Risk factors and mortality in dialysis patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm: A retrospective cohort study.

In the general population, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is synonymous with vascular disease and associated with increased mortality. Vascular disease is common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis, but there is limited information on AAA in this population. To address this issue, we queried the United States Renal Data System for risk factors associated with a diagnosis of AAA as well as the impact of AAA on ESRD patient survival. Incident dialysis patients from 2005 to 2014 with AAA and other clinical comorbidities were identified using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. Time to death was defined using the time from the start of dialysis to the date of death or to December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazards (CPH) modeling was used to determine the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for death. From a total cohort of 820,826, we identified 21,631 subjects with a diagnosis of AAA. When compared to patients without AAA, AAA patients were older and more likely to be of white race and male gender, have a higher mean Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), have hypertension as the ESRD etiology, and use tobacco. Although a bivariate CPH model showed that AAA patients had an increased mortality risk compared to patients without the diagnosis, in the final CPH model, AAA patients had a decreased risk of mortality (aHR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.81-0.84) due to confounding with age. These results suggest that AAA is not associated with increased risk of death in ESRD patients after controlling for various demographic and clinical risk factors.

Association of psoriasis and stroke in end-stage renal disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous research in the general population suggests that the inflammatory skin disease psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of vascular events, such as stroke. Thus, psoriasis may also represent a risk factor for stroke in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. METHODS: We queried the United States Renal Data System for incident dialysis patients between 2004 and 2015. Psoriasis was defined as having at least two international classification of disease (ICD)-9 or ICD-10 diagnosis codes. ICD codes were also used to query the outcome of interest, stroke, as well as other clinical risk factors. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of psoriasis and other risk factors with stroke. RESULTS: Of 966,399 ESRD patients, we identified 89,700 (9.3%) subjects with stroke and 6,286 (0.7%) with psoriasis. Of these psoriasis patients, 796 (0.9%) also had a stroke. Psoriasis was associated with an increased risk of stroke in an unadjusted model [odds ratio (OR)=1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08-1.25]. However, after controlling for demographic and clinical risk factors, the final adjusted model showed that psoriasis was not associated with stroke (OR=0.96, CI=0.88-1.04). Congestive heart failure [adjusted OR of 1.79 (CI=1.75-1.83)] was a confounder of the association of psoriasis with stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to prior research in the general population, psoriasis in ESRD patients was not associated with the risk of stroke after controlling for various demographic and clinical parameters. Our finding emphasizes the importance of controlling for a variety of factors in population studies examining associations of diseases and risk factors.

Sleep apnea in end-stage renal disease patients: risk factors and mortality.

Sleep apnea (SA) is highly prevalent in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population. However, the impact of SA on mortality in ESRD is unclear. This study investigates the relationship between SA and mortality in ESRD. The United States Renal Data System was queried in a retrospective cohort study to identify ESRD patients aged 18-100 years who initiated hemodialysis between 2005 and 2013. Diagnoses of SA and comorbidities were determined from International Classification of Disease-9 codes and demographic variables from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Form-2728. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association of SA with mortality controlling for multiple variables. Of 858,131 subjects meeting inclusion criteria, 587 were found to have central SA (CSA) and 22,724 obstructive SA (OSA). The SA cohort was younger and more likely to be male and Caucasian compared to the non-SA cohort, with more diagnoses of tobacco and alcohol use, hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes. Both CSA (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-1.56) and OSA (aHR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.32-1.37) were associated with increased mortality. Other variables associated with increased mortality included age, dialysis initiation with a catheter or graft, alcohol use, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Factors associated with decreased mortality included female sex, black race, Hispanic ethnicity, diagnosis of heart failure or diabetes, and an ESRD etiology of glomerulonephritis or polycystic kidney disease. Since a diagnosis of either OSA or CSA increases mortality risk, early identification of SA and therapy in this ESRD population may improve survival.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and mortality in end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: In the general population, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is associated with increased all-cause mortality. Transplant patients have been shown to have an increased risk of developing cSCC, and their cSCC is associated with an increased risk for mortality. In end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, there is extensive mortality and immune dysfunction. Because of this immune system dysfunction, we examined whether cSCC is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality among ESRD patients, as well as the risk factors for cSCC. METHODS: We analyzed ESRD patients in the United States Renal Data System from 2004-2014, excluding organ transplant recipients. We assessed mortality using a Cox Proportional Hazards (CPH) model to control for various demographic and clinical parameters, identified using international classification of diseases (ICD)-9 codes. RESULTS: Of the 1,035,193 patients included, 624 (0.1%) were diagnosed with cSCC. The median survival time for those with cSCC was 3.91 years [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.67-4.15], versus 2.92 years [95%CI = 2.92-2.93] for patients without cSCC. ESRD patients with cSCC were at lower risk of death [adjusted hazard ratio = 0.75; 95%CI = 0.69-0.82] compared to those without. Decreased risk of death was also associated with parameters such as black race, Hispanic ethnicity, tobacco dependence and actinic keratosis. Increased mortality risk was associated with increasing age, male sex, hemodialysis (versus peritoneal dialysis) and alcohol dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectations, ESRD patients with a cSCC diagnosis showed reduced all-cause mortality risk relative to those without. The reason for this discrepancy remains unclear, suggesting the need for further study.

