Recurrence of immune complex and complement-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) represents a histologic pattern of glomerular injury that may be due to several aetiologies. Few studies have comprehensively analysed the recurrence of MPGN according to the current classification system. METHODS: We collected a multicentre, retrospective cohort of 220 kidney graft recipients with biopsy-proven native kidney disease due to MPGN between 1981 and 2021 in 11 hospitals. Demographic, clinical and histologic parameters of prognostic interest were collected. The main outcomes were time to kidney failure, time to recurrence of MPGN and disease remission after recurrence. RESULTS: The study group included 34 complement-mediated and 186 immune complex-mediated MPGN. A total of 81 patients (37%) reached kidney failure in a median follow-up of 79 months. The main predictors of this event were the development of rejection episodes and disease recurrence. In all, 54 patients (25%) had a disease recurrence in a median of 16 months after kidney transplantation. The incidence of recurrence was higher in patients with dysproteinaemia (67%) and complement-mediated MPGN (62%). In the multivariable model, complement-mediated MPGN emerged as a predictor of recurrence. A total of 33 patients reached kidney failure after recurrence. The main determinants of no remission were early time to recurrence (<15 months), estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and serum albumin <3.5 g/dL at the time of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: One-fourth of the patients with native kidney disease due to MPGN developed clinical recurrence in the allograft, especially in cases with complement-mediated disease or in those associated with dysproteinaemia. The kidney outcomes of disease recurrence with currently available therapies are heterogeneous and thus more effective and individualized therapies are needed.

Severe and malignant hypertension are common in primary atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Malignant hypertension is listed among the causes of secondary thrombotic microangiopathy, but pathogenic mutations in complement genes have been reported in patients with hypertension-induced thrombotic microangiopathy. Here we investigated the frequency and severity of hypertension in 55 patients with primary atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). A genetic analysis was performed in all patients, and funduscopic examination was performed in all the patients with Grades 2 and 3 hypertension. A cohort of 110 patients with malignant hypertension caused by diseases other than aHUS served as control. Thirty-six patients with aHUS presented Grade 2 or Grade 3 hypertension and funduscopic examination showed malignant hypertension in 19. Genetic abnormalities in complement were found in 19 patients (37% among patients with malignant hypertension). Plasmapheresis was performed in 46 patients and 26 received eculizumab. Renal and hematological responses were significantly lower after plasmapheresis (24%) than after eculizumab (81%). Renal survival was significantly higher in patients treated with eculizumab (85% at one, three and five years) compared to patients who did not receive this treatment (54%, 46% and 41%), respectively. Response to eculizumab was independent of hypertension severity and the presence of complement genetic abnormalities. Among patients with malignant hypertension caused by other diseases the prevalence of thrombotic microangiopathy was very low (5%). Thus, severe and malignant hypertension are common among patients with aHUS and eculizumab treatment leads to a higher renal survival when compared to plasmapheresis. However, thrombotic microangiopathy is uncommon among patients presenting with malignant hypertension caused by diseases other than aHUS.

Anti-Glutathione S Transferase T1 Antibodies After Renal Transplant and Their Impact on Graft Outcome.

OBJECTIVES: Anti-glutathione S transferase T1 (GSTT1) antibodies, a type of non-HLA antibody, have been associated with chronic hepatic graft rejection. Despite the presence of this enzyme in the kidney, there are not enough studies on the development of anti-GSTT1 antibodies and their impact on renal grafts. Our objective was to evaluate the presence of anti-GSTT1 antibodies after renal transplant and their impact on graft outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an ambispective cohort study. We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction to screen for GSTT1 alleles in 293 recipients and their donors. In null GSTT1 (GSTT1*0) genotype recipients of GSTT1-positive donors, the presence of anti-GSTT1 antibodies was evaluated using indirect immunofluorescence and Luminex assays, and their effects on graft function were evaluated. The median follow-up period was 54.3 months. RESULTS: Of the 293 patients studied, 42 recipients (14.4%) with GSTT1-positive donors did not have the GSTT1 allele (GSTT1-positive donor/GSTT1*0 recipient). Using Luminex assay, we detected antibodies in 16 patients (38.1%), 12 of which were already present at the time of transplant. Of these cases, 37.5% with antibodies had undergone a previous renal transplant. Using indirect immunofluorescence, we found that only 12 patients tested positive, 4 at the time of transplant. Antibody presence did not effect graft glomerular filtration rates or graft loss at 1 year, at 2 years, or end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of anti-GSTT1 antibodies is frequent in renal transplant GSTT1*0 recipients of GSTT1-positive donors but has no effects on graft outcome.

