Dynamics of the erythropoiesis stimulating agent resistance index in incident hemodiafiltration and high-flux hemodialysis patients.

Hyporesponsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy in dialysis patients is poorly understood. Some studies report an improvement in the erythropoiesis-stimulating agent resistance index (ERI) with hemodiafiltration (HDF) versus high-flux hemodialysis (HD). We explored ERI dynamics in 38,340 incident HDF and HD patients treated in 22 countries over a 7-year period. Groups were matched by propensity score at baseline (6 months after dialysis initiation). The follow-up period (mean of 1.31 years) was stratified into 1 month intervals with delta analyses performed for key ERI-related parameters. Dialysis modality, time interval, and polycystic kidney disease were included in a linear mixed model with the outcome ERI. Baseline ERI was nonsignificantly higher in HDF versus HD treatment. ERI decreased significantly faster in HDF-treated patients than in HD-treated patients, was decreased in both HD and HDF when patients were treated with intravenous darbepoetin alfa, but only in HDF when treated with intravenous recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). A clear difference between HD- and HDF-treated patients could only be found for patients with high baseline ERI and assigned to intravenous rHuEPO treatment. A significant advantage in terms of lower ERI for patients treated by HDF was found. Sensitivity analysis limited this advantage for HDF to those patients treated with intravenous rHuEPO (not darbepoetin alfa or subcutaneous rHuEPO) and to patients with a high baseline ERI. Thus, our results allow more accurate planning for future clinical trials addressing anemia management in dialysis patients.

Longitudinal Changes in Body Composition in Patients After Initiation of Hemodialysis Therapy: Results From an International Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with advanced kidney disease, metabolic and nutritional derangements induced by uremia interact and reinforce each other in a deleterious vicious circle. Literature addressing the effect of dialysis initiation on changes in body composition (BC) is limited and contradictory. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in BC in a large international cohort of incident hemodialysis patients. METHODS: A total of 8,227 incident adult end-stage renal disease patients with BC evaluation within the initial first 6 months of baseline, defined as 6 months after renal replacement therapy initiation, were considered. BC, including fat tissue index (FTI) and lean tissue index (LTI), were evaluated by Body Composition Monitor (BCM, Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany). Exclusion criteria at baseline were lack of a BCM measurement before or after baseline, body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m(2), presence of metastatic solid tumors, treatment with a catheter, and prescription of less or more than 3 treatments per week. Maximum follow-up was 2 years. Descriptive analysis was performed comparing current values with the baseline in each interval (delta analysis). Linear mixed models considering the correlation structure of the repeated measurements were used to evaluate factors associated with different trends in FTI and LTI. RESULTS: BMI increased about 0.6 kg/m(2) over 24 months from baseline. This was associated with increase in FTI of about 0.95 kg/m(2) and a decrease in LTI of about 0.4 kg/m(2). Female gender, diabetic status, and low baseline FTI were associated with a significant greater increase of FTI. Age > 67 years, diabetes, male gender, high baseline LTI, and low baseline FTI were associated with a significant greater decrease of LTI. CONCLUSIONS: With the transition to hemodialysis, end-stage renal disease patients presented with distinctive changes in BC. These were mainly associated with gender, older age, presence of diabetes, low baseline FTI, and high baseline LTI. BMI increases did not fully represent the changes in BC.

Inside CKD: a microsimulation modelling study projects the clinical and economic burden of chronic kidney disease in Hungary.

Objectives: The Inside CKD programme implemented a microsimulation modelling approach to project the clinical and economic burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) between 2024 and 2027 in Hungary. Methods: Using the peer-reviewed Inside CKD microsimulation, a virtual Hungarian population was generated that was derived from national records, local demographic data and published epidemiological data. These inputs defined the likelihood of a change in health state for each individual as they progressed through the model in annual increments. Individual CKD status, including disease progression, cardiorenal complications and associated costs, was tracked annually to generate the population-level projections of the clinical and economic burden of CKD. Results: By 2027, people with CKD were projected to constitute 13.3% of the Hungarian national population. The prevalence of heart failure, myocardial infarction and stroke in people with CKD were projected to remain consistently high, reaching 323 447, 69 188 and 120 118 by 2027, respectively. Kidney replacement therapy cases were predicted to remain high at 20 515 in 2024 and 22 325 in 2027, with associated costs increasing from 71.4 billion HUF in 2024 to 79.6 billion HUF in 2027. Total annual healthcare costs associated with treating CKD were projected to constitute 5.4% of the overall national healthcare budget in 2027. Conclusions: Inside CKD demonstrates that the future burden of CKD in Hungary will be substantial unless current management strategies change. The high prevalence of undiagnosed CKD and associated cardiorenal complications highlight the urgent need for policy interventions focused on early diagnosis and timely intervention to mitigate the future burden of CKD.

