Most recently developed polyester polymer alloy dialyzer: A new medium cut-off membrane?

BACKGROUND: New versions of the polyester polymer alloy (PEPA) membrane have appeared over the years, with increases in both the pore size and the amount of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to optimize hydrophilicity performance. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the most recently developed PEPA dialyzer, the FDY series, in hemodialysis (HD) modality in terms of uremic toxin removal and albumin loss and to compare it with that of several high-flux dialyzers currently used in HD and post-dilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatments. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in 21 patients. All patients underwent six dialysis sessions with the same routine dialysis parameters; only the dialyzer and/or the dialysis modality varied: FX80 in HD, FDY 180 in HD, Clearum HS17 in HDF, Elisio 19H in HDF, Vitapes 180 in HDF, and FX80 in post-dilution HDF. The reduction ratios (RR) of urea, creatinine, ß2 -microglobulin, myoglobin, κFLC, prolactin, α1 -microglobulin, α1 -acid glycoprotein, λFLC, and albumin were compared intraindividually. Dialysate albumin loss was also measured. RESULTS: Both membranes FDY and FX80 are high-flux dialyzers and are applied here in high-flux HD. The average RR of ß2 -microglobulin was slightly lower in the two HD treatments than in the HDF treatments. Comparison of dialysis treatments revealed that the PEPA FDY dialyzer in the HD modality was more effective than the FX80 dialyzer in high-flux HD and was as effective as post-dilution HDF, especially in terms of myoglobin, κFLC, prolactin, α1 -microglobulin, and λFLC RRs. The FDY treatments obtained similar albumin RR in blood and slightly higher dialysate albumin loss, although the values were clinically acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: The most recently developed PEPA dialyzers in the HD modality were as effective as all treatments in the HDF modality and were clearly superior to high-flux helixone HD treatment. These results confirm that this dialyzer should be categorized within the medium cut-off (MCO) membrane classification.

Nueva herramienta de cribado nutricional para pacientes hospitalizados con enfermedad renal crónica: traducción, adaptación transcultural del iNUT Renal al castellano y comparación con cuestionarios clásicos / New nutritional screening tool for hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease: translation, cross-cultural adaptation of Renal iNUT into Spanish and comparison with classic questionnaires

Introducción: la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) se caracteriza por su alta prevalencia de malnutrición, de difícil detección al ser subestimada por las herramientas habitualmente usadas. No existe un cribado nutricional válido a nivel hospitalario en castellano para identificar pacientes con ERC en riesgo de malnutrición. Objetivo: traducir y realizar la adaptación transcultural al castellano del cuestionario de Jackson y cols. (Renal Inpatient Nutrition Screening Tool [iNUT Renal]), que detecta el riesgo de malnutrición en pacientes con ERC ingresados, y compararlo con herramientas nutricionales clásicas. Métodos: fase 1: traducción, retrotraducción y adaptación transcultural del cuestionario en versión inglesa a la versión castellana. Prueba piloto realizada por enfermería con posterior cuestionario de satisfacción. Fase 2: comparación de iNUT Renal con Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) y Valoración Global Subjetiva (VGS). Resultados: fase 1: la valoración de enfermería fue altamente favorable. Lo consideraron fácil o muy fácil de utilizar y el 90 % lo realizó en un máximo de diez minutos. Fase 2: de los 48 pacientes incluidos, iNUT Renal detectó un 44 % en riesgo bajo de malnutrición, 28 % en riesgo intermedio y 28 % en riesgo alto. Se halló mayor sensibilidad del iNUT Renal (p < 0,007) vs. MUST (62,5 vs. 33,3 %), similar especificidad (87,1 vs. 90,6 %) y aceptable correlación en comparación con VGS (r = 0,75, IC 95 %: 0,67-0,83). Conclusiones: la versión castellana de iNUT Renal es una herramienta útil y de fácil comprensión para el personal sanitario. Asimismo, confirmamos su buena correlación con VGS, con mayor sensibilidad que MUST para la detección del riesgo de malnutrición en el paciente con ERC ingresado. (AU)

Introduction: chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by its high prevalence of malnutrition, difficult to detect as it is underestimated by the usual tools. There is no valid or hospital-level nutritional screening tool in Spanish to identify patients with CKD at risk of malnutrition. Objective: to translate and accomplish the transcultural adaptation of Jackson‘s questionnaire (Renal Inpatient Nutrition Screening Tool [Renal iNUT]) to Spanish, which detects the risk of malnutrition in CKD inpatients and compares it with other nutritional tools. Methods: phase 1: translation, back-translation and transcultural adaptation of the questionnaire from the English to the Spanish version. A pilot test was carried out by nursing staff together with a satisfaction questionnaire. Phase 2: comparison of Renal iNUT with Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Results: phase 1: the nursing staff’s perception was highly favorable. They found it easy or very easy to use and 90 % of them did it in a maximum of ten minutes. Phase 2: from 48 patients included, Renal iNUT detected 44 % at low risk of malnutrition, 28 % at intermediate risk and 28 % at high risk. Increased sensitivity of Renal iNUT (p < 0.007) vs MUST (62.5 vs 33.3 %) and similar specificity (87.1 vs 90.6 %) were found, together with an acceptable correlation compared to SGA (r = 0.75, 95 % CI: 0.67 to 0.83). Conclusions: the Spanish version of Renal iNUT is a useful and easy-to-understand tool for health professionals. We also confirm its good correlation with SGA, with greater sensitivity than MUST for the risk of malnutrition detection in CKD inpatients. (AU)

Frailty in hemodialysis patients: results of a screening program and multidisciplinary interventions.

