Documento de consenso para la formación en ecografía en la especialidad de Nefrología / Consensus document for ultrasound training in the specialty of Nephrology

La ecografía es una herramienta esencial en el manejo del paciente nefrológico que permite el diagnóstico, el seguimiento y la realización de intervencionismo sobre el riñón. La utilidad de los ultrasonidos en Nefrología no se circunscribe exclusivamente al estudio ecográfico del riñón. Mediante ecografía el nefrólogo puede, además, optimizar el manejo de la fístula arteriovenosa para hemodiálisis, medir el riesgo cardiovascular (grosor íntima-media), implantar catéteres centrales para hemodiálisis ecoguiados y ayudar en la colocación de los peritoneales, así como calcular la volemia del paciente mediante ecografía cardiaca básica, ecografía de la vena cava inferior y pulmonar. Desde el Grupo de Trabajo en Nefrología Diagnóstica e Intervencionista (GNDI) de la Sociedad Española de Nefrología (SEN) hemos elaborado este documento de consenso en el que se resumen las principales aplicaciones de la ecografía en Nefrología, incluyendo los requisitos técnicos básicos necesarios, el marco normativo y el nivel de capacitación de los nefrólogos en esta materia. El objetivo de este trabajo es promover la inclusión de la ecografía, tanto diagnóstica como intervencionista, en la práctica clínica habitual del nefrólogo y en la cartera de servicios de Nefrología con la finalidad de ofrecer un manejo diligente, eficiente e integral al paciente nefrológico

Ultrasound is an essential tool in the management of the nephrological patient allowing the diagnosis, monitoring and performance of kidney intervention. However, the usefulness of ultrasound in the hands of the nephrologist is not limited exclusively to the ultrasound study of the kidney. By ultrasound, the nephrologist can also optimize the management of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis, measure cardiovascular risk (mean intimate thickness), implant central catheters for ultrasound-guided HD, as well as the patient's volemia using basic cardiac ultrasound, ultrasound of the cava inferior vein and lungs. From the Working Group on Interventional Nephrology (GNDI) of the Spanish Society of Nephrology (SEN) we have prepared this consensus document that summarizes the main applications of ultrasound to Nephrology, including the necessary basic technical requirements, the framework normative and the level of training of nephrologists in this area. The objective of this work is to promote the inclusion of ultrasound, both diagnostic and interventional, in the usual clinical practice of the nephrologist and in the Nephrology Services portfolio with the final objective of offering diligent, efficient and comprehensive management to the nephrological patient

Consensus document for ultrasound training in the specialty of Nephrology. / Documento de consenso para la formación en ecografía en la especialidad de Nefrología.

Ultrasound is an essential tool in the management of the nephrological patient allowing the diagnosis, monitoring and performance of kidney intervention. However, the usefulness of ultrasound in the hands of the nephrologist is not limited exclusively to the ultrasound study of the kidney. By ultrasound, the nephrologist can also optimize the management of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis, measure cardiovascular risk (mean intimate thickness), implant central catheters for ultrasound-guided HD, as well as the patient's volemia using basic cardiac ultrasound, ultrasound of the cava inferior vein and lungs. From the Working Group on Interventional Nephrology (GNDI) of the Spanish Society of Nephrology (SEN) we have prepared this consensus document that summarizes the main applications of ultrasound to Nephrology, including the necessary basic technical requirements, the framework normative and the level of training of nephrologists in this area. The objective of this work is to promote the inclusion of ultrasound, both diagnostic and interventional, in the usual clinical practice of the nephrologist and in the Nephrology Services portfolio with the final objective of offering diligent, efficient and comprehensive management to the nephrological patient.

