Unveiling the nephrotoxic profile of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors: A real-world experience in Africa.

Introduction: The efficacy of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in treating chronic myelogenous leukemia and other malignancies is well-documented. However, concerns about potential nephrotoxicity have raised questions. This study, conducted at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital (TASH) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aimed to investigate the association between TKIs and renal toxicities. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional design was used to enroll 260 TASH patients actively receiving BCR-ABL TKIs. Demographic information, diagnoses, treatment details, and laboratory test results were collected for each participant's Electronic Medical Record. The primary goal was to assess adverse renal events, a combination of events of a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) exceeding 30% from baseline, significant proteinuria, and a diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). A logistic regression model was used to analyze the data and identify factors associated with developing adverse renal events. Results: Our analysis revealed a statistically significant decrease in eGFR following treatment with TKIs. However, the observed rate of adverse renal events (13.1%) was lower than reported in some previous studies. Factors significantly associated with adverse renal events included longer TKI duration, male sex (protective), hypertension, HIV infection, and achieving complete molecular remission and/or a complete hematologic response. No significant associations were found with diabetes mellitus, age, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors use, or baseline creatinine level. Conclusions: While this study found that BCR-ABL TKIs can lead to a decline in eGFR, AKI, and CKD, it also demonstrated that they were relatively safer in our study population.

Burden of Tuberculosis in End Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Multicenter Study and Experience from Ethiopian Dialysis Setting.

Background: Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) due to the immunosuppressed state along with concomitant comorbidities and socioeconomic and demographic factors. Data on the prevalence of tuberculosis in ESRD are scarce despite the high burden of the disease in developing nations. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted at eight dialysis centers in Addis Ababa on the prevalence of TB among CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis from August 2022 to October 2022 G.C. The study enrolled 263 participants selected by systematic random sampling. Data were collected by reviewing the patient's electronic medical records. The Collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Our study found a 27% prevalence of TB in patients with ESRD receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Pulmonary tuberculosis was the most prevalent form, and lymphadenitis was the most common extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). Only 5.6% of the study participants had microbiologic evidence of TB. Chemistry and cytological studies from pleural fluid and imaging evidences were commonly used diagnostic modalities. The presence of HIV infection, longer duration of dialysis (>1 year), and contact history with a known TB patient were all significantly associated with higher prevalence of TB among the study participants. Conclusion: Although there is a strong association between TB and CKD, there are no local data from Ethiopia. Our study identified a higher prevalence of TB among CKD patients on MHD. Thus, maintaining a high index of suspicion and early diagnosis and treatment of TB among ESRD patients on MHD and use of TB preventive therapy (TPT) is important in decreasing morbidity and mortality.