Prevalence and prognostic relevance of electrocardiographic abnormalities among patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.

OBJECTIVES: Current guidelines provide limited evidence for cardiovascular screening in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities and associations between no, minor or major ECG abnormalities with cardiovascular mortality in AAV patients compared with matched controls. METHOD: Using a risk-set matched cohort design, patients diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis with digital ECGs were identified from Danish registers from 2000-2021. Patients were matched 1:3 to controls without AAV on age, sex, and year of ECG measurement. Associated hazards of cardiovascular mortality according to ECG abnormalities were assessed in Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities, with subsequent computation of 5-year risk of cardiovascular mortality standardized to the age- and sex-distribution of the sample. RESULTS: A total of 1431 AAV patients were included (median age: 69 years, 52.3% male). Median follow-up was 4.8 years. AAV was associated with higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (17.5% vs 12.5%), ST-T deviations (10.1% vs 7.1%), atrial fibrillation (9.6% vs 7.5%), and QTc prolongation (5.9% vs 3.6%). Only AAV patients with major ECG abnormalities demonstrated significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality [HR 1.99 (1.49-2.65)] compared with controls. This corresponded to a 5-year risk of cardiovascular mortality of 19.14% (16-22%) vs 9.41% (8-11%). CONCLUSION: Patients with AAV demonstrated a higher prevalence of major ECG abnormalities than controls. Notably, major ECG abnormalities were associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. These results advocate for the inclusion of ECG assessment into routine clinical care for AAV patients.

Coronary angiography in patients with kidney dysfunction and myocardial injury: A retrospective cohort study on management of myocardial injury in hospitalized patients with kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Although kidney insufficiency has been shown to be associated with increased risk of myocardial injury, benefit of coronary angiography (CAG) and revascularization remains uncertain, with implications on management strategies and outcomes. We aimed to compare rates of CAG and revascularization and subsequent risk of cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in hospitalized patients with myocardial injury and kidney dysfunction. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study encompassing hospitalized patients with myocardial injury i.e. elevated troponin I or T and an eGFR ≤60 ml/min/1.73 m2 identified between 2011 and 2021 in Danish national registers. 30-day odds for CAG were computed across granular eGFR-categories based on multiple logistic regression. Standardized one-year risks of cardiovascular and kidney outcomes including mortality were determined based on hazards obtained in multiple Cox regression. RESULTS: A total of 52,798 patients with myocardial injury were identified. CAG was performed in 14.3 % (n = 7549). 30-day odds ratios for CAG were 0.64 [0.60-0.68], 0.38 [0.34-0.42], 0.18 [0.14-0.22], and 0.35 [0.30-0.40] in patients with eGFR 31-45 ml/min/1.73 m2, eGFR 15-30 ml/min/1.73 m2 for eGFR<15 ml/min/1.73 m2 and chronic dialysis, respectively (eGFR 46-60 ml/min/1.73 m2 as reference). Median follow-up was 4.1 years. One-year mortality risk differences associated with CAG and revascularization (no CAG as reference) were -7.8 [-7.0; -8.7] and -9.1 [-8.4; -9.9] for eGFR 46-60 ml/min/1.73 m2; -7.0 [-5.7;-8-3] and -8.0 [-6.6; -9.5] for eGFR 31-45 ml/min/1.73 m2; -5.4 [-3.0; -7.2] and -5.2 [-2.2; -8.3] for eGFR 15-30 ml/min/1.73 m2; -8.8 [-3.1; -13.7] and -5.4 [3.1; -13.4] for eGFR<15 ml/min/1.73 m2; and -4.9 [-0.1; -9.7] and -4.2 [1.5; -9.2] for chronic dialysis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Probability of CAG following myocardial injury declined with progressive kidney dysfunction. Overall, CAG was associated with lower mortality irrespective of kidney function and subsequent revascularization.

Age- and time-dependent increases in incident anti-glomerular basement membrane disease: a nationwide cohort study.

