Perioperative serum creatinine (sCr), uNGAL, serum NGAL (sNGAL), and urinary microalbumin were prospectively measured until 6 months postoperatively. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to medical disorders who visited our outpatient clinic during the same period were included for comparison. RESULTS: The mean (SD) preoperative uNGAL of donors was 5 (5.17) ng/mL. uNGAL (corrected for urinary creatinine) was maximal at 1-2 days postoperatively, decreased on postoperative day 3, and stabilised by 7 days after surgery. Postoperative uNGAL was not associated with sex, age, or preoperative renal function. When corrected for sNGAL to compensate for the systemic increase in NGAL with major surgery, uNGAL on days 1-3 postoperatively was negatively correlated with sCr. Postoperatively, donor uNGAL remained higher than preoperatively for up to 6 months but was significantly lower than in patients with medical CKD with similar glomerular filtration rates. CONCLUSION: Acute kidney injury due to hyperfiltration of remnant kidney after donor nephrectomy was maximal within 1-2 days postoperatively. The rise in uNGAL during this period in donors was negatively correlated with postoperative sCr levels. Decreased renal function after nephrectomy differs from that of medical CKD.

[Comparative assessment of the quality of life of kidney transplant recipients and hemodialysis patients].

AIM: To compare the quality of life of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients after kidney transplantation and hemodialysis patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective controlled trial comprised 110 CKD patients, divided into two groups. The study group included 51 (46.4%) kidney transplant recipients and 59 (53.6%) hemodialysis patients represented a control group. Assessment of health related quality of life was done using the KDQOL-SF questionnaire. RESULTS: Kidney transplant recipients reported significantly greater satisfaction with their physical and emotional health than hemodialysis patients. Kidney transplant recipients experienced fewer somatic symptoms of CKD and everyday problems. It is very important that unlike hemodialysis patients transplant recipients were physically capable of working. There were no differences between groups regarding sleep quality, sexual activity, communication with others and time spent with family and friends. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving long-term hemodialysis therapy experience a marked decrease in physical and mental components of QOL, whereas kidney transplantation results in better QOL for these parameters.

Disparities in Chronic Kidney Disease Prevalence among Males and Females in 195 Countries: Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease 2016 Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) imposes a substantial burden on health care systems. There are some especially vulnerable groups with a high CKD burden, one of which is women. We performed an analysis of gender disparities in the prevalence of all CKD stages and renal replacement therapy (defined as impaired kidney function [IKF]) in 195 countries. METHODS: We used estimates produced by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2016 revision using a Bayesian-regression analytic tool, DisMoD-MR 2.1. Data on gross domestic product based on purchasing power parity per capita (GDP PPP) was obtained via the World Bank International Comparison Program database. To estimate gender disparities, we calculated the male:female all-age prevalence rate ratio for each IKF condition. RESULTS: In 2016, the global number of individuals with IKF reached 752.7 million, including 417.0 million females and 335.7 million males. The most prevalent form of IKF in both groups was albuminuria with preserved glomerular filtration rate. Geospatial analysis shows a very heterogeneous distribution of the male:female ratio for all IKF conditions, with the most prominent contrast found in kidney transplant patients. The median male:female ratio varies substantially according to GDP PPP quintiles; however, countries with different economic states could have similar male:female ratios. A strong correlation of GDP PPP with dialysis-to-transplant ratio was found. CONCLUSIONS: The GBD study highlights the prominent gender disparities in CKD prevalence among 195 countries. The nature of these disparities, however, is complex and must be interpreted cautiously taking into account all possible circumstances.

Assessment of physical performance and body composition in male renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplant (RTX) recipients seem to experience a better quality of life compared to dialysis patients. However, the factors responsible for this positive effect are not completely defined. Conceivably, a change in the physical performance of these patients could play a role. METHODS: To assess this, we measured: (1) waist circumference, fat mass and appendicular fat-free mass (aFFM) by dual-energy X-ray densitometry, (2) physical performance with the Short Physical Performance Battery, and (3) muscle strength with the handgrip test, in 59 male RTX, 11 chronic kidney disease in conservative treatment (CKD) and 10 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. RESULTS: Surprisingly, anthropometric characteristics and body composition were similar among the three groups. However, despite a low aFFM, muscle strength was higher in stable RTX recipients > 5 years after transplantation than in dialyzed patients. Instead, CKD (wait-listed for RTX) had similar muscle strength to RTX patients. Waist circumference in RTX recipients showed a redistribution of body fat with increased central adipose tissue allocation compared to PD. At linear regression analysis, age, weight, height, aFFM, hemoglobin and transplant age were independent predictors of handgrip strength, explaining about 37% of the variance. Age and transplant age accounted for 18 and 12% of variance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates, for the first time, that clinically stable RTX recipients have greater muscle strength than dialyzed patients and suggests that the handgrip test could be an effective and easy-to-perform tool to assess changes in physical performance in this large patient population.

