Intradialytic resistance training: an effective and easy-to-execute strategy / Treinamento resistido intradialítico: uma estratégia eficaz e de fácil execução

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) alters the morphology and function of skeletal muscles, thereby decreasing patient physical capacity (PC) and quality of life (QoL). Intradialytic resistance training (IRT) is a pragmatic tool used to attenuate these complications. However, IRT has not been strongly adopted in nephrology care centers. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a low-cost, easy-to-use IRT protocol. Methods: The study enrolled 43 patients (52.8 ± 13.85 years) on HD for five to 300 months followed from April 2014 to July 2017. The efficacy of IRT was assessed based on PC - derived from muscle strength (MS) and preferred walking speed (PWS) - and QoL. The occurrence of adverse events was used as a measure of safety. The IRT protocol consisted of exercises of moderate to high intensity for the main muscle groups performed three times a week. Results: The mean follow-up time was 9.3 ± 3.24 months, for a total of 4,374 sessions of IRT. Compliance to the protocol was 96.5 ± 2.90%, and patients presented significant improvements in MS (from 27.3 ± 11.58 Kgf to 34.8 ± 10.77 Kgf) and PWS (from 0.99 ± 0.29 m/s to 1.26 ± 0.22 m/s). Physical and emotional components of QoL also increased significantly. Conclusion: IRT led to significant increases in PC and higher scores in all domains of QoL. Important adverse events were not observed during intradialytic resistance training.

Resumo A doença renal crônica (DRC) promove alterações morfofuncionais dos músculos esqueléticos, gerando redução da capacidade físico-funcional (CF) e pior qualidade de vida (QV). O treinamento resistido intradialítico (TRI) é considerado uma ação pragmática para atenuar tais complicações. Contudo, nota-se baixa inserção do TRI nos centros de tratamento em nefrologia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia e a segurança de uma proposta metodológica de TRI de fácil execução e de baixo custo. Métodos: 43 pacientes (52,8±13,85 anos), com tempo em HD entre cinco e 300 meses, foram acompanhados entre abril de 2014 e julho de 2017. A eficácia do TRI foi mensurada pela CF, avaliada pela força muscular (FM) e pela velocidade de caminhada usual (VCU) e pela QV. Como critério de segurança adotou-se a ocorrência de intercorrências clínicas. O protocolo de TRI consistiu em exercícios de moderada a alta intensidade para os principais grupos musculares, realizados três vezes por semana. Resultados: o tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 9,3 ± 3,24 meses, totalizando 4.374 sessões de TRI. A aderência ao protocolo foi de 96,5 ± 2,90, e os pacientes apresentaram melhora significativa da FM (de 27,3±11,58 Kgf para 34,8±10,77 Kgf) e da VCU (de 0,99 ± 0,29 m/s para 1,26 ± 0,22 m/s). Quanto à QV, tanto os domínios do componente físico quanto do emocional aumentaram significativamente. Conclusão: o TRI promoveu aumento significativo da CF e melhora de todos os domínios da QV, e não foram observadas intercorrências importantes com a realização dos exercícios intradialíticos.

Rectus femoris muscle mass evaluation by ultrasound: facilitating sarcopenia diagnosis in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease stages.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the validity and reliability of ultrasonography measurement of rectus femoris cross-sectional area compared to computed tomography in patients in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease and analyzed the association between these measurements and the diagnosis of sarcopenia. METHODS: One hundred patients with nondialysis chronic kidney disease were evaluated. Sarcopenia was defined using the criteria of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project (FNIH). The rectus femoris cross-sectional area was evaluated using ultrasonography and computed tomography. RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 29% according to the FNIH criteria. The difference in mean rectus femoris cross-sectional area by ultrasonography and computed tomography was 3.97 mm, with a strong correlation between the two methods (p<0.001). Bland-Altman plot analysis showed good agreement between computed tomography and ultrasonography. Rectus femoris cross-sectional area was significantly correlated with muscle strength (r=0.300, p=0.002), lean body mass in the upper limbs (r=0.286, p=0.004), and lean body mass in the lower limbs (r=0.271, p=0.006). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 12% (n=12) based on the definition of low muscle mass according to ultrasonography of the rectus femoris cross-sectional area. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography was demonstrated to be a valid and reliable method for evaluating the rectus femoris cross-sectional area in patients in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease.

