Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation and End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis: A Case Series.

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the general population, and its prevalence increases among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis. This population presents high risk of both hemorrhagic and thrombotic events, with little evidence regarding the use of oral anticoagulation treatment (OAT) and multiple complications arising from it; however, stroke prevention with percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an alternative to be considered. We retrospectively describe the safety and efficacy of percutaneous LAAC in eight patients with NVAF and CKD on hemodialysis during a 12-month follow-up. The mean age was 78.8 years (range 64-86; SD ± 6.7), and seven patients were male. The mean CHA2DS2-VASC and HAS-BLED scores were high, 4.8 (SD ± 1.5) and 3.8 (SD ± 1.3), respectively. Seventy-five percent of the patients were referred for this intervention due to a history of major bleeding, with gastrointestinal bleeding being the most common type, while the remaining twenty-five percent of the patients were referred because of a high risk of bleeding. The percutaneous LAAC procedure was successfully completed in 100% of the patients, with complete exclusion of the appendage without complications or leaks exceeding 5 mm. There was one death not related to the procedure four days after the intervention. Among the other seven patients, no deaths, cardioembolic events or major bleeding were reported during the follow-up period. In our sample, percutaneous LAAC appears to be a safe and effective alternative to anticoagulation in patients with NVAF and CKD on hemodialysis.

Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia and Cryoglobulinemic Glomerulonephritis: An Unusual Case of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Renal Significance.

Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins that precipitate at temperatures below 37 °C and dissolve upon reheating. They can induce small-vessel vasculitis with renal involvement. Cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis is a rare manifestation that occurs in patients with monoclonal gammopathy, specifically Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. We present the case of a 52-year-old patient with a history of cutaneous vasculitis and hypothyroidism, who presented with generalized edema, moderate anemia, hypercholesterolemia, nephrotic range proteinuria of 12.69 g/day, microhematuria, arterial hypertension, and hypocomplementemia via the classical pathway, without acute kidney injury and with negative serological studies and positive cryoglobulins in the second determination. Serum and urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation studies showed a monoclonal band of IgM and kappa light chain. Renal biopsy was consistent with cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis. In the context of dysproteinemia and cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis, bone-marrow aspiration and biopsy were performed, leading to the diagnosis of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Monoclonal gammopathies have been described in association with type I cryoglobulinemias. This described association is uncommon, which is why we present this case, along with a review of the literature.

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Renal Significance with Deposits of Infrequent Morphology: Two Case Reports of Light and Heavy Chain Deposition Disease with Atypical Presentation and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD) includes three entities: light chain deposition disease (LCDD), heavy chain deposition disease (HCDD) and light and heavy chain deposition disease (LHCDD). The renal presentation can manifest with varying degrees of proteinuria and/or nephrotic syndrome, microhematuria, and often leads to end-stage renal disease. Given the rarity of LHCDD, therapeutic approaches for this condition remain inconclusive, as clinical trials are limited. CASE PRESENTATION: We report two male patients with underlying monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) associated with LHCDD lesions. Both cases had non-nephrotic proteinuria, moderately impaired renal function, and normal levels of C3 and C4. Light microscopy of the renal biopsies in both patients did not show lesions of nodular glomerulosclerosis. Immunofluorescence showed a staining pattern with interrupted linear IgA-κ in patient #1 and IgA-λ in patient #2 only along the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Electron microscopy of patient #1 revealed electrodense deposits in the subendothelial and mesangial areas only along the GBM. DISCUSSION: In this case series, we discuss the clinical, analytical, and histopathological findings of two rare cases of LHCDD. Both patients exhibited IgA monoclonality and were diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) by the hematology department at the time of renal biopsy. Treatment with steroids and cytotoxic agents targeting the clone cells responsible for the deposition disease resulted in a favorable renal and hematologic response.

Efficacy and Safety of the Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Patients on Incremental Hemodialysis: Maximizing Residual Renal Function, Is There a Role for SGLT2 Inhibitors?

