Point-of-care ultrasound in nephrology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The use of POCUS has grown tremendously with the introduction of innovative, easy-to-carry and maneuver hand-held devices. This review focuses on nephrology-centric applications of POCUS that can be incorporated on a daily basis to make impactful and prompt clinical decisions. RECENT FINDINGS: We review articles covering use of POCUS in the dialysis unit, the Emergency Department, office, and ICU for assessment of volume status, access issues, stones, obstruction, and to help manage patients with AKI, shock, and heart failure. SUMMARY: POCUS is a welcome addition to our bedside diagnostic armamentarium and has great utility in nephrology. Trials are ongoing in evaluating outcomes with POCUS and physicians' clinical experience using it has been extremely positive.

Withdrawn: A systematic review of autopsy findings in deaths after COVID-19 vaccination.

This Article-in-Press has been withdrawn at the request of the Editors-in-Chief. Members of the scientific community raised concerns about this Article-in-Press following its posting online. The concerns encompassed. • Inappropriate citation of references. • Inappropriate design of methodology. • Errors, misrepresentation, and lack of factual support for the conclusions. • Failure to recognise and cite disconfirming evidence. The concerns were shared with the authors, who prepared a response and submitted a revised manuscript for consideration by the journal. In consideration of the extent of the concerns raised and the responses from the authors, the journal sent the revised manuscript to two independent peer-reviewers. The peer-reviewers concluded that the revised manuscript did not sufficiently address the concerns raised by the community and that it was not suitable for publication in the journal. The authors disagree with this withdrawal and dispute the grounds for it. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal.

Guideline bone disease.

In the current issue of Blood Purification, Palomares et al. [Blood Purif 2013;36:122-131] bemoan the poor level of compliance in dialysis units in achieving compliance with KDOQI and KDIGO bone and mineral guideline targets. These targets are based almost completely on observational data and rely on an obsolete assay for PTH. The so-called intact PTH assay measures both 1-84 PTH and 7-84 PTH; the latter has been demonstrated to possess biological activity that is antagonistic to that of 1-84 PTH. The assay cannot reliably distinguish high from low bone turnover in the target ranges suggested by the guideline panels. Targeting these ranges leads to an increased incidence of adynamic bone disease, higher calcium and phosphorus, and likely poor patient outcomes.

Hepatorenal syndrome treated for eight months with continuous-flow peritoneal dialysis.

The case documented here represents the longest course of continuous-flow peritoneal dialysis (PD) reported in the literature. A 61-year-old man with hepatorenal syndrome type 1 and ascites presented with hypotension and bright red blood per rectum and was found to be in acute renal failure with severe anemia. Continuous-flow PD was initiated, and the patient improved clinically. The patient died of a jejunal bleed 8 months later, before discharge. Acute PD or continuous-flow PD is a viable alternative in the setting of hemodynamic instability and ascites, can be used as a chronic modality, and addresses many of the weaknesses of continuous ambulatory and automated PD.

Advances in peritoneal dialysis in acute kidney injury.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a simple, safe, cheap, and efficient renal replacement therapy method. It can correct metabolic disorders and fluid overload in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients both in and out of the intensive care unit. Use of PD in AKI is enhanced by placement of a Tenckhoff catheter, which can be safely accomplished at the bedside. Some PD modalities, such as high-volume PD and continuous-flow PD, can provide dialysis doses and efficiency comparable to extracorporeal blood purification methods. PD is particularly suitable for neonates, children, and patients with refractory heart failure or who are otherwise hemodynamically unstable. PD should be considered in situations where systemic anticoagulation and/or vascular access are problematic. PD is limited by a lower efficiency that may produce inadequate renal replacement in larger and/or severely hypercatabolic patients. Fluid removal can be unpredictable, there is a risk of infection, and possible issues with mechanical ventilation. In this article, we discuss the use of PD in AKI, with emphasis on recent advances.

Arteriovenous fistula toxicity.