Intradialytic resistance training: an effective and easy-to-execute strategy.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) alters the morphology and function of skeletal muscles, thereby decreasing patient physical capacity (PC) and quality of life (QoL). Intradialytic resistance training (IRT) is a pragmatic tool used to attenuate these complications. However, IRT has not been strongly adopted in nephrology care centers. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a low-cost, easy-to-use IRT protocol. METHODS: The study enrolled 43 patients (52.8 ± 13.85 years) on HD for five to 300 months followed from April 2014 to July 2017. The efficacy of IRT was assessed based on PC - derived from muscle strength (MS) and preferred walking speed (PWS) - and QoL. The occurrence of adverse events was used as a measure of safety. The IRT protocol consisted of exercises of moderate to high intensity for the main muscle groups performed three times a week. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 9.3 ± 3.24 months, for a total of 4,374 sessions of IRT. Compliance to the protocol was 96.5 ± 2.90%, and patients presented significant improvements in MS (from 27.3 ± 11.58 Kgf to 34.8 ± 10.77 Kgf) and PWS (from 0.99 ± 0.29 m/s to 1.26 ± 0.22 m/s). Physical and emotional components of QoL also increased significantly. CONCLUSION: IRT led to significant increases in PC and higher scores in all domains of QoL. Important adverse events were not observed during intradialytic resistance training.

Rectus femoris muscle mass evaluation by ultrasound: facilitating sarcopenia diagnosis in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease stages

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the validity and reliability of ultrasonography measurement of rectus femoris cross-sectional area compared to computed tomography in patients in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease and analyzed the association between these measurements and the diagnosis of sarcopenia. METHODS: One hundred patients with nondialysis chronic kidney disease were evaluated. Sarcopenia was defined using the criteria of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project (FNIH). The rectus femoris cross-sectional area was evaluated using ultrasonography and computed tomography. RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 29% according to the FNIH criteria. The difference in mean rectus femoris cross-sectional area by ultrasonography and computed tomography was 3.97 mm, with a strong correlation between the two methods (p<0.001). Bland-Altman plot analysis showed good agreement between computed tomography and ultrasonography. Rectus femoris cross-sectional area was significantly correlated with muscle strength (r=0.300, p=0.002), lean body mass in the upper limbs (r=0.286, p=0.004), and lean body mass in the lower limbs (r=0.271, p=0.006). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 12% (n=12) based on the definition of low muscle mass according to ultrasonography of the rectus femoris cross-sectional area. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography was demonstrated to be a valid and reliable method for evaluating the rectus femoris cross-sectional area in patients in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease.

Impacts of frailty on the negative health outcomes of elderly Brazilians / Impactos da Fragilidade sobre desfechos negativos em saúde de idosos brasileiros

Abstract Objective: to verify the association between frailty and the occurrence of falls, hospitalization and death among Brazilian elderly persons. Methods: a representative sample of elderly persons from the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, who had been evaluated with regard to frailty, socio-demographic conditions and health in 2009, were reevaluated in terms of negative health outcomes between 2014 and 2015 (n=304). Results: The results revealed a greater incidence of falls, hospitalization, and death among frail elderly persons. The frail group also had an increased risk (1.5, crude estimate) of death during the follow-up period than the robust individuals. The pre-frail elderly had a 55% (crude) and 58% (adjusted) greater risk of falls, and an 89% (crude) greater risk of death than robust individuals. Conclusion: frailty, as well as pre-frailty, can increase the risk of adverse events in the health of the elderly. AU