Background: Epidemiologic assessments of anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease have been challenging due to its rare occurrence. We examined changes in the incidence and outcomes from 1998 to 2018 using nationwide healthcare registries. Methods: All patients with incident anti-GBM disease were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code DM31.0A. Controls were matched 4:1 on birthyear and sex using exposure density sampling. Log link regression adjusted for time, age and sex was applied to model survival. Results: We identified 97 patients with incident anti-GBM disease, corresponding to an incidence of 0.91 cases/million/year [standard deviation (SD) 0.6]. The incidence increased over time [1998-2004: 0.50 (SD 0.2), 2005-2011: 0.80 (SD 0.4), 2012-2018: 1.4 (SD 0.5); P = .02] and with age [0.76 (SD 0.4), 1.5 (SD 1.04) and 4.9 (SD 2.6) for patients <45, 45-75 and >75 years]. The median age was 56 years (interquartile range 46) and 51.6% were female. Dialysis was required in 58.4%, 61.9% and 62.9% of patients at day 30, 180 and 360, respectively. The 1-year kidney survival probability was 0.38 (SD 0.05) and exhibited time-dependent changes [1998-2004: 0.47 (SD 0.13), 2005-2011: 0.16 (SD 0.07), 2012-2018: 0.46 (SD 0.07); P = .035]. The 5-year mortality was 26.8% and mortality remained stable over time (P = .228). The risk of death was greater than that of the matched background population {absolute risk ratio [ARR] 5.27 [confidence interval (CI) 2.45-11.3], P < .001}, however, it was comparable to that of patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) requiring renal dialysis at presentation [ARR 0.82 (CI 0.48-1.41), P = .50]. Conclusion: The incidence of anti-GBM disease increased over time, possibly related to temporal demographic changes. Mortality remained high and was comparable with an age- and sex-matched cohort of dialysis-dependent AAV patients.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease preceding diagnosis of incident ANCA-associated vasculitis: a Danish nationwide study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine if patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the months prior to diagnosis of AAV. METHODS: Using a nested case-control framework, patients with Granulomatosis with polyangiitis and Microscopic polyangiitis were identified through Danish Nationwide Registries from 1996-2021 and matched 1:3 with age- and sex-matched controls without AAV. Each control was assigned the same index date (date of AAV-diagnosis) as their corresponding case. Conditional logistic regression was used to compute adjusted Hazard Ratios (HRs) for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), ischemic heart disease, coronary angiogram, heart failure, venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke, pericarditis, and ventricular arrhythmias/ICD-implantation/cardiac arrest (VA/ICD/CA) within 12 months, 6 months, 3 months, 2 months and 1 month before index date. RESULTS: A total of 2371 patients with AAV (median age: 63yrs, 53.7% male) were matched with 7113 controls. The prevalence of any cardiovascular outcome and MACE within 12 months preceding index date were 10.3% and 2.4% for AAV, compared to 3.8% (HR 3.05[2.48-3.75]) and 1.3% (HR 1.98[1.39-2.82]) of controls. The risk of cardiovascular outcomes was similarly increased in temporal proximity to the diagnosis, with the highest HR at 1 month prior to index date: Any cardiovascular outcome (HR 10.73[7.05-16.32]) and MACE (HR 5.78[2.67-12.52]). In individual analysis, a significantly higher rate was observed for all outcomes (excluding VA/ICD/CA). CONCLUSIONS: AAV disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the months preceding diagnosis, which underlines the importance of early clinical vigilance toward cardiovascular disease.

