Effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on anemia and their possible clinical implications.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated cardiovascular and renal benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. Since the first studies with these drugs, an initial increase in hemoglobin/hematocrit levels was observed, which was attributed to an increase in hemoconcentration associated with its diuretic effect, although it was early appearent that these drugs increased erythropoietin levels and erythropoiesis, and improved iron metabolism. Mediation studies found that the increase in hemoglobin was strongly associated with the cardiorenal benefits of these drugs. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms for improving erythropoiesis and the implication of the increase in hemoglobin on the cardiorenal prognostic benefit of these drugs.

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation in patients on peritoneal dialysis, prevalence, treatment and professionals involved.

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent chronic arrhythmia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists and now direct oral anticoagulants have been and are the fundamental pillars for the prevention of thromboembolic events. However, there are no randomized clinical trials on the risk-benefit profile of oral anticoagulation in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 on peritoneal dialysis and there is little evidence in the literature in this population. The objective of our study was to know the prevalence, treatment and professionals involved in the management of atrial fibrillation in peritoneal dialysis patients. For this purpose, we performed a descriptive analysis through a survey sent to different peritoneal dialysis units in Spain. A total of 1,403 patients on peritoneal dialysis were included in the study, of whom 186 (13.2%) had non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In addition, the assessment of the scores of thromboembolic and bleeding risks for the indication of oral anticoagulation was mainly carried out by the cardiologist (60% of the units), as well as its prescription (cardiologist 47% or in consensus with the nephrologist 43%). In summary, patients on peritoneal dialysis have a remarkable prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Patients frequently receive oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists, as well as direct oral anticoagulants. The data obtained regarding the scores used for the assessment of thromboembolic and bleeding risk, treatment and involvement by Nephrology indicates that there is a need for training and involvement of the nephrologist in this pathology.

Efecto de los inhibidores del cotransportador sodio-glucosa tipo 2 sobre la anemia: posibles implicaciones clínicas / Effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on anemia and their possible clinical implications

Los inhibidores del cotransportador sodio-glucosa tipo 2 (iSGLT2) han demostrado su beneficio cardiovascular y renal en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) o enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Desde los primeros estudios, con estos fármacos se objetivó un incremento inicial de los niveles de hemoglobina/hematocrito que se atribuyó a un aumento de la hemoconcentración asociados a su efecto diurético, aunque pronto se constató que aumentaban los niveles de eritropoyetina (EPO) y eritropoyesis, mejorando el metabolismo férrico. Los estudios de mediación objetivaron que el incremento de hemoglobina se asociaba estrechamente con los beneficios cardiorrenales de estas sustancias. En la presente revisión se discuten los mecanismos de mejora de la eritropoyesis y la implicación del aumento de hemoglobina sobre el beneficio pronóstico cardiorrenal de estos medicamentos.(AU)

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated cardiovascular and renal benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. Since the first studies with these drugs, an initial increase in hemoglobin/hematocrit levels was observed, which was attributed to an increase in hemoconcentration associated with its diuretic effect, although it was soon seen that these drugs increased erythropoietin levels and erythropoiesis, and improved iron metabolism. Mediation studies found that the increase in hemoglobin was strongly associated with the cardiorenal benefits of these drugs. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms for improving erythropoiesis and the implication of the increase in hemoglobin on the cardiorenal prognostic benefit of these drugs.(AU)

Comparison of outcomes on hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) in anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease: network meta-analyses in dialysis and non-dialysis dependent populations.

