Evidence for long-term efficacy of a membrane filtration device in rural villages in Ghana.

Drinking water contaminated by pathogenic micro-organisms increases the risk of infectious gastrointestinal disease which could potentially lead to acute kidney injury and even death, particularly amongst the young and the elderly. Earlier studies have shown a substantial reduction in the incidence of diarrheal disease over a period of one year using a polysulfone membrane water gravity-powered water filtration device. The current report is a continuation of these studies to assess the long-term effects of the innovative method on diarrheal incidence rates over a 4-year follow-up period. This follow-up study monitored the trend of self-reported diarrheal events in all households in the previously studied villages for 5 months, in the last half of each study year, using the same questionnaire utilized in the earlier study. Three villages that had no device yet installed served as controls. We computed monthly diarrheal incidence rates for all study years (standardized to per 100 person-months) and compared these to the pre-device incidence rate in 2018 and in the control group, using the Wilcoxon rank sum exact test. The average diarrheal incidence rates of 1.5 p100pm in 2019, 2.19 p100pm in 2021, and 0.54p100pm in 2022 were significantly different from an earlier study that reported 17.8 p100pm rates before the devices were installed in 2018, (all p-values < 0.05). Concomitantly, self-reported diarrheal infections were substantially higher in the "control villages" not yet having the filtration device installed (80.9, 77.6, and 21.5 per 100 pm). The consistent and large reduction in diarrhea incidence documents the long-term efficacy of the use of the membrane filtration device. This simple water purification method using gravity flow improves public health in remote regions with limited resources.

Improved nursing home end-stage renal disease patient participation in physical therapy with onsite, more frequent dialysis.

INTRODUCTION: For end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients residing in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), the logistics and physical exhaustion of life-saving hemodialysis therapy often conflict with rehabilitation goals. Integration of dialysis care with rehabilitation programs in a scalable and cost-efficient manner has been a significant challenge. SNF-resident ESRD patients receiving onsite, more frequent hemodialysis (MFD) have reported rapid post-dialysis recovery. We examined whether such patients have improved Physical Therapy (PT) participation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective electronic medical records review of SNF-resident PT participation rates within a multistate provider of SNF rehabilitation care from January 1, 2022 to June 1, 2022. We compared three groups: ESRD patients receiving onsite MFD (Onsite-MFD), ESRD patients receiving offsite, conventional 3×/week dialysis (Offsite-Conventional-HD), and the general non-ESRD SNF rehabilitation population (Non-ESRD). We evaluated physical therapy participation rates based on a predefined metric of missed or shortened (<15 min) therapy days. Baseline demographics and functional status were assessed. FINDINGS: Ninety-two Onsite-MFD had 2084 PT sessions scheduled, 12,916 Non-ESRD had 225,496 PT sessions scheduled, and 562 Offsite-Conventional-HD had 9082 PT sessions scheduled. In mixed model logistic regression, Onsite-MFD achieved higher PT participation rates than Offsite-Conventional-HD (odds ratio: 1.8, CI: 1.1-3.0; p < 0.03), and Onsite-MFD achieved equivalent PT participation rates to Non-ESRD (odds ratio: 1.2, CI: 0.3-1.9; p < 0.46). Baseline mean ± SD Charlson Comorbidity score was significantly higher in Onsite-MFD (4.9 ± 2.0) and Offsite-Conventional-HD (4.9 ± 1.8) versus Non-ESRD (2.6 ± 2.0; p < 0.001). Baseline mean self-care and mobility scores were significantly lower in Onsite-MFD versus Non-ESRD or Offsite-Conventional-HD. DISCUSSION: SNF-resident ESRD patients receiving MFD colocated with rehabilitation had higher PT participation rates than those conventionally dialyzed offsite and equivalent PT participation rates to the non-ESRD SNF-rehabilitation general population, despite being sicker, less independent, and less mobile. We report a scalable program integrating dialysis and rehabilitation care as a potential solution for ESRD patients recovering from acute hospitalization.

Identification of fluid overload in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease using bioimpedance techniques.

