Influence of Tunneled Hemodialysis-Catheters on Inflammation and Mortality in Dialyzed Patients.

Older age and comorbidities in hemodialysis patients determines the use of tunneled catheters as vascular access despite their reported clinical and mortality disadvantages. This prospective matched study analyzes the impact of permanent catheters on inflammation and mortality in hemodialysis patients; We studied 108 patients, 54 with AV-fistula (AVF) and 54 with indwelling hemodialysis catheters (HDC) matched by sex, age, diabetes and time under renal-replacement therapy comparing dialysis efficacy, inflammation and micro-inflammation parameters as well as mortality. Cox-regression analysis was applied to determine predictors of mortality, HDC patients presented higher C-reactive-protein (CRP) blood levels and percentage of pro-inflammatory lymphocytes CD14+/CD16+ with worse dialysis-efficacy parameters. Thirty-six-months mortality appeared higher in the HDC group although statistical significance was not reached. Age with a Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.06, hypoalbuminemia (HR = 0.43), hypophosphatemia (HR = 0.75) and the increase in CD14+/CD16+ monocyte count (HR = 1.02) were predictors of mortality; elder patients dialyzing through HDC show increased inflammation parameters as compared with nAVF bearing patients, although they do not present a significant increase in mortality when matched by covariates. Increasing age and percentage of pro-inflammatory monocytes as well as decreased phosphate and serum-albumin were predictors of mortality and indicate the main conclusions or interpretations.

El depósito de C3 en la glomerulonefritis extracapilar de tipo IIIcondiciona un mal pronóstico / C3 deposits worsens the prognosis in type III extracapillary glomerulonephritis

Introducción: La glomerulonefritis extracapilar (GNEC) pauciinmune o de tipo III es una de las causas más comunes de glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva y suele estar asociada con la presencia de anticuerpos antineutrófilos citoplasmáticos (ANCA). Están reportándose evidencias sobre la importancia de la activación del complemento en la patogénesis de la GNEC. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar el papel pronóstico del depósito de C3 en las GNEC de tipo III. Métodos: Se estudió a pacientes diagnosticados de GNEC de tipo IIIentre 1995 y 2015 (n=72). Comparamos a pacientes con tinción positiva para C3 en el estudio de inmunofluorescencia con aquellos con tinción negativa. Se analizaron variables clínicas e histológicas y se relacionaron con progresión a enfermedad renal terminal. Resultados: Se encontró tinción positiva para C3 en 22 pacientes de un total de 72 (30,5%). Basalmente los pacientes con depósitos de C3 tenían peor función renal que aquellos sin depósitos (creatinina sérica 5 vs. 3,85mg/dl; p=0,050). La supervivencia renal a los 10 años fue del 36,9% en los pacientes con tinción positiva para C3 frente al 64,4% en los pacientes con tinción negativa (p=0,005). La supervivencia a los 10 años fue peor en los pacientes con depósitos de C3 (77 vs. 49,3%). Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio revela que la presencia de depósito de C3 en la GNEC de tipo III se asocia a un peor pronóstico renal y de la supervivencia del paciente. Estos resultados son compatibles con la hipótesis de que la activación de la vía alternativa del complemento contribuye al daño renal asociado a la GNEC de tipo III (AU)

Introduction: Type III extracapillary glomerulonephritis (PEGN) is a common cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and it is usually associated with circulating anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs). Recent evidence points to complement activation as an important factor in the pathogenesis of PEGN. The aim of the present study was to assess the value of C3 deposits in the prognosis of PEGN. Methods: All patients diagnosed of PEGN from 1995 to 2015 (n=72) were included in this study. Progression of renal disease in patients with positive staining for C3 by immunofluorescence was compared with those with negative staining. Mean follow up was 73 months. Progression to end-stage renal disease in relation to clinical and histological variables was analyzed. Results: Positive staining for C3 was observed in 22 out of the 72 patients (30.5%). At the time of diagnosis, patients with C3 deposits had higher serum creatinine concentration than those without C3 staining (5.00 vs. 3.85mg/dl, P=0.050). Renal survival at 10 years was 36.9% in patients with positive C3 staining vs. 64.4% in patients with negative staining (P=0.005). Mortality at 10 years was higher in patients with C3 deposits than in patients without deposits (77 vs. 49.3%). Conclusions: Thus, our study shows that PEGN with deposits of C3 is associated with worse renal prognosis and greater mortality. These results would support the hypothesis that activation of the alternative pathway complement may play an important role in the generation of renal injury associated with PEGN (AU)

