Multifrequency bioimpedance by spectroscopy vs. routine methods in the management of hydration status in peritoneal dialysis patients: A randomized control trial.

Background: Overhydration (OH) is common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and increases the cardiovascular risk. Multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) has been proposed to estimate the hydration in dialysis. Our objective was to evaluate if BIS is superior than control based on clinical assessment plus single-frequency bioimpedance (SF-BIA) on the fluid control and intermediate cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: Randomized controlled study in adult PD patients, with a 9-month follow-up, allocated into two groups: control and BIS. Data were collected from medical records. SF-BIA and BIS, laboratory exams, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, echocardiography (ECHO), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were evaluated. The BIS data were available to the medical team only in BIS group. Results: 34 patients completed the study, 17 in each group. At the endpoint the BIS group had a significant (p < 0.05) greater proportion of patients with OH/extracellular water (OH/ECW%) ≤ 15% than the control (94.1% vs. 52.9%), and a lower OH mean (2.1 ± 1.6 vs. 0.9 ± 1.1 L). The control group has a significant increase in the tumor necrosis factor alpha median concentration from baseline to six [11.9 (6.0-24.1) vs. 44.7 (9.4-70.6) pg/ml] and 9 months [11.9 (6.0-24.1) vs. 39.4 (27.9-62.6) pg/ml], and in the N-terminal fragment of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide median [239 (171.5-360.5) vs. 356 (219-1,555) pg/ml]. For cardiovascular parameters, BIS group presented a significant reduction in radial PWV [7.7 (6.9-9.2) vs. 6.5 (5.5-8.4) m/s] at 9 month, while in the control presented a significant increase in mean central systolic blood pressure (BP) (106.8 ± 11.2 vs. 117.6 ± 16.5 mmHg) and in central diastolic BP (90.4 ± 9.8 vs. 103.3 ± 12.5 mmHg) at 9 months. The left ventricular mass (LVM)/body surface presented a significant reduction in the control (109.6 ± 30.8 vs. 101.2 ± 28.9 g/m2) and BIS group (107.7 ± 24.9 vs. 96.1 ± 27.0 g/m2) at 9 months. Conclusion: The results suggest BIS is superior than the clinical evaluation plus SF-BIA for the fluid control of PD patients. Clinical trial registration: [https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [RBR-10k8j3bx].

Semi-automated data collection from electronic health records in a stroke unit in Brazil / Coleta de dados semiautomáticos de registros eletrônicos de saúde na unidade de acidente vascular cerebral no Brasil

ABSTRACT Background: There is a high demand for stroke patient data in the public health systems of middle and low-income countries. Objective: To develop a stroke databank for integrating clinical or functional data and benchmarks from stroke patients. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional, prospective study. A tool was developed to collect all clinical data during hospitalizations due to stroke, using an electronic editor of structured forms that was integrated with electronic medical records. Validation of fields in the electronic editor was programmed using a structured query language (SQL). To store the results from SQL, a virtual table was created and programmed to update daily. To develop an interface between the data and user, the Embarcadero Delphi software and the DevExpress component were used to generate the information displayed on the screen. The data were extracted from the fields of the form and also from cross-referencing of other information from the computerized system, including patients who were admitted to the stroke unit. Results: The database was created and integrated with the hospital electronic system, thus allowing daily data collection. Quality indicators (benchmarks) were created in the database for the system to track and perform decision-making in conjunction with healthcare service managers, which resulted in improved processes and patient care after a stroke. An intelligent portal was created, in which the information referring to the patients was accessible. Conclusions: Based on semi-automated data collection, it was possible to create a dynamic and optimized Brazilian stroke databank.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Há alta demanda de dados de pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) nos sistemas de saúde de países de baixa e média renda. Objetivo: Desenvolver um banco de dados de AVC para integrar dados clínicos ou funcionais e indicadores de qualidade de pacientes com AVC. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal e prospectivo. Foi desenvolvida uma ferramenta para coletar dados clínicos durante as internações por AVC por meio de um editor eletrônico de formulários estruturados integrado ao prontuário eletrônico. A validação dos campos no editor eletrônico foi programada em linguagem de consulta estruturada (SQL). Para armazenar os resultados da SQL, uma tabela virtual foi criada e programada para atualização diária. Para desenvolver interface entre os dados e o usuário, foram utilizados o software Embarcadero Delphi e o componente DevExpress para gerar informações apresentadas na tela. Os dados foram extraídos dos campos do formulário e também do cruzamento de outras informações do sistema informatizado, incluindo pacientes internados na unidade de AVC. Resultados: O banco de dados foi criado e integrado ao sistema eletrônico do hospital, permitindo coleta diária de dados. Indicadores de qualidade foram criados no banco de dados para que o sistema acompanhasse e realizasse a tomada de decisão com os gestores dos serviços de saúde, resultando em melhoria no processo e no atendimento ao paciente após AVC. Foi criado um portal inteligente, no qual eram registradas as informações referentes aos pacientes. Conclusões: Com a coleta de dados semiautomática, foi possível criar um banco de dados de AVC dinâmico e otimizado em unidade de AVC no Brasil.