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) are oral alternatives to current standard-of-care treatments for anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted network meta-analyses to indirectly compare clinical outcomes for three HIF-PHIs in dialysis and non-dialysis populations with anaemia in CKD. Methods: The evidence base comprised phase III, randomised, controlled trials evaluating daprodustat, roxadustat, or vadadustat. Three outcomes were evaluated: efficacy [change from baseline in haemoglobin (Hgb)], cardiovascular safety [time to first major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE)] and quality of life [change from baseline in 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Vitality score]. Analyses were performed separately for all patients and for erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) non-users at baseline (non-dialysis population) or prevalent dialysis patients (dialysis population). Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods with non-informative priors were used to estimate the posterior probability distribution and generate pairwise treatment comparisons. Point estimates (medians of posterior distributions) and 95% credible intervals (CrI) were calculated. Results: Seventeen trials were included. In non-dialysis patients, there were no clinically meaningful differences between the three HIF-PHIs with respect to Hgb change from baseline [all patients analysis (total n = 7907): daprodustat vs. roxadustat, 0.09 g/dL (95% CrI -0.14, 0.31); daprodustat vs. vadadustat, 0.09 g/dL (-0.04, 0.21); roxadustat vs. vadadustat, 0.00 g/dL (-0.22, 0.22)] or risk of MACE [all patients analysis (total n = 7959): daprodustat vs. roxadustat, hazard ratio (HR) 1.16 (95% CrI 0.76, 1.77); daprodustat vs. vadadustat, 0.88 (0.71, 1.09); roxadustat vs. vadadustat, 0.76 (0.50, 1.16)]. Daprodustat showed a greater increase in SF-36 Vitality compared with roxadustat [total n = 4880; treatment difference 4.70 points (95% CrI 0.08, 9.31)]. In dialysis patients, Hgb change from baseline was higher with daprodustat and roxadustat compared with vadadustat [all patients analysis (total n = 11 124): daprodustat, 0.34 g/dL (0.22, 0.45); roxadustat, 0.38 g/dL (0.27, 0.49)], while there were no clinically meaningful differences in the risk of MACE between the HIF-PHIs [all patients analysis (total n = 12 320): daprodustat vs. roxadustat, HR 0.89 (0.73, 1.08); daprodustat vs. vadadustat, HR 0.99 (0.82, 1.21); roxadustat vs. vadadustat, HR 1.12 (0.92, 1.37)]. Results were similar in analyses of ESA non-users and prevalent dialysis patients. Conclusions: In the setting of anaemia in CKD, indirect treatment comparisons suggest that daprodustat, roxadustat, and vadadustat are broadly clinically comparable in terms of efficacy and cardiovascular safety (precision was low for the latter), while daprodustat may be associated with reduction in fatigue to a greater extent than roxadustat.

Opportunities to improve the management of anemia in peritoneal dialysis patients: lessons from a national study in routine clinical practice.

Background: Current guidelines establish the same hemoglobin (Hb) and iron biomarkers targets for hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) even though patients having PD are usually younger, more active and less comorbid. Unfortunately, specific renal anemia [anemia in chronic kidney disease (aCKD)] trials or observational studies on PD are scanty. The aims of this study were to describe current aCKD management, goals and adherence to clinical guidelines, identifying opportunities for healthcare improvement in PD patients. Methods: This was a retrospective, nationwide, multicentre study including patients from 19 PD units. The nephrologists collected baseline data, demographics, comorbidities and data related to anemia management (laboratory values, previously prescribed treatments and subsequent adjustments) from electronic medical records. The European adaptation of KDIGO guidelines was the reference for definitions, drug prescriptions and targets. Results: A total of 343 patients (mean age 62.9 years, 61.2% male) were included; 72.9% were receiving ESAs and 33.2% iron therapy [20.7% intravenously (IV)]. Eighty-two patients were receiving ESA without iron therapy, despite 53 of them having an indication according to the European Renal Best Practice guidelines. After laboratory results, iron therapy was only started in 15% of patients. Among ESA-treated patients, 51.9% had an optimal control [hemoglobin (Hb) 10-12 g/dL] and 28.3% between 12-12.9 g/dL. Seventeen patients achieved Hb >13 g/dL, and 12 of them remained on ESA after overshooting. Only three patients had Hb <10 g/dL without ESAs. Seven patients (2%) met criteria for ESA resistance (epoetin dose >300 IU/kg/week). The highest tertile of erythropoietin resistance index (>6.3 UI/kg/week/g/dL) was associated with iron deficiency and low albumin corrected by renal replacement therapy vintage and hospital admissions in the previous 3 months. Conclusion: Iron therapy continues to be underused (especially IV). Low albumin, iron deficiency and prior events explain most of the ESA hyporesponsiveness. Hb targets are titrated to/above the upper limits. Thus, several missed opportunities for adequate prescriptions and adherence to guidelines were identified.