Long-term cardiovascular outcomes and temporal trends in patients diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis: a Danish nationwide registry study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine long-term cardiovascular outcomes and temporal trends among patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) using Danish nationwide registries. METHODS: Using a cohort design, we examined patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (ICD-10: DM31.3) and microscopic polyangiitis (ICD-10: DM3.17) in Denmark from 1996-2018. Hazard ratios (HRs) of cardiovascular outcomes were compared between patients with AAV and age and gender-matched controls. Counterfactual G-estimation of HRs was performed to estimate 5-year absolute risks. Temporal trends were obtained by grouping cohorts into evenly distributed tertiles according to inclusion year. RESULTS: A total of 2306 patients with AAV (median age: 62.9yrs, 52.6% male) were matched with 6918 controls. Median follow-up was 9.5yrs. Patients with AAV had a higher rate of ischaemic heart disease [HR 1.86 (1.62-2.15)], myocardial infarction [HR 1.62 (1.26-2.09)], coronary angiogram [HR 1.64 (1.37-1.96)], percutaneous coronary intervention [HR 1.56 (1.17-2.07)] and ventricular arrhythmias/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)-implantations [HR 2.04 (1.16-3.57)]. Similarly, an increased rate of heart failure [HR 2.12 (1.77-2.54)], deep vein thrombosis [HR 3.13 (2.43-4.05)], pulmonary embolism [HR 4.04 (3.07-5.32)], atrial fibrillation [HR 2.08 (1.82-2.39)], ischaemic stroke [HR 1.58 (1.31-1.90)] and in-hospital cardiac arrest [HR 2.27 (1.49-3.48)] was observed. The 5-year risk of all outcomes were significantly higher (excluding ventricular arrhythmia/ICD-implantations). For temporal trends among patients with AAV, a decreased 3-year risk of cardiovascular mortality was observed over time. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AAV are at increased risk of heart failure, atrial-/ventricular arrhythmias, venous thrombotic events, ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Furthermore, patients with AAV were more frequently examined with coronary procedures and underwent more coronary revascularizations. No temporal changes in ischaemic cardiovascular outcomes were observed, albeit the cardiovascular mortality has decreased over time.

Azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome.

In this case report, a 57-year-old male presented with circulatory collapse, systemic inflammation and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis a week after initiation of azathioprine treatment (AZA). He was presumed to have sepsis, AZA was paused, and he was treated with antibiotics. Re-initiation of AZA post recovery caused a relapse of symptoms and anuric renal failure within three hours. He was diagnosed with the rare and potentially fatal azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS), a type-IV hypersensitivity reaction. A skin biopsy can support diagnosis, and upon suspicion of AHS, AZA should be stopped, and re-exposure avoided.

Acute kidney injury and risk of cardiovascular outcomes: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been associated with cardiovascular disease, but this is sparsely studied in non-selected populations and with little attention to the effect in age and renal function. Using nationwide administrative data, we investigated the hypothesis of increased one-year risk of cardiovascular event or death associated with AKI. METHODS: In a cohort study, we identified all admissions in Denmark between 2008 and 2018. AKI was defined as ≥1.5 times increase from baseline to peak creatinine during admission, or dialysis. We excluded patients with age <50 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <15ml/min/1.73m2, renal transplantation, index-admission due to cardiovascular disease or death during index-admission. The primary outcome was cardiovascular risk within one year from discharge, which was a composite of the secondary outcomes ischemic heart disease, heart failure or stroke. To estimate risks, we applied multiple logistic regression fitted by inverse probability of censoring weighting and stratified estimations by eGFR and age. We adjusted for proteinuria in the subcohort with measurements available. RESULTS: Among 565,056 hospital admissions, 39,569 (7.0%) cases of AKI were present. In total, 18,642 patients sustained a cardiovascular outcome. AKI was significantly associated with cardiovascular outcome with an adjusted OR [CI] of 1.33 [1.16-1.53], 1.43 [1.33-1.54], 1.23 [1.14-1.34], 1.38 [1.18-1.62] for eGFR ≥90, 60-89, 30-59 and 15-29ml/min/1.73m2, respectively. When omitting the outcome heart failure, these results were 1.24 [1.06-1.45], 1.22 [1.11-1.33], 1.05 [0.95-1.16], 1.25 [1.02-1.54]. Results did not change substantially in strata of age groups, in AKI stages and in the subcohort adjusted for proteinuria. CONCLUSION: Non-selected patients aged 50 years or above with AKI during admission had significantly higher one-year risk of cardiovascular event or death, especially, but not only due to heart failure, independent of age and eGFR.