Successful treatment of invasive aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus parafelis in a kidney transplant recipient.

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is associated with a high mortality rate in kidney-transplant recipients. Azole-resistance is increasing in Aspergillus fumigatus. We report a clinical case of a kidney-transplant recipient with cerebellar and pulmonary aspergillosis caused by azole-resistant Aspergillus parafelis (molecular identification through ß-tubulin sequence). The patient experienced an effective resolution after three surgical procedures and associated antifungal therapy. This case highlights that azole-resistant aspergillosis should be considered in every patient with IA as long as susceptibility testing results are not known. Therefore, in selected patients with IA and central nervous system involvement, empirical combination antifungal therapy could be considered.

Hiperinmunización: una realidad y un reto. A propósito de un caso / No disponible

No disponible

During the pre-dialysis stage of chronic kidney disease, which treatment is associated with better survival in dialysis?

INTRODUCTION: Specialised care of patients in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with better survival in dialysis, but it is not known which treatments specifically favour this outcome. OBJECTIVES: To analyse normal treatment in advanced stages of CKD and establish which treatments are associated with better survival in dialysis as well as their relationship with causes of death. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cohort, prospective observational study of 591 patients who started dialysis (491 haemodialysis and 100 peritoneal dialysis), who had previously been monitored in the CKD clinic. The treatments analysed were: antihypertensive treatments, statins, antiplatelet drugs, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, correction of metabolic acidosis, treatment with (calcium or non-calcium) phosphate binders, vitamin D (calcitriol or paricalcitol), erythropoietin and the availability of an internal arteriovenous fistula (IAVF). The independent association of each of these treatments with mortality in dialysis was analysed using Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, pre-dialysis monitoring time, renal function at the start of dialysis, comorbidity, serum albumin and C-reactive protein, and with stratification of the type of dialysis. RESULTS: With a median follow-up period of 28 months, the total number of patients who died was 191 (32%). In the multivariate models, we observed that, in addition to age, the comorbidity index, serum albumin, pre-dialysis treatment with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers, correction of acidosis with sodium bicarbonate and IAVF at the start of haemodialysis were significantly associated with better survival in dialysis. We did not observe differences in causes of death between the different treatments analysed. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a potential delayed benefit of some treatments in pre-dialysis stages on the outcome of dialysis. Furthermore, beginning dialysis without an IAVF, resulting in the need for intravenous catheters, worsens prognosis in these patients.

Increased serum phosphate concentrations in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease treated with diuretics.

BACKGROUND: Serum phosphate concentrations usually show great variability in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) not on dialysis. Diuretics treatment can have an influence over the severity of mineral-bone metabolism alterations related to ACKD, but their effect on serum phosphate levels is less known. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine whether diuretics are independently associated with serum phosphate levels, and to investigate the mechanisms by which diuretics may affect phosphate metabolism. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 429 Caucasian patients with CKD not on dialysis were included in this cross-sectional study. In addition to conventional serum biochemical measures, the following parameters of renal phosphate excretion were assessed: 24-hours urinary phosphate excretion, tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption (TmP), and fractional excretion of phosphate (FEP). RESULTS: 58% of patients were on treatment with diuretics. Patients on diuretics showed significantly higher mean serum phosphate concentration (4.78 ± 1.23 vs. 4.24 ± 1.04 mg/dl; P<.0001), and higher TmP per GFR (2.77 ± 0.72 vs. 2.43 ± 0.78 mg/dl; P<.0001) than those not treated with diuretics. By multivariate linear and logistic regression, significant associations between diuretics and serum phosphate concentrations or hyperphosphataemia remained after adjustment for potential confounding variables. In patients with the highest phosphate load adjusted to kidney function, those treated with diuretics showed significantly lower FEP than those untreated with diuretics. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with diuretics is associated with increased serum phosphate concentrations in patients with ACKD. Diuretics may indirectly interfere with the maximum renal compensatory capacity to excrete phosphate. Diuretics should be considered in the studies linking the relationship between serum phosphate concentrations and cardiovascular alterations in patients with CKD.

