Factors Affecting Psoas Muscle Mass Index in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including peritoneal dialysis (PD), have sarcopenia. It is important to evaluate muscle mass to prevent sarcopenia in the field of CKD management. Recently, muscle mass assessment using psoas muscle evaluated by computed tomography (CT) has been reported in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, few clinical studies have investigated the clinical factors associated with the evaluation of psoas muscle in patients undergoing PD. METHODS: Psoas muscle mass index (PMI) was measured in cross-sectional areas of the bilateral psoas muscles at the third lumbar spine level to evaluate psoas muscle status. The associations between PMI and possible clinical factors were investigated in 68 patients undergoing PD. RESULTS: The mean PMI was 6.3 ± 2.0 cm2/m2, and the PMI was higher in men than in women (p < 0.001). In a multivariable linear regression analysis of the factors associated with PMI, male gender (standardized coefficient: 0.331), body mass index (standardized coefficient: 0.283), serum creatinine concentration (standardized coefficient: 0.289), serum albumin concentration (standardized coefficient: 0.235), and the use of vitamin D (standardized coefficient: 0.195) were independently identified. CONCLUSION: PMI was independently and significantly associated with gender, BMI, serum creatinine concentration, serum albumin concentration and the use of vitamin D. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify whether the maintenance of nutritional status or vitamin D administration could affect muscle mass in patients undergoing PD.

Differences between Hepatic and Cerebral Regional Tissue Oxygen Saturation at the Onset of Intradialytic Hypotension.

BACKGROUND: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a critical pathological condition associated with all-cause mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, few studies have investigated IDH-related changes in hepatic and cerebral regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2). This study investigated IDH-induced changes in hepatic and cerebral rSO2. METHODS: Hepatic and cerebral rSO2 during HD were measured using an INVOS 5100C oxygen saturation monitor, and their percentage (%) changes during the development of IDH were analyzed. Ninety-one patients undergoing HD were investigated, including twenty with IDH. RESULTS: In patients with IDH, % changes in hepatic and cerebral rSO2 decreased at the onset of IDH. Additionally, the % change in hepatic rSO2 was significantly larger than that in cerebral rSO2 (p < 0.001). In patients without IDH, no significant differences were found between the % changes in hepatic and cerebral rSO2 at the time of the lowest systolic blood pressure during HD. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that the difference between the % changes in cerebral and hepatic rSO2 was significantly associated with the development of IDH (p < 0.001) and the ultrafiltration rate (p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic and cerebral rSO2 significantly decreased during the development of IDH, and hepatic rSO2 was more significantly decreased than cerebral rSO2 at the onset of IDH.

Factors affecting intradialytic hepatic oxygenation: Associations between ultrafiltration rate and changes in systemic blood pressure.

INTRODUCTION: Hepato-splanchnic circulation influences the oxygenation of abdominal organs and is important in preventing a reduction in intradialytic blood volume. However, the association between changes in intradialytic hepato-splanchnic circulation and clinical factors remain unknown. METHODS: We enrolled 91 hemodialysis (HD) patients (20 with intradialytic hypotension (IDH) and 71 without IDH). During HD, hepatic regional oxygen saturation (rSO2), a marker of hepatic oxygenation reflecting hepato-splanchnic circulation and oxygenation, was monitored. Changes in hepatic rSO2 at the lowest systolic blood pressure (BP) during HD were analyzed to identify associations with clinical factors. RESULTS: Hepatic rSO2 levels were 55.8 ± 15.3% before HD and 53.8 ± 14.9% at the lowest systolic BP; therefore, % changes in hepatic rSO2 were -2.7 ± 11.3%. These values were significantly lower in patients with IDH than in those without IDH (-13.8 ± 9.3% vs 0.4 ± 9.8%, p < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that % changes in hepatic rSO2 were independently associated with % changes in systolic BP (standardized coefficient: 0.416) and ultrafiltration rate (-0.206). Furthermore, % changes in mean BP (0.304) were identified as affecting % changes in hepatic rSO2 instead of those in systolic BP. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in intradialytic hepatic oxygenation is associated with ultrafiltration rate and changes in systemic BP. Further studies are required to clarify the directionality of the association between changes in hepatic oxygenation and changes in systemic BP during HD.

