Association of a Polygenic Risk Score With Osteoporosis in People Living With HIV: The Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Bone mineral density (BMD) loss may be accelerated in people with HIV (PLWH). It is unknown whether a polygenic risk score (PRS) is associated with low BMD in PLWH. METHODS: Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants of self-reported European descent underwent ≥2 per-protocol dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements ≥2 years apart (2011-2020). Univariable and multivariable odds ratios (ORs) for DXA-defined osteoporosis were based on traditional and HIV-related risk factors and a genome-wide PRS built from 9413 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with low BMD in the general population. Controls were free from osteoporosis/osteopenia on all DXA measurements. RESULTS: We included 438 participants: 149 with osteoporosis and 289 controls (median age, 53 years; 82% male, 95% with suppressed HIV RNA). Participants with unfavorable osteoporosis PRS (top vs bottom quintile) had univariable and multivariable-adjusted osteoporosis ORs of 4.76 (95% CI, 2.34-9.67) and 4.13 (1.86-9.18), respectively. For comparison, hepatitis C seropositivity, 5-year tenofovir disoproxil fumarate exposure, and parent history of hip fracture yielded univariable osteoporosis ORs of 2.26 (1.37-3.74), 1.84 (1.40-2.43), and 1.54 (0.82-2.9). CONCLUSIONS: In PLWH in Switzerland, osteoporosis was independently associated with a BMD-associated PRS after adjustment for established risk factors, including exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Excellent Clinical Long-Term Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation From Small Pediatric Donors (Age ≤ 5 Years) Despite Early Hyperfiltration Injury.

Background: The use of small pediatric donors (age ≤ 5 years and body weight < 20kg) for adult transplant recipients is still regarded controversially in terms of early complications, long-term outcomes, and development of hyperfiltration injury due to body size mismatch. Objective: To investigate long-term outcomes of adult renal allograft recipients receiving a kidney from small pediatric donor (SPD) in terms of kidney function and early features of hyperfiltration injury such as histological changes and proteinuria. Design: Retrospective, single center study. Settings: Transplant center of the University Hospital of Basel, Switzerland. Patients: Adult renal allograft recipients receiving a kidney from a small pediatric donor at our center between 2005 and 2017. Methods: The outcome of 47 transplants from SPD were compared with 153 kidney transplants from deceased-standard criteria donors (SCD) occurring during the same time period. Incidence of clinical signs of hyperfiltration injury (eg, proteinuria) was investigated. According to our policy, surveillance biopsies were taken at 3 and 6 months post-transplant and were evaluated in terms of signs of hyperfiltration injury. Results: At a median follow-up of 2.3 years post-transplant, death-censored graft survival of SPD was comparable to transplants from SCD (94% vs 93%; P = .54). Furthermore, allograft function at last follow-up (estimated glomerular filtration rate-Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) was significantly higher in pediatric transplant (80 vs 55 ml/min/1.73 m2, P = .002). We found histological signs of early hyperfiltration injury in 55% of SPD. There was an equally low proteinuria in both groups during follow-up. Limitations: It is a single center and retrospective observational study with small sample size. The outcomes were investigated in a well-selected population of recipients with low body mass index, low immunological risk, and well-controlled hypertension and was not compared with equal selected group of recipients. Conclusions: Early histological and clinical signs of hyperfiltration injury in SPD is frequent. Despite the hyperfiltration injury, there is an equal allograft survival and even superior allograft function in SPD compared with SCD during follow-up. This observation supports the concept of high adaptive capacity of pediatric donor kidneys.