Resumo Objetivos: verificar a relação da fragilidade com a ocorrência de quedas, hospitalização e óbito em idosos brasileiros. Métodos: Para tal, uma amostra representativa de idosos moradores do município de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil, a qual foi avaliada quanto à fragilidade, condições sociais, demográficas e de saúde no ano de 2009, foi reavaliada quanto aos desfechos negativos em saúde entre os anos de 2014 e 2015 (n=304). Resultados: Os resultados demonstram uma maior incidência de quedas, hospitalização e óbito entre os frágeis. O grupo frágil também apresentou risco aumentado (1.5, bruto) de falecer durante o seguimento do que os robustos. Já os pré-frágeis, exibiram risco 55% (bruto) e 58% (ajustado) superior de quedas e 89% (bruto) de falecer em relação aos indivíduos robustos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a fragilidade, assim como a pré-fragilidade, podem aumentar o risco de eventos negativos na saúde de idosos.AU

Sarcopenia in patients with chronic kidney disease not yet on dialysis: Analysis of the prevalence and associated factors.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia is a chronic condition that is associated with aging and characterized by a reduction of muscle mass, strength, and function. Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as cardiovascular complications. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with CKD not yet on dialysis and its correlation with clinical and laboratory variables and inflammatory markers. METHODS: A total of 100 patients of both sexes aged over 18 were evaluated. Sarcopenia was defined using the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Sarcopenia Project. Sociodemographic and clinical data, activities of daily living, functional capacity, and physical activity were also evaluated. Inflammation was assessed by the serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin (IL) 4 and 6. RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 11.9% and 28.7% using the EWGSOP and FNIH criteria, respectively. Sarcopenia was more prevalent in the more advanced stages of CKD (34.5% in stages 2 and 3A; and 65.5% in stages 3B, 4, and 5) and associated with worse performance in activities of daily living (p = 0.049), lower walking speeds (p < 0.001), and higher body mass indexes (BMIs) (p = 0.001) in the non-adjusted model. In addition, patients with sarcopenia had lower functional capacity (p = 0.012) and higher prevalence of physical inactivity (p = 0.041) compared with patients without sarcopenia. After adjustment for confounding variables, sarcopenia was still significantly correlated with walking speed (p = 0.004) and BMI (p = 0.002). HsCRP levels were inversely correlated with appendicular lean mass adjusted for BMI (p = 0.007) and were also positively associated with BMI (p = 0.001). IL4 levels were positively correlated with walking speed (p = 0.007) and lean mass in the lower limbs (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is common in patients with CKD, particularly in the most advanced stages of the disease. We observed an association between the levels of inflammatory markers and peripheral lean body mass, physical performance, and BMI. This association between sarcopenia and modifiable factors highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the implementation of therapeutic measures to minimize adverse outcomes in patients with CKD not yet on dialysis.

Association of frailty with endothelial dysfunction and its possible impact on negative outcomes in Brazilian predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a state of physiological vulnerability common in the elderly. It is more predominant in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in comparison to healthy subjects, which can also be diagnosed in non-elderly individuals and be associated with innumerous causes such as muscle strength, body composition and inflammation. The association between frailty and endothelial function, as well as the association between frailty and the combined outcome of mortality multiple cause and start of renal replace therapy were assessed. METHODS: In the initial analysis, sixty-one predialysis patients with Chronic Kidney Disease stages were evaluated and included in this study. Due to patient drop-out during follow-up, fifty-seven patients were subsequently re-evaluated 12 months later. The diagnosis of frailty was based on the Johansen et al. (J Am Soc Nephrol 18(11):2960-67, 2007) criteria. The groups were divided into Non-frail and Frail. Sociodemographic, inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-?, CRP-us), endothelial dysfunction (flow-mediated vasodilatation - FMD), body composition (DXA) and the 25-hidroxi-vitamin D parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The average age of the patients used in the study was 64.9 ± 10.3 years old. The predominance of frailty was 42.6%, of which 46% were non-elderly. After some adjustments, frailty was associated with gender (OR = 11.32; IC 95% = 2.30 to 55.67), advanced age (OR = 4.07; IC 95% = 1.02 to 16.20), obesity (OR = 6.63; IC 95% = 0.82 to 11.44) and endothelial dysfunction (OR = 3.86; IC 95% = 1.00 to 14.88). The ratio of the incidence of frail subjects to the variable outcome was 2.5 (CI 95%, 1.04 to 6.50). CONCLUSIONS: Although an observational study does not allow one to determine the casual relation between frailty and endothelial dysfunction, we conclude that frailty was predominant in our sample of Brazilian patients with chronic kidney disease on predialysis, even in elderly individuals. This was linked to either worse endothelial function or mortality.

