Roxadustat reduces left ventricular mass index compared to rHuEPO in haemodialysis patients in a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is highly prevalent in haemodialysis (HD) patients and is associated with an increased risk of death. Roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, abbreviated as EPO) are the main treatment strategies for renal anaemia in HD patients, but it has not been clear whether there is a difference in their effect on LVH. METHODS: In this multi-centre, prospective, randomized trial of 12-month duration, study participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the roxadustat group or the EPO group. The doses of both treatment regimens were adjusted so that the patients had a haemoglobin level of 10.0-12.0 g per dL. The primary study endpoint was the change from baseline to 12 months in the left ventricular mass index (LVMI, g/m2) measured by echocardiography. RESULTS: In total, 114 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 50 years, and the median dialysis duration was 33 months. Sixty-one patients were men, and 24 were diabetic. LVMI decreased from 116.18 ± 27.84 to 110.70 ± 25.74 g/m2 in the roxadustat group. However, it increased from 109.35 ± 23.41 to 114.99 ± 28.46 g/m2 in the EPO group, with a significant difference in the change in LVMI between the two groups [-5.48 (-11.60 to 0.65) vs. 5.65 (0.74 to 10.55), p < 0.05]. Changes in left ventricular mass, end-diastolic volume and 6-min walk test seemed superior in the roxadustat group. There were no significant differences in other cardiac geometry, biochemical parameters and major adverse cardiovascular events between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to EPO, roxadustat is more helpful in the regression of LVH in HD patients.

Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Sarcopenia in Patients Undergoing Chronic Haemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia and vitamin D deficiency are highly prevalent among patients undergoing haemodialysis. Although vitamin D deficiency, assessed using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, is known to be associated with sarcopenia in the general population, whether serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with sarcopenia in patients undergoing haemodialysis with suppressed renal activation of 25(OH)D remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and sarcopenia in patients undergoing haemodialysis. METHODS: Serum 25(OH)D level measurements and assessment of sarcopenia using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria were conducted in 95 stable outpatients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis therapy. RESULTS: Sarcopenia was observed in 22 (23.1%) patients. In multiple logistic regression analysis, serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with sarcopenia (odds ratio [OR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-0.99, p = 0.039) independent of traditional risk factors for sarcopenia. In multiple linear regression analyses, serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with parameters of skeletal muscle mass and strength (ß = 0.145, p = 0.046, and ß = 0.194, p = 0.020, respectively). The adjusted OR for sarcopenia was 5.60 (95% CI 1.52-20.57, p = 0.009) in the vitamin D deficiency group categorized based on the cut-off serum 25(OH)D level of 10 ng/mL. Regarding model discrimination, adding vitamin D deficiency to the traditional risk factors significantly improved the integrated discrimination improvement score (0.093, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Lower serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with sarcopenia independent of traditional risk factors in patients undergoing haemodialysis with suppressed vitamin D activation in the kidney. This finding implies that circulating 25(OH)D may have an important relationship with the skeletal muscle function of patients undergoing haemodialysis, and its measurement may be recommended to identify patients at high risk for sarcopenia among those undergoing haemodialysis.

Clinical impact of the Kidney Failure Risk Equation for vascular access planning.

BACKGROUND: Risk-based thresholds for arteriovenous (AV) access creation has been proposed to aid vascular access planning. We aimed to assess the clinical impact of implementing the kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) for vascular access referral. METHODS: 16,102 nephrology-referred chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients from the Swedish Renal Registry 2008-2018 were included. The KFRE was calculated repeatedly, and the timing was identified for when the KFRE risk exceeded several pre-defined thresholds and/or the estimated glomerular filtration rate <15 ml/min/1.73m2 (eGFR15). To assess the utility of the KFRE/eGFR thresholds, cumulative incidence curves of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) or death, and decision-curve analyses were computed at 6, 12 months, and 2 years. The potential impact of using the different thresholds was illustrated by an example from the Swedish access registry. RESULTS: The 12-month specificity for KRT initiation was highest for KFRE>50% 94.5 (95% Confidence interval [CI] 94.3-94.7), followed by KFRE>40% 90.0 (95% CI 89.7-90.3), while sensitivity was highest for KFRE>30% 79.3 (95% CI 78.2-80.3) and eGFR<15 ml/min/1.73m2 81.2 (95% CI 80.2-82.2). The 2-year positive predictive value was 71.5 (95% CI 70.2-72.8), 61.7 (95% CI 60.4-63.0) and 47.2 (95% CI 46.1-48.3) for KFRE>50%, KFRE>40%, and eGFR<15 respectively. Decision curve analyses suggested the largest net benefit for KFRE>40% over two years and KFRE>50% over 12 months when it is important to avoid the harm of possibly unnecessary surgery. In Sweden, 54% of nephrology-referred patients started hemodialysis in a central venous catheter (CVC) of which only 5% had AV access surgery >6 months before initiation. 60% of the CVC patients exceeded KFRE>40% a median of 0.8 years (interquartile range 0.4-1.5) before KRT initiation. CONCLUSIONS: The utility of using KFRE>40% and KFRE>50% is higher compared to the more traditionally used eGFR threshold <15 ml/min/1.73m2 for vascular access planning.

