Challenges in primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis diagnosis: from the diagnostic algorithm to novel biomarkers.

Primary or idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a kidney entity that involves the podocytes, leading to heavy proteinuria and in many cases progresses to end-stage renal disease. Idiopathic FSGS has a bad prognosis, as it involves young individuals who, in a considerably high proportion (∼15%), are resistant to corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive treatments as well. Moreover, the disease recurs in 30-50% of patients after kidney transplantation, leading to graft function impairment. It is suspected that this relapsing disease is caused by a circulating factor(s) that would permeabilize the glomerular filtration barrier. However, the exact pathologic mechanism is an unsettled issue. Besides its poor outcome, a major concern of primary FSGS is the complexity to confirm the diagnosis, as it can be confused with other variants or secondary forms of FSGS and also with other glomerular diseases, such as minimal change disease. New efforts to optimize the diagnostic approach are arising to improve knowledge in well-defined primary FSGS cohorts of patients. Follow-up of properly classified primary FSGS patients will allow risk stratification for predicting the response to different treatments. In this review we will focus on the diagnostic algorithm used in idiopathic FSGS both in native kidneys and in disease recurrence after kidney transplantation. We will emphasize those potential confusing factors as well as their detection and prevention. In addition, we will also provide an overview of ongoing studies that recruit large cohorts of glomerulopathy patients (Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network and Cure Glomerulonephropathy, among others) and the experimental studies performed to find novel reliable biomarkers to detect primary FSGS.

Paternal safety of the use of mycophenolic acid in kidney transplant recipients. Results of the EMVARON study.

BACKGROUND: The use of mycophenolic acid (MPA) in women during pregnancy causes an increase in miscarriages and birth defects with a typical embryopathy profile. Although epidemiological data does not suggest a greater risk among the offspring of male kidney transplant recipients, the European Medicines Agency and The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices introduced the recommendation of using contraceptive methods. METHODS: We conducted a national retrospective study in 15 Spanish Kidney Transplant Centers to evaluate the frequency of miscarriages and birth defects between the offspring from male kidney transplants recipients. We included 151 males who had fathered 239 offspring, 225 under MPA and 14 without MPA. RESULTS: The results of our study showed an incidence of miscarriages in the MPA group of 9.8%, and of birth defects of 4%. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an incidence of miscarriages between the offspring fathered by kidney transplant males under MPA lower than the general population. The incidence of birth defects was similar to the incidence described in other studies and the fact that we did not find the typical embryopathy profile makes it difficult to associate them to the use of MPA. Because of that, we urge the European and Spanish Agencies to reconsider their recommendations for males.

Desinfección térmica en hemodiálisis usando el concepto A0 como dosificador / Thermal disinfection in hemodialysis using the A0 concept as dispenser

Los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en programa de hemodiálisis se encuentran expuestos a grandes cantidades de agua, ya que esta constituye cerca del 96% del líquido de diálisis. Es conocido que el uso de agua de mejor calidad disminuye el estado de inflamación crónica en los pacientes en diálisis. La desinfección como parte del tratamiento del agua tiene un papel importante para cumplir los estándares de calidad establecidos. En la actualidad, la desinfección por calor es muy recomendable, sin embargo, la dosis no está claramente establecida en la bibliografía. El objetivo de esta revisión es conocer los datos disponibles sobre la dosis de desinfección por calor que se debe utilizar en hemodiálisis, así como presentar nuestra experiencia con este método a una dosis establecida de 12.000 A0

Patients with chronic kidney disease in the hemodialysis program are exposed to large amounts of water, as this constitutes about 96% of the dialysis fluid. It is known that the use of better quality water decreases the state of chronic inflammation in dialysis patients. Disinfection as part of water treatment plays an important role in meeting the established quality standards; currently, heat disinfection is highly recommended, however its dose is not clearly established in the literature. The objective of this review is to know what is available in the literature on the dose of heat disinfection that should be used in hemodialysis and to present our experience with this method at a set dose of 12.000 A0

Thermal disinfection in hemodialysis using the A0 concept as dispenser. / Desinfección térmica en hemodiálisis usando el concepto A0 como dosificador.

Patients with chronic kidney disease in the hemodialysis program are exposed to large amounts of water, as this constitutes about 96% of the dialysis fluid. It is known that the use of better quality water decreases the state of chronic inflammation in dialysis patients. Disinfection as part of water treatment plays an important role in meeting the established quality standards; currently, heat disinfection is highly recommended, however its dose is not clearly established in the literature. The objective of this review is to know what is available in the literature on the dose of heat disinfection that should be used in hemodialysis and to present our experience with this method at a set dose of 12.000 A0.

