MicroRNA and renal fibrosis in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a hereditary kidney disorder that may progress to kidney failure, accounting for 5-10% of all patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Clinical data, as well as molecular genetics and advanced imaging techniques have provided surrogate prognostic biomarkers to predict rapid decline in kidney function, nonetheless enhanced tools for assessing prognosis for ADPKD are still needed. The aim of this study was to analyze specific microRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of ADPKD and in the development of renal fibrosis, evaluating their potential role as predictors of renal function loss. METHODS: We evaluated kidney function by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in 32 ADPKD patients in different stages of kidney disease at T0 and after a 24-month follow up (T1). Patients were divided into two groups: Rapid disease progression ([RP], n 15) and Non-rapid disease progression ([NRP], n 17), according to the Mayo Clinic classification criteria. At T0, ADPKD patients underwent plasma sampling for quantitative analysis of h-miR-17-5p, h-miR-21-5p and h-miR-199a-5p microRNA expression, using the quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method and a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using an advanced MRI imaging protocol, for the quantification of total kidney volume (TKV), total perfusion volume (TPV) and total fibrotic volume (TFV). RESULTS: The expression of h-miR17-5p was higher (p < 0.05) in ADPKD patients with rapid disease progression. h-miR-17-5p, h-miR-21-5p and h-mir-199-5p showed a positive and significant correlation with the eGFR slope (mL/min/1.73 m2/year) (p < 0.05) but not with the eGFR at both T0 and T1. Both total fibrotic volume (cm3) and height-adjusted total fibrotic volume (cm3/m) were positively and significantly correlated to h-miR 21-5p and h-miR 199-5p (p < 0.05), but not to total kidney volume (cm3) and height-adjusted total kidney volume (cm3/m). CONCLUSIONS: The microRNAs we studied were associated with fibrosis and renal damage, suggesting their possible role as biomarkers able to identify ADPKD patients at high risk of disease progression regardless of the degree of kidney function, and therefore suitable for medical therapy, and may help uncovering new molecular mechanisms underlying cystogenesis.

Alkaline Phosphatase and Parathyroid Hormone Levels: International Variation and Associations With Clinical Outcomes in the DOPPS.

Introduction: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) increases the risk of fractures and cardiovascular (CV) disease in patients on hemodialysis (HD). The relationship between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and outcomes has been inconsistent, possibly due to variable bone responsiveness to PTH. The KDIGO guideline suggests monitoring total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), but the role of ALP versus PTH in the management of mineral and bone disorder (MBD) is not clear. Methods: The analysis included 28,888 patients on HD in 9 countries in Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) phase 3 to 7 (2005-2021). The primary exposures of interest were normalized ALP and PTH, which are raw values divided by facility upper normal limit, measured at study enrollment. Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios of all-cause or CV mortality and any or hip fracture adjusted for potential confounders. Linear mixed models, adjusted for potential confounders, were employed to investigate the relationship between normalized ALP levels and patient characteristics. Results: Normalized PTH showed a J-shaped association with all-cause or CV mortality, and a weak linear association with fracture. In contrast, normalized ALP showed a strong association with all outcomes. Factors associated with higher ALP levels after controlling for PTH included Black race, longer dialysis vintage, diabetes mellitus, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), and the use of cinacalcet. Conclusion: Total ALP is a more robust exposure of adverse outcomes than PTH in patients on HD. PTH responsiveness is affected by race, primary renal disease, comorbidities, and mineral metabolism and therapy. Our results indicate that it may be useful to evaluate target organ response, rather than PTH alone when considering the consequences of (SHPT).