Impact of social vulnerability on the outcomes of predialysis chronic kidney disease patients in an interdisciplinary center.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous studies examined the associations between socio-demographic, economic and individual factors and chronic kidney disease (CKD) outcomes and observed that the associations were complex and multifactorial. Socioeconomic factors can be evaluated by a model of social vulnerability (SV). OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of SV on the outcomes of predialysis patients. METHODS: Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected from a cohort of patients with predialysis stage 3 to 5 who were treated by an interdisciplinary team (January 2002 and December 2009) in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Factor, cluster and discriminant analysis were performed in sequence to identify the most important variables and develop a model of SV that allowed for classification of the patients as vulnerable or non-vulnerable. Cox regression was performed to examine the impact of SV on the outcomes of mortality and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). RESULTS: Of the 209 patients examined, 29.4% were classified as vulnerable. No significance difference was found between the vulnerable and non-vulnerable groups regarding either mortality (log rank: 0.23) or need for RRT (log rank: 0.17). In the Cox regression model, the hazard ratios (HRs) for the unadjusted and adjusted impact of SV on mortality were found to be 1.87 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.64-5.41) and 1.47 (CI: 0.35-6.0), respectively, and the unadjusted and adjusted impact of need for RRT to be 1.85 (CI: 0.71-4.8) and 2.19 (CI: 0.50-9.6), respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that SV did not influence the outcomes of patients with predialysis CKD treated in an interdisciplinary center.

Sarcopenia in chronic kidney disease.

Sarcopenia is a chronic condition associated with physiological aging process and is defined by the reduction of the mass, muscle strength and function. In Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), sarcopenia is prevalent and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and the occurrence of cardiovascular complications. By analyzing sarcopenia in patients with renal insufficiency, complex mechanisms that contribute to loss of muscle mass are highlighted, such as activation of mediators that stimulate the ubiquitin-proteasome system (SUP) ATP-dependent, inflammation, metabolic acidosis, angiotensin II and some hormonal factors. The therapeutic approach to sarcopenia in CKD includes exercises, correction of metabolic acidosis, hormone replacement therapy and insulin resistance. Thus, it is of paramount importance early recognition of sarcopenia in this population, in order to establish effective therapeutic interventions, thus avoiding the full range of complications associated with muscle wasting in CKD.

Sarcopenia na doença renal crônica / Sarcopenia in chronic kidney disease

A sarcopenia é uma condição crônica associada ao processo fisiológico de envelhecimento e é definida pela redução da massa, força e função musculares. Na Doença Renal Crônica (DRC), a sarcopenia é prevalente, e associa-se ao aumento da morbimortalidade e à ocorrência de complicações cardiovasculares. Ao analisarmos a sarcopenia em pacientes com insuficiência renal, destacam-se mecanismos complexos que contribuem para a perda de massa muscular, como ativação de mediadores que estimulam o sistema da ubiquitina-proteossoma (SUP) dependente de ATP, inflamação, acidose metabólica, angiotensina II e alguns fatores hormonais. A abordagem terapêutica da sarcopenia na DRC inclui a realização de exercícios, correção da acidose metabólica, reposição hormonal e tratamento da resistência insulínica. Desta forma, é de suma importância o reconhecimento precoce da sarcopenia nesta população, com o intuito de estabelecer intervenções terapêuticas eficazes, evitando-se, assim, toda a gama de complicações associadas à perda de massa muscular na DRC.