SGLT-2i are the new standard of care for diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but previous studies have not included patients on kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Due to their high risk of cardiovascular, renal complications, and mortality, these patients would benefit the most from this therapy. Residual kidney function (RKF) conveys a survival benefit and cardiovascular health among hemodialysis (HD) patients, especially those on incremental hemodialysis (iHD). We retrospectively describe the safety and efficacy of SGLT2i regarding RKF preservation in seven diabetic patients with different clinical backgrounds who underwent iHD (one or two sessions per week) during a 12-month follow-up. All patients preserved RKF, measured as residual kidney urea clearance (KrU) in 24 h after the introduction of SGLT2i. KrU levels improved significantly from 4.91 ± 1.14 mL/min to 7.28 ± 1.68 mL/min at 12 months (p = 0.028). Pre-hemodialysis blood pressure improved 9.95% in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.015) and 10.95% in mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.041); as a result, antihypertensive medication was modified. Improvements in blood uric acid, hemoglobin A1c, urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), and 24 h proteinuria were also significant. Regarding side effects, two patients developed uncomplicated urinary tract infections that were resolved. No other complications were reported. The use of SGLT2i in our sample of DKD patients starting iHD on a 1-2 weekly regimen appears to be safe and effective in preserving RKF.

Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide, a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist in Real-Life: A Case Series of Patients in Maintenance Incremental Hemodialysis.

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are among the newest treatment options available for managing of type 2 diabetes mellitus and slowing the progression of diabetes kidney disease (DKD). Subcutaneous (SC) semaglutide (Ozempic®) is a GLP-1RA with an extended half-life of approximately 1 week. GLP-1RA are highly effective in improving glycemic control and also show other beneficial effects such as increased natriuresis; decreased blood pressure and albuminuria; reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation; delay of gastric emptying and suppress appetite; the latter may result in significant weight loss. GLP-1RA can be used in patients with advanced-stage CKD; the European Medicines Agency has approved the use of all commercially available human GLP-1 analogs up to a minimal eGFR of 15 mL/min/1.73 m2. However, studies of safety and use of these agents in renal replacement therapy are scarce. Therefore, herein we present 3 cases of patients with advanced DKD in maintenance incremental hemodialysis with 1 session per week to describe the efficacy and safety of the SC semaglutide treatment and the favorable effects on glycemic control, lowering HbA1c, albuminuria, weight, blood pressure control, and preservation of residual kidney function (RKF) during a 6-month follow-up in a hospital hemodialysis unit in Spain. These effects could produce an improvement in morbidity and mortality and could also prevent albuminuria and preserve the RKF. This may allow our patients to maintain a weekly hemodialysis session and could facilitate their inclusion in the kidney transplant waiting lists.

An Exceptional Case of Light Chain Only Variant of Proliferative Glomerulonephritis with Monoclonal Immunoglobulin Deposits Secondary to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

We present the case of an 86-year-old Caucasian male with an 11-year history of low-grade chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) presenting with nephrotic syndrome (NS). Renal biopsy findings showed a diffuse mesangial and endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN) lesion with fine granular deposits, consistent with a rare morphologic variant of proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits (PGNMID)-lambda light chain (LC) only. Monthly combination therapy of rituximab (500 mg/m2 on day 1), fludarabine (30 mg/m2 on days 1-3), and cyclophosphamide (750 mg/m2 on days 1-3) was administered. Five courses of this regimen resulted in hematological remission, as well as a partial renal response with a reduction in the spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) of 815.3 mg/g (reduction > 50% proteinuria without improvement in kidney function). This condition is a rare morphological variant of PGNMID, poorly described in CLL patients. We review the literature and suggest that this case provides sheds light on the unknown pathophysiological mechanisms of monoclonal immunoglobulins (MIg)-mediated glomerular damage in CLL patients, and may be helpful for the investigation of a more effective treatment.