Age-dependent parathormone levels and different CKD-MBD treatment practices of dialysis patients in Hungary--results from a nationwide clinical audit.

BACKGROUND: Achieving target levels of laboratory parameters of bone and mineral metabolism in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is important but also difficult in those living with end-stage kidney disease. This study aimed to determine if there are age-related differences in chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) characteristics, including treatment practice in Hungarian dialysis patients. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from a large cohort of dialysis patients in Hungary. Patients on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis were also included. The enrolled patients were allocated into two groups based on their age (<65 years and ≥65 years). Characteristics of the age groups and differences in disease-related (epidemiology, laboratory, and treatment practice) parameters between the groups were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 5008 patients were included in the analysis and the mean age was 63.4±14.2 years. A total of 47.2% of patients were women, 32.8% had diabetes, and 11.4% were on peritoneal dialysis. Diabetes (37.9% vs 27.3%), bone disease (42.9% vs 34.1%), and soft tissue calcification (56.3% vs 44.7%) were more prevalent in the older group than the younger group (p<0.001 for all). We found an inverse relationship between age and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (p<0.001). Serum PTH levels were lower in patients with diabetes compared with those without diabetes below 80 years (p<0.001). Diabetes and age were independently associated with serum PTH levels (interaction: diabetes × age groups, p=0.138). Older patients were more likely than younger patients to achieve laboratory target ranges for each parameter (Ca: 66.9% vs 62.1%, p<0.001; PO4: 52.6% vs 49.2%, p<0.05; and PTH: 50.6% vs 46.6%, p<0.01), and for combined parameters (19.8% vs 15.8%, p<0.001). Older patients were less likely to receive related medication than younger patients (66.9% vs 79.7%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The achievement of laboratory target ranges for bone and mineral metabolism and clinical practice in CKD depends on the age of the patients. A greater proportion of older patients met target criteria and received less medication compared with younger patients.

Deficiencies in the Recognition and Reporting of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; A Hungarian Nationwide Analysis.

Objectives: Recognition of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is crucial in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We conducted a nationwide epidemiological study to evaluate T2DM-associated CKD in Hungary between 2016 and 2020. Methods: Annual incidence and prevalence rates of registered CKD amongst all pharmacologically treated T2DM patients were analyzed in different age-groups by the central database of the Hungarian Health Insurance Fund Management. Statistical methods included Poisson regression, Bonferroni test, Chi-square test. Results: We found 499,029 T2DM patients and 48,902 CKD patients in 2016, and 586,075 T2DM patients and 38,347 CKD patients in 2020. The majority of all prevalent T2DM and CKD patients were older (aged 60-69 years: 34.1% and 25.8%; ≥70 years: 36.1% and 64.4%, respectively). The annual incidence of T2DM and incidence rates of CKD in T2DM decreased in 2017-2020 (p < 0.001). The annual prevalence of T2DM increased (p < 0.01), the prevalence rates of CKD in T2DM were low and decreased from 9.8% to 6.5% in 2016-2020 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Incidence and prevalence of T2DM-associated CKD decreased significantly in Hungary in 2016-2020. Lower prevalence rates of CKD may suggest under-recognition and/or under-reporting.

[Dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism]. / Dysgeneticus pseudohermaphroditismus masculinus.