Estudio ERCA. Características basales, evaluación de la aplicación de la información estructurada para la elección de tratamiento renal sustitutivo y evolución a un año de los pacientes incidentes en la consulta ERCA / Advanced chronic renal failure (ACRF) study. Baseline characteristics, evaluation of the application of the structured information for the election of renal replacement therapy and one-year evolution of the incident patients in the ACRF medical office

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVOS: Conocer evolución de pacientes ERC estadios 4 y 5 (ERCA) e influencia de la información (proceso educativo [PE]) que reciben para elección de la modalidad de tratamiento renal sustitutivo (TRS) o tratamiento conservador (TC) en consulta multidisciplinar de ERCA. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico (3 centros españoles). Pacientes incidentes: consulta ERCA desde el 1 de junio del 2014 al 1 de octubre del 015; observación: 12 meses o inicio del TRS o fallecimiento si antes de los 12 meses; finaliza el 1 de octubre del 2016. RESULTADOS: Trescientos treinta y tres pacientes (60% varones), mediana y rango intercuartil: edad 71,5 (17) años (55% ≥ 70 años), FGe CKD-EPI inicio 21 (9) ml/min/1,73 m2, índice de Charlson (ICh) con/sin edad 8 (3)/4 (2). Pacientes diabéticos: 52,4%. Recibieron PE 168 pacientes, FGe al inicio 15 (10) ml/min/1,73 m2. Tratamiento inicial elegido: 26% diálisis peritoneal (DP), 45% hemodiálisis (HD), 26% TC, trasplante renal 3%; 60 pacientes iniciaron TRS: 3,3% trasplante renal, 30% DP, 66% HD. Ingresos: 104 en 73 pacientes, la causa más frecuente fue por enfermedad cardiovascular (42%). Fallecimiento: 23 pacientes (6,8%), de mayor edad (78,4 [6] vs. 67,8 [13,4], p < 0,001), ICh más elevado 9,8 [2,1] vs. 7,4 [2,5], p < 0,001). Todos los fallecidos con PE habían decidido TC; el 61% de los fallecidos tenían al menos un ingreso hospitalario vs. 39%vivos (p < 0,001). Regresión Cox: variables predictivas mortalidad: edad e ICh. CONCLUSIONES:La población de ERCA es añosa, comórbida y con elevado índice de ingresos hospitalarios. La incidencia de DP es mayor a la habitual. El PE ha sido una herramienta de gran utilidad y favorece la elección de DP

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Analyze evolution Renal Chronic Failure stage 4-5 (ACRF) patients and influence information they receive (educational process, EP) in modality Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) or conservative treatment (CT) in multidisciplinar ACRF Office. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, multicenter study (3 centers). Inclusion: from June-01-2014 to October-01-2015; observation: 12 months or until start RRT or death if they occur before 12 months; ends October-01-2016. RESULTS: 336 patients were included (60% males), median and intercuartile rank 71.5 (17), 55% ≥ 70 years; Follow up initiation eGFR CKD-EPI: 21 (9) ml / min / 1.73m2; Charlson Index (ChI) with / without age 8 (3) / 4 (2); Diabetic patients: 52,4%. The EP was carried out in 168, eGFR 15 (10) ml / min / 1.73 m2. The initial treatment election: 26% peritoneal dialysis (PD), 45% hemodyalisis (HD), 26% CT, kidney trasplant 3%; 60 patients started RRT: 3.3% kidney traspant; 30% PD, 66% HD; 104 admissions in 73 patients, the most frequent cause: cardiovascular disease (42%). Fallecimiento: 23 patients (6.8%). Age was higher (78.4 (6) vs. 67.8 (13.4), P < .001), higher ChI 9.8 (2.1) vs. 7.4 (2.5), P < .001). All deceased who received EP had chosen CT; 61% of deceased had at least one hospital admission vs. 39% alive (P < 0.001). Cox regression: age and Charlson index were the predictive mortality variables. CONCLUSIONS: The population of ACRF patients is elder, comorbid, with high rate hospitalizations rate. The PD election is higher than usual. The EP has been very useful tool and has favored the PD choice

