Risk factors associated with COVID-19 mortality in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: On December 31, 2019, one of the most serious pandemics in recent times made its appearance. Certain health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus, have been described to be related to COVID-19 unfavorable outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort of 998,639 patients. Patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed, with survivors being compared with the deceased individuals. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify variables predictive of COVID-19-associated mortality. RESULTS: Among the deceased patients, men accounted for 64.3%, and women, for 35.7%, with the difference being statistically significant. Subjects older than 80 years had a 13-fold higher risk of dying from COVID-19 (95% CI = 12,469, 13,586), while chronic kidney disease entailed a risk 1.5 times higher (95% CI = 1,341, 1,798), and diabetes mellitus involved a risk 1.25 times higher (95% CI = 1.238,1.276). CONCLUSIONS: Age, sex, diabetes mellitus and obesity were found to be predictors of COVID-19 mortality. Further research related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular diseases, smoking and pregnancy is suggested.

ANTECEDENTES: El 31 de diciembre de 2019, se inició una de las pandemias más graves de los últimos tiempos. Se ha descrito que ciertas condiciones de salud, como la obesidad y la diabetes mellitus, están relacionadas con desenlaces desfavorables por COVID-19. OBJETIVO: Identificar factores asociados a mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Cohorte retrospectiva de 998 639 pacientes. Se analizaron las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de los pacientes, y se compararon supervivientes con fallecidos. Se utilizó el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox para la identificación de variables predictivas de defunción por COVID-19. RESULTADOS: Entre los fallecidos, los hombres representaron 64.3 % y las mujeres 35.7 %, diferencia que resultó estadísticamente significativa. Las personas con más de 80 años presentaron un riesgo 13 veces mayor de morir por COVID-19 (IC 95 % = 12.469,13.586) y la enfermedad renal crónica, un riesgo de 1.5 (IC 95 % = 1.341, 1.798); la diabetes mellitus tuvo un riesgo de 1.25 (IC 95 % = 1.238,1.276). CONCLUSIONES: La edad, el sexo, la diabetes mellitus y la obesidad resultaron ser entidades predictivas de muerte por COVID-19. Se sugiere más investigación relacionada con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, enfermedades cardiovasculares, tabaquismo y embarazo.

Long-term follow-up of HCV-infected patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease after sustained virological response with direct-acting antiviral therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hepatitis C infection can be safely and effectively treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). However, there is scarce data on the long-term impact of hepatitis C cure on CKD. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term mortality, morbidity and hepatic/renal function outcomes in a cohort of HCV-infected individuals with CKD treated with DAAs. METHODS: 135 HCV patients with CKD stage 3b-5 who received ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir±dasabuvir in a multicenter study were evaluated for long-term hepatic and renal outcomes and their associated mortality. RESULTS: 125 patients achieved SVR and 66 were included. Prior to SVR, 53 were under renal replacement therapy (RRT) and 25 (37.8%) had liver cirrhosis. After a follow-up of 4.5 years, 25 (38%) required kidney transplantation but none combined liver-kidney. No changes in renal function were observed among the 51 patients who did not receive renal transplant although eGFR values improved in those with baseline CKD stage 3b-4. Three (5.6%) subjects were weaned from RRT. Eighteen (27.3%) patients died, mostly from cardiovascular events; 2 developed liver decompensation and 1 hepatocellular carcinoma. No HCV reinfection was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term mortality remained high among end-stage CKD patients despite HCV cure. Overall, no improvement in renal function was observed and a high proportion of patients required kidney transplantation. However, in CKD stage 3b-4 HCV cure may play a positive role in renal function.

The burden of chronic kidney disease in Mexico: data analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a substantial global burden of disease due to a lack of universal tests and misinterpretation of biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: To analyze CKD epidemiology in Mexico and guide public policies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study were used to describe CKD prevalence and mortality in Mexico for the 1990-2021 period, stratifying by gender and age groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of CKD in Mexico in 2021 was 9,184.9 per 100,000 population. Diabetes was the most common cause of CKD, and CKD-related mortality was high, with an increase in 2019 and 2021, possibly as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: CKD in Mexico entails a high burden of mortality and years of life lost, but it barely contributes to disability. It is essential to improve CKD early detection, access to treatments and coding of the causes of the disease. Moreover, investigating the causes of CKD of unknown etiology, including genetic factors, is crucial in order for specific treatments to be developed in the future.

