Health care burden and mortality of acute on chronic liver failure in Thailand: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Accurate population-based data are required concerning the rate, economic impact, and long-term outcome from acute on chronic liver failures (ACLF) in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to discover time trends for the epidemiology, economic burden, and mortality of ACLF in Thailand. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide, population-based, cohort study which involved all hospitalized patients with cirrhosis in Thailand during the period between 2009 and 2013, with data from the National Health Security Office. ACLF was defined by two or more extrahepatic organ failures in patients with cirrhosis. Primary outcomes were trends in hospitalizations, hospital costs, together with inpatient mortality. RESULTS: The number of ACLF hospitalizations in Thailand doubled between 3185 in 2009 and 7666 in 2013. The average cost of each ACLF hospitalization was 3.5-fold higher than for cirrhosis ($ 1893 versus $ 519). The hospital is paid using a diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment system that is only 15% of the average treatment costs ($ 286 from $ 1893). The in-hospital fatality rate was 51% for ACLF while the additional fatality rate was 85% up to 1 year. The ACLF organ failure trends indicated sepsis with septic shock and renal failure as the majority proportion. Age, the number and types of organ failure and male sex were predictors of ACLF death. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cirrhosis and ACLF both represent substantial and increasing health and economic burdens for Thailand. These data can assist national health care policy stakeholders to target high-risk patients with cirrhosis for care.

Adding C-reactive protein and procalcitonin to the model of end-stage liver disease score improves mortality prediction in patients with complications of cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study aims to determine the performance of models adding C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) to the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score for mortality prediction in patients hospitalized with complications of cirrhosis. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out in consecutive cirrhotic patients admitted with complications of cirrhosis between September 2012 and December 2013 at Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. All patients had venous CRP, PCT, and laboratory values for MELD score calculation measured at emergency room or admission. Cox regression analysis and the c-statistic were used to predict mortality. The MELD-CRP score was externally validated in 818 eligible patients from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, using data from 1288 cirrhotic patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2014. RESULTS: A cohort of 177 patients with cirrhosis was admitted during the study period. Seventy-one patients were eligible for analysis. The MELD score was predictive of 90-day mortality odds ratio (OR) 1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.32). Adding CRP and/or PCT to the MELD score improved the predictive of 90-day mortality: MELD-CRP OR 2.71 (95% CI 1.66-4.99); MELD-PCT OR 2.72 (95% CI 1.66-4.99); MELD-CRP-PCT OR 2.71 (95% CI 1.67-4.92). The c-statistics for MELD, MELD-CRP, MELD-PCT, and MELD-CRP-PCT were 0.81, 0.83, 0.84, and 0.85, respectively. Adding CRP and/or PCT to the MELD score also improved 30-day mortality prediction. Similar results for the MELD-CRP score were obtained from the Mayo Clinic external validation cohort. CONCLUSION: The MELD-CRP, MELD-PCT, and MELD-CRP-PCT scores may be superior to the MELD score alone in predicting mortality in patients hospitalized with complications of cirrhosis.

Efficacy of High vs. Conventional Ergocalciferol Dose for Increasing 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Suppressing Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Stage III-IV CKD with Vitamin D Deficiency/Insufficiency: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and it contributes to secondary hyperparathyroidism, which occurs early in CKD. It is not clear whether the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) recommended doses of ergocalciferol are adequate for correction of vitamin D insufficiency and hyperparathyroidism. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the parathyroid hormone (PTH)-lowering effect, safety, and tolerability of high-dose ergocalciferol compared with conventional-dose ergocalciferol in CKD subjects. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We enrolled CKD stage III-IV patients who had 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) level <30 ng/mL. The patients were randomized into two groups, control group treated with ergocalciferol as recommended by K/DOQI guidelines, and treatment group treated with double dosage of ergocalciferol from the recommendation. We compared serum 25-OH-D, intact-PTH, phosphate, calcium, and bone biomarker levels, during the 8-week intervention. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included (34 controls and 34 treatments). Baseline characteristics of both groups were similar except calcium level 9.12 ± 0.56 mg/dL in control group and 9.44 ± 0.38 mg/dL in treatment group (p = 0.009), but not clinically significant. At the end of the 8-week, the mean 25-OH-D level significantly increased from 20.99 ± 6.68 to 33.41 ± 8.92 ng/mL in the treatment group (p = 0.001) and increased from 20.84 ± 7.21 to 23.42 ± 7.89 ng/mL in the control group (p = 0.026). There was also a significantly greater increase of 25-OH-D levels in the treatment group. Additionally, PTH levels significantly decreased from 90.75 ± 67.12 to 76.40 ± 45.97 at 8 weeks (p = 0.024) in the treatment group, and there was no change in the control group (97.14 ± 83.52 vs. 101.13 ± 95.03 pg/mL, p = 0.546). Serum calcium, phosphate, and adverse effects did not significantly change in either group throughout the study. CONCLUSION: In addition to improving vitamin D levels, oral high-dose ergocalciferol was safe and had a beneficial effect in decreasing PTH in patients with stage III-IV of CKD.