Effects of roxadustat on anemia, iron metabolism, and lipid metabolism in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease.

Background: We determined the effects of roxadustat on the values of anemia, iron metabolism, renal function, proteinuria, and lipid metabolism and identified the associated factors of the change in hemoglobin levels after roxadustat administration in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who were receiving an erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA). Methods: We conducted retrospective analysis of the changes in hemoglobin, serum ferritin, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride levels; transferrin saturation; the estimated glomerular filtration rate; and the urinary protein/creatinine ratio over 24 weeks after the change from an ESA to roxadustat in 50 patients with non-dialysis CKD and anemia (roxadustat group). Seventy-two patients with non-dialysis CKD and anemia who proceeded ESA therapy were used as the control (ESA) group. Results: We observed no significant between-group differences in clinical parameters at baseline except for the significantly lower hemoglobin concentration and lower proportion of diabetes mellitus in the roxadustat group. The hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher in the roxadustat group after 24 weeks (11.3 ± 1.2 versus 10.3 ± 1.0 g/dL; value of p < 0.05), whereas the transferrin saturation, ferritin concentration, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and urinary protein/creatinine ratio were not different between the two groups. TC (135.9 ± 40.0 versus 165.3 ± 38.4 mg/dL; value of p < 0.05), LDL-C (69.1 ± 28.3 versus 87.2 ± 31.5 mg/dL; value of p < 0.05), HDL-C (41.4 ± 13.5 versus 47.2 ± 15.3 mg/dL; value of p < 0.05), and triglyceride concentrations (101.5 ± 52.7 versus 141.6 ± 91.4 mg/dL, value of p < 0.05) were significantly lower in the roxadustat group compared with the ESA group at 24 weeks. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the roxadustat dose at baseline (standard coefficient [ß] = 0.280, value of p = 0.043) was correlated with the change in the hemoglobin levels during the first 4 weeks of roxadustat treatment, whereas age (ß = 0.319, value of p = 0.017) and the roxadustat dose at 24 weeks (ß = -0.347, value of p = 0.010) were correlated with the hemoglobin concentration after 24 weeks of roxadustat administration. Conclusion: Roxadustat can improve anemia and reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in non-dialysis CKD patients after the patients' treatment was switched from an ESA without affecting renal function or proteinuria. These results indicate that roxadustat has superior effects to ESAs regarding anemia and lipid metabolism at the dose selected for the comparison in patients with non-dialysis CKD.

Risk Factors and Utility of Intraoperative Arteriovenous Fistula Blood Flow Level as a Surrogate Marker of Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Patients with End-stage Renal Disease.

An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) can fail for different reasons at each stage after its creation. The study aimed to analyze the associations of the clinical and laboratory parameters, including the intraoperative AVF blood flow, with AVF failure at different periods (3 weeks and 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36 months) after the AVF's creation and to evaluate the usefulness of the intraoperative AVF blood flow as a surrogate marker of AVF failure in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study that included 130 patients with ESRD who underwent the creation of new radiocephalic AVFs. The associations of the preoperative clinical and laboratory parameters and intraoperative flow with AVF failure in the different observation periods were investigated. Intraoperative AVF blood flow was significantly associated with AVF failure from 3 weeks to 24 months (P <0.05). Hemoglobin level and the size of the anastomosis were significantly associated with AVF failure at 6 months (P <0.05). In the analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve, intraoperative AVF blood flow was significant from 3 weeks to 24 months (P <0.05). The intraoperative blood flow with the greatest sensitivity and specificity was 205-225 mL/min. Intraoperative blood flow was independently associated with AVF failure from 3 weeks to 24 months after the AVF's creation. An intraoperative AVF blood flow of >225 mL/min is crucial for long-term AVF patency. The intraoperative AVF blood flow level could be a surrogate marker of AVF failure in ESRD patients.