Congestive heart failure in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: association with pre-emptive vascular access placement.

INTRODUCTION: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition to classical risk factors (e.g. age and pre-existing cardiac diseases), other potential reversible abnormalities linked to CKD such as anaemia, volume overload, or vascular access placement may also influence the incidence and severity of acute exacerbations of CHF. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the incidence and main determinants of CHF in a cohort of patients with stage 4-5 pre-dialysis CKD. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The study group consisted of 562 patients (mean age: 65 +/- 15 years, 260 females, 31% diabetics). Native arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) were created in 160 patients who chose haemodialysis as the initial technique for renal replacement therapy. The main outcome variables were: acute decompensated CHF (defined by standard criteria), dialysis initiation (planned and unplanned), and death before dialysis initiation. In addition to demographics, comorbidities, and clinical and biochemical data, AVF creation was also included as a potential determinant of CHF in multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients (17%) developed at least one episode of acute decompensated CHF, and the incidence rate was 19 episodes per 1000 patient-years. In addition to classical risk factors (age, female sex, obesity, diabetes, and previous history of CHF or coronary artery disease), creation of a successful AVF significantly increased the risk of CHF (OR=9.54, 95% CI: 4.84-18.81, P<.0001). In 47 out of 95 patients who developed CHF, a functioning AVF had previously been created, 92% of which were upper arm native AVF, with a median of 51 days between the surgical procedure and CHF episode. The mortality of patients with CHF was similar to that of the rest of the study patients, although unplanned dialysis initiation was significantly more frequent in those who developed CHF. CONCLUSIONS: Acute decompensated CHF episodes are common in pre-dialysis CKD patients. In addition to classical risk factors, pre-emptive AVF placement was strongly associated with the development of CHF.

Hematocrit, urea and gender: the Hematocrit, Urea and GEnder formula for prognosing progressive renal failure in diabetic nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic nephropathy is a common cause of end stage renal disease. Notwithstanding, wide inter-individual variations in the speed of progression of diabetic nephropathy are frequent. We have used the score of the HUGE formula to predict progression of kidney disease in a group of diabetic nephropathy patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 84 type 2 diabetic patients. At treatment entry, the mean age was 62.1 ± 12.5 years and 59.5% were male. Blood pressure was measured at office at each visit. Serum creatinine, urea, hematocrit and 24h proteinuria were analyzed every 6 months. HUGE score was calculated from gender, urea and hematocrit. RESULTS: Mean HUGE score was 0.99 ± 3.88. Using as cut off point 1.5, those patients who had a score equal or higher (n=31) showed a bigger increase in serum creatinine after one year (41.8 ± 62.1%) than those subjects with score<1.5 (n=53) (18.7 ± 38.6%, p=0.041). 5 patients with low HUGE score reached end stage renal failure (9.4%) and 10 patients in the high HUGE score group (32.3, p=0.008). When logistic regression analysis was performed only a HUGE score higher than 1.5 (p=0.003) and proteinuria higher than 2g/day (p=0.041) were independently associated to CRF progression (creatinine increment>25%). CONCLUSIONS: In diabetic nephropathy patients the HUGE equation may be useful to detect the subjects prone to progressive renal failure. Wider samples will be needed to confirm this finding and, most important, its applicability to other kinds of nephropathy.