Effect of intradialytic weight resistance training exercise in sarcopenic hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia has a high prevalence in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, there is limited evidence of resistance exercise in these patients. OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the effects of resistance exercise on muscle mass, strength, and physical functioning. METHOD: Fifty-three patients were randomly assigned to resistance training exercise (n = 26) and standard exercise (n = 27) groups. All of the patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, an improvement in leg muscle strength was significantly greater in the resistant exercise group compared with standard exercise (12.19 vs. 2.83 kg, p < 0.001). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass had a mean difference (1.01 vs. 1.02 kg/m2 , p = 0.96). Physical performance status had a mean difference (-2.3 vs. -18 s, p = 0.42). There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Over a 12-week follow-up, resistance exercise improved muscle strength in sarcopenic ESKD patients. Muscle mass and physical performance showed no significant change, but there is still a trend demonstrating to improve.

Obesity and its relation to chronic kidney disease: a population-based, cross-sectional study of a Thai army population and relatives.

AIM: Obesity represents a significant problem in patients with cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and CKD in Thai individuals. METHODS: Participants underwent general health screening. Overweight, weight at risk, obese I and obese II were defined as having a BMI ≥23 kg/m(2), 23-24.9 kg/m(2) , 25-29.9 kg/m(2) and ≥30 kg/m(2), respectively. Waist circumference ≥ 90 cm for men and > 80 cm for women were represented by abdominal obesity. CKD was defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2). An estimate of the GFR was obtained by the four-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. RESULTS: The study population had 12 348 males and 3009 females. The survey population had a 7.5% prevalence of CKD. There was also a significant graded relationship between the degrees of overweight with the prevalence of CKD. Mean BMI were 25.36 ± 3.29 kg/m(2) for CKD subjects and 24.04 ± 3.13 kg/m(2) for non-CKD subjects (P < 0.001). Prevalence of overweight and abdominal obesity in the participants with CKD were found to be higher than in those without CKD (overweight, 77.6% vs. 61.6%, P < 0.001; abdominal obesity, 35.7% vs. 25.3%, P < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, weight at risk (adjusted odds ratio 1.29; 95% CI 1.07-1.54), obese I (adjusted odds ratio 1.58; 95% CI 1.33-1.87) and obese II (adjusted odds ratio 1.65; 95% CI 1.24-2.19) were associated with CKD. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that overweight and obesity were associated with CKD in Thai members of the army population and their relatives undergoing a general health screening, independently of age, gender, blood pressure, serum lipid, uric acid and glucose levels.

Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency with stages of chronic kidney disease in an Asian population.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with proteinuria and could be a risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, few studies have examined the significance of vitamin D insufficiency as a contributing factor for the development of ESRD in the Asian chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. METHODS: Authors examined the relationship between vitamin D status and the staging of CKD using data from an outpatient clinic-based screening in 2,895 Thai CKD patients. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were analyzed according to CKD stages. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration < 10 ng/mL and 10-30 ng/mL, respectively. RESULTS: The mean (SD) 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly lower according to severity of renal impairment (CKD stage 3a: 27.84 ± 14.03 ng/mL, CKD stage 3b: 25.86 ± 11.14 ng/mL, CKD stage 4: 24.09 ± 11.65 and CKD stage 5: 20.82 ± 9.86 ng/mL, p<0.001). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was from CKD stage 3a, 3b, 4 to 5, 66.6%, 70.9%, 74.6%, and 84.7% (p<0.001). The odds ratio (95% CI) of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ≤ 30 ng/mL) and vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 10 ng/mL) for developing ESRD, after adjustment for age, gender, hemoglobin, serum albumin, calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase were 2.19 (95% CI 1.07 to 4.48) and 16.76 (95% CI 4.89 to 57.49), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that 25-hydroxyvitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are more common and associated with the level of kidney function in the Thai CKD population especially advanced stage of CKD.