Association between hepatic oxygenation on near-infrared spectroscopy and clinical factors in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

The hepato-splanchnic circulation directly influences oxygenation of the abdominal organs and plays an important role in compensating for the blood volume reduction that occurs in the central circulation during hemodialysis (HD) with ultrafiltration. However, the hepato-splanchnic circulation and oxygenation cannot be easily evaluated in the clinical setting of HD therapy. We included 185 HD patients and 15 healthy volunteers as the control group in this study. Before HD, hepatic regional oxygen saturation (rSO2), a marker of hepatic oxygenation reflecting the hepato-splanchnic circulation and oxygenation, was monitored using an INVOS 5100c oxygen saturation monitor. Hepatic rSO2 was significantly lower in patients undergoing HD than in healthy controls (56.4 ± 14.9% vs. 76.2 ± 9.6%, p < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that hepatic rSO2 was independently associated with body mass index (BMI; standardized coefficient: 0.294), hemoglobin (Hb) level (standardized coefficient: 0.294), a history of cardiovascular disease (standardized coefficient: -0.157), mean blood pressure (BP; standardized coefficient: 0.154), and serum albumin concentration (standardized coefficient: 0.150) in Model 1 via a simple linear regression analysis. In Model 2 using the colloid osmotic pressure (COP) in place of serum albumin concentration, the COP (standardized coefficient: 0.134) was also identified as affecting hepatic rSO2. Basal hepatic oxygenation before HD might be affected by BMI, Hb levels, a history of cardiovascular disease, mean BP, serum albumin concentration, and the COP. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify whether changes in these parameters, including during HD, affect the hepato-splanchnic circulation and oxygenation in HD patients.

No Significant Changes of Glycemic Control and Renal Function in Patients with Advanced-Stage Diabetic Kidney Disease by Switching from Linagliptin to Teneligliptin.

PURPOSE: We compared the efficacy of teneligliptin versus linagliptin for glycemic control and renoprotection in patients with advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Changes in the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose concentration, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during a 12-month period were retrospectively analyzed after switching from linagliptin to teneligliptin in 13 patients with advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease (teneligliptin group). Thirteen propensity score-matched patients who were treated with linagliptin alone served as controls (linagliptin group). RESULTS: The HbA1c, fasting blood glucose concentration, and UACR did not change during the 12-month study period in either group. The annual change rate in the eGFR did not differ between before and after baseline in either group. CONCLUSION: Switching from linagliptin to teneligliptin may not improve glycemic control, reduce urinary protein excretion, or ameliorate the rate of renal function decline in patients with advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease. These results suggest that teneligliptin may not be more advantageous for glycemic control and renoprotection compared with linagliptin in patients with advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease.

A case report of PR-3-ANCA-positive glomerulonephritis with histological features of GPA associated with infectious endocarditis.

RATIONALE: Several renal diseases are associated with infectious endocarditis. However, there are few reports on patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) associated with infectious endocarditis, and there is no consensus for appropriate treatment. PATIENTS CONCERNS: A 35 -years-old man with congenital ventricular septal defect presented severe anemia, hematuria and proteinuria. The blood and urine examinations showed elevated white blood cells (12,900 cells/µL), C-reactive protein level (13.1 mg/dL) and proteinase 3-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR3-ANCA) level (11.0 IU/mL), severe anemia (hemoglobin: 6.1 g/dL) and renal dysfunction [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 12.7 ml/min.1.78 m2 with hematuria and proteinuria]. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with crescentic glomerulonephritis with histological features of GPA associated with infectious endocarditis by renal biopsy and transthoracic echocardiography. INTERVENTIONS: Antibacterial drugs (ampicillin-sulbactam) were administrated. No immunomodulating agents were used because immunosuppressive drugs may worsen infectious endocarditis. Subsequently, renal function and urinary findings improved. However, infectious endocarditis was not improved. Therefore, valve replacements and ventricular septal closure surgery were conducted. OUTCOMES: Thereafter, his postoperative course was uneventful, renal function improved (eGFR: 64.3 ml/min.1.78 m2), and PR3-ANCA level normalized. LESSONS: We reported a case report of PR3-ANCA positive glomerulonephritis with histological features of GPA associated with infectious endocarditis. Physicians might note this renal complication when they manage infectious endocarditis.

