A proposal to analyze the progression of non-dialytic chronic kidney disease by surrogate endpoints: introducing parametric survival models.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CDK) progression studies increasingly use surrogate endpoints based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate. The clinical characteristics of these endpoints bring new challenges in comparing groups of patients, as traditional Cox models may lead to biased estimates mainly because they do not assume a hazard function. Objective: This study proposes the use of parametric survival analysis models with the three most commonly used endpoints in nephrology based on a case study. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decay > 5 mL/year, eGFR decline > 30%, and change in CKD stage were evaluated. Method: The case study is a 5-year retrospective cohort study that enrolled 778 patients in the predialysis stage. Exponential, Weibull, Gompertz, lognormal, and logistic models were compared, and proportional hazard and accelerated failure time (AFT) models were evaluated. Results: The endpoints had quite different hazard functions, demonstrating the importance of choosing appropriate models for each. AFT models were more suitable for the clinical interpretation of the effects of covariates on these endpoints. Conclusion: Surrogate endpoints have different hazard distributions over time, which is already recognized by nephrologists. More flexible analysis techniques that capture these relevant clinical characteristics in decision-making should be encouraged and disseminated in nephrology research.

Effectiveness of a smoking cessation decision-making electronic tool (Pare de Fumar Conosco): A randomized clinical trial.

There is an underutilization of smoking cessation treatment among patients with chronic conditions, which indicates a need for new strategies to engage them. Web-based smoking cessation decision-making tools can be beneficial. This study assessed the effectiveness of the Pare de Fumar Conosco software at increasing engagement to smoking cessation counseling groups among Brazilian smokers with chronic conditions. Clinical trial participants were randomized to Pare de Fumar Conosco or standard of care. Engagement in the smoking cessation counseling group was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included motivation level, cessation rate, completion, and treatment adherence. The t-tests and Chi-square analyzed baseline differences between groups and the Poisson models, the effects of the intervention. Engagement rates were higher in the Pare de Fumar Conosco (IR=2.22; 95% CI: 1.06 - 4.63) concerning the standard of care. Pare de Fumar Conosco group was more adherent to treatment over time (6.4% versus 4.2% in the final week). Cessation rate was 26.3% in standard care and 23.1% in Pare de Fumar Conosco. Both interventions maintained significant motivation levels to quit smoking. The Pare de Fumar Conosco intervention effectively increases the engagement in the smoking cessation counseling groups. There is a need to improve the smoking cessation rate.

Abdominal ultrasound augments the medical students' ability to identify free intraabdominal fluid.

OBJECTIVE: Free intra-abdominal fluid describes an accumulation of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It has different etiologies, but it frequently constitutes a meaningful clinical sign. In this study, the authors interrogate whether abdominal ultrasound augments the medical students' ability to identify free intra-abdominal fluid. METHODS: Thirty-one medical students without any previous formal ultrasound training were subjected to cognitive assessment before and after four and a half-hour of theoretical lecture and hands-on course about the diagnosis of free intra-abdominal fluid by physical examination and abdominal ultrasound. The hands-on sessions were done in healthy volunteers with a simulated peritoneal catheter and in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis with different amounts of dialysate in their cavity. RESULTS: The cognitive assessment before and after the course increased from 6.7±2.3 to 11.6±1.1 points (p<0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the diagnosis of free intra-abdominal fluid were higher when students used abdominal ultrasound. The students agree with the inclusion of abdominal ultrasound in the diagnose of free intra-abdominal fluid in the undergraduate curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that incorporating abdominal ultrasound is feasible and improves medical students' short-time competency in performing and interpreting the findings diagnostic of free intra-abdominal fluid.

Web-based decision-making tool for smoking cessation (Pare de fumar conosco) among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil : one-arm feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of Pare de fumar conosco, a web-based smoking cessation decision-making tool, among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil. METHODS: We recruited 85 Brazilian smokers in two clinical centres for chronic conditions to complete Pare de fumar conosco. Outcome measures included interest in using smoking cessation resources and self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence 12 weeks following the intervention. RESULTS: The average age of participants was 54.2 years old (SD=10.5) and 77.9% had not completed high school. All participants were daily smokers and the majority smoked ≥11 cigarettes per day (63.5%). Pre-post intervention interest in using pharmacotherapy and group counselling significantly increased (82.4% vs 22.4%, p≤0.0001; and 85.9% vs 21.2%, p≤0.0001, respectively). At 12 weeks, eight participants (9.4%) reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence using intention-to-treat analysis (35.2% follow-up rate). CONCLUSION: The Pare de fumar conosco smoking cessation web-based tool significantly increased interest in pharmacotherapy and behavioural counselling. Additional testing as a formal randomised clinical trial appears warranted.