La corrección del déficit de 25-OH-vitamina D mejora el control del hiperparatiroidismo secundario y el estado inflamatorio de pacientes estables en hemodiálisis / Correction of 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency improves control of secondary hyperparathyroidism and reduces the inflammation in stable haemodialysis patients

Introducción: El déficit de 25-OH-vitamina D (25-OH-D) es común en los pacientes en hemodiálisis (HD). Por otra parte, es bien conocida la elevada incidencia de hiperparatiroidismo secundario en este grupo de pacientes, y lo importante que es su adecuado control. La 25-OH-D está implicada en la regulación de la homeostasis del calcio, por lo que tener niveles adecuados puede contribuir en el control del metabolismo óseo-mineral. Objetivos: Evaluar el efecto de la repleción de 25-OH-D en pacientes en HD con déficit vitamínico (niveles<20ng/ml), en el control del hiperparatiroidismo secundario y en el estado de microinflamación. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo en el que se trataron pacientes estables en HD con déficit de 25-OH-D (<20ng/ml), con calcifediol 0,266mcg/15 días vía oral durante 3 meses. Los datos de HD, parámetros bioquímicos y las dosis de fármacos administrados fueron analizados antes y después de la corrección del déficit. Resultados: Un total de 45 pacientes estables en HD con edad media 74,08±12,49 años completaron el tratamiento. Del total, 27 pacientes (60%) alcanzaron niveles de 25-OH-D>20ng/ml (en 23 fueron>30ng/ml, y 4 entre 20-30ng/ml). Las cifras de hormona paratiroidea descendieron en 32 de los 45 pacientes, alcanzando en 23 (51% de tratados) un descenso>30% respecto al valor basal. En cuanto al tratamiento concomitante, se objetivó un descenso significativo de la dosis de activador selectivo del receptor de vitamina D; sin evidenciarse cambios en la dosis de calcimimético ni de quelantes. Respecto al estado de malnutrición-inflamación, destaca un descenso de la proteína C reactiva, aunque no se modificaron otros parámetros de microinflamación como los monocitos activados (CD14+/CD16+ y CD 14++/CD16+). Tampoco se observaron cambios en los niveles de FGF-23. Conclusiones: La corrección del déficit de 25-OH-D en pacientes en HD se asocia a un mejor control del hiperparatiroidismo secundario con menores dosis de análogos de vitamina D y a una mejoría en el estado inflamatorio de estos pacientes. Nuestros resultados apoyan la recomendación de determinar niveles de 25-OH-D y corregir el déficit en pacientes en HD (AU)

Introduction: Patients on haemodialysis (HD) have a high prevalence of 25-OH-vitamin D (25-OH-D)deficiency. Secondary hyperparathyroidismis a common condition in these patients, which is very important to control. 25-OH-D is involved in regulating calcium homeostasis. As such, appropriate levels of this vitamin could help to control bone mineral metabolism. Objective: To evaluate the effect 25-OH-D repletion in HD patients with 25-OH-D deficiency (<20ng/ml) on the control of secondary hyperparathyroidism and microinflammation status. Patients and methods: Prospective observational study in which stable patients on HD with 25-OH-D deficiency (<20ng/ml) were treated with oral calcifediol 0.266mcg/every 2 weeks for three months. Dialysis characteristics, biochemical parameters and drug doses administered were analysed before and after the correction of the deficiency. Results: Forty-five stable HD patients with a mean age of 74.08±12.49 years completed treatment. Twenty-seven patients (60%) achieved 25-OH-D levels above 20ng/ml (23 with levels>30ng/ml and 4 between 20-30ng/ml). Parathyroid hormone levels decreased in 32 of the 45 patients, 23 of which (51%) achieved a>30% decrease from baseline. In terms of concomitant treatment, we observed a significant reduction in the selective vitamin D receptor activator dose, but no changes in calcimimetic or phosphate binders administration. In terms of malnutrition-inflammation status, a decrease in C-reactive protein was noted, although other microinflammation parameters, such as activated monocytes (CD14+/CD16+ and CD 14++/CD16+) were unchanged. No changes were observed in the levels of FGF-23. Conclusions: Correcting 25-OH-D deficiency in HD patients is associated with better secondary hyperparathyroidism control with lower doses of vitamin D analogues, as well as an improvement in inflammatory status. Our results support the recommendation to determine 25-OH-D levels and correct its deficiency in these patients (AU)

C3 deposits worsens the prognosis in type iii extracapillary glomerulonephritis. / El depósito de C3 en la glomerulonefritis extracapilar de tipo iii condiciona un mal pronóstico.