Contexte: Le recours à de très jeunes donneurs pédiatriques (âge: ≤ 5 ans; poids < 20 kg), pour des greffes chez des receveurs adultes, suscite encore des préoccupations quant aux complications précoces, aux résultats à long terme et au développement de lésions d'hyperfiltration liées à la disproportion de taille corporelle. Objectif: Examiner les résultats à long terme de patients adultes greffés rénaux ayant reçu l'organe d'un très jeune donneur pédiatrique (TJDP), soit la fonction rénale et les signes précoces de lésions d'hyperfiltration (p. ex. changements histologiques et protéinurie). Type d'étude: Étude rétrospective dans un seul établissement. Cadre: Le centre de transplantation de l'hôpital universitaire de Bâle (Suisse). Sujets: Les adultes ayant reçu une greffe rénale provenant d'un très jeune donneur pédiatrique dans notre centre entre 2005 et 2017. Méthodologie: Les résultats de 47 transplantations impliquant des TJDP ont été comparés à ceux de 153 transplantations rénales survenues au cours de la même période, mais impliquant des donneurs décédés répondant aux critères standard (DDCS). L'incidence des signes cliniques de lésions d'hyperfiltration (p. ex. protéinurie) a été étudiée. Selon notre politique, des biopsies de surveillance ont été réalisées à 3 et 6 mois post-transplantation et évaluées pour les signes d'hyperfiltration. Résultats: Lors d'un suivi médian de 2,3 ans post-transplantation, le pourcentage de survie du greffon (censurée pour les décès) provenant de TJDP était comparable à celui de DDCS (94 % c. 93 %; p = 0,54). De plus, la fonction du greffon lors du dernier suivi (DFGe basé sur l'équation MDRD) était significativement plus élevée dans les cas de transplantation pédiatrique (80 ml/min/1,73 m2 contre 55 ml/min/1,73 m2; p=0,002). Des signes histologiques de lésions précoces dues à une hyperfiltration ont été observés dans 55 % des cas impliquant un TJDP. La protéinurie était peu importante et équivalente dans les deux groupes au cours du suivi. Limites: Il s'agit d'une étude observationnelle et rétrospective menée dans un seul centre et sur un faible échantillon. Les résultats ont été obtenus dans une population bien précise de receveurs avec un IMC peu élevé, un risque immunologique faible et une hypertension bien contrôlée; ces résultats n'ont pas été comparés à un autre groupe de receveurs équivalents. Conclusion: Des signes histologiques et cliniques précoces de lésion d'hyperfiltration sont fréquents chez les TJDP. Malgré cela, pendant la période de suivi, la survie de greffon provenant d'un TJDP s'est avérée comparable à celles d'organes provenant de DDCS et la fonction supérieure. Cette observation appuie l'hypothèse d'une grande capacité d'adaptation des reins provenant de donneurs pédiatriques.

Assisted peritoneal dialysis across Europe: Practice variation and factors associated with availability.

BACKGROUND: In Europe, the number of elderly end-stage kidney disease patients is increasing. Few of those patients receive peritoneal dialysis (PD), as many cannot perform PD autonomously. Assisted PD programmes are available in most European countries, but the percentage of patients receiving assisted PD varies considerably. Hence, we assessed which factors are associated with the availability of an assisted PD programme at a centre level and whether the availability of this programme is associated with proportion of home dialysis patients. METHODS: An online survey was sent to healthcare professionals of European nephrology units. After selecting one respondent per centre, the associations were explored by χ2 tests and (ordinal) logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 609 respondents completed the survey. Subsequently, 288 respondents from individual centres were identified; 58% worked in a centre with an assisted PD programme. Factors associated with availability of an assisted PD programme were Western European and Scandinavian countries (OR: 5.73; 95% CI: 3.07-10.68), non-academic centres (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.09-3.72) and centres with a dedicated team for education (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.35-6.11). Most Eastern & Central European respondents reported that the proportion of incident and prevalent home dialysis patients was <10% (72% and 63%), while 27% of Scandinavian respondents reported a proportion of >30% for both incident and prevalent home dialysis patients. Availability of an assisted PD programme was associated with a higher incidence (cumulative OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.21-3.01) and prevalence (cumulative OR: 2.81; 95% CI: 1.76-4.47) of patients on home dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Assisted PD was more commonly offered among non-academic centres with a dedicated team for education across Europe, especially among Western European and Scandinavian countries where higher incidence and prevalence of home dialysis patients was reported.

Barriers and opportunities to increase PD incidence and prevalence: Lessons from a European Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains underutilised and unplanned start of dialysis further diminishes the likelihood of patients starting on PD, although outcomes are equal to haemodialysis (HD). METHODS: A survey was sent to members of EuroPD and regional societies presenting a case vignette of a 48-year-old woman not previously known to the nephrology department and who arrives at the emergency department with established end-stage kidney disease (unplanned start), asking which dialysis modality would most likely be chosen at their respective centre. We assessed associations between the modality choices for this case vignette and centre characteristics and PD-related practices. RESULTS: Of 575 respondents, 32.8%, 32.2% and 35.0% indicated they would start unplanned PD, unplanned HD or unplanned HD with intention to educate patient on PD later, respectively. Likelihood for unplanned start of PD was only associated with quality of structure of the pre-dialysis program. Structure of pre-dialysis education program, PD program in general, likelihood to provide education on PD to unplanned starters, good collaboration with the PD access team and taking initiatives to enhance home-based therapies increased the likelihood unplanned patients would end up on PD. CONCLUSIONS: Well-structured pre-dialysis education on PD as a modality, good connections to dedicated PD catheter placement teams and additional initiatives to enhance home-based therapies are key to grow PD programs. Centres motivated to grow their PD programs seem to find solutions to do so.