Semi-automated data collection from electronic health records in a stroke unit in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: There is a high demand for stroke patient data in the public health systems of middle and low-income countries. OBJECTIVE: To develop a stroke databank for integrating clinical or functional data and benchmarks from stroke patients. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional, prospective study. A tool was developed to collect all clinical data during hospitalizations due to stroke, using an electronic editor of structured forms that was integrated with electronic medical records. Validation of fields in the electronic editor was programmed using a structured query language (SQL). To store the results from SQL, a virtual table was created and programmed to update daily. To develop an interface between the data and user, the Embarcadero Delphi software and the DevExpress component were used to generate the information displayed on the screen. The data were extracted from the fields of the form and also from cross-referencing of other information from the computerized system, including patients who were admitted to the stroke unit. RESULTS: The database was created and integrated with the hospital electronic system, thus allowing daily data collection. Quality indicators (benchmarks) were created in the database for the system to track and perform decision-making in conjunction with healthcare service managers, which resulted in improved processes and patient care after a stroke. An intelligent portal was created, in which the information referring to the patients was accessible. CONCLUSIONS: Based on semi-automated data collection, it was possible to create a dynamic and optimized Brazilian stroke databank.

Nutritional Parameters in Early and Late Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation (KT) has the advantage of providing a better quality of life and freedom for the patient. However, nutritional changes can occur, with clinical repercussions. The aim of the study was to compare the nutritional status in the initial and late post-KT period. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 169 outpatients post-KT. Clinical, demographic, biochemical, food intake, handgrip strength (HGS), and anthropometric data were collected from medical records for the first nutritional care after KT. Statistical tests were performed to compare the groups according to the time of KT: early (≤1 year) and late (>1 year). The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 46 years (range, 38-57), 50.3% were men, and it was observed that 66.9% underwent KT with a deceased donor. There was a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (42.6% vs 23.5%; P = .011), and higher body mass index (28.80 ± 7.26 vs 26.51 ± 6.62 kg/m2; P = .046), arm muscle circumference (25.84 ± 4.63 vs 24.09 ± 3.36 cm; P = .019), and HGS (26.97 ± 10.70 vs 20.21 ± 10.83 kg; P = .010) in patients with late KT. Linear regression analysis showed that at each log of time, there was an increase of 1.90 kg in HGS (P = .045) and 0.48 cm (P = .036) in mid-arm muscle circumference. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that late kidney transplantation was associated with higher values of body mass index, mid-arm muscle circumference, and HGS.

Agreement of Single-Frequency Electrical Bioimpedance in the Evaluation of Fat Free Mass and Fat Mass in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Background: Protein-energy wasting is related to impairment of quality of life and lower survival of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. The evaluation of body composition, especially fat free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), is important for the prediction of outcomes in these individuals. The aim of this study was to compare the FFM and FM measurements obtained by single-frequency bioimpedance (SF-BIA) and by a multiple frequency bioimpedance (MF-BIA) device, using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving adult patients undergoing regular PD, in which we performed SF-BIA, MF-BIA, and DXA at the same visit. To compare the bioimpedance values with DXA, we used: Person correlation (r), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman concordance analysis. Results: The sample consisted of 50 patients in the PD, with mean age of 55.1 ± 16.3 years. Both bioimpedance methods showed a strong correlation (r > 0.7) and excellent reproducibility (ICC > 0.75) compared to DXA. According to the Bland-Altman diagram, SF-BIA showed agreement in body compartment measurements, with no proportionality bias (p > 0.05), without systematic bias for FFM (-0.5 ± 4.9, 95% CI -1.8 to 0.9, p = 0.506), and for FM (0.3 ± 4.6, p = 0.543). MF-BIA did not present a proportionality bias for the FFM, but it underestimated this body compartment by 2.5 ± 5.4 kg (p = 0.002). In addition, MF-BIA presented proportionality bias for FM. Conclusion: SF-BIA was a more accurate assessing method than MBIA for FFM and FM measurements in PD patients. Because it is a low-cost, non-evaluator-dependent measurement and has less systematic bias, it can also be recommended for fat mass and free-fat mass evaluation in PD patients.