Epidemiology and treatment of renal anaemia in Spain: RIKAS retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Studies on the prevalence of anaemia in chronic kidney disease in adults not on dialysis (CKD-ND) and in dialysis programmes (CKD-D) in Spain are not recent or focus on certain subgroups. The aim of this study was to know the epidemiology and current treatment patterns of anaemia associated with CKD in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicentre, non-interventional, retrospective study with CKD-ND stage 3a-5 and CKD-D patients treated in Spain between 2015 and 2017 (RIKAS study). RESULTS: The prevalence of anaemia in CKD-ND and CKD-D in 2015 was 33.8% and 91.5%, respectively, with similar results during 2016-2017. The prevalence of systemic inflammation in anaemic patients (18.1% and 51.8% for CKD-ND and CKD-D, respectively) was higher, especially in those treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA), compared to the general population with CKD-ND. After 12 months of follow-up, mean ferritin and transferrin saturation index (TSI) values in anaemic patients with CKD-ND were 187.1 ng/mL and 22.2%, respectively, while in CKD-D were 254.6 ng/mL and 20.2%. In ESA-treated patients, mean values were 190.6 ng/mL and 22.0% in ND-CKD, and 255.0 ng/mL and 20.2% in D-CKD. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anaemia and inflammation increased with the disease severity, being higher in D-CKD. Iron parameters in anaemic patients treated or not with ESA are insufficient according to the guidelines, so there is room for improvement in the treatment of anaemia associated with CKD.

Unresolved aspects in the management of renal anemia, a Delphi consensus of the Anemia Group of the S.E.N.

Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with a decrease in quality of life and an increased risk of transfusions, morbidity and mortality, and progression of CKD. The Anemia Working Group of the Sociedad Española de Nefrología conducted a Delphi study among experts in anemia in CKD to agree on relevant unanswered questions by existing evidence. The RAND/UCLA consensus methodology was used. We defined 15 questions with a PICO structure, followed by a review in scientific literature databases. Statements to each question were developed based on that literature review. Nineteen experts evaluated them using an iterative Two-Round Delphi-like process. Sixteen statements were agreed in response to 8 questions related to iron deficiency and supplementation with Fe (impact and management of iron deficiency with or without anemia, iron deficiency markers, safety of i.v. iron) and 7 related to erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) and/or hypoxia-inducible factor stabilizers (HIF), reaching consensus on all of them (individualization of the Hb objective, impact and management of resistance to ESA, ESA in the immediate post-transplant period and HIF stabilizers: impact on ferrokinetics, interaction with inflammation and cardiovascular safety). There is a need for clinical studies addressing the effects of correction of iron deficiency independently of anemia and the impact of anemia treatment with various ESA on quality of life, progression of CKD and cardiovascular events.

