Impact of Remote Monitoring on Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Peritoneal Dialysis.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and the Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology in peritoneal dialysis (SONG-PD) clinical outcomes. Methods: A prospective and multicenter cohort study was conducted on patients with advanced chronic kidney disease on APD, recruited at 16 Spanish Hospitals, between June 1 and December 31, 2021. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts, namely patients on APD with RPM (APD-RPM) and patients on APD without RPM. The primary endpoints were the standardized outcomes of the SONG-PD clinical outcomes: PD-associated infection, cardiovascular disease (CVD), mortality rate, technique survival, and life participation (assessed as health-related quality of life [QoL]). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to evaluate the association of RPM exposure with the clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 232 patients were included, 176 (75.9%) in the APD-RPM group and 56 (24.1%) in the APD-without-RPM group. The mean patient follow-up time was significantly longer in the APD-RPM group than in the APD-without-RPM group (10.4 ± 2.8 vs. 9.4 ± 3.1 months, respectively; P = 0.02). In the overall study sample, the APD-RPM group was associated with a lower mortality rate (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01 to 0.69; P = 0.020) and greater technique survival rate (HR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.59; P = 0.001). After PSM, APD-RPM continued to be associated with better technique survival (HR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.83; P = 0.024). Conclusion: The use of RPM programs in patients on APD was associated with better survival of the technique and lower mortality rates. However, after PSM, only technique survival was significant.

Dynamics of Humoral and Cellular Responses in Renal Transplant Recipients Receiving 3 Doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine.

BACKGROUND: The original SARS-CoV-2 vaccination regimen (2 doses) induces insufficient short-term response in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. This study assessed the response to a third dose and the long-term immunogenicity after 2 doses in KT. METHODS: We analyzed the dynamics of the humoral and cellular response by monitoring SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies against the Spike-protein (IgG-Spike) and QuantiFERON SARS-CoV-2 IFN-γ release assay 6 mo after the second dose (T2) and 28 d after the third dose of mRNA vaccines (T3) to KT and controls (dialysis patients and healthy individuals). RESULTS: At T2, the percentage of IgG-Spike+ KT and dialysis patients decreased (KT 65.8%-52.6%, hemodialysis 92.6-81.5%, and peritoneal dialysis 100%-90%), whereas 100% of healthy controls remained positive. About the cellular response, the percentage of responders decreased in all groups, especially in KT (22.4%-9.2%, P = 0.081). At T3, 92% of KT, 94%-98% of dialysis patients, and 100% of healthy controls were IgG-Spike+. In terms of antibody titers, patients and controls showed a reduction between T2 and T3 and about 80% of dialysis patients and 100% of controls achieved high titers after the third dose (>1479.5 Binding Antibody Units/mL), whereas this percentage was only 50% in KT. With respect to the cellular response, only KT displayed a significant rise after the third dose. CONCLUSIONS: The third dose of mRNA vaccine improves both humoral and cellular responses, but less effectively in KT compared with dialysis patients and healthy controls.

Negative immune responses to two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in renal allograft recipients assessed with simple antibody and interferon gamma release assay cellular monitoring.

Studies are urgently needed to characterize immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines in kidney transplant (KT) recipients, excluded from major clinical trials. Complex ELISPOT and other cellular response techniques have been applied, but simpler tools are needed. An easy-to-use real-world monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies against the Spike protein and QuantiFERON® SARS-CoV-2 IFNγ release assay (IGRA) were performed at baseline and 28 days after the second dose in KT recipients and controls (dialysis patients and healthy ones). All healthy controls and >95% dialysis controls became positive for anti-S IgG antibodies, while only 63.3% of KT patients seroconverted with a very low antibody level. A positive IGRA was documented in 96.9% of controls, 89.3% peritoneal dialysis, 77.6% hemodialysis, 61.3% of KT patients transplanted more than 1 year ago and only 36% of those transplanted within the previous 12 months. Overall, 100% of healthy controls, 95.4% of dialysis patients and 78.8% KT recipients developed any immune response (humoral and/or cellular) against SARS-CoV-2. KT patients showed low rates of immune responses to mRNA Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 vaccines, especially those with recent transplantations. Simple humoral and cellular monitoring is advisable, so that repeated doses may be scheduled according to the results.