Italian Guidelines for the Management of Sporadic Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

AIM: This guideline (GL) is aimed at providing a clinical practice reference for the management of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in adults. PHPT management in pregnancy was not considered. METHODS: This GL has been developed following the methods described in the Manual of the Italian National Guideline System. For each question, the panel appointed by Associazione Medici Endocrinology (AME) and Società Italiana dell'Osteoporosi, del Metabolismo Minerale e delle Malattie dello Scheletro (SIOMMMS) identified potentially relevant outcomes, which were then rated for their impact on therapeutic choices. Only outcomes classified as "critical" and "important" were considered in the systematic review of evidence. Those classified as "critical" were considered for the clinical practice recommendations. RESULTS: The present GL provides recommendations about the roles of pharmacological and surgical treatment for the clinical management of sporadic PHPT. Parathyroidectomy is recommended in comparison to surveillance or pharmacologic treatment in any adult (outside of pregnancy) or elderly subject diagnosed with sporadic PHPT who is symptomatic or meets any of the following criteria: • Serum calcium levels >1 mg/dL above the upper limit of normal range. • Urinary calcium levels >4 mg/kg/day. • Osteoporosis disclosed by DXA examination and/or any fragility fracture. • Renal function impairment (eGFR <60 mL/min). • Clinic or silent nephrolithiasis. • Age ≤50 years. Monitoring and treatment of any comorbidity or complication of PHPT at bone, kidney, or cardiovascular level are suggested for patients who do not meet the criteria for surgery or are not operated on for any reason. Sixteen indications for good clinical practice are provided in addition to the recommendations. CONCLUSION: The present GL is directed to endocrinologists and surgeons - working in hospitals, territorial services or private practice - and to general practitioners and patients. The recommendations should also consider the patient's preferences and the available resources and expertise.

Residents' satisfaction and suggestions to improve nephrology residency in Italy, and comparison with the organization in other European countries.

BACKGROUND: In Italy, nephrology residency is available in twenty-one nephrology schools, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The present study is aimed at exploring the residents' satisfaction with their training programs. METHODS: Between April 20th and May 19th, 2021, a questionnaire on residency satisfaction consisting of 49 items was sent to 586 residents and 175 recently certified specialists (qualified to practice as nephrologists in 2019 and 2020), with a response rate of 81% and 51%, respectively. The teaching organization was contextualized with a survey involving 13 European nephrology schools. RESULTS: Most residency fellowship programs received a good rating with regard to "satisfaction", in particular for the following items: number of hospitalizations followed-up, chronic hemodialysis training, follow-up of transplanted patients, diagnosis and treatment of glomerulonephritis. The teachings that were identified as being of lower quality or insufficient intensity included vascular access management, ultrasound diagnostics and renal nutrition. The need for improvement in formal teaching programs was underlined. Young nephrologists were rather satisfied with their salary and with the quality of the work they were doing, but only few were interested in an academic career since it was generally held that it is "too difficult" to obtain a university position. Many young nephrologists who filled in the questionnaire felt that lack of experience in peritoneal dialysis and vascular access management was a barrier to finding an ideal job. Compared to other European training programs, the Italian program differs with regard to longer exposure to nephrology (as compared to internal medicine), and greater flexibility for internships in different settings, including abroad. CONCLUSIONS: This first nationwide survey on the satisfaction of residents in nephrology indicates that, despite rather good overall satisfaction, there is room for improvement to make nephrology a more appealing choice and to fulfill the needs of a growing number of renal disease patients.

In vitro Evaluation of the Calcification Inhibitory Properties of Policosanol, Genistein, and Vitamin D (Reduplaxin®) either Alone or in Combination.