Hemoadsorption: Consensus report of the 30th Acute Disease Quality Initiative workgroup.

Adsorption-based extracorporeal therapies have been subject to technical developments and clinical application for close to five decades. More recently, new technological developments in membrane and sorbent manipulation have made it possible to deliver more biocompatible extracorporeal adsorption therapies to patients with a variety of conditions. There are several key rationales based on physicochemical principles and clinical considerations that justify the application and investigation of such therapies as evidenced by multiple ex-vivo, experimental, and clinical observations. Accordingly, unspecific adsorptive extracorporeal therapies have now been applied to the treatment of a wide array of conditions from poisoning to drug overdoses, to inflammatory states and sepsis, and acute or chronic liver and kidney failure. In response to the rapidly expanding knowledge base and increased clinical evidence, we convened an Acute Disease Quality Initiative (ADQI) consensus conference dedicated to such treatment. The data show that hemoadsorption has clinically acceptable short-term biocompatibility and safety, technical feasibility, and experimental demonstration of specified target molecule removal. Pilot studies demonstrate potentially beneficial effects on physiology and larger studies of endotoxin-based hemoadsorption have identified possible target phenotypes for larger randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Moreover, in a variety of endogenous and exogenous intoxications, removal of target molecules has been confirmed in vivo. However, some studies have raised concerns about harm or failed to deliver benefits. Thus, despite many achievements, modern hemoadsorption remains a novel and experimental intervention with limited data, and a large research agenda.

Redefining the concept of residual renal function with kidney sodium MRI: a pilot study.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: The concept of residual kidney function (RKF) is exclusively based upon urine volume and small solute clearance, making RKF challenging to assess in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to test the technical feasibility of obtaining useable 23Na-MRI kidney images in hemodialysis (HD) participants. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an exploratory prospective study to quantify the cortico-medullary sodium gradient in healthy and HD participants. Participants fasted for eight hours prior to their study visit. Urine samples were collected to measure urinary osmolarity, before MRI. Proton and sodium pictures were merged; ROIs were delineated for the medulla and cortex when feasible. In cases where cortex could not be identified, we considered the cortico to medulla gradient (CMG) to be no longer present, resulting in a medulla-to-cortex ratio of 1. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 17 healthy volunteers and 21 HD participants. FINDINGS: Median (IQR) fasting medulla to cortex ratio was significantly higher 1.56 [1.5-1.61] in healthy volunteers compared to HD patients 1.22 [1.13-1.3], p < 0.0001. Medulla to cortex ratio and median urinary osmolarity were correlated (r = 0.87, p < 0.0001) in the whole population. We found a significant association between HD vintage and medulla to cortex ratio whereas we did not find any association with urine volume. Sodium signal intensity distribution within healthy kidney describes two different peaks- relating to well defined cortex and medulla; whereas HD participants displays only a single peak indicative of the markedly lower sodium concentration. LIMITATIONS: This study is only an exploratory study with a modest number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: the application of kidney sodium MRI to the study of RKF in patients receiving maintenance HD is practical and provides a previously unavailable ability to interrogate the function of remnant tubular function.