Background: The number of frail patients of advanced age with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing hemodialysis is increasing globally. Here we evaluated a frailty screening program of ESKD patients starting hemodialysis, and subsequent multidisciplinary interventions. Methods: This was a prospective observational study of ESKD patients in a hemodialysis program. Patients were evaluated for frailty (Fried frail phenotype) before and after a 12-month period. Patients followed standard clinical practice at our hospital, which included assessment and multidisciplinary interventions for nutritional (malnutrition-inflammation score, protein-energy wasting), physical [short physical performance battery (SPPB)] and psychological status. Results: A total of 167 patients (mean ± standard deviation age 67.8 ± 15.4 years) were screened for frailty, and 108 completed the program. At screening, 27.9% of the patients were frail, 40.0% pre-frail and 32.1% non-frail. Nutritional interventions (enrichment, oral nutritional supplements, intradialytic parenteral nutrition) resulted in stable nutritional status for most frail and pre-frail patients after 12 months. Patients following recommendations for intradialytic, home-based or combined physical exercise presented improved or stable in SPPB scores after 12 months, compared with those that did not follow recommendations, especially in the frail and pre-frail population (P = .025). A rate of 0.05 falls/patient/year was observed. More than 60% of frail patients presented high scores of sadness and anxiety. Conclusions: Frailty screening, together with coordinated interventions by nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists and nurses, preserved the health status of ESKD patients starting hemodialysis. Frailty assessment helped in advising patients on individual nutritional, physical or psychological needs.

Variaciones de la conductividad y cambios en el sodio plasmático durante hemodiálisis relacionado con el cambio de monitor / Conductivity variations and changes in serum sodium concentration during dialysis related to monitor switching

Introducción El gradiente de sodio durante las sesiones es uno de los factores clave en el balance de este ion en los pacientes en hemodiálisis; sin embargo, hasta la aparición de los nuevos monitores con módulos de sodio, las diferencias entre el sodio prescrito y el medido han sido poco estudiadas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar el impacto del cambio del monitor 5008 Cordiax al nuevo monitor 6008 Cordiax sobre los resultados de la conductividad real medida, del sodio plasmático inicial y final. Material y métodos Se incluyeron 106 pacientes en hemodiálisis. Cada paciente recibió dos sesiones de diálisis en las que solo se varió el monitor. Las variables recogidas fueron: el concentrado, sodio y bicarbonato prescritos, conductividad real, sodio plasmático inicial y final medidos por dialisancia iónica y se calculó el cambio de la concentración de sodio plasmático durante el tratamiento o delta de sodio (ΔPNa). Resultados El cambio de monitor de diálisis mostró pequeñas diferencias, aunque significativas, en el sodio plasmático inicial (138,14 mmol/L con 5008 vs. 138,81 mmol/L con 6008) y final (139,58 mmol/L vs. 140,97 mmol/L), así como en la conductividad real obtenida (13,97 vs. 14,10 mS/cm). El ΔPNa también aumento significativamente. Conclusión El cambio de monitor 5008 a 6008 se asocia a un aumento en la conductividad, un sodio plasmático más elevado y un incremento en el ΔPNa. El conocer y confirmar este cambio permitirá individualizar la prescripción de sodio, evitar posibles efectos indeseables y podría ser el estudio preliminar para explorar el nuevo biosensor de control de sodio incorporado en la nueva generación de monitores (AU)

Introduction The sodium gradient during hemodialysis sessions is one of the key factors in sodium balance in patients with dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease; however, until the appearance of the new monitors with sodium modules, the differences between prescribed and measured sodium have been understudied. The present study aimed to compare the impact on the measured conductivity and the initial and final plasma sodium after changing the 5008 Cordiax to the new 6008 Cordiax monitor. Material and methods 106 patients on hemodialysis were included. Each patient underwent 2 dialysis sessions in which only the monitor was varied. The variables collected were dialysate, sodium and bicarbonate prescribed, real conductivity, initial and final plasma sodium measured, and the calculated sodium gradient (ΔPNa). Results The change of dialysis monitor showed small but statistically significant differences in the initial (138.14 mmol/L with 5008 vs. 138.81 mmol/L with 6008) and final plasma sodium (139.58 mmol/L vs. 140.97 mmol/L), as well as in the actual conductivity obtained (13.97 vs. 14.1 mS/cm). The ΔPNa also increased significantly. Conclusión The change from 5008 to 6008 monitor is associated with increased conductivity, leading the patient to end the sessions with higher plasma sodium and ΔPNa. Knowing and confirming this change will allow us to individualize the sodium prescription and avoid possible undesirable effects. It could be the preliminary study to explore the new sodium biosensor incorporated into the new generation of monitors (AU)

[New nutritional screening tool for hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease: translation, cross-cultural adaptation of Renal iNUT into Spanish and comparison with classic questionnaires]. / Nueva herramienta de cribado nutricional para pacientes hospitalizados con enfermedad renal crónica: traducción, adaptación transcultural del iNUT Renal al castellano y comparación con cuestionarios clásicos.