Sarcopenia is a chronic condition associated with physiological aging process and is defined by the reduction of the mass, muscle strength and function. In Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), sarcopenia is prevalent and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and the occurrence of cardiovascular complications. By analyzing sarcopenia in patients with renal insufficiency, complex mechanisms that contribute to loss of muscle mass are highlighted, such as activation of mediators that stimulate the ubiquitin-proteasome system (SUP) ATP-dependent, inflammation, metabolic acidosis, angiotensin II and some hormonal factors. The therapeutic approach to sarcopenia in CKD includes exercises, correction of metabolic acidosis, hormone replacement therapy and insulin resistance. Thus, it is of paramount importance early recognition of sarcopenia in this population, in order to establish effective therapeutic interventions, thus avoiding the full range of complications associated with muscle wasting in CKD.

Impact of social vulnerability on the outcomes of predialysis chronic kidney disease patients in an interdisciplinary center / Impacto da vulnerabilidade social nos desfechos de pacientes com doença renal crônica pré-dialítica em um centro interdisciplinar

Introduction: Numerous studies examined the associations between socio-demographic, economic and individual factors and chronic kidney disease (CKD) outcomes and observed that the associations were complex and multifactorial. Socioeconomic factors can be evaluated by a model of social vulnerability (SV). Objective: To analyze the impact of SV on the outcomes of predialysis patients. Methods: Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected from a cohort of patients with predialysis stage 3 to 5 who were treated by an interdisciplinary team (January 2002 and December 2009) in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Factor, cluster and discriminant analysis were performed in sequence to identify the most important variables and develop a model of SV that allowed for classification of the patients as vulnerable or non-vulnerable. Cox regression was performed to examine the impact of SV on the outcomes of mortality and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). Results: Of the 209 patients examined, 29.4% were classified as vulnerable. No significance difference was found between the vulnerable and non-vulnerable groups regarding either mortality (log rank: 0.23) or need for RRT (log rank: 0.17). In the Cox regression model, the hazard ratios (HRs) for the unadjusted and adjusted impact of SV on mortality were found to be 1.87 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.64-5.41) and 1.47 (CI: 0.35-6.0), respectively, and the unadjusted and adjusted impact of need for RRT to be 1.85 (CI: 0.71-4.8) and 2.19 (CI: 0.50-9.6), respectively. Conclusion: These findings indicate that SV did not influence the outcomes of patients with predialysis CKD treated in an interdisciplinary center. .

Introdução: Inúmeros estudos avaliaram as associações entre fatores sociodemográficos, econômicos e doença renal crônica (DRC) e demonstraram que essas associações foram complexas e multifatoriais. Um método para avaliar os fatores socioeconômicos é construir um modelo de vulnerabilidade social (VS). Objetivo: Identificar a influência de vulnerabilidade social (VS) sobre os desfechos de uma coorte de pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) pré-dialítica. Métodos: Foram coletados dados demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais, em uma coorte retrospectiva com pacientes nos estágios 3 a 5, que foram acompanhados por uma equipe interdisciplinar, no período compreendido entre janeiro de 2002 e dezembro de 2009, em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Para calcular a VS, foram utilizadas três técnicas estatísticas em sequência, análise fatorial, análise de agrupamento e análise discriminante. A sobrevida foi analisada com as curvas de Kaplan-Meier. O desfecho foi mortalidade ou iniciar a terapia renal substitutiva (TRS), analisadas por uma regressão de Cox. Resultados: Foram avaliados 209 pacientes, 29,4% eram vulneráveis. Não observamos diferença na mortalidade entre os grupos VS pela Kaplan Meier. Na regressão de Cox, hazard ratio (HR) e intervalo de confiança (CI) para o impacto da VS sobre a mortalidade, não ajustado foi HR: 1.87 (CI: 0.64-5 0,41) e HR ajustado:1,47 (C1: 0.35-60,0). O impacto da VS em TRS mostrou o HR e CI HR não ajustado: 1,85 (CI: 0.7140,8) e HR ajustado: 2,19 (CI: 0.50-90,6). Conclusão: Estes resultados indicam que a VS não influenciou os resultados de pacientes com DRC na pré-diálise tratados em um centro interdisciplinar. .