Outcomes of Cold Stored Saphenous Vein Allografts for Haemodialysis Vascular Access.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of cold stored saphenous vein allografts (CSVAs) for haemodialysis vascular access. METHODS: A retrospective, two centre study was conducted between January 2016 and December 2020 of all patients who had CSVA placement for haemodialysis vascular access. Primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency were analysed, as well as procedural complications and re-interventions. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients (n = 55 women) with a mean age of 67.2 ± 13.6 years, with no options for creating an autogenous arteriovenous fistula, were included in the study. At one year, primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency were 37.6%, 59.0%, and 73.3%, respectively; and at two years 19.9%, 42.5%, and 54.9%, respectively. During a mean follow up period of 26 ± 18 months, five patients (4.6%) had an access infection, with no related death. During the follow up period, 32 patients (29.4%) died and 13 patients (11.9%) underwent a kidney transplant. None of these patients showed immunoconversion before transplantation. The cumulative incidence of adverse events by the Fine-Gray method was calculated. Considering competing risks (death and renal transplantation), 9.2% of patients lost their vascular access at one year and 18% at two years. Moreover, 57.8% patients had stenosis, mainly on the outflow (45.9%), and 49.5% had thrombosis. CONCLUSION: With a comparable patency rate associated with a low infection rate, CSVA offers a potential alternative to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. This creates haemodialysis vascular access when the venous capital is exhausted in patients with reported risk factors for vascular access infection, i.e., insertion in the thigh, advanced age, diabetes mellitus, immunocompromised state, obesity, or revision of an infected prosthetic graft.

Challenges of Predicting Arteriovenous Access Survival Prior to Conversion from Catheter.

OBJECTIVE: The decision to convert from catheter to arteriovenous access is difficult yet very important. The ability to accurately predict fistula survival prior to surgery would significantly improve the decision making process. Many previously investigated demographic and clinical features have been associated with fistula failure. However, it is not conclusively understood how reliable predictions based on these parameters are at an individual level. The aim of this study was to investigate the probability of arteriovenous fistula maturation and survival after conversion using machine learning workflows. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study on multicentre data from a large North American dialysis organisation was conducted. The study population comprised 73 031 chronic in centre haemodialysis patients. The dataset included 49 variables including demographic and clinical features. Two distinct feature selection and prediction pipelines were used: LASSO regression and Boruta followed by a random forest classifier. Predictions were facilitated for re-conversion to catheter within one year. Additionally, all cause mortality predictions were conducted to serve as a comparator. RESULTS: In total, 38 151 patients (52.2%) had complete data and made up the main cohort. Sensitivity analyses were conducted in 67 421 patients (92.3%) after eliminating variables with a high proportion of missing data points. Selected features diverged between datasets and workflows. A previously failed arteriovenous access appeared to be the most stable predictor for subsequent failure. Prediction of re-conversion based on the demographic and clinical information resulted in an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROCAUC) between 0.541 and 0.571, whereas models predicting all cause mortality performed considerably better (ROCAUC 0.662 - 0.683). CONCLUSION: While group level depiction of major adverse outcomes after catheter to arteriovenous fistula or graft conversion is possible using the included variables, patient level predictions are associated with limited performance. Factors during and after fistula creation as well as biomolecular and genetic biomarkers might be more relevant predictors of fistula survival than baseline clinical conditions.

Research Progress on Cognitive Frailty in Older Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: As the medical challenges posed by the ageing population become increasingly severe, the proportion of older people among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing every year. SUMMARY: The prevalence of frailty in patients with CKD is significantly higher than that in the general population, and older patients are also a high-risk group for frailty and cognitive impairment. Cognitive frailty, as an important subtype of frailty, is a syndrome characterised by cognitive dysfunction caused by physiological factors, excluding Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. It is characterised by the coexistence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment. Previous studies have mainly focused on cognitive impairment, and there is limited research on cognitive frailty, particularly in older patients with CKD. KEY MESSAGES: This article provides a comprehensive review of the concept, epidemiology, screening methods, prevention, and treatment measures and possible pathogenesis of cognitive frailty in patients with CKD.

Factors associated with improved health-related quality of life due to improvements in physical function and dialysis-related symptoms following intradialytic exercise in outpatients undergoing haemodialysis.