The impact of the correction of hyponatremia during hospital admission on the prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection is frequently associated with hyponatremia (plasma sodium <135 mmol/L), being associated with a worse prognosis. The incidence of hyponatremia is estimated to be 20-37% according to the series, but there are no data on the prognosis after correction of hyponatremia. Therefore, our objectives were: to analyse the incidence and severity of hyponatremia at hospital admission, and to determine the association of this hyponatremia with the prognosis of COVID-19. Methods: Observational and retrospective cohort study. Patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection and hyponatremia, in the period March-May 2020, were included. We recorded epidemiological, demographic, clinical, biochemical, and radiological variables of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hyponatremia at the time of diagnosis and during hospitalization. The clinical follow-up ranged from admission to death or discharge. Results: 91 patients (21.8%) of the 414 admitted for SARS-CoV-2 infection presented hyponatremia (81.32% mild hyponatremia, 9.89% moderate and 8.79% severe). The absence of correction of hyponatremia 72-96 h after hospital admission was associated with higher mortality in patients with COVID-19 (Odds Ratio 0.165; 95% confidence interval: 0.018-0.686; p = 0.011). 19 patients (20.9%) died. An increase in mortality was observed in patients with severe hyponatremia compared with moderate and mild hyponatremia during hospital admission (37.5% versus 11.1% versus 8.1%, p = 0.041). Conclusion: We conclude that persistence of hyponatremia at 72-96 h of hospital admission was associated with higher mortality in patients with SARS-Cov-2.

Introduccion: La infección por SARS-CoV-2 se asocia con frecuencia con hiponatremia (sodio plasmático <135 mmol/l), relacionándose con peor pronóstico. La incidencia de la hiponatremia se estima en 20­37% según las series, pero no existen datos sobre el pronóstico tras la corrección de la hiponatremia. Por ello, nuestros objetivos fueron: analizar la incidencia y gravedad de la hiponatremia al ingreso hospitalario, y determinar la asociación de dicha hiponatremia con el pronóstico del COVID-19. Material y método: Estudio de cohorte observacional y retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes que ingresaron con diagnóstico de infección por COVID-19 e hiponatremia, en el periodo marzo-mayo 2020. Registramos variables epidemiológicas, demográficas, clínicas, analíticas y radiológicas de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 e hiponatremia al momento del diagnóstico y durante la hospitalización. El seguimiento clínico comprendió desde el ingreso hasta el exitus o el alta. Resultados: 91 pacientes (21,8%) de los 414 ingresados por infección del SARS-CoV-2 presentaron hiponatremia (81,32% hiponatremia leve, 9,89% moderada y 8,79% grave). La ausencia de corrección de la hiponatremia a las 72­96 horas del ingreso hospitalario estuvo asociado a mayor mortalidad en los pacientes con COVID-19 (OR 0,165; 95% intervalo de confianza: 0,018­0,686; p = 0,011). Fallecieron 19 pacientes (20,9%). Se observó un aumento de la mortalidad en pacientes con hiponatremia grave en comparación con hiponatremia moderada y leve durante el ingreso (37,5% versus 11,1% versus 8,1%, respectivamente, p = 0,041). Conclusiones: La persistencia de la hiponatremia tras las primeras 72­96 horas del ingreso hospitalario fue asociada a mayor mortalidad+- en los pacientes con SARS-Cov-2.

Impacto de la corrección temprana de la hiponatremia en el pronóstico de la infección del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave del coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) / The impact of the correction of hyponatremia during hospital admission on the prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection

IntroducciónLa infección por el coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2) se asocia con frecuencia con hiponatremia (sodio plasmático<135mmol/l), relacionándose con peor pronóstico. La incidencia de la hiponatremia se estima en 20-37% según las series, pero no existen datos sobre el pronóstico tras la corrección de la hiponatremia. Por ello, nuestros objetivos fueron: analizar la incidencia y gravedad de la hiponatremia al ingreso hospitalario y determinar la asociación de dicha hiponatremia con el pronóstico de la enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19).Material y métodoEstudio de cohorte observacional y retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes que ingresaron con diagnóstico de infección por COVID-19 e hiponatremia en el periodo marzo-mayo de 2020. Registramos variables epidemiológicas, demográficas, clínicas, analíticas y radiológicas de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 e hiponatremia en el momento del diagnóstico y durante la hospitalización. El seguimiento clínico comprendió desde el ingreso hasta el exitus o el alta.ResultadosNoventa y un pacientes (21,8%) de los 414 ingresados por infección del SARS-CoV-2 presentaron hiponatremia (81,32% hiponatremia leve, 9,89% moderada y 8,79% grave). La ausencia de corrección de la hiponatremia a las 72-96horas del ingreso hospitalario estuvo asociado a mayor mortalidad en los pacientes con COVID-19 (odds ratio 0,165; 95% intervalo de confianza: 0,018-0,686; p=0,011). Fallecieron 19 pacientes (20,9%). Se observó un aumento de la mortalidad en pacientes con hiponatremia grave en comparación con hiponatremia moderada y leve durante el ingreso (37,5% versus 11,1% versus 8,1%, respectivamente; p=0,041).ConclusionesLa persistencia de la hiponatremia tras las primeras 72-96horas del ingreso hospitalario se asoció a mayor mortalidad en los pacientes con SARS-CoV-2. (AU)