Rapid Progression of Kidney Dysfunction in People Living With HIV: Use of Polygenic and Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) Risk Scores.

BACKGROUND: In people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), it is unknown whether genetic background associates with rapid progression of kidney dysfunction (ie, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] decrease of >5mL/min/1.73m2 per year for ≥3 consecutive years). METHODS: We obtained univariable and multivariable hazard ratios (HR) for rapid progression, based on the clinical D:A:D chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk score, antiretroviral exposures, and a polygenic risk score based on 14 769 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms in white Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants. RESULTS: We included 225 participants with rapid progression and 3378 rapid progression-free participants. In multivariable analysis, compared to participants with low D:A:D risk, participants with high risk had rapid progression (HR =  1.82 [95% CI, 1.28-2.60]). Compared to the first (favorable) polygenic risk score quartile, participants in the second, third, and fourth (unfavorable) quartiles had rapid progression (HR = 1.39 [95% CI, 0.94-2.06], 1.52 [95% CI, 1.04-2.24], and 2.04 [95% CI, 1.41-2.94], respectively). Recent exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was associated with rapid progression (HR = 1.36 [95% CI, 1.06-1.76]). DISCUSSION: An individual polygenic risk score is associated with rapid progression in Swiss PWH, when analyzed in the context of clinical and antiretroviral risk factors.

[Incidental finding of a high creatinine]. / Zufallsbefund hohes Kreatinin.

Incidental finding of a high creatinine Abstract. In up to 10 % of patient visiting their General Practitioner and having blood tests an elevated creatinine or reduced kidney function are detected incidentally by the often automatically reported estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by a creatinine-based formula. The most important step in this situation is to evaluate whether reduced kidney function is due to chronic kidney disease or whether the patient presents with an acute kidney injury (AKI). Early detection of AKI is crucial as any delay in accurate therapy can lead to further decline of kidney function and elevated mortality. In addition, intrinsic kidney diseases, which are less common should not be missed because early access to specialised management is crucial. Clinical history including history of medication, context of consultation, clinical evaluation and additional laboratory values will help to provide a first suspicion diagnosis. Further investigations (abdominal sonography, urinary sediment, proteinuria) will help to confirm the diagnosis. In any case of absence of an obvious cause of AKI, young patient, threatening severe renal insufficiency with rapid progression of kidney failure or suspicious laboratory abnormalities, the patient should be referred without any delay to a nephrologist for further evaluation and management.

Intra-Abdominal Nocardiosis-Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Nocardiosis is primarily an opportunistic infection affecting immunosuppressed individuals, in whom it most commonly presents as pulmonary infection and sometimes cerebral abscesses. Isolated abdominal or retroperitoneal nocardiosis is rare. Here, we report the second case, to our knowledge, of isolated abdominal nocardiosis due to Nocardia paucivorans and provide a comprehensive review of intra-abdominal nocardiosis. The acquisition of abdominal nocardiosis is believed to occur via hematogenous spreading after pulmonary or percutaneous inoculation or possibly via direct abdominal inoculation. Cases of Nocardia peritonitis have been reported in patients on peritoneal dialysis. Accurate diagnosis of abdominal nocardiosis requires histological and/or microbiological examination of appropriate, radiologically or surgically obtained biopsy specimens. Malignancy may initially be suspected when the patient presents with an abdominal mass. Successful therapy usually includes either percutaneous or surgical abscess drainage plus prolonged combination antimicrobial therapy.

Contribution of Genetic Background and Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Drugs (D:A:D) Clinical Risk Score to Chronic Kidney Disease in Swiss HIV-infected Persons With Normal Baseline Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate.