Peritoneal dialysis in heart failure: focus on kidney and ventricular dysfunction.

Heart failure is a significant health problem worldwide. Despite all the new therapies available nowadays, many patients will reach advanced stages of the disease. Diuretic resistance, kidney dysfunction, and refractory congestion, all highly prevalent in advanced heart failure, frequently complicate the situation, making it more challenging to manage. Ultrafiltration through hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis can be alternative options to treat fluid overload. Peritoneal dialysis has gained increased interest in the last decades due to several benefits such as functional class improvement, reduction in hospital admissions, improvement in quality of life, and even a reduction in mortality shown by numerous cohort studies. However, the majority of the studies were observational and with a limited number of patients. In addition, the optimal timing for the initiation of this type of therapy and the subgroup of patients who would benefit the most from it is unknown. Hence, randomized controlled trials in this subject are urgently needed. We aim to review the contemporary evidence of peritoneal dialysis in patients with heart failure and diuretic resistance across the spectrum of ventricular dysfunction and degree of renal dysfunction.

Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients with COVID-19, the Effect of Paricalcitol or Calcimimetics.

BACKGROUND: In COVID-19 patients, low serum vitamin D (VD) levels have been associated with severe acute respiratory failure and poor prognosis. In regular hemodialysis (HD) patients, there is VD deficiency and markedly reduced calcitriol levels, which may predispose them to worse outcomes of COVID-19 infection. Some hemodialysis patients receive treatment with drugs for secondary hyperparathyroidism, which have well known pleiotropic effects beyond mineral metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of VD status and the administration of active vitamin D medications, used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism, on survival in a cohort of COVID-19 positive HD patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective observational study was conducted from 12 March to 21 May 2020 in 288 HD patients with positive PCR for SARS-CoV2. Patients were from 52 different centers in Spain. RESULTS: The percent of HD patients with COVID-19 was 6.1% (288 out of 4743). Mortality rate was 28.4% (81/285). Three patients were lost to follow-up. Serum 25(OH)D (calcidiol) level was 17.1 [10.6-27.5] ng/mL and was not significantly associated to mortality (OR 0.99 (0.97-1.01), p = 0.4). Patients receiving active vitamin D medications (16/94 (17%) vs. 65/191(34%), p = 0.003), including calcimimetics (4/49 (8.2%) vs. 77/236 (32.6%), p = 0.001), paricalcitol or calcimimetics (19/117 (16.2%) vs. 62/168 (36.9%); p < 0.001), and also those on both paricalcitol and calcimimetics, to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPTH) (1/26 (3.8%) vs. 80/259 (30.9%), p < 0.001) showed a lower mortality rate than patients receiving no treatment with either drug. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed this increased survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the use of paricalcitol, calcimimetics or the combination of both, seem to be associated with the improvement of survival in HD patients with COVID-19. No correlation was found between serum VD levels and prognosis or outcomes in HD patients with COVID-19. Prospective studies and clinical trials are needed to support these findings.

COVID-19 in Grade 4-5 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk of mortality during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) episodes, and some reports have underlined the high incidence and severity of this infection in dialysis patients. Information on COVID-19 in nondialysis CKD patients is not available yet. CASE REPORTS: Here we present 7 patients with grade 4-5 CKD who developed symptomatic COVID-19; they comprise 2.6% of our 267 advanced CKD patients. The estimated GFR was between 12 and 20 mL/min during the month prior to COVID-19. The 3 major symptoms were fever, cough, and dyspnea, and 5 patients showed bilateral pneumonia. Hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, and steroids were the most frequently prescribed drugs. Two patients needed noninvasive mechanical ventilation. All patients showed minimal to moderate kidney function deterioration during admission, with an eGFR decline below 5 mL/min in 6 cases. No patient required acute dialysis. Six patients were discharged alive and remained dialysis free athe t the time of reporting, and one 76-year-old patient died. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 affects grade 4-5 CKD patients, but prognosis may be acceptable if prompt supportive measures are applied. These findings should be confirmed in larger cohorts, and further observations will be needed to understand the full spectrum of clinical features and the optimal approach to COVID-19 in patients with advanced CKD.

