The results of SGLT-2 inhibitors use in kidney transplantation: 1-year experiences from two centers.

PURPOSE: Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i) administration is associated with some concerns in regard to the increased risk of genital and urinary tract infections (UTI) in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). In this study, we present the results of SGLT-2i use in KTR, including the early post-transplant period. METHODS: Participants were divided into two groups: SGLT-2i-free diabetic KTR (Group 1, n = 21) and diabetic KTR using SGLT-2i (Group 2, n = 36). Group 2 was further divided into two subgroups according to the posttransplant prescription day of SGLT-2i; < 3 months (Group 2a) and ≥ 3 months (Group 2b). Groups were compared for development of genital and urinary tract infections, glycated hemoglobin a1c (HgbA1c), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria, weight change, and acute rejection rate during 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Urinary tract infections prevalence was 21.1% and UTI-related hospitalization rate was 10.5% in our cohort. Prevalence of UTI and UTI-related hospitalization, eGFR, HgbA1c levels, and weight gain were similar between the SGLT-2i group and SGLT-2i-free group, at the 12-month follow-up. UTI prevalence was similar between groups 2a and 2b (p = 0.871). No case of genital infection was recorded. Significant proteinuria reduction was observed in Group 2 (p = 0.008). Acute rejection rate was higher in the SGLT-2i-free group (p = 0.040) and had an impact on 12-month follow-up eGFR (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: SGLT-2i in KTR is not associated with an increased risk of genital infection and UTI in diabetic KTR, even in the early posttransplant period. The use of SGLT-2i reduces proteinuria in KTR and has no adverse effects on allograft function at the 12-month follow-up.

Post-COVID-19 outcomes of non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease patients: a national, multicenter, controlled study.

PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a higher mortality in the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there has not been much research in the literature concerning the outcomes of CKD patients in the post-COVID-19 period. We aimed to investigate the outcomes of CKD patients not receiving renal replacement therapy. METHODS: In this multicenter observational study, we included CKD patients with a GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 who survived after confirmed COVID-19. Patients with CKD whose kidney disease was due to diabetic nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease and glomerulonephritis were not included in this study. CKD patients with similar characteristics, who did not have COVID-19 were included as the control group. RESULTS: There were 173 patients in the COVID-19 group and 207 patients in the control group. Most patients (72.8%) were treated as inpatient in the COVID-19 group (intensive care unit hospitalization: 16.7%, acute kidney injury: 54.8%, needing dialysis: 7.9%). While there was no significant difference between the baseline creatinine values of the COVID-19 group and the control group (1.86 and 1.9, p = 0.978, respectively), on the 1st month, creatinine values were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group (2.09 and 1.8, respectively, p = 0.028). Respiratory system symptoms were more common in COVID-19 patients compared to the control group in the 1st month and 3rd month follow-ups (p < 0.001). Mortality at 3 months after the diagnosis of COVID-19 was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group than in the control group (respectively; 5.2% and 1.4%, p:0.037). Similarly, the rate of patients requiring dialysis for COVID-19 was significantly higher than the control group (respectively; 8.1% and 3.4%, p: 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: In CKD patients, COVID-19 was associated with increased mortality, as well as more deterioration in kidney function and higher need for dialysis in the post-COVID-19 period. These patients also had higher rate of ongoing respiratory symptoms after COVID-19.

Comparison of Lower and Upper Limb Remote Ischemic Preconditioning to Prevent Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A Randomized Pilot Study with a Control Group / Comparación del preacondicionamiento isquémico remoto de la extremidad inferior y superior para evitar la nefropatía inducida por el contraste: Un estudio piloto aleatorizado con un grupo de control

ABSTRACT Background: The role of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) in preventing the development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and whether there is a difference between the results of applications of RIPC to the upper or lower extremities has not been adequately demonstrated. Methods: We included the patients who underwent coronary angiography due to stable angina pectoris in this single center, randomized, pilot study. We randomly enrolled a total of 168 patients in one of three groups (60 patients in the upper limb RIPC group, 58 patients in the lower limb RIPC group, and 50 patients in the control group). Results: According to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN), CIN did not develop in any RIPC patients and developed in 6% of controls (OR: 3.511, 95% CI: 2.757-4.471, p=0.025). According to the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines, CIN developed in 1.7% of RIPC patients and 8% of controls (p=0.065). It was found that creatinine levels increased in the control group and decreased in the RIPC groups (baseline: 0.81±0.19mg/dL and 0.86±0.25mg/dL and control: 0.76±0.17mg/dL and 0.91±0.36mg/ dL, p <0.001). When the upper and lower limb RIPC results were compared, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of CIN. In multivariate analyses we found out that baseline eGFR, baseline mean blood pressure, contrast agent volume, and RIPC were independently associated with the development of CIN. Conclusions: RIPC is a practically useful method in preventing CIN in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Upper or lower-limb RIPC applications seem to have a similar effect.