Effect of enhanced external counterpulsation treatment on renal function in cardiac patients.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) enhances coronary perfusion and reduces left ventricular afterload. However, the role of EECP on renal function in cardiac patients is unknown. Our aim was to assess renal function determined by serum cystatin C in cardiac patients before and after EECP treatment. METHODS: A prospective observational longitudinal study was conducted in order to evaluate renal function using serum cystatin C (Cys C) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after 35 sessions of EECP treatment in 30 patients with chronic stable angina and/or heart failure. The median (IQR) time for follow-up period after starting EECP treatment was 16 (10-24) months. RESULTS: Cys C significantly declined from 1.00 (0.78-1.31) to 0.94 (0.77-1.27) mg/L (p < 0.001) and estimated GFR increased from 70.47 (43.88-89.41) to 76.27 (49.02-91.46) mL/min/1.73 m(2) (p = 0.006) after EECP treatment. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with baseline GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) or NT-proBNP >125 pg/mL had a significant decrease in Cys C when compared to other groups (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that EECP could improve long-term renal function in cardiac patients especially in cases with declined renal function or with high NT-proBNP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the clinical trial as International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN11560035.

A simplified clinical prediction score of chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional-survey study.

BACKGROUND: Knowing the risk factors of CKD should be able to identify at risk populations. We thus aimed to develop and validate a simplified clinical prediction score capable of indicating those at risk. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional survey study was conducted. Ten provinces and 20 districts were stratified-cluster randomly selected across four regions in Thailand and Bangkok. The outcome of interest was chronic kidney disease stage I to V versus non-CKD. Logistic regression was applied to assess the risk factors. Scoring was created using odds ratios of significant variables. The ROC curve analysis was used to calibrate the cut-off of the scores. Bootstrap was applied to internally validate the performance of this prediction score. RESULTS: Three-thousand, four-hundred and fifty-nine subjects were included to derive the prediction scores. Four (i.e., age, diabetes, hypertension, and history of kidney stones) were significantly associated with the CKD. Total scores ranged from 4 to 16 and the score discrimination was 77.0%. The scores of 4-5, 6-8, 9-11, and ≥ 12 correspond to low, intermediate-low, intermediate-high, and high probabilities of CKD with the likelihood ratio positive (LR+) of 1, 2.5 (95% CI: 2.2-2.7), 4.9 (95% CI: 3.9 - 6.3), and 7.5 (95% CI: 5.6 - 10.1), respectively. Internal validity was performed using 200 repetitions of a bootstrap technique. Calibration was assessed and the difference between observed and predicted values was 0.045. The concordance C statistic of the derivative and validated models were similar, i.e., 0.770 and 0.741. CONCLUSIONS: A simplified clinical prediction score for estimating risk of having CKD was created. The prediction score may be useful in identifying and classifying at riskpatients. However, further external validation is needed to confirm this.

Metabolic syndrome and its relation to chronic kidney disease in a Southeast Asian population.

The metabolic syndrome has been documented to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, there are few studies of this in developing countries. A total of 15,357 participants of a standardized check-up, included metabolic screening, were enrolled. Metabolic syndrome was defined using criteria modified from the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). CKD was defined as a glomerular filtration rate <60 m/min per 1.73 m2. Eighty point four percent of participants were men and 2,228 (14.5%) had CKD. Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent among CKD subjects than non-CKD subjects (modified NCEP-ATP III, 30.1% vs 24.4%; p < 0.001; modified IDF 26.9% vs 23.1%; p < 0.001, respectively). Abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, high blood pressure and impaired fasting glucose were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of CKD. There was also a significant graded relationship between the number of metabolic syndrome components and the prevalence of CKD. Participants with metabolic syndrome according to the modified NCEP-ATP III and modified IDF criteria had a 1.34-fold increase in adjusted odds ratio (95% CI 1.21-1.49) and a 1.20-fold increase in adjusted odds ratio (95% CI 1.08-1.33), respectively, compared to those without metabolic syndrome. Our study demonstrated metabolic syndrome defined with modified NCEP-ATP III and modified IDF criteria was significantly associated with increased prevalence of CKD in a Southeast Asian population.