Introduction: Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by its high prevalence of malnutrition, difficult to detect as it is underestimated by the usual tools. There is no valid or hospital-level nutritional screening tool in Spanish to identify patients with CKD at risk of malnutrition. Objective: to translate and accomplish the transcultural adaptation of Jackson's questionnaire (Renal Inpatient Nutrition Screening Tool [Renal iNUT]) to Spanish, which detects the risk of malnutrition in CKD inpatients and compares it with other nutritional tools. Methods: phase 1: translation, back-translation and transcultural adaptation of the questionnaire from the English to the Spanish version. A pilot test was carried out by nursing staff together with a satisfaction questionnaire. Phase 2: comparison of Renal iNUT with Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Results: phase 1: the nursing staff's perception was highly favorable. They found it easy or very easy to use and 90 % of them did it in a maximum of ten minutes. Phase 2: from 48 patients included, Renal iNUT detected 44 % at low risk of malnutrition, 28 % at intermediate risk and 28 % at high risk. Increased sensitivity of Renal iNUT (p < 0.007) vs MUST (62.5 vs 33.3 %) and similar specificity (87.1 vs 90.6 %) were found, together with an acceptable correlation compared to SGA (r = 0.75, 95 % CI: 0.67 to 0.83). Conclusions: the Spanish version of Renal iNUT is a useful and easy-to-understand tool for health professionals. We also confirm its good correlation with SGA, with greater sensitivity than MUST for the risk of malnutrition detection in CKD inpatients.

Introducción: Introducción: la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) se caracteriza por su alta prevalencia de malnutrición, de difícil detección al ser subestimada por las herramientas habitualmente usadas. No existe un cribado nutricional válido a nivel hospitalario en castellano para identificar pacientes con ERC en riesgo de malnutrición. Objetivo: traducir y realizar la adaptación transcultural al castellano del cuestionario de Jackson y cols. (Renal Inpatient Nutrition Screening Tool [iNUT Renal]), que detecta el riesgo de malnutrición en pacientes con ERC ingresados, y compararlo con herramientas nutricionales clásicas. Métodos: fase 1: traducción, retrotraducción y adaptación transcultural del cuestionario en versión inglesa a la versión castellana. Prueba piloto realizada por enfermería con posterior cuestionario de satisfacción. Fase 2: comparación de iNUT Renal con Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) y Valoración Global Subjetiva (VGS). Resultados: fase 1: la valoración de enfermería fue altamente favorable. Lo consideraron fácil o muy fácil de utilizar y el 90 % lo realizó en un máximo de diez minutos. Fase 2: de los 48 pacientes incluidos, iNUT Renal detectó un 44 % en riesgo bajo de malnutrición, 28 % en riesgo intermedio y 28 % en riesgo alto. Se halló mayor sensibilidad del iNUT Renal (p < 0,007) vs. MUST (62,5 vs. 33,3 %), similar especificidad (87,1 vs. 90,6 %) y aceptable correlación en comparación con VGS (r = 0,75, IC 95 %: 0,67-0,83). Conclusiones: la versión castellana de iNUT Renal es una herramienta útil y de fácil comprensión para el personal sanitario. Asimismo, confirmamos su buena correlación con VGS, con mayor sensibilidad que MUST para la detección del riesgo de malnutrición en el paciente con ERC ingresado.

Results of Salt Intake Restriction Monitored with the New Sodium Control Biosensor.

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to a low-sodium (Na) diet is crucial in patients under hemodialysis, as it improves cardiovascular outcomes and reduces thirst and interdialytic weight gain. Recommended salt intake is lower than 5 g/day. The new 6008 CAREsystem monitors incorporate a Na module that offers the advantage of estimating patients' salt intake. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary Na restriction for 1 week, monitored with the Na biosensor. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 48 patients who maintained their usual dialysis parameters and were dialyzed with a 6008 CAREsystem monitor with activation of the Na module. Total Na balance, pre-/post-dialysis weight, serum Na (sNa), changes in pre- to post-dialysis sNa (ΔsNa), diffusive balance, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were compared twice, once after 1 week of patients' usual Na diet and again after another week with more restricted Na intake. RESULTS: Restricted Na intake increased the percentage of patients on a low-Na diet (<85 Na mmol/day) from 8% to 44%. Average daily Na intake decreased from 149 ± 54 to 95 ± 49 mmol, and interdialytic weight gain was reduced by 460 ± 484 g per session. More restricted Na intake also decreased pre-dialysis sNa and increased both intradialytic diffusive balance and ΔsNa. In hypertensive patients, reducing daily Na by more than 3 g Na/day lowered their systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The new Na module allowed objective monitoring of Na intake, which in turn could permit more precise personalized dietary recommendations in patients under hemodialysis.

Practical implementation and clinical benefits of the new automated dialysate sodium control biosensor.