RESUMEN No se ha demostrado adecuadamente el papel del preacondicionamiento isquémico remoto (RIPC) en la prevención del desarrollo de nefropatía inducida por contraste (NIC) y si existe una diferencia entre los resultados de las aplicaciones de RIPC en las extremidades superiores o inferiores. Se incluyó a los pacientes sometidos a coronariografía por angina de pecho estable en este estudio piloto, aleatorizado, unicéntrico. Inscribimos al azar a un total de 168 pacientes en uno de los tres grupos (60 pacientes en el grupo de RIPC de miembros superiores, 58 pacientes en el grupo de RIPC de miembros inferiores, 50 pacientes en el grupo de control). De acuerdo con la Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN), NIC no se desarrolló en ningún paciente con RIPC y se desarrolló en el 6% de los controles (OR: 3,511, IC del 95%: 2,757-4,471, p = 0,025). Según las directrices de la Sociedad Europea de Radiología Urogenital (ESUR), la NIC se desarrolló en el 1,7% de los pacientes con RIPC y en el 8% de los controles (p = 0,065). Se encontró que los niveles de creatinina aumentaron en el grupo de control y disminuyeron en los grupos de RIPC (línea de base: 0,81 ± 0,19 mg / dL y 0,86 ± 0,25 mg / dL y control: 0,76 ± 0,17 mg / dL y 0,91 ± 0,36 mg / dL, p <0,001). Cuando se compararon los resultados de RIPC de miembros superiores e inferiores, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la incidencia de NIC. En análisis multivariado descubrimos que la TFGe basal, la presión arterial media basal, el volumen del agente de contraste y la RIPC se asociaron de forma independiente con el desarrollo de NIC. La RIPC es un método prácticamente útil en la prevención de NIC en pacientes sometidos a coronariografía. Las aplicaciones de RIPC de miembros superiores o inferiores parecen tener un efecto similar.

The Longitudinal Evolution of Post-COVID-19 Outcomes Among Hemodialysis Patients in Turkey.

Introduction: Hemodialysis (HD) patients have increased risk for short-term adverse outcomes of COVID-19. However, complications and survival at the post-COVID-19 period have not been published extensively. Methods: We conducted a national, multicenter observational study that included adult maintenance HD patients recovered from confirmed COVID-19. A control HD group without COVID-19 was selected from patients in the same center. We investigated the characteristics and outcomes in the follow-up of HD patients and compare them with the non-COVID-19 group. Results: A total of 1223 patients (635 patients in COVID-19 group, 588 patients in non-COVID-19 group) from 47 centers were included in the study. The patients' baseline and HD characteristics were almost similar. The 28th-day mortality and mortality between 28th day and 90th day were higher in the COVID-19 group than non-COVID-19 group (19 [3.0%] patients vs. none [0%]; 15 [2.4%] patients vs. 4 [0.7%] patients, respectively). The presence of respiratory symptoms, rehospitalization, need for home oxygen therapy, lower respiratory tract infection, and arteriovenous (AV) fistula thrombosis was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group in both the first 28 days and between 28 and 90 days. In the multivariable analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 1.029 [1.004-1.056]), group (COVID-19 group vs. non-COVID-19 group) (OR [95% CI]: 7.258 [2.538-20.751]), and vascular access type (tunneled catheter/AV fistula) (OR [95% CI]: 2.512 [1.249-5.051]) were found as independent parameters related to 90-day mortality. Conclusion: In the post-COVID-19 period, maintenance HD patients who have had COVID-19 have increased rehospitalization, respiratory problems, vascular access problems, and high mortality compared with the non-COVID-19 HD patients.

Characteristics and outcomes of hospitalised older patients with chronic kidney disease and COVID-19: A multicenter nationwide controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Older adults with co-morbidities have been reported to be at higher risk for adverse outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The characteristics of COVID-19 in older patients and its clinical outcomes in different kidney disease groups are not well known. METHODS: Data were retrieved from a national multicentric database supported by Turkish Society of Nephrology, which consists of retrospectively collected data between 17 April 2020 and 31 December 2020. Hospitalised patients aged 18 years or older with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis suffering from stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) or on maintenance haemodialysis (HD) treatment were included in the database. Non-uraemic hospitalised patients with COVID-19 were also included as the control group. RESULTS: We included 879 patients [388 (44.1%) female, median age: 63 (IQR: 50-73) years]. The percentage of older patients in the CKD group was 68.8% (n = 188/273), in the HD group was 49.0% (n = 150/306) and in the control group was 30.4% (n = 70/300). Co-morbidities were higher in the CKD and HD groups. The rate of presentation with severe-critical disease was higher in the older CKD and HD groups (43.6%, 55.3% and 16.1%, respectively). Among older patients, the intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate was significantly higher in the CKD and HD groups than in the control group (38.8%, 37.3% and 15.7%, respectively). In-hospital mortality or death and/or ICU admission rates in the older group were significantly higher in the CKD (29.3% and 39.4%) and HD groups (26.7% and 30.1%) compared with the control group (8.6% and 17.1%). In the multivariate analysis, in-hospital mortality rates in CKD and HD groups were higher than control group [hazard ratio (HR): 4.33 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53-12.26) and HR: 3.09 (95% CI: 1.04-9.17), respectively]. CONCLUSION: Among older COVID-19 patients, in-hospital mortality is significantly higher in those with stage 3-5 CKD and on maintenance HD than older patients without CKD regardless of demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, clinical and laboratory data on admission.