INTRODUCTION: The process of vascular calcification has severe clinical consequences in a number of diseases, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, and end-stage renal disease. In the present study, we investigated the effect of policosanol (Poli), genistein (Gen), and vitamin D (VitD) separately and in association to evaluate the possible synergistic action on inorganic phosphate (Pi)-induced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: Primary human VSMCs were cultured with either growth medium or growth medium supplemented with calcium and phosphorus (calcification medium) in combination with Poli, Gen, and VitD. Alizarin Red staining, mineralization, and the protein expression of RUNX2 and superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2) were investigated. RESULTS: All three substances tested were effective at reducing osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Poli+Gen, Poli+VitD, Gen+VitD treatment induced a greater inhibition of calcification and RUNX2 expression compared to single compounds treatments. Moreover, the association of Poli+Gen+VitD (Reduplaxin®) was more effective at inhibiting VSMCs mineralization and preventing the increase in RUNX2 expression induced by calcification medium but not modified SOD2 expression. CONCLUSIONS: The association of Pol, Gen, and VitD (Reduplaxin®) has an additive inhibitory effect on the calcification process of VSMCs induced in vitro by a pro-calcifying medium.

Recommended calcium intake in adults and children with chronic kidney disease-a European consensus statement.

Mineral and bone disorders (MBD) are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. For several decades, the first-line approach to controlling hyperparathyroidism in CKD was by exogenous calcium loading. Since the turn of the millennium, however, a growing awareness of vascular calcification risk has led to a paradigm shift in management and a move away from calcium-based phosphate binders. As a consequence, contemporary CKD patients may be at risk of a negative calcium balance, which, in turn, may compromise bone health, contributing to renal bone disease and increased fracture risk. A calcium intake below a certain threshold may be as problematic as a high intake, worsening the MBD syndrome of CKD, but is not addressed in current clinical practice guidelines. The CKD-MBD and European Renal Nutrition working groups of the European Renal Association (ERA), together with the CKD-MBD and Dialysis working groups of the European Society for Pediatric Nephrology (ESPN), developed key evidence points and clinical practice points on calcium management in children and adults with CKD across stages of disease. These were reviewed by a Delphi panel consisting of ERA and ESPN working groups members. The main clinical practice points include a suggested total calcium intake from diet and medications of 800-1000 mg/day and not exceeding 1500 mg/day to maintain a neutral calcium balance in adults with CKD. In children with CKD, total calcium intake should be kept within the age-appropriate normal range. These statements provide information and may assist in decision-making, but in the absence of high-level evidence must be carefully considered and adapted to individual patient needs.

Lack of Association between Serum Chitotriosidase Activity and Arterial Stiffness in Type 2 Diabetes without Cardiovascular Complications.

Chitotriosidase (CHIT), a mammalian chitinase secreted by neutrophils and activated macrophages, is increased in both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Arterial stiffness rises early in T2D and increases the risk of CVD. The aim of this study is to evaluate CHIT activity as an early biomarker of arterial stiffness in people with T2D free from overt vascular complications. In this cross-sectional study, arterial stiffness as measured using standard pulse wave velocity (PWV) was evaluated in 174 people with T2D without overt vascular disease. Then, we measured CHIT serum activity with an electrochemiluminescence assay in two subgroups of participants: 35 with the highest (high-PWV) and 40 with the lowest (low-PWV) PWV values. CHIT activity was no different between the low-PVW and high-PWV groups (12.7 [9.6-17.9] vs. 11.4 [8.8-15.0] nmol/mL/h, respectively). Compared with the low-PWV group, the high-PWV participants were older (p < 0.001); had a longer duration of diabetes (p = 0.03); higher ankle-brachial index ABI (p = 0.04), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.005), fasting blood glucose (p = 0.008), and HbA1c (p = 0.005); and lower eGFR (p = 0.03) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.01). No association was present with sex, duration of diabetes, age, BMI, peripheral blood pressure, laboratory parameters, and glucose-lowering medications or ongoing antihypertensive therapy. Although no association was found, this study provides novel data about the association of CHIT activity with CVD, focusing on a specific outcome (arterial stiffness) in a well-defined population of subjects with T2D without established CVD.