El nivel de la hormona paratiroidea (PTH) y no el de fósforo sérico es predictor de la progresión de la enfermedad renal en pacientes mayores con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada / PTH levels and not serum phosphorus levels are a predictor of the progression of kidney disease in elderly patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

Antecedentes: En la actualidad hay una elevada incidencia de pacientes ancianos con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada (ERCA), siendo importante conocer la evolución a largo plazo y qué factores influyen. Objetivos: Analizar la evolución de la ERCA en pacientes ancianos y la influencia del metabolismo óseo-mineral. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 125 pacientes ≥70años con ERC 4-5, que iniciaron seguimiento desde el 1 de enero de 2007 al 31 de diciembre de 2008, observándose la progresión de la ERC (medida con la pendiente de la línea de regresión del filtrado glomerular estimado [FGe] obtenido mediante MDRD-4) durante 5años. Resultados: Progresión grupo completo (mediana y percentiles 25 y 75): -1,15 (-2,80/0,17) ml/min/1,73m2/año, ERC-4: -1,3 (-2,8/0,03) ml/min/1,73m2/año, ERC-5: -1,03 (-3/0,8) ml/min/1,73m2/año; pendiente de línea de regresión positiva en 35 pacientes (28%: ERC no progresa) y negativa 90 pacientes (72%: ERC progresa). Correlación (Spearman) negativa (progresión más lenta): hormona paratiroidea (PTH), albuminuria/Cr, excreción diaria de Na (todos basales). No se correlacionó con FGe, P sérico, excreción urinaria de P, ingesta proteica e ingesta de P (todas basales). Regresión lineal (variable dependiente: pendiente de progresión): albuminuria y PTH (ambos a nivel basal) influyeron de forma independiente en dicha variable. Regresión logística (progresa vs. no progresa): PTH, albuminuria y FGe (todos basales) influyeron de forma significativa. Conclusiones: En nuestro grupo de pacientes de edad avanzada el deterioro de la función renal es muy lento, especialmente en los pacientes en estadio5. La albuminuria y la PTH al inicio del seguimiento son factores pronósticos en la evolución de su función renal (AU)

Background: At present, there is a high incidence of elderly patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and it is important to know the long term progression and the factors that influence it. Objectives: To analyse the progression of advanced CKD in elderly patients and the influence of bone-mineral metabolism. Methods: Retrospective study of 125 patients ≥70years of age with CKD stages 4-5 who started follow-up from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008, showing the progression of CKD (measured by the slope of the regression line of the estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] by MDRD-4) over 5years. Results: Progression in the entire group (median and 25th and 75th percentiles): -1.15 (-2.8/0.17) ml/min/1.73m2/year, CKD-4: -1.3 (-2.8/0.03) ml/min/1.73m2/year, CKD-5: -1.03 (-3.0/0.8) ml/min/1.73m2/year; the slope of the regression line was positive in 35 patients (28%: CKD does not progress) and negative in 90 patients (72%: CKD progresses). Negative correlation (Spearman) (slower progression): PTH, albumin/Cr ratio and daily Na excretion (all baseline measurements). No correlation with eGFR, serum P, urinary P excretion, protein intake and intake of P (all baseline measurements). In the linear regression analysis (dependent variable: slope of progression): albuminuria and PTH (both at baseline measurements) influenced this variable independently. Logistic regression (progresses vs. does not progress): PTH, albuminuria and eGFR (all at baseline measurements) influenced significantly. Conclusions: In our group of elderly patients, impairment of renal function is slow, particularly in CKD-5 patients. Albuminuria and PTH at baseline levels are prognostic factors in the evolution of renal function (AU)

PTH levels and not serum phosphorus levels are a predictor of the progression of kidney disease in elderly patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. / El nivel de la hormona paratiroidea (PTH) y no el de fósforo sérico es predictor de la progresión de la enfermedad renal en pacientes mayores con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada.