Background: A key feature of dialysis treatment is the prescription of dialysate sodium (Na). This study aimed to describe the practical implementation of a new automated dialysate Na control biosensor and to assess its tolerance and the beneficial clinical effects of isonatraemic dialysis. Methods: A prospective study was carried out in 86 patients who, along with their usual parameters, received the following five consecutive phases of treatment for 3 weeks each: phase 0: baseline 5008 machine; phases 1 and 2: 6008 machine without activation of the Na control biosensor and the same fixed individualized Na dialysate prescription or adjusted to obtain similar conductivity to phase 0; phases 3 and 4: activated Na control to isonatraemic dialysis (Na dialysate margins 135-141 or 134-142 mmol/L). Results: When the Na control was activated, the few episodes of cramps or hypotension disappeared when the lower dialysate Na margin was increased by 1 or 2 mmol/L. The activated Na control module showed significant differences compared with baseline and the non-activated Na module in final serum Na values, diffusive Na balance, and changes in pre- to postdialysis plasma Na values. The mean predialysis systolic blood pressure value was significantly lower in phase 4 than in phase 1. There were no significant differences in total Na balance in the four 6008 phases evaluated. Conclusions: The implementation of the automated dialysate Na control module is a useful new tool, which reduced the diffusive load of Na with good tolerance. The module had the advantages of reducing thirst, interdialytic weight gain and intradialytic plasma Na changes.

An extended kinetic model-based correction factor equation to account hemodialysis post-treatment hemoconcentration.

The hemoconcentration effect for middle weight solutes in hemodialysis is corrected by oversimplified methods based on hematocrit changes or distribution volume variations. Here we implemented a variable volume dual pool kinetic model targeted at obtaining a precise correction factor equation for extracellularly distributed solutes based on relevant kinetic parameters such as the ultrafiltration to dry weight ratio UF/DW, the dialyzer clearance, Kd, the intercompartment mass-transfer coefficient, Kc, and the central compartment to extracellular volume ratio, α. More than 300,000 solutions of the model were computed, performing a sweep among physiological values of the proposed kinetic parameters, resulting in a linear regression denoted by the expression fcorr = 1.0707 - 5.2246 (UF/DW) - 0.0005 Kd - 0.0004 Kc - 0.0007 α, with an excellent coefficient of determination R2 = 0.983. The presented fcorr provides a substantial extension of the currently implemented methods to estimate the hemoconcentration factor for middle and high molecular weight extracellular distributed solutes in hemodialysis.

Valoración de la fragilidad en un centro de diálisis. ¿Son más frágiles los pacientes con diabetes? / Fragility assessment in a dialysis center. Are patients with diabetes more fragile than others?

Introducción: El incremento en la inclusión de personas de edad avanzada a los programas de hemodiálisis se relaciona con un aumento de la prevalencia de fragilidad, considerada predictora de discapacidad y asociada a eventos adversos de salud. Dado su carácter reversible, es importante hacer un cribaje para mejorar la práctica clínica.Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de fragilidad y estado funcional del paciente en nuestra unidad de hemodiálisis y analizar las diferencias entre diabéticos y no diabéticos. Material y Método: Estudio observacional de corte transversal. La fragilidad se midió utilizando el fenotipo de Fried y la valoración funcional mediante las escalas Barthel, Lawton, Downton y la Short Physical Performance Battery. Se evaluó comorbilidad y riesgo de caídas con las escalas Charlson y Downton respectivamente. Se comparó entre grupos de diabéticos y no diabéticos y se analizó la relación entre la fragilidad y la edad, dependencia, comorbilidad y riesgo de caídas.Resultados: Se incluyeron 128 pacientes. El 45% tenían Diabetes. Los pacientes con diabetes tenían una edad media mayor que los no diabéticos (74,2±11 vs 67,8±15 años) y mayor comorbilidad (Charlson 8,2±2,2 vs 5,8±2,4). El 25% de los pacientes presentaron fragilidad, observando una tendencia que sugirió mayor fragilidad, peor capacidad funcional y mayor grado de dependencia en los pacientes diabéticos, aunque de forma no significativa. Conclusiones: Una cuarta parte de la población estudiada presenta fragilidad, con una tendencia más acusada a padecerla los pacientes diabéticos, que podría estar relacionada con mayor edad, mayor comorbilidad y menor capacidad funcional que los no diabéticos.(AU)

Introduction: The increase in the inclusion of elderly people in hemodialysis programs is connected to a rise in the prevalence of their frailty, considered as well as a prediction of disability and often associated with adverse health events. Given its reversible nature, screening is essential to improve clinical practice.Objective: To assess the frailty index and the patient functional status in our hemodialysis unit, as well as analyze the differences between diabetics and non-diabetics.Material and Method: Observational cross-sectional study. Frailty was measured using the Fried phenotype and functional assessment using the Barthel, Lawton, Downton, and Short Physical Performance Battery scales. Comorbidity and fall risk were evaluated with the Charlson and Downton scales, respectively. Diabetic and nondiabetic groups were compared, as well as the relationship between frailty and age, dependency, comorbidity, and fall hazard was analyzed. Results: A hundred and twenty-eight patients were included in the study. 45% had diabetes. Diabetic patients had a higher average age than nondiabetics (74.2±11 vs 67.8±15 years) and higher comorbidity (Charlson 8.2±2.2 vs 5.8±2.4). Twenty-five percent of the patients had frailty, observing a trend that suggests higher frailty, worse functional capacity, and a higher degree of dependency in diabetic patients, although not significantly.Conclusions: A quarter of the sampled analyzed presents frailty, with a more pronounced tendency to suffer from it in the case of diabetic patients, which could be related to older age, higher comorbidity, and less functional capacity than non-diabetic people.(AU)

Efficacy and Safety of the Medium Cut-Off Elisio HX Dialyzer.