Clinical Profiles in Renal Patients with COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to frequent referrals to the emergency department on suspicion of this infection in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and kidney transplant (KT) patients. We aimed to describe their clinical features comparing confirmed and suspected non-confirmed COVID-19 cases during the Spanish epidemic peak. Confirmed COVID-19 ((+)COVID-19) corresponds to patient with positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 assay. Non-confirmed COVID-19 ((-)COVID-19) corresponds to patients with negative RT-PCR. COVID-19 was suspected in 61 patients (40/803 KT (4.9%), 21/220 MHD (9.5%)). Prevalence of (+)COVID-19 was 3.2% in KT and 3.6% in MHD patients. Thirty-four (26 KT and 8 MHD) were (+)COVID-19 and 27 (14 KT and 13 MHD) (-)COVID-19. In comparison with (-)COVID-19 patients, (+)COVID-19 showed higher frequency of typical viral symptoms (cough, dyspnea, asthenia and myalgias), pneumonia (88.2% vs. 14.3%) and LDH and CRP while lower phosphate levels, need of hospital admission (100% vs. 63%), use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (36% vs. 11%) and mortality (38% vs. 0%) (p < 0.001). Time from symptoms onset to admission was longer in patients who finally died than in survivors (8.5 vs. 3.8, p = 0.007). In KT and MHD patients, (+)COVID-19 shows more clinical severity than suspected non-confirmed cases. Prompt RT-PCR is mandatory to confirm COVID-19 diagnosis.

Protección de los profesionales sanitarios en nefrología ante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Protection of nephrology health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

La epidemia de COVID-19 representa un riesgo especial para los pacientes renales por sus comorbilidades y edad avanzada, y por la realización del tratamiento de hemodiálisis en salas colectivas, pero también supone un riesgo para los profesionales responsables de su atención. El presente manuscrito recoge una propuesta de actuación para prevenir la infección entre los profesionales en los Servicios de Nefrología

The COVID-19 epidemic represents a special risk for kidney patients due to their comorbidities and advanced age, and the need for hemodialysis treatment in group rooms. It also represents a risk for professionals responsible for their attention. This manuscript contains a proposal for action to prevent infection of professionals in the Nephrology Services, one of the most valuable assets at the present time

[Protection of nephrology health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Protección de los profesionales sanitarios en nefrología ante la pandemia por COVID-19.

The COVID-19 epidemic represents a special risk for kidney patients due to their comorbidities and advanced age, and the need for hemodialysis treatment in group rooms. It also represents a risk for professionals responsible for their attention. This manuscript contains a proposal for action to prevent infection of professionals in the Nephrology Services, one of the most valuable assets at the present time.

COVID-19 in elderly kidney transplant recipients.

The SARS-Cov-2 infection disease (COVID-19) pandemic has posed at risk the kidney transplant (KT) population, particularly the elderly recipients. From March 12 until April 4, 2020, we diagnosed COVID-19 in 16 of our 324 KT patients aged ≥65 years old (4.9%). Many of them had had contact with healthcare facilities in the month prior to infection. Median time of symptom onset to admission was 7 days. All presented with fever and all but one with pneumonia. Up to 33% showed renal graft dysfunction. At infection diagnosis, mTOR inhibitors or mycophenolate were withdrawn. Tacrolimus was withdrawn in 70%. The main treatment combination was hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. A subset of patients was treated with anti-retroviral and tocilizumab. Short-term fatality rate was 50% at a median time since admission of 3 days. Those who died were more frequently obese, frail, and had underlying heart disease. Although a higher respiratory rate was observed at admission in nonsurvivors, symptoms at presentation were similar between both groups. Patients who died were more anemic, lymphopenic, and showed higher D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and IL-6 at their first tests. COVID-19 is frequent among the elderly KT population and associates a very early and high mortality rate.