¿Qué intervenciones terapéuticas durante el estadio prediálisis de la enfermedad renal crónica se asocian a una mejor supervivencia en diálisis? / During the pre-dialysis stage of chronic kidney disease, which treatment is associated with better survival in dialysis?

Introducción: El cuidado especializado de los pacientes en estadios avanzados de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) se asocia a una mejor supervivencia en diálisis, pero se desconoce qué tratamientos favorecen específicamente esta evolución. Objetivos: Analizar las intervenciones terapéuticas habituales en el estadio de ERC avanzada y establecer cuáles de ellas se asocian a una mejor supervivencia en diálisis y su relación con las causas de muerte. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohortes, prospectivo y de observación, que incluyó a 591 pacientes que iniciaron diálisis (491 hemodiálisis y 100 diálisis peritoneal), que habían sido controlados previamente en la consulta de ERC. Las intervenciones terapéuticas analizadas fueron: tratamientos antihipertensivos, estatinas, antiagregantes plaquetarios, inhibidores de la xantina-oxidasa, corrección de la acidosis metabólica, tratamiento con captores de fósforo (cálcicos o no), vitamina D (calcitriol o paricalcitol), eritropoyetina y disponibilidad de fístula arterio-venosa interna (FAVI). La asociación independiente de cada uno de estos tratamiento con la mortalidad en diálisis fue analizada mediante modelos de regresión de Cox con ajuste a edad, sexo, tiempo de seguimiento prediálisis, función renal al inicio de diálisis, comorbilidad, albumina sérica y proteína C reactiva, y con estratificación al tipo de diálisis. Resultados: Con una mediana de seguimiento de 28 meses, la cifra total de fallecidos fue de 191 (32 %). En los modelos multivariantes se observó que, además de la edad, el índice de comorbilidad y la albúmina sérica, el tratamiento prediálisis con inhibidores de la enzima de conversión y/o antagonistas de los receptores de la angiotensina, la corrección de la acidosis con bicarbonato sódico y la FAVI al inicio de la hemodiálisis se asociaron de forma significativa con una mejor supervivencia en diálisis. No se observaron diferencias en las causas de muerte entre los diferentes tratamientos analizados. Conclusión: Estos resultados sugieren un posible beneficio diferido de algunos tratamientos en estadios prediálisis sobre la evolución en diálisis. Además, el inicio de hemodiálisis sin una FAVI, y por tanto la necesidad de utilización de catéteres endovenosos, empeora el pronóstico de estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction: Specialised care of patients in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with better survival in dialysis, but it is not known which treatments specifically favour this outcome. Objectives: To analyse normal treatment in advanced stages of CKD and establish which treatments are associated with better survival in dialysis as well as their relationship with causes of death. Material and method: Cohort, prospective observational study of 591 patients who started dialysis (491 haemodialysis and 100 peritoneal dialysis), who had previously been monitored in the CKD clinic. The treatments analysed were: antihypertensive treatments, statins, antiplatelet drugs, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, correction of metabolic acidosis, treatment with (calcium or non-calcium) phosphate binders, vitamin D (calcitriol or paricalcitol), erythropoietin and the availability of an internal arteriovenous fistula (IAVF). The independent association of each of these treatments with mortality in dialysis was analysed using Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, pre-dialysis monitoring time, renal function at the start of dialysis, comorbidity, serum albumin and C-reactive protein, and with stratification of the type of dialysis. Results: With a median follow-up period of 28 months, the total number of patients who died was 191 (32%). In the multivariate models, we observed that, in addition to age, the comorbidity index, serum albumin, pre-dialysis treatment with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers, correction of acidosis with sodium bicarbonate and IAVF at the start of haemodialysis were significantly associated with better survival in dialysis. We did not observe differences in causes of death between the different treatments analysed. Conclusion: These results suggest a potential delayed benefit of some treatments in pre-dialysis stages on the outcome of dialysis. Furthermore, beginning dialysis without an IAVF, resulting in the need for intravenous catheters, worsens prognosis in these patients (AU)