Evaluation of partial pressure CO2 change in the dialyzer blood inlet during hemodialysis as a measure of vascular access recirculation.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular access recirculation during hemodialysis is associated with reduced effectiveness and worse survival outcomes. To evaluate recirculation, an increase in pCO2 in the blood of the arterial line during hemodialysis (threshold of 4.5 mmHg) was proposed. The blood returning from the dialyzer in the venous line has significantly higher pCO2 , so in the presence of recirculation, pCO2 in the arterial blood line may increase (ΔpCO2 ) during hemodialysis sessions. The aim of our study was to evaluate ΔpCO2 as a diagnostic tool for vascular access recirculation in chronic hemodialysis patients. METHODS: We evaluated vascular access recirculation with ΔpCO2 and compared it with the results of a urea recirculation test, which is the gold standard. ΔpCO2 was obtained from the difference in pCO2 in the arterial line at baseline (pCO2 T1) and after 5 min of hemodialysis (pCO2 T2). ∆pCO2 = pCO2 T2-pCO2 T1. FINDINGS: In 70 hemodialysis patients (mean age: 70.52 ± 13.97 years; hemodialysis vintage of 41.36 ± 34.54, KT/V 1.4 ± 0.3), ∆pCO2 was 4 ± 4 mmHg, and urea recirculation was 7% ± 9%. Vascular access recirculation was identified using both methods in 17 of 70 patients, who showed a ∆pCO2 of 10 ± 5 mmHg and urea recirculation of 20% ± 9%; time in months of hemodialysis was the only difference between vascular access recirculation and non-vascular access recirculation patients (22 ± 19 vs. 46 ± 36, p: 0.05). In the non-vascular access recirculation group, the average ΔpCO2 was 1.9 ± 2 (p: 0.001), and the urea recirculation % was 2.8 ± 3 (p: 0.001). The ΔpCO2 correlated with the urea recirculation % (R: 0.728; p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: ΔpCO2 in the arterial blood line during hemodialysis is an effective and reliable diagnostic tool for identifying recirculation of the vascular access but not its magnitude. The ΔpCO2 test application is simple and economical and does not require special equipment.

Parathyroidectomy and survival in a cohort of Italian dialysis patients: results of a multicenter, observational, prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is associated with mortality in end stage kidney disease (ESKD). Parathyroidectomy (PTX) becomes necessary when medical therapy fails, thus highlighting the interest to compare biochemical and clinical outcomes of patients receiving either medical treatment or surgery. METHODS: We aimed to compare overall survival and biochemical control of hemodialysis patients with severe hyperparathyroidism, treated by surgery or medical therapy followed-up for 36 months. Inclusion criteria were age older than 18 years, renal failure requiring dialysis treatment (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) and ability to sign the consent form. A control group of 418 patients treated in the same centers, who did not undergo parathyroidectomy was selected after matching for age, sex, and dialysis vintage. RESULTS: From 82 Dialysis units in Italy, we prospectively collected data of 257 prevalent patients who underwent parathyroidectomy (age 58.2 ± 12.8 years; M/F: 44%/56%, dialysis vintage: 15.5 ± 8.4 years) and of 418 control patients who did not undergo parathyroidectomy (age 60.3 ± 14.4 years; M/F 44%/56%; dialysis vintage 11.2 ± 7.6 y). The survival rate was higher in the group that underwent parathyroidectomy (Kaplan-Meier log rank test = 0.002). Univariable analysis (HR 0.556, CI: 0.387-0.800, p = 0.002) and multivariable analysis (HR 0.671, CI:0.465-0.970, p = 0.034), identified parathyroidectomy as a protective factor of overall survival. The prevalence of patients at KDOQI targets for PTH was lower in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy compared to controls (PTX vs non-PTX: PTH < 150 pg/ml: 59% vs 21%, p = 0.001; PTH at target: 18% vs 37% p = 0.001; PTH > 300 pg/ml 23% vs 42% p = 0.001). The control group received more intensive medical treatment with higher prevalence of vitamin D (65% vs 41%, p = 0.0001), calcimimetics (34% vs 14%, p = 0.0001) and phosphate binders (77% vs 66%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that parathyroidectomy is associated with survival rate at 36 months, independently of biochemical control. Lower exposure to high PTH levels could represent an advantage in the long term.

Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Endothelial Dysfunction: The Role of Vascular and Biochemical Parameters.

INTRODUCTION: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is one of the main causes of acute renal failure in hospitalized patients, following the administration of iodinated contrast medium used for CT scans and angiographic procedures. CIAKI determines a high cardiovascular risk and appears to be one of the most feared complications of coronary angiography, causing a notable worsening of the prognosis with high morbidity and mortality. AIM: To evaluate a possible association between the renal resistive index (RRI) and the development of CIAKI, as well as an association with the main subclinical markers of atherosclerosis and the main cardiovascular risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 101 patients with an indication for coronary angiography. Patients underwent an assessment of renal function (serum nitrogen and basal creatinine, 48 and 72 h after administration of contrast medium), inflammation (C reactive protein (CRP), serum calcium and phosphorus, intact parathormone (iPTH), 25-hydroxyvitaminD (25-OH-VitD), serum uric acid (SUA), total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum glucose and insulin). All patients also carried out an evaluation of RRI, intima-media thickness (IMT), interventricular septum (IVS) and the ankle-brachial index (ABI). RESULTS: 101 patients (68 male), with a mean age of 73.0 ± 15.0 years, were enrolled for the study; 35 are affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 19 cases of CIAKI were reported (19%), while among diabetic patients we reported an incidence of 23% (8 patients). In our study, patients with CIAKI had significantly higher RRI (p < 0.001) and IMT (p < 0.001) with respect to the patients who did not develop CIAKI. Furthermore, patients with CIAKI had significantly higher CRP (p < 0.001) and SUA (p < 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: We showed a significant difference in RRI, IMT, SUA and CRP values between the population developing CIAKI and patients without CIAKI. This data appears relevant considering that RRI and IMT are low-cost, non-invasive and easily reproducible markers of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

Parasympathetic activity and total fibrotic kidney in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease patients: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Renin-angiotensin system hyperactivation in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients leads to early hypertension. Cystic enlargement probably causes parenchymal hypoxia, renin secretion, and endothelial dysfunction. Sympathetic and parasympathetic balance is altered in this condition, especially during the night, also affecting blood pressure circadian rhythm. Aim of this study was to evaluate sympathetic/parasympathetic balance using heart rate variability (HRV) parameters and find a correlation between HRV and renal damage progression, as total kidney volume enlargement, in ADPKD patients. METHODS: Sixteen adult ADPKD patients were enrolled in the study. Eleven patients (68.8%) were male, and the median age was 42 years (IQR 36-47.5). HRV parameters were calculated using 24 h-ECG Holter. A kidney magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan 3 Tesla was performed to evaluate total kidney volume (TKV) and total fibrotic volume (TFV). RESULTS: A statistically significant positive linear correlation was observed between length of kidneys and frequency domain parameters as low frequency (LF) (r = 0.595, p < 0.05) and LFday (r = 0.587, p < 0.05). Moreover, a statistically significant positive linear correlation exists between high frequency (HF) and TFV (r = 0.804, p < 0.01) or height-adjusted (ha) TFV (r = 0.801, p < 0.01). Finally, we found a statistically significant positive linear correlation between HFnight and TKV (r = 0.608, p < 0.05), ha-TKV (r = 0.685, p < 0.01), TFV (r = 0.594, p < 0.05), and ha-TFV (r = 0.615, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We suppose that the increase in TKV and TFV could lead to a parasympathetic tone hyperactivation, probably in response to hypoxic stress and vasoconstriction due to cystic enlargement.

Management of fracture risk in CKD-traditional and novel approaches.