Association of hypovitaminosis D with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and inflammation.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays it is described a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which is associated with some clinical manifestations and increased inflammatory activity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between vitamin D insufficiency with SLE and inflammatory markers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, in which have been evaluated 45 SLE patients and 24 controls without the disease. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] less than 30 ng/mL were considered inadequate. Disease activity was assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). High sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were evaluated for verification of the inflammatory status. For assessment of renal involvement, analysis of abnormal elements and urinay sediment (AES), quantitative hematuria and pyuria, proteinuria and creatinine clearance in 24-hour urine and serum anti-double stranded DNA were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of 25(OH)D insufficiency was 55% in SLE patients and 8% in the controls participants (p = 0.001). The median of 25(OH)D was lower in patients than in controls. Patients with insufficient 25(OH)D had higher levels of IL-6 and higher prevalence of hematuria in the AES. There was no correlation between vitamin D and SLEDAI or lupus nephritis. CONCLUSION: In our study, vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in patients with SLE and was associated with higher levels of IL-6 and hematuria.

Associação de hipovitaminose D com Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico e inflamação / Association of hypovitaminosis D with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and inflammation

Introdução: Atualmente, é descrita elevada prevalência de hipovitaminose D no Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES), a qual se associa a algumas manifestações clínicas e maior atividade inflamatória. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre insuficiência de vitamina D com LES e marcadores inflamatórios. Métodos: Estudo transversal, tendo sido avaliados 45 pacientes com LES e 24 controles sem a doença. Níveis de 25-hidroxivitamina D [25(OH)D] menores que 30 ng/mL foram considerados insuficientes. A atividade da doença foi avaliada pelo Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Foram avaliados, ainda, proteína C reativa ultrassensível (PCRus) e interleucina-6 (IL-6) para verificação do status inflamatório. Para avaliação do envolvimento renal, foram realizados análise de elementos anormais e sedimentoscopia urinárias (EAS), hematúria e piúria quantitativas, proteinúria e depuração de creatinina em urina de 24 horas e anti-DNA de dupla hélice sérico. Resultados: A prevalência de insuficiência de 25(OH)D foi de 55% nos pacientes lúpicos e 8% nos participantes controles (p = 0,001). A mediana da 25(OH)D foi menor nos pacientes do que no grupo controle. Os pacientes com insuficiência de 25(OH)D apresentaram níveis mais elevados de IL-6 e maior prevalência de hematúria ao EAS. Não houve correlação entre vitamina D, nefrite lúpica e SLEDAI. Conclusão: Em nosso estudo, a insuficiência de vitamina D foi mais prevalente em pacientes com LES e se associou com níveis mais elevados de IL-6 e presença de hematúria. .

Introduction: Nowadays it is described a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which is associated with some clinical manifestations and increased inflammatory activity. Objective: To evaluate the association between vitamin D insufficiency with SLE and inflammatory markers. Methods: Cross-sectional study, in which have been evaluated 45 SLE patients and 24 controls without the disease. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] less than 30 ng/mL were considered inadequate. Disease activity was assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). High sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were evaluated for verification of the inflammatory status. For assessment of renal involvement, analysis of abnormal elements and urinay sediment (AES), quantitative hematuria and pyuria, proteinuria and creatinine clearance in 24-hour urine and serum anti-double stranded DNA were performed. Results: The prevalence of 25(OH)D insufficiency was 55% in SLE patients and 8% in the controls participants (p = 0.001). The median of 25(OH)D was lower in patients than in controls. Patients with insufficient 25(OH)D had higher levels of IL-6 and higher prevalence of hematuria in the AES. There was no correlation between vitamin D and SLEDAI or lupus nephritis. Conclusion: In our study, vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in patients with SLE and was associated with higher levels of IL-6 and hematuria. .

Frailty and quality of life: a cross-sectional study of Brazilian patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease.