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in patients with end-stage renal disease: Prevalence, risk factors, and mortality.

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease has increased in prevalence in the USA, however, little is known on NTM in the population with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Thus, we investigated patients with ESRD to determine risk factors for NTM disease and mortality. We queried the United States Renal Data System from 2005 to 2015 using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9/ICD-10 codes to identify NTM and risk factors. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of risk factors with NTM and Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to assess the association of NTM with mortality. Of 1,068,634 included subjects, 3232 (0.3%) individuals were identified with any NTM diagnosis. Hemodialysis versus peritoneal dialysis (OR=0.10, 95% CI=0.08 to 0.13) was protective for NTM, whereas black (OR=1.27, 95% CI=1.18 to 1.37) or other race compared with white race (OR=1.39, 95% CI=1.21 to 1.59) increased the risk of NTM. HIV (OR=15.71, 95% CI=14.24 to 17.33), history of any transplant (OR=4.25, 95% CI=3.93 to 4.60), kidney transplant (OR=3.00, 95% CI=2.75 to 3.27), diabetes (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.23 to 1.43), rheumatologic disease (OR=1.92, 95% CI=1.77 to 2.08), and liver disease (OR=2.09, 95% CI=1.91 to 2.30) were associated with increased risk for NTM diagnosis. In multivariable analysis, there was a significant increase in mortality with any NTM diagnosis (HR=1.83, 95% CI=1.76 to 1.91, p≤0.0001). Controlling for relevant demographic and clinical risk factors, there was an increased risk of mortality associated with any diagnosis of NTM. Early diagnosis and treatment of NTM infection may improve survival in patients with ESRD.

Association of psoriasis with myocardial infarction in end-stage renal disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous research in non-dialysis patients suggests that the inflammatory skin disease psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of severe vascular events like myocardial infarction (MI). Thus, we determined whether psoriasis represents a significant risk factor for MI in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. METHODS: We queried the United States Renal Data System for ESRD patients starting dialysis between 2004 and 2015. ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes were used to identify those with at least two diagnoses of psoriasis, a diagnosis of MI, and other clinical risk factors. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of psoriasis and various risk factors with MI. RESULTS: Of a cohort of 1,062,693, we identified 6823 (0.6%) subjects with psoriasis and 181,960 (17.1%) with MI. Of the 6823 patients with psoriasis, 1671 (24%) developed an MI. Psoriasis was associated with an increased risk of MI in an unadjusted model [odds ratio (OR) = 1.34; confidence interval (CI) = 1.26-1.42]. However, after controlling for demographics, dialysis modality, access type, and various conditions related to the Charlson Comorbidity Index, psoriasis was not associated with MI (OR = 0.95, CI = 0.89-1.01). Confounders of the association of psoriasis with MI included congestive heart failure (OR = 5.26, CI = 5.17-5.36), pulmonary disease (OR = 1.25, CI = 1.23-1.26), and diabetes with complications (OR = 1.82, CI = 1.79-1.85). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to prior research in the general population, in the ESRD population psoriasis was not associated with an increased risk of MI after controlling for various demographic and clinical parameters. These data emphasize the importance of an integrated approach since comorbidities may influence the choice of therapy for psoriasis and outcomes.