The coexistence of osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an evolving healthcare challenge in the face of increasingly aging populations. Globally, accelerating fracture incidence causes disability, impaired quality of life and increased mortality. Consequently, several novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools have been introduced for treatment and prevention of fragility fractures. Despite an especially high fracture risk in CKD, these patients are commonly excluded from interventional trials and clinical guidelines. While management of fracture risk in CKD has been discussed in recent opinion-based reviews and consensus papers in the nephrology literature, many patients with CKD stages 3-5D and osteoporosis are still underdiagnosed and untreated. The current review addresses this potential treatment nihilism by discussing established and novel approaches to diagnosis and prevention of fracture risk in patients with CKD stages 3-5D. Skeletal disorders are common in CKD. A wide variety of underlying pathophysiological processes have been identified, including premature aging, chronic wasting, and disturbances in vitamin D and mineral metabolism, which may impact bone fragility beyond established osteoporosis. We discuss current and emerging concepts of CKD-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD) and integrate management of osteoporosis in CKD with current recommendations for management of CKD-MBD. While many diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to osteoporosis can be applied to patients with CKD, some limitations and caveats need to be considered. Consequently, clinical trials are needed that specifically study fracture prevention strategies in patients with CKD stages 3-5D.

Association between Cognitive Impairment and Malnutrition in Hemodialysis Patients: Two Sides of the Same Coin.

Cognitive impairment and malnutrition are prevalent in patients on hemodialysis (HD), and they negatively affect the outcomes of HD patients. Evidence suggests that cognitive impairment and malnutrition may be associated, but clinical studies to assess this association in HD patients are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between cognitive impairment evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score and nutritional status evaluated by the malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) in HD patients. We enrolled 84 HD patients (44 males and 40 females; age: 75.8 years (63.5-82.7); HD vintage: 46.0 months (22.1-66.9)). The MISs identified 34 patients (40%) as malnourished; the MoCa scores identified 67 patients (80%) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Malnourished patients had a higher prevalence of MCI compared to well-nourished patients (85% vs. 70%; p = 0.014). MoCa score and MIS were negatively correlated (rho:-0.317; p < 0.01). Our data showed a high prevalence of MCI and malnutrition in HD patients. Low MoCA scores characterized patients with high MISs, and malnutrition was a risk factor for MCI. In conclusion, it is plausible that MCI and malnutrition are linked by common sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical risk factors rather than by a pathophysiological mechanism.

Treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in non-dialysis CKD: an appraisal 2022s.

The situation of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in chronic kidney disease patients not on dialysis (ND-CKD) is probably best characterised by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder Update 2017 guideline 4.2.1 stating that the optimal parathyroid hormone levels are not known in these stages. Furthermore, new caution became recommended with regard to the routine use of active vitamin D analogues in early CKD stages and moderate SHPT phenotypes, due to their potential risks for hypercalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia aggravation. Nevertheless, there is still a substantial clinical need to prevent the development of parathyroid gland autonomy, with its associated consequences of bone and vascular damage, including fracture risks and cardiovascular events. Therefore we now attempt to review the current guideline-based and clinical practice management of SHPT in ND-CKD, including their strengths and weaknesses, favouring individualised approaches respecting calcium and phosphate homeostasis. We further comment on extended-release calcifediol (ERC) as a new differential therapeutic option now also available in Europe and on a potentially novel understanding of a required vitamin D saturation in more advanced CKD stages. There is no doubt, however, that knowledge gaps will remain unless powerful randomised controlled trials with hard and meaningful endpoints are performed.