INTRODUCTION: Type iii extracapillary glomerulonephritis (PEGN) is a common cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and it is usually associated with circulating anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs). Recent evidence points to complement activation as an important factor in the pathogenesis of PEGN. The aim of the present study was to assess the value of C3 deposits in the prognosis of PEGN. METHODS: All patients diagnosed of PEGN from 1995 to 2015 (n=72) were included in this study. Progression of renal disease in patients with positive staining for C3 by immunofluorescence was compared with those with negative staining. Mean follow up was 73 months. Progression to end-stage renal disease in relation to clinical and histological variables was analyzed. RESULTS: Positive staining for C3 was observed in 22 out of the 72 patients (30.5%). At the time of diagnosis, patients with C3 deposits had higher serum creatinine concentration than those without C3 staining (5.00 vs. 3.85mg/dl, P=0.050). Renal survival at 10 years was 36.9% in patients with positive C3 staining vs. 64.4% in patients with negative staining (P=0.005). Mortality at 10 years was higher in patients with C3 deposits than in patients without deposits (77 vs. 49.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, our study shows that PEGN with deposits of C3 is associated with worse renal prognosis and greater mortality. These results would support the hypothesis that activation of the alternative pathway complement may play an important role in the generation of renal injury associated with PEGN.

Correction of 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency improves control of secondary hyperparathyroidism and reduces the inflammation in stable haemodialysis patients. / La corrección del déficit de 25-OH-vitamina D mejora el control del hiperparatiroidismo secundario y el estado inflamatorio de pacientes estables en hemodiálisis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients on haemodialysis (HD) have a high prevalence of 25-OH-vitamin D (25-OH-D)deficiency. Secondary hyperparathyroidismis a common condition in these patients, which is very important to control. 25-OH-D is involved in regulating calcium homeostasis. As such, appropriate levels of this vitamin could help to control bone mineral metabolism. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect 25-OH-D repletion in HD patients with 25-OH-D deficiency (<20ng/ml) on the control of secondary hyperparathyroidism and microinflammation status. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective observational study in which stable patients on HD with 25-OH-D deficiency (<20ng/ml) were treated with oral calcifediol 0.266mcg/every 2 weeks for three months. Dialysis characteristics, biochemical parameters and drug doses administered were analysed before and after the correction of the deficiency. RESULTS: Forty-five stable HD patients with a mean age of 74.08±12.49 years completed treatment. Twenty-seven patients (60%) achieved 25-OH-D levels above 20ng/ml (23 with levels>30ng/ml and 4 between 20-30ng/ml). Parathyroid hormone levels decreased in 32 of the 45 patients, 23 of which (51%) achieved a>30% decrease from baseline. In terms of concomitant treatment, we observed a significant reduction in the selective vitamin D receptor activator dose, but no changes in calcimimetic or phosphate binders administration. In terms of malnutrition-inflammation status, a decrease in C-reactive protein was noted, although other microinflammation parameters, such as activated monocytes (CD14+/CD16+ and CD 14++/CD16+) were unchanged. No changes were observed in the levels of FGF-23. CONCLUSIONS: Correcting 25-OH-D deficiency in HD patients is associated with better secondary hyperparathyroidism control with lower doses of vitamin D analogues, as well as an improvement in inflammatory status. Our results support the recommendation to determine 25-OH-D levels and correct its deficiency in these patients.

Nuevas alternativas en el tratamiento del riñón del mieloma / New alternatives in the treatment of myeloma kidney

No disponible

Eficacia de la hemodiafiltración con regeneración del ultrafiltrado en la insuficiencia renal por mieloma múltiple / Effectiveness of haemodiafiltration with ultrafiltrate regeneration in renal failure due to multiple myeloma

No disponible

Epidemiological study of 7316 patients on haemodialysis treated in FME clinics in Spain, using data from the EuCliD® database: results from years 2009-2010.

Observational study of patients on hemodialysis (HD) in FMC® Spain clinics over the years 2009 and 2010. The data were collected from the EuClid® database, implemented in the clinics of FMC®, which complies with the following feature: record online, compulsory, conducted in patients incidents and that it covers the entire population on HD in these clinics. Its aim is to understand the characteristics of patients and treatment patterns, comparing them with other studies described in the literature and in order to improve their prognosis and quality of life. Include 2637 incidents patients and 4679 prevalent, which makes a total of 7316 patients. In prevalent patients: 24.4% were diabetic; 76.3% had cardio-vascular disease (CVD) and 13.4% cancer. Among the incidents, these percentages were: 33.5% diabetic; 80.6% had CVD and 12.6% cancer. The prevalent patients had such as vascular access: FAV 68.5%, prosthesis 5.6%, permanent catheter 23.7% and 2.3% temporary catheter. The average of the duration of the sessions of HD was 230 minutes. 23.2% of the prevalent patients were on on-line hemodiafiltration. These patients hospitalization rates were 0.46 hospitalizations per incident patient per year and 0.52 per prevalent patient per year. The annual gross mortality rate was 12%. The mortality of the patients in this study HD is smaller than these of the Spanish Registry of Dialysis and Transplant (GRER). The result of morbidity and mortality of the FMC clinics of Spain can, therefore, be as good compared with these of the GRER and other international series. That does not mean that there are not areas of improvement as the increase in the time of dialysis, the percentage of patients on on-line hemodiafiltration convective techniques and the percentage of FAV.

