Results from a cross-specialty consensus on optimal management of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD): from screening to complications.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects around 10% of the global population and has been estimated to affect around 50% of individuals with type 2 diabetes and 50% of those with heart failure. The guideline-recommended approach is to manage with disease-modifying therapies, but real-world data suggest that prescribing rates do not reflect this in practice. OBJECTIVE: To develop a cross-specialty consensus on optimal management of the patient with CKD using a modified Delphi method. DESIGN: An international steering group of experts specialising in internal medicine, endocrinology/diabetology, nephrology and primary care medicine developed 42 statements on aspects of CKD management including identification and screening, risk factors, holistic management, guidelines, cross-specialty alignment and education. Consensus was determined by agreement using an online survey. PARTICIPANTS: The survey was distributed to cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists and primary care physicians across 11 countries. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The threshold for consensus agreement was established a priori by the steering group at 75%. Stopping criteria were defined as a target of 25 responses from each country (N=275), and a 4-week survey period. RESULTS: 274 responses were received in December 2022, 25 responses from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and 24 responses from Egypt. 53 responses were received from cardiologists, 52 from nephrologists, 55 from endocrinologists and 114 from primary care physicians. 37 statements attained very high agreement (≥90%) and 5 attained high agreement (≥75% and <90%). Strong alignment between roles was seen across the statements, and different levels of experience (2-5 years or 5+ years), some variation was observed between countries. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high degree of consensus regarding aspects of CKD management among healthcare professionals from 11 countries. Based on these strong levels of agreement, the steering group derived 12 key recommendations focused on diagnosis and management of CKD.

Unmet Needs of CKD in Latin America: A Review from Expert Virtual Working Group.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major challenge for Latin American (LatAm) because of its epidemic proportions. Therefore, the current status and knowledge of CKD in Latin America is not clearly understood. Moreover, there is a paucity of epidemiologic studies that makes the comparison across the countries even more difficult. To address these gaps, a virtual kidney expert opinion meeting of 14 key opinion leaders from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Panama was held in January 2022 to review and discuss the status of CKD in various LatAm regions. The meeting discussed the following: (i) epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of CKD, (ii) detection and prevention programs, (iii) clinical guidelines, (iv) state of public policies about diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease, and (v) role of innovative therapies in the management of CKD. The expert panel emphasized that efforts should be made to implement timely detection programs and early evaluation of kidney function parameters to prevent the development or progression of CKD. Furthermore, the panel discussed the importance of raising awareness among health care professionals; disseminating knowledge to the authorities, the medical community, and the general population about the kidney and cardiovascular benefits of novel therapies; and the need for timely updating of clinical practice guidelines, regulatory policies, and protocols across the region.

Primeras recomendaciones de consenso SLANH - COLABIOCLI / Primeiras Recomendações de Consenso SLANH - COLABIOCLI / (Sociedad Latinoamericana de Nefrología e Hipertensión - Confederación Latinoamericana de Bioquímica Clínica) / Informe de la tasa de filtración glomerular estimada junto a la determinación de la creatininemia en población adulta / First SLANH-COLABIOCLI Consensus Recommendations

Resumen La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) es de alta prevalencia en América Latina y en todo el mundo. Se estima que entre 10 y 20% de la población adulta es portadora de ERC y su prevalencia va en aumento. La ERC progresa en forma silenciosa. Su diagnóstico temprano y oportuno permite iniciar un tratamiento efectivo, en la mayoría de los casos, para detener la enfermedad. Desde hace mucho tiempo, el análisis de la creatininemia es la principal prueba utilizada para valorar la función renal, pero su confiabilidad es limitada. De acuerdo con las recomendaciones de las GUIAS KDOQI del año 2002 la tasa de filtración glomerular estimada (TFGe) obtenida a través de fórmulas, se estableció como una de las herramientas principales para detectar la enfermedad renal de manera precoz, ya que alerta de forma precisa al médico y al equipo de salud sobre el nivel de función renal del paciente. La detección de una TFGe disminuida (menor de 60 mL/min/1,73 m2) es clínicamente relevante, ya que permite establecer el diagnóstico de enfermedad renal en adultos. En el año 2022, en una encuesta realizada por SLANH y COLABIOCLI dirigida a los laboratorios de análisis clínicos de América Latina (n: 237), el 49% de los mismos no informaban la TFGe rutinariamente. En base a esta realidad SLANH y COLABIOCLI elaboraron estas recomendaciones de consenso en referencia al uso de la TFGe.