Advanced chronic renal failure (ACRF) study. Baseline characteristics, evaluation of the application of the structured information for the election of renal replacement therapy and one-year evolution of the incident patients in the ACRF medical office. / Estudio ERCA. Características basales, evaluación de la aplicación de la información estructurada para la elección de tratamiento renal sustitutivo y evolución a un año de los pacientes incidentes en la consulta ERCA.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Analyze evolution Renal Chronic Failure stage 4-5 (ACRF) patients and influence information they receive (educational process, EP) in modality Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) or conservative treatment (CT) in multidisciplinar ACRF Office. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, multicenter study (3 centers). Inclusion: from June-01-2014 to October-01-2015; observation: 12 months or until start RRT or death if they occur before 12 months; ends October-01-2016. RESULTS: 336 patients were included (60% males), median and intercuartile rank 71.5 (17), 55% ≥ 70 years; Follow up initiation eGFR CKD-EPI: 21 (9) ml / min / 1.73m2; Charlson Index (ChI) with / without age 8 (3) / 4 (2); Diabetic patients: 52,4%. The EP was carried out in 168, eGFR 15 (10) ml / min / 1.73m2. The initial treatment election: 26% peritoneal dialysis (PD), 45% hemodyalisis (HD), 26% CT, kidney trasplant 3%; 60 patients started RRT: 3.3% kidney traspant; 30% PD, 66% HD; 104 admissions in 73 patients, the most frequent cause: cardiovascular disease (42%). Fallecimiento: 23 patients (6.8%). Age was higher (78.4 (6) vs. 67.8 (13.4), P<.001), higher ChI 9.8 (2.1) vs. 7.4 (2.5), P<.001). All deceased who received EP had chosen CT; 61% of deceased had at least one hospital admission vs. 39% alive (P<0.001). Cox regression: age and Charlson index were the predictive mortality variables. CONCLUSIONS: The population of ACRF patients is elder, comorbid, with high rate hospitalizations rate. The PD election is higher than usual. The EP has been very useful tool and has favored the PD choice.

User-centred design for developing e-Health system for renal patients at home (AppNephro).

BACKGROUND: Despite the promising benefits of the e-Health approaches (including provide technology-based healthcare services to anyone, anytime, and anywhere), few solutions are adopted in daily practice. User acceptance is one of the major obstacles that hinder the success of technology approaches. End-users often stress misalignments among their problems and the solutions that technology systems aim to solve. In other cases, systems developed are unfriendly or unadjusted to the daily practice of clinicians or patient's life. To maximize user acceptance, the relevance of adopting user-centred design and development techniques is well-known. However, users are often assumed to be a homogeneous group with the same set of requirements, what leads to an ineffective identification and addressment of user requirements. Furthermore, usability and accessibility issues must be carefully addressed to guarantee also the right alignment of solutions with user needs. OBJECTIVE: to develop an e-Health system for renal patients at home by adopting user-centred design practices, usability and accessibility standards. MATERIAL AND METHODS: users were categorized in four different groups (i.e., digital patients/caregivers, non-digital patients/caregivers, clinicians and nurses) and a sample was included in the design and development team. Questionnaires and interviews were used to identify user requirements and assess prototypes. RESULTS: Requirements were considered for every kind of user, what resulted on a multi-faceted e-Health system implying different technologies and functionalities regarding to each target user. CONCLUSION: Identification and continuous involvement of all kind of users allow their needs to be properly understood and addressed by technology, raising user acceptance of the final product.

Peritoneal dialysis fluid biocompatibility impact on human peritoneal membrane permeability.

BACKGROUND: We have compared the effects of conventional lactate-based peritoneal dialysis fluid (CPDF) with respect to bicarbonate/lactate-based fluid on peritoneal ultrafiltration (UF) and peritoneal permeability, and on variations on gene expression in cells isolated from effluents of patients' peritoneal bags. METHODS: This was a non-randomized sequential prospective study including all incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients (n = 40) recruited in our centre. Peritoneal equilibration tests (PETs) were performed using CPDF or BPDF both containing 2.27% glucose during a 48-h interval in four different sequences. Gene expression variation of selected genes was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in mesothelial cells obtained from the total drained fluid during the PET. RESULTS: In the overall study, the use of BPDF was associated with significantly lower mass transfer area coefficient for urea and creatinine, longer accelerated peritoneal examination test times for urea and creatinine, lower total pore area available for exchange over diffusion distance and lower UF. There were no differences in the gene expression of aquaporins 1-3, endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS3 and NOS2), or interleukin-6. The SNAIL and E-CADHERIN gene expression normalized ratio was evaluated in peritoneal effluents of cells obtained from CPDF and BPDF. We observed that the SNAIL/E-CADHERIN mRNA ratio decreased when the dialysis sequence started with BPDF and went on to CPDF, but not when the sequence was the opposite. CONCLUSION: This study shows that those patients who started PD treatment with BPDF were characterized by a better biocompatibility profile. BPDF associates with lower peritoneal permeability to small molecules and lower UF.