Effects of Roxadustat on the Anemia and Iron Metabolism of Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis.

Background: We investigated the effects of roxadustat on the anemia, iron metabolism, peritoneal membrane function, and residual renal function; and determined the factors associated with the administration of roxadustat in patients who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the changes in hemoglobin, serum ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), 4-h dialysate/plasma creatinine, and renal weekly urea clearance over the 24 weeks following the change from an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) to roxadustat in 16 patients who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis and had anemia (Roxadustat group). Twenty-three peritoneal dialysis patients who had anemia and continued ESA served as a control group (ESA group). Results: There were no significant differences in hemoglobin, serum ferritin, TSAT, 4-h dialysate/plasma creatinine, or renal weekly urea clearance between the two groups at baseline. The hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher in the Roxadustat group than in the ESA group after 24 weeks (11.6 ± 1.0 g/dL vs. 10.3 ± 1.1 g/dL, p < 0.05), whereas the ferritin concentration and TSAT were significantly lower (139.5 ± 102.0 ng/mL vs. 209.2 ± 113.1 ng/mL, p < 0.05; and 28.1 ± 11.5% vs. 44.8 ± 10.4%, p < 0.05, respectively). The changes in 4-h dialysate/plasma creatinine and renal weekly urea clearance did not differ between the two groups. Linear regression analysis revealed that the serum potassium concentration correlated with the dose of roxadustat at 24 weeks (standard coefficient = 0.580, p = 0.019). Conclusion: Roxadustat may improve the anemia and reduce the serum ferritin and TSAT of the peritoneal dialysis patients after they were switched from an ESA, without association with peritoneal membrane function or residual renal function.

Clinical factors affecting cerebral oxygenation in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Although cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) is significantly lower in hemodialysis (HD) patients than that in healthy controls, investigations on cerebral oxygenation in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are limited. We aimed to confirm the cerebral oxygenation status and identify the factors affecting cerebral rSO2 in PD patients. METHODS: Thirty-six PD patients (21 men and 15 women; mean age, 62.8 ± 12.7 years) were recruited. In addition, 27 healthy volunteers (17 men and 10 women; mean age, 43.5 ± 18.8 years) were recruited as a control group. Cerebral rSO2 was monitored at the forehead using an INVOS 5100c oxygen saturation monitor. RESULTS: Cerebral rSO2 was significantly lower in PD patients than that in healthy controls (57.0 ± 7.3% vs 68.9 ± 8.6%, p < 0.001); moreover, cerebral rSO2 was significantly correlated with natural logarithm (Ln)-PD duration (r = -0.389, p = 0.019) and serum albumin concentration (r = 0.370, p = 0.026) in a simple linear regression analysis. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed using variables that showed a significant correlation and p < 0.20 (serum creatinine, serum sodium, Ln-C-reactive protein, and dosage of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent) with the cerebral rSO2. Cerebral rSO2 was independently associated with Ln-PD duration (standardized coefficient: -0.339) and serum albumin concentration (standardized coefficient: 0.316). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral rSO2 was significantly affected by the PD duration and serum albumin concentration. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify whether preventing a decrease in serum albumin concentration leads to the maintenance of cerebral oxygenation in patients undergoing PD.

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome in hemodialysis patients: Case reports.

