Consensus recommendations on fasting during Ramadan for patients with kidney disease: review of available evidence and a call for action (RaK Initiative).

Ramadan fasting (RF) involves abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours; it is obligatory for all healthy Muslims from the age of puberty. Although sick individuals are exempt from fasting, many will fast anyway. This article explores the impact of RF on individuals with kidney diseases through a comprehensive review of existing literature and consensus recommendations. This study was conducted by a multidisciplinary panel of experts.The recommendations aim to provide a structured approach to assess and manage fasting during Ramadan for patients with kidney diseases, empowering both healthcare providers and patients to make informed decisions while considering their unique circumstances.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor (SGLT2i) Associated Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Oncology Patients: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) use is associated with an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The clinical data regarding the use of SGLT2i and its potential side effects in oncology patients is limited. We are retrospectively reporting four oncology patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using SGLT2i who were admitted with DKA. The mean age of the patients was 61.25 years, and male to female ratio was 1:1. The duration of type 2 diabetes ranged from 10 to 20 years (mean 15.75 years) and the types of SGLT2i used were empagliflozin 25 mg and dapagliflozin 10 mg. The types of malignancy in our case series included squamous cell carcinoma of the cheek, ovarian cancer, and two patients had laryngeal carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma). Diabetic ketoacidosis was diagnosed in three patients following chemotherapy or concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. Poor oral intake and infections were the main risk factors in our patients. Mean blood glucose level, anion gap, and bicarbonate level were 11.7 mmol/l, 32.25, and 5 mmol/l, respectively. The majority had moderate DKA based on pH (mean 7.13). The hospital course was complicated by acute kidney injury (n=4), infections (n=4) (urinary tract infections, and pneumonia), and three patients required critical care. The mean length of hospitalization was 19.2 days and no mortality was reported among our patients. SGLT2i-related DKA is an emerging complication recognized in oncology patients. Some of the risk factors for this complication are starvation, poor oral intake, and infection which are quite prevalent in oncology patients. Temporary holding of SGLT2i medication during this period might have a potential preventive role.

Outcomes of patients with end stage kidney disease on dialysis with COVID-19 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; from PCR to antibody.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on dialysis are vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 infection, with mortality as high as 31 % in this group. Population demographics in the UAE are dissimilar to many other countries and data on antibody responses to COVID-19 is also limited. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients who developed COVID-19, the impact of the screening strategy, and to assess the antibody response to a subset of dialysis patients. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the outcomes of COVID19 infection in all our haemodialysis patients, who were tested regularly for COVID 19, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. In addition, IgG antibody serology was also performed to assess response to COVID-19 in a subset of patients. RESULTS: 152 (13 %) of 1180 dialysis patients developed COVID-19 during the study period from 1st of March to the 1st of July 2020. Of these 81 % were male, average age of 52​ years and 95 % were on in-centre haemodialysis. Family and community contact was most likely source of infection in most patients. Fever (49 %) and cough (48 %) were the most common presenting symptoms, when present. Comorbidities in infected individuals included hypertension (93 %), diabetes (49 %), ischaemic heart disease (30 %). The majority (68 %) developed mild disease, whilst 13 % required critical care. Combinations of drugs including hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir, lopinavir, ritonavir, camostat, tocilizumab and steroids were used based on local guidelines. The median time to viral clearance defined by two negative PCR tests was 15 days [IQR 6-25]. Overall mortality in our cohort was 9.2 %, but ICU mortality was 65 %. COVID-19 IgG antibody serology was performed in a subset (n = 87) but 26 % of PCR positive patients (n = 23) did not develop a significant antibody response. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reports a lower mortality in this patient group compared with many published series. Asymptomatic PCR positivity was present in 40 %. Rapid isolation of positive patients may have contributed to the relative lack of spread of COVID-19 within our dialysis units. The lack of antibody response in a few patients is concerning.