Challenges in perioperative blood transfusions in kidney transplantation and the need for Patient Blood Management.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is highly prevalent in end-stage chronic kidney disease patients, increasing their risk of receiving blood transfusions during and on the days after a kidney transplant (KTx) surgery. However, there is currently a lack of data that thoroughly describes this phenomenon in this population, the associated risk factors, and how they could benefit from the application of Patient Blood Management (PBM) guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational study. All adult patients who received a KTx between January 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2021, were included and followed up to six months after transplantation. Those who received a multiorgan transplant, whose data was missing in the electronic health records, and who had primary non-function were excluded. We recorded donor and recipient characteristics, cold ischemia time, preoperative hemoglobin concentration, iron status deficiency biomarkers, incidence of delayed graft function and biopsy-proven graft rejections, and graft function at discharge and 6 months after transplantation. RESULTS: We found that a high amount (39%) of KTx recipients required at least one blood transfusion during the perioperative period. And that 1) most of these patients had anemia at the time of transplantation (85.4%), 2) iron status upon admission was associated with the transfusion of more blood units (3.9 vs 2.7, p=0.019), 3) surgical reintervention (OR 7.28, 2.35-22.54) and deceased donor donation (OR 1.99, 1.24-3.21) were associated with an increased risk of transfusion, and finally, 4) there was an association between a higher number of blood units transfused and impaired kidney graft function six months after hospital discharge (1.6 vs 1.9, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, PBM guidelines should be applied to patients on the KTx deceased donor waiting list and especially those scheduled to receive a transplant from a living donor. This could potentially increase the utilization efficiency of blood products and avoid transfusion-related severe adverse effects.

Glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1) receptor agonists in the management of the patient with type 2diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: an approach for the nephrologist.

Diabetic kidney disease, a common complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, is associated with a markedly increased morbidity and mortality, especially of cardiovascular origin, and faster progression to end-stage renal disease. To date, reducing cardiovascular and renal risk in this population was based on strict control of cardiovascular risk factors and the renin-angiotensin system blockade. More recently, sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors have demonstrated to offer cardiovascular and renal protection, but the residual risk remains high and their antihyperglycemic efficacy is limited in moderate-severe CKD. Therefore, drugs with a potent antihyperglycemic effect, independent of the glomerular filtration rate, with a low risk of hypoglycemia, that reduce weight in overweight/obese patients and that provide cardiovascular and renal protection, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are needed. However, these drugs require subcutaneous administration, which may limit their early use. The recent availability of oral semaglutide may facilitate the early introduction of this family with proven cardiovascular and renal benefits and excellent safety profile. In this review the family is analyzed as well as their cardiovascular and renal effects.

Aspectos no resueltos en el manejo de la anemia renal, un consenso Delphi del Grupo de Anemia de la SEN / Unresolved aspects in the management of renal anemia, a Delphi consensus of the Anemia Group of the SEN

La anemia es una complicación frecuente de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) y se asocia con una disminución en la calidad de vida y a un mayor riesgo de transfusiones, de morbimortalidad y de progresión de la ERC. El Grupo de Trabajo en Anemia de la Sociedad Española de Nefrología realizó un estudio Delphi entre expertos en anemia de la ERC para consensuar respuestas a preguntas relevantes que no se hubieran podido resolver con la evidencia existente. Se empleó la metodología de consensos RAND/UCLA. Se definieron 15 preguntas con una estructura PICO, seguida de una revisión en bases de datos de literatura científica. A partir de la evidencia se formularon enunciados. Diecinueve expertos los evaluaron mediante un proceso iterativo tipo Delphi a dos rondas. Se consensuaron 16 enunciados en respuesta a 8 preguntas referidas a la ferropenia y suplementación con Fe (impacto y gestión de ferropenia con o sin anemia, marcadores de ferropenia, seguridad de hierro i.v.) y a 7 relacionadas con agentes estimuladores de la eritropoyesis (AEE) y/o con estabilizadores del factor inducible por la hipoxia (HIF), alcanzándose consenso en todos ellos (individualización del objetivo de Hb, impacto y gestión de resistencia a AEE, AEE en el periodo inmediato post trasplante y estabilizadores de HIF: impacto sobre la ferrocinética, interacción con inflamación y seguridad cardiovascular). Existe una necesidad de estudios clínicos que aborden los efectos de la corrección del déficit de Fe con independencia de la anemia y el impacto del tratamiento de esta con diversos AEE sobre la calidad de vida, la progresión de ERC y los eventos cardiovasculares. (AU)

Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with a decrease in quality of life and an increased risk of transfusions, morbidity and mortality, and progression of CKD. The Anemia Working Group of the Sociedad Española de Nefrología conducted a Delphi study among experts in anemia in CKD to agree on relevant unanswered questions by existing evidence. The RAND/UCLA consensus methodology was used. We defined 15 questions with a PICO structure, followed by a review in scientific literature databases. Statements to each question were developed based on that literature review. Nineteen experts evaluated them using an iterative Two-Round Delphi-like process. Sixteen statements were agreed in response to 8 questions related to iron deficiency and supplementation with Fe (impact and management of iron deficiency with or without anemia, iron deficiency markers, safety of i.v. iron) and 7 related to erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) and/or hypoxia-inducible factor stabilizers (HIF), reaching consensus on all of them (individualization of the Hb objective, impact and management of resistance to ESA, ESA in the immediate post-transplant period and HIF stabilizers: impact on ferrokinetics, interaction with inflammation and cardiovascular safety). There is a need for clinical studies addressing the effects of correction of iron deficiency independently of anemia and the impact of anemia treatment with various ESA on quality of life, progression of CKD and cardiovascular events. (AU)

Epidemiología y tratamiento de la anemia renal en España: estudio retrospectivo RIKAS / Epidemiology and treatment of renal anaemia in Spain: RIKAS retrospective study

Antecedentes y objetivo: Los estudios sobre la prevalencia de anemia en enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en adultos no en diálisis (ERC-ND) y en programa de diálisis (ERC-D) en España no son recientes, o se centran en ciertos subgrupos. El objetivo fue conocer la epidemiología y los patrones actuales de tratamiento de la anemia asociada a la ERC en España. Materiales y métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, no intervencionista, retrospectivo con pacientes ERC-ND estadios 3a-5 y ERC-D, atendidos en España entre 2015 y 2017 (estudio RIKAS). Resultados: La prevalencia de anemia en ERC-ND y ERC-D en 2015 fue del 33,8 y del 91,5%, respectivamente, con resultados similares durante 2016-2017. La prevalencia de inflamación sistémica en pacientes anémicos (18,1 y 51,8% para ERC-ND y ERC-D, respectivamente) fue superior, especialmente en aquellos tratados con agentes estimuladores de eritropoyesis (AEE), respecto a la población general con ERC-ND. Tras 12meses de seguimiento, los valores medios de ferritina y del índice de saturación de transferrina (IST) en pacientes anémicos con ERC-ND fueron de 187,1ng/ml y del 22,2%, respectivamente, mientras que en ERC-D fueron de 254,6ng/ml y del 20,2%. En pacientes tratados con AEE, los valores medios fueron de 190,6ng/ml y del 22,0% en ERC-ND, y de 255,0ng/ml y del 20,2% en ERC-D. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de anemia y de inflamación aumentan con la severidad de la enfermedad, siendo mayores en ERC-D. Los parámetros férricos en pacientes anémicos tratados o no con AEE son insuficientes según las guías, por lo que existe un margen de mejora para el tratamiento de la anemia asociada a la ERC. (AU)

Background and objective: Studies on the prevalence of anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults not on dialysis (CKD-ND) and in dialysis programmes (CKD-D) in Spain are not recent or focus on certain subgroups. The aim of this study was to know the epidemiology and current treatment patterns of anaemia associated with CKD in Spain. Materials and methods: Multicentre, non-interventional, retrospective study with CKD-ND stage 3a-5 and CKD-D patients treated in Spain between 2015 and 2017 (RIKAS study). Results: The prevalence of anaemia in CKD-ND and CKD-D in 2015 was 33.8% and 91.5%, respectively, with similar results during 2016-2017. The prevalence of systemic inflammation in anaemic patients (18.1% and 51.8% for CKD-ND and CKD-D, respectively) was higher, especially in those treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA), compared to the general population with CKD-ND. After 12months of follow-up, mean ferritin and transferrin saturation index (TSI) values in anaemic patients with CKD-ND were 187.1ng/ml and 22.2%, respectively, while in CKD-D were 254.6ng/ml and 20.2%. In ESA-treated patients, mean values were 190.6ng/ml and 22.0% in ND-CKD, and 255.0ng/ml and 20.2% in D-CKD. Conclusions: The prevalence of anaemia and inflammation increased with disease severity, being higher in D-CKD. Iron parameters in anaemic patients treated or not with ESA are insufficient according to the guidelines, so there is room for improvement in the treatment of anaemia associated with CKD. (AU)

