Variation in performing kidney biopsy amongst nephrologists in the Asia-Pacific region: A multinational survey.

AIM: Kidney biopsy (KB) is the gold standard procedure for diagnosing kidney diseases. Globally, nephrologists are trained to perform KB. However, the past few decades have witnessed a transition where interventional radiologists (IRs) are now preferentially performing the procedure. Our survey-based cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the current trends of KB operators in the Asia-Pacific region (APR) in practicing interventional nephrologists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Association of Vascular Access and intervenTionAl Renal Physicians (AVATAR) Foundation from India conducted a multinational online survey among interventional nephrologists from the APR to investigate who does KB, if the nephrology training curriculum includes KB, and whether nephrologists have access to ultrasound. RESULTS: Out of 21 countries from the APR that participated in our survey, 10 countries (47.4%) reported that more than 70% of their nephrologists performed KB, whereas in 11 countries (57.6%), KB was most likely done by an IR. The frequency of nephrologists performing KB ranged from 0% in Afghanistan to 100% in countries such as Pakistan, Singapore, and Thailand. Formal training for KB and access to ultrasound was available to nephrologists in 80% of the responding countries. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that despite the availability of training and access to USG, a significant number of nephrologists are not performing KB in the APR. Similar to the trends observed in Western countries, the observed pattern in the APR could be due to lack of time, less incentive, hospital policy, or interest of nephrologists in other aspects of intervention nephrology.

Practice of dialysis access interventional nephrology procedures in the Asia-Pacific region: Getting lay of the land.

AIM: This cross-sectional survey aimed to determine the prevalence of Interventional Nephrology (IN) practice amongst nephrologists in the Asia-Pacific Region (APR), specifically related to dialysis access (DA). METHODS: The Association of VA and intervenTionAl Renal physicians (AVATAR) Foundation from India conducted a multinational online survey amongst nephrologists from the Asia-Pacific to determine the practice of IN in the planning, creation, and management of dialysis access. The treatment modalities, manpower and equipment availability, monthly cost of treatment, specifics of dialysis access interventions, and challenges in the training and practice of IN by nephrologists were included in the survey. RESULTS: Twenty-one countries from the APR participated in the survey. Nephrologists from 18 (85.7%) countries reported performing at least one of the basic dialysis access-related IN procedures, primarily the placement of non-tunnelled central catheters (n-TCC; 71.5%). Only 10 countries (47.6%) reported having an average of <4% of nephrologists performing any of the advanced IN access procedures, the most common being the placement of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter (20%). Lack of formal training (57.14%), time (42.8%), incentive (38%), institutional support (38%), medico-legal protection (28.6%), and prohibitive cost (23.8%) were the main challenges to practice IN. The primary obstacles to implementing the IN training were a lack of funding and skilled personnel. CONCLUSION: The practice of dialysis access-related IN in APR is inadequate, mostly due to a lack of training, backup support, and economic constraints, whereas training in access-related IN is constrained by a lack of a skilled workforce and finances.

A Comprehensive Comparison of Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Kidney Transplant Recipients with COVID-19 during Wave 1 versus Wave 2 at a Tertiary Care Center, India.

Data comparing the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) during the first and second waves of the pandemic in India is limited. Our single-center retrospective study compared the clinical profile, mortality, and associated risk factors in KTRs with COVID-19 during the 1st wave (1st February 2020 to 31st January 2021) and the second wave (1st March-31st August 2021). 156 KTRs with PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection treated at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi during the 1st and the second waves were analyzed. The demographics and baseline transplant characteristics of the patients diagnosed during both waves were comparable. Patients in the second wave reported less frequent hospitalization, though the intensive care unit (ICU) and ventilator requirements were similar. Strategies to modify immunosuppressants such as discontinuation of antinucleoside drugs with or without change in calcineurin inhibitors and the use of steroids were similar during both waves. Overall patient mortality was 27.5%. The demographics and baseline characteristics of survivors and nonsurvivors were comparable. A higher percentage of nonsurvivors presented with breathing difficulty, low SpO2, and altered sensorium. Both wave risk factors for mortality included older age, severe disease, ICU/ventilator requirements, acute kidney injury (AKI) needing dialysis, Chest Computerized Tomographic (CT) scan abnormalities, and higher levels of inflammatory markers particularly D-dimer and interleukin-6 levels. Conclusions. KTRs in both COVID-19 waves had similar demographics and baseline characteristics, while fewer patients during the second wave required hospitalization. The D-dimer and IL-6 levels are directly correlated with mortality.