Outcomes of SGLT2 Inhibitors Use in Diabetic Renal Transplant Patients.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are newly introduced hypoglycemic drugs that work by inhibiting glucose reabsorption at proximal renal tubules. The use of SGLT2 inhibitors in nontransplant diabetic patients with or without cardiovascular disease has well-established efficacy and safety. The risks of renal graft dysfunction and urinary tract infections might be the limiting factors for their use in renal transplant patients. Data regarding the safety and long-term efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors use in diabetic renal transplant patients is scanty. The aim of the study is to report our experience with use of SGLT2 inhibitors in 8 diabetic renal transplant patients supported by literature review. Eight diabetic renal transplant patients were recruited from Tawam hospital during the period between June 2016 and January 2019. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. Adding SGLT2 resulted in significant decrease in hemoglobin A1c and body mass index after 12 months of treatment. There was significant negative correlation between the duration of treatment with SGLT2 and hemoglobin A1c. Diabetic renal transplant patients with stable kidney function had better glycemic control with use of SGLT2 inhibitors. There was no deterioration of kidney function and risk of recurrent urinary tract infection was low.

Possible acute rejection associated with the use of the new anti-hepatitis C virus medications.

Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It remains a major challenge for management and treatment, especially in patients with renal transplant. The new direct-acting antiviral agents gave big hopes to both clinicians and patients that they can overcome this challenge without major side effects. Studies recently have supported this claim; however, they are still few, limited, and may give false hopes. In the following case report, we present a case, supported by histological evidence about a possible acute rejection of kidney transplant after treatment with these new medications. This case is limited by the absence of donor-specific antibodies. This report is aimed to increase awareness about the urgent need for further studies.

Cardiac complications of arteriovenous fistulas in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of the death in dialysis patients. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are associated with lower mortality and are viewed as the desired access option in most patients with advanced kidney disease needing dialysis. However, AVFs have significant and potentially deleterious effects on cardiac functions particularly in the setting of preexisting heart disease. This article provides a comprehensive and contemporary review to what is known about the impact of AVFs on: congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular dysfunction, coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease.

Cardiac complications of arteriovenous fistulas in patients with end-stage renal disease / Complicaciones cardiacas de las fístulas arteriovenosas en pacientes con enfermedad renal terminal

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of the death in dialysis patients. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are associated with lower mortality and are viewed as the desired access option in most patients with advanced kidney disease needing dialysis. However, AVFs have significant and potentially deleterious effects on cardiac functions particularly in the setting of preexisting heart disease. This article provides a comprehensive and contemporary review to what is known about the impact of AVFs on: congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular dysfunction, coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease (AU)

La enfermedad cardiovascular es la principal causa de muerte en los pacientes dializados. Las fístulas arteriovenosas (FAV) se asocian a una menor mortalidad y se consideran la opción preferible de vía de acceso en la mayor parte de los pacientes con enfermedad renal avanzada que requieren diálisis. Sin embargo, las FAV tienen efectos importantes y potencialmente nocivos sobre las funciones cardíacas, en especial en presencia de una cardiopatía preexistente. En este artículo se presenta una revisión completa y actualizada de los conocimientos existentes sobre las repercusiones que tienen las FAV en los trastornos de: insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva, hipertrofia ventricular izquierda, hipertensión pulmonar, disfunción ventricular derecha, enfermedad coronaria y valvulopatías cardíacas (AU)

Comparison between short- and long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in hemodialysis patients: target hemoglobin, variability, and outcome.

PURPOSE: Maintaining target hemoglobin (Hb) with minimal variability is a challenge in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study is to compare the long- and short-acting erythropoietin-stimulating agents such as Aranesp and Eprex in achieving these targets. METHODS: Randomized, prospective, open-labeled study of 24 weeks includes stable patients on HD >3 months, age >18 years, and on Eprex for >3 months. Patients were randomized into two groups: A-(Aranesp group):HD patients on Eprex Q TIW or BIW were converted to Aranesp Q weekly, by using the conversion factor of 200:1 and those on Eprex Q weekly to Aranesp Q 2 weeks; B-(Eprex group):patients continued on Eprex treatment. Hemoglobin target was set at (105-125 g/l). Primary end points were percentage of patients achieving target Hb, hemoglobin variability, and number of dose changes in each group. RESULTS: This study consisted of 139 HD patients: 72 in the Aranesp and 67 in the Eprex-mean (SD) age 54 (16.2) years, 77 (55 %) males. About 46 % were diabetic. Target Hb achieved in 64.8 % of the Aranesp and 59.7 % in the Eprex (p = 0.006). Hb variability was less frequent in the Aranesp group (p = 0.2). Mean number of dose changes was 1.3 (0.87) in the Aranesp and 1.9 (1.2) in the Eprex (p < 0.001). There was 1 vascular access thrombosis in the Aranesp and 8 in the Eprex (p < 0.001). There was no difference in hospitalization and death number between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Aranesp Q weekly or every 2 weeks is more efficient in achieving target Hb, with less dose changes and minor vascular access complications.