Concentraciones más elevadas de fósforo sérico en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada tratados con diuréticos / Increased serum phosphate concentrations in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease treated with diuretics

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las concentraciones séricas de fósforo muestran una gran variabilidad en los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada (ERCA) no en diálisis. El tratamiento con diuréticos puede influir en la severidad de las alteraciones óseo-minerales relacionadas con la ERCA, pero su efecto sobre los niveles de fósforo sérico es menos conocido. OBJETIVOS: Determinar si existe una asociación independiente entre los niveles de fósforo sérico y el tratamiento con diuréticos, e investigar los mecanismos por los que los diuréticos podrían afectar el metabolismo del fósforo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal en el que fueron incluidos 429 pacientes con ERCA. Además de las determinaciones analíticas convencionales, se incluyeron los siguientes parámetros: excreción urinaria de fósforo en 24 horas, reabsorción tubular máxima de fósforo (TmP) y fracción de excreción de fósforo (FEP). RESULTADOS: El 55 % de los pacientes estaba en tratamiento con diuréticos. Con respecto a los no tratados con diuréticos, los que recibieron este tratamiento mostraron una concentración media de fósforo sérico significativamente superior (4,78 ± 1,23 vs. 4,24 ± 1,04 mg/dl; p < 0,0001), así como una mayor TmP (2,77 ± 0,72 vs. 2,43 ± 0,78 mg/dl; p < 0,0001). Por regresión lineal y logística múltiple, las asociaciones entre diuréticos y concentraciones de fósforo sérico o hiperfosfatemia (fósforo sérico > 4,5 mg/dl) mantuvieron las significaciones estadísticas tras ajuste con las principales variables confundentes. En los pacientes con la máxima carga de fósforo ajustada a función renal, aquellos tratados con diuréticos mostraron una FEP significativamente menor que los no tratados con diuréticos. CONCLUSIÓN: El tratamiento con diuréticos en la ERCA se asocia a concentraciones más elevadas de fósforo sérico. Los diuréticos podrían interferir de forma indirecta con la máxima capacidad compensatoria renal de excretar fósforo. El tratamiento con diuréticos debería ser tenido en cuenta en los estudios que relacionan las concentraciones de fósforo sérico y las alteraciones cardiovasculares

BACKGROUND: Serum phosphate concentrations usually show great variability in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) not requiring dialysis. Diuretics can alter mineral metabolism, and according to previous clinical observations, they may increase serum phosphate levels. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to confirm whether diuretics are independently associated with increased serum phosphate concentrations, and to investigate by which mechanisms diuretics may affect phosphate metabolism. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, singlecentre study, 429 Caucasian patients with advanced CKD not on dialysis were included. In addition to conventional serum biochemical measures, the following parameters of renal phosphate excretion were assessed: 24 hours urinary phosphate excretion, tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption (TmP) per GFR, and fractional excretion of phosphate (FEP). RESULTS: Fiftyeight percent of patients were on diuretics. Patients on diuretics showed significantly higher mean serum phosphate concentration (4.78±1.23 vs. 4.24±1.04mg/dl; p<.0001), and higher TmP per GFR (2.77±0.72 vs. 2.43±0.78mg/dl; p<.0001) than those of patients untreated with diuretics. By multivariate linear and logistic regression, significant associations between diuretics and serum phosphate concentrations or hyperphosphatemia remained after adjustment for potential confounding variables. In patients with the highest phosphate load weighted to kidney function, those treated with diuretics showed significantly lower FEP than that of patients untreated with diuretics. CONCLUSIONS: Diuretic treatment is associated with increased serum phosphate concentrations in patients with advanced CKD. Diuretics may indirectly interfere with the maximum renal compensatory capacity to excrete phosphate. Diuretics should be considered potential confounders in the relationship between serum phosphate concentrations and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD

Insuficiencia cardíaca en la enfermedad renal crónica avanzada: relación con el acceso vascular / Congestive heart failure in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: association with pre-emptive vascular access placement

Introducción: La insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva (ICC) es una complicación frecuente en la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Además de los factores de riesgo clásicos, otros relacionados más específicamente con la ERC, como la anemia, la sobrehidratación o los accesos vasculares, también podrían jugar un papel importante. Objetivos: Determinar la incidencia y las características clínicas asociadas al desarrollo de ICC en pacientes con ERC avanzada y analizar la influencia de la creación de accesos vasculares prediálisis sobre esta complicación. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo y de observación en el que se incluyeron 562 pacientes (edad media 65 ± 15 años, 260 mujeres) con un filtrado glomerular medio de 15,1 ± 5,0 ml/min, no en diálisis. La variable de resultado principal fue el desarrollo de al menos un episodio de ICC definida por criterios clínicos y radiológicos convencionales. Además de los datos demográficos y clínicos de interés, se incluyó también como covariable la fístula arteriovenosa (FAV). Resultados: Con una mediana de seguimiento de 461 días, la incidencia de ICC fue de 19 episodios por cada 1000 pacientes/año, presentando esta complicación un 17% del total de los pacientes. Mediante regresión logística multivariable, los mejores determinantes del desarrollo de ICC fueron, además de los factores de riesgo clásicos (mujer, añosa, obesa, diabética, con antecedentes de cardiopatía), la realización con éxito de una FAV (odds ratio: 9,541; intervalo de confianza 95%: 4,841; 18,806; p < 0,0001). Mientras que 4 de los 51 pacientes (8%) con FAV distales desarrollaron ICC, 43 de los 109 pacientes (40%) con FAV proximales desarrollaron esta complicación. No se observaron diferencias en la mortalidad de los pacientes con o sin ICC, aunque el inicio no programado (urgente) de diálisis fue mucho más frecuente entre los que desarrollaron ICC que en el resto (63 vs. 3%, p < 0,0001). Conclusiones: La incidencia de ICC es muy elevada en pacientes con ERC avanzada prediálisis. Además de los factores de riesgo clásicos, la realización de un acceso vascular incrementa significativamente la probabilidad de desarrollo de esta complicación cardiovascular (AU)

Introduction: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition to classical risk factors (e.g. age and pre-existing cardiac diseases), other potential reversible abnormalities linked to CKD such as anaemia, volume overload, or vascular access placement may also influence the incidence and severity of acute exacerbations of CHF. Objective: This study aims to determine the incidence and main determinants of CHF in a cohort of patients with stage 4-5 pre-dialysis CKD. Patients and Method: The study group consisted of 562 patients (mean age: 65±15 years, 260 females, 31% diabetics). Native arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) were created in 160 patients who chose haemodialysis as the initial technique for renal replacement therapy. The main outcome variables were: acute decompensated CHF (defined by standard criteria), dialysis initiation (planned and unplanned), and death before dialysis initiation. In addition to demographics, comorbidities, and clinical and biochemical data, AVF creation was also included as a potential determinant of CHF in multiple logistic regression models. Results: Ninety-five patients (17%) developed at least one episode of acute decompensated CHF, and the incidence rate was 19 episodes per 1000 patient-years. In addition to classical risk factors (age, female sex, obesity, diabetes, and previous history of CHF or coronary artery disease), creation of a successful AVF significantly increased the risk of CHF (OR=9.54, 95% CI: 4.84-18.81, P<.0001). In 47 out of 95 patients who developed CHF, a functioning AVF had previously been created, 92% of which were upper arm native AVF, with a median of 51 days between the surgical procedure and CHF episode. The mortality of patients with CHF was similar to that of the rest of the study patients, although unplanned dialysis initiation was significantly more frequent in those who developed CHF. Conclusions: Acute decompensated CHF episodes are common in pre-dialysis CKD patients. In addition to classical risk factors, pre-emptive AVF placement was strongly associated with the development of CHF (AU)