ANTECEDENTES: La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) representa una elevada carga global de enfermedad debido a la falta de pruebas universales y a la interpretación errónea de biomarcadores. OBJETIVO: Analizar la epidemiología de la ERC en México y orientar las políticas públicas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron los datos del estudio Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 para describir la prevalencia y mortalidad de la ERC en México durante el periodo de 1990 a 2021, estratificando por sexo y grupos de edad. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de la ERC en México en 2021 fue de 9184.9 por 100 000 habitantes. La diabetes constituyó la causa más común de ERC y la mortalidad por ERC fue elevada, se incrementó en 2019 y 2021, posiblemente debido a la pandemia de COVID-19. CONCLUSIONES: La ERC en México presenta una alta carga de mortalidad y años de vida perdidos, pero contribuye poco a la discapacidad. Es esencial mejorar la detección temprana de la ERC, el acceso a tratamientos y la codificación de las causas de la enfermedad. Además, investigar las causas de la ERC de etiología desconocida, incluidos factores genéticos, es crucial para desarrollar tratamientos específicos en el futuro.

Evolution of the stage of chronic kidney disease from the diagnosis of hypertension in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evolution of the stages of CKD and the progression of the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SITE: Family Medicine Unit No. 31, Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico City. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with hypertension who have been diagnosed in primary care and have developed chronic kidney disease. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The eGFR was calculated with the CKD Epi formula in three moments, the first measurement was at the time of diagnosis of hypertension, the second measurement was made when it arrived a change in CKD stage and the last one at the end of the study, with which the evolution time from one stage to another was obtained, as well as the drop in eGFR. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 207 electronic health records of patients, with an average follow-up of 10.2 years from the moment of diagnosis of hypertension until the end of the study. The average time to go from one baseline stage of CKD to another was 7 years (average decline in eGFR of 5.8ml/min/year) and to have a second stage change was 3.2 years (average decline in eGFR of 6.8ml/min/year), with a statistically significant repeated measures ANOVA (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with newly diagnosed hypertension remain longer in the initial stages of CKD, to later evolve and change more quickly.

Documento de consenso sobre el uso de iSGLT2 en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica y diabetes.

La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) del paciente diabético es frecuentemente una consecuencia directa de la diabetes mellitus (DM) de larga evolución y se la conoce como nefropatía diabética. En México cerca del 50% de los pacientes en terapia sustitutiva de la función renal tienen ERC por DM, y este porcentaje podría aumentar en los próximos años. Nuevas opciones terapéuticas, combinadas con cambios en el estilo de vida, han mejorado el control de la glucemia y pueden contribuir sustancialmente a retrasar la aparición o la progresión a estadios avanzados de la ERC. Las sociedades científicas internacionales han elaborado guías clínicas para el diagnóstico y manejo de la nefropatía diabética, sin embargo, en algunos puntos estas recomendaciones no se adaptan a la realidad mexicana. Se presentan las conclusiones de un consenso realizado por especialistas mexicanos sobre diabetes y ERC, con especial énfasis en el uso de los inhibidores del cotransportador de sodio-glucosa.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the diabetic patient is mainly a consequence of long-term diabetes mellitus itself. In Mexico approximately 50% of patients on dialysis are diabetics and this will could increase in the coming years. New therapeutic options available, combined with lifestyle changes, have improved glycemic control and may contribute to delay the onset as well as the progression of CKD. International scientific societies have developed clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of CKD in diabetics, although in some points, these recommendations are not adapted to the Mexican reality. We hereby present the conclusions of the consensus reached by Mexican specialists on diabetic nephropathy.