RATIONALE: Herein, we report 3 hemodialysis patients with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome who were successfully treated using corticosteroid therapy. PATIENT CONCERNS: Case 1 was a 63-year-old man who was undergoing hemodialysis because of bilateral nephrectomy and developed hypereosinophilia with digestive symptoms, myocardial injury, and intradialytic hypotension. Case 2 was an 83-year-old man who was undergoing hemodialysis because of nephrosclerosis and developed hypereosinophilia with pruritus, myocardial injury, and intradialytic hypotension. Case 3 was a 59-year-old man who was undergoing hemodialysis because of diabetic nephropathy and developed hypereosinophilia with pruritus, myocardial injury, and intradialytic hypotension. DIAGNOSES: All 3 patients presented with hypereosinophilia (eosinophil count ≥1500 /µL for more than 1 month) and multiple-organ involvement (intradialytic hypotension, cardiac injury, digestive symptoms, and allergic dermatitis). A specific cause for the hypereosinophilia was not identified by systemic computed tomography, electrocardiography, echocardiography, bone marrow examination, or blood tests. Furthermore, Case 2 and 3 had not recently started taking any new drugs and drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation tests were negative in Case 1. Therefore, they were diagnosed with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. INTERVENTIONS: All 3 patients received corticosteroid therapy with prednisolone at a dose of 40 mg/d, 30 mg/d, and 60 mg/d in Case 1, 2, and 3, respectively. OUTCOMES: Their digestive symptoms, pruritus, intradialytic hypotension, and serum troponin I concentrations were immediately improved alongside reductions in their eosinophil counts. LESSONS: There have been few case reports of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome in patients undergoing hemodialysis. We believe that recording of the clinical findings and treatments of such patients is mandatory to establish the optimal management of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Association between Cerebral Oxygenation, as Evaluated with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, and Cognitive Function in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) is higher than that in healthy controls. To date, studies on the association between cognitive function and cerebral oxygenation in these patients are limited. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to cross-sectionally investigate the association between cognitive assessment scores and clinical factors, including cerebral oxygenation, in patients undergoing HD. METHODS: In this observational study, 193 HD patients were included. Cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) was monitored using an INVOS 5,100c oxygen saturation monitor. Poor cognition was defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≤23. We analyzed the association between MMSE score and clinical factors, including cerebral rSO2. RESULTS: MMSE score in HD patients included in this study was 26.8 ± 3.3. There were 164 patients (85%) with MMSE score ≥24 and 29 patients (15%) with an MMSE score ≤23. In the patients with MMSE score ≥24, cerebral rSO2 (53.8% ± 8.3%) was significantly higher than that in patients with MMSE score ≤23 (49.5% ± 9.8%; p = 0.013). Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed using the following confounding factors: age, mean blood pressure, cerebral rSO2, HD duration, ultrafiltration rate, hemoglobin, serum Cr, serum calcium, serum phosphate, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, serum albumin, presence of diabetes mellitus or chronic glomerulonephritis, history of comorbid cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, and use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors or vitamin D analogs. MMSE score was independently and significantly associated with age (standardized coefficient: -0.244) and cerebral rSO2 (standardized coefficient: 0.180). CONCLUSIONS: MMSE score was independently associated with age (negative effect) and cerebral rSO2 (positive effect) in this cross-sectional study. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify whether maintaining cerebral oxygenation prevents the deterioration of cognitive function in patients undergoing HD.

Catheter-related obstruction of the right brachiocephalic vein following hemodialysis in a patient with lupus nephritis.

Vascular access is necessary for hemodialysis, and in some cases where it is difficult to establish an arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft, a permanent hemodialysis catheter may be used. However, serious catheter-related complications, such as central vein stenosis or thrombosis, can occur. We herein present a case of complete brachiocephalic vein obstruction in a patient with lupus nephritis receiving hemodialysis using a tunneled hemodialysis catheter. A 64-year-old patient underwent maintenance hemodialysis while taking an anticoagulant, with a tunneled hemodialysis catheter in the right internal jugular vein, because of arteriovenous fistula failure when hemodialysis was introduced. However, the catheter was removed because of a catheter-related bloodstream infection. Following the administration of antibiotics, an arteriovenous graft was implanted between the brachial artery and axillary vein in the right arm. Surprisingly, arteriovenous graft failure and complete obstruction of the right brachiocephalic vein were observed 3 days after arteriovenous graft creation. In conclusion, we report the case of tunneled hemodialysis catheter-related complete obstruction of the right brachiocephalic vein in a lupus nephritis patient undergoing hemodialysis. Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication when tunneled hemodialysis catheters are used and consider the next vascular access type before a tunneled hemodialysis catheter has been indwelled for the long term.