Association of intermittent versus continuous hemodialysis modalities with mortality in the setting of acute stroke among patients with end-stage renal disease.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are 8-10 times more likely to suffer from a stroke compared with the general public. Despite this risk, there are minimal data elucidating which hemodialysis modality is best for patients with ESRD following a stroke, and guidelines for their management are lacking. We retrospectively queried the US Renal Data System administrative database for all-cause mortality in ESRD stroke patients who received either intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Acute ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke were identified using the International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision (ICD-9)/ICD-10 codes, and hemodialysis modality was determined using Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes. Time to death from the first stroke diagnosis was the outcome of interest. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used, and associations were expressed as adjusted HRs. From the inclusion cohort of 87,910 patients, 92.9% of patients received IHD while 7.1% of patients received CRRT. After controlling for age, race, sex, ethnicity, and common stroke risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use, atrial fibrillation, and hyperlipidemia, those who were placed on CRRT within 7 days of a stroke had an increased risk of death compared with those placed on IHD (HR=1.28, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.32). It is possible that ESRD stroke patients who received CRRT are more critically ill. However, even when the cohort was limited to only those patients in the intensive care unit and additional risk factors for mortality were controlled for, CRRT was still associated with an increased risk of death (HR=1.32, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.37). Therefore, further prospective clinical trials are warranted to address these findings.

Psoriasis and pneumonia in the end-stage renal disease population.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with an increased risk for acute infections. Because chronic kidney disease is a risk factor for pneumonia, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with psoriasis may have an increased risk for acquiring pneumonia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using the United States Renal Data System, a medical claims database of all ESRD patients undergoing dialysis in the US. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of psoriasis with pneumonia in ESRD patients. RESULTS: A total of 6841 (0.7%) ESRD patients were diagnosed with psoriasis; 385,976 (36%) ESRD patients had pneumonia. Although simple models showed that psoriasis was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia in the ESRD population (odds ratio (OR) = 1.14), the final multivariable model found that psoriasis was protective for pneumonia (OR = 0.56) when controlling for age, race, sex, ethnicity, dialysis modality, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), multiple sclerosis, tobacco use and alcohol use. This is due to both the CCI and tobacco use being strong confounders of the association of psoriasis and pneumonia. Black, other race and Hispanic ethnicity were also protective for pneumonia, while increasing age and CCI, female sex, hemodialysis, multiple sclerosis and tobacco and alcohol use were associated with increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: When controlling for multiple factors, psoriasis does not increase the risk for pneumonia in ESRD patients. In this cohort, other factors, such as the CCI and tobacco use, were more strongly associated with increased risk for pneumonia than psoriasis.

Nocardiosis in renal transplant patients.