The authors report a case of a dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism with a 45,X/46,XY karyotype in a mosaic form, which was diagnosed in an infant. The one-week-old infant was evaluated because of proximal hypospadias and retention of the right testis. The results of hormonal tests were the followings: serum FSH 5.2 mU/ml; LH: 2.0 mU/ml; testosterone: 144.3 ng/dl; androstendione: 0.42 µg/l; 17-hydroxyprogesterone: 1.12 ng/ml. Chromosomal analysis revealed 45,X/46,XY karyotype. Fluorescent in vitro hybridization showed that 51% of the lymphocytes had the Y chromosome and the SRY gene. Analysis of the SRY showed no deletion in the AZF a,b,c regions. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging indicated the presence of vagina between the bladder and the rectum, and it showed a mass measuring 15×8 mm in the right inguinal canal as well as an oval gonadal mass with a size of 13×7 mm in the left scrotum. During surgical intervention, performed at the age of one, the right gonad was removed and biopsy of the scrotal testis was performed. Histological examination revealed dysgenetic testis in both sides. The authors emphasize the necessity of cytogenetic and endocrinological investigations of newborns with perineoscrotal hypospadia and bilateral or unilateral maldescent testes immediately after birth. Surgical removal of the dysgenetic testicular tissue located in the abdominal cavity and its histological evaluation provides separation of mixed gonadal dysgenesis, dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism, bilateral gonadal dysgenesis and ovotestis in the 45,X/46,XY mosaic cases. An accurate evaluation is necessary for a correct sex assignment and for surgical intervention to prevent neoplastic degeneration of the dysgenetic gonad.

[Pure 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis]. / 46,XY tiszta gonáddiszgenezis.

The authors report a rare case of pure 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (Swyer syndrome). Swyer syndrome is associated with 46,XY karyotype, primary amenorrhea as well as the presence of female internal genital tract and bilateral streak gonads in a phenotypic female. The genetic background of this syndrome includes mutations of several genes involved in the testis differentiation cascade. Mutation of the SRY gene accounts for only 10-15% of all 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis cases while the majority cases may be linked to other deficient genes involved in the sex differentiation pathway. The patient was a 16-year-old female who was referred for endocrinological evaluation because of primary amenorrhea. Physical examination revealed a phenotypic female, height 166 cm, weight: 56.5 kg, breast and pubic hair development were Tanner I. and II, respectively. She had female external genitalia. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a hypoplastic uterus and ovaries at both sides measuring 5×10 mm in size. Chromosomal analysis revealed 46,XY karyotype. Analysis of the SRY and SF1 genes showed no mutations. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were elevated. Serum tumor marker concentrations were normal. Prophylactic bilateral gonadectomy was performed and histological examination showed bilateral streak gonads. Hormone replacement therapy produced development of secondary sexual characters and 1.5 years after treatment the patient had menarche. Authors conclude that karyotype analysis should be performed in adolescent with primary amenorrhea. After establishment of the diagnosis, dysgenetic gonads should be removed because of the high risk of gonadal neoplasia.

[Determining factors of cardiac biomarkers in hemodialysed diabetic and non-diabetic patients]. / Kardiális biomarkereket meghatározó tényezôk vizsgálata diabéteszes és nem diabéteszes hemodializált betegekben.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases are highly prevalent in chronic renal failure patients, especially in diabetic population. Cardiac biomarkers such as pro-brain natriuretic peptide N-terminal piece (NT-proBNP), cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) are increasingly used for early detection. AIMS: The authors analysed, which factors influence cardiac biomarker levels in hemodialysed patients and whether these factors depend on the presence of diabetes. METHODS: In 28 diabetic and 40 non-diabetic patients on chronic hemodialysis was analysed the association between routine laboratory data, bioimpedance parameters, results of echocardiography and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring on cardiac biomarkers. Multivariate linear regression analysis (ANOVA) was applied for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: The authors found stronger correlation (p = 0.034 vs. p = 0.001) between NT-proBNP and extracellular volume/total water volume hyperhydration ratio (ecv/twv) evaluated in diabetics than in non-diabetics. In case of cTnT, no relation was found with CaxP, iPTH, Kt/V, beta2-microglobulin, and serum uric acid levels. The hs-CRP was correlated with total cholesterol (p = 0.039) and EPO-dose (p = 0.03) in diabetics, while with serum fibrinogen (p = 0.025) in non-diabetics. The HbA1c didn't influence biomarkers in the diabetic group. CONCLUSIONS: The factors having an impact on cardiac biomarker levels are similar in diabetic and non-diabetic hemodialysed patients. According to results the presence of end-stage renal disease in a cross-sectional survey probably overcomes the impact of diabetes and quality of glycaemic control on cardiac biomarker levels.