Perinatal morbidity and mortality of children born to mothers with chronic kidney disease.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and fetal complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine perinatal morbidity and mortality of children born to mothers with mild and moderate CKD during pregnancy. METHODS: Retrospective study of medical records of women with mild and moderate CKD during pregnancy cared for at La Raza National Medical Center between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS: There were 142 patients, 99 (69.72%) with mild CKD and 43 (30.28%) with moderate CKD; 79 neonates (55.63%) reached full term, 28 (19.71%) had growth restriction; 44 (30.98%), low birth weight and 54 (38.02%) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); and four women (4.04%) had an abortion; in four (2.81%), their children had intrauterine death, and in 10 (7.04%), neonatal death. High blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] = 6.93) and hemoglobin < 11 g/dL (OR = 2.48) were risk factors for prematurity. CONCLUSION: A relationship was found between anemia and blood pressure levels and risk for prematurity, low Apgar, and NICU admission.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad renal (ER) crónica asociada al embarazo incrementa el riesgo de complicaciones maternas y fetales. OBJETIVO: Determinar la morbilidad y mortalidad perinatal del hijo de madre con enfermedad renal leve y moderada del embarazo. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de expedientes de mujeres con ER leve y moderada del embarazo atendidas en el Centro Médico Nacional La Raza entre 2010 y 2016. RESULTADOS: Se trató de 142 pacientes, 99 (69.72 %) con ER leve y 43 (30.28 %) con ER moderada; 79 (55.63 %) neonatos llegaron a término, 28 (19.71 %) presentaron restricción de crecimiento; 44 (30.98 %), peso bajo al nacimiento y 54 (38.02 %) ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales; cuatro (4.04 %) mujeres presentaron aborto, en cuatro (2.81 %) sus hijos presentaron muerte intrauterina y en 10 (7.04 %), muerte neonatal. La presión arterial alta (RM = 6.93) y la hemoglobina < 11g/dL (RM = 2.48) constituyeron factores de riesgo para prematurez. CONCLUSIÓN: Se encontró relación entre la anemia y las cifras de tensión arterial como riesgo para prematurez, Apgar bajo e ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales.

Adrenal functional reserve in the full spectrum of chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Altered cortisol levels have been associated with an increase in mortality and a decrease in health-related quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test has not been evaluated in patients with stage 3a to 5 CKD with and without renal replacement therapy (RRT). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adrenal function in patients with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adults with CKD underwent a low-dose cosyntropin stimulation test (1 µg synthetic ACTH), with serum cortisol levels being measured at 0, +30 and +60 minutes post-test. RESULTS: Sixty participants with stage 3, 4 and 5 CKD (with and without RRT) were included. None of the patients had adrenal insufficiency (AI). The correlation observed between cortisol concentration at baseline and 30 minutes and 1 hour after stimulation and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was negative and statistically significant (r: -0.39 [p = 0.002], r: -0.363 [p = 0.004], r: -0.4 [p = 0.002], respectively). CONCLUSION: Since CKD early stages, cortisol levels increase as GFR decreases. Therefore, we conclude that systematic screening for AI is not necessary in CKD patients.

ANTECEDENTES: Niveles alterados de cortisol se han asociado a un incremento en la mortalidad y disminución en la calidad de vida en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), sin embargo, la respuesta adrenal a la prueba de estimulación con adrenocorticotropina (ACTH) no ha sido evaluada en pacientes con ERC etapas 3a a 5 con y sin terapia de reemplazo renal (TRR). OBJETIVO: Evaluar la función adrenal de pacientes con ERC. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Adultos con ERC se sometieron a una prueba de estimulación con cosintropina a dosis baja (1 mg de ACTH sintética) y se midieron los niveles séricos de cortisol a los 0, +30 y +60 minutos postestimulación. RESULTADOS: 60 participantes con ERC en etapas 3, 4 y 5 (con y sin TRR) fueron incluidos. Ninguno de los pacientes presentó insuficiencia adrenal (IA). La correlación observada entre la concentración basal, a los 30 minutos y 1 hora de cortisol postestimulación y la tasa de filtrado glomerular (TFG) fue negativa y estadísticamente significativa (r: ­0.39 [p = 0.002], r: ­0.363 [p = 0.004], r: ­0.4 [p = 0.002], respectivamente). CONCLUSIÓN: Desde etapas tempranas de la ERC los niveles de cortisol se incrementan a medida que la TFG disminuye. Concluimos que no es necesario un tamizaje sistemático para detectar IA en pacientes con ERC.