Diagnosis of fluid overload (FO) in early stage is essential to manage fluid balance of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the identification of fluid status in patients with CKD is largely dependent on the physician's clinical acumen. The ratio of fluid overload to extracellular volume (FO/ECV) has been used as a reference to assess fluid status. The primary aim of this study was to compare FO/ECV with other bioimpedance methods and clinical assessments in patients with CKD. Whole body ECV, intracellular volume (ICV), total body water (TBW), and calf normalized resistivity (CNR) were measured (Hydra 4200). Thresholds of FO utilizing CNR and ECV/TBW were derived by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis based on data from pooled patients with CKD and healthy subjects (HSs). Clinical assessments of FO in patients with CKD were performed by nephrologists. Patients with CKD (stage 3 and stage 4) (n = 50) and HSs (n = 189) were studied. The thresholds of FO were ≤14.3 (10-2 Ωm3/kg) for females and ≤13.1 (10-2 Ωm3/kg) for males using CNR and ≥0.445 in females and ≥0.434 in males using ECV/TBW. FO was diagnosed in 78%, 62%, and 52% of patients with CKD by CNR, FO/ECV, and ECV/TBW, respectively, whereas only 24% of patients with CKD were diagnosed to be FO by clinical assessment. The proportion of FO in patients with nondialysis CKD was largely underestimated by clinical assessment compared with FO/ECV, CNR, and ECV/TBW. CNR and FO/ECV methods were more sensitive than ECV/TBW in identifying fluid overload in these patients with CKD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that fluid overload (FO) in patients with nondialysis CKD was largely underestimated by clinical assessment compared with bioimpedance methods, which was majorly due to lack of appropriate techniques to assess FO. In addition, although degree of FO by bioimpedance markers positively correlated with the age in healthy subjects (HSs), no difference was observed in the three hydration markers between groups of 50 ≤ age <70 yr and age ≥70 yr in the patients with CKD.

Post-dialysis recovery time in ESRD patients receiving more frequent hemodialysis in skilled nursing facilities.

INTRODUCTION: Post-dialysis recovery time (DRT) has an important relationship to quality of life and survival, as identified in studies of ESRD patients on conventional dialysis. ESRD patients are often discharged from hospitals to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) where on-site treatment using home hemodialysis technology is increasingly offered, but nothing is known about DRT in this patient population. METHODS: From November 4, 2019 to June 11, 2021, within a dialysis organization providing service across 12 states and 154 SNFs, patients receiving in-SNF, more frequent dialysis (MFD) (modeled to deliver 14 treatment hours minimum per week and stdKt/V ≥2.0) were asked to describe their post-dialysis recovery time following their previous treatment, within predefined categoric choices: 0-½, ½-1, 1-2, 2-4, 4-8, 8-12 h, by next morning, or not even by next morning. Patients reporting DRT following at least one full-week treatment opportunity were included in a mixed model logistic regression of rapid recovery (DRT ≤2 h). FINDINGS: Two thousand three hundred and nine patients met the statistical modeling inclusion criteria, providing DRT on 108,876 dialysis sessions, while receiving mean (SD) 4.3 (0.96) weekly dialysis treatments. 2118 (92%) reported DRT ≤2 h. Results appeared biologically plausible, as lower odds of rapid DRT were observed for patients who were older, missed their previous treatment, or experienced intradialytic hypotension. Greater odds of rapid DRT were observed in patients receiving five dialyses in the previous week or having 160-179 mmHg pre-hemodialysis systolic blood pressure. Rapid recovery was associated with reduced mortality or hospitalization. DISCUSSION: SNF dialysis patients receiving 5x per week MFD report rapid recovery time ≤2 h in 92% of dialyses despite advanced age, frailty, and comorbidities. Future studies will assess the practical ramifications of rapid DRT perception/experience on nursing home rehabilitation programs, which could impact patient health beyond the nursing home stay.

The Predialysis Serum Sodium Level Modifies the Effect of Hemodialysis Frequency on Left-Ventricular Mass: The Frequent Hemodialysis Network Trials.