Improved survival of incident patients with high-volume haemodiafiltration: a propensity-matched cohort study with inverse probability of censoring weighting.

BACKGROUND: Haemodiafiltration (HDF) is the preferred dialysis modality in many countries. The aim of the study was to compare the survival of incident patients on high-volume HDF (HV-HDF) with high-flux haemodialysis (HD) in a large-scale European dialysis population. METHODS: The study population was extracted from 47,979 patients in 369 NephroCare centres throughout 12 countries. Baseline was six months after dialysis initiation; maximum follow-up was 5 years. Patients were either on HV-HDF (defined as with ≥21 litres substitution fluid volume per session) or on HD if on that treatment for ≥75% of the 3 months before baseline. The main predictor was treatment modality. Other parameters included country, age, gender, BMI, haemoglobin, albumin and Charlson comorbidity index. Propensity score matching and Inverse Probability of Censoring Weighting (IPCW) were applied to reduce bias by indication and consider modality crossover, respectively. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, 1,590 incident patients remained. Kaplan-Meier and proportional Cox regression analyses revealed no significant survival advantage of HV-HDF. Results were biased by modality crossover: during the 5-year study period, 7% of HV-HDF patients switched to HD, and 55% of HD patients switched to HV-HDF. IPCW uncovered a statistically significant survival advantage of HV-HDF (OR 0.501; CI 0.366-0.684; p < 0.001). A higher benefit of HV-HDF for some subgroups was revealed, for example, non-diabetics, patients 65-74 years, patients with obesity or high blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: This large-scale study supports the generalizability of previous RCT findings regarding the survival benefit of HV-HDF. Sub-group analysis showed that some sub-cohorts appear to benefit more from HV-HDF than others.

[Does the TT virus affect T-cell subgroups in patients undergoing hemodialysis?]. / Hatással van-e a TT-vírus a hemodializált betegek T-sejt alcsoportjaira?

BACKGROUND: Recently many publications have appeared about the new DNA virus, called transfusion transmitted virus (TT virus), first described in 1997. These are mainly about the virus epidemiology, gene sequences and the distribution of different genotypes. In spite of the fact that the prevalence of this type of infection can reach 40 percent rate in polytransfused patients, such as in hemodialysis patients, the real pathogenetic effect of the virus has not yet been known. AIMS: The aim of the authors was to examine the activation and distribution of mononuclear cells in peripheral blood and to analyse the possible changes in Th1/Th2 immune regulatory mechanism through the soluble and intracellular cytokine profile beside the biochemical parameters of hepatic lesions in TT virus positive (n = 32) and negative (n = 17) hemodialysed patients. Healthy blood donors were the control group (n = 20). METHOD: Semi-nested PCR was used to detect the DNA of TT virus. For the surface antigen (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD56, CD3/HLA-DR, CD3/CD69) and intracellular cytokine analysis the authors applied flow cytometric method. RESULTS: The authors did not find any differences in the liver specific biochemical parameters between TT virus positive and negative hemodialysed and the healthy control group. The number of total T, T helper and total B cells were decreased. The percentage of CD8+, CD3+/HLA-DR+, CD3+/CD69+ and CD56+ cells were increased significantly in both hemodialysed population independently the presence or absence of TT virus. The soluble and intracellular cytokines showed significant growth of the Th1/Th2 cells ratio in hemodialysed patients, which has not been modified by the virus. CONCLUSIONS: From these results the authors assume that the TT virus does not cause any significant changes in the immune regulation, although it could play some role in the pathogenesis of hepatitis by local reaction.

On-line haemodiafiltration versus haemodialysis: stable haematocrit with less erythropoietin and improvement of other relevant blood parameters.