Effective removal of colistin methanesulphonate and formed colistin during intermittent haemodialysis in a patient infected by polymyxin-only-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Colistin use has reemerged for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, the information on its pharmacokinetics is limited, especially in patients with end-stage renal disease, in which dosage adjustments are contradictory, and evidences the need to investigate the removal of colistin through renal replacement therapies like haemodialysis. This case study showed efficient removal of colistin methanesulphonate and formed colistin during intermittent haemodialysis in a patient infected by polymyxin-only-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These results suggest the importance to monitor colistin plasma concentrations in these patients to minimize treatment failure due to suboptimal exposure to antibacterial colistin.

Tratamiento de las trombosis de prótesis arteriovenosas para hemodiálisis asociadas a estenosis anastomóticas venosas mediante trombectomía quirúrgica, stenting cubierto y angioplastia a alta presión / Treatment of arteriovenous haemodialysis graft thrombosis associated to venous anastomotic stenosis by surgical thrombectomy, covered stenting and high-pressure angioplasty

INTRODUCCIÓN/OBJETIVO: La guía de la National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-K/KDOQI) recomienda que la repermeabilización de prótesis arteriovenosas (AV) para hemodiálisis trombosadas debe alcanzar resultados favorables en el 40 % a 3 meses si es por técnica endovascular, o en el 50 % a 6 meses y el 40 % al año si es por un procedimiento quirúrgico. Este estudio evalúa los resultados de un tratamiento híbrido (endovascular y quirúrgico mínimamente invasivo) de las trombosis de prótesis AV asociadas a estenosis anastomóticas venosas. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Entre 2008 y 2012 se intervinieron 27 pacientes consecutivos (edad media: 69,7 años; 52 % varones) con trombosis de prótesis AV (74,1 % extremidad superior) asociadas a estenosis anastomótica venosa mediante trombectomía abierta (miniincisión en trayecto), stent cubierto autoexpandible (Fluency(R), Bard) y angioplastia a alta presión (> 20 atm). RESULTADOS: La permeabilidad inmediata con hemodiálisis eficaz fue del 89 %, con una estancia media de 1,9 días y ausencia de complicaciones posoperatorias. La permeabilidad primaria a 3, 6 y 12 meses fue, respectivamente, del 51,9 %, 44,4 % y 16,2 % (seguimiento medio: 15 meses). La permeabilidad secundaria tras un nuevo episodio trombótico y procedimiento de similares características (62,9 % de los casos) fue del 70,4 %, 51,9 % y 37 %, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de ser seguro y poco invasivo, este tratamiento híbrido de las trombosis de prótesis AV asociadas a estenosis anastomóticas venosas solo alcanza resultados competitivos respecto a la cirugía abierta tras un segundo procedimiento iterativo. Debido a esto y a su coste, esta técnica debería reservarse para estenosis a las que sea difícil acceder quirúrgicamente

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: The NKF-K/DOQI guidelines recommend that the repermeabilisation of thrombosed arteriovenous (AV) grafts for haemodialysis must achieve positive results in 40% at 3 months, if it is performed by endovascular technique, or 50% at 6 months and 40% at one year if it is performed by surgical procedure. This study assesses the results of a hybrid treatment (minimally invasive surgical and endovascular treatment) of AV graft thrombosis associated to venous anastomotic stenosis. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between 2008 and 2012, 27 consecutive patients underwent surgery (average age: 69.7, 52% male) due to AV graft thrombosis associated to venous anastomotic stenosis (74.1% upper extremity) by open thrombectomy (mini-incision in the graft), covered self-expanding stent (Fluency(R), Bard), and high pressure angioplasty (> 20 atm). RESULTS: Immediate patency with effective haemodialysis was 89%, with an average stay of 1.9 days and no postoperative complications. Primary patency at 3, 6, and 12 months was 51.9%, 44.4%, and 16.2% respectively (mean follow-up: 15 months). Secondary patency after a new thrombotic episode and similar procedure (62.9% of cases) was 70.4%, 51.9%, and 37% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being safe and minimally invasive, this hybrid treatment for AV graft thrombosis associated to venous anastomotic stenosis only achieves competitive results compared to open surgery after a second iterative procedure. Because of this and the associated costs, this technique should be reserved for difficult surgical approach stenoses