Effects of Elobixibat on Constipation and Lipid Metabolism in Patients With Moderate to End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of elobixibat on constipation and lipid metabolism; and determine the factors associated with the effect of elobixibat on constipation in patients with moderate to end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: Stool frequency and serum lipid parameters were retrospectively analyzed before and after 4 weeks of elobixibat administration in 42 patients (CKD stage G3, 6; stage G4, 9; stage G5, 9; stage G5D, 18). Relationships between the change in stool frequency after initiation of elobixibat and various clinical parameters were analyzed by using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Elobixibat increased stool frequency from 0.5 ± 0.4 per day to 1.1 ± 0.6 per day (p < 0.001) regardless of whether patients were undergoing dialysis, on concomitant laxatives, or were administered elobixibat before or after breakfast. Elobixibat reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (from 90.9 ± 37.2 mg/dL to 77.5 ± 34.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (from 44.9 ± 14.3 mg/dL to 57.0 ± 25.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05), but did not change triglyceride concentration. Adverse effects were observed in two patients (nausea and diarrhea). Only phosphate concentration was correlated with the change in stool frequency after initiation of elobixibat (standard coefficient = 0.321, p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Elobixibat improved constipation and lipid metabolism in patients with moderate to end-stage CKD, without serious adverse events.

Factors Associated with the Change in Carotid Maximum Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Moderate-to-Advanced Stage Chronic Kidney Disease.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with the change in carotid maximum intima-media thickness (IMT), an established surrogate marker of atherosclerosis, in moderate-to-advanced stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. METHODS: In total, 130 moderate-to-advanced stage CKD patients (mean age: 67.6 ± 11.0 years old; 91 men and 39 women) were included in this retrospective, single-center, observational study. Relationships between the change in carotid maximum IMT and clinical and laboratory data were analyzed by using multivariate linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Mean observation period was 2.9 ± 1.6 years. Mean carotid maximum IMT at baseline was 2.2 ± 1.0 mm, and the annual change in carotid maximum IMT was 0.06 ± 0.22 mm/year. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (ß = 0.173, p < 0.05) and annual change in triglyceride (ß = 0.175, p < 0.05) independently correlated with the annual change in carotid maximum IMT. CONCLUSION: Increases in LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were associated with the rate of progression of carotid maximum IMT in moderate-to-advanced stage CKD patients.

Serum Zinc Concentration Correlates With Ferritin Concentration in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Zinc deficiency is common and is associated with erythropoietin resistant anemia, dysgeusia, and hypogonadism in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, the prevalence and clinical effects of zinc deficiency in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) have not been determined. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. The prevalence of serum zinc deficiency and the clinical factors related to serum zinc concentration were determined in 49 patients undergoing PD [mean age 59.5 years (±14.8 years), 38/49 were men (78.6%), median PD period 24.0 months (12.5-45.0 months)]. A serum zinc concentration <60 µg/dL was defined as serum zinc deficiency, and a serum zinc concentration between 60 and 80 µg/dL as possible serum zinc deficiency. Results: Serum zinc deficiency was present in 51% (25/49) of the patients, and possible serum zinc deficiency was present in 45% (22/49) of patients undergoing PD. Multivariate analysis showed that serum zinc concentration significantly correlated with serum ferritin concentration (ß = 0.357, P < 0.01). Conclusions: The prevalences of serum zinc deficiency and possible serum deficiency are high and serum zinc concentration correlates with serum ferritin concentration in patients undergoing PD.