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high prevalence worldwide and in Latin America (10 to 20% of the adult population) and is increasing. CKD progresses silently. Opportune diagnosis and treatment are effective in most cases to improve outcomes. Serum creatinine was the main test to assess kidney function, but its reliability is limited. Through the KDOQI Guidelines 2002, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) obtained from equations was established as one of the main tools for the early detection of kidney disease in clinical practice. The detection of a decreased eGFR (less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) is clinically relevant. This cut-off level establishes the diagnosis of kidney disease in adults. In 2022 SLANH and COLABIOCLI conducted a survey among the clinical laboratories from Latin America. The survey included 237 laboratories, 49% of which did not routinely report the eGFR. Based on this situation, SLANH and COLABIOCLI have elaborated the following consensus recommendations regarding the use of eGFR.

Resumo A doença renal crônica (DRC) é altamente prevalente na América Latina e em todo o mundo. Estima-se que entre 10 e 20% da população adulta seja portadora de DRC e sua prevalência esteja aumentando. A DRC progride silenciosamente. Seu diagnóstico precoce e oportuno permite iniciar um tratamento eficaz, na maioria dos casos, para estancar a doença. Faz muito tempo, a análise da creatinina tem sido o principal teste usado para avaliar a função renal mas sua confiabilidade é limitada. De acordo com as recomendações dos GUIAS KDOQI do ano de 2002, a estimativa da taxa de filtração glomerular (eGFR), obtida por meio de fórmulas, consolidou-se como uma das principais ferramentas para a detecção precoce da doença renal, visto que alerta com precisão ao médico e ao equipe de saúde sobre o nível de função renal do paciente. A detecção de uma eGFR diminuída (inferior a 60 mL/min/1,73 m2) é clinicamente relevante, pois permite estabelecer o diagnóstico de doença renal em adultos. No ano de 2022, em pesquisa realizada pela SLANH e COLABIOCLI dirigida a laboratórios de análises clínicas da América Latina (n: 237), 49% deles não relataram rotineiramente eGFR. Com base nessa realidade, SLANH e COLABIOCLI prepararam essas recomendações de consenso sobre o uso de eGFR.

A single-oral bolus of 100,000 IU of cholecalciferol at hospital admission did not improve outcomes in the COVID-19 disease: the COVID-VIT-D-a randomised multicentre international clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D status has been implicated in COVID-19 disease. The objective of the COVID-VIT-D trial was to investigate if an oral bolus of cholecalciferol (100,000 IU) administered at hospital admission influences the outcomes of moderate-severe COVID-19 disease. In the same cohort, the association between baseline serum calcidiol levels with the same outcomes was also analysed. METHODS: The COVID-VIT-D is a multicentre, international, randomised, open label, clinical trial conducted throughout 1 year. Patients older than 18 years with moderate-severe COVID-19 disease requiring hospitalisation were included. At admission, patients were randomised 1:1 to receive a single oral bolus of cholecalciferol (n=274) or nothing (n=269). Patients were followed from admission to discharge or death. Length of hospitalisation, admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: In the randomised trial, comorbidities, biomarkers, symptoms and drugs used did not differ between groups. Median serum calcidiol in the cholecalciferol and control groups were 17.0 vs. 16.1 ng/mL at admission and 29.0 vs. 16.4 ng/mL at discharge, respectively. The median length of hospitalisation (10.0 [95%CI 9.0-10.5] vs. 9.5 [95%CI 9.0-10.5] days), admission to ICU (17.2% [95%CI 13.0-22.3] vs. 16.4% [95%CI 12.3-21.4]) and death rate (8.0% [95%CI 5.2-12.1] vs. 5.6% [95%CI 3.3-9.2]) did not differ between the cholecalciferol and control group. In the cohort analyses, the highest serum calcidiol category at admission (>25ng/mL) was associated with lower percentage of pulmonary involvement and better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The randomised clinical trial showed the administration of an oral bolus of 100,000 IU of cholecalciferol at hospital admission did not improve the outcomes of the COVID-19 disease. A cohort analysis showed that serum calcidiol at hospital admission was associated with outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: COVID-VIT-D trial was authorised by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health products (AEMPS) and registered in European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials (EudraCT 2020-002274-28) and in ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT04552951 ).

Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Patients With End-Stage Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis in Guatemala.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is public health concern across the world. Data on the epidemiology among patients on hemodialysis in Latin America and low- and middle-income countries are limited. METHODS: Using electronic medical records from the second largest dialysis network in Guatemala, we performed a retrospective analysis of all adult patients on hemodialysis with the diagnosis of COVID-19 to estimate incidence of infection and to describe the demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes. We stratified incidence rate by region. We reviewed data from May 1 to July 31, 2020, with outcome data ascertained up to August 28, 2020. RESULTS: Of 3201 patients undergoing hemodialysis, 325 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 (incidence rate 102/1000 patients on hemodialysis, compared with 3/1000 in the general population). Incidence was higher in the Central region (207/1000) and lowest in the Southeast region (33/1000), and unlike in the general population, the incidence was lower in Guatemala City. The mean age of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 was 51.1 years (standard deviation [SD] 14.8 years), and 84 (25.8%) were female. The median length of hospital stay was 12 days (interquartile range [IQR] 10-16 days). Two hundred twenty-nine (69.8%) of the patients recovered, 90 patients died (27.7%), and 6 (1.8%) patients were still in the hospital at the time of last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The incidence of diagnosed COVID-19 in Guatemalan patients on hemodialysis was much higher than reported in the general population, with outcomes similar to those described in high-income countries. Rural regions had higher incidence rates than the major metropolitan area.

Mesoamerican Nephropathy (MeN): What We Know so Far.

In 2002, a report from El Salvador described a high incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown cause, mostly in young males from specific coastal areas. Similar situations were observed along the Pacific Ocean coastline of other Central American countries and southern Mexico (Mesoamerica). This new form of CKD has been denominated Mesoamerican endemic nephropathy (MeN). The typical presentation of MeN is a young male from an endemic area with a family history of CKD, low eGFR, high serum creatinine, low level of albuminuria, hypokalemia, hyperuricemia, and urine urate crystals. Kidney biopsy demonstrating tubulointerstitial nephritis remains the gold standard for diagnosis but is available only for a minority. Commonly proposed causes include thermal stress/dehydration and/or exposure to environmental pollutants. However, likely, a third factor, which could be genetic or epigenetic, could contribute to the cause and development of the disease, along with social determinants. Currently, preventive measures focus on minimizing workers exposure to thermal stress/dehydration. There are many research opportunities and priorities should include clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the current treatment protocols, along with etiological and genetic studies, and the development of kidney disease data systems. Although there is scant and controversial literature with regard s  to the etiology, diagnosis and management of the disease, our aim is to provide the reader a vision of the disease based on our experience.

CKD Care and Research in Guatemala: Overview and Meeting Report.

On October 14-15, 2019, the 1st Symposium to Promote Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Research in Guatemala was held in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The Symposium hosted more than 50 attendees, including health care professionals, policy makers, researchers, and leaders of nongovernmental organizations. The meeting's objectives were to (1) share clinical and health delivery experiences, (2) disseminate local research, and (3) establish consensus priorities for future research. In this report, we review the state of CKD nephrology in Guatemala, summarize experiences shared during the meeting from representatives of the clinical settings in Guatemala where CKD care is provided, and describe consensus priorities for future research.

Confirmed clinical case of chronic kidney disease of nontraditional causes in agricultural communities in Central America: a case definition for surveillance / Caso clínico confirmado de enfermedad renal crónica de causas no tradicionales en comunidades agrícolas de Centroamérica: una definición de caso para la vigilancia