Treatment of arteriovenous haemodialysis graft thrombosis associated to venous anastomotic stenosis by surgical thrombectomy, covered stenting and high-pressure angioplasty.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: The NKF-K/DOQI guidelines recommend that the repermeabilisation of thrombosed arteriovenous (AV) grafts for haemodialysis must achieve positive results in 40% at 3 months, if it is performed by endovascular technique, or 50% at 6 months and 40% at one year if it is performed by surgical procedure. This study assesses the results of a hybrid treatment (minimally invasive surgical and endovascular treatment) of AV graft thrombosis associated to venous anastomotic stenosis. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between 2008 and 2012, 27 consecutive patients underwent surgery (average age: 69.7, 52% male) due to AV graft thrombosis associated to venous anastomotic stenosis (74.1% upper extremity) by open thrombectomy (mini-incision in the graft), covered self-expanding stent (Fluency, Bard), and high pressure angioplasty (>20atm). RESULTS: Immediate patency with effective haemodialysis was 89%, with an average stay of 1.9 days and no postoperative complications. Primary patency at 3, 6, and 12 months was 51.9%, 44.4%, and 16.2% respectively (mean follow-up: 15 months). Secondary patency after a new thrombotic episode and similar procedure (62.9% of cases) was 70.4%, 51.9%, and 37% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being safe and minimally invasive, this hybrid treatment for AV graft thrombosis associated to venous anastomotic stenosis only achieves competitive results compared to open surgery after a second iterative procedure. Because of this and the associated costs, this technique should be reserved for difficult surgical approach stenoses.

Chagas' disease and kidney donation.

Due to current trends in human population movements, there has been an increase in the number of individuals with Chagas’ disease (CD) living in non-endemic regions; as such, there is a high probability that we will face an increase in cases of CD, both in patients requiring renal replacement therapy and in potential donors. We present the case of an organ donor with positive serology for Trypanosoma cruzi, whose kidneys were implanted into two different recipients. Prophylaxis was administered with benznidazole for 3 weeks. Over the course of two years of serological and clinical follow-up, no evidence of Chagas’ transmission or infection was observed. This positive evolution suggests that renal transplants derived from donors with positive serology results and no signs of acute or chronic disease may be acceptable. We also provide a review of the evidence supporting this conclusion and the available recommendations in the medical literature.

Enfermedad de Chagas y donación renal / Chagas' disease and kidney donation

Debido a los movimientos poblacionales que se desarrollan actualmente, existe un incremento en el número de individuos con enfermedad de Chagas (EC) que viven en regiones no endémicas; por tanto, existe una gran probabilidad de que nos enfrentemos a un aumento de casos de EC, tanto en pacientes que requieren tratamiento renal sustitutivo como en potenciales donantes. Presentamos el caso de un donante de órganos con serología Trypanosoma cruzi positiva, cuyos riñones se implantaron en sendos receptores. Se realizó profilaxis con benznidazol durante 3 semanas. En dos años de seguimiento serológico y clínico no se ha objetivado ninguna evidencia de transmisión ni afectación chagásica. La buena evolución sugiere que el trasplante de riñones procedentes de donantes con serología positiva sin signos de enfermedad aguda o crónica puede ser aceptable. Revisamos las evidencias que lo sustentan y las recomendaciones disponibles en la literatura (AU)

Due to current trends in human population movements, there has been an increase in the number of individuals with Chagas' disease (CD) living in non-endemic regions; as such, there is a high probability that we will face an increase in cases of CD, both in patients requiring renal replacement therapy and in potential donors. We present the case of an organ donor with positive serology for Trypanosoma cruzi, whose kidneys were implanted into two different recipients. Prophylaxis was administered with benznidazole for 3 weeks. Over the course of two years of serological and clinical follow-up, no evidence of Chagas' transmission or infection was observed. This positive evolution suggests that renal transplants derived from donors with positive serology results and no signs of acute or chronic disease may be acceptable. We also provide a review of the evidence supporting this conclusion and the available recommendations in the medical literature (AU)

Monthly CERA treatment maintains stable hemoglobin levels in routine clinical practice of peritoneal dialysis patients.