Pathological changes of renal biopsy in Sjögren Syndrome.

We are presenting the case of a 53-year-old woman with a history of Sjögren syndrome and a secondary antiphospholipid syndrome admitted at the Nephrology department for the evaluation of renal failure. The patient was initially diagnosed with tubulointerstitial nephritis and subsequently a membranoproliferative type I glomerulonephritis, secondary to cryoglobulins during the course of the disease. Repeated renal biopsies were required to confirm the diagnosis.

Anemia y fiebre en el postrasplante renal: su relación con el parvovirus humano B19 / Anaemia and fever in Kidney transplant. The role of human parvovirus B19

Las infecciones continúan siendo un problema relevante en el paciente trasplantado renal, en especial las infecciones virales. La infección por el parvovirus humano B19 causa anemia refractaria grave, pancitopenia y microangiopatía trombótica. Dicha infección se diagnostica mediante el análisis de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) en sangre y por la presencia de proeritroblastos gigantes típicos en la médula ósea. Presentamos el caso clínico de un varón de 65 años con trasplante renal de donante cadáver en septiembre de 2014. A los 38 días del trasplante comienza con anemia progresiva y resistente a los agentes estimulantes de la eritropoyesis. A los 64 días se produce hipertermia, con deterioro progresivo de su estado general. La serología vírica resultó negativa, al igual que la PCR inicial en sangre del parvovirus humano B19. A los 4 meses y 19 días se realiza una biopsia de médula ósea en la que se observan eritroblastos gigantes con inclusiones víricas nucleares compatibles con parvovirus, por lo que se realiza una PCR en dicho tejido que confirma el diagnóstico. Una segunda PCR en sangre resultó positiva. Tras el tratamiento con inmunoglobulinas intravenosas (IGIV) y la suspensión temporal del micofenolato de mofetilo, se produce una remisión completa de la enfermedad, aunque persistía positiva la PCR para el parvovirus B19 en sangre, lo que hace necesario vigilar probables recidivas (AU)

Infections remain an issue of particular relevance in renal transplant patients, particularly viral infections. Human parvovirus B19 infection causes severe refractory anaemia, pancytopenia and thrombotic microangiopathy. Its presence is recognized by analysing blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by the discovery of typical giant proerythroblasts in the bone marrow. We report the case of a 65 year-old man with a history of deceased donor renal transplant in September 2014. At 38 days after the transplant, the patient presented progressive anaemia that was resistant to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. At 64 days after transplant, hyperthermia occurred with progressive deterioration of the patient's general condition. The viral serology and the first blood PCR for human parvovirus B19 were both negative. At 4 months and 19 days after, a bone marrow biopsy was conducted, showing giant erythroblasts with nuclear viral inclusions that were compatible with parvovirus; a PCR in the tissue confirmed the diagnosis. A second blood PCR was positive for parvovirus. After treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and the temporary discontinuation of mycophenolate mofetil, a complete remission of the disease occurred, although the blood PCR for parvovirus B19 remained positive, so monitoring is necessary for future likely recurrence (AU)

Anaemia and fever in Kidney transplant. The role of human parvovirus B19. / Anemia y fiebre en el postrasplante renal: su relación con el parvovirus humano B19.