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 infection is frequently associated with hyponatremia (plasma sodium<135mmol/L), being associated with a worse prognosis. The incidence of hyponatremia is estimated to be 20–37% according to the series, but there are no data on the prognosis after correction of hyponatremia. Therefore, our objectives were: to analyze the incidence and severity of hyponatremia at hospital admission, and to determine the association of this hyponatremia with the prognosis of COVID-19.Material and methodObservational and retrospective cohort study. Patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection and hyponatremia, in the period March–May 2020, were included. We recorded epidemiological, demographic, clinical, biochemical, and radiological variables of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hyponatremia at the time of diagnosis and during hospitalization. The clinical follow-up ranged from admission to death or discharge.Results91 patients (21.8%) of the 414 admitted for SARS-CoV-2 infection presented hyponatremia (81.32% mild hyponatremia, 9.89% moderate and 8.79% severe). The absence of correction of hyponatremia 72–96h after hospital admission was associated with higher mortality in patients with COVID-19 (Odds Ratio .165; 95% confidence interval: .018-.686; P=.011). 19 patients (20.9%) died. An increase in mortality was observed in patients with severe hyponatremia compared with moderate and mild hyponatremia during hospital admission (37.5% versus 11.1% versus 8.1%, P=.041).ConclusionsWe conclude that persistence of hyponatremia at 72–96h of hospital admission was associated with higher mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2. (AU)

The impact of the correction of hyponatremia during hospital admission on the prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. / Impacto de la corrección temprana de la hiponatremia en el pronóstico de la infección del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave del coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 infection is frequently associated with hyponatremia (plasma sodium<135mmol/L), being associated with a worse prognosis. The incidence of hyponatremia is estimated to be 20-37% according to the series, but there are no data on the prognosis after correction of hyponatremia. Therefore, our objectives were: to analyze the incidence and severity of hyponatremia at hospital admission, and to determine the association of this hyponatremia with the prognosis of COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational and retrospective cohort study. Patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection and hyponatremia, in the period March-May 2020, were included. We recorded epidemiological, demographic, clinical, biochemical, and radiological variables of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hyponatremia at the time of diagnosis and during hospitalization. The clinical follow-up ranged from admission to death or discharge. RESULTS: 91 patients (21.8%) of the 414 admitted for SARS-CoV-2 infection presented hyponatremia (81.32% mild hyponatremia, 9.89% moderate and 8.79% severe). The absence of correction of hyponatremia 72-96h after hospital admission was associated with higher mortality in patients with COVID-19 (Odds Ratio .165; 95% confidence interval: .018-.686; P=.011). 19 patients (20.9%) died. An increase in mortality was observed in patients with severe hyponatremia compared with moderate and mild hyponatremia during hospital admission (37.5% versus 11.1% versus 8.1%, P=.041). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that persistence of hyponatremia at 72-96h of hospital admission was associated with higher mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2.