Data on routine use of continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) in peritoneal dialysis patients are scarce. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of CERA administered once monthly in maintaining stable Hb levels in patients on peritoneal dialysis under routine medical practice. This was a 12-month, observational, prospective and multicenter study. A total of 83 patients with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) on peritoneal dialysis for more than 3 months, on once-monthly subcutaneous CERA treatment, were followed up over a period of 1 year. Efficacy evaluation included Hb levels, mean time in which the Hb level was maintained within target range, CERA doses and number of dose changes. Median Hb level (interquartile range [IQR]) remained stable during the evaluation period [11.8 ± 1.4 g/dL at baseline, 11.8 ± 1.4 g/dL at month 6 and 11.8 ± 1.5 g/dL at month 12 (p > 0.05)]. The median (IQR) time of Hb level maintained within target range (11-13 mg/dL) was 6 (4-10) months. Ferritin, transferrin saturation index, and Fe were also stable and well maintained during the 12 months (p > 0.05). CERA mean dose (SD) was [115.4 (56.2) µg baseline; 117.2 (58.5) µg 6 months; 126.0 (65.9) µg 12 months (p = 0.127)]. The mean number of CERA dose changes per patient during the study was 1.6 (SD 1.3). Serious adverse events were not related to CERA treatment. The results suggest that once-monthly CERA successfully corrects anemia and maintains stable Hb levels within the recommended target range on peritoneal dialysis under routine medical practice.

Effectiveness of treatment with oral paricalcitol in patients on peritoneal dialysis: a Spanish multicenter study.

AIMS: Recently, oral form of paricalcitol has allowed extension of treatment to ambulatory patients on peritoneal dialysis but few data have been published about the benefits of paricalcitol in this subgroup. A multicenter, retrospective study was carried out to increase current knowledge on the effectiveness and safety of paricalcitol in 162 peritoneal dialyzed patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: Case histories of patients treated with paricalcitol for at least 6 months were reviewed to extract data on 12 biochemical parameters related to bone disease and health status. Changes in these parameters were described. Doses of paricalcitol and other concomitant treatments were evaluated at least every 3 months. RESULTS: 99 men (61.1%) and 63 women (38.9%) with an average age of 62.07 years were included. PTH levels showed an acute decrease in the three first months (35.88%) and a global decrease at month 6 of 42.39%. A slight increase in calcium was observed (p < 0.001) but it remained between normal range values. Only 5 patients presented serum calcium over 10.2 in two consecutive measurements. No changes were found in phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus product, hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, GGT, albumin, PCR inflammatory markers, pH and bicarbonate. The decrease in proteinuria levels was nearly statistically significant (p = 0.061). Only 6 patients (0.36%) abandoned the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Paricalcitol therapy was well tolerated with a high effectiveness in patients on peritoneal dialysis. A slight increase in serum calcium levels was observed, although within normal ranges. No changes in other biochemical parameters related to bone disease could be associated to paricalcitol with data compiled in our study. Paricalcitol seems to have a protective effect on proteinuria levels.

Long-term treatment with linezolid in a patient with osteomyelitis undergoing hemodialysis.

Anemia and/or thrombocytopenia are the most relevant adverse effects of linezolid treatment. We report the case of a patient under hemodialysis who developed osteomyelitis involving the amputation stump of the left limb due to a vancomycin-resistant and teicoplanin-resistant Enterococcus faecium successfully treated with linezolid for 6 months. Close monitorization of the patient probably contributed to maintenance of treatment with linezolid despite hematological alterations observed, which could be attributed to either the underlying patient's clinical condition or antimicrobial treatment.