Infections remain an issue of particular relevance in renal transplant patients, particularly viral infections. Human parvovirus B19 infection causes severe refractory anaemia, pancytopenia and thrombotic microangiopathy. Its presence is recognized by analysing blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by the discovery of typical giant proerythroblasts in the bone marrow. We report the case of a 65 year-old man with a history of deceased donor renal transplant in September 2014. At 38 days after the transplant, the patient presented progressive anaemia that was resistant to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. At 64 days after transplant, hyperthermia occurred with progressive deterioration of the patient's general condition. The viral serology and the first blood PCR for human parvovirus B19 were both negative. At 4 months and 19 days after, a bone marrow biopsy was conducted, showing giant erythroblasts with nuclear viral inclusions that were compatible with parvovirus; a PCR in the tissue confirmed the diagnosis. A second blood PCR was positive for parvovirus. After treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and the temporary discontinuation of mycophenolate mofetil, a complete remission of the disease occurred, although the blood PCR for parvovirus B19 remained positive, so monitoring is necessary for future likely recurrence.

Renal Replacement Therapy: Purifying Efficiency of Automated Peritoneal Dialysis in Diabetic versus Non-Diabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND: In order to reduce the cardiovascular risk, morbidity and mortality of peritoneal dialysis (PD), a minimal level of small-solute clearances as well as a sodium and water balance are needed. The peritoneal dialysis solutions used in combination have reduced the complications and allow for a long-time function of the peritoneal membrane, and the preservation of residual renal function (RRF) in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is crucial for the maintenance of life quality and long-term survival. This retrospective cohort study reviews our experience in automatic peritoneal dialysis (APD) patients, with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to diabetic nephropathy (DN) in comparison to non-diabetic nephropathy (NDN), using different PD solutions in combination. DESIGN: Fifty-two patients, 29 diabetic and 23 non-diabetic, were included. The follow-up period was 24 months, thus serving as their own control. RESULTS: The fraction of renal urea clearance (Kt) relative to distribution volume (V) (or total body water) (Kt/V), or creatinine clearance relative to the total Kt/V or creatinine clearance (CrCl) decreases according to loss of RRF. The loss of the slope of RRF is more pronounced in DN than in NDN patients, especially at baseline time interval to 12 months (loss of 0.29 mL/month vs. 0.13 mL/month, respectively), and is attenuated in the range from 12 to 24 months (loss of 0.13 mL/month vs. 0.09 mL/month, respectively). Diabetic patients also experienced a greater decrease in urine output compared to non-diabetic, starting from a higher baseline urine output. The net water balance was adequate in both groups during the follow up period. Regarding the balance sodium, no inter-group differences in sodium excretion over follow up period was observed. In addition, the removal of sodium in the urine output decreases with loss of renal function. The average concentration of glucose increase in the cycler in both groups (DN: baseline 1.44 ± 0.22, 12 months 1.63 ± 0.39, 24 months 1.73 ± 0.47; NDN: baseline 1.59 ± 0.40, 12 months 1.76 ± 0.47, 24 months 1.80 ± 0.46), in order to maintain the net water balance. The daytime dwell contribution, the fraction of day and the renal fraction of studies parameters provide sustained benefit in the follow-up time, above 30%. CONCLUSIONS: The wet day and residual renal function are determinants in the achievement of the objective dose of dialysis, as well as in the water and sodium balance. The cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) does not seem to influence the cleansing effectiveness of the technique.

A comparison of medium-term survival between peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis in accordance with the initial vascular access.