Which Method Should Be Used to Assess Protein Intake in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients? Assessment of Agreement Between Protein Equivalent of Total Nitrogen Appearance and 24-Hour Dietary Recall.

OBJECTIVES: After dialysis initiation, a high protein diet is recommended due to significant nutrient losses through dialysate and increased risk of protein energy wasting. In peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, protein intake can be assessed through different methods that have some advantages and limitations, which affect its use on routine care. The aim of this study is to evaluate the agreement between 2 different methods (24-hour dietary recall and PNA-protein equivalent of total nitrogen appearance) on estimating protein intake in PD patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients on PD for at least 3 months, aged 18 years old or more, were enrolled. To estimate protein intake, 24-hour dietary recall and PNA was used. PNA was calculated from 24-hour urine on the same day of the 24-hour dietary recall. RESULTS: Fifty individuals on PD were included, mean age 55.7 ± 16.2 years, and body mass index 26.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2. The average energy consumption was 1788.79 ± 504.40 kcal/day, which corresponds to 26.81 ± 9.11 kcal/kg current body weight (BW)/day and 29.82 ± 8.39 kcal/kg ideal body weight (IBW)/day. The median of total daily and normalized protein intake estimated using dietary recall was 61.43 (45.28-87.40) g/day, 0.90 (0.58-1.22) g/kg current BW/day, and 1.04 (0.77-1.32) g/kg IBW/day, respectively. Daily protein intake estimated by PNA was 55.75 (48.27-67.74) g/day, protein intake normalized by current BW was 0.81 (0.72-0.99) g/kg and 0.92 (0.83-1.06) g/kg IBW/day. Bland-Altman analysis indicates no systematic bias for the assessment of total protein intake and normalized protein intake for current and ideal BW. Significant proportionality bias was observed for both evaluations, showing there is a dispersion of the values. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the absence of systematic bias in the Bland-Altman analysis, there is no agreement in the assessment of protein intake by dietary recall and PNA, due to the existence of proportionality bias. Thus, values can be influenced biased by the magnitude of the measures.

Association between vitamin D levels and mortality in hemodialysis patients: a cohort study.

Introduction: Low vitamin D levels are associated with mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients; however, the serum vitamin D thresholds are unclear. This study aimed to identify the vitamin D level below which mortality increases in HD patients.Methods: A cohort of HD patients enrolled from January 2014 to January 2017 was evaluated. The variables were analyzed according to the season, namely, summer, winter, and annual average, mortality was the primary outcome. The patients were assigned to vitamin D quintiles, and multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, ethnicity, gender, body mass index (BMI), inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, statin, calcitriol, and antiplatelet drugs use, hemodialysis vintage, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic disease, and C-reactive protein was performed.Results: There were studied 306 patients. Vitamin D levels of 18.0-23.6 ng/mL (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60-11.54, p = 0.004) and <18.0 ng/mL (HR = 3.83; 95% CI: 1.42-10.35, p = 0.008) in summer and vitamin D levels of 21.5-27.1 ng/mL (HR = 3.70; 95% CI: 1.50-9.11, p = 0.004) and ≤17.5 ng/mL (HR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.13-7.13, p = 0.026) in winter were associated with mortality. The average annual values of vitamin D associated with all-cause mortality were <17.7 ng/dL (adjusted HR = 4.25, 95% CI: 1.57-11.48, p = 0.004), and between >17.7 ng/dL and ≤23.1 ng/dL (adjusted HR = 3.91, 95% CI: 1.47-10.42, p = 0.006).Conclusions: Annual average vitamin D levels <23.1 ng/mL were associated with higher all-cause mortality, regardless of the confounding variables evaluated.

Visita domiciliar como suporte da enfermagem na diálise peritoneal: revisão integrativa / Visita domiciliaria como asistencia de enfermería en la diálisis peritoneal: revisión integradora / Home visit as a support for nursing in peritoneal dialysis: an integrative review