PURPOSE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) induces frailty and worsens quality of life (QOL), even in the early stages of the disease and in young patients. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the relationship between frailty and QOL in CKD patients. Thus, we investigated this relationship in a sample of CKD patients. METHODS: A cross-observational study was conducted, in which 61 CKD patients receiving pre-dialysis treatment were assessed. All participants completed the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). We used valid and reliable methods to classify subjects as frail or non-frail according to Johansen's et al. (2007) criteria. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests were used to compare the groups. In addition, Spearman's correlation analysis was conducted to measure associations between identified variables and frailty. We also performed simple linear regression using the SF-36 physical and mental composite scores. RESULTS: Almost half of the sample (42.6%) exhibited evidence of frailty. The groups differed significantly in terms of age, gender, and all SF-36 domains, excluding Social Functioning and Role Emotional. Frailty was significantly associated with all SF-36 domains, again excluding Social Functioning and Role Emotional. Regression analysis revealed no significant between-group differences in composite physical and mental health scores generated by the SF-36 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Frail and non-frail CKD patients differed significantly in seven of the eight SF-36 domains. The frail group displayed diminished physical and mental functioning when their SF-36 scores were divided by their physical and mental composite scores. Frailty was correlated with QOL domains, with the exception of the social domain. There is a need for interventions targeting the characteristics of frailty, to provide better treatment and optimize overall QOL.

[Health literacy: importance of assessment in nephrology]. / Letramento em saúde: importância da avaliação em nefrologia.

Health literacy (HL) or basic reading and numeracy that allow an individual to function in the health care environment, is a relatively new topic, yet has increasingly been gaining interest over the past few years both in the research and policy agendas, particularly in the develop countries. Where studied, inadequate HL has been associated with poor health care quality and more cost. Yet many physicians do not recognize the problem or is not skilled enough to approach the subject with their patients. In this review, important aspects of HL, such as its epidemiology, associations with poor outcomes, assessment, determinants and interventions, particularly in nephrology, are discussed. Because it is common and associated to adverse clinical outcomes, inadequate HL should be incorporated into the list of assessments of patients with renal disease.

Letramento em saúde: importância da avaliação em nefrologia / Health literacy: importance of assessment in nephrology

Letramento em Saúde (LS) ou habilidade de leitura e numeramento que permite ao indivíduo transitar no ambiente de saúde, é um tema relativamente novo e que vem ganhando espaço nas agendas de pesquisa e política de saúde, particularmente nos países desenvolvidos. Onde estudado, o LS inadequado associa-se com cuidados de saúde de pior qualidade e maior custo. Mesmo assim, a maioria dos médicos não conseguem identificar o problema e não têm preparo para lidar com o paciente que apresenta LS inadequado. Na presente revisão, os autores discutem aspectos importantes do LS, tais como a sua epidemiologia, associações com desfechos clínicos, avaliação, determinantes e oportunidades de intervenções, particularmente na nefrologia. Por ser comum e associar-se com desfechos clínicos indesejáveis, o LS inadequado deveria ser regularmente avaliado nos pacientes com doença renal.

Health literacy (HL) or basic reading and numeracy that allow an individual to function in the health care environment, is a relatively new topic, yet has increasingly been gaining interest over the past few years both in the research and policy agendas, particularly in the develop countries. Where studied, inadequate HL has been associated with poor health care quality and more cost. Yet many physicians do not recognize the problem or is not skilled enough to approach the subject with their patients. In this review, important aspects of HL, such as its epidemiology, associations with poor outcomes, assessment, determinants and interventions, particularly in nephrology, are discussed. Because it is common and associated to adverse clinical outcomes, inadequate HL should be incorporated into the list of assessments of patients with renal disease.