INTRODUCTION: The Frequent Hemodialysis Network (FHN) Daily and Nocturnal trials aimed to compare the effects of hemodialysis (HD) given 6 versus 3 times per week. More frequent in-center HD significantly reduced left-ventricular mass (LVM), with more pronounced effects in patients with low urine volumes. In this study, we aimed to explore another potential effect modifier: the predialysis serum sodium (SNa) and related proxies of plasma tonicity. METHODS: Using data from the FHN Daily and Nocturnal Trials, we compared the effects of frequent HD on LVM among patients stratified by SNa, dialysate-to-predialysis serum-sodium gradient (GNa), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, time-integrated sodium-adjusted fluid load (TIFL), and extracellular fluid volume estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS: In 197 enrolled subjects in the FHN Daily Trial, the treatment effect of frequent HD on ∆LVM was modified by SNa. When the FHN Daily Trial participants are divided into lower and higher predialysis SNa groups (less and greater than 138 mEq/L), the LVM reduction in the lower group was substantially higher (-28.0 [95% CI -40.5 to -15.4] g) than in the higher predialysis SNa group (-2.0 [95% CI -15.5 to 11.5] g). Accounting for GNa, TIFL also showed more pronounced effects among patients with higher GNa or higher TIFL. Results in the Nocturnal Trial were similar in direction and magnitude but did not reach statistical significance. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: In the FHN Daily Trial, the favorable effects of frequent HD on left-ventricular hypertrophy were more pronounced among patients with lower predialysis SNa and higher GNa and TIFL. Whether these metrics can be used to identify patients most likely to benefit from frequent HD or other dialytic or nondialytic interventions remains to be determined. Prospective, adequately powered studies studying the effect of GNa reduction on mortality and hospitalization are needed.

Epidemiology of nursing home dialysis patients-A hidden population.

INTRODUCTION: Dialysis patients are often discharged from hospitals to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), but little has been published about their natural history. METHODS: Using electronic medical record data, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of nursing home patients treated with in-SNF hemodialysis from January 1, 2018 through June 20, 2020 within a dialysis organization across eight states. A dialytic episode began with the first in-SNF dialysis and was ended by hospitalization, death, transfer, or cessation of treatment. The clinical characteristics and natural history of these patients and their dialytic episodes are described. FINDINGS: Four thousand five hundred and ten patients experienced 9274 dialytic episodes. Dialytic episodes had a median duration of 18 days (IQR: 8-38) and were terminated by a hospitalization n = 5747 (62%), transfer n = 2638 (28%), death n = 568 (6%), dialysis withdrawal n = 129 (1.4%), recovered function n = 2 (0.02%), or other cause n = 6 (0.06%). Increased patient mortality was associated with advancing age, low serum creatinine, albumin, or sodium, and low pre-dialytic systolic blood pressure (sBP). U-shaped relationships to mortality were observed for intradialytic hypotension frequency and for post- > pre-hemodialysis sBP frequency. Prescription of dialysis five times weekly in the first 2 weeks was associated with better survival in the first 90 days (HR 0.77, CI 0.62-0.96; p < 0.02). DISCUSSION: Provision of in-SNF dialysis by an external dialysis organization enables discharge from the acute care setting for appropriate treatment with increased nursing contact time in an otherwise under-resourced environment. SNF ESRD patient clinical characteristics and outcomes are extensively characterized for the first time.

[HYPERTENSION AMONG HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS, NOT NECESSARILY HYPERVOLEMIA].

BACKGROUND: Hypertension in dialysis patients is common. In daily practice, it is not always clear whether adjustment of dry weight or vasodilatory medication should be administered and treatment strategy is often based on clinical impression. We used a whole-body bio-impedance based, non-invasive, hemodynamics monitoring technology to acquire hemodynamic data in order to evaluate the incidence and causes of hypertension in dialysis patients. METHODS: Novel noninvasive impedance based technique was used to collect hemodynamic data from patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in four different dialysis units. Patients were defined as having hypertension if their predialysis systolic or diastolic BP results were >140mmHg or >90 respectively and as hypervolemic if their total body water (TBW) was greater than normal according to the Kushner formula+1SD. Vasoconstriction was defined as total peripheral resistance index (TPRI) greater than 3000 dyn*sec/cm5*m2. RESULTS: Of 144 hemodialysis patients, 81 (56%) were male; mean age was 67.3±12.1 years and 67 (47%) had hypertension. Among the hypertensive patients, only 18(27%) met hypervolemia criteria and thirty (45%) met vasoconstriction criteria (mean TPRI of 4474±1592dyn*sec/cm5*m2). Patients with hypertension due to vasoconstriction had higher vintage (50±45 vs 20±8 months 0=0.018), lower heart rate (71±11 vs 79±11 BPM p=0.002), lower stroke index (28±7 vs 44±8ml/m2 p<0.001) and cardiac index (2.1±0.5 vs 3.5±0.6 p=0<0.001) compared to patients without vasoconstriction. CONCLUSIONS: Vasoconstriction was the main etiology for pre-dialysis hypertension in chronic hemodialysis patients. This calls for individualized, hemodynamic-based therapeutic intervention.