PURPOSE: Exercise therapy is a crucial intervention for improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients undergoing haemodialysis. However, factors that improve HRQOL by improving physical function and dialysis-related symptoms remain unknown. This study aimed to examine the physical function parameters and dialysis-related symptoms that improve HRQOL following intradialytic exercise. METHODS: This multicentre cohort study included 596 patients who participated in an intradialytic exercise program three times per week for a period of 6 months, which comprised of stretching and resistance training. EuroQol 5 dimensions 5-level (EQ5D-5L), grip strength, isometric knee extension strength, 10-m walking speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and improvement in dialysis-related symptoms were measured at the baseline and post-intervention. A linear mixed model was used to analyse the effects of improved physical function and dialysis-related symptoms on improvements in EQ5D-5L. RESULTS: As a physical function index affecting ΔEQ5D-5L, only SPPB showed a significant increase in ΔEQ5D-5L compared with the non-improved group [difference in ΔEQ5D-5L, 0.05 (0.004 to 0.092) point; p < 0.05]). In addition, dialysis-related symptoms with Improved physical conditions [difference in ΔEQ5D-5L, 0.07 (0.02 to 0.13) point] and an Extended walking distance [difference in ΔEQ5D-5L was 0.07 (0.01 to 0.12) point] significantly influenced ΔEQ5D-5L (p < 0.05, both). CONCLUSIONS: The improvements observed in the SPPB scores and self-percieved physical fitness and ambulation range, attributable to intradialytic exercise, may potentially improve HRQOL.

Left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial diameter are associated with mortality risk in haemodialysis patients: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular death is the main cause of death in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and left atrial diameter (LAD) enlargement are frequent cardiac alterations in patients with ESKD and are major risk factors for cardiovascular events. However, it remains unclear whether there is an association between combined LAD or LVH and all-cause or cardiovascular mortality in this population. METHODS: A single-centre, retrospective cohort study including 576 haemodialysis (HD) patients was conducted. Patients were evaluated by cardiac ultrasound, and the study cohort was divided into four groups according to LAD and LVH status: low LAD and non-LVH; low LAD and LVH; high LAD and non-LVH; and high LAD and LVH. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression to analyse all-cause and cardiovascular mortality after multivariate adjustment. RESULTS: LAD was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 2.371, 1.602-3.509; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between LVH and the risk of all-cause mortality. Patients with high LAD and LVH had significantly greater all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than did those with low LAD and non-LVH after adjustments for numerous potential confounders (HR 3.080, 1.608-5.899; p = 0.001) (HR 4.059, 1.753-9.397; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Among maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients, LAD was more strongly associated with mortality than was LVH. A high LAD and LVH are associated with a greater risk of mortality. Our results emphasize that the occurrence of LAD and LVH in combination provides information that may be helpful in stratifying the risk of MHD patients.

Environmentally sustainable design guide for haemodialysis facilities: An Australian and New Zealand society of Nephrology initiative.

Haemodialysis facilities have a large environmental impact due to high energy, water and consumable usage by haemodialysis equipment. As climate change and natural resource scarcity escalate, all the while the number of people requiring dialysis increases, there is an urgent need for dialysis facilities that meet care needs while minimising environmental impact. To address this, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology engaged an environmental sustainability consulting practise to develop a best practise guide for the environmentally sustainable design and operation of haemodialysis facilities. Four opportunity areas were considered, namely energy, water, waste and resource recovery, and additional sustainability. A total of 28 environmental improvement initiatives were identified. The majority (n = 23) were general measures that could be applied across all healthcare settings, while five were specific to haemodialysis facilities. Recommendations were made regarding specific measures that should be undertaken and/or standards that must be met to achieve the intent of each initiative. These were stratified to enable their application to both existing dialysis facilities and new builds. The lifecycle stage of a haemodialysis facility to which each initiative applied was highlighted, as was its potential impact. This guide provides a tailored and comprehensive resource for the kidney care community to enable the integration of best practise sustainability considerations into both existing and new facilities. If broadly implemented, it has the potential to markedly improve the environmental impact of haemodialysis provision.

Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination effectiveness based on the 2021 Japanese dialysis registry.

AIM: The effectiveness of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine in Japanese patients undergoing haemodialysis has previously not been evaluated on a large scale. We analyzed data from the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Renal Data Registry (JRDR), covering nearly all Japanese patients undergoing dialysis (~95% coverage), to examine the association between COVID-19 vaccination and infection or mortality. METHODS: We used data from the JRDR end-of-year surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021, including information on the COVID-19 vaccination and infection months. COVID-19 infection incidence and its associated mortality rates based on vaccination status (time updated) and odds ratio (OR) (vaccinated vs. unvaccinated) were estimated monthly from April 2021, when vaccination commenced in Japan. RESULTS: COVID-19 infection analysis included 228 865 patients (215 941 vaccinated and 12 924 unvaccinated patients at the end of 2021). The age- and sex-adjusted ORs (aORs) were significantly lower in August, September, October and November 2021, especially in September (aOR [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.25 [0.18-0.36]). Additional adjustments for past medical history and laboratory results rarely affected these results. Similarly, in the COVID-19-related mortality analysis with 228 731 patients, including 216 781 vaccinated and 11 950 unvaccinated at the end of 2021, COVID-19-related mortality risk was significantly lower in the vaccinated group in August, September, October and November (aOR [95% CI]: August, 0.32 [0.12-0.84], September, 0.04 [0.01-0.11]; October, 0.10 [0.01-0.81]; November, 0.05 [0.00-0.79]). CONCLUSION: In Japanese patients undergoing haemodialysis, the first or second COVID-19 vaccine dose was significantly associated with decreased COVID-19 infection and mortality rates, suggesting its effectiveness in this population.