The Sound of Interconnectivity; The European Vasculitis Society 2022 Report.

The first European Vasculitis Society (EUVAS) meeting report was published in 2017. Herein, we report on developments in the past 5 years which were greatly influenced by the pandemic. The adaptability to engage virtually, at this critical time in society, embodies the importance of networks and underscores the role of global collaborations. We outline state-of-the-art webinar topics, updates on developments in the last 5 years, and proposals for agendas going forward. A host of newly reported clinical trials is shaping practice on steroid minimization, maintenance strategies, and the role of newer therapies. To guide longer-term strategies, a longitudinal 10-year study investigating relapse, comorbidity, malignancy, and survival rates is at an advanced stage. Disease assessment studies are refining classification criteria to differentiate forms of vasculitis more fully. A large international validation study on the histologic classification of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) glomerulonephritis, recruiting new multicenter sites and comparing results with the Kidney Risk Score, has been conducted. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) genomics offers potential pathogenic subset and therapeutic insights. Among biomarkers, ANCA testing is favoring immunoassay as the preferred method for diagnostic evaluation. Consolidated development of European registries is progressing with an integrated framework to analyze large clinical data sets on an unprecedented scale.

Acute kidney injury and risk of cardiovascular outcomes: A nationwide cohort study / Lesión renal aguda y riesgo de resultados cardiovasculares: Un estudio de cohorte a nivel nacional

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been associated with cardiovascular disease, but this is sparsely studied in non-selected populations and with little attention to the effect in age and renal function. Using nationwide administrative data, we investigated the hypothesis of increased one-year risk of cardiovascular event or death associated with AKI.MethodsIn a cohort study, we identified all admissions in Denmark between 2008 and 2018. AKI was defined as ≥1.5 times increase from baseline to peak creatinine during admission, or dialysis. We excluded patients with age <50 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <15ml/min/1.73m2, renal transplantation, index-admission due to cardiovascular disease or death during index-admission. The primary outcome was cardiovascular risk within one year from discharge, which was a composite of the secondary outcomes ischemic heart disease, heart failure or stroke. To estimate risks, we applied multiple logistic regression fitted by inverse probability of censoring weighting and stratified estimations by eGFR and age. We adjusted for proteinuria in the subcohort with measurements available.ResultsAmong 565,056 hospital admissions, 39,569 (7.0%) cases of AKI were present. In total, 18,642 patients sustained a cardiovascular outcome. AKI was significantly associated with cardiovascular outcome with an adjusted OR [CI] of 1.33 [1.16–1.53], 1.43 [1.33–1.54], 1.23 [1.14–1.34], 1.38 [1.18–1.62] for eGFR ≥90, 60–89, 30–59 and 15–29ml/min/1.73m2, respectively. When omitting the outcome heart failure, these results were 1.24 [1.06–1.45], 1.22 [1.11–1.33], 1.05 [0.95–1.16], 1.25 [1.02–1.54]. Results did not change substantially in strata of age groups, in AKI stages and in the subcohort adjusted for proteinuria. ... (AU)