Efficacy of influenza A H1N1/2009 vaccine in hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Data are needed to assess safety and efficacy of the 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 vaccine in renal patients. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We prospectively evaluated seroconversion, predictors of response, and vaccine safety in renal patients. Hemagglutination inhibition tests to detect serum antibodies against a new influenza A-H1N1 virus were performed in 79 transplant patients, 48 hemodialysis patients, and 15 healthy workers before and 1 month after vaccination. Healthy controls and 88 of 127 renal patients were vaccinated. Seroconversion was defined as at least 2 dilutions increase in titer. RESULTS: We excluded 19 individuals seroprotected (≥1/40) against the novel H1N1 in the initial sample. Efficacy rate in the 96 vaccinated individuals was 43.7% (42 of 96 seroconverted versus four of 27 nonvaccinated patients, P = 0.007). For vaccinated subgroups, efficacy was 41.8% in transplant patients (P = 0.039 versus nonvaccinated), 33.3% in hemodialysis patients (P = 0.450), and 81.8% in controls. Healthy controls showed better response to vaccine than transplant (P = 0.021) and dialysis (P = 0.012) patients. For the transplant subgroup, longer time after transplantation (P = 0.028) was associated with seroconversion, but no influence was found for age, gender, renal function, or immunosuppression. In the hemodialysis subgroup, younger age was associated with response (55.7 ± 20.8 versus 71.6 ± 10.1 years, P = 0.042), but other specific variables, including Kt/V or time on dialysis, were not. No serious adverse events were reported, and kidney function was stable. CONCLUSION: The novel influenza A 2009 H1N1 vaccine was safe in renal patients, although administration of a single dose of adjuvanted vaccine induced a poor response in these patients.

Sevelamer hydrochloride in peritoneal dialysis patients: results of a multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sevelamer hydrochloride is a phosphate binder widely employed in hemodialysis patients. Until now, information about its efficacy and safety in peritoneal dialysis patients has been scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In September 2005 a cross-sectional study of demographic, biochemical, and therapeutic data of patients from 10 peritoneal dialysis units in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Spain, was conducted. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 228 patients. At the time of the study, 128 patients (56%) were receiving sevelamer. Patients receiving sevelamer were younger (p < 0.01), showed a longer period of time on dialysis (p < 0.01), and had a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index (p < 0.01). Serum calcium and intact parathyroid hormone levels were not different between the two groups, while phosphate levels <5.5 mg/dL were observed more frequently in patients not receiving sevelamer (79% vs 61%, p < 0.01). Serum total cholesterol (167 +/- 41 vs 189 +/- 42 mg/dL, p < 0.01) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (90 +/- 34 vs 109 +/- 34 mg/dL, p < 0.01), but not high density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides, were lower in sevelamer-treated patients. Moreover, sevelamer-treated patients displayed a higher serum albumin (38 +/- 5 vs 36 +/- 4 g/L, p < 0.01) and a lower C-reactive protein (4.9 +/- 12.8 vs 8.8 +/- 15.7 mg/L, p < 0.01). Blood bicarbonate levels <22 mmol/L were observed more frequently in patients receiving sevelamer (22% vs 5%, p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis adjusting by confounding variables confirmed that sevelamer therapy was associated with serum total cholesterol <200 mg/dL [relative risk (RR): 2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44 - 5.26, p = 0.002] and blood bicarbonate <22 mmol/L (RR: 8.5, 95% CI: 2.6 - 27.0, p < 0.001), but not with serum phosphate >5.5 mg/dL, calcium-phosphate product >55 mg(2)/dL(2), serum albumin <35 g/L, or C-reactive protein >5 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS: This uncontrolled cross-sectional study in peritoneal dialysis patients showed that sevelamer hydrochloride treatment allows an adequate serum phosphate level in about 60% of patients and significantly reduces total and LDL-cholesterol levels. Since this treatment is associated with metabolic acidosis in 22% of patients, we recommend close monitoring of bicarbonate levels in this group of patients until the clinical significance of this result is clarified.