INTRODUCTION: The medium cut-off Elisio HX dialyzer by Nipro became commercially available in Europe in 2021, but there are still no reports of in vivo data. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of it compared with previously evaluated hemodialysis (HD), expanded HD (HDx), and postdilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatments. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out on 18 patients who underwent 5 dialysis sessions: FX80 Cordiax in HD, Elisio H19 in HD, Elisio HX19 in HDx, Theranova 400 in HDx, and FX80 Cordiax in HDF. The reduction ratios of urea, creatinine, ß2-microglobulin, myoglobin, kappa FLC, prolactin, α1-microglobulin, α1-acid glycoprotein, lambda FLC, and albumin were compared. Dialysate albumin loss was measured. RESULTS: The comparison between the different dialysis modalities revealed no difference for small molecules, but HDx and HDF were significantly more efficient than HD for medium and large molecule removal. The efficacy of Elisio HX19 dialyzer in HDx was similar to the Theranova 400, superior to both dialyzers in HD, and slightly lower than HDF. Albumin losses in dialysate with HD dialyzers were less than 1 g, but between 1.5 and 2.5 g in HDx and HDF. The global removal score (GRS) values with HDx treatments were statistically significantly higher than those with HD. The highest GRS was obtained with the helixone dialyzer in HDF. CONCLUSIONS: The new MCO dialyzer, Elisio HX, performs with excellent behavior and tolerance. It represents an upgrade compared to their predecessor and is very close to the removal capacity of HDF treatment.

Conductivity variations and changes in serum sodium concentration during dialysis related to monitor switching.

INTRODUCTION: The sodium gradient during hemodialysis sessions is one of the key factors in sodium balance in patients with dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease; however, until the appearance of the new monitors with sodium modules, the differences between prescribed and measured sodium have been understudied. The present study aimed to compare the impact on the measured conductivity and the initial and final plasma sodium after changing the 5008 Cordiax to the new 6008 Cordiax monitor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 106 patients on hemodialysis were included. Each patient underwent 2 dialysis sessions in which only the monitor was varied. The variables collected were dialysate, sodium and bicarbonate prescribed, real conductivity, initial and final plasma sodium measured, and the calculated sodium gradient (ΔPNa). RESULTS: The change of dialysis monitor showed small but statistically significant differences in the initial (138.14mmol/L with 5008 vs. 138.81mmol/L with 6008) and final plasma sodium (139.58mmol/L vs. 140.97mmol/L), as well as in the actual conductivity obtained (13.97 vs. 14.1mS/cm). The ΔPNa also increased significantly. CONCLUSION: The change from 5008 to 6008 monitor is associated with increased conductivity, leading the patient to end the sessions with higher plasma sodium and ΔPNa. Knowing and confirming this change will allow us to individualize the sodium prescription and avoid possible undesirable effects. It could be the preliminary study to explore the new sodium biosensor incorporated into the new generation of monitors.

Comparison of four medium cut-off dialyzers.

Background: Recently, several pharmaceutical companies have developed new medium cut-off (MCO) dialyzers for expanded hemodialysis (HDx). This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of four MCO dialyzers, against each other and versus high-flux hemodialysis (HD) and post-dilution hemodiafiltration (HDF). Methods: A prospective study was carried out on 23 patients who underwent six dialysis sessions: two sessions with the FX80 Cordiax in HD and HDF, and four HDx sessions with the Phylther 17-SD, Vie-18X, Elisio HX19 and Theranova 400 dialyzers. The reduction ratios (RRs) of urea, creatinine, ß2-microglobulin, myoglobin, kappa free immunoglobulin light chain (κFLC), prolactin, α1-microglobulin, α1-acid glycoprotein, lambda (λFLC) and albumin were compared. Dialysate albumin loss was also measured. Results: The differences in efficacy between the evaluated dialyzers were minimal in small molecules and even up to the size of ß2-microglobulin. The main differences were found between myoglobin, κFLC, prolactin, α1-microglobulin and λFLC RRs, in which all four MCO dialyzers, with similar efficacy, were clearly superior to HD and slightly inferior to HDF treatment. Albumin losses in the dialysate with HD dialyzers were <1 g and between 1.5 and 2.5 g in HDx and HDF. The global removal score values were similar in all four HDx treatments, and again significantly higher than those with HD. Conclusions: The results of the four MCO dialyzers evaluated in this study showed good efficiency, with no significant performance differences between them while being completely safe in terms of albumin loss. Likewise, the study confirms the superiority of HDx over high-flux HD with an efficacy close to that of post-dilution HDF.

Tailoring the dialysate bicarbonate eliminates pre-dialysis acidosis and post-dialysis alkalosis.