Kidney transplant. Pan-American and Iberian productivity analysis in 2019 with a Mexican and chronic kidney disease perspective.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant (KT) is the most common solid organ transplantation in the world. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the information from Mexico on KT, waiting lists (WL) and patients on dialysis between 2012 and 2019 and compare that of 2019 with those of the countries of the American Continent, Spain and Portugal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The required information was obtained from the Global Observatory on Organ Donation and Transplantation (GODT). RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2019, the annual number of kidney transplants (KTs) in Mexico increased by 12.5%, while the WL by December 31 of each year did it by 86.1%. In 2019, Spain and the US reported the highest KT rates, while Mexico ranked 8th in the Pan-American and Iberian comparison, 6th in the American Continent and 4th in Latin America. Mexico did not report to GODT the number of patients on dialysis in 2019 and 2018. CONCLUSIONS: KTs should be considered an integral part of renal replacement therapies. The GODT reports include the numbers of patients on dialysis for each country. Mexico does not always report this data, probably due to the lack of a national registry of chronic kidney disease, the creation of which should be supported.

ANTECEDENTES: El trasplante renal (TR) es el trasplante de órgano sólido más frecuente en el mundo. OBJETIVO: Analizar la información de México sobre TR, listas de espera (LE) y pacientes en diálisis entre 2012-2019 y comparar la del año 2019 con la de los países del continente americano, España y Portugal. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La información requerida se obtuvo del Global Observatory on Organ Donation and Transplantation (GODT). RESULTADOS: Entre 2012-2019 en México el número anual de trasplantes renales (TR) se incrementó en un 12.5%, mientras que la LE al 31 de diciembre de cada año lo hizo en un 86.1%. En 2019, España y EE.UU. reportaron las tasas más altas de TR, mientras que México ocupó el 8.° lugar en la comparativa panamericana e ibérica, 6.° en el Continente Americano y 4.° en América Latina. México no reportó al GODT el número de pacientes en diálisis en 2019 y 2018. CONCLUSIONES: Los TR deben considerarse parte integral de las terapias de reemplazo renal. Los reportes del GODT incluyen las cifras de pacientes en diálisis de cada país. México no siempre reporta este dato, probablemente por carecer de un registro nacional de enfermedad renal crónica, cuya creación debe apoyarse.

HBV infection is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis. / La infección por VHB es un factor de riesgo de enfermedad renal crónica: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.

BACKGROUND: The activity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) as a risk factor for the incidence and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been clarified. AIM: We evaluated the impact of infection with HBV on the risk of CKD in the general population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a systematic review of the published medical literature to assess whether a relationship between hepatitis B infection and an increased risk of CKD in the adult general population occurs. We adopted the random effects model of DerSimonian and Laird to provide a summary estimate of the risk of chronic kidney disease (defined by lowered glomerular filtration rate and/or detectable proteinuria) with HBV infection across the published studies. Meta-regression and stratified analyses were also performed. RESULTS: We retrieved 33 studies (n=7,849,849 patients) published in 26 different articles, and separate meta-analyses were performed according to the outcome. Pooling results from cohort studies (11 studies, n=1,056,645 patients) demonstrated a relationship between positive HBV serologic status and increased incidence of CKD, the summary estimate for adjusted HR with HBV across the surveys, 1.40 (95% CI, 1.16-1.69) (P<.001). Between-study heterogeneity was noted (Q value, 49.5, P<.0001). No relationship between HBV and prevalence of CKD was noted in the subset of cross-sectional studies (10 studies; n=3,222,545 patients), adjusted OR, 1.04 (95% IC 0.90-1.218; P=.5). Meta-regression analysis reported a relationship between positive HBsAg status and incidence of CKD in the general population (P<.015). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that exposure to HBV infection seems to be associated with an increased risk of developing CKD in the adult general population. Studies aimed to understand the mechanisms responsible of such association are under way.