Antecedentes: La lesión renal aguda (LRA) se ha asociado a la enfermedad cardiovascular, pero se ha estudiado poco en poblaciones no seleccionadas y se ha prestado escasa atención al efecto en la edad y la función renal. Utilizando datos administrativos a escala nacional, se investigó la hipótesis de un mayor riesgo de acontecimiento cardiovascular o muerte al cabo de un año asociado a la LRA.Métodos: En un estudio de cohortes se identificaron todos los ingresos que tuvieron lugar en Dinamarca entre 2008 y 2018. La LRA se definió como un aumento mayor o igual a 1,5 veces desde los valores iniciales hasta el pico de creatinina durante el ingreso o la diálisis. Se excluyeron a los pacientes con una edad inferior a 50 años, una tasa de filtración glomerular estimada (TFGe) inferior a 15ml/min/1,73m2, un trasplante renal, un ingreso inicial por enfermedad cardiovascular o la muerte durante el ingreso. El resultado primario fue riesgo cardiovascular en el plazo de un año desde el alta, entendido como una combinación de los criterios de valoración secundarios de cardiopatía isquémica, insuficiencia cardíaca o accidente cerebrovascular. Para estimar los riesgos, se aplicó una regresión logística múltiple ajustada por la ponderación de la probabilidad inversa de censura y las estimaciones estratificadas por la TFGe y la edad. Se ajustó por proteinuria en la subcohorte para la que se disponía de mediciones.ResultadosDe entre 565.056 ingresos hospitalarios, en 39.569 (7,0%) de los casos había LRA presente. En total, 18.642 pacientes mantuvieron un desenlace cardiovascular. La LRA estuvo asociada de forma significativa con los criterios de valoración cardiovasculares, con una tasa global (índice de confianza) de 1,33 (1,16-1,53); 1,43 (1,33-1,54); 1,23 (1,14-1,34); 1,38 (1,18-1,62) para una TFGe≥90, 60-89, 30-59 y 15-29ml/min/1,73m2, respectivamente. ...(AU)

Acute kidney injury and risk of cardiovascular outcomes: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been associated with cardiovascular disease, but this is sparsely studied in non-selected populations and with little attention to the effect in age and renal function. Using nationwide administrative data, we investigated the hypothesis of increased one-year risk of cardiovascular event or death associated with AKI. METHODS: In a cohort study, we identified all admissions in Denmark between 2008 and 2018. AKI was defined as ≥1.5 times increase from baseline to peak creatinine during admission, or dialysis. We excluded patients with age <50 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <15ml/min/1.73m2, renal transplantation, index-admission due to cardiovascular disease or death during index-admission. The primary outcome was cardiovascular risk within one year from discharge, which was a composite of the secondary outcomes ischemic heart disease, heart failure or stroke. To estimate risks, we applied multiple logistic regression fitted by inverse probability of censoring weighting and stratified estimations by eGFR and age. We adjusted for proteinuria in the subcohort with measurements available. RESULTS: Among 565,056 hospital admissions, 39,569 (7.0%) cases of AKI were present. In total, 18,642 patients sustained a cardiovascular outcome. AKI was significantly associated with cardiovascular outcome with an adjusted OR [CI] of 1.33 [1.16-1.53], 1.43 [1.33-1.54], 1.23 [1.14-1.34], 1.38 [1.18-1.62] for eGFR ≥90, 60-89, 30-59 and 15-29ml/min/1.73m2, respectively. When omitting the outcome heart failure, these results were 1.24 [1.06-1.45], 1.22 [1.11-1.33], 1.05 [0.95-1.16], 1.25 [1.02-1.54]. Results did not change substantially in strata of age groups, in AKI stages and in the subcohort adjusted for proteinuria. CONCLUSION: Non-selected patients aged 50 years or above with AKI during admission had significantly higher one-year risk of cardiovascular event or death, especially, but not only due to heart failure, independent of age and eGFR.

Uncommon Presentation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Mimicking Metastatic Lung Cancer.

Diagnosis of anomalous intrathoracic lesions may be challenging and require a multidisciplinary approach. We present a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) clinically and radiologically mimicking metastatic lung cancer with a bilateral pulmonary mass, mediastinal and cervical lymph node involvement, and pleural effusion. Surgical biopsy of the thoracic lesion revealed necrotic granulomatous inflammation, and the final diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by kidney biopsy and biochemical parameters. This case illustrates how comprehensive diagnosis secures timely and relevant treatment. Systemic vasculitis may be one of the key differential diagnoses in patients with multiorgan involvement, especially with pattern-mimicking lung cancer.