BACKGROUND: In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the relative contribution of genetic background, clinical risk factors, and antiretrovirals to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown. METHODS: We applied a case-control design and performed genome-wide genotyping in white Swiss HIV Cohort participants with normal baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR >90 mL/minute/1.73 m2). Univariable and multivariable CKD odds ratios (ORs) were calculated based on the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) score, which summarizes clinical CKD risk factors, and a polygenic risk score that summarizes genetic information from 86 613 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. RESULTS: We included 743 cases with confirmed eGFR drop to <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (n = 144) or ≥25% eGFR drop to <90 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (n = 599), and 322 controls (eGFR drop <15%). Polygenic risk score and D:A:D score contributed to CKD. In multivariable analysis, CKD ORs were 2.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-2.97) in participants in the fourth (most unfavorable) vs first (most favorable) genetic score quartile; 1.94 (95% CI, 1.37-2.65) in the fourth vs first D:A:D score quartile; and 2.98 (95% CI, 2.02-4.66), 1.70 (95% CI, 1.29-2.29), and 1.83 (95% CI, 1.45-2.40), per 5 years of exposure to atazanavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, respectively. Participants in the first genetic score quartile had no increased CKD risk, even if they were in the fourth D:A:D score quartile. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic score increased CKD risk similar to clinical D:A:D score and potentially nephrotoxic antiretrovirals. Irrespective of D:A:D score, individuals with the most favorable genetic background may be protected against CKD.

Early complications after living donor nephrectomy: analysis of the Swiss Organ Living Donor Health Registry.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the prospectively collected data about the incidence of early peri- and postoperative complications, and potential risk factors for adverse outcomes after living kidney donation in Switzerland. METHODS: Peri- and postoperative events were prospectively recorded on a questionnaire by the local transplant teams of all Swiss transplant centres and evaluated by the Swiss Organ Living Donor Health Registry. Complications were classified according to the Clavien grading system. A total of 1649 consecutive donors between 1998 and 2015 were included in the analysis. RESULTS: There was no perioperative mortality observed. The overall complication rate was 13.5%. Major complications defined as Clavien ≥3 occurred in 2.1% of donors. Obesity was not associated with any complications. Donor age >70years was associated with major complications (odds ratio [OR] 3.99) and genitourinary complications (urinary tract infection OR 5.85; urinary retention OR 6.61). There were more major complications observed in donors with laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery (p = 0.048), but an equal overall complication rate (p = 0.094). CONCLUSION: We found a low rate of major and minor complications, independent of surgical technique, after living donor nephrectomy. There was no elevated complication rate in obese donors. In contrast, elderly donors >70 years had an elevated risk for perioperative complications.

Acute Rejection Phenotypes in the Current Era of Immunosuppression: A Single-Center Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Besides 'definitive rejection', the Banff classification includes categories for 'suspicious for rejection' phenotypes. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and phenotypes of rejection episodes in 316 consecutive renal transplants from 2009 to 2014 grouped into patients without/with pretransplant HLA-DSA (ptDSAneg, n = 251; ptDSApos, n = 65). METHODS: All adequate indication (n = 125) and surveillance biopsies (n = 538) performed within the first year posttransplant were classified according to the current Banff criteria. RESULTS: 'Suspicious for rejection' phenotypes were 3 times more common than 'definitive rejection' phenotypes in biopsies from ptDSAneg patients (35% vs 11%) and equally common in biopsies from ptDSApos patients (25% vs 27%). In both groups, 'suspicious for rejection' phenotypes were more frequent in surveillance than in indication biopsies (28% vs 16% in ptDSAneg patients, and 37% vs 29% in ptDSApos patients). 'Borderline changes: 'Suspicious' for acute T-cell mediated rejection' (91%) were the dominant 'suspicious for rejection' phenotype in ptDSAneg patients, whereas 'borderline changes' (58%) and 'suspicious for acute/active antibody-mediated rejection' (42%) were equally frequent in biopsies from ptDSApos patients. Inclusion of 'suspicious for rejection' phenotypes increased the 1-year incidence of clinical (ptDSAneg patients: 18% vs 8%, P = 0.0005; ptDSApos patients: 24% vs 18%, P = 0.31) and (sub)clinical rejection (ptDSAneg patients: 59% vs 22%, P < 0.0001; ptDSApos patients: 68% vs 40%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: 'Suspicious for rejection' phenotypes are very common in the current era and outnumber the frequency of 'definitive rejection' within the first year posttransplant.

[Goodpasture Syndrome: a Rare Cause of Acute Anuric Renal Failure]. / Goodpasture-Syndrom: seltene Ursache eines anurischen Nierenversagens.

We report a case of a 68 year old male who presented with an acute onset of anuric renal failure. Investigations revealed a histologically confirmed "double-positive" anti-GBM disease with initially undetectably high antibody values. An induction therapy with plasma exchange, cyclophosphamide and initially high dose steroids and further maintenance therapy for three months was initiated. The patient remained dialysis-dependent despite partial recovering of renal function. Without pulmonary involvement there were no clues for Goodpasture's disease. Renal prognosis is unfavourable.