Renal transplant patients are immunosuppressed and are at increased risk of opportunistic infections, including Nocardia infection. In renal transplant patients, information on the incidence and risk factors associated with nocardiosis is limited. To address the incidence and risk factors associated with nocardiosis in a large renal transplant population, we used the US Renal Data System (USRDS). Sequelae of allograft failure or rejection after infection were also examined. Demographics, clinical risk factors, Nocardia diagnosis, and allograft failure following Nocardia infection were queried in USRDS renal transplant patients using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes in billing claims and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Form 2728. Generalized linear models were used to determine the risk factors associated with nocardiosis, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association of risk factors with graft failure among patients with Nocardia infection. Of 203,233 renal transplant recipients identified from 2001 to 2011, 657 (0.32%) were diagnosed with Nocardia infection. Pneumonia was the most frequent presentation (15.2%), followed by brain abscess (8.4%). Numerous factors associated with increased Nocardia infection included age >65 years (OR=2.10, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.59), history of transplant failure (OR=1.28, CI 1.02 to 1.60) or history of rejection (OR=4.83, CI 4.08 to 5.72), receipt of a deceased donor transplant (OR=1.23, CI 1.03 to 1.46), and treatment with basiliximab (OR=1.25, CI 1.00 to 1.55), cyclosporine (OR=1.30, CI 1.03 to 1.65), tacrolimus (OR=2.45, CI 2.00 to 3.00), or thymoglobulin (OR=1.89, CI 1.59 to 2.25). In patients with nocardiosis administration of antithymocyte globulin (HR=2.76), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR=2.47), and presentation of Nocardia infection with brain abscess (HR=1.85) were associated with an increased risk of graft failure. This study provides new information to enhance early recognition and targeted treatment of nocardiosis in renal transplant patients.

Incidence and risk factors for mucormycosis in renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplant patients are at increased risk for mucormycosis. Diabetes, neutropenia, deferoxamine therapy, and immunosuppressive medications have been associated with increased risk of mucormycosis in studies of solid organ transplant recipients. To focus on renal transplant patients, the US Renal Data System (USRDS) was queried to determine the incidence and risk factors for mucormycosis. METHODS: All renal transplant patients in the USRDS from 1988 to 2015 were queried for a diagnosis of mucormycosis after the first transplant date using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, which currently exist in the ninth and tenth revisions, are a global system of classification used to code diagnoses, procedures, and symptoms. We defined proven mucormycosis by a histopathologic or fungal stain procedure code within 7 days of the diagnosis code. Logistic regression controlling for person-years at risk was used to examine demographic and clinical diagnosis risk factors for mucormycosis. RESULTS: Of the 306,482 renal transplant patients, 222 (0.07%) had codes consistent with proven mucormycosis. The incidence of mucormycosis increased from 1990 to 2000 (peak 17.6 per 100,000 person-years) and subsequently demonstrated more variability. Hispanic ethnicity (OR=1.45), age 65 years or greater (OR=1.64), other or black race compared with white race (OR=1.96 and 1.74), cadaver or other donor type (OR=2.41), and receiving tacrolimus (OR=2.09) were associated with increased risk. Comorbidities associated with decreased risk of mucormycosis included female sex (OR=0.68), iron overload (OR=0.56), and receiving mycophenolate mofetil (OR=0.67) or azathioprine (OR=0.53). CONCLUSIONS: In renal transplant patients, age, deceased donor graft transplant, tacrolimus administration, race other than white, and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with increased risk of mucormycosis. Unexpectedly, iron overload was protective. Mucormycosis is a rare infection in renal transplant patients which should be considered in patients with the above risk factors after more common infections have been ruled out.

Septic arthritis in the end-stage renal disease population.

Septic arthritis is important to consider in any patient who presents with joint pain because it is a medical emergency with an 11% fatality rate. Diagnosis and treatment may improve prognosis; however, many patients do not regain full joint function. In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), immune dysfunction due to uremia and chronic vascular access leads to increased risk of infection. We examined the incidence, risk factors and sequelae of septic arthritis in a cohort of hemodialysis patients. The US Renal Data System was queried for diagnoses of septic arthritis and selected sequelae using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-9 and Current Procedural Terminology-4 codes in patients who initiated hemodialysis between 2005 and 2010. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine potential risk factors for septic arthritis and its sequelae. 7009 cases of septic arthritis were identified, an incidence of 514.8 per 100,000 persons per year. Of these patients, 2179 were diagnosed with a documented organism within 30 days prior to or 14 days after the septic arthritis diagnosis, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections (57.4%) being the most common. Significant risk factors for septic arthritis included history of joint disease, immune compromise (diabetes, HIV, cirrhosis), bacteremia and urinary tract infection. One of the four sequelae examined (joint replacement, amputation, osteomyelitis, Clostridioides difficile infection) occurred in 25% of septic arthritis cases. The high incidence of septic arthritis and the potential for serious sequelae in patients with ESRD suggest that physicians treating individuals with ESRD and joint pain/inflammation should maintain a high clinical suspicion for septic arthritis.