Comparison of homologous and heterologous inactivated and mRNA vaccination programme against SARS-CoV-2 in dialysis patients.

AIM: To evaluate the vaccine response and the effect of the booster dose on COVID-19 positivity in haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients who received and did not receive BNT162b2 as a booster dose after two doses of CoronaVac. METHODS: The study included 80 PD and 163 HD patients, who had been administered two doses of the CoronaVac. Antibody levels were measured on Days 42 and 90 after the first dose. Measurements were repeated on Day 181 after the first dose in the patients that received two vaccine doses and on Day 28 after the third dose in those that also received the booster dose. Antibody levels below 50 AU/mL were considered negative. RESULTS: The seropositivity rate was similar in the HD and PD group on Days 42 and 90 (p = 0.212 and 0.720). All patients were seropositive in the booster group. The antibody level was lower in the patients that received CoronaVac as the booster compared to those administered BNT162b2 in HD and PD groups (p < 0.001 and 0.002). COVID-19 positivity was detected in 11 patients (7 = had not received the booster dose, 4 = had received third dose of CoronaVac). The multivariate analysis revealed that as age increased, COVID-19 positivity also increased (OR: 1.080, 95% CI: 1.017 - 1.146, p = 0.012), while booster dose administration decreased this positivity (OR: 0.113, 95% CI: 0.028 - 0.457, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Our results may indicate the need for additional vaccination doses in patients with HD and PD. Our findings indicate a higher antibody response in dialysis patients with heterologous BNT162b2 as a booster dose after two doses of CoronaVac compared to homologous CoronaVac.

Intracardiac vascular access in haemodialysis: A last resort for exhausted traditional access.

Depletion of veins for dialysis access is a challenging life threatening situation for patients in need of haemodialysis. The utilisation of intracardiac catheter is a rare procedure with scarce reported experience. We describe the case of a 68-year-old male that contributes to the limited knowledge of performing a life-saving intracardiac catheter placement for emergency haemodialysis in a patient without immediate alternative renal replacement therapy available. We also retrospectively analyse the experience reported so far and summarise complications and outcomes. In our case, the patient was able to pursue haemodialysis after intracardiac catheter placement without any complications. Two weeks later, the patient successfully received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor and has a serum creatinine of 1.7 mg/dL after 2 years of follow-up. There are only four reported cases of kidney transplantation after the procedure, including our own. Intracardiac catheter is an emerging option that could be considered in certain patients as the last resort. Further investigation with regards to patient candidacy and procedure security are necessary.

Absolute iron deficiency, coronary artery calcification and cardiovascular mortality in maintenance haemodialysis patients.

AIM: The effects of iron on vascular calcification in rats and vascular smooth muscle cells were recently reported, but clinical studies on iron and vascular calcification are scant. We studied the associations of absolute iron deficiency, coronary artery calcification and mortality in patients with maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). METHODS: Transferrin saturation (TSAT), ferritin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and Agatston coronary artery calcium score (CACS) were studied at baseline in MHD patients and followed up for 3 years. Cox proportional hazard analyses for mortality and linear regression analyses for CACS were performed. RESULTS: In 306 patients, the median age was 67 (56-81) years, dialysis duration was 76 (38-142) months, and diabetes prevalence was 42.5%. Fifty-two patients had died by 3 years. Patients with absolute iron deficiency (TSAT <20% and ferritin <100 ng/mL) (n = 102) showed significantly higher CACS (p = .0266) and C-reactive protein (p = .0011), but a lower frequency of iron formulation administration compared with patients without absolute iron deficiency at baseline (n = 204). Absolute iron deficiency was a significant predictor for 3-year cardiovascular (CV) mortality (hazard ratio: 2.08; p = .0466), but not for 3-year all-cause mortality. CACS was significant predictor for both 3-year CV and all-cause mortality (p <.05). Absolute iron deficiency and MCH were significant determinants of CACS (p < .05). CONCLUSION: MHD patients with absolute iron deficiency showed significantly higher CACS than others, and absolute iron deficiency was a significant risk factor for coronary artery calcification and 3-year CV mortality in MHD patients, but was not a significant predictor for 3-year all-cause mortality.