Over the last 20 years, many reports have described an excess of cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Pacific coastal area of Central America, mainly affecting male farmworkers and signaling a serious public health problem. Most of these cases are not associated with traditional risk factors for CKD, such as aging, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. This CKD of nontraditional causes (CKDnT) might be linked to environmental and/or occupational exposure or working conditions, limited access to health services, and poverty. In response to a resolution approved by the Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in 2013, PAHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension (SLANH) organized a consultation process in order to expand knowledge on the epidemic of CKDnT and to develop appropriate surveillance instruments. The Clinical Working Group from SLANH was put in charge of finding a consensus definition of a confirmed clinical case of CKDnT. The resulting definition establishes mandatory criteria and exclusion criteria necessary for classifying a case of CKDnT. The definition includes a combination of universally accepted definitions of CKD and the main clinical manifestations of CKDnT. Based on the best available evidence, the Clinical Working Group also formulated general recommendations about clinical management that apply to any patient with CKDnT. Adhering to the definition of a confirmed clinical case of CKDnT and implementing it appropriately is expected to be a powerful instrument for understanding the prevalence of the epidemic, evaluating the results of interventions, and promoting appropriate advocacy and planning efforts

En los 20 últimos años, en muchos informes se ha descrito un número inusual de casos de enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en la costa del Pacífico de Centroamérica, que afecta principalmente a trabajadores agrícolas varones y señala un grave problema de salud pública. La mayoría de estos casos no se asocia con los factores de riesgo tradicionales de ERC, como envejecimiento, diabetes mellitus e hipertensión. Esta ERC de causas no tradicionales (ERCnT) podría estar vinculada con la exposición laboral o ambiental o las condiciones de trabajo, el escaso acceso a los servicios de salud y la pobreza. En respuesta a una resolución aprobada por el Consejo Directivo de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) en el 2013, la OPS, los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de los Estados Unidos y la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Nefrología e Hipertensión (SLANH) organizaron un proceso de consulta para ampliar los conocimientos sobre la epidemia de ERCnT y elaborar instrumentos apropiados para la vigilancia. El Grupo Clínico de Trabajo de la SLANH tuvo la responsabilidad de consensuar una definición de caso clínico confirmado de ERCnT. En la definición resultante se establecen criterios obligatorios y criterios de exclusión necesarios para clasificar un caso como de ERCnT. La definición incluye una combinación de definiciones de ERC universalmente aceptadas y las principales manifestaciones clínicas de ERCnT. Sobre la base de los mejores datos científicos disponibles, el Grupo Clínico de Trabajo también formuló recomendaciones generales acerca del manejo clínico, que se aplican a cualquier paciente con ERCnT. Se espera que la adopción de la definición de caso confirmado de ERCnT y su aplicación adecuada sean una herramienta poderosa para conocer la prevalencia de la epidemia, evaluar los resultados de las intervenciones y promover acciones apropiadas de sensibilización y planificación.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease of non-traditional causes in patients on hemodialysis in southwest Guatemala / Prevalencia de enfermedad renal crónica por causas no tradicionales en pacien¬tes en hemodiálisis en el sudoeste de Guatemala

Objective. To document the prevalence of patients on hemodialysis in southwestern Guatemala who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) of non-traditional causes (CKDnt). Methods. This cross-sectional descriptive study interviewed patients on hemodialysis at the Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social on their health and occupational history. Laboratory serum, urine and vital sign data at the initiation of hemodialysis were obtained from chart reviews. Patients were classified according to whether they had hypertension or obesity or neither. The proportion of patients with and without these traditional CKD risk factors was recorded and the association between demographic and occupational factors and a lack of traditional CKD risk factors analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results. Of 242 total patients (including 171 non-diabetics) enrolled in hemodialysis in southwestern Guatemala, 45 (18.6% of total patients and 26.3% of non-diabetics) lacked traditional CKD risk factors. While agricultural work history was common, only travel time greater than 30 minutes and age less than 50 years old were significantly associated with CKD in the absence of traditional risk factors. Individuals without such risk factors lived throughout southwestern Guatemala’s five departments. Conclusions. The prevalence of CKDnT appears to be much lower in this sample of patients receiving hemodialysis in Southwestern Guatemala than in hospitalized patients in El Salvador. It has yet to be determined whether the prevalence is higher in the general population and in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Objetivo. Documentar la prevalencia de enfermedad renal crónica por causas no tradicionales en los pacientes en hemodiálisis en el sudoeste de Guatemala. Métodos. En este estudio descriptivo y transversal se entrevistó a pacientes en hemodiálisis en el Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social para obtener datos sobre su salud y antecedentes ocupacionales. Los datos de las pruebas de laboratorio séricas y de orina y los signos vitales al inicio de la hemodiálisis se extrajeron de los expedientes clínicos. Para clasificar a los pacientes se tomó en cuenta si eran hipertensos u obesos, o ninguna de las dos cosas. Se registró la proporción de pacientes con estos factores de riesgo tradicionales de enfermedad renal crónica y sin ellos, y se analizó la asociación entre los factores demográficos y ocupacionales y la falta de factores de riesgo tradicionales utilizando métodos de regresión logística multifactorial. Resultados. De un total de 242 pacientes que recibían hemodiálisis en el sudoeste de Guatemala (incluidos 171 que no eran diabéticos), 45 carecían de factores de riesgo tradicionales de enfermedad renal crónica (18,6% del total de pacientes y 26,3% de pacientes sin diabetes). A pesar de que los antecedentes de trabajo agrícola eran comunes, solo el tiempo de viaje superior a 30 minutos y la edad inferior a los 50 años se asociaron significativamente con enfermedad renal crónica cuando estaban ausentes los factores de riesgo tradicionales. Las personas en las que no se detectaron estos factores de riesgo tradicionales vivían en cinco departamentos del sudoeste de Guatemala. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de enfermedad renal crónica por causas no tradicionales aparentemente es muy inferior en esta muestra de pacientes que reciben hemodiálisis en el sudoeste de Guatemala que en los pacientes hospitalizados en El Salvador. Todavía no se ha determinado si la prevalencia es mayor en la población general y en los pacientes que reciben diálisis peritoneal.