Recognition and management of community-acquired acute kidney injury in low-resource settings in the ISN 0by25 trial: A multi-country feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasingly encountered in community settings and contributes to morbidity, mortality, and increased resource utilization worldwide. In low-resource settings, lack of awareness of and limited access to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions likely influence patient management. We evaluated the feasibility of the use of point-of-care (POC) serum creatinine and urine dipstick testing with an education and training program to optimize the identification and management of AKI in the community in 3 low-resource countries. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Patients presenting to healthcare centers (HCCs) from 1 October 2016 to 29 September 2017 in the cities Cochabamba, Bolivia; Dharan, Nepal; and Blantyre, Malawi, were assessed utilizing a symptom-based risk score to identify patients at moderate to high AKI risk. POC testing for serum creatinine and urine dipstick at enrollment were utilized to classify these patients as having chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney disease (AKD), or no kidney disease (NKD). Patients were followed for a maximum of 6 months with repeat POC testing. AKI development was assessed at 7 days, kidney recovery at 1 month, and progression to CKD and mortality at 3 and 6 months. Following an observation phase to establish baseline data, care providers and physicians in the HCCs were trained with a standardized protocol utilizing POC tests to evaluate and manage patients, guided by physicians in referral hospitals connected via mobile digital technology. We evaluated 3,577 patients, and 2,101 were enrolled: 978 in the observation phase and 1,123 in the intervention phase. Due to the high number of patients attending the centers daily, it was not feasible to screen all patients to assess the actual incidence of AKI. Of enrolled patients, 1,825/2,101 (87%) were adults, 1,117/2,101 (53%) were females, 399/2,101 (19%) were from Bolivia, 813/2,101 (39%) were from Malawi, and 889/2,101 (42%) were from Nepal. The age of enrolled patients ranged from 1 month to 96 years, with a mean of 43 years (SD 21) and a median of 43 years (IQR 27-62). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (418/2,101; 20%). At enrollment, 197/2,101 (9.4%) had CKD, and 1,199/2,101 (57%) had AKD. AKI developed in 30% within 7 days. By 1 month, 268/978 (27%) patients in the observation phase and 203/1,123 (18%) in the intervention phase were lost to follow-up. In the intervention phase, more patients received fluids (observation 714/978 [73%] versus intervention 874/1,123 [78%]; 95% CI 0.63, 0.94; p = 0.012), hospitalization was reduced (observation 578/978 [59%] versus intervention 548/1,123 [49%]; 95% CI 0.55, 0.79; p < 0.001), and admitted patients with severe AKI did not show a significantly lower mortality during follow-up (observation 27/135 [20%] versus intervention 21/178 [11.8%]; 95% CI 0.98, 3.52; p = 0.057). Of 504 patients with kidney function assessed during the 6-month follow-up, de novo CKD arose in 79/484 (16.3%), with no difference between the observation and intervention phase (95% CI 0.91, 2.47; p = 0.101). Overall mortality was 273/2,101 (13%) and was highest in those who had CKD (24/106; 23%), followed by those with AKD (128/760; 17%), AKI (85/628; 14%), and NKD (36/607; 6%). The main limitation of our study was the inability to determine the actual incidence of kidney dysfunction in the health centers as it was not feasible to screen all the patients due to the high numbers seen daily. CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter, non-randomized feasibility study in low-resource settings demonstrates that it is feasible to implement a comprehensive program utilizing POC testing and protocol-based management to improve the recognition and management of AKI and AKD in high-risk patients in primary care.

Edelman Revisited: Concepts, Achievements, and Challenges.

The key message from the 1958 Edelman study states that combinations of external gains or losses of sodium, potassium and water leading to an increase of the fraction (total body sodium plus total body potassium) over total body water will raise the serum sodium concentration ([Na]S), while external gains or losses leading to a decrease in this fraction will lower [Na]S. A variety of studies have supported this concept and current quantitative methods for correcting dysnatremias, including formulas calculating the volume of saline needed for a change in [Na]S are based on it. Not accounting for external losses of sodium, potassium and water during treatment and faulty values for body water inserted in the formulas predicting the change in [Na]S affect the accuracy of these formulas. Newly described factors potentially affecting the change in [Na]S during treatment of dysnatremias include the following: (a) exchanges during development or correction of dysnatremias between osmotically inactive sodium stored in tissues and osmotically active sodium in solution in body fluids; (b) chemical binding of part of body water to macromolecules which would decrease the amount of body water available for osmotic exchanges; and (c) genetic influences on the determination of sodium concentration in body fluids. The effects of these newer developments on the methods of treatment of dysnatremias are not well-established and will need extensive studying. Currently, monitoring of serum sodium concentration remains a critical step during treatment of dysnatremias.