Agonistas del receptor de péptido similar al glucagón tipo 1 (GLP-1) en el manejo del paciente con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Una aproximación para el nefrólogo / Glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1) receptor agonists in the management of the patient with type 2diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: An approach for the nephrologist

La enfermedad renal diabética, frecuente en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, se asocia con un marcado incremento de la morbimortalidad, especialmente cardiovascular, y de progresión a enfermedad renal crónica terminal. Hasta la fecha la reducción del riesgo cardiovascular y renal en esta población se ha basado en el control estricto de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y en el uso de inhibidores del sistema renina-angiotensina. Mas recientemente los inhibidores del cotransportador sodio-glucosa tipo 2 han demostrado ofrecer protección cardiovascular y renal, pero el riesgo residual sigue siendo alto y su eficacia antihiperglucemiante es limitada en ERC moderada-severa. Por ello se precisan fármacos con un potente efecto antihiperglucemiante, independiente del filtrado glomerular, con bajo riesgo de hipoglicemia, que reduzcan el peso en pacientes con sobrepeso/obesidad y que proporcionen una protección cardiovascular y renal, como los agonistas del receptor de GLP-1. Sin embargo, estos fármacos precisan de su administración subcutánea, lo que puede limitar su uso temprano. La reciente disponibilidad de semaglutida oral puede ayudar a la introducción precoz de esta familia con beneficios cardiovasculares y renales probados y excelente perfil de seguridad. En esta revisión se describe la familia y sus efectos cardiovasculares y renales. (AU)

Diabetic kidney disease, a common complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, is associated with a markedly increased morbidity and mortality, especially of cardiovascular origin, and faster progression to end-stage renal disease. To date, reducing cardiovascular and renal risk in this population was based on strict control of cardiovascular risk factors and the renin–angiotensin system blockade. More recently, sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors have demonstrated to offer cardiovascular and renal protection, but the residual risk remains high and their antihyperglycemic efficacy is limited in moderate-severe CKD. Therefore, drugs with a potent antihyperglycemic effect, independent of the glomerular filtration rate, with a low risk of hypoglycemia, that reduce weight in overweight/obese patients and that provide cardiovascular and renal protection, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are needed. However, these drugs require subcutaneous administration, which may limit their early use. The recent availability of oral semaglutide may facilitate the early introduction of this family with proven cardiovascular and renal benefits and excellent safety profile. In this review the family is analyzed as well as their cardiovascular and renal effects. (AU)

Prognostic impact of the presence of chronic kidney disease on percutaneous left trial appendage closure for atrial fibrillation: A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been proposed as an alternative to anticoagulation therapy in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) to decrease the thromboembolic risk, while avoiding the risks of chronic anticoagulation. This option may be attractive in patients with NVAF and chronic kidney disease (CKD), since they exhibit both high thromboembolic and bleeding risks. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic impact of the presence of CKD in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing LAAC peri-procedure and during the follow-up as compared with patients with preserved renal function. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study that included 124 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing LAAC in a university hospital, and the results were evaluated according to the baseline renal function of the patients. RESULTS: The median age was 75,5 years (IQR 67,6-80) and 62,1% were men, the median of CHA2DS2-Vasc and HASBLED scores was 4 (IQR 3-4) for both scores. Up to 57,3% of the total sample had CKD. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, but CKD patients were older and had a higher HASBLED score. During the procedure, no thromboembolic, bleeding events, or deaths were observed. Combining the time of hospitalization and follow-up, no significant differences were observed between groups in the annual rate of thromboembolic events (0.97/100 patient-years [100PY] vs 4.06/100PY, P =,09), but there was a higher rate of bleeding events (5.67/100PY vs. 13.3/100PY, P =,033) and mortality among CKD patients (6.50/100PY vs. 17.2/100PY, P =,009), with an odds ratio of 2.711 (95% CI 1,96-6,95). In the multivariate analysis a preserved eGFR was independently associated with a lower mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS: LAAC is a valid alternative to oral anticoagulation in patients with CKD and atrial fibrillation, with a low rate of peri- and post-procedure complications, although CKD patients exhibited a higher risk of bleeding and mortality during the follow-up. However, these higher rates may not be necessarily related to the procedure.