Associations between bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived phase angle, protein-energy wasting and all-cause mortality in older patients undergoing haemodialysis.

AIM: Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a common syndrome in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) and is associated with poor prognosis. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-derived phase angle (PA) is useful for predicting PEW, but sex and age need to be considered. We aimed to reveal sex-specific cut-off values of PA predicting PEW in HD patients aged ≥65. METHODS: This two-centre retrospective cohort study included patients on HD who underwent BIA. PEW was detected using the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria as a reference. The PA was measured using a multifrequency bioimpedance device. Sex-specific cut-off values of PA predicting PEW were detected by receiver-operator characteristic analysis. We investigated the association between PEW determined using sex-specific cut-off values for PA and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: This study included 274 patients undergoing HD, with a median age of 75 (70-80) years, mean PA of 3.8 ± 1.1° and PEW of 43%. Over a median follow-up duration of 1095 (400-1095) days, 111 patients died. Cut-off values of PA predicting PEW were as follows: female, 3.00° (sensitivity, 87.3%; specificity, 77.5%), and male, 3.84° (sensitivity, 77.6%; specificity, 71.4%). The kappa coefficient between sex-specific cut-off values of the PA and ISRNM criteria had a moderate coincidence level of 0.55. PEW detected by PA was independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 2.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.51-3.85; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Sex-specific cut-off values for PA in older HD patients may be useful as a screening tool for predicting PEW and mortality.

Patient-reported difficulty in activities of daily living and corresponding muscle weakness in elderly patients undergoing haemodialysis.

AIM: Patients undergoing haemodialysis have reduced muscle strength and impaired activities of daily living (ADL). We examined possible relationship between difficult ADL and corresponding muscle weakness in elderly haemodialysis patients. METHODS: This was a single-centre, cross-sectional study. Patient-reported ADL difficulty was examined using a questionnaire in six ADL using upper limbs (eating, grooming and dressing) and lower limbs (bathing, toileting and locomotion). We measured six muscle strengths by dynamometers of shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, handgrip, hip abduction and knee extension. The muscle strength with the lowest Z-score was considered as the weakest muscle strength for the patient. RESULTS: The six scores of ADL difficulty were all inversely associated with the six muscle strengths in the 81 total participants of whom 71 individuals (87.7%) had any ADL difficulty. Among the six measurements of muscle strength, handgrip strength showed the highest associations with all ADL difficulties. In 25 patients who perceived that the most difficult ADL was an activity using upper limbs, the common weakest muscle strengths were the hip abduction, handgrip and elbow flexion. In 44 patients who perceived that the most difficult ADL was an activity using lower limbs, knee extension was the most prevalent weakest muscle strength. CONCLUSION: This study suggested preferential relationship between the most difficult ADL and corresponding muscle weakness in elderly haemodialysis patients. This finding may be useful in prevention and treatment.

Effects of overhydration, Kt/Vurea, ß2-microglobulin on coronary artery calcification and mortality in haemodialysis patients.

AIM: We studied the effects of overhydration (OH), Kt/Vurea and ß2-microglobulin (ß2-MG) on coronary artery calcification and mortality in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD). METHODS: The Agatston coronary artery calcium score (CACS), postdialysis body composition using bioimpedance analysis, single-pool Kt/Vurea and predialysis ß2-MG at baseline were assessed and followed up for 3 years in patients undergoing HD. We performed logistic regression analyses for a CACS ≥400 and Cox proportional hazard analyses for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: The study involved 338 patients with a median age of 67 (56-74) years, dialysis duration of 70 (33-141) months and diabetes prevalence of 39.1% (132/338). Patients with a CACS ≥400 (n = 222) had significantly higher age, dialysis duration, male prevalence, diabetes prevalence, C-reactive protein, predialysis ß2-MG, OH, extracellular water/total body water and overhydration/extracellular water (OH/ECW) but significantly lower Kt/Vurea than patients with a CACS <400 (n = 116) (p < .05). OH/ECW, Kt/Vurea and predialysis ß2-MG were significant predictors of a CACS ≥400 (p < .05) after adjusting for age, dialysis duration, serum phosphate and magnesium. In all patients, cut-off values of OH/ECW, Kt/Vurea and predialysis ß2-MG for a CACS ≥400 were 16%, 1.74 and 28 mg/L, respectively. After adjusting for dialysis duration, OH/ECW ≥16%, Kt/Vurea ≥1.74 and ß2-MG ≥28 mg/L were significant predictors of 3-year all-cause mortality but not 3-year cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSION: Higher OH/ECW, higher predialysis ß2-MG and lower Kt/Vurea values are significant risk factors for a CACS ≥400 and 3-year all-cause mortality in patients undergoing maintenance HD.