Acute Kidney Injury and Advanced Kidney Disease in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Proceedings From a National Kidney Foundation Symposium.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented and historic public health crisis that continues to expand and evolve. The National Kidney Foundation held a 2-part continuing medical education live virtual symposium on July 16 and July 24, 2020, to address the multiple challenges of COVID-19 in the context of advanced chronic kidney disease. Faculty addressed the pathophysiology, impact, risks, and management of COVID-19 as it relates to advanced kidney disease. Testing, risk mitigation, and inpatient and outpatient management were also addressed. This concise review addresses major findings of the symposium along with certain updates regarding vaccinations since then. These findings include: (1) severe COVID-19 infection has been associated with acute kidney injury, (2) it is essential to prevent and actively manage acute kidney injury to decrease mortality in these critically ill patients, (3) management of patients with advanced kidney disease should be geared toward minimizing their risk for exposure while making sure they are receiving adequate treatments, and (4) patients with kidney disease, especially ones in advanced stages, should be prioritized for vaccination.

Treatment of psoriasis in end-stage renal disease patients is associated with decreased mortality: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis impairs the quality of life of approximately 7.5 million Americans and is associated with serious comorbidities. Because of chronic vascular access and epidermal dysfunction, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with psoriasis may be at greater risk for infection, and psoriasis treatment could affect this risk. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using the United States Renal Data System from 2004-2011 to investigate the association of psoriasis with infections common to ESRD patients, as well as the effect of psoriasis treatment on infection risk as well as mortality. RESULTS: A total of 8,911 psoriasis patients were identified. Psoriasis was associated with a significantly increased risk for all queried infections, especially cellulitis (adjusted relative risk = 1.55), conjunctivitis (1.47), and onychomycosis (1.36). Psoriasis treatment (systemic, local, and light) was associated with a significantly decreased risk of some infections. Psoriasis treatment was also correlated with a significantly decreased risk of mortality, with systemic therapies (biologics and other immunosuppressants) showing the greatest reduction (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that psoriasis-ESRD patients may have an increased risk of infection and treatment of psoriasis is associated with a reduced risk of some infections and improved survival.

Morbidity and Mortality of Spinal Epidural Abscess in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon and highly morbid infection of the epidural space. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are known to be at increased risk of developing SEA; however, there are no studies that have described the risk factors and outcomes of SEA in ESRD patients utilizing the United States Renal Data System (USRDS). METHODS: To determine risk factors, morbidity, and mortality associated with SEA in ESRD patients, a retrospective case-control study was conducted using the USRDS. ESRD patients diagnosed with SEA between 2005 and 2010 were identified, and logistic regression was performed to examine correlates of SEA, as well as risk factors associated with mortality in SEA-ESRD patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of SEA amongst ESRD patients was 0.39% (n = 1,697). Patients with SEA were more likely to be male [adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.22], black (OR = 1.19), diabetic (OR = 1.26), with catheter access (OR = 1.29), and less likely to be ≥65 years old (OR = 0.64). Osteomyelitis, bacteremia/septicemia, MRSA, and endocarditis were all significantly associated with increased risk of SEA (OR = 1.54-5.14). Age ≥65 years (HR = 1.45), urinary tract infections (HR = 1.26), decubitus ulcers (HR=1.37), and post-SEA paraplegia (HR = 1.25) were significantly associated with mortality among those with SEA. CONCLUSIONS: As described in previous literature, risk factors for SEA included infections, diabetes, and indwelling catheters. Additionally, clinicians should be aware of the risk factors for mortality in SEA-ESRD patients. As the largest study of SEA to date, our report identifies important risk factors for SEA in ESRD patients, and novel data regarding their mortality-associated risk factors.