Insulin resistance in dialysis versus non dialysis end stage renal disease patients without diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance is frequently recognized in uremic patients and is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. However sparse data are available regarding the effects of different methods of renal dialysis on insulin resistance in ESRD without diabetes. The present study was conducted to evaluate the levels of insulin resistance in dialysis versus non dialysis ESRD patients without diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 45 non diabetic ESRD patients including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), hemodialysis (HD), and non dialysis ESRD patients. The value of insulin resistance was obtained by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was obtained by the four-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation and ESRD was defined when GFR was below 15 ml/min/1.73 m2. RESULTS: Non diabetic ESRD patients were studied: 12 patients on CAPD treatment for 67.4 months, 18 patients on HD treatment for 89.3 months, and 15 patients on conservative treatment. HOMA scores (CAPD 5.4 +/- 2.3, HD 6.0 +/- 1.9 vs. non dialysis 1.5 +/- 0.9, p < 0.05) and fasting plasma insulin levels (CAPD 21.9 +/- 7.7 microU/mL, HD 19.5 +/- 8.4 microU/mL vs. non dialysis 4.4 +/- 2.5 microU/mL, p < 0.05) of the CAPD and HD groups were significantly higher than the non dialysis ESRD group, with no significant differences observed between CAPD and HD groups. However, fasting plasma glucose was significantly lower in the HD group than the CAPD and non dialysis ESRD groups (CAPD 98.2 +/- 10.6 mg/dL, non dialysis 93.0 +/- 11.5 mg/dL vs. HD 76.2 +/- 7.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05). All groups showed no significant differences for blood pressure, body weight, body mass index, fat free mass, body fat, and serum levels of albumin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. CONCLUSION: Impaired insulin sensitivity in both dialysis groups after long term dialysis was still higher than that of the non dialysis ESRD group. However, no significant differences were noted between CAPD and HD treatments.

A single-centre experience: peritoneal dialysis-related infections in patients on long-term dialysis.

OBJECTIVE: Peritoneal dialysis is a convenient way of maintaining patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and in the present days, the Thai government supports all payments for ESRD patients. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-(CAPD) related infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality. The present study was conducted to identify the incidence and epidemiological data of CAPD-related infection. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Medical records of 333 CAPD patients attending the Dialysis Unit of Phramongkutklao Hospital from January 1983 to June 2007 were reviewed. The historical cohort study was focused on the incidence of CAPD-related infections, causing pathogens, risk factors, and patient outcome. RESULTS: In total, 73.3% of episodes developed peritoneal infection. The incidences of peritonitis, exit site infection, and tunnel infection were 0.864, 0.213, and 0.034 episodes per patient per year, respectively. The most common infecting organisms were gram positive cocci (49.1%). The main pathogens were Coagulase-negative staphylococcus (15.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (15.2%) and Pseudomonas spp. (14.2%). CAPD-related infections increased in patients who had age > 60. A total of 81% of the infections responded to initial antibiotic therapy administered in the dialysis fluid. Overall, there were 10 episodes (1.9%) of the refractory group and 83 episodes (15.4%) of peritoneal catheter loss, with an overall mortality rate of 1.1%. Non-vancomycin based regimens were applied in 63.9% of peritoneal infected patients. CONCLUSION: The authors' center's CAPD-related infection rate achieved the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) recommendation. A significantly enhanced incidence of CAPD-related infection occurred in advanced age. Coagulase-negative staphylococcus is still a very common organism that generally responds well to antibiotic therapy.