The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has been a mainstay of hemodialysis treatments and the preferred access route since its inception in the 1960s, due to its longevity and resistance to infection. However, the AVF is not benign. There is significant primary failure, as well as cardiac, vascular, and other, less well recognized, complications. Together, they represent toxicity, to which considerable morbidity and mortality can be attached. Official policy, based on guidelines where AVF toxicity is given short shrift, drives an increase in use of these devices, and may have undesired consequences.

Case series of acute peritoneal dialysis in the prone position for acute kidney injury during the Covid-19 pandemic: Prone to complications?

Patients with kidney failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring prone position have not been candidates for peritoneal dialysis (PD) due to concern with increased intra-abdominal pressure, reduction in respiratory system compliance and risks of peritoneal fluid leaks. We describe our experience in delivering acute PD during the surge in Covid-19 acute kidney injury (AKI) in the subset of patients requiring prone positioning. All seven patients included in this report were admitted to the intensive care unit with SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to ARDS, AKI and multisystem organ failure. All required renal replacement therapy, and prone positioning to improve ventilation/perfusion mismatch. All seven were able to continue PD despite prone positioning without any detrimental effects on respiratory mechanics or the need to switch to a different modality. Fluid leakage was noted in 71% of patients, but mild and readily resolved. We were able to successfully implement acute PD in ventilator-dependent prone patients suffering from Covid-19-related AKI. This required a team effort and some modifications in the conventional PD prescription and delivery.

Omental wrap: Radiographic diagnosis confirmed surgically - Report of two cases in Grenada.

Omental wrapping is a common cause of peritoneal catheter malfunction. This diagnosis should be confirmed by radiography before proceeding with surgical omentectomy. We report two cases of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter outflow obstruction from our developing PD program in Grenada, in which contrast studies accurately diagnosed omental wrap, allowing for prompt surgical correction. In both cases, the contrast study indicated the presence of omental wrapping, confirmed at time of surgical correction. Radiographic features of omental wrap are distinctive, which allows for reliable differentiation from other causes of obstruction. Radiographic contrast study reliably diagnoses the cause of peritoneal catheter obstruction, permitting prompt diagnosis and treatment. This is vital for regions with limited access to haemodialysis.

Bisphosphonate use in chronic kidney disease: association with adynamic bone disease in a bone histology series.

Dual X-ray absorptiometry is the standard diagnostic modality for identification of low bone mineral density, a finding which is in the general population usually indicative of osteopenia or osteoporosis. However, chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis may in actual fact have renal osteodystrophy with high or low bone turnover. While bisphosphonates are currently prescribed for the prevention of fractures in osteoporosis and high-risk osteopenic patients, the clinical utility of bisphosphonate therapy in CKD has not been established. Furthermore, bisphosphonates accumulate in bone, inhibit osteoclasts, and may cause or exacerbate low-turnover (adynamic) bone disease - particularly in patients presenting with low parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels or receiving treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Bone biopsy with non-decalcified histopathology remains the gold standard for the identification and evaluation of bone disorders, including osteoporosis and renal osteodystrophy. Thirteen CKD patients (stage II-IV), referred to our clinic over a 12-month period, were identified as having taken bisphosphonates from 4 to >60 months after a diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis. All patients underwent biopsies of trabecular bone from the iliac crest following oral administration of time-separated doses of doxycycline and tetracycline. Bone pathology was assessed after processing for mineralized histology. For all patients, clinical data collection included assessment of likely causes of kidney disease, MDRD glomerular filtration rate, calcium-phosphate product, intact PTH level, alkaline phosphatase, and bisphosphonate exposure. All 13 patients were diagnosed with adynamic bone on biopsy evaluation. Eleven biopsies revealed decreased cancellous bone mass; 8 showed decreased osteoid surface; 8 disclosed decreased osteoid thickness, and all 13 demonstrated low or low-normal osteoclast/osteoblast interface. Assessment of dynamic bone formation demonstrated decreased or absent single- or double-labeled osteoid in all 13 bone specimens. Based on these observations, the use of bisphosphonates in CKD cannot be recommended.