INTRODUCTION: A study published in 2011 showed that patients in the Canary Islands, who were incident in peritoneal dialysis (PD) had better survival than those who were incident in hemodialysis (HD). Since initiating hemodialysis with central venous catheter is associated with worse prognosis, it would be possible that the initial vascular access influences the results of survival comparison between both groups. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a comparative medium-term survival study of patients incident in renal replacement therapy with different modalities in our community, classifying those incident in hemodialysis according to the initial vascular access: established arteriovenous vascular access or central venous catheter. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study including all patients who were incident in renal replacement therapy between January 2005 and December 2010, with follow-up until December 2011, in three large hospitals of the Canary Islands. Patients were classified according to the initial modality: PD, HD with established vascular access (HD-FAV) or HD with central venous catheter (HD-Cat). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were estimated for each group and a Cox proportional hazards survival model was used to estimate relative mortality risk for DP as compared to HD-FAV and HD-Cat, adjusting for age and Charlson comorbidity index. An equivalent analysis was then conducted on subgroups defined by age or by the presence of diabetes. RESULTS: 1110 patients were included, with a median age of 63 years, 56% of them were diabetic. A Kaplan-Meier analysis showed better survival for PD (66 months) as compared to HD-Cat (41 months), Log Rank p<.001, with no difference between DP and HD-FAV (67 months). Cox regression RR of mortality for HD-Cat versus PD was 2.270 (1.573-3.276); p<.001; no differences were found between HD-FAV and PD patients 0.993 (0.646-1.525) n.s. Subgroup analysis showed equivalent results for diabetic and non-diabetic patients as well as for younger or older ones. CONCLUSIONS: better survival of PD patients as compared to HD ones, observed in the Canary Islands, seems to be based on incident HD patients with central venous catheter, while no differences were found between PD and HD with established vascular access. These results could suggest that patients in our community, for whom a vascular access cannot be achieved in predialysis, could have better survival if PD is offered as initial technique, at least until a vascular access is available.

Supervivencia comparada a medio plazo entre diálisis peritoneal y hemodiálisis según el acceso vascular de inicio / A comparison of medium-term survival between peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis in accordance with the initial vascular access

INTRODUCCIÓN: En un estudio publicado en 2011 se observó que en la Comunidad Canaria la supervivencia de los pacientes incidentes en diálisis peritoneal (DP) es mejor que la de los pacientes incidentes en hemodiálisis (HD). El inicio de HD con catéter venoso central condiciona un peor pronóstico, por lo que el acceso vascular de inicio podría condicionar la comparación de la supervivencia entre ambas modalidades. OBJETIVO: Realizar un estudio comparativo en nuestra comunidad de la supervivencia a medio plazo de los pacientes incidentes en tratamiento renal sustitutivo según la modalidad, separando a los pacientes incidentes en HD según el acceso vascular de inicio: acceso vascular arteriovenoso desarrollado o catéter venoso central. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se trata de un estudio de cohortes longitudinal retrospectivo, que incluyó todos los pacientes incidentes en tratamiento renal sustitutivo entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2010 seguidos hasta diciembre de 2011 en tres de los grandes hospitales de la Comunidad Canaria y se dividieron, según la modalidad de inicio, en DP, HD con acceso vascular desarrollado (HD-FAV) y HD con catéter venoso central (HD-Cat). Se estimaron las curvas de supervivencia en los distintos grupos mediante Kaplan-Meier y se aplicó un modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox de supervivencia para estimar los riesgos relativos de mortalidad de DP, frente a HD-FAV y HD-Cat, ajustando para edad e índice de comorbilidad de Charlson. Posteriormente se realizó el mismo análisis por subgrupos definidos por la edad y presencia de diabetes. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 1110 pacientes, mediana de edad 63 años, 56 % diabéticos. El análisis de Kaplan-Meier muestra una mejor supervivencia de DP (66 meses) frente a HD-Cat (41 meses), log-rank p < 0,001, no existiendo diferencia entre DP y HD-FAV (67 meses). En la regresión de Cox el riesgo relativo de mortalidad de la HD-Cat frente a la DP fue de 2,270 (1,573-3,276); p < 0,001. No se observó diferencia entre los pacientes HD-FAV y DP 0,993 (0,646-1,525). El análisis por subgrupos muestra estos mismos resultados en diabéticos y no diabéticos, y en los pacientes más jóvenes y en los más añosos. CONCLUSIONES: La mejor supervivencia en DP frente a HD observada en el registro de enfermos renales de la Comunidad Canaria parece a expensas de los pacientes incidentes en HD-Cat, no observándose diferencia entre DP y HD-FAV. Estos resultados podrían sugerir que, en nuestro medio, aquellos pacientes en los que, optando inicialmente por HD, no se consigue un acceso vascular desarrollado en la etapa prediálisis podrían obtener un beneficio de supervivencia ofreciéndoles la DP como técnica de inicio, al menos hasta disponer de un acceso vascular definitivo