Public health benefits of water purification using recycled hemodialyzers in developing countries.

In rural regions with limited resources, the provision of clean water remains challenging. The resulting high incidence of diarrhea can lead to acute kidney injury and death, particularly in the young and the old. Membrane filtration using recycled hemodialyzers allows water purification. This study quantifies the public health effects. Between 02/2018 and 12/2018, 4 villages in rural Ghana were provided with a high-volume membrane filtration device (NuFiltration). Household surveys were collected monthly with approval from Ghana Health Services. Incidence rates of diarrhea for 5-month periods before and after implementation of the device were collected and compared to corresponding rates in 4 neighboring villages not yet equipped. Data of 1,130 villagers over 10 months from the studied communities were studied. Incidence rates showed a decline following the implementation of the device from 0.18 to 0.05 cases per person-month (ppm) compared to the control villages (0.11 to 0.08 ppm). The rate ratio of 0.27 for the study villages is revised to 0.38 when considering the non-significant rate reduction in the control villages. Provision of a repurposed hemodialyzer membrane filtration device markedly improves health outcomes as measured by diarrhea incidence within rural communities.

Development of a framework for minimum and optimal safety and quality standards for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Substantial heterogeneity in practice patterns around the world has resulted in wide variations in the quality and type of dialysis care delivered. This is particularly so in countries without universal standards of care and governmental (or other organizational) oversight. Most high-income countries have developed such oversight based on documentation of adherence to standardized, evidence-based guidelines. Many low- and lower-middle-income countries have no or only limited organized oversight systems to ensure that care is safe and effective. The implementation and oversight of basic standards of care requires sufficient infrastructure and appropriate workforce and financial resources to support the basic levels of care and safety practices. It is important to understand how these standards then can be reasonably adapted and applied in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Considerations on equity in management of end-stage kidney disease in low- and middle-income countries.

Achievement of equity in health requires development of a health system in which everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their full health potential. The current, large country-level variation in the reported incidence and prevalence of treated end-stage kidney disease indicates the existence of system-level inequities. Equitable implementation of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) programs must address issues of availability, affordability, and acceptability. The major structural factors that impact equity in KRT in different countries are the organization of health systems, overall health care spending, funding and delivery models, and nature of KRT prioritization (transplantation, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and conservative care). Implementation of KRT programs has the potential to exacerbate inequity unless equity is deliberately addressed. In this review, we summarize discussions on equitable provision of KRT in low- and middle-income countries and suggest areas for future research.

Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury in Children Hospitalized in a Sub-Saharan African Unit by Saliva Urea Nitrogen Dipstick Test.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury in pediatric patients (pAKI) is common in developing countries and leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Most nephrology services in developing countries are only in larger cities and for that reason many cases remain undiagnosed. We evaluated the performance of a saliva urea nitrogen (SUN) dipstick to diagnose pAKI in Sudan. METHODS: We collected demographic and clinical information, serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), SUN, and urine output (UO) in children with pAKI. pAKI was diagnosed based on different criteria (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and end-stage kidney disease, Acute Kidney Injury Network and Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes). We also recorded hospital and 3-months' mortality and progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) as outcomes. RESULTS: We studied 81 patients (mean age 10.7 ± 7 years, 51.9% females) and divided them by age into (a) neonates (<120 days; n = 21; 25.9%); (b) -infants (120-365 days; n = 18; 25.9%); and (c) children (>365 days; n = 42; 53.1%). Diagnosis using different pAKI definitions resulted in differences in AKI staging. SUN reliably reflected BUN over the entire study period, regardless of treatment modality or pAKI severity. Neither pAKI staging, SUN, BUN, nor SCr were associated with mortality or progression to CKD. UO predicted all-cause mortality during the 3-months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of pAKI using different criteria differs in triage and staging. SUN reflects BUN particularly at higher BUN levels and allows monitoring of treatment responses. Despite the lack of predictive power of SUN to predict hard outcomes, measurement of SUN by dipstick can be used to identify, screen, and monitor pediatric patients with pAKI.