Resumo Objetivo Identificar na literatura como a visita domiciliar é utilizada pelo enfermeiro como ferramenta do cuidado em dialise peritoneal domiciliar. Métodos Revisão integrativa da literatura de artigos em periódicos, a partir de uma questão norteadora, no período de janeiro de 2014 a janeiro de 2019. A busca bibliográfica foi realizada nas bases Scielo; Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, Embase e Cinahl. Resultados Identificaram-se 10 artigos de acordo com as etapas da revisão e as respostas à pergunta norteadora. A visita domiciliar realizada pelo enfermeiro foi descrita como ferramenta de adesão ao tratamento. A prevenção de complicações, como a peritonite, foi citada pelos autores, que em sua maioria, eram médicos e enfermeiros. Conclusão O enfermeiro assiste integralmente ao paciente e família e, assegura o tratamento proposto com fidedignidade. As intervenções de enfermagem no domicílio previnem eventos adversos e frequente avaliação de indicadores do tratamento. Estimular estudos primários nessa área é imprescindível, visto que poucos estudos sobre a temática foram identificados na presente revisão.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar en la literatura cómo se utiliza la visita domiciliaria del enfermero como herramienta de cuidado en diálisis peritoneal domiciliaria. Métodos Revisión integradora de la literatura de artículos en revistas especializadas, a partir de una pregunta orientadora, en el período de enero de 2014 a enero de 2019. La búsqueda bibliográfica fue realizada en las bases Scielo, Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, Embase y Cinahl. Resultados Se identificaron diez artículos de acuerdo con las etapas de la revisión y las respuestas a la pregunta orientadora. La visita domiciliaria realizada por el enfermero se describió como herramienta de adherencia al tratamiento. La prevención de complicaciones, como la peritonitis, fue citada por los autores que, en su mayoría eran médicos y enfermeros. Conclusión El enfermero asiste al paciente y a la familia de forma integral y garantiza que el tratamiento propuesto sea fidedigno. Las intervenciones de enfermería en el domicilio previenen eventos adversos y una evaluación frecuente de indicadores del tratamiento. Es imprescindible estimular estudios primarios en esta área, ya que se identificaron pocos estudios sobre esta temática en la presente revisión.

Abstract Objective To identify in the literature how home visit is used by nurses as a tool of care in home peritoneal dialysis. Methods An integrative review of the literature of articles in journals, from a guiding question, from January 2014 to January 2019. The bibliographic search was carried out at Scielo, Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL databases. Results Ten articles were identified according to the review steps and the answers to the guiding question. The home visit performed by nurses was described as a treatment adherence tool. Complication prevention, such as peritonitis, was cited by the authors, who were mostly physicians and nurses. Conclusion Nurses assist patients and family members in full and ensure the proposed treatment with reliability. Nursing interventions at home prevent adverse events and frequent assessment of treatment indicators. Boosting primary studies in this area is essential, since few studies on the subject have been identified in the present review.

Association between Sodium Intake and Urinary Fractional Albumin and Immunoglobulin G Excretion in Chronic Nondialytic Renal Disease: A Prospective Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Previous studies reported that fractional clearance of urinary proteins is better than total proteinuria in predicting chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. However, the role of sodium in the fractional excretion of proteins has not been established. We aimed to evaluate the association between sodium intake and fractional albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) excretion in nondialytic CKD. METHODS: We did a longitudinal, observational, and prospective study that included CKD patients aged 18-80. Included patients performed basal routine laboratory evaluations, urinary sodium excretion, and fractional albumin and IgG excretion that were repeated after 6-month of follow-up. RESULTS: We evaluated 84 patients, mean age 55 ± 15.6 years, 40 women, and 74 whites. The change of estimated sodium intake had an association with the change of fractional albumin (R = 0.54; p < 0.001) and IgG (R = 0.56; p < 0.001) excretion in univariate analysis (increases in sodium intake were paralleled by increases in albumin and IgG excretion fractions). This association was maintained in a multiple generalized linear model even after adjusting for age and for changes in blood pressure, urinary potassium, protein intake, and blood glucose. CONCLUSION: In CKD patients, changes in estimated sodium intake were associated with changes in the fractional albumin and IgG excretion regardless of confounding factors. Findings of this study support the idea that reducing salt intake, and consequently, albumin and IgG fractional excretions could help to slow CKD progression. This hypothesis must be tested in long-term interventional studies.

Influence of the intra-peritoneal segment of the swan neck peritoneal catheter on infectious and mechanical complications and technique survival.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus about the preferable type of catheter for successful peritoneal dialysis. Intra- and extra-peritoneal catheter configuration may be associated with mechanical and infectious complications affecting technique survival. The objective of this study was to compare the mechanical and infectious complications of coiled versus straight swan neck (SN) peritoneal dialysis catheters. METHODS: A prospective randomized trial was performed to compare mechanical (tip migration with dysfunction) and infectious (peritonitis and exit site infection) complications between catheters randomly divided into two groups: swan neck straight tip and swan neck coiled tip. The follow-up was 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 49 catheters, in 46 patients, were included from April 2015 to February 2016. The catheters groups were constituted as: 25 coiled tip SN and 24 straight tip SN. The baseline demographics were similar among the groups. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were not different for time to first exit site infection, peritonitis and time to first catheter tip migration (log-rank test, p = 0.07, p = 0.54 and p = 0.83, respectively). Catheter survival and method survival were also similar (log-rank p = 0.88 and p = 0.91, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The two types of intra-peritoneal segments of SN catheters studied presented similar infectious and mechanical rates with no differences in catheter and technique survival curve. These results were consistent with the recommendations of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

Left ventricular mass behaviour in hemodialysis patients during 17 years.