Patiromer in a Patient with Severe Hyperkalemia on Incremental Hemodialysis with 1 Session per Week: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Hyperkalemia is common in patients with ESRD, undergoing hemodialysis (HD), and is associated with an increase in hospitalization and mortality. Residual kidney function in long-term dialysis patients is associated with lower morbidity and mortality in HD patients. Although the 2015 National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiate (NKD-KDOQI) guidelines allow the reduction in the weekly HD dose for patients with a residual kidney urea clearance (Kur) >3 mL/min/1.73 m2, very few centers adjust the dialysis dose based on these criteria. In our center, the pattern of incremental hemodialysis (iHD) with once-a-week schedule (1 HD/W) has been an option for a group of patients showing very good results. This pattern is maintained as long as residual diuresis is >1,000 mL/24 h, Kur is >4 mL/min, and there is no presence of edema or volume overload, as well as no analytical parameters persistently outside the advisable range (serum phosphorus >6 mg/dL or potassium [K+] >6.5 mmol/L). Management of hyperkalemia in HD patients includes reduction of dietary intake, dosing of medications that contribute to hyperkalemia, and use of cation-exchange resins such as calcium or sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Two newer potassium binders, patiromer sorbitex calcium and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, have been safely used for potassium imbalance treatment in patients with ESRD in HD with a conventional regimen of thrice weekly, but has not yet been studied in 1 HD/W schedules. We present the case of a 76-year-old woman in iHD (1 HD/W) treated with patiromer for severe HK and describe her clinical characteristics and outcomes. In addition, we review the corresponding literature. Based on these data, it can be anticipated that the use of patiromer may overcome the risk of hyperkalemia in patients with incident ESRD treated with less-frequent HD regimens.

Targeting Cytokine Storm in COVID-19: A Role of Online Hemodiafiltration with Asymmetric Cellulose Triacetate in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients-A Report of 10 Cases.

Early reports have suggested that maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients could be more susceptible to a severe course of COVID-19. Among the therapeutic approaches, the use of drugs that reduce the cytokine storm characteristic of this disease has been proposed. Some dialyzers, such as the new generation of asymmetric cellulose triacetate (ATA) membranes, could favor the effective elimination of medium-sized molecules and other inflammatory mediators. In this case series, we describe in depth the clinical, analytical, and radiological details, therapeutic aspects, and outcomes of the case series of 10 MHD patients of our dialysis unit, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from 5 October to 30 November 2020. Furthermore, we evaluate the removal of hyperinflammatory parameters with the ATA membrane in postdilution online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) in these patients through a variety of biomarkers of systemic inflammation from the diagnosis until stripping. Biochemical blood analysis was carried out at baseline and at days 7 and 14 after diagnosis, respectively. 50% of the patients presented COVID-19 pneumonia and required hospital admission. Median hospitalization time was 21 days. A total of 4 patients developed severe pneumonia (3 of them died) and 1 patient developed moderate pneumonia. Patients who died (n = 3) were more likely to present bilateral pneumonia (100% vs 14.3%) at diagnosis and less reduction in interleukin 6 (IL-6) at day 14, as compared to those who survived. The use of the ATA membrane could be considered a therapeutic option, due to its immunomodulatory effect in MHD patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially at the beginning of the disease, where the inflammatory component is predominant.

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Renal Significance with Deposits of Peculiar Morphology and Injuries of Secondary Thrombotic Microangiopathy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

We present the case of an 82-year-old woman diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) with the presence of different and peculiar kidney lesions, who began treatment with bortezomib and dexamethasone, presenting during her evolution a relapse. Although the bone marrow biopsy in this case showed plasma cells as pathologic clone and there was also a reduction after chemotherapeutic treatment, rituximab was proposed as a second line. We suspected that the relapse was possibly due to another precursor as B-cell or lymphoplasmacytic cell clone. We review the literature and suggest that the treatment for MGRS should be patient-tailored, preferably by consulting a multidisciplinary team. Future research is needed to better understand the disease course and establish the efficacy and safety of the therapeutic approach for the relapse of MGRS.

IHDIP: a controlled randomized trial to assess the security and effectiveness of the incremental hemodialysis in incident patients.