Background: Both metabolic acidosis and alkalosis increase hospitalizations, haemodynamic instability and mortality in haemodialysis patients. Unfortunately, current practices opt for a one-size-fits-all approach, leaving many patients either acidotic before or alkalotic after dialysis sessions. Therefore an individualized adjustment of these patients' dialysate bicarbonate prescriptions could reduce these acid-base imbalances. Methods: This is a prospective single-cohort study of patients on a chronic haemodiafiltration programme. The dialysate bicarbonate prescription was modified according to the pre- and post-dialysis total carbon dioxide (TCO2) values of 19-25 mEq/L and ≤29 mEq/L, respectively, with an adjustment formula calculated with the data obtained from previously published work by our group. In addition, we analysed this adjustment's effect on plasma sodium, potassium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium. Results: At baseline, only 67.9% of patients were within the desired pre- and post-dialysis TCO2 target range. As of the first month, every followed patient met the TCO2 target range objective in pre-dialysis measurements and ˃95% met the post-dialysis TCO2 target. At the end of the study, 75% of the patients were on dialysate bicarbonate of 32-34 mEq/L. There were no clinically significant changes in calcium, phosphate, PTH, sodium or potassium levels. Also, we did not notice any increase in intradialytic adverse events. Conclusions: We suggest an individualized adjustment of the dialysate bicarbonate concentration according to the pre- and post-dialysis TCO2 values. With it, nearly every patient in our cohort reached the established range, potentially reducing their mortality risk.

Prevalence of Protein-Energy Wasting in Dialysis Patients Using a Practical Online Tool to Compare with Other Nutritional Scores: Results of the Nutrendial Study.

This cross-sectional study aims to explore the prevalence of protein-energy wasting (PEW) in dialysis patients in Catalonia, Spain, using a new and practical online tool which enables rapid calculation and comparison with other nutritional scores. METHODS: A web tool (Nutrendial) was created to introduce different variables and automatically calculate PEW, Malnutrition inflammation Score (MIS) and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) in 1389 patients (88% in haemodialysis (HD)), 12% in peritoneal dialysis (PD) from different regions of Catalonia. RESULTS: A prevalence of 23.3% (26% HD, 10.2% PD) of PEW was found, with a mean MIS score of 6 and SGA score of C in 7% of the patients. ROC analysis showed MIS as the best nutritional score to diagnose PEW (AUC 0.85). Albumin delivered lower diagnostic precision (AUC 0.77) and sensitivity (66%). A cut off point of 7 (86% sensitivity and 75% specificity) for MIS and 3.7 mg/dL for albumin were found to predict the appearance of PEW in this population. SGA B or C showed an 87% sensitivity and 55% specificity to diagnose PEW. Very low nutritional intervention (14%) was recorded with this tool in patients with PEW. CONCLUSIONS: This new online tool facilitated the calculation of PEW, enabling different professionals-including nephrologists, dieticians and nurses-to efficiently obtain insights into the nutritional status of the Catalonian dialysis population and implement the required nutritional interventions. MIS is the score with more sensitivity to diagnose PEW.

A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of an Intervention with a Nutritional Supplement for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Trial.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves heterogeneous diseases that affect the renal structure and function. Malnutrition plays a crucial role during patients with CKD on hemodialysis (HD) treatment and is associated with an increased rate and duration of hospitalizations. The aim of this randomized, parallel, intervention-controlled trial was to assess whether the use of daily supplementation with a new nutritional product developed by the Grand Fontaine Laboratories improves the nutritional status and anthropometric parameters of stage 5 CKD patients, compared with standard renal dietary advice, after three months of follow-up. Dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, and blood samples were collected at baseline and after three months of intervention. Significant improvements were observed within the intervention group in body weight (1.5 kg [95% CI: 0.9 to 2.12 kg]) and BMI (0.54 kg/m2 [95% CI: 0.31 to 0.77]; p-value between groups, 0.002 and 0.006, respectively). In the control group, significant decreases were observed in transferrin saturation (-5.04% [95% CI: -8.88 to -1.21]) and alpha-tocopherol levels (-3.31 umol/L [95% CI: -6.30 to -0.32]). We concluded that daily dietary intake of a specific renal nutritional complement in CKD patients with or at risk of malnutrition may prevent deterioration in nutritional parameters.

Distinct Solute Removal Patterns by Similar Surface High-Flux Membranes in Haemodiafiltration: The Adsorption Point of View.