Post-vaccination analysis of anti-spike antibody responses in kidney transplant recipients with and without COVID-19 infection in a tertiary care centre, India.

Background: To investigate the anti-spike antibody response to vaccination in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) previously infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as compared with KTRs with no history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from India. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 spike immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody response was measured in 105 post-COVID-19 KTRs with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who received either no vaccination (cohort 1), a single dose (cohort 2) or two doses (cohort 3) of vaccine and compared with 103 two-dose vaccinated COVID-19-naïve KTRs with no history of COVID-19 (cohort 4). Results: Out of 103 COVID-19-naïve two-dose vaccinated KTRs, <50% became seropositive with anti-spike antibody titres >50 arbitrary unit/mL subsequent to complete vaccination, the seroconversion rate being comparable in subjects receiving CovishieldTM versus CovaxinTM vaccines. However, the seropositive KTRs vaccinated with CovishieldTM had higher anti-spike antibody titres as compared with those who received CovaxinTM. We observed higher anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody levels in post-COVID-19 KTRs after one dose of vaccine as compared with COVID-19-naïve two-dose vaccinated KTRs. Importantly, the second dose in post-COVID-19 KTRs did not significantly increase anti-spike antibody levels compared with the single-dose recipients. Conclusions: Our data present that in KTRs with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, a single dose of vaccine (CovishieldTM) may be effective in mounting an optimal immune response. In contrast, COVID-19-naïve two-dose vaccinated KTRs respond poorly (<50%) to the current recommendation of a two-dose regimen in India.

Interventional nephrology and vascular access practice: A perspective from South and Southeast Asia.

South and Southeast Asia is the most populated, heterogeneous part of the world. The Association of Vascular Access and InTerventionAl Renal physicians (AVATAR Foundation), India, gathered trends on epidemiology and Interventional Nephrology (IN) for this region. The countries were divided as upper-middle- and higher-income countries as Group-1 and lower and lower-middle-income countries as Group-2. Forty-three percent and 70% patients in the Group 1 and 2 countries had unplanned hemodialysis (HD) initiation. Among the incident HD patients, the dominant Vascular Access (VA) was non-tunneled central catheter (non-TCC) in 70% of Group 2 and tunneled central catheter (TCC) in 32.5% in Group 1 countries. Arterio-Venous Fistula (AVF) in the incident HD patients was observed in 24.5% and 35% of patients in Group-2 and Group-1, respectively. Eight percent and 68.7% of the prevalent HD patients in Group-2 and Group-1 received HD through an AVF respectively. Nephrologists performing any IN procedure were 90% and 60% in Group-2 and Group 1, respectively. The common procedures performed by nephrologists include renal biopsy (93.3%), peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion (80%), TCC (66.7%) and non-TCC (100%). Constraints for IN include lack of time (73.3%), lack of back-up (40%), lack of training (73.3%), economic issues (33.3%), medico-legal problems (46.6%), no incentive (20%), other interests (46.6%) and institution not supportive (26%). Routine VA surveillance is performed in 12.5% and 83.3% of Group-2 and Group-1, respectively. To conclude, non-TCC and TCC are the most common vascular access in incident HD patients in Group-2 and Group-1, respectively. Lack of training, back-up support and economic constraints were main constraints for IN growth in Group-2 countries.