Adaptation and implementation of the "Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)" guidelines for evaluation and management of mineral and bone disorders in chronic kidney disease for practice in the Middle East countries.

This review presents the views of an expert group of nephrologists from the Middle East along with an international expert on adaptation and implementation of the 2009 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines for evaluation and manage-ment of mineral and bone disorders in chronic kidney disease (CKD-MBD) for practice in the Middle East countries. The members of the panel examined the KDIGO guidelines and formulated recommendations that can be implemented practically for the management of CKD-MBD in the Middle East. There was a broad agreement on most of the recommendations made by the KDIGO work-group. However, the panelists commented on specific areas and amplified certain concepts that might help the nephrologists in the Middle East. The final document was reviewed by all participants as well as by members of the Middle East task force implementation group for KDIGO guidelines. Their comments were incorporated. The guideline statements are presented along with detailed rationale and relevant discussion as well as limitations of the evidence. The panel recognized the need to upgrade the suggestion of KDIGO related to lateral abdominal radiograph and echocardiogram in patients with CKD stages 3-5D into a stronger recommendation. The panel underlined the risk of hyper-phosphatemia to CKD-MBD and the importance of prompt initiation or modification of therapy according to rising trends in para-thyroid hormone level. They recommended the use of non-calcium-based phosphate binders as the first-line therapy in CKD patients with signs of vascular calcification. The panel agreed that all aspects of the KDIGO recommendations concerning bone biopsy, evaluation and treatment of bone disease after kidney trans-plantation should be implemented as such.

Renal biomarkers for assessment of kidney function in renal transplant recipients: how do they compare?

Accurate assessment of renal function is of key importance, given its prognostic value. However, gold standard measures are cumbersome, and serum creatinine itself is an insensitive predictor, especially in renal transplant recipients. Though GFR-estimating formulae have been relied upon, they do have their own limitations. Nevertheless, renal biomarkers such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C, among others, are now emerging as potentially useful indicators of GFR. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of NGAL versus cystatin C and eGFR using CKD-EPI, MDRD and cystatin C in renal transplant recipients and non-transplant CKD patients. We found a significant correlation between NGAL, serum creatinine, cystatin C and eGFR. The latter parameters were also strong predictors of serum NGAL levels. However, performance of NGAL, based on receiver operating characteristic curves, was inferior to that of the reference tests. It appears that in renal transplant recipients NGAL correlates well with cystatin C and eGFR, most strongly with cystatin-based formula. Though this suggests potential use of NGAL as a screening test, its weaker diagnostic performance raises some concern about its clinical usefulness. Larger studies are needed to explore this further.

Fasting Ramadan in chronic kidney disease patients: clinical and biochemical effects.

Fasting of the month of Ramadan is a pillar of Islam. Muslim patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually fast this month. To determine the effects of fasting on renal function in CKD patients, we prospectively studied 31 (19 males and mean age 54 ± 14.2 years) CKD patients during the month of Ramadan 1426 Hijra (4th October - 4th November 2005); 14 patients were in stage III CKD, 12 had stage IV and 5 had stage V. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) was 29 ± 16.3 mL/min. Diabetes was the main cause of CKD (19 (61%) patients), and hypertension was present in 22 (71%) patients. Clinical assessment and renal function tests were performed one month prior to fasting then during and a month later. Medications were taken in two divided doses at sunset (time of breaking the fast) and pre dawn (before starting the fast). All patients fasted the whole month of Ramadan with a good tolerance, tendency to weight reduction, and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. eGFR showed a significant improvement during the fast and the month after. The blood sugar was high during fasting with an increment in the Hb A1c. There was better lipid profile, reduction of the proteinuria and urinary sodium. We conclude that this study demonstrates a good tolerance and safety of fasting Ramadan in CKD patients.

Gonadal dysfunction and infertility in kidney transplant patients receiving sirolimus.