[Care for chronic kidney disease in Uruguay: the perspective of kidney transplant patients]. / La atención a la enfermedad renal en Uruguay: la perspectiva de individuos con trasplante renal.

This study examines renal care from the perspective of kidney transplant patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as their families. A qualitative study was performed in three cities of Uruguay. Using theoretical sampling, we selected 25 persons with CKD that were living with kidney transplants, in addition to five family members. Semi-structured interviews were held to explore the participants' perspectives, as well as content analysis. Four thematic lines were constructed from the participants' discourse: recognizing the successes of the system of care, the right to health, identifying problems in care, and formulating proposals for action. The system of care is rated as adequate, efficient, and high-quality by individuals living with kidney transplants who are young, employed, residing in the national capital of Montevideo, and covered by the private health sector. The opposite is true for retirees and pensioners, those with multiple morbidities, from inland Uruguay, covered by the public sector, and living in poverty. The participants also formulated proposals to solve the problems that were identified. In addition to acknowledging free and universal access to renal therapies to which patients feel they have the right, we conclude that kidney transplant patients assess the healthcare favorably and the agencies involved. Nevertheless, there are serious obstacles to accessing free, timely, and high-quality care. We recommend promoting strategies to incorporate proposals by patients and their families in order to improve such care and decrease social inequalities.

Resumen: Este trabajo examina la atención renal desde la perspectiva de quienes han sido trasplantados, padeciendo enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), así como la de sus familias. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo en tres ciudades de Uruguay. Utilizando un muestreo teórico, seleccionamos 25 personas con ERC que vivieran con trasplante renal, y cinco familiares. Se hicieron entrevistas semi-estructuradas para explorar las perspectivas de los participantes; así como análisis de contenido. Cuatro ejes temáticos fueron construidos a partir del discurso de los participantes: reconociendo los logros del sistema de atención, teniendo derecho a la salud, identificando problemas en la atención y formulando propuestas de acción. El sistema de atención es considerado adecuado, eficiente y de calidad por quienes viven con trasplante renal, son jóvenes, trabajadores, de Montevideo y están cubiertos por el sector sanitario privado. Lo contrario sucede con los jubilados o pensionistas, con multi-morbilidad, del interior del país, cubiertos por el sector público y viviendo en la pobreza. Los participantes también formulan propuestas para resolver los problemas identificados. Además de reconocer el acceso gratuito y universal a las terapias renales, a las cuales consideran tener derecho, concluimos que los individuos con trasplante de riñón valoran favorablemente la atención sanitaria y los organismos involucrados. Sin embargo, algunos enfrentan serios obstáculos para acceder a una atención gratuita, oportuna y de calidad. Recomendamos impulsar estrategias para incorporar propuestas de los individuos enfermos y sus familias, a fin de mejorar dicha atención y disminuir las desigualdades sociales.

Resumo: Este trabalho examina a atenção renal desde a perspectiva daqueles que foram transplantados, sofrendo insuficiência renal crônica (IRC), assim como desde a das suas famílias. Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo em três cidades do Uruguai. Utilizando uma amostragem teórica, selecionamos 25 pessoas com IRC que viveram com transplante renal, e cinco familiares. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas para explorar as perspectivas dos participantes; assim como a análise de conteúdo. Quatro eixos temáticos foram construídos a partir da intervenção dos participantes: reconhecendo os resultados alcançados com o sistema de atenção, tendo direito à saúde, identificando problemas na assistência e formulando propostas de ação. O sistema de assistência é considerado adequado, eficiente e de qualidade por quem vive com transplante renal, são jovens, trabalhadores, de Montevidéu e estão cobertos pelo seguro de saúde privado. O oposto acontece com os aposentados ou pensionários, com multi-morbilidade, no interior do país, cobertos pelo sistema público e vivendo na pobreza. Os participantes também apresentam propostas para resolver os problemas identificados. Além disso, se reconhece o acesso gratuito e universal às terapias renais, para as quais consideram ter direito, concluímos que os indivíduos com transplante de rins valorizam favoravelmente a atenção sanitária e as instituições envolvidas. Porém, alguns enfrentam sérios obstáculos para aceder a uma atenção gratuita, adequada e de qualidade. Recomendamos incentivar estratégias para incorporar propostas dos indivíduos doentes e suas famílias, ao fim de melhorar a referida atenção e reduzir as desigualdades sociais.