Análisis de las complicaciones de la biopsia renal en el paciente trasplantado renal / Analysis of renal biopsy complications in renal transplant patients

Antecedentes: La biopsia renal es una técnica fundamental en el estudio de la patología del injerto renal. Es fundamental conocer sus complicaciones ya que es el procedimiento más agresivo por su morbimortalidad. Objetivos: El objetivo principal de nuestro estudio fue analizar e identificar las complicaciones clínicas derivadas de la biopsia renal percutánea en pacientes trasplantados renales. Evaluamos si algún factor clínico de los pacientes influye en la aparición de dichas complicaciones. Pacientes y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo de todos los pacientes a los que se les realizó una biopsia renal percutánea de injerto renal entre enero de 2009 y enero 2012. Se analizaron: edad, sexo, hipertensión arterial, creatinina sérica, proteinuria y hemoglobina previa y posterior a la biopsia. Definimos complicaciones menores (caída hemoglobina mayor 1 g/dl, hematuria macroscópica) y complicaciones mayores (necesidad de transfusión, cirugía, nefrectomía, arteriografía, embolización o muerte). Todas las biopsias se realizaron con control ecográfico. Resultados: El número de biopsias realizadas fue de 92. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 47.9 ± 13.2 años y el 70.7% eran hombres. Se observaron 2 complicaciones mayores (2.2%) y en ambas los pacientes presentaron sangrado y sepsis urológica, precisando uno de ellos de transfusión. Las complicaciones menores fueron del 14.1%. No se encontró ninguna pérdida del injerto ni muerte por biopsia renal. Conclusión: La biopsia percutánea en injerto renal realizada por médicos nefrólogos con experiencia y bajo control ecográfico en tiempo real, es un procedimiento con bajo riesgo, semejante al observado en riñón nativo. La cumplimentación cuidadosa de nuestro protocolo de biopsia renal, optimiza la relación riesgo beneficio de esta técnica (AU)

Background: Renal biopsy is a fundamental technique in the study of renal allograft pathology. It is essential to know its complications since it is the more aggressive procedure morbidity and mortality. Objectives: The main objective of our study is to analyze and identify clinical complications resulting from percutaneous renal biopsy in renal transplant patients. To assess whether a patient clinical factor influencing the onset of these complications. Patients and Methods: An observational, retrospective study of all patients who underwent percutaneous renal biopsy renal graft between January 2009 and January 2012. Were analyzed: age, sex, hypertension, serum creatinine, proteinuria and hemoglobin before and after the biopsy. We defined minor complications (hemoglobin drop greater than 1 g / dl) and major complications (requiring transfusion, surgery, nephrectomy, arteriography, embolization or death). The biopsy was performed by the nephrology team with ultrasound guidance and withdrawing the antiplatelet therapy. Results: The number of biopsies performed was 92. The mean age of patients was 47.9 ± 13.2 years and 70.7% were men. There were 2 major complications (2.2%) and both patients had urological bleeding and sepsis, one need a transfusion. Minor complications were 14.1%. The graft loss or patient death was not observed. Conclusion: Percutaneous renal graft biopsy performed by physicians experienced nephrologists under ultrasound guidance in real time, is a low risk procedure, similar to that observed in native kidney. The careful completion of our protocol renal biopsy, optimize the risk benefit ratio of this technique (AU)

C4d como herramienta diagnóstica en la nefropatía membranosa / C4d as a diagnostic tool in membranous nephropathy