BACKGROUND: Most people who make the transition to renal replacement therapy (RRT) are treated with a fixed dose thrice-weekly hemodialysis réegimen, without considering their residual kidney function (RKF). Recent papers inform us that incremental hemodialysis is associated with preservation of RKF, whenever compared with conventional hemodialysis. The objective of the present controlled randomized trial (RCT) is to determine if start HD with one sessions per week (1-Wk/HD), it is associated with better patient survival and other safety parameters. METHODS/DESIGN: IHDIP is a multicenter RCT experimental open trial. It is randomized in a 1:1 ratio and controlled through usual clinical practice, with a low intervention level and non-commercial. It includes 152 incident patients older than 18 years, with a RRF of ≥4 ml/min/1.73 m2, measured by renal clearance of urea (KrU). The intervention group includes 76 patients who will start with incremental HD (1-Wk/HD). The control group includes 76 patients who will start with thrice-weekly hemodialysis régimen. The primary outcome is assessing the survival rate, while the secondary outcomes are the morbidity rate, the clinical parameters, the quality of life and the efficiency. DISCUSSION: This study will enable to know the number of sessions a patient should receive when starting HD, depending on his RRF. The potentially important clinical and financial implications of incremental hemodialysis warrant this RCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: U.S. National Institutes of Health, ClinicalTrials.gov . Number: NCT03239808 , completed 13/04/2017. SPONSOR: Foundation for Training and Research of Health Professionals of Extremadura.

Rationale and design of DiPPI: A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of progressive hemodialysis in incident patients. / Justificación y diseño de DiPPI: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado para evaluar la seguridad y la efectividad de la hemodiálisis progresiva en pacientes incidentes.

INTRODUCTION: Progressive haemodialysis (HD) is a starting regime for renal replacement therapy (RRT) adapted to each patient's necessities. It is mainly conditioned by the residual renal function (RRF). The frequency of sessions with which patients start HD (one or two sessions per week), is lower than that for conventional HD (three times per week). Such frequency is increased (from one to two sessions, and from two to three sessions) as the RRF declines. METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: IHDIP is a multicentre randomised experimental open trial. It is randomised in a 1:1 ratio and controlled through usual clinical practice, with a low intervention level and non-commercial. It includes 152 patients older than 18 years with chronic renal disease stage 5 and start HD as RRT, with an RRF of ≥4ml/min/1.73m2, measured by renal clearance of urea (KrU). The intervention group includes 76 patients who will start with one session of HD per week (progressive HD). The control group includes 76 patients who will start with three sessions per week (conventional HD). The primary purpose is assessing the survival rate, while the secondary purposes are the morbidity rate (hospital admissions), the clinical parameters, the quality of life and the efficiency. DISCUSSION: This study will enable us to know, with the highest level of scientific evidence, the number of sessions a patient should receive when starting the HD treatment, depending on his/her RRF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT03239808.

Serum level of fibroblast growth factor 23 in maintenance renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) provides a new conceptual framework that improves our understanding of the pathogenesis of post-transplant bone disease. Excess FGF23 is produced in the early post-transplant period; levels return to normal in the months following transplant. However, few manuscripts discuss FGF23 levels in stable long-term renal transplant recipients. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional observational study of 279 maintenance kidney recipients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stages 1-4 and stable allograft function who had received their transplant at least 12 months previously. We calculated the estimated GFR (eGFR) using the MDRD4 equation. RESULTS: FGF23, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and phosphorus values were higher in more advanced stages, while the serum calcitriol levels and the phosphate reabsorption rate were lower. A significant inverse correlation was found between eGFR and FGF23 (r = -0.487; P < 0.001), PTH (r = -0.444; P < 0.001), serum phosphate levels (r = -0.315; P < 0.001) and fractional excretion of magnesium (r = -0.503; P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that increased time on corticosteroids (P < 0.001), PTH (P < 0.001), serum phosphate (P = 0.003), decreased serum calcitriol (P = 0.049) and estimated glomerular filtration (P = 0.003) rate were associated with high FGF23 levels. In contrast with pre-transplant patients and first year post-transplant patients, higher FGF23 values were not correlated with increased phosphate excretion. An elevated phosphate reabsorption rate was associated with decreased PTH (P < 0.001) and calciuria (P = 0.028) and increased serum calcitriol (P = 0.009), plasma bicarbonate (P = 0.024) and estimated glomerular filtration (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Serum FGF23 concentrations remain increased in long-term kidney graft recipients, even in the early stages of CKD. It remains to be seen whether measures aimed at reducing serum levels of PTH and phosphate and/or corticosteroid doses might help to lower serum FGF23 and whether this will improve kidney recipient outcomes.