COVID-19 Infection Clinical Profile, Management, Outcome, and Antibody Response in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single Centre Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Experience of COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with clinical presentation, management, factors influencing mortality, and antibody response is limited. Material and Methods. A retrospective data of COVID-19 in KTRs was collected and analyzed. The mortality rate, risk factors, and antibody response were primary objectives, while the clinical presentation, laboratory indicators, and pharmacological management were secondary objectives. RESULTS: The 67 KTRs with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed COVID-19 infection reported between 1 May 2020 and 31 December 2020; 61.2% of patients were hospitalized; and 20.9% needed ventilation. The overall mortality was 26.9%, while blood group A had 50% mortality. The treatment options and used were steroids (100%), convalescent plasma (32.8%), ivermectin (58.2%), doxycycline (55.2%), remdesivir (34.3%), tocilizumab (10.4%), antibiotics (61.2%), anti-fungals (26.9%), low molecular weight heparin (45.3%), and oral anti-coagulants (26.9%). Anti-nucleosides (mycophenolate or azathioprine) were discontinued in 76.1% and calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) in 26.9%. Significant mortality (p < 0.001) was observed in patients presenting with SpO2 <94 needing ICU care, ventilation, dialysis/acute kidney injury (AKI), and empirical therapies like convalescent plasma and remdesivir. The age of survivors versus nonsurvivors was not significantly different (p=0.02). The positive blood culture, low serum albumin, high TLC, high blood urea, interleukin-6, and CT severity score ≥15 were statistically significant in nonsurvivors. Overall mortality, mortality of hospitalized patients, and mortality of ventilated patients was 27%, 44%, and 100%, respectively. The median value of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) IgG antibody was 68.60 (IQR, 28.5-94.25) AU/ml in more than 90% of survivors. CONCLUSION: KTRs with COVID-19, needing ICU care, dialysis and ventilation support had poor outcomes. Recovered patients mounted adequate antibody response.

Peritoneal dialysis: Status report in South and South East Asia.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) as a modality of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is largely underutilized globally. We analyzed PD utilization, impact of economic status, projected growth and impact of state policy(s) on PD growth in South Asia and Southeast Asia (SA&SEA) region. METHODS: The National Nephrology Societies of the region responded to a questionnaire on KRT practices. The responses were based on the latest registry data, acceptable community-based studies and societal perceptions. The representative countries were divided into high income and higher-middle income (HI & HMI) and low income and lower-middle income (LI & LMI) groups. RESULTS: Data provided by 15 countries showed almost similar percentage of GDP as health expenditure (4%-7%). But there was a significant difference in per capita income (HI & HMI -US$ 28 129 vs. LI & LMI - US$ 1710.2) between the groups. Even after having no significant difference in monthly cost of haemodialysis (HD) and PD in LI & LMI countries, they have poorer PD utilization as compared to HI & HMI countries (3.4% vs. 10.1%); the reason being lack of formal training/incentives and time constraints for the nephrologist while lack of reimbursement and poor general awareness of modalities has been a snag for the patients. The region expects ≥10% PD growth in the near future. Hong Kong and Thailand with 'PD first' policy have the highest PD utilization. CONCLUSION: Important deterrents to PD underutilization were lack of PD centric policies, lackadaisical patient/physician's attitude, lack of structured patient awareness programs, formal training programs and affordability.

Impact of National Economy and Policies on End-Stage Kidney Care in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

BACKGROUND: The association between economic status and kidney disease is incompletely explored even in countries with higher economy (HE); the situation is complex in lower economies (LE) of South Asia and Southeast Asia (SA and SEA). METHODS: Fifteen countries of SA and SEA categorized as HE and LE, represented by the representatives of the national nephrology societies, participated in this questionnaire and interview-based assessment of the impact of economic status on renal care. RESULTS: Average incidence and prevalence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) per million population (pmp) are 1.8 times and 3.3 times higher in HE. Hemodialysis is the main renal replacement therapy (RRT) (HE-68%, LE-63%). Funding of dialysis in HE is mainly by state (65%) or insurance bodies (30%); out of pocket expenses (OOPE) are high in LE (41%). Highest cost for hemodialysis is in Brunei and Singapore, and lowest in Myanmar and Nepal. Median number of dialysis machines/1000 ESKD population is 110 in HE and 53 in LE. Average number of machines/dialysis units in HE is 2.7 times higher than LE. The HE countries have 9 times more dialysis centers pmp (median HE-17, LE-02) and 16 times more nephrologist density (median HE-14.8 ppm, LE-0.94 ppm). Dialysis sessions >2/week is frequently followed in HE (84%) and <2/week in LE (64%). "On-demand" hemodialysis (<2 sessions/week) is prevalent in LE. Hemodialysis dropout rates at one year are lower in HE (12.3%; LE 53.4%), death being the major cause (HE-93.6%; LE-43.8%); renal transplants constitute 4% (Brunei) to 39% (Hong Kong) of the RRT in HE. ESKD burden is expected to increase >10% in all the HE countries except Taiwan, 10%-20% in the majority of LE countries. CONCLUSION: Economic disparity in SA and SEA is reflected by poor dialysis infrastructure and penetration, inadequate manpower, higher OOPE, higher dialysis dropout rates, and lesser renal transplantations in LE countries. Utility of RRT can be improved by state funding and better insurance coverage.