All Good Without Anything Good. Beyond Survival: Understanding the Psychosocial Experiences of Individuals With Chronic Kidney Disease and Their Caregivers in Sri Lanka.

AIM: This study aims to explore the experiences of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing haemodialysis and their caregivers, focusing on the disease's impact and the treatment process. BACKGROUND: In Sri Lanka, CKD is a growing health concern, particularly affecting farming communities and contributing to the strain on the biomedical healthcare system. Despite increasing awareness of CKD's physical implications, its psychosocial impact remains underexplored. This study seeks to fill this gap, aiming to inform culturally sensitive interventions and improve the healthcare system's responsiveness to the unique needs of Sinhala Buddhist individuals with CKD and their caregivers. DESIGN: An exploratory qualitative study. METHOD: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 individuals undergoing haemodialysis and 5 caregivers at a dialysis unit. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using conventional qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS: The analysis revealed three interrelated main themes: (1) impact on standard of living (quality of life), (2) coping strategies and (3) medical experience, with a notable influence of traditional beliefs and practices. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to CKD management that integrates physical, emotional, psychological and social aspects, considering the significant role of traditional influences. Further research is essential to develop effective interventions that can enhance the quality of life for CKD. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The lived experiences of Sinhala Buddhist individuals with CKD and their caregivers served as a cornerstone, providing profound insights into the impact of the condition on their lives. Throughout the study, these participants played an instrumental role in refining the research's cultural sensitivity and relevance. Their engagement extended beyond the data collection phase to encompass feedback sessions, where they actively shared their perspectives. This ongoing collaboration ensured the study's depth and applicability to real-world experiences. By actively involving those directly affected by CKD, this collaborative approach safeguards that the study remains rooted in their voices and addresses their unique needs. REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines (the COREQ checklist). TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is not a clinical trial, and thus, registration is not applicable.

Comparative efficacy of sodium thiosulfate, bisphosphonates, and cinacalcet for the treatment of vascular calcification in patients with haemodialysis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Up to now, there is no unequivocal intervention to mitigate vascular calcification (VC) in patients with hemodialysis. This network meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of sodium thiosulfate, bisphosphonates, and cinacalcet in treating vascular calcification. METHODS: A comprehensive study search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of sodium thiosulfate, bisphosphonates, and cinacalcet for vascular calcification among hemodialysis patients. Then, network meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 17.0 software. RESULTS: In total, eleven RCTs including 1083 patients were qualified for this meta-analysis. We found that cinacalcet (SMD - 0.59; 95% CI [-0.95, -0.24]) had significant benefit on vascular calcification compared with conventional therapy, while sodium thiosulfate or bisphosphonates did not show such efficiency. Furthermore, as for ranking the efficacy assessment, cinacalcet possessed the highest surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value (88.5%) of lessening vascular calcification and was superior to sodium thiosulfate (50.4%) and bisphosphonates (55.4%). Thus, above results suggested that cinacalcet might be the most promising drug for vascular calcification treatment in hemodialysis patients. Mechanistically, our findings illustrated that cinacalcet reduced serum calcium (SMD - 1.20; 95% CI [-2.08, - 0.33]) and showed the tendency in maintaining the balance of intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTH) level. CONCLUSIONS: This network meta-analysis indicated that cinacalcet appear to be more effective than sodium thiosulfate and bisphosphonates in mitigating vascular calcification through decreasing serum calcium and iPTH. And cinacalcet might be a reasonable option for hemodialysis patients with VC in clinical practice. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: [ http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO ], identifier [CRD42022379965].