Is metformin associated with acute kidney injury? A case-control study of patients with type 2 diabetes admitted with acute infection.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the long-term renoprotective effects of Metformin, a recent study on data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported a possible nephrotoxic effect, contributing to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). We investigated the association between metformin and AKI in patients admitted with the AKI-prone condition of acute infection and compared results with corresponding results of other antidiabetics. METHODS: In a nationwide register-based case-control study, we identified Danish patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized with acute infection between 2008 and 2018. Cases of AKI had an increase in plasma creatinine ≥ × 1.5 during admission, controls did not. Antidiabetics were identified up to 6 months before admission. Odds ratio (OR) of each antidiabetic was computed in separate multiple logistic regression models adjusted for relevant medication and comorbidities and results compared. RESULTS: We included 46,811 patients, hereof 9454 AKIs (20%) and 2186 (4.7%) severe AKIs. Overall, 56% were males, median age (IQR) was 73 (65-81). Sixty percent received metformin, 13% sulfonylurea, 31% insulin and 8% dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i), with equal distribution between cases and controls. Metformin was associated with increased OR (CI) for AKI, 1.07 (1.02-1.12), equally to sulfonylurea, 1.10 (1.03-1.18) and DPP-4i, 1.11 (1.02-1.20), but not insulin, 0.99 (0.93-1.05). In severe AKI, results for metformin were 1.27 (1.25-1.40) but increased equivalently to other antidiabetics. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized with acute infection, metformin was not independently associated with AKI, since other antidiabetics were also significantly associated, indicating confounding by indication.

Increasing incidence and improved survival in ANCA-associated vasculitis-a Danish nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality, with outcomes modified by treatment and an incidence that may be increasing. We examined temporal changes in incidence and mortality during 2000-15 using nationwide healthcare registries. METHODS: Patients with incident AAV were identified using International Classification of Diseases Version 10 (ICD10) codes and grouped according to inclusion year (Period 1: 2000-04, Period 2: 2005-09, Period 3: 2010-15). Log link cumulative incidence regression adjusted for age, sex, renal function, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and advanced disease severity were used to model survival. RESULTS: We identified 1631 patients (52% male), corresponding to an incidence of 18.5 persons/million/year (Period 1: 15.1, Period 2: 18.5, Period 3: 21.4). The slope of incident serologic ANCA testing was steeper than that of AAV (P = 0.002). Mean [standard deviation (SD)] age was 60.2 (16.7) years and mean (SD) follow-up was 6.8 (4.7) years. A total of 571 (35%) patients died (5-year mortality of 22.1%), with an absolute risk ratio (ARR) for Periods 2 and 3 compared with Period 1 of 0.80 [confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.98, P = 0.031] and 0.39 (CI 0.31-0.50, P < 0.001). About 274 patients developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) [16.8% (Period 1: 23.3%, Period 2: 17.6%, Period 3: 12.5%)], with ARR decreasing over time: Period 2 0.61 (CI 0.42-0.87, P = 0.007) and Period 3 0.57 (CI 0.39-0.83, P = 0.003). The overall risk of death associated with ESRD or chronic kidney disease was 1.74 (CI 1.29-2.37, P < 0.001) and 1.58 (CI 1.21-2.07, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of ANCA testing and AAV diagnosis increased over the test period. Falls over time in mortality and ESRD risk may relate to earlier diagnosis and changes in treatment practice.

Creatinine increase following initiation of antihypertensives is associated with cardiovascular risk: a nationwide cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Abrupt decline in renal function following initiation of renin-angiotensin system inhibitor is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but studies of other antihypertensive drugs are sparse. We investigated the risk of cardiovascular event associated with increased plasma creatinine after initiating first-line antihypertensive treatment. METHODS: In a nationwide cohort study, we identified adult Danish primary care patients initiating either renin-angiotensin system inhibitor, calcium channel blocker or thiazide, between 2008 and mid-2018. Patients with prior end-stage renal disease, renal transplantation, or cardiovascular disease were excluded. Percentual plasma creatinine increase was calculated between the nearest creatinine measurement up to 1 year before redeeming the prescription (baseline), and the nearest measurement 90 days or less after (index). Multiple logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were applied to estimate the 6-month absolute risk of cardiovascular event (ischemic heart disease, heart failure or stroke) associated with this creatinine increase. RESULTS: We included 20 789 patients. Within the first 6 months of follow-up, 283 (1.4%) cardiovascular events and 93 (0.4%) all-cause deaths were registered. With a creatinine increase of 0 and 30%, 6-month absolute risk [CI] of cardiovascular event was 1.4% [1.1-1.9] and 3.5% [2.4-5.2], respectively (in men aged 50-79 years with estimated glomerular filtration rate at least 60 ml/min per 1.73 m and no diabetes). Higher age and reduced renal function, but not the type of antihypertensive treatment, were associated with higher cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSION: In primary care, patients initiating first-line antihypertensive treatment, an increase in plasma creatinine above 30% was associated with increased absolute 6-month risk of cardiovascular event.