Medical treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Recommendations of the Diabetes, Obesity and Nutrition Group of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine. / Tratamiento médico de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2: recomendaciones del Grupo de Diabetes, Obesidad y Nutrición de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major health problem with high prevalence, morbidity and mortality, and its medical treatment is growing in complexity due to patients' diverse clinical conditions. This article presents a consensus document by the Diabetes, Obesity and Nutrition Group of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine, with recommendations for the medical treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The main objective of this article is to facilitate the therapeutic decision-making process to improve the care of patients with diabetes. The document prioritises treatments with cardiovascular benefits, especially those that benefit patients with heart and renal failure.

Alelos HLA más comunes y asociados con riesgo o protección en enfermedad renal crónica de etiología no determinada.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease accounts for part of overall health expenditure; a potential etiology is related to variations, absence or presence of some human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. METHOD: An analysis of HLA reports of 1965 kidney recipients with no determined etiology, and 1361 kidney donors was performed. It was carried out with Luminex based in cell flow fluorometry for the A, B, DRB1 and DQA loci. An analysis was performed with contingency tables in order to determine the odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI). Quantitative analysis was also carried out. RESULTS: Of the 101 alleles found, 13 showed association, 7 with risk for chronic kidney disease, with the most significant being HLA-DR17 with an OR of 3.91 (95 % CI = 2.96-5.17) and the one with the highest significance for protection being HLA-DR9, with an OR of 0.043 (95 % CI = 0.005-0.3224). CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to understand that kidney diseases can be associated with yet unknown immune processes, where the association of the absence or presence of any allele should be known.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad renal crónica representa parte del gasto en salud en general; una potencial etiología es la relacionada con variaciones, ausencia o presencia de algunos alelos del human leucocyte antigen (HLA). MÉTODO: Se realizó el análisis de 1965 reportes de HLA sin etiología determinada y de 1361 donadores renales. Se llevó a cabo tecnología Luminex con base en fluorimetría de flujo celular para los locus A, B, DRB1 y DQA. Se realizó análisis con tablas de contingencia para determinar razón de momios (RM) e intervalos de confianza (IC). Se efectuó análisis cuantitativo. RESULTADOS: De 101 alelos encontrados, 13 presentaron asociación, siete con riesgo para enfermedad renal crónica, de los cuales el más significativo fue HLA-DR17, con RM = 3.91 (IC 95 % = 2.96-5.17), y el de mayor significación de protección fue HLA-DR9, con RM = 0.043 (IC 95 % = 0.005-0.3224). CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario entender que las enfermedades renales pueden estar ligadas a procesos inmunológicos, en los que se tiene que conocer la asociación de la ausencia o presencia de algún alelo.

Desempeño de las ecuaciones para estimar la tasa de filtración glomerular en pacientes mexicanos receptores de trasplante renal.

INTRODUCTION: The management of kidney transplant recipients requires glomerular filtration rate (GFR) monitoring, which is an indicator of graft primary function and patient survival. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of different creatinine or cystatin-based formulas in the estimation of glomerular filtration rate in Mexican patients receiving kidney transplantation. METHOD: 30 transplant recipients were included, in whom the glomerular filtration rate was measured by means of iothalamate, and was also calculated using seven equations based on cystatin or creatinine. RESULTS: The formula with the best performance was the one proposed by the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI), with a bias of -2.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 and an accuracy of 9.6; 96.7 % of patients were within 30 % of the measured GFR. The second best formula was the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation. Cystatin-based equations showed a poor performance. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that, in Mexican patients receiving kidney transplantations, the best equations to estimate GFR are the CKD-EPI and MDRD equations.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El manejo de los pacientes receptores de trasplante renal requiere vigilancia de la tasa de filtrado glomerular (TFG), la cual es un indicador de la función primaria del injerto y de la supervivencia del paciente. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el rendimiento en la estimación de la función renal de diferentes fórmulas basadas en creatinina o cistatina en pacientes mexicanos receptores de trasplante renal. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron 30 pacientes receptores de trasplante renal en quienes se midió tasa de filtrado glomerular por iodotalamato, la cual también se calculó por siete ecuaciones basadas en cistatina o creatinina. RESULTADOS: La fórmula con mejor desempeño fue la propuesta por CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration), con un sesgo de −2.4 mL/minuto/1.73 m2 y precisión de 9.6; 96.7 % estaba dentro de 30 % de la tasa de filtrado glomerular medida. La segunda mejor ecuación fue la MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease). Las ecuaciones basadas en cistatina mostraron pobre desempeño. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestro estudio sugiere que en pacientes mexicanos receptores de trasplante renal las mejores ecuaciones para estimar la TFG son CKD y MDRD.

[Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Protocol of study, management and referral to Nephrology]. / Anemia en la enfermedad renal crónica: protocolo de estudio, manejo y derivación a Nefrología.

The objective of this protocol is to know which test are needed to study an anaemia in a patient with chronic kidney disease, the differential diagnosis of renal anaemia, to know and correct other deficiency anaemias, and the criteria for referral to Nephrology or other specialties of the anaemic patient with chronic kidney disease.

Decreased renal function and associated factors in cities, towns and rural areas of Tanzania: a community-based population survey.

OBJECTIVES: Data on renal dysfunction in sub-Saharan Africa, comparing urban and rural areas, have not yet been reported. Therefore, we aimed to determine the distribution of low estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) in urban and rural Tanzania, to describe factors associated with low eGFR and to quantify fractions attributable to common risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a community-based survey of 1095 randomly selected Tanzanian adults (≥18 years). A structured questionnaire and examinations were used to document sociodemographic characteristics, diet, physical activity, anthropomorphic measurements and blood pressure. Blood tests were performed for HIV infection, diabetes mellitus and creatinine. eGFR was calculated using two equations recommended for African adults. RESULTS: Serum creatinine was available for 1043 participants: 170 in Mwanza city, 326 in district towns and 547 in rural areas. Mean age was 35.5 years and 54% were females. The prevalence of eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) in these 3 strata was 2.3% (95% CI = 0.8-6.6%), 7.5% (4.7-11.8%) and 7.4% (5.1-10.6%), respectively. When age standardised to the WHO world population, prevalences were 3.8%, 10.1% and 8.1%. Factors associated with low eGFR included district town residence, older age, greater wealth, less physical activity and hypertension. Only 21% of cases with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) were attributable to HIV, hypertension or diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased renal function is common in Tanzania, particularly in district towns, and unique risk factors for kidney disease may exist in this population. Population-specific strategies for prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease are needed for Africa.

Altitude and regional gradients in chronic kidney disease prevalence in Costa Rica: Data from the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study.

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies in Central America indicate that mortality attributable to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising rapidly. We sought to determine the prevalence and regional variation of CKD and the relationship of biologic and socio-economic factors to CKD risk in the older-adult population of Costa Rica. METHODS: We used data from the Costa Rican Longevity and Health Aging Study (CRELES). The cohort was comprised of 2657 adults born before 1946 in Costa Rica, chosen through a sampling algorithm to represent the national population of Costa Ricans >60 years of age. Participants answered questionnaire data and completed laboratory testing. The primary outcome of this study was CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 . RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of CKD for older Costa Ricans was 20% (95% CI 18.5-21.9%). In multivariable logistic regression, older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.08 per year, 95% CI 1.07-1.10, P < 0.001) was independently associated with CKD. For every 200 m above sea level of residence, subjects' odds of CKD increased 26% (aOR 1.26 95% CI 1.15-1.38, P < 0.001). There was large regional variation in adjusted CKD prevalence, highest in Limon (40%, 95% CI 30-50%) and Guanacaste (36%, 95% CI 26-46%) provinces. Regional and altitude effects remained robust after adjustment for socio-economic status. CONCLUSIONS: We observed large regional and altitude-related variations in CKD prevalence in Costa Rica, not explained by the distribution of traditional CKD risk factors. More studies are needed to explore the potential association of geographic and environmental exposures with the risk of CKD.