[Prevalence of frailty in patients in chronic kidney disease on conservative treatment and on dialysis]. / Prevalência da fragilidade entre os pacientes com doença renal crônica em tratamento conservador e em diálise.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty is a physiological vulnerability status of the patient which is associated with the increased number of hospitalization and death. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of frailty and its associated factors in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on conservative treatment (CT), hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: Frailty was assessed in 146 patients (86 CT, 37 HD and 23 PD) and characterized as muscle weakness and exhaustion--by the physical aspect and vitality domains, respectively, evaluated in the SF-36 quality of life instrument; physical inactivity--if he or she answered "never" or "hardly ever" when asked about physical activity; and as unintentional weight loss (> 4.5 kg per year). Patients were divided into three groups: non-fragile (NF), pre-fragile (PF) and fragile (F). The demographic, clinical and laboratory data were extracted from patient charts. RESULTS: Frailty was diagnosed in 36% of patients on CT, 37.8% in HD and 47.8% in PD. It was characterized in 36.8% of patients aged between 20 and 40 years and 40.3% of those between 41 and 60 years. Frailty was significantly associated with the use of vitamin D (r = 0.16; p = 0.03), hemoglobin (r = -0.14; p = - 0.02) and intact parathyroid hormone (r = 0.16; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty is common among patients with CKD on conservative treatment and dialysis, even in those who are not elderly. In the patients studied, the phenotype of frailty was associated with no usage of vitamin D, lower serum levels of hemoglobin and higher levels of parathyroid hormone.

Prevalência da fragilidade entre os pacientes com doença renal crônica em tratamento conservador e em diálise / Prevalence of frailty in patients in chronic kidney disease on conservative treatment and on dialysis

INTRODUÇÃO: Fragilidade é um estado de vulnerabilidade fisiológica do paciente que se associa ao maior número de hospitalização e óbito. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência de fragilidade e os fatores a ela associados em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) em tratamento conservador (TC), hemodiálise (HD) e diálise peritoneal (DP). MÉTODOS: A fragilidade foi avaliada em 146 pacientes (86 em TC, 37 em HD e 23 em DP) e caracterizada como fraqueza muscular e exaustão - pelos domínios do aspecto físico e da vitalidade, respectivamente, avaliados pelo questionário SF-36 de qualidade de vida; como inatividade física caso a resposta fosse "nunca" ou "quase nunca" - quando questionado sobre a prática de atividade física; e como perda de peso não intencional (> 4,5 kg por ano). Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: não frágeis (NF), pré-frágeis (PF) e frágeis (F). As variáveis demográficas, clínicas e laboratoriais foram extraídas dos prontuários dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: A fragilidade foi caracterizada em 36% dos pacientes em TC, 37,8% em HD e 47,8% em DP. Foi diagnosticada em 36,8% dos pacientes com idade entre 20 e 40 anos e 40,3% daqueles entre 41 e 60 anos. A fragilidade associou-se significativamente ao uso de vitamina D (r = 0.16; p = 0.03), hemoglobina (r = -0.14; p = - 0.02) e paratormônio intacto (r = 0.16; p = 0.03). CONCLUSÕES: A fragilidade é frequente entre os pacientes com DRC em tratamento conservador e dialítico, mesmo naqueles não idosos. Nos pacientes estudados, o fenótipo de fragilidade se associou com o não uso de vitamina D, menores níveis séricos de hemoglobina e níveis mais elevados de paratormônio.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty is a physiological vulnerability status of the patient which is associated with the increased number of hospitalization and death. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of frailty and its associated factors in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on conservative treatment (CT), hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: Frailty was assessed in 146 patients (86 CT, 37 HD and 23 PD) and characterized as muscle weakness and exhaustion - by the physical aspect and vitality domains, respectively, evaluated in the SF-36 quality of life instrument; physical inactivity - if he or she answered "never" or "hardly ever" when asked about physical activity; and as unintentional weight loss (> 4.5 kg per year). Patients were divided into three groups: non-fragile (NF), pre-fragile (PF) and fragile (F). The demographic, clinical and laboratory data were extracted from patient charts. RESULTS: Frailty was diagnosed in 36% of patients on CT, 37.8% in HD and 47.8% in PD. It was characterized in 36.8% of patients aged between 20 and 40 years and 40.3% of those between 41 and 60 years. Frailty was significantly associated with the use of vitamin D (r = 0.16; p = 0.03), hemoglobin (r = -0.14; p = - 0.02) and intact parathyroid hormone (r = 0.16; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty is common among patients with CKD on conservative treatment and dialysis, even in those who are not elderly. In the patients studied, the phenotype of frailty was associated with no usage of vitamin D, lower serum levels of hemoglobin and higher levels of parathyroid hormone.