Apolipoprotein L1 Gene Effects on Kidney Transplantation.

The pathogenesis of many common etiologies of nephropathy has been informed by recent molecular genetic breakthroughs. It now is apparent that the ethnic disparity in the risk for nondiabetic chronic kidney disease between African Americans and European Americans is explained largely by variation in the apolipoprotein L1 gene (APOL1). The presence of two APOL1 renal risk variants markedly increases an individual's risk for kidney disease. In transplantation, kidneys from deceased African Americans with two APOL1 renal risk variants have shorter survival intervals after engraftment, regardless of the ethnicity of the recipient. Precision medicine will transform the clinical practice of nephrology and kidney transplantation, and play an important role in the allocation of kidneys from deceased and living kidney donors with recent African ancestry. This article reviews existing data on APOL1 in deceased-donor and living-donor kidney transplantation. It considers the impact of including APOL1 genotyping in decisions on the allocation and discard of deceased-donor kidneys, as well as the selection of living donors.

La atención a la enfermedad renal en Uruguay: la perspectiva de individuos con trasplante renal / Care for chronic kidney disease in Uruguay: the perspective of kidney transplant patients / A atenção à insuficiência renal no Uruguai: a perspectiva de indivíduos com transplante renal

Resumen: Este trabajo examina la atención renal desde la perspectiva de quienes han sido trasplantados, padeciendo enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), así como la de sus familias. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo en tres ciudades de Uruguay. Utilizando un muestreo teórico, seleccionamos 25 personas con ERC que vivieran con trasplante renal, y cinco familiares. Se hicieron entrevistas semi-estructuradas para explorar las perspectivas de los participantes; así como análisis de contenido. Cuatro ejes temáticos fueron construidos a partir del discurso de los participantes: reconociendo los logros del sistema de atención, teniendo derecho a la salud, identificando problemas en la atención y formulando propuestas de acción. El sistema de atención es considerado adecuado, eficiente y de calidad por quienes viven con trasplante renal, son jóvenes, trabajadores, de Montevideo y están cubiertos por el sector sanitario privado. Lo contrario sucede con los jubilados o pensionistas, con multi-morbilidad, del interior del país, cubiertos por el sector público y viviendo en la pobreza. Los participantes también formulan propuestas para resolver los problemas identificados. Además de reconocer el acceso gratuito y universal a las terapias renales, a las cuales consideran tener derecho, concluimos que los individuos con trasplante de riñón valoran favorablemente la atención sanitaria y los organismos involucrados. Sin embargo, algunos enfrentan serios obstáculos para acceder a una atención gratuita, oportuna y de calidad. Recomendamos impulsar estrategias para incorporar propuestas de los individuos enfermos y sus familias, a fin de mejorar dicha atención y disminuir las desigualdades sociales.

Abstract: This study examines renal care from the perspective of kidney transplant patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as their families. A qualitative study was performed in three cities of Uruguay. Using theoretical sampling, we selected 25 persons with CKD that were living with kidney transplants, in addition to five family members. Semi-structured interviews were held to explore the participants' perspectives, as well as content analysis. Four thematic lines were constructed from the participants' discourse: recognizing the successes of the system of care, the right to health, identifying problems in care, and formulating proposals for action. The system of care is rated as adequate, efficient, and high-quality by individuals living with kidney transplants who are young, employed, residing in the national capital of Montevideo, and covered by the private health sector. The opposite is true for retirees and pensioners, those with multiple morbidities, from inland Uruguay, covered by the public sector, and living in poverty. The participants also formulated proposals to solve the problems that were identified. In addition to acknowledging free and universal access to renal therapies to which patients feel they have the right, we conclude that kidney transplant patients assess the healthcare favorably and the agencies involved. Nevertheless, there are serious obstacles to accessing free, timely, and high-quality care. We recommend promoting strategies to incorporate proposals by patients and their families in order to improve such care and decrease social inequalities.