Relationship between serum total carbon dioxide concentration and bicarbonate concentration in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the relationship between serum total carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) concentration in patients undergoing hemodialysis. We determined the agreement and discrepancy between serum total CO2 and HCO3- concentrations and the diagnostic accuracy of serum total CO2 for the prediction of low (HCO3- < 24 mEq/L) and high (HCO3- ≥ 24 mEq/L) bicarbonate concentrations in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: One hundred forty-nine arteriovenous blood samples from 84 hemodialysis patients were studied. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine factors correlated with HCO3- concentration. Diagnostic accuracy of serum total CO2 was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and a 2 × 2 table. Agreement between serum total CO2 and HCO3- concentrations was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Serum total CO2 concentration was closely correlated with HCO3- concentration (ß = 0.858, P < 0.001). Area under the curve of serum total CO2 for the identification of low and high bicarbonate concentrations was 0.989. Use of serum total CO2 to predict low and high bicarbonate concentrations had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 50.0%, positive predictive value of 96.5%, negative predictive value of 100%, and accuracy of 96.6%. Bland-Altman analysis showed moderate agreement between serum total CO2 and HCO3- concentrations. Discrepancies between HCO3- and serum total CO2 concentrations (serum total CO2 - HCO3- ≤ -1) were observed in 89 samples. CONCLUSION: Serum total CO2 concentration is closely correlated with HCO3- concentration in hemodialysis patients. However, there is a non-negligible discrepancy between serum total CO2 and HCO3- concentrations.

Decrease in hand and cerebral oxygenation after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for arteriovenous fistula stenosis in a patient on chronic hemodialysis.

A 79-year-old woman who was on chronic hemodialysis due to diabetic nephropathy and had previously undergo surgery for radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in her right wrist needed percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for stenosis at the juxta-anastomotic access site. After successful PTA, the systemic blood pressure decreased from 144/93 mm Hg to 117/67 mm Hg in response to the increase in AVF blood flow. Furthermore, the regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) value in her dorsal hand decreased from 67.9% to 64.9% and, simultaneously, the cerebral rSO2 decreased from 63.6% to 60.1%. Our experience indicates that the PTA procedure may affect the rapid deterioration of systemic oxygenation, including that in the hand and brain, in association with the increase in the AVF blood flow and change in systemic circulation.

Cerebral oxygenation improvement is associated with hemoglobin increase after hemodialysis initiation.

INTRODUCTION: Near-infrared spectroscopy has been used to measure the regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) of the brain, and decreases in cerebral rSO2 have been reported to lead to cognitive impairment in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, reports about the association between changes in cerebral oxygenation and clinical parameters at hemodialysis initiation, including hemoglobin level, are lacking. METHODS: This study included 33 patients at the hemodialysis initiation phase. Cerebral rSO2 was monitored using an INVOS 5100C. Included patients were assessed twice (at hemodialysis initiation and 42.7 ± 20.8 days after the first measurement), and changes in cerebral rSO2 were compared with changes in clinical parameters. RESULTS: Cerebral rSO2 at the second measurement significantly increased compared with that at hemodialysis initiation (57.2 ± 6.8% vs 54.4 ± 8.8%, p < 0.05). Changes in cerebral rSO2 represented a significant correlation with changes in hemoglobin level, pulse rate, and serum albumin level. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed using significant factors in simple linear regression analysis. Changes in hemoglobin (standardized coefficient: 0.37) and serum albumin (standardized coefficient: 0.45) levels were identified as independent factors influencing the changes in cerebral rSO2. CONCLUSION: Cerebral rSO2 was low in the presence of low hemoglobin levels at hemodialysis initiation and improved in response to hemoglobin increase in addition to changes in serum albumin levels. Attention should be paid to changes in hemoglobin levels even at hemodialysis initiation to prevent the deterioration of cerebral oxygenation, and this might contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Eosinophilic peritonitis induced by sucroferric oxyhydroxide.

A 49-year-old woman developed eosinophilic peritonitis 2 months after starting continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis because of congenital right kidney hypoplasia and chronic glomerulonephritis. This was shown to have been induced by sucroferric oxyhydroxide, an iron-based phosphate binder, using a drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test. Her eosinophilic peritonitis was improved after stopping the administration of sucroferric oxyhydroxide without providing any immunosuppressive agents.