Monitoring of Intraperitoneal Fluid Volume during Peritoneal Equilibration Testing using Segmental Bioimpedance.

BACKGROUND: Ultrafiltration failure and fluid overload are common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Knowledge of intraperitoneal volume (IPV) and time to peak IPV during a dwell would permit improved PD prescription. This study aimed to utilize trunk segmental bioimpedance analysis (SBIA) to quasi-continuously monitor IPV (IPVSBIA) during the peritoneal dwell. METHODS: IPVSBIA was measured every minute using lower-trunk SBIA (Hydra 4200; Xitron Technologies Inc., CA, USA) in 10 PD patients during a standard 240-min peritoneal equilibration test (PET). The known dialysate volume (2 L) rendered IPVSBIA calibration and calculation of instantaneous ultrafiltration volume (UFVSBIA) possible. UFVSBIA was defined as IPVSBIA - 2 L. RESULTS: Based on dialysate-to-plasma creatinine ratio, 2 patients were high, 7 high-average, and 1 low-average transporters. Technically sound IPVSBIA measurements were obtained in 9 patients (age 59.0 ± 8.8 years, 7 females, 5 African Americans). Drained ultrafiltration volume (UFVdrain) was 0.47 ± 0.21 L and correlated (r = 0.74; p < 0.05) with end-dwell UFVSBIA (0.55 ± 0.17 L). Peak UFVSBIA was 1.04 ± 0.32 L, it was reached 177 ± 61 min into the dwell and exceeded end-dwell UFVSBIA by 0.49 ± 0.28 L (95% CI: 0.27-0.7) and UFVdrain by 0.52 ± 0.31 L (95% CI: 0.29-0.76), respectively. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of trunk segmental bioimpedance to quasi-continuously monitor IPVSBIA and identify the time to peak UFVSBIA during a standard PET. Such new insights into the dynamics of intraperitoneal fluid volume during the dwell may advance our understanding of the underlying transport physiology and eventually assist in improving PD treatment prescriptions.

Non-invasive hemodynamic profiling of patients undergoing hemodialysis - a multicenter observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Intradialytic blood pressure (BP) measurement is currently the main parameter used for monitoring hemodynamics during hemodialysis (HD). Since BP is dependent on cardiac output and total peripheral resistance, knowledge of these parameters throughout the HD treatment would potentially be valuable. METHODS: The use of a novel non-invasive monitoring system for profiling hemodynamic response patterns during HD was explored: a whole-body bio-impedance system was used to assess cardiac index (CI), total peripheral resistance index (TPRI), cardiac power index (CPI) among other parameters in chronic HD patients from 4 medical centers. Measurements were made pre, during and post dialysis. Patients were grouped into 5 hemodynamic profiles based on their main hemodynamic response during dialysis i.e. high TPRI; high CPI; low CPI; low TPRI and those with normal hemodynamics. Comparisons were made between the groups for baseline characteristics and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: In 144 patients with mean age of 67.3 ± 12.1 years pre-dialysis hemodynamic measurements were within normal limits in 35.4% but only 6.9% overall remained hemodynamically stable during dialysis. Intradialytic BP decreased in 65 (45.1%) in whom, low CPI (47 (72.3%)) and low TPRI (18 (27.7%) were recorded. At 1-year follow-up, mortality rates were highest in patients with low CPI (23.4%) and low TPRI (22.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive assessment of patients' response to HD provides relevant hemodynamic information that exceeds that provided by currently used BP measurements. Use of these online analyses could potentially improve the safety and performance standards of dialysis by guiding appropriate interventions, particularly in responding to hypertension and hypotension.

The effect of increased frequency of hemodialysis on vitamin C concentrations: an ancillary study of the randomized Frequent Hemodialysis Network (FHN) daily trial.