Unmet needs about iron deficiency in peritoneal dialysis: a Delphi consensus panel.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia and iron deficiency (ID) are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and related to outcomes. There is growing interest about the role of iron supplementation in CKD, particularly ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), also in relation to the use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs). Despite a greater knowledge on ID management in patients receiving haemodialysis, a paucity of data exists about peritoneal dialysis (PD). Furthermore, the aim of this paper is to provide the results of a nationwide Italian survey about ID in PD using the Delphi method. METHODS: A list of 16 statements (48 items) was developed about four main topics: (1) approach to iron therapy in PD; (2) management experience about iron therapy in PD; (3) ESA and iron in PD; (4) pharmacoeconomic impact. Using the Delphi methodology, the survey was distributed online to 36 Italian nephrologists with expertise in PD, who rated their level of agreement with each item on a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was predefined as more than 66% of the panel agreeing/disagreeing with any given statement. RESULTS: Twenty-five experts (70%) answered the survey. 35 items (73%) achieved a consensus (8 negative and 27 positive). In particular, the diagnosis of ID is widely known, but some doubts exist about how frequently test it. The use of I.V. iron seems to be routinary and can save money reducing the administration of ESAs. However, internal protocols are welcome. CONCLUSIONS: Expert PD nephrologists know well the problem of ID and feel the necessity of shared protocols to optimize the iron therapy and consequently the use of ESAs.

Lower Bone Turnover and Skeletal PTH Responsiveness in Japanese Compared to European Patients on Hemodialysis.

CONTEXT: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment targets for patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) are lower in Japan than in Europe. Whether this translates to lower bone turnover is unknown and could depend on skeletal PTH responsiveness. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates whether skeletal PTH responsiveness is better preserved in Japanese vs European patients receiving HD. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of data from 2 prospective cohort studies, using a case-control design. Patients receiving chronic intermittent HD therapy were eligible for inclusion. Participating Belgian and Japanese patients (n = 374) were matched 1:1 by age (59 ± 12 years), sex (66% male), diabetes (34%), and dialysis duration (39 months [22-63 months]). PTH, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b) were measured centrally in Liège, Belgium. RESULTS: Japanese patients had lower levels of iPTH (207 vs 268 pg/mL; P < .001), BALP (15.3 vs 24.5 µg/L; P < .001), and TRAP5b (3.35 vs 5.79 U/L; P < .001). Linear regression analyses revealed lower levels of bone turnover markers for any given level of PTH in Japanese vs Belgian patients, indicating lower skeletal PTH responsiveness. Consistently, bone turnover markers were significantly lower in Japanese vs Belgian patients when stratifying or matching according to PTH levels. Male sex, obesity, and hyperphosphatemia were the main determinants of the bone turnover marker/PTH ratios. CONCLUSION: Japanese patients receiving HD have lower bone turnover than their European counterparts, even at similar PTH levels. The rationale for the current regional differences in PTH treatment targets remains obscure and deserves further attention.

Time for Revival of Bone Biopsy with Histomorphometric Analysis in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Moving from Skepticism to Pragmatism.

Bone Biopsy (BB) with histomorphometric analysis still represents the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of different forms of renal osteodystrophy. Bone biopsy is the only technique able to provide comprehensive information on all bone parameters, measuring static and dynamic parameters of turnover, cortical and trabecular microarchitecture, and mineralization defects. In nephrological practice, bone biopsy yields relevant indications to support therapeutic choices in CKD, heavily impacting the management and prognosis of uremic patients. Unfortunately, the use of bone biopsy has decreased; a lack of expertise in performing and interpreting, perceived procedure invasiveness and pain, and reimbursement issues have all contributed to this decline. Nevertheless, both bone biomarkers and instrumental images cannot be considered reliable surrogates for histological findings, being insufficiently accurate to properly evaluate underlying mineral and bone disorders. This is a multidisciplinary position paper from the Nephrology and Osteoporosis Italian Scientific Societies with the purpose of restating the role of bone biopsy in CKD patient management and of providing strong solutions to allow diffusion of this technique in Italy, but potentially also in other countries. The Italian approach through the optimization and standardization of bone biopsy procedure, the construction of the Italian Hub and Spoke network, and a request for adjustment and national homogenization of reimbursement to the Italian Health Ministry has led the way to implement bone biopsy and to improve CKD patient management and prognosis.