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a comparative medium-term survival study of patients incident in renal replacement therapy with different modalities in our community, classifying those incident in hemodialysis according to the initial vascular access: established arteriovenous vascular access or central venous catheter. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study including all patients who were incident in renal replacement therapy between January 2005 and December 2010, with follow-up until December 2011, in three large hospitals of the Canary Islands. Patients were classified according to the initial modality: PD, HD with established vascular access (HD-FAV) or HD with central venous catheter (HD-Cat). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were estimated for each group and a Cox proportional hazards survival model was used to estimate relative mortality risk for DP as compared to HD-FAV and HD-Cat, adjusting for age and Charlson comorbidity index. An equivalent analysis was then conducted on subgroups defined by age or by the presence of diabetes. RESULTS: 1110 patients were included, with a median age of 63 years, 56% of them were diabetic. A Kaplan-Meier analysis showed better survival for PD (66 months) as compared to HD-Cat (41 months), Log Rank p<.001, with no difference between DP and HD-FAV (67 months). Cox regression RR of mortality for HD-Cat versus PD was 2.270 (1.573-3.276); p<.001; no differences were found between HD-FAV and PD patients 0.993 (0.646-1.525) n.s. Subgroup analysis showed equivalent results for diabetic and non-diabetic patients as well as for younger or older ones. CONCLUSIONS: better survival of PD patients as compared to HD ones, observed in the Canary Islands, seems to be based on incident HD patients with central venous catheter, while no differences were found between PD and HD with established vascular access. These results could suggest that patients in our community, for whom a vascular access cannot be achieved in predialysis, could have better survival if PD is offered as initial technique, at least until a vascular access is available

The occurrence or fibrillary glomerulonephritis in patients with diabetes mellitus may not be coincidental: a report of four cases.

Although clinical presentation of fibrillary glomerulonephritis is similar to most forms of glomerulonephritis, it is usually difficult to make the diagnosis. Clinical manifestations include proteinuria, microscopic haematuria, nephrotic syndrome, and impairment of renal function. A diagnosis of fibrillary glomerulonephritis is only confirmed by renal biopsy and it must comprise electronmicroscopy-verified ultrastructural findings. We report four cases between 45-50 years old with documented type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and arterial hypertension. All patients were found to have fibrils on kidney biopsy. The differential diagnosis of fibrils in the setting of diabetes mellitus is also discussed.

La sobrecarga hídrica como biomarcador de insuficiencia cardíaca y fracaso renal agudo / Water overload as a biomarker for heart failure and acute renal failure

La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) y el fracaso renal agudo (FRA) son dos entidades muy prevalentes en nuestro medio, e inciden de manera directa y sinérgicamente en la morbimortalidad de nuestros pacientes. Cuando es oligoanúrico, el FRA suele conducir a la sobrecarga hídrica, representando esta el núcleo precipitante del mecanismo de descompensación aguda de la IC, y está asociada con el agravamiento de los síntomas, la hospitalización y la muerte. Determinar el balance hídrico en la IC puede ser complejo y depende, en gran medida, de la fisiopatología subyacente. Los nuevos biomarcadores y las nuevas tecnologías están demostrando ser útiles para la detección e identificación de riesgo de IC descompensada aguda que puede permitir una pronta intervención y reversión del FRA que se traduzca en mejores resultados clínicos (AU)

Heart failure (HF) and acute renal failure (ARF) are two very prevalent entities in our environment which impact directly and synergistically in the morbidity and mortality of our patients. ARF, when oligoanuric, often leads to water overload. It represents the precipitating core of the mechanism of acute decompensation of the HF and is associated with the worsening of symptoms, hospitalisation and death. Determining the water balance in HF can be complex and depends, largely, on the underlying pathophysiology. New biomarkers and new technologies are proving to be useful for the detection and identification of risk of acutely decompensated HF that may allow early intervention and reversal of the ARF that translates into better clinical outcomes (AU)

Water overload as a biomarker for heart failure and acute renal failure.