Confirmed clinical case of chronic kidney disease of nontraditional causes in agricultural communities in Central America: a case definition for surveillance.

Over the last 20 years, many reports have described an excess of cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Pacific coastal area of Central America, mainly affecting male farmworkers and signaling a serious public health problem. Most of these cases are not associated with traditional risk factors for CKD, such as aging, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. This CKD of nontraditional causes (CKDnT) might be linked to environmental and/or occupational exposure or working conditions, limited access to health services, and poverty. In response to a resolution approved by the Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in 2013, PAHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension (SLANH) organized a consultation process in order to expand knowledge on the epidemic of CKDnT and to develop appropriate surveillance instruments. The Clinical Working Group from SLANH was put in charge of finding a consensus definition of a confirmed clinical case of CKDnT. The resulting definition establishes mandatory criteria and exclusion criteria necessary for classifying a case of CKDnT. The definition includes a combination of universally accepted definitions of CKD and the main clinical manifestations of CKDnT. Based on the best available evidence, the Clinical Working Group also formulated general recommendations about clinical management that apply to any patient with CKDnT. Adhering to the definition of a confirmed clinical case of CKDnT and implementing it appropriately is expected to be a powerful instrument for understanding the prevalence of the epidemic, evaluating the results of interventions, and promoting appropriate advocacy and planning efforts.

Glomerulonefritis membranoproliferativa y recidiva en trasplante renal: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and recidivation in renal transplantation: Report of one case and literature review

La glomerulonefritis membranoproliferativa es causa del 5 a 7 de insuficiencia renal crónica terminal y tiene una alta incidencia de recidiva en el trasplante renal; los hallazgos de de Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica, proteinuria, edema y deterioro progresivo de la función renal sugieren el diagnóstico. Existe una alta correlación con niveles de complemento y factor C 3 nefrítico. El diagnóstico definitivo se basa en los hallazgos histológicos característicos como: engrosamiento de la membrana basal glomerular, proliferación mesangial y formación de dobles contornos, en la microscopía de luz, así como acúmulo de depósitos densos subendoteliales (tipo I) o endoteliales (Tipo II) en microscopía electrónica. La recidiva de la glomerulonefritis membranoproliferativa tipo I es del 20 y 1/3 de estos pacientes pierden el injerto. En el caso de la tipo II la recidiva es del 80 y únicamente 10 pierden el riñón trasplantado. No existe ninguna correlación con niveles de complemento o factor C 3 nefrítico. No existe ningún tratamiento específico para detener la enfermedad. Algunos reportes sugieren que lo más importante es controlar los mecanismos no inmunológicos de progresión del daño renal, tales como hipertensión arterial sistémica, proteinuria e hipercolesterolemia