Prognostic role of genetic polymorphisms of the interleukin-6 signaling pathway in patients with severe heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is associated with perturbations of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling pathway. A total of 559 Danish subjects with severe chronic HF enrolled in the previously reported Echocardiography and Heart Outcome Study were genotyped for three SNPs in IL6, nine in the IL-6 receptor gene (IL6R), and two in the IL-6 signal transducer gene (IL6ST). After a mean follow-up of 5.0 years, 5 SNPs in IL6R introns (rs12083537, rs6684439, rs4845622, rs4537545, and rs7529229) and a SNP in the IL6R coding region (rs2228145, also known as Asp358Ala) were associated with adverse outcomes, e.g., hazard ratios (HRs) for cardiovascular death and all-cause death 1.38 (CI: 1.09-1.76; P = 0.008) and 1.37 (CI: 1.10-1.70; P = 0.004) for rs6684439 heterozygotes, and 1.39 (CI: 1.09-1.77; P = 0.007) and 1.37 (CI: 1.10-1.70; P = 0.005) for rs4845622 heterozygotes, respectively. We conclude that SNPs in the IL-6 signaling pathway may be independent predictors of fatal outcomes in patients with severe HF.

Risk of death after first-time blood stream infection in incident dialysis patients with specific consideration on vascular access and comorbidity.

BACKGROUND: The mortality following blood stream infection (BSI) and risk of subsequent BSI in relation to dialysis modality, vascular access, and other potential risk factors has received relatively little attention. Consequently, we assessed these matters in a retrospective cohort study, by use of the Danish nation-wide registries. METHODS: Patients more than 17 years of age, who initiated dialysis between 1.1.2010 and 1.1.2014, were grouped according to their dialysis modality and vascular access. Survival was modeled in time-dependent Cox proportional hazard analyses. Potential risk factors confined by a modified Charlson comorbidity index (MCCI), were subsequently assessed in stepwise selection models. RESULTS: At baseline, 764 patients received peritoneal dialysis (PD), and 434, 479, and 782 hemodialysis (HD) patients were dialyzed by use of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), tunneled catheters (TCs), and non-tunneled catheters (NTCs), respectively. We identified 1069 BSIs with an overall incidence rate of 17.7 episodes per 100 person years, and 216 BSIs occurred more than one time in the same patient. HRs of post BSI mortality relative to PD were 3.20 (95% CI 1.86-5.50; p < 0.001) with NTCs; whereas no associations were found for AVF and TC. The risk of subsequent BSIs was higher with NTCs [HR 2.29 (95% CI 1.09-4.82), p = 0.030], and no significant difference was found for AVF and TC, in relation to PD. There was an increased risk of both outcomes with TC relative to AVF [death: 1.57 (95% CI 1.07-2.29, P < 0.021); BSI: 1.78 (95% CI 1.13-2.83, P < 0.014], and risk of death was reduced in patients who changed to AVF after first-time BSI. The MCCI was significantly associated with the risk of subsequent BSI and post BSI death; however, only some of the variables contained in the index were found to be significant risk predictors when analyzed in the fitted model. CONCLUSIONS: While NTC was the most predominant risk factor for subsequent BSI and post BSI mortality, AVF appeared protective.