Heart failure (HF) and acute renal failure (ARF) are two very prevalent entities in our environment which impact directly and synergistically in the morbidity and mortality of our patients. ARF, when oligoanuric, often leads to water overload. It represents the precipitating core of the mechanism of acute decompensation of the HF and is associated with the worsening of symptoms, hospitalisation and death. Determining the water balance in HF can be complex and depends, largely, on the underlying pathophysiology. New biomarkers and new technologies are proving to be useful for the detection and identification of risk of acutely decompensated HF that may allow early intervention and reversal of the ARF that translates into better clinical outcomes.

Trasplantectomía tras fallo del injerto renal / Transplantectomy following renal graft failure

El 4-10% de los pacientes incidentes en diálisis portan un injerto renal no funcionante y hasta en el 32% de los casos, según las series, se requiere la realización de trasplantectomía por diversas causas. La mortalidad de estos pacientes es significativamente mayor que la de aquéllos con injerto funcionante o en terapia renal sustitutiva sin injerto previo. Se han sugerido como indicaciones actuales de trasplantectomía el síndrome de intolerancia al injerto, la pérdida precoz de éste, la presencia de proteinuria grave, pielonefritis recurrentes o neoplasia y el síndrome de inflamación crónica. El síndrome de inflamación crónica se presenta en enfermos con elevación de los marcadores de inflamación (proteína C reactiva), anemia con resistencia al tratamiento con estimuladores de la eritropoyesis y marcadores de desnutrición en su contexto. Esta situación de inflamación está provocada por el injerto y revierte tras la trasplantectomía, como han demostrado varios estudios. Hemos revisado la literatura publicada al respecto, las indicaciones de trasplantectomía, o embolectomía, sus ventajas e inconvenientes; la incidencia del síndrome de intolerancia al injerto y la fisiopatología del síndrome de inflamación crónica, así como el algoritmo de manejo terapéutico propuesto actualmente (AU)

Approximately 4%-10% of incident patients on dialysis have a non-functioning kidney graft, and according to series, as many as 32% require transplantectomy for a variety of reasons. Mortality in these patients is significantly higher than in those with a functioning graft or on renal replacement therapy without having received a graft. Graft intolerance syndrome, early graft loss, severe proteinuria, recurring pyelonephritis or neoplasia, and chronic inflammation syndrome have all been proposed as indications for transplantectomy. Chronic inflammation syndrome occurs in patients with high levels of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein), anaemia resistant to treatment with erythropoiesis stimulators, and malnutrition markers. This inflammatory state is provoked by the graft, and reverts when a transplantectomy is performed, as several studies have shown. We have reviewed the medical literature published on this topic, the indications for transplantectomy and embolectomy, their advantages and disadvantages, the incidence of graft intolerance syndrome, and the pathophysiology of chronic inflammation syndrome, as well as the currently proposed therapeutic management algorithm (AU)

Transplantectomy following renal graft failure.

Approximately 4%-10% of incident patients on dialysis have a non-functioning kidney graft, and according to series, as many as 32% require transplantectomy for a variety of reasons. Mortality in these patients is significantly higher than in those with a functioning graft or on renal replacement therapy without having received a graft. Graft intolerance syndrome, early graft loss, severe proteinuria, recurring pyelonephritis or neoplasia, and chronic inflammation syndrome have all been proposed as indications for transplantectomy. Chronic inflammation syndrome occurs in patients with high levels of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein), anaemia resistant to treatment with erythropoiesis stimulators, and malnutrition markers. This inflammatory state is provoked by the graft, and reverts when a transplantectomy is performed, as several studies have shown. We have reviewed the medical literature published on this topic, the indications for transplantectomy and embolectomy, their advantages and disadvantages, the incidence of graft intolerance syndrome, and the pathophysiology of chronic inflammation syndrome, as well as the currently proposed therapeutic management algorithm.