A Rare Case of Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis with Sphingomonas koreensis.

Sphingomonas species are ubiquitous gram-negative, aerobic bacteria frequently found in aquatic environments such as drinking water and very seldom in hemodialysis fluids or supposedly sterile drug solutions. Human infections with the gram-negative Sphingomonas species are rare and peritonitis with these organisms even rarer. Here we report a case of polymicrobial peritonitis due to Sphingomonas koreensis and Escherichia coli in a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Successful Treatment of a Pacemaker Infection with Intraperitoneal Daptomycin.

We investigated the pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal administration of daptomcyin in a peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient treated for a pacemaker infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis. After initial start of intravenous daptomycin at 9 mg/kg body weight every 48 hours, the therapy was switched to intraperitoneal administration of 5.3 mg/kg body weight in 1 L icodextrin 7.5% with a dwell time of 12 hours overnight every 48 hours. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) was performed at 4 hours and 24 hours after dose administration. Due to high peak concentration above target peak concentration, the dose was reduced to a final maintenance dose of 3.2 mg/kg body weight. Data from this single case suggest that serum drug concentration above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) can be easily achieved with intraperitoneal administration of daptomycin every 48 hours even with a lower dose, as recommended for the intravenous administration, but measurement of serum concentration and dose adjustments are mandatory in such cases.

Urothelial Cancer in Renal Transplant Recipients: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Oncological Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for urothelial cancer (UC) as well as the oncological outcome and allograft function in renal transplant recipients. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1855 consecutive patients undergoing renal transplantation (TX) between February 1982 and May 2014 at a single center. UC incidence, overall and cancer-specific survival, recurrence and progression rates, risk factors for UC, and renal function were determined. Fisher's exact test and log-rank Mantel-Cox test were used as appropriate. RESULTS: In renal transplant recipients, incidence of de novo UC was 1.35% (25/1855). Deceased donor transplantation (P = .002), increased age at transplantation (P = .011), and analgesic abuse (P = .005) were significant risk factors for the development of UC post-TX. Progression rate and recurrence rate were doubled for post-TX-UC but stable for patients with pre-TX-UC compared with the general population. Analgesic abuse was associated with worse cancer specific and overall survival in post-TX patients. The overall survival status was significantly lower for post-TX patients at a median of 34 months vs 222 months in control patients. Adjuvant treatment was scarcely used. UC had no significant influence on graft function. CONCLUSION: A higher incidence of UC was identified in renal transplant recipients compared with that for the general population. These observations justify screening for UC in renal transplant patients, especially considering that in a large proportion, a tentative diagnosis was possible with noninvasive urine analysis. Prudent adjuvant treatment for UC should be used. Limitations of this study were the retrospective design and the single-center experience.

Pseudomonas exit-site infection: treatment outcomes with topical gentamicin in addition to systemic antibiotics.

BACKGROUND: Although, Pseudomonas exit-site infection (ESI) is recognized as a major complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) with high risk of catheter loss due to refractory/recurrent infection or peritonitis, there is remarkably little literature about treatment outcomes. International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines advise the use of one to two antibiotics; in addition, we change standard exit-site care by stopping prophylactic mupirocin and starting regular use of gentamicin 1% cream. METHODS: Retrospective review of outcomes of Pseudomonas ESI from January 2012 to March 2015. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 135 patients were on PD with an overall incidence of any ESI of 0.36/patient-year. There were 14 patients with ESI episodes with Pseudomonas with a rate of 0.12/patient-year. In total, 13 of 14 patients with ESI episodes were treated with oral ciprofloxacin and/or intraperitoneal (IP) gentamicin or ceftazidime, plus topical gentamicin, with a success rate of 38% (5/13). One patient had gentamicin-resistant Pseudomonas species and was treated successfully with topical polymyxin/bacitracin cream. Median follow-up time in cured patients was 385 days (range 74-1107). Six patients had associated with Pseudomonas peritonitis, four during follow-up and two at initial presentation. Three patients had recurrent ESI with Pseudomonas, with one successfully re-treated with topical and IP gentamicin. In total, in only 50% of the patients was Pseudomonas ESI successfully treated. Five of the patients (36%) changed modality to permanent haemodialysis following catheter removal. CONCLUSION: Eradication of Pseudomonas ESI remains difficult even with the addition of topical gentamicin to the exit site. There should be a low threshold for catheter replacement.