BACKGROUND: Controlled randomised studies to prove improved cardiovascular stability and improved anaemia management during on-line haemodiafiltration (oHDF) are scarce. METHODS: 70 patients were treated with both haemodialysis (HD) and oHDF in a cross-over design during 2 x 24 weeks at a dialysis dose of eKt/V> or =1.2. Patients randomised into group A started on HD and switched over to oHDF, whereas patients in group B began with oHDF and were treated with HD afterwards. Intradialytic morbid events (IME), such as symptomatic hypotension or muscle cramps, were noted in case of appearance. Blood parameters reflecting anaemic status, phosphate status, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and accumulation of advanced glycation end products were recorded either monthly or at the end of each study phase. RESULTS: The mean incidence of IME was 0.15 IME per treatment, and there was no statistical difference between oHDF and HD. A higher haematocrit (oHDF 31.5% vs. HD 30.5%, p < 0.01) at a lower erythropoietin dose (oHDF 4,913 vs. HD 5,492 IU/week, p = 0.02) was found during oHDF, when the sequence of HD and oHDF had not been taken into account. For the study groups, the results were less distinct: in group A, a higher haematocrit (HD 30.4% vs. oHDF 32.0%, p < 0.01) at a comparable erythropoietin dose (HD 5,421 vs. oHDF 5,187 IU/week, ns) was observed during oHDF, whereas in group B an identical haematocrit (oHDF 30.8% vs. HD 30.7%, ns) was achieved at a reduced erythropoietin dose (oHDF 4,622 vs. HD 5,568 IU/week, p < 0.01). During oHDF, lower levels of free and protein-bound pentosidine and of serum phosphate were found. CONCLUSION: In contrast to other studies, no benefit regarding cardiovascular stability for oHDF was found, but oHDF could well offer a potential benefit regarding anaemia correction, inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid profiles, and calcium-phosphate product.

No effect of transfusion transmitted virus viremia on the distribution and activation of peripheral lymphocytes in hemodialyzed patients.

AIM: We aimed to examine the distribution and activation of peripheral T cells in TTV positive (n = 32) and negative (n = 17) hemodialyzed patients. The control group (n = 20) consisted of healthy blood donors. METHOD: TTV-DNA was detected by seminested PCR. CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD56, CD3/HLA-DR, CD3/CD69 and the Th1/Th2 ratio of T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Circulating IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta levels were measured by ELISA in the sera. RESULTS: There was no difference between the CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD19 values of HD subjects. In addition, the expression of both activation markers, HLA-DR and CD69, was significantly elevated in the TTV-positive and -negative HD groups compared to the controls, but not showing any difference from each other. The measurements of intracellular cytokines showed the enhanced occurrence of INF-gamma + CD4 T cells, and decreased appearance of IL-4 + CD4 lymphocytes in the HD groups without any significant difference between the TTV virus positive and negative patients. In addition, HD also elevated the expression of IL-10 in CD4 and CD8 (Th2) cells. There were only two significant changes in the levels of circulating cytokines: (a) IL-2 increased; (b) IL-13 decreased in both groups of HD patients compared to the controls, independently of TTV positivity or negativity. CONCLUSIONS: We assume that transfusion-transmitted virus does not cause any specific change in the distribution and activation of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of hemodialyzed patients. Hemodialysis itself, however, results in a significant activation of peripheral T cells with the domination of increased production of Th1 type cytokines, IFN-gamma, IL-2, in contrast to the decreased synthesis of Th2 type cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13. Furthermore, the increased expression of IL-10 in the CD4 and CD8 cells of HD patients can be the sign of a contraregulatory Th2 activation as an answer on the Th1 effect.

Analgesic nephropathy in Hungary: the HANS study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of analgesic nephropathy has improved significantly with modern imaging techniques. We reviewed a large portion of the Hungarian dialysis population to obtain additional insight into the problem. METHODS: Twenty-two participating dialysis units enrolled 1400 patients on renal replacement therapy between 1 January 1995 and 1 January 1998. Patients with no known aetiology (n = 284) were interviewed and studied with renal imaging. We assessed the presence of decreased renal mass combined with either bumpy contours, papillary calcification, or both. The subjects studied were interrogated extensively. RESULTS: Our survey suggested analgesic nephropathy in 47 of 1400 patients (3.3%), 3-fold higher than the EDTA database estimate for Hungary. The analgesics most commonly abused were phenacetin-containing mixtures. The driving symptoms were mainly headache and joint pain. Cardiovascular complications were more common than in the rest of the dialysis population, independent of smoking and lipid values (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Phenacetin should be banned. Our study results support the need for longitudinal cohort and case-control studies in Hungary.