INTRODUCTION: Haemodialysis (HD) allow depuration of uraemic toxins by diffusion, convection, and adsorption. Online haemodiafiltration (HDF) treatments add high convection to enhance removal. There are no prior studies on the relationship between convection and adsorption in HD membranes. The possible benefits conferred by intrinsic adsorption on protein-bound uraemic toxins (PBUTs) removal are unknown. METHODS: Twenty-two patients underwent their second 3-days per week HD sessions with randomly selected haemodialysers (polysulfone, polymethylmethacrylate, cellulose triacetate, and polyamide copolymer) in high-flux HD and HDF. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the treatment to assess the reduction ratio (RR) in a wide range of molecular weight uraemic toxins. A mid-range removal score (GRS) was also calculated. An elution protocol was implemented to quantify the amount of adsorbed mass (Mads) for each molecule in every dialyser. RESULTS: All synthetic membranes achieved higher RR for all toxins when used in HDF, specially the polysulfone haemodialyser, resulting in a GRS = 0.66 ± 0.06 (p < 0.001 vs. cellulose triacetate and polyamide membranes). Adsorption was slightly enhanced by convection for all membranes. The polymethylmethacrylate membrane showed expected substantial adsorption of ß2-microglobulin (MadsHDF = 3.5 ± 2.1 mg vs. MadsHD = 2.1 ± 0.9 mg, p = 0.511), whereas total protein adsorption was pronounced in the cellulose triacetate membrane (MadsHDF = 427.2 ± 207.9 mg vs. MadsHD = 274.7 ± 138.3 mg, p = 0.586) without enhanced PBUT removal. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Convection improves removal and slightly increases adsorption. Adsorbed proteins do not lead to enhanced PBUTs depuration and limit membrane efficiency due to fouling. Selection of the correct membrane for convective therapies is mandatory to optimize removal efficiency.

Eficacia y seguridad de un programa de ejercicio físico intradiálisis / Impact and safety outcomes of an intradialytic physical exercise program

Introducción: Los pacientes en hemodiálisis (HD) suelen tener una condición física mermada y elevado sedentarismo. La consolidación de programas de ejercicio físico en las unidades de diálisis está limitada por barreras como la seguridad inherente a estos programas y la falta de recursos. Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad en la implantación de un programa de ejercicio físico intradiálisis (EFI) sobre la condición física de los pacientes con un equipo multidisciplinar (fisioterapeuta y auxiliares de enfermería). Material y métodos: Estudio cuasiexperimental pre-post unicéntrico prospectivo de 6 meses en 34 pacientes. Intervención con EFI combinado 2 días a la semana, evaluándose de forma basal y final la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria (6MWT), fuerza muscular (HG, dinamometría de cuádriceps y 10STS), la composición corporal (bioimpedanciometría) y la capacidad coordinativa (Timed Up and Go test). La seguridad se valoró registrando las incidencias relacionadas con el acceso vascular, la estabilidad hemodinámica y el perfil de rellenado vascular (RBV) durante las sesiones. También se registró la adherencia al programa así como parámetros analíticos habituales. Resultados: La adherencia al programa de EFI fue elevada (70,8%). Se constató una mejora significativa de 47m (p<0,001) en el 6MWT; un incremento medio de 1,6kg (p=0,007) en el HG para la fuerza de extremidades superiores y en las extremidades inferiores (10STS p=0,003; dinamometría p<0,05). Respecto a la seguridad, no se detectaron incidencias ni diferencias significativas en el RBV. Conclusiones: Un programa de EFI combinado favorece la mejora de la condición física de los pacientes en HD sin comprometer la seguridad del tratamiento. Es aconsejable un equipo multidisciplinar para implantar y dar continuidad eficazmente a un programa de EFI. (AU)

Introduction: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are characterized by a poor physical condition and a substantial sedentary profile. The implementation of physical exercise programs in the hemodialysis units is usually limited by the inherent safeness and the lack of appropriate resources. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the impact and safety outcomes of the implementation of an intradialytic physical exercise program (IPE) by a multidisciplinary team (physiotherapist and nursing assistant) in the physical condition of the patients. Material and methods: This six months single-centre and experimental pre-post prospective study was carried out in 34 patients. A two day-week combined IPE intervention was implemented. The cardiopulmonary capacity (6MWT), muscular strength (HG, leg dynamometry and 10STS), body composition (bioimpedance) and coordination capacity (Timed Up and Go test) was assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Safety was evaluated by means of the number of issues regarding the vascular access, the hemodynamic stability as well as the vascular refilling profile (RBV) in each session. The adhesion to the program was also registered. Additionally, analytical parameters were recorded. Results: The adhesion to an IPE program was high (70.8%). A significant improvement of the cardiopulmonary capacity (6MWT average increase 47m; p<0.001), superior limbs (HG average increase of 1.6kg; p=0.007) as well as the lower extremities (10STS; p=0.003; dynamometry p<0.05). Regarding safeness, there were no incidences neither significant difference in the RBV. Conclusions: A combined IPE may contribute to the improvement of the physical condition of the patients as well as ensures a safe development of the HD treatment. We suggest a multidisciplinary team in order to efficiently establish an IPE program. (AU)