Acute kidney injury KDIGO stage 2 to 3 in HIV-positive patients treated with cART--a case series over 11 years in a cohort of 1,153 patients.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore acute kidney injury (AKI) Kidney Disease Improving Global Guidelines (KDIGO) stage 2 to 3 in a cohort of antiretroviral treated HIV-infected individuals. METHODS: HIV-infected individuals of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (Basel site), treated with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) 2002-2013, were included. AKI was defined and classified according to the KDIGO Clinical Practice Guidelines for AKI. Data were prospectively collected and reports of kidney biopsies obtained from records. RESULTS: Among 1,153 cART-treated patients, 13 experienced AKI KDIGO stage 2 to 3 (1 patient stage 2, 12 patients stage 3; median age 46 years; 9 male; median CD4 count 366 cells/µl), corresponding to an incidence rate of AKI of 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.45-1.33) per 1000 patient-years. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 87 ml/min (interquartile range 66-100). Ten patients were treated with tenofovir (TDF). Nine patients (69%) had ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor, only two patients had known pre-existing kidney disease. Three patients needed chronic and two temporary dialysis. AKI was associated with TDF therapy in 6 of 13 (46%) patients (mean TDF exposure time before AKI 41 months). Impaired renal function was partially reversible in all patients. In three patients with biopsy-proven pre-existing kidney disease (AA amyloidosis, calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephropathy and minimal change glomerulopathy), TDF potentially added to AKI. CONCLUSIONS: AKI KDIGO stage 2 to 3 demonstrates complex associations at the individual level and can occur without early signs. Although treatment with TDF and presence of cardiovascular risk factors were found frequently, predicting AKI seems very difficult.

Prevalence and risk factors for chronic kidney disease in a rural region of Haiti.

BACKGROUND: In the Caribbean region chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing challenge. High rates of non-communicable and infectious diseases and the rise in people suffering from diabetes and hypertension explain the observed and further expected increase of CKD. However, data about the magnitude of the problem are rare and in some countries such as Haiti completely lacking. The aim of our study was to generate data about the prevalence and risk factors for CKD in a rural region in Haiti. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, adult patients visiting the medical outpatient clinic of the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) in Deschapelles Haiti were included. CKD was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and measurement of proteinuria by dipstick test. Risk factors for CKD were assessed by clinical examinations and questionnaires. RESULTS: Overall 608 patients were screened for CKD, of whom 27% had CKD. CKD stages 1 to 2 were found in 15.3% and stages 3 to 5 in 11.7%. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was 49.2% and 36.3%, respectively. Risk factors independently associated with CKD were hypertension (p = 0.0002) and HIV infection (p = 0.019) and age >60 years (p = 0.0052), whereas diabetes mellitus was not independently associated (p = 0.72). CONCLUSION: Our data show a high prevalence of CKD and traditional risk factors, and their association with CKD in Haiti. These findings have now to be confirmed in other regions in longitudinal analyses as a basic step to build up screening and prevention programmes for CKD.

[Kidney diseases in elderly patients]. / Nierenerkrankungen bei älteren Patienten.

The prevalence of CKD increases with old age. The increase of risk factors for the development of CKD such as hypertension, diabetes and adipositas is essentially responsible for this. For the treating physician it is therefore important to diagnose CKD early to slow its progression. Physiological aging of the kidney is responsible for the development of functional impairments in the elderly. Electrolyte disorders and hemodynamically caused perfusion deficits are more frequent in old age and are often caused by medication. If kidney replacement therapy in end stage renal disease in the elderly is initiated or not should not depend on age but should consider patient preference, comorbidities and quality of life, which together are ideally assessed early.

La prévalence des affections rénales chroniques augmente avec l'âge. La raison en est principalement une fréquence accrue de facteurs de risque favorisant le développement des affections rénales comme l'hypertension, le diabète et l'adiposité. Pour le médecin praticien il est dès lors important de diagnostiquer précocement les affections rénales afin de ralentir leur progression. Le vieillissement physiologique du rein est responsable d'anomalies fonctionnelles chez la personne âgée. Des troubles électrolytiques et hémodynamiques causés par des déficits de perfusion sont plus fréquents chez la personne âgée et sont souvent d'origine médicamenteuse. Le recours ou non à une thérapie de remplacement rénal ne devrait pas dépendre de l'âge mais devrait prendre en compte la préférence du malade, l'existence de co-morbidités et la qualité de vie, des facteurs qui idéalement devraient être évalués ensembles précocement.