Impact of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury on Covid-19 outcomes in patients with and without chronic kidney disease: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

Background/aim: Hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (HA-AKI) may commonly develop in Covid-19 patients and is expected to have higher mortality. There is little comparative data investigating the effect of HA-AKI on mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and a control group of general population suffering from Covid-19. Materials and methods: HA-AKI development was assessed in a group of stage 3­5 CKD patients and control group without CKD among adult patients hospitalized for Covid-19. The role of AKI development on the outcome (in-hospital mortality and admission to the intensive care unit [ICU]) of patients with and without CKD was compared. Results: Among 621 hospitalized patients (age 60 [IQR: 47­73]), women: 44.1%), AKI developed in 32.5% of the patients, as stage 1 in 84.2%, stage 2 in 8.4%, and stage 3 in 7.4%. AKI developed in 48.0 % of CKD patients, whereas it developed in 17.6% of patients without CKD. CKD patients with HA-AKI had the highest mortality rate of 41.1% compared to 14.3% of patients with HA-AKI but no CKD (p < 0.001). However, patients with AKI+non-CKD had similar rates of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death rate to patients with CKD without AKI. Adjusted mortality risks of the AKI+non-CKD group (HR: 9.0, 95% CI: 1.9­44.2) and AKI+CKD group (HR: 7.9, 95% CI: 1.9­33.3) were significantly higher than that of the non-AKI+non-CKD group. Conclusion: AKI frequently develops in hospitalized patients due to Covid-19 and is associated with high mortality. HA-AKI has worse outcomes whether it develops in patients with or without CKD, but the worst outcome was seen in AKI+CKD patients.

Determinants of mortality in a large group of hemodialysis patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients are at increased risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to describe clinical, laboratory, and radiologic characteristics and determinants of mortality in a large group of MHD patients hospitalized for COVID-19. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective, observational study collected data from 47 nephrology clinics in Turkey. Baseline clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics, and COVID-19 treatments during hospitalization, need for intensive care and mechanical ventilation were recorded. The main study outcome was in-hospital mortality and the determinants were analyzed by Cox regression survival analysis. RESULTS: Of 567 MHD patients, 93 (16.3%) patients died, 134 (23.6%) patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and 91 of the ones in ICU (67.9%) needed mechanical ventilation. Patients who died were older (median age, 66 [57-74] vs. 63 [52-71] years, p = 0.019), had more congestive heart failure (34.9% versus 20.7%, p = 0.004) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (23.6% versus 12.7%, p = 0.008) compared to the discharged patients. Most patients (89.6%) had radiological manifestations compatible with COVID-19 pulmonary involvement. Median platelet (166 × 103 per mm3 versus 192 × 103 per mm3, p = 0.011) and lymphocyte (800 per mm3 versus 1000 per mm3, p < 0.001) counts and albumin levels (median, 3.2 g/dl versus 3.5 g/dl, p = 0.001) on admission were lower in patients who died. Age (HR: 1.022 [95% CI, 1.003-1.041], p = 0.025), severe-critical disease clinical presentation at the time of diagnosis (HR: 6.223 [95% CI, 2.168-17.863], p < 0.001), presence of congestive heart failure (HR: 2.247 [95% CI, 1.228-4.111], p = 0.009), ferritin levels on admission (HR; 1.057 [95% CI, 1.006-1.111], p = 0.028), elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (HR; 3.909 [95% CI, 2.143-7.132], p < 0.001) and low platelet count (< 150 × 103 per mm3) during hospitalization (HR; 1.864 [95% CI, 1.025-3.390], p = 0.041) were risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized MHD patients with COVID-19 had a high mortality rate. Older age, presence of heart failure, clinical severity of the disease at presentation, ferritin level on admission, decrease in platelet count and increase in AST level during hospitalization may be used to predict the mortality risk of these patients.