Development and validation of prognostic model to predict mortality among cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a serious complication associated with high mortality. The aim of our study was to investigate mortality predictors and to develop a new simplified prognostic model among cirrhotic patients with AVB. METHODS: A simplified prognostic model was developed using multiple logistic regression after identifying significant predictors of 6-week mortality. RESULTS: A total of 713 consecutive patients with AVB were enrolled. The 6-week overall mortality rate was 18%. Multivariate analysis showed that shock, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, high-risk stigmata of esophageal varices on endoscopic finding, and Glasgow Blatchford score were independent predictors of mortality. A new logistic model using these variables was developed. This model (cutoff value ≥ 4) area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) was 0.93 and significantly higher than that of MELD score alone (0.74). Two validation analyses showed that the AUROC of our model was consistently high. The 6-week rebleeding rate was 25.3%. Multivariate analysis showed that MELD score, Glasgow Blatchford score, history of upper GI bleeding, shock, and alcohol use were independent predictors of rebleeding. CONCLUSION: Our new simplified model accurately and consistently predicted 6-week mortality among patients with AVB using objective variables measured at admission. Patients with higher MELD scores should be closely monitored due to the higher probability of 6-week rebleeding.

Serum cystatin C as a predictor of 90-day mortality among patients admitted with complications of cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cystatin C (Cys) is not affected by age, sex, and muscle mass. We evaluated to compare the predictive performance of serum Cys level and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and developed a new model to predict 90-day mortality among patients admitted with cirrhosis complications. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed from December 2018 to December 2019. All cirrhotic patients admitted with acute decompensated liver cirrhosis or acute on chronic liver failure had laboratory values measured within 48 h of admission. RESULTS: A cohort of 225 patients with cirrhosis was admitted during the study period. Sixty-five patients were eligible for analysis. Twenty-seven of these patients (41.4%) died within 90 days of follow-up. The median of MELD score was 20.5 (15, 24). Serum Cys level of >1.45 mg/L had the highest 90-day mortality prediction with the sensitivity and specificity of 66.7% and 68.4%, respectively. Cys and MELD scores were predictive of 90-day mortality: Cys hazard ratio (HR) = 2.04 (95% CI 1.01-4.14, P = 0.048); MELD score HR = 1.01 (95% CI 0.51-2.01, P = 0.970). C-statistic of Cys, MELD score, model for end-stage liver disease-cystatin C (MELD-Cys) score, combined Cys with MELD-Cys score to predict 90-day mortality were 0.67, 0.58, 0.58, and 0.63, respectively. Adding Cys to the MELD score did not improve the predictive of 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Serum Cys is superior to MELD score, and the new MELD-Cys model is comparable to the MELD score in predicting mortality among patients with cirrhosis admitted with complications.

Efficacy of Lactulose versus Senna Plus Ispaghula Husk Among Patients with Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease and Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Constipation is a common problem among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to a loss of quality of life. Pharmacologic treatments are in common use, but whether lactulose and senna plus ispaghula husk is effecive to treat constipation among patients with pre-dialysis CKD remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare efficacy of lactulose and senna plus ispaghula husk to treat constipation among patients with pre-dialysis CKD. METHODS: A study was conducted among patients with pre-dialysis CKD receiving a diagnosis of constipation by ROME IV criteria. All subjects were randomly assigned to receive either lactulose or senna plus ispaghula husk daily for 14 days. After a 7-day washout period, the patients were switched to the other substance for another 14 days. Primary outcome was complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) weekly, assessed using a stool diary after each laxative. Secondary outcome measure was the change of stool appearance using the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS). RESULTS: A total of 22 patients underwent randomization. Baseline CSBM and BSFS were 3.4 ± 1.4 and 2.3 ± 1.2 time/week, respectively. At the end of the study, the mean CSBM weekly increased in the lactulose group (mean difference 1.3 ± 1.6, P < 0.001) and the senna plus ispaghula husk group (mean difference 2.1 ± 2.1, P < 0.001) from baseline. Comparing CSBM between lactulose and senna plus ispaghula husk exhibited no significant difference (95% CI -1.2 to 0.06; P = 0.276). BSFS was significantly changed after using ispaghula husk with senna, the mean ± SD of BSFS changed to 1.7 ± 1.8 (p = 0.001) and after use lactulose, the mean ± SD of BSFS changed to 1.6 ± 1.8 (p = 0.001). No significant BSFS change was observed between groups regarding stool appearance. No serious adverse event in either group was found. CONCLUSION: Lactulose and senna plus ispaghula husk were similar in efficacy to treat constipation among patients with pre-dialysis CKD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Thai Clinical Trials number is TCTR20200818006. Retrospectively Registered 18 August 2020.