Impacto pronóstico de la enfermedad renal crónica sobre el cierre percutáneo de la orejuela izquierda en la fibrilación auricular: una experiencia unicéntrica / Prognostic impact of the presence of chronic kidney disease on percutaneous left trial appendage closure for atrial fibrillation: A single center experience

Antecedentes: El cierre percutáneo de la orejuela izquierda (CPOI) se ha propuesto como una alternativa al tratamiento anticoagulante en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular para disminuir el riesgo tromboembólico, evitando los riesgos de la anticoagulación. Esta opción puede ser atractiva en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular y enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), ya que presentan un alto riesgo tanto tromboembólico como hemorrágico.Objetivo: Determinar el papel pronóstico de la presencia de ERC en pacientes con fibrilación auricular sometidos a un CPOI periprocedimiento y durante el seguimiento comparado con los pacientes con función renal preservada.Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional de muestreo consecutivo que incluyó 124 pacientes sometidos a CPOI por fibrilación auricular en un hospital universitario y se compararon los resultados según la función renal basal.Resultados: La mediana de edad fue 75,5 años (RIQ 67,6-80), el 62,1% eran hombres, la mediana de CHA2DS2-Vasc y HASBLED era de 4 (RIQ 3-4) para ambas escalas. El 57,3% de la muestra tenía ERC. Las características basales eran similares entre ambos grupos, salvo una media de edad y un score de HASBLED superiores en los pacientes con ERC. Durante el procedimiento, no se observó ningún evento tromboembólico, de sangrado o muerte. Durante el tiempo de hospitalización y de seguimiento combinados, no hubo diferencias significativas entre grupos en la tasa anual de episodios tromboembólicos (0,97/100 pacientes-año [100PA] vs. 4,06/100PA, p=0,092), pero si se observó una mayor tasa de sangrados (5,67/100PA vs. 13,3/100PA, p=0,033), y de mortalidad (6,50/100PA vs. 17,2/100PA, p=0,009) en el grupo de ERC, con una odds ratio para mortalidad de 2,711 (IC95% 1,96-6,95). En el análisis multivariante, el FGe preservado se asoció independientemente con una menor mortalidad. Conclusiones: El CPOI es una alternativa válida ... (AU)

Background: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been proposed as an alternative to anticoagulation therapy in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation to decrease the thromboembolic risk, while avoiding the risks of chronic anticoagulation. This option may be attractive in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease (CKD), since they exhibit both high-thromboembolic and bleeding risks.Objective: To evaluate the prognostic impact of the presence of CKD in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing LAAC peri-procedure and during the follow-up as compared with patients with preserved renal function. Methods: Retrospective, observational study that included 124 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing LAAC in a university hospital, and the results were evaluated according to the baseline renal function of the patients. Results: The median age was 75.5 years (IQR 67.6–80) and 62.1% were men, the median of CHA2DS2-Vasc and HASBLED scores was 4 (IQR 3–4) for both scores. Up to 57.3% of the total sample had CKD. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, but CKD patients were older and had a higher HASBLED score. During the procedure, no thromboembolic, bleeding events, or deaths were observed. Combining the time of hospitalization and follow-up, no significant differences were observed between groups in the annual rate of thromboembolic events (0.97/100 patient-years [100PY] vs. 4.06/100PY, p=.09), but there was a higher rate of bleeding events (5.67/100PY vs. 13.3/100PY, p=.033) and mortality among CKD patients (6.50/100PY vs. 17.2/100PY, p=.009), with an odds ratio of 2.711 (95% CI 1.96–6.95). In the multivariate analysis, a preserved eGFR was independently associated with a lower mortality risk. Conclusions: LAAC is a valid alternative to oral anticoagulation in patients with CKD ... (AU)