Current Status and Future of End-Stage Kidney Disease in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: Challenges and Opportunities.

There is a paucity of data on epidemiology along with an incomplete registry of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), nephrologist workforce, and variability among the countries of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The study is an observation, descriptive study which aimed to describe current ESKD burden, nephrologist density, and kidney care infrastructure in GCC. Responses to a questionnaire-based survey obtained from representatives of the Nephrology Societies of GCC countries were analyzed. The categorical variables were compared using Chi-square test. A P = 5% was considered as significant. The mean prevalence of ESKD per million populations (pmp) was 551, highest in Oman (1000/pmp), least in Qatar (347/pmp). Predominant etiology in GCC was diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) (100%, each), followed by chronic glomerulonephritis (66.7%). A transplant registry was maintained by all GCC countries. Hemodialysis (HD) (67.2%) was the most opted modality of kidney replacement therapy (KRT), followed by kidney transplantation (22%) and peritoneal dialysis (9.6%); 1.0% of patients opted for conservative management. Unplanned initiation of HD was three times more common. The access distribution among incident and prevalent HD patients respectively was (i) nontunneled central catheter (nTCC) (58.7 ± 36.6 vs. 1.5 ± 1.5), (ii) tunneled central catheter (23.5 ± 29.9 vs. 33.6 ± 10.0), and (iii) arteriovenous fistula (17.3± 14.4 vs. 57.8 ± 11.86). Death and transplantation were the reasons for dropout from HD. GCC has adequate kidney care infrastructure. There are 1686 nephrologists [range: Bahrain 9, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) 1279]. Qatar, KSA, and Kuwait provide training in kidney biopsy; all countries except Bahrain have formal training programs for nTCC placement. ESKD prevalence is high, DM, HTN; glome-rulonephritis (GN) is the most common causes. The need for KRT is expected to rise in GCC. HD is the predominant KRT modality with a high prevalence of dialysis catheters as vascular access.

Aetiology, practice patterns and burden of end-stage kidney disease in South Asia and South-East Asia: A questionnaire-based survey.

AIM: There is paucity of data on the epidemiology of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) from South Asia and South-East Asia. The objective of this study was to assess the aetiology, practice patterns and disease burden and growth of ESKD in the region comparing the economies. METHODS: The national nephrology societies of the region; responded to the questionnaire; based on latest registries, acceptable community-based studies and society perceptions. The countries in the region were classified into Group 1 (High|higher-middle-income) and Group 2 (lower|lowermiddle income). Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were used for comparison. RESULTS: Fifteen countries provided the data. The average incidence of ESKD was estimated at 226.7 per million population (pmp), (Group 1 vs. Group 2, 305.8 vs. 167.8 pmp) and average prevalence at 940.8 pmp (Group 1 vs. Group 2, 1306 vs. 321 pmp). Group 1 countries had a higher incidence and prevalence of ESKD. Diabetes, hypertension and chronic glomerulonephritis were most common causes. The mean age in Group 2 was lower by a decade (Group 1 vs. Group 2-59.45 vs 47.7 years). CONCLUSION: Haemodialysis was the most common kidney replacement therapy in both groups and conservative management of ESKD was the second commonest available treatment option within Group 2. The disease burden was expected to grow >20% in 50% of Group 1 countries and 78% of Group 2 countries along with the parallel growth in haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.