Acute kidney injury: Renal disease in the ICU.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in the ICU frequently requires costly supportive therapies, has high morbidity, and its long-term prognosis is not as good as it has been presumed so far. Consequently, AKI generates a significant burden for the healthcare system. The problem is that AKI lacks an effective treatment and the best approach relies on early secondary prevention. Therefore, to facilitate early diagnosis, a broader definition of AKI should be established, and a marker with more sensitivity and early-detection capacity than serum creatinine - the most common marker of AKI - should be identified. Fortunately, new classification systems (RIFLE, AKIN or KDIGO) have been developed to solve these problems, and the discovery of new biomarkers for kidney injury will hopefully change the way we approach renal patients. As a first step, the concept of renal failure has changed from being a "static" disease to being a "dynamic process" that requires continuous evaluation of kidney function adapted to the reality of the ICU patient.

Kidney Disease and Psoriasis. A New Comorbidity? / Enfermedad renal y psoriasis. ¿Una nueva comorbilidad?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that has been associated with cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities, particularly in young patients and patients with more severe forms of the disease. Recent studies have also linked psoriasis to kidney disease, and this would seem only logical, as the kidney is both a target of classic cardiovascular risk factors and susceptible to the toxic effects of some of the traditional drugs used to control psoriasis. In this article, we would like to draw readers' attention to this recently described comorbidity and stress the importance of early detection, as once chronic kidney disease develops, it cannot be reversed. When evaluating patients with psoriasis, particularly when they are candidates for systemic therapy, we believe it is important to order laboratory tests including glomerular filtration rate and a simple urine test to screen for albuminuria (albumin/creatinine ratio).

Skin manifestations of chronic kidney disease.

Skin manifestations associated with chronic kidney disease are very common. Most of these conditions present in the end stages and may affect the patient's quality of life. Knowledge of these entities can contribute to establishing an accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Severe renal pruritus is associated with increased mortality and a poor prognosis. Nail exploration can provide clues about albumin and urea levels. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a preventable disease associated with gadolinium contrast. Comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and secondary hyperparathyroidism, can lead to acquired perforating dermatosis and calciphylaxis, respectively. Effective and innovative treatments are available for all of these conditions.

[Executive summary of the recommendations on the evaluation and management of renal disease in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients]. / Resumen ejecutivo del documento de consenso sobre el manejo de la patología renal en pacientes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.

The aim of this article is to update the 2010 recommendations on the evaluation and management of renal disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Renal function should be monitored in all HIV-infected patients. The basic renal work-up should include measurements of serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate by CKD-EPI, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, and urinary sediment. Tubular function tests should include determination of serum phosphate levels and urine dipstick for glycosuria. In the absence of abnormal values, renal screening should be performed annually. In patients treated with tenofovir, or with risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), more frequent renal screening is recommended. In order to prevent disease progression, potentially nephrotoxic antiretroviral drugs are not recommended in patients with CKD or risk factors for CKD. The document provides indications for renal biopsy and advises on the optimal time for referral of a patient to the nephrologist. The indications for and evaluation and management of dialysis and renal transplantation are also addressed.

Evaluation of a family systems intervention for managing pediatric chronic illness: Mastering Each New Direction (MEND).

Family systems play a crucial, albeit complex, role in pediatric chronic illness. Unfortunately, very few psychosocial interventions are available to help these stressed families navigate the developmental steps of chronic illness. A new intervention (MEND) addresses the needs of these families and applies to a broad range of chronic illnesses. This article presents this family systems intervention as well as includes preliminary program evaluation data on 22 families that graduated from the program. Results show consistently strong effects across an array of psychosocial measures. Conclusions from this preliminary study suggest that families entering MEND present with high levels of stress due to the child's chronic illness, but after MEND, the level of stress and other functioning measures are comparable to those seen in healthy families, suggesting that the program offers a significant benefit to families with pediatric chronic illness.