Acute Peritoneal Dialysis During the COVID-19 Pandemic at Bellevue Hospital in New York City.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic strained hospital resources in New York City, including those for providing dialysis. New York University Medical Center and affiliations, including New York City Health and Hospitals/Bellevue, developed a plan to offset the increased needs for KRT. We established acute peritoneal dialysis (PD) capability, as usual dialysis modalities were overwhelmed by COVID-19 AKI. Methods: Observational study of patients requiring KRT admitted to Bellevue Hospital during the COVID surge. Bellevue Hospital is one of the largest public hospitals in the United States, providing medical care to an underserved population. There were substantial staff, supplies, and equipment shortages. Adult patients admitted with AKI who required KRT were considered for PD. We rapidly established an acute PD program. A surgery team placed catheters at the bedside in the intensive care unit; a nephrology team delivered treatment. We provided an alternative to hemodialysis and continuous venovenous hemofiltration for treating patients in the intensive-care unit, demonstrating efficacy with outcomes comparable to standard care. Results: From April 8, 2020 to May 8, 2020, 39 catheters were placed into ten women and 29 men. By June 10, 39% of the patients started on PD recovered kidney function (average ages 56 years for men and 59.5 years for women); men and women who expired were an average 71.8 and 66.2 years old. No episodes of peritonitis were observed; there were nine incidents of minor leaking. Some patients were treated while ventilated in the prone position. Conclusions: Demand compelled us to utilize acute PD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our experience is one of the largest recently reported in the United States of which we are aware. Acute PD provided lifesaving care to acutely ill patients when expanding current resources was impossible. Our experience may help other programs to avoid rationing dialysis treatments in health crises.

Guidelines have done more harm than good.

Practice guidelines have proliferated in medicine but their impact on actual practice and outcomes is difficult, if not impossible, to quantify. Though guidelines are based largely on observational data and expert opinion, it is widely believed that adherence to them leads to improved outcomes. Data to support this belief simply does not exist. If guidelines are universally ignored, their impact on treatment and outcomes is minimal. The incorporation of guidelines into treatment protocols and performance measures, as is now common practice in nephrology, increases greatly the likelihood that guidelines will influence practice and hence, outcomes. Practice patterns set up this way may be resistant to change, should new evidence emerge that contradicts certain recommendations. Even if guidelines are entirely appropriate, a 'one-size-fits-all' approach is likely to benefit some, but not all. Certain patients may be harmed by adherence to specific guidelines. Guidelines certainly do not encourage clinicians to consider and treat each patient as an individual. They are unlikely to stimulate original research. They are created by a process that is artificial, laborious and cumbersome. This all but guarantees many guidelines are obsolete by the time they are published. Guidelines are produced with industry support and recommendations often have a major impact on sales of industry products.

Updating practices in an evolving IV iron and anemia environment: practical solutions.

The latest considerations in the management of iron-deficiency anemia in patients on hemodialysis have centered on the updated guidelines and recommendations issued by the National Kidney Foundation, with interest on appropriate hemoglobin and serum ferritin targets. With practices evolving in the anemia environment, it is necessary for nurses to stay informed of new evidence-based data and practical solutions to improve patient outcomes. This underscores the importance of a team approach to managing anemia and balanced therapy with intravenous iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. A symposium held during the 2007 annual meeting of the American Nephrology Nurses' Association addressed these issues. This article is based on the presentations and discussions from that symposium.

Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis: update 2012.

Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD) is a technique of renal replacement therapy (RRT) dating back to the 1950s. Its essential features are a fixed intraperitoneal volume and rapid, continuous movement of dialysis solution into and out of the peritoneal cavity. Inlet and outlet catheters and a means of generating a large volume of sterile dialysate are required. External regeneration of dialysate via conventional hemodialysis equipment or sorbent technology mitigates the need for large volumes of sterile fluid and makes the technique feasible. Clearance depends on peritoneal mass transfer coefficient, rate of dialysate flow and efficiency of external regeneration. Studies to date all demonstrate small solute clearances 3-8 times greater than conventional automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). Catheter design is crucial to the clinical success of the technique and will be discussed. Potential applications include daily home dialysis, treatment of acute renal failure in the ICU, ultrafiltration of ascites, and the wearable artificial kidney.