Prevalence and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in the Thai adult population: Thai SEEK study.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports of chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence in Thailand varied from 4.3% to 13.8%. However, there were methodological concerns with these reports in terms of generalization and the accuracy of estimation. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine CKD prevalence and its risk factors in Thai adult populations. METHODS: The population-based Thai Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney Disease (SEEK) study was conducted with cross-sectional stratified-cluster sampling. Serum creatinine was analysed using the modified Jaffe method and then standardized with isotope dilution mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The study included 3,459 subjects were included in the study. The mean age was 45.2 years (SE = 0.8), and 54.5% were female. Six hundred and twenty-six subjects were identified as having CKD, which evidenced an overall CKD prevalence of 17.5% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 14.6-20.4%]. The CKD prevalence of Stages I, II, III and IV were 3.3% (95% CI = 2.5%, 4.1%), 5.6% (95% CI = 4.2%, 7.0%), 7.5% (95% CI = 6.2%, 8.8%) and 1.1% (95% CI = 0.7%, 1.5%), respectively. The prevalence of CKD was higher in Bangkok, the Northern and Northeastern regions than in the Central and Southern regions. Seven factors (i.e. age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, hyperuricaemia, history of kidney stones and the use of traditional medicines) were associated with CKD. Only 1.9% of the subjects were aware that they had CKD. CONCLUSIONS: CKD prevalence in the Thai population is much higher than previously known and published. Early stages of CKD seem to be as common as later stages. However, albuminuria measurement was not confirmed and adjusting for persistent positive rates resulted in the prevalence of 14.4%. Furthermore, the awareness of CKD was quite low in the Thai population.

Relationship between serum uric acid levels with chronic kidney disease in a Southeast Asian population.

AIM: Elevated serum uric level has been suggested as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The relationship between serum uric acid level, and CKD in a Southeast Asian population was examined. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, authors surveyed 5618 subjects, but 5546 participants were included. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values were calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. CKD was defined as a GFR of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2). Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between serum uric acid level and CKD. RESULTS: The prevalence of CKD in serum uric acid quartiles: first quartile, 5.3 mg/dL or less; second quartile, 5.4-6.4 mg/dL; third quartile, 6.5-7.6 mg/dL; and fourth quartile, 7.7 mg/dL or more were 1.8%, 3.6%, 5.5% and 11.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean values of estimated GFR in participants with CKD and without CKD were 53.44 +/- 7.72 and 81.26 +/- 12.48 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) respectively. In the entire participants, there were 6.76% with hypertension and 2.64% with diabetes as a comorbid disease. Compared with serum uric acid first quartile, the multivariate-adjusted odds for CKD of the fourth, third and second quartile were 10.94 (95% confidence interval (CI), 6.62-16.08), 4.17 (95% CI, 2.51-6.92) and 2.38 (95% CI, 1.43-3.95), respectively. CONCLUSION: High serum uric acid level was independently associated with increased prevalence of CKD in the Southeast Asian population. Detection and treatment of hyperuricaemia should be attended as a strategy to prevent CKD.

Anemia and survival in Thai hemodialysis patients: evidence from national registry data.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in chronic dialysis patients. The K/DOQI guideline recommends the target hemoglobin of 11-12 g/dl (hematocrit of 33-36%). However the appropriate hematocrit level for Thai hemodialysis patients has been controversial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of anemia on mortality in Thai chronic hemodialysis patients who initiated their dialysis from 1999 through 2003. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The data from the Thailand Renal Replacement Therapy Registry who has conducted an annual report of chronic dialysis patients throughout Thailand since 1997 was used. Data of twice- and thrice-weekly hemodialysis patients who had recorded hematocrit from 1999 through 2003 were processed and confirmed before final analysis. Records of 3,211 hemodialysis patients from 301 centers were included. RESULT: The original kidney diseases were diabetes mellitus (31.5%) and hypertension (20.9%). Most patients received twice-weekly hemodialysis (86.3%). The mean hematocrit was 29.3 +/- 5.5%. Most patients (72.8%) had hematocrits of less than 33%. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed patients with hematocrit of ?33% or more had better survival than patients with hematocrits of less than 33% (p <0.01). Patients with hematocrits of less than 27, 27-29.9, 30-32.9 and 36% or more had mortality risks of 1.90 (95% CI: 1.31-2.76, p <0.01), 2.10 (95% CI: 1.42-3.09, p <0.01), 1.74 (95% CI: 1.18-2.56, p <0.01) and 1.174 (95% CI: 0.73-1.90, p = 0.51) respectively, compared to those with hematocrit of 33-35.9%. CONCLUSION: The best survival can be achieved in Thai patients with hematocrits of at least 33%.