INTRODUCTION: Ventricular hypertrophy is frequent in dialysis patients and is associated with an ominous prognosis. It is not knowledge if this ventricular change is growing or decreasing in hemodialysis patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess left ventricular hypertrophy behaviour during 17 years in patients of a university dialysis center, as well as to verify the possible causes of this behavior. METHODS: There was performed a retrospective longitudinal study that evaluated the echocardiographic left ventricular mass in hemodialysis patients in our dialysis facility over 17 years. Examinations of 250 patients aged 18 years or more who underwent routine echocardiography were included. RESULTS: There was a progressive reduction of ventricular mass over studied period. This reduction was associated with blood pressure reduction. In multivariate analysis, ventricular mass was associated with blood pressure and hemoglobin. CONCLUSION: Left ventricular hypertrophy underwent significant reduction over 17 years in our hemodialysis patients. The factors associated with this reduction that could be identified in the current study were the progressive reduction of blood pressure and hemoglobin increase.

Comportamento do índice de massa do ventrículo esquerdo de pacientes em diálise no decorrer de 17 anos / Left ventricular mass behaviour in hemodialysis patients during 17 years

ResumoIntrodução:A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é alteração frequente em pacientes de diálise e imprime prognóstico sombrio. Não se conhece qual a tendência secular dessa alteração cardíaca em nossos pacientes.Objetivo:Avaliar o comportamento da HVE, pelo índice de massa do ventrículo esquerdo (IMVE), no decorrer de 17 anos em pacientes de um centro universitário de diálise, bem como verificar as possíveis causas desse comportamento.Métodos:Foi realizado um estudo longitudinal retrospectivo que avaliou, por meio de ecocardiografia, o IMVE em pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise em nosso Serviço de Diálise durante o período de 17 anos, de 1993 a 2010. Foram incluídos 250 exames de pacientes com doença renal crônica estágio V-D com idade superior a 18 anos que foram submetidos à avaliação ecocardiográfica de rotina.Resultados:Notou-se redução do IMVE à medida que os anos avançavam. Essa redução correlacionou-se à diminuição da pressão arterial e à elevação da hemoglobina. Em análise múltipla, a massa ventricular esquerda associou-se apenas à pressão arterial.Conclusão:A porcentagem de pacientes com HVE sofreu redução significante no decorrer de 17 anos em nossa Unidade de Diálise. O fator associado a essa redução foi a diminuição da pressão arterial.

AbstractIntroduction:Ventricular hypertrophy is frequent in dialysis patients and is associated with an ominous prognosis. It is not knowledge if this ventricular change is growing or decreasing in hemodialysis patients.Objective:To assess left ventricular hypertrophy behaviour during 17 years in patients of a university dialysis center, as well as to verify the possible causes of this behavior.Methods:There was performed a retrospective longitudinal study that evaluated the echocardiographic left ventricular mass in hemodialysis patients in our dialysis facility over 17 years. Examinations of 250 patients aged 18 years or more who underwent routine echocardiography were included.Results:There was a progressive reduction of ventricular mass over studied period. This reduction was associated with blood pressure reduction. In multivariate analysis, ventricular mass was associated with blood pressure and hemoglobin.Conclusion:Left ventricular hypertrophy underwent significant reduction over 17 years in our hemodialysis patients. The factors associated with this reduction that could be identified in the current study were the progressive reduction of blood pressure and hemoglobin increase.

Bibliometric indexes, databases and impact factors in cardiology.

Bibliometry is a quantitative statistical technique to measure levels of production and dissemination of knowledge, as well as a useful tool to track the development of an scientific area. The valuation of production required for recognition of researchers and magazines is accomplished through tools called bibliometric indexes, divided into quality indicators and scientific impact. Initially developed for monographs of statistical measures especially in libraries, today bibliometrics is mainly used to evaluate productivity of authors and citation repercussion. However, these tools have limitations and sometimes provoke controversies about indiscriminate application, leading to the development of newer indexes. It is important to know the most common search indexes and use it properly even acknowledging its limitations as it has a direct impact in their daily practice, reputation and funds achievement.