BACKGROUND: Reports on vitamin C in HD patients have shown effects of vitamin C deficiency in association with scurvy symptoms. Dialyzability of water soluble vitamins is high, and substantial losses in those who are dialyzed more frequently were hypothesized. The randomized FHN Daily Trial compared the effects of in-center HD six versus three times per week. We studied baseline correlations between vitamin C and potentially associated parameters, and the effect of more frequent HD on circulating vitamin C concentrations. METHODS: We studied vitamin C levels at baseline and months, 3, 5 and 11. Patients enrolled between 2007 and 2009 into the randomized FHN Daily trial in the East Coast consortium were approached for participation. Predialysis plasma samples were processed with metaphosphoric acid and frozen at - 70 °C for measurement with HPLC. Regression models between baseline log-transformed vitamin C and hemoglobin, CRP, eKt/V, ePCR and PTH, and a linear mixed-effects model to estimate the effect size of more frequent HD on plasma vitamin C, were constructed. RESULTS: We studied 44 subjects enrolled in the FHN Daily trial (50 ± 12 years, 36% female, 29% Hispanics and 64% blacks, 60% anuric). Vitamin C correlated significantly with predialysis hemoglobin (r = 0.3; P = 0.03) and PTH (r = - 0.3, P = 0.04), respectively. Vitamin C did not significantly differ at baseline (6×/week, 25.8 ± 25.9 versus 3×/week, 32.6 ± 39.4 µmol/L) and no significant treatment effect on plasma vitamin C concentrations was found [- 26.2 (95%CI -57.5 to 5.1) µmol/L at Month 4 and - 2.5 (95%CI -15.6 to 10.6) µmol/L at Month 12. CONCLUSIONS: Based on data from this large randomized-controlled trial no significant effect of the intervention on circulating plasma vitamin C concentrations was found, allaying the concerns that more frequent HD would affect the concentrations of water-soluble vitamins and adversely affect patient's well-being. Correlations between vitamin C and hemoglobin and PTH support the importance of vitamin C for normal bone and mineral metabolism, and anemia management.

Evaluation of one year of frequent dialysis on fluid load and body composition using calf bioimpedance technique.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increased frequency of dialysis (FHD) on change in fluid status and body composition using segmental bioimpedance. APPROACH: Twelve stable HD patients were switched from 3 times/week to 6 times/week HD (FHD). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass and body mass index (BMI) were measured pre- and post-HD. Calf resistance (R 5) at 5 kHz was measured using a multifrequency bioimpedance device (Hydra 4200). Calf resistivity (ρ = R 5 * area/length), normalized resistivity (CNR = ρ/BMI) and calf extracellular volume (cECV) were calculated. Fat mass was measured by Futrex body composition analyzers (Futrex 6100, Futrex Tech, Inc.). All measurements were performed at baseline (BL) and monthly for up to one year. MAIN RESULTS: Nine patients completed one year of FHD. Compared to BL, body weight and cECV decreased, and CNR increased significantly by the first month but did not change thereafter. SBP pre-HD decreased significantly by the end of the first month with further reduction until month 12. Additionally, antihypertensive medication decreased significantly from baseline by month 4 and remained stable from month 6 throughout the rest of the study. The post-HD CNR in five of nine patients reached the range of normal (>18.5 10-2 * Ohm * m3 kg-1 for males and >19.1 10-2 * Ohm * m3 kg-1 for females) after 1 year FHD. In patients who returned to 3 times/week dialysis, CNR decreased significantly in the first week, and this was associated with increases in body weight and SBP. SIGNIFICANCE: Reduction of fluid overload with no alteration of body composition was observed in this study. Accordingly, improving fluid status was confirmed by reducing BP and use of antihypertensive drugs together with increase in CNR. Measurement of fluid status by CNR in hemodialysis patients is a new method to quantitatively assess hydration potentially creating a target for volume of fluid removal.

Increasing access to integrated ESKD care as part of universal health coverage.

The global nephrology community recognizes the need for a cohesive strategy to address the growing problem of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In March 2018, the International Society of Nephrology hosted a summit on integrated ESKD care, including 92 individuals from around the globe with diverse expertise and professional backgrounds. The attendees were from 41 countries, including 16 participants from 11 low- and lower-middle-income countries. The purpose was to develop a strategic plan to improve worldwide access to integrated ESKD care, by identifying and prioritizing key activities across 8 themes: (i) estimates of ESKD burden and treatment coverage, (ii) advocacy, (iii) education and training/workforce, (iv) financing/funding models, (v) ethics, (vi) dialysis, (vii) transplantation, and (viii) conservative care. Action plans with prioritized lists of goals, activities, and key deliverables, and an overarching performance framework were developed for each theme. Examples of these key deliverables include improved data availability, integration of core registry measures and analysis to inform development of health care policy; a framework for advocacy; improved and continued stakeholder engagement; improved workforce training; equitable, efficient, and cost-effective funding models; greater understanding and greater application of ethical principles in practice and policy; definition and application of standards for safe and sustainable dialysis treatment and a set of measurable quality parameters; and integration of dialysis, transplantation, and comprehensive conservative care as ESKD treatment options within the context of overall health priorities. Intended users of the action plans include clinicians, patients and their families, scientists, industry partners, government decision makers, and advocacy organizations. Implementation of this integrated and comprehensive plan is intended to improve quality and access to care and thereby reduce serious health-related suffering of adults and children affected by ESKD worldwide.