Introducción: La nefropatía membranosa (NM) es la causa más frecuente de síndrome nefrótico en adultos. El diagnóstico se basa en los hallazgos típicos observados con el microscopio electrónico (ME) y el estudio de inmunofluorescencia (IF). En algunas ocasiones, sólo se dispone de tejido para estudio de microscopio óptico (MO); en estos casos puede ser complicado diferenciar entre una NM y una enfermedad por cambios mínimos (ECM). Recientemente se está extendiendo el estudio con C4d por inmunohistoquímica. Existe muy poca información sobre el depósito de C4d en la NM. Nuestro estudio consistió en analizar si el depósito de C4d realizado en la muestra en parafina podría ser útil en el diagnóstico de NM. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes diagnosticados de NM mediante biopsia renal en nuestra unidad entre enero de 2001 y octubre de 2008. Se incluyeron sólo adultos con un diagnóstico certero de NM y ECM idiopática que dispusieran de estudios con MO, IF y ME. En octubre de 2008, secciones de 3 µm de tejido renal fijado en formaldehído fueron deparafinadas y rehidratadas. Después se tiñeron mediante inmunohistoquímica con C4d usando un anticuerpo policlonal antihumano obtenido de conejo. Resultados: Se incluyeron finalmente 19 pacientes con ECM y 21 con NM. Ningún depósito de C4d fue observado en ninguno de los glomérulos de los pacientes con ECM y el 100% de estos pacientes fueron clasificados como negativos. Sin embargo, el depósito de C4d se detectó en el 100% de los pacientes con NM y en todos los glomérulos con una distribución uniforme y granular dibujando todas las asas capilares. Conclusiones: El depósito de C4d mediante inmunohistoquímica es una herramienta muy útil en el diagnóstico de NM (AU)

Introduction: membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. The diagnosis is based on typical findings observed using electron microscope (EM) and immunofluorescence (IF) studies. On some occasions, tissues are only available for analysis using an optical microscope (OM); in these cases, it can be difficult to differentiate between MN and minimal change disease (MCD). Recently, the use of C4d immunohistochemical staining has spread. Very little information is available regarding C4d deposits in MN. Our study consisted of analysing whether C4d staining of samples embedded in paraffin could be useful for diagnosing MN. Material and Method: Ours was a retrospective study including all patients diagnosed with MN by renal biopsy in our unit between January 2001 and October 2008. We only included adult patients with a definitive diagnosis of MN or idiopathic MCD by OM, IF, and ME studies. In October 2008, 3µm sections of renal tissue fixed in formaldehyde were removed from paraffin and rehydrated. The samples were then stained for C4d immunohistochemical analysis using anti-human polyclonal antibodies obtained from rabbits. Results: Our study included a final sample of 19 patients with MCD and 21 with MN. No C4d deposits were observed in any of the glomeruli in patients with MCD, and 100% of these patients were classified as negative. However, C4d deposits were detected in 100% of patients with MN, and were observable in all glomeruli with a uniform granular distribution, demarcating all capillary loops. Conclusions: C4d immunohistochemical staining is a very useful tool for diagnosing MN (AU)

C4d as a diagnostic tool in membranous nephropathy.

INTRODUCTION: membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. The diagnosis is based on typical findings observed using electron microscope (EM) and immunofluorescence (IF) studies. On some occasions, tissues are only available for analysis using an optical microscope (OM); in these cases, it can be difficult to differentiate between MN and minimal change disease (MCD). Recently, the use of C4d immunohistochemical staining has spread. Very little information is available regarding C4d deposits in MN. Our study consisted of analysing whether C4d staining of samples embedded in paraffin could be useful for diagnosing MN. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ours was a retrospective study including all patients diagnosed with MN by renal biopsy in our unit between January 2001 and October 2008. We only included adult patients with a definitive diagnosis of MN or idiopathic MCD by OM, IF, and ME studies. In October 2008, 3µm sections of renal tissue fixed in formaldehyde were removed from paraffin and rehydrated. The samples were then stained for C4d immunohistochemical analysis using anti-human polyclonal antibodies obtained from rabbits. RESULTS: Our study included a final sample of 19 patients with MCD and 21 with MN. No C4d deposits were observed in any of the glomeruli in patients with MCD, and 100% of these patients were classified as negative. However, C4d deposits were detected in 100% of patients with MN, and were observable in all glomeruli with a uniform granular distribution, demarcating all capillary loops. CONCLUSIONS: C4d immunohistochemical staining is a very useful tool for diagnosing MN.

Reversible acute encephalopathy with mutism, induced by calcineurin inhibitors after renal transplantation.

The incidence of neurotoxicity from calcineurin inhibitors varies by the organ transplanted. Akinetic mutism is characterized by the inability to perform voluntary movements and express language, without alterations in mental status. This process has been reported in neurotoxicity due to high serum levels of calcineurin inhibitors, but in rare cases, it presents as a form of tacrolimus toxicity after renal transplantation, despite normal serum levels. We report a clinical case of a renal transplant patient in whom reversible acute encephalopathy and akinetic mutism developed. Brain lesions appeared on magnetic resonance imaging, and the condition resolved after the drug was withdrawn.