Resumo: Este trabalho examina a atenção renal desde a perspectiva daqueles que foram transplantados, sofrendo insuficiência renal crônica (IRC), assim como desde a das suas famílias. Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo em três cidades do Uruguai. Utilizando uma amostragem teórica, selecionamos 25 pessoas com IRC que viveram com transplante renal, e cinco familiares. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas para explorar as perspectivas dos participantes; assim como a análise de conteúdo. Quatro eixos temáticos foram construídos a partir da intervenção dos participantes: reconhecendo os resultados alcançados com o sistema de atenção, tendo direito à saúde, identificando problemas na assistência e formulando propostas de ação. O sistema de assistência é considerado adequado, eficiente e de qualidade por quem vive com transplante renal, são jovens, trabalhadores, de Montevidéu e estão cobertos pelo seguro de saúde privado. O oposto acontece com os aposentados ou pensionários, com multi-morbilidade, no interior do país, cobertos pelo sistema público e vivendo na pobreza. Os participantes também apresentam propostas para resolver os problemas identificados. Além disso, se reconhece o acesso gratuito e universal às terapias renais, para as quais consideram ter direito, concluímos que os indivíduos com transplante de rins valorizam favoravelmente a atenção sanitária e as instituições envolvidas. Porém, alguns enfrentam sérios obstáculos para aceder a uma atenção gratuita, adequada e de qualidade. Recomendamos incentivar estratégias para incorporar propostas dos indivíduos doentes e suas famílias, ao fim de melhorar a referida atenção e reduzir as desigualdades sociais.

New Organ Allocation System for Combined Liver-Kidney Transplants and the Availability of Kidneys for Transplant to Patients with Stage 4-5 CKD.

A new proposal has been created for establishing medical criteria for organ allocation in recipients receiving simultaneous liver-kidney transplants. In this article, we describe the new policy, elaborate on the points of greatest controversy, and offer a perspective on the policy going forward. Although we applaud the fact that simultaneous liver-kidney transplant activity will now be monitored and appreciate the creation of medical criteria for allocation in simultaneous liver-kidney transplants, we argue that some of the criteria proposed, especially those for allocating a kidney to a liver recipient with AKI, are too liberal. We call on the nephrology community to follow the consequences of this new policy and push for a re-examination of the longstanding policy of allocating kidneys to multiorgan transplant recipients before all other candidates. The charge to protect our system of equitable organ allocation is very challenging, but it is a challenge that we must embrace.

The Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Hospitalized Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease and Critical Limb Ischemia.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are major public health problems worldwide. Evaluations of large-scale data on morbidity, outcome, and costs in patients having PAD with CKD are essential. Cross-sectional nationwide population-based analysis of all hospitalizations for PAD during 2009 in Germany focused on the stage-related impact of CKD on morbidity, in-hospital mortality, amputations, length of hospital stay, and health-related expenditure. The total number of hospitalizations was 483 961. Of those, 132 993 (27.5%) had CKD. Chronic kidney disease caused 1.8-fold higher amputation rate ( P < .001) with a stepwise increasing rate with higher CKD stage. Chronic kidney disease doubled in-hospital mortality of patients with PAD (7.8%; n = 10 421) versus 4.0% (n = 14 174, P < .001) with a stepwise increasing risk with higher CKD stage ( P < .001). The highest in-hospital mortality occurred in patients with coprevalence of CKD stage 4 and Fontaine stage IV (16.4%, n = 1176, P < .001). Chronic kidney disease caused 15% higher costs and 21% increased length of stay compared to the whole PAD cohort. This analysis demonstrates the stage-related influence of CKD on morbidity, in-hospital mortality, amputations, length of hospital stay, and reimbursement costs of hospitalized patients with PAD.

Assessment of Kidney Graft Function Evolution Measured by Creatinine and Cystatin C.

INTRODUCTION: The 2013 Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Clinical Practice Guideline suggests measuring cystatin C (sCys) in adults with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on creatinine (sCr) between 45 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 if confirmation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is required. There is not enough evidence to recommend the use of sCys or sCr to estimate GFR in kidney transplant recipients. OBJECTIVES: Our aims were to describe the evolution of sCr, sCys, and GFR in a group of kidney transplant patients and to determine their association with some markers of morbidity at 1 year. METHODS: A total of 54 patients were included. Analytical and clinical data were recorded. Renal function was analyzed using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (EPI) sCr equation and CKD-EPI sCys equation. RESULTS: sCys-estimated GFR was higher than estimated from sCr by CKD-EPI. The values of sCys have more variability than those of sCr. The agreement between the stages of CKD by sCr or sCys-estimated GFR measured by Cohen's kappa coefficient was only fair. One-year CKD-associated variables correlated differently with sCr and sCys-estimated GFR. Hemoglobin, uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus related to sCr-estimated GFR, whereas serum albumin was associated with sCys-estimated GFR. CONCLUSIONS: sCys values have a higher variability than sCr in kidney transplant recipients. sCys- or sCr-based GFRs have a nonsimilar behavior in these patients with weak agreement to stratify CKD stages and a different relationship to CKD-related comorbid conditions.