The effect of increased frequency of hemodialysis on serum cystatin C and ß2-microglobulin concentrations: A secondary analysis of the frequent hemodialysis network (FHN) trial.

INTRODUCTION: Small molecular weight toxin clearance is the main method of assessment of hemodialysis efficiency. Middle molecules including cystatin C (CysC) and Beta-2 microglobulin (ß2-M) are understudied. We hypothesized that lowering of predialysis CysC and ß2-M serum concentrations would be affected by switching to more frequent hemodialysis. METHODS: Predialysis CysC and ß2-M serum concentrations were measured from serum samples of the Frequent Hemodialysis Network (FHN) Daily and Nocturnal Trials. The differences between predialysis concentrations at baseline (while on conventional thrice weekly dialysis) and those after 12-months of study (on more frequent dialysis) were compared separately by trial (Nocturnal, Daily). We tested the associations between predialysis serum CysC and ß2-M concentrations and outcomes. FINDINGS: Forty-nine percent and 52% of the patients from the FHN Daily and Nocturnal Trials respectively were included in this ancillary study. Predialysis serum CysC concentrations remained unchanged after intensifying hemodialysis dose by either modality. There was significant lowering of the serum ß2-M concentrations in the frequent Daily Trial hemodialysis group at 12 months in all patients and in patients without residual renal function at baseline (-3.8 ± 12.62 µg/mL, P = 0.004; -5.9 ± 12.99 µg/mL, P = 0.02, respectively). There were no significant differences between the baseline and the 12-months predialysis ß2-M serum concentrations in the two control groups (Daily 3× and Nocturnal 3× groups). No association between the changes in the two biomarkers between baseline and 12-months and in changes in left ventricular mass, physical-health composite scores, hospitalization rate, and death were found. The numbers of hospitalizations and deaths were small. DISCUSSION: ß2-M may be a better biomarker of dialysis dose than CysC. Reduction in the concentration of potentially toxic long-lived proteins of the size of ß-2M is one potential long-term benefit of more intensive dialysis that may be explored.

The value of non-invasive measurement of cardiac output and total peripheral resistance to categorize significant changes of intradialytic blood pressure: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Blood pressure (BP) is currently the main hemodynamic parameter used to assess the influence of fluid removal during hemodialysis session. Since BP is dependent on cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPRI), investigating these parameters may help to better understand the influence of fluid removal on patient's hemodynamics. We used a novel non-invasive whole-body bio-impedance cardiography device, recently validated in hemodialysis patients, to examine mechanisms of intradialytic hemodynamics in a Chinese dialysis population. METHODS: Chronic hemodialysis patients in Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled. Demographic data and dialysis prescriptions were collected. Hemodynamic measurements were made pre-treatment, every 20 min during treatment and immediately after treatment in each random dialysis session. These included blood pressure, cardiac index (CI), total peripheral resistance (TPRI) and cardiac power index (CPI). Patients were divided into 5 hemodynamic groups as per their major hemodynamic response to fluid removal: low CPI, low TPRI, high TPRI, High CPI and those with normal hemodynamics. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled, with 12 (44.4%) males. The average age was 65 ± 12 y. The average body mass index (BMI) was 23.7 ± 3.9 kg/m2. 12 (44.4%) patients were diabetic. Three hundred twenty-four hemodynamic measurements were made. Weight, BMI, total fluid removal, pretreatment systolic BP, CI, TPRI and CI differed significantly among the 5 hemodynamic groups.11.1% of patients had low CPI, 25.9% had low TPRI, 18.5% had high CPI, 3.7% had high TPRI and 40.7% had normal hemodynamics. Hemodynamic differences among the 5 subgroups were significant. CONCLUSION: This technology provides multi-dimensional insight into intradialytic hemodynamic parameters, which may be more informative than blood pressure only. Using hemodynamic parameters to describe patients' status is more specific and accurate, and could help to work out specific and effective therapeutic actions according to underlying abnormalities.