Effect of oral anabolic steroid on muscle strength and muscle growth in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sarcopenia is common in hemodialysis patients. This study examined whether the anabolic steroid oxymetholone improves muscle mass and handgrip strength in hemodialysis patients and possible mechanisms that might engender such changes. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Forty-three eligible hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to ingest oxymetholone or placebo for 24 weeks. Body composition, handgrip strength, and quality of life were measured during the study. Muscle biopsies were performed and analyzed for mRNA levels for myostatin, IGF-I, IGF binding proteins, and myosin heavy chains and protein expression. Muscle fiber types and diameter were assessed by reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide staining. RESULTS: There was a significantly greater increase in fat-free mass and handgrip strength and decrease in fat mass in the oxymetholone compared with the placebo group. Moreover, compared with baseline values, patients given oxymetholone exhibited an increase in fat-free mass, handgrip strength, physical functioning scores, and type I muscle fiber cross-sectional area and a decrease in fat mass, whereas patients receiving placebo did not undergo changes. There was a significantly greater increase in muscle mRNA levels for myosin heavy chain 2×, IGF-I, and IGF-II receptor with oxymetholone treatment than placebo. Liver enzyme rose significantly in the oxymetholone group, but the number of values greater than three times the upper limit of normal were not different between these groups. CONCLUSIONS: In hemodialysis patients, ingesting oxymetholone was associated with an increase in fat-free mass, handgrip strength, and muscle mRNA levels for several growth factors and a decrease in fat mass, but it also induced liver injury.

Use of high-dose gadolinium as contrast media to avoid radiocontrast media-induced nephropathy.

Patients at risk for radiocontrast media-induced nephropathy (RCIN) with suspected peripheral vascular disease were evaluated with high-dose (0.4 mmol/kg) gadolinium-based (Gd) contrast angiography (AG). The patients who were considered susceptible to RCIN were defined by having one or more of the following: (1) pre-existing serum creatinine (SCr) >124 micromol/l, (2) diabetes mellitus and (3) age >60 years. An increase in SCr > or = 44 micromol/l or > or = 25% of baseline was considered significant. Ten patients underwent peripheral AG using a high dose of Gd without any adverse reaction. The mean age was 67.8 years. Nine (90%) patients were diabetic. The quality of these images was satisfactory for diagnosis in eight out of 10 patients. None of these patients had significant change in SCr. The mean SCr (+/-SD) before, at 48 hours and at 72 hours after AG were 182 +/- 97, 177 +/- 99 and 177 +/- 98 micromol/l, respectively. Based on this limited study, Gd is a promising agent for peripheral angiographic study. In patients at risk for RCIN, the high dose of Gd appears to be safe without obvious nephrotoxicity.

Viral hepatitis infections among dialysis patients: Thailand registry report.

BACKGROUND: Patients on dialysis are at high risk of acquiring viral hepatitis infections. However, there were only few data from Thailand. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence, incidence and associated risk factors of viral hepatitis infections among dialysis patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate 5179 medical records of dialysis patients from the Thailand Renal Replacement Therapy Registry. RESULTS: In 2002, the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections were 6.3% (n = 2454) and 4.8% (n = 2167), respectively. HBV and HCV seroprevalence became 6.5% (n = 2585) and 4.3% (n = 2399) in 2003. The incidence of HBV and HCV infections were 1.5 and 2.4 cases per 1000 patient-years, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that age and gender were significant risk factors for HBV infection, but not for HCV infection. CONCLUSION: In Thailand, it was not uncommon for dialysis patients to acquire viral hepatitis infections. However, our prevalence is similar to reports from some other South-East Asian countries.