Sirolimus is an immunosupressor of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTOR-I) group. Recent studies have emphasized a potential impact of sirolimus on male gonadal function. We report our clinical experience with sirolimus-induced gonadal dysfunction and infertility in both male and female kidney transplant patients. Of the 170 kidney transplant patients, nine (5.3%) patients (six males and three females) were receiving sirolimus. Follow-up data for two male patients were not available. The one unmarried female patient developed amenorrhea post-transplantation and had resumption of her menstrual cycles after discontinuation of sirolimus. The remaining six married patients (four males and two females), who all had fathered or conceived children in the pre-transplantation period, developed gonadal dysfunction and infertility on average 5-12 months after transplantation. Sirolimus was discontinued in all four male patients with full recovery of the oligo/azospermia and restoration of fertility. Both married female patients developed amenorrhea post-transplantation. Sirolimus was discontinued in one female patient with resumption of her menstrual cycles. In this small population of patients treated with sirolimus, the prevalence rate of reversible gonadal dysfunction and infertility was significant in both males and females. Infertility secondary to sirolimus is under-diagnosed and should be studied further.

Fasting Ramadan in kidney transplant patients is safe.

Muslims with renal transplant often ask their doctors whether fasting Ramadan is safe. Scanty studies have addressed this question. This prospective study was undertaken to identify any clinical or biological changes with Muslim fasting. 22 kidney transplant patients with stable kidney functions, who were transplanted for more than one year, and voluntarily chose to fast during Ramadan in 1425 H (October-November 2004), were studied. Total of 22 subjects (10 men and 12 women) with a mean age of 47 +/- 11.6 years were studied. Full clinical and biological assessment was done before during and after the month of Ramadan fasting. Medications were taken in two divided doses at sunset (time of breaking the fast) and pre dawn (before the fast). None of the patients experienced any undue fatigue, or symptoms. Body weight, blood pressure, kidney function tests, blood sugar, lipid profile, and cyclosporine levels remained stable. In conclusion it is safe for renal transplant recipients of more than one year and having stable graft function to fast during the month of Ramadan; however caution is advised for moderate to severe impaired renal function.

Plasma BNP in patients on maintenance haemodialysis: a guide to management?

The number of patients requiring long-term haemodialysis is increasing throughout the world. Cardiovascular disease is much more common in these patients than in the general population and accounts for the majority of deaths. New approaches to management are clearly needed to reduce this excessive cardiovascular burden. We propose that circulating levels of the cardiac natriuretic peptides, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in particular, might provide a useful, objective guide to the management of their hydration status and pharmacotherapy. An overview of the literature shows that plasma levels of the cardiac natriuretic peptides are increased in this patient population and reflect cardiac preload and afterload along with cardiac pathology, thereby providing an index of cardiovascular (especially cardiac) stress and distress. Circulating levels of the cardiac peptides change in parallel with cardiac load, especially across haemodialysis. Furthermore, there is robust evidence that natriuretic peptide levels are predictive of cardiovascular outcome in these patients. Accordingly, we hypothesize that management of their haemodialysis, and pharmacotherapy designed specifically to lower plasma BNP levels to, or close to, the normal range, will reduce the excessive burden on the cardiovascular system and thereby ultimately lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease. We outline, in broad terms, how a trial to test this hypothesis might be designed.

Clinical profile of pre-end stage renal disease in the United arab emirates: one center experience.

The quality of care of patients with advanced chronic renal failure (CRF) is known to have a significant impact on the mortality of dialysis patients. We evaluated 22 patients with pre-end stage renal disease (pre-ESRD). Different parameters and factors known to affect the mortality in dialysis patients were studied. Diabetes mellitus was the leading cause of CRF found in 50% of local patients. Hypertension was the major co-morbid condition associated with CRF, noticed in 73% of patients. At the time of referral, the mean serum creatinine was 303.14 +/- 144 micromol/l, and hemoglobin was 107 g/l with 41% of the patients receiving erythropoietin. Hypo-albuminemia was frequently noted with most of the patients having serum albumin level of 30 +/- 6 g/l. A total of 36% of the patients had a functioning permanent vascular access. Hepatitis B and C were each seen in 6% of the patients. Two patients (9%) underwent pre-emotive renal transplantation. Our study suggests that more effort is needed to optimize the care of patients with CRF, mainly the nutritional status. Education of general internists, nephrologists and patients, for early referral, optimal care and better compliance, will have an important impact on the care of pre-ESRD patients.