Resistance to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents among Patients on Hemodialysis Is Typically Transient.

INTRODUCTION: This study examines factors associated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) hyporesponsiveness, the duration of ESA hyporesponsiveness, the frequency of new episodes, and variation across countries. METHODS: We used international Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study data from 2015 to 2018 (N = 26,656) to investigate changes in ESA Resistance Index (ERI), calculated as epoetin dose divided by [hemoglobin × body weight] in patients on hemodialysis. We illustrated the proportion of patients who moved to other ERI quintiles over 12 months, and we studied the incidence and duration of ESA resistance. We examined case-mix factors associated with quintiles of ERI. RESULTS: Most patients migrated out of their original ERI quintile within 4 months. Only 22% of patients in the top quintile of ERI at baseline (4.4% of all patients) remained in the top quintile during all 12 months of follow-up. A total of 42% of patients manifested an upper-quintile ERI during at least 1 month. Median duration of a new episode of ESA resistance was 2 months. Catheter hemoaccess, elevated C-reactive protein, lower transferrin saturation, lower serum albumin concentration, and recent hospitalization occurred more frequently among patients in the highest ERI quintile at baseline. ERI values were highest in the USA, Italy, and Mideastern nations and lowest in Russia and Japan. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: It is a misconception to envision a sizable, fixed segment of the population with permanent resistance to ESA - resistance fluctuates frequently. The implications of these findings for prescription of ESAs and of hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors are discussed.

Trends in Mortality Due to Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Pulmonary Embolism in Patients Receiving Dialysis.

Importance: During the past decades, improvements in the prevention and management of myocardial infarction, stroke, and pulmonary embolism have led to a decline in cardiovascular mortality in the general population. However, it is unknown whether patients receiving dialysis have also benefited from these improvements. Objective: To assess the mortality rates for myocardial infarction, stroke, and pulmonary embolism in a large cohort of European patients receiving dialysis compared with the general population. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cohort study, adult patients who started dialysis between 1998 and 2015 from 11 European countries providing data to the European Renal Association Registry were and followed up for 3 years. Data were analyzed from September 2020 to February 2022. Exposures: Start of dialysis. Main Outcomes and Measures: The age- and sex-standardized mortality rate ratios (SMRs) with 95% CIs were calculated by dividing the mortality rates in patients receiving dialysis by the mortality rates in the general population for 3 equal periods (1998-2003, 2004-2009, and 2010-2015). Results: In total, 220 467 patients receiving dialysis were included in the study. Their median (IQR) age was 68.2 (56.5-76.4) years, and 82 068 patients (37.2%) were female. During follow-up, 83 912 patients died, of whom 7662 (9.1%) died because of myocardial infarction, 5030 (6.0%) died because of stroke, and 435 (0.5%) died because of pulmonary embolism. Between the periods 1998 to 2003 and 2010 to 2015, the SMR of myocardial infarction decreased from 8.1 (95% CI, 7.8-8.3) to 6.8 (95% CI, 6.5-7.1), the SMR of stroke decreased from 7.3 (95% CI, 7.0-7.6) to 5.8 (95% CI, 5.5-6.2), and the SMR of pulmonary embolism decreased from 8.7 (95% CI, 7.6-10.1) to 5.5 (95% CI, 4.5-6.6). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of patients receiving dialysis, mortality rates for myocardial infarction, stroke, and pulmonary embolism decreased more over time than in the general population.