Optimization of dialysate bicarbonate in patients treated with online haemodiafiltration.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic acidosis is a common problem in haemodialysis patients, but acidosis overcorrection has been associated with higher mortality. There is no clear definition of the optimal serum bicarbonate target or dialysate bicarbonate. This study analysed the impact of reducing dialysate bicarbonate from 35 to 32 mEq/L on plasma bicarbonate levels in a cohort of patients treated with online haemodiafiltration (OL-HDF). METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study with patients in a stable chronic OL-HDF programme for at least 12 months in the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. We analysed pre- and post-dialysis total carbon dioxide(TCO2) before and after dialysate bicarbonate reduction from 35 to 32 mEq/L, as well as the number of patients with a pre- and post-dialysis TCO2 within 19-25 and ≤29 mEq/L, respectively, after the bicarbonate modification. Changes in serum sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorous and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were also assessed. RESULTS: We included 84 patients with a 6-month follow-up. At 6 months, pre- and post-dialysis TCO2 significantly decreased (26.78 ± 1.26 at baseline to 23.69 ± 1.92 mEq/L and 31.91 ± 0.91 to 27.58 ± 1.36 mEq/L, respectively). The number of patients with a pre-dialysis TCO2 >25 mEq/L was significantly reduced from 80 (90.5%) to 17 (20.2%) and for post-dialysis TCO2 >29 mEq/L this number was reduced from 83 (98.8%) to 9 (10.7%). PTH significantly decreased from 226.09 (range 172-296) to 182.50 (125-239) pg/mL at 6 months (P < 0.05) and post-dialysis potassium decreased from 3.16 ± 0.30 to 2.95 ± 0.48 mEq/L at 6 months (P < 0.05). Sodium, pre-dialysis potassium, calcium and phosphorous did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing dialysate bicarbonate concentration by 3 mEq/L significantly and safely decreased pre- and post-dialysis TCO2, avoiding acidosis overcorrection and improving secondary hyperparathyroidism control. An individualized bicarbonate prescription (a key factor in the adequate control of acidosis) according to pre-dialysis TCO2 is suggested based on these results.

Efficacy and safety of the Clearum dialyzer.

The Clearum dialyzer, built by Medtronic, became commercially available in several European countries in 2020, but there are still no reports of in vivo data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and risk of hypoalbuminemia of this dialyzer compared with previously evaluated hemodialysis (HD), expanded hemodialysis (HDx), and postdilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatments. A prospective study was carried out in 15 patients. Each patient underwent seven dialysis sessions: FX80 Cordiax in HD, Clearum HS17 in HD, Phylther 17-SD in HDx, Theranova 400 in HDx, Phylther 17-G in postdilution HDF, Clearum HS17 in postdilution HDF, and FX80 Cordiax in postdilution HDF. The reduction ratios of urea, creatinine, ß2 -microglobulin, myoglobin, prolactin, α1 -microglobulin, α1 -acid glycoprotein, and albumin were compared intraindividually. Dialysate albumin loss was also measured. Comparison of dialysis techniques revealed no differences between small molecules, but HDx and HDF were significantly higher than HD with medium and large molecular weights. The Clearum dialyzer in HDF obtained similar results to FX80 Cordiax in HDF, was slightly superior to Phylther 17-G in HDF, and was statistically superior to both dialyzers in HDx. Albumin losses with the Clearum dialyzer were among the lowest, both in HD and HDF treatments. The highest global removal score (GRS) values were obtained with the helixone and Clearum dialyzers in HDF, with similar results both in HD and HDF. In addition, the GRS values with HDx treatments were statistically significantly higher than those with HD. The new Clearum dialyzer has excellent behavior and tolerance in HD and HDF. Its adequate permeability has been proven with its maximal performance in HDF, which could represent an upgrade versus its predecessor polyphenylene dialyzers.

Evaluation and comparison of polysulfone TS-UL and PMMA NF-U dialyzers versus expanded hemodialysis and postdilution hemodiafiltration.

Toray has created a new generation of dialyzers, the polysulphone (TS) UL series, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) NF-U series, which offer enhanced efficacy over the previous TS-S series and NF-H series. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these dialyzer series versus contrasted expanded hemodialysis (HDx) and postdilution hemodiafiltration (HDF). We conducted a prospective study in 12 patients. Each patient underwent six dialysis sessions: FX80 Cordiax in HD, Toraysulfone TS-1.8 UL in HD, Theranova 400 in HDx, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) NF-2.1 U in HDF, Toraysulfone TS-2.1 UL in HDF, and FX80 Cordiax in HDF. The removal ratios (RRs) of urea, creatinine, ß2 -microglobulin, myoglobin, prolactin, α1 -microglobulin, α1 -acid glycoprotein, and albumin were compared intraindividually. Dialysate albumin loss was also measured. The RRs for ß2 -microglobulin, myoglobin, prolactin, α1 -microglobulin, and α1 -acid glycoprotein were higher with the TS-2.1 UL and FX80 Cordiax dialyzers in HDF than those obtained with HD treatments and NF-2.1 U in HDF. The ß2 -microglobulin, myoglobin, and prolactin RRs were also higher with HDx than those obtained with HD treatments. The myoglobin and prolactin RRs were higher with TS-1.8 UL in HD than those obtained with helixone dialyzers in HD. Dialysate albumin loss was less than 3 g in all situations except in TS-2.1 UL in HDF. The highest global removal score values were obtained with the TS-2.1 UL and helixone dialyzers in HDF. Significant differences were found between all study situations. In conclusion, the new generation dialyzers, Toraysulfone TS Series UL and PMMA NF-U series, show excellent behaviour and tolerance in HD and HDF, representing an upgrade versus their predecessor series. The higher permeability of the TS UL series has been proven with higher efficiency in HD and maximum performance in HDF. The new PMMA NF-U series allows the use of HDF with good efficiency and complete safety.