Collapsing focal segmental sclerosis in an HIV-negative patient.

Collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is classically seen in HIV-infected patients and carries a dismal prognosis. It can also occur in HIV-negative patients in which case, early aggressive treatment with glucocorticoids may be helpful with improvement in both proteinuria and renal function.

Hydralazine-Induced Dual Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Positive Vasculitis and Nephritis.

Drug-induced autoimmunity occurs when exposure to a causative agent leads to serologic or clinical autoimmune responses. Syndromes that may be associated with drug-induced autoimmunity include antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) and drug-induced lupus (DIL). When drug-induced autoimmunity involves the kidney, histological patterns of injury include pauci-immune glomerulonephritis (GN), which occurs with AAV, and immune complex-mediated GN, which is associated with DIL. We present a case of hydralazine-induced dual ANCA-positive vasculitis and nephritis.

First Reported Use of Highly Adsorptive Hemofilter in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients in the USA.

Critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) develop respiratory failure and septic shock. Extracorporeal blood purification is proposed as an adjuvant therapy for sepsis and aims at controlling the dysregulated autoimmune system. We describe our experience in treating COVID-19 patients with the oXiris® hemofilter which adsorbs both cytokines and endotoxins, provides renal replacement therapy and has anti-thrombogenic properties. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under emergency use authorization for COVID-19 patients in April 2020. In our study, the use of the oXiris® filter decreased levels of inflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), and improved clinical outcomes in two out of three patients.

Metastatic Calcinosis of Gastric Mucosa.

Calcinosis cutis refers to the deposition of calcium salts in the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue and is frequently associated with inflammation. Gastric calcinosis can be classified into metastatic, dystrophic, and idiopathic; metastatic calcinosis is the most common type. In metastatic calcification, calcium salts are deposited in normal soft tissues in the setting of altered metabolism of serum calcium and phosphorus and is a rare and serious complication of chronic renal failure. The important factors contributing to the development of metastatic calcinosis are hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and an elevated calcium-phosphate product. The most striking feature of this diagnosis is the calcification around the large joints. While it mostly involves dermis of small and medium-sized vessels, it can rarely affect the mucosal layers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Calcinosis presents as a marker for the presence of calcifications in other organs, such as heart or lung, which can be life-threatening. Patients rarely present with clinical symptoms of GI upset, dyspepsia, or epigastric pain that are attributed to calcinosis. If patients present with GI symptoms, infectious causes remain to be higher on the differential. We present a case of incidental finding of gastric mucosal calcinosis during the workup and treatment of dysphagia.

Epidemiology, Staging and Management of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second most common and fifth most aggressive neoplasm among men worldwide. It is particularly incident in high human development index (HDI) nations, with an estimated one in seven men in the US receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. A rapid rise and then fall in prostate cancer incidence in the US and Europe corresponded to the implementation of widespread prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing in 1986 and then subsequent fall from favor due to high rates of false positives, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment (as many as 20-50% of men diagnosed could have remained asymptomatic in their lifetimes). Though few risk factors have been characterized, the best known include race (men of African descent are at higher risk), genetics (e.g., BRCA1/2 mutations), and obesity. The Gleason scoring system is used for histopathological staging and is combined with clinical staging for prognosis and treatment. National guidelines have grown more conservative over the past decades in management, recommending watchful waiting and observation in older men with low to intermediate risk disease. Among higher risk patients, prostatectomy (robotic is preferred) and/or external beam radiotherapy is the most common interventions, followed by ADT maintenance. Following progression on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (known as castration-resistance), next generation endocrine therapies like enzalutamide, often in combination with cytotoxic agent docetaxel, are standard of care. Other promising treatments include Radium-223 for bone metastases, pembrolizumab for programmed death ligand-1 (PDL1) and microsatellite instability (MSI) high disease, and poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors for those with mutations in homologous recombination (most commonly BRCA2).