BACKGROUND: At present, there is a high incidence of elderly patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and it is important to know the long term progression and the factors that influence it. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the progression of advanced CKD in elderly patients and the influence of bone-mineral metabolism. METHODS: Retrospective study of 125 patients ≥70years of age with CKD stages 4-5 who started follow-up from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008, showing the progression of CKD (measured by the slope of the regression line of the estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] by MDRD-4) over 5years. RESULTS: Progression in the entire group (median and 25th and 75th percentiles): -1.15 (-2.8/0.17) ml/min/1.73m2/year, CKD-4: -1.3 (-2.8/0.03) ml/min/1.73m2/year, CKD-5: -1.03 (-3.0/0.8) ml/min/1.73m2/year; the slope of the regression line was positive in 35 patients (28%: CKD does not progress) and negative in 90 patients (72%: CKD progresses). Negative correlation (Spearman) (slower progression): PTH, albumin/Cr ratio and daily Na excretion (all baseline measurements). No correlation with eGFR, serum P, urinary P excretion, protein intake and intake of P (all baseline measurements). In the linear regression analysis (dependent variable: slope of progression): albuminuria and PTH (both at baseline measurements) influenced this variable independently. Logistic regression (progresses vs. does not progress): PTH, albuminuria and eGFR (all at baseline measurements) influenced significantly. CONCLUSIONS: In our group of elderly patients, impairment of renal function is slow, particularly in CKD-5 patients. Albuminuria and PTH at baseline levels are prognostic factors in the evolution of renal function.

Supervivencia de pacientes de edad avanzada (≥ 70 años) con enfermedad crónica estadios 4-5: diálisis vs tratamiento conservador / Survival of patients ≥ 70 years with advanced chronic kidney disease: Dialysis vs. conservative care

Introducción: Los pacientes de edad avanzada que llegan a enfermedad renal crónica avanzada (ERCA) se han incrementado en los últimos años. No hay evidencia de la mejor actitud terapéutica en estos pacientes. Objetivos: Observar la evolución de pacientes ancianos en consulta de ERCA (estadios 4 y 5) y comparar la supervivencia de los pacientes con ERC estadio 5 tratados con diálisis o no. Material y métodos: Se incluyó a todos los pacientes con ≥70 años que iniciaron seguimiento en consulta de ERCA desde el 1-1-2007 hasta el 31-12-2008 y se observó su evolución hasta el 31-12-2013. Se recogieron datos demográficos, índice de comorbilidad de Charlson, antecedentes de cardiopatía isquémica (CI) y diabetes mellitus (DM). Resultados: Se estudió a 314 pacientes con ERC estadios 4 y 5 con ≥70 años, 162 de los cuales estaban en el momento del inicio del seguimiento o a lo largo del mismo en estadio 5; 69 de estos pacientes recibieron tratamiento con diálisis. En el grupo estadio 5: mediana de edad de 77 años (74-81); 48% CI; 50% DM; Charlson 7 (6-9). Supervivencia Kaplan-Meier: ≥70 años (93 vs. 69 pacientes con diálisis) log rank: 15 (p<0,001), con ≥75 años (74 vs. 46 pacientes con diálisis; log rank: 8,9; p = 0,003), con ≥80 años (40 vs. 15 pacientes con diálisis) y p=0,2. Los pacientes que recibieron tratamiento con diálisis tenían menor edad e índice de Charlson y el tiempo de seguimiento en consulta era inferior. Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio el tratamiento con diálisis mejora la supervivencia, si bien esta ventaja se pierde en los pacientes con ≥80 años (AU)

Introduction: The number of elderly patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) has increased in recent years, and the best therapeutic approach has not been determined due to a lack of evidence. Objectives: To observe the progression of elderly patients with ACKD (stages 4 and 5) and to compare the survival of stage 5 CKD patients with and without dialysis treatment. Material and methods: All patients ≥70 years who began ACKD follow-up from 01/01/2007 to 31/12/2008 were included, and their progression was observed until 31/12/2013. Demographic data, the Charlson comorbidity index, history of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) were assessed. Results: A total of 314 patients ≥70 years with stages 4 and 5 CKD were studied. Of these patients, 162 patients had stage 5 CKD at the beginning of follow-up or progressed to stage 5 during the study, and 69 of these patients were treated with dialysis. In the stage 5 group: median age was 77 years (74-81); 48% had IHD; 50% had DM, Charlson 7 (6-9). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis: ≥70 years (93 vs. 69 patients with dialysis, log rank: 15P<.001); patients ≥75 years (74 vs. 46 patients with dialysis, log rank: 8.9 P=.003); patients ≥80 (40 vs. 15 patients with dialysis) and p=0,2. Patients receiving dialysis were younger, with a lower Charlson comorbidity index and shorter follow-up time. Conclusions: Our study shows that dialysis treatment improves survival, although this benefit is lost in patients ≥80 years (AU)

Survival of patients ≥70 years with advanced chronic kidney disease: Dialysis vs. conservative care. / Supervivencia de pacientes de edad avanzada (≥70 años) con enfermedad crónica estadios 4-5: diálisis vs tratamiento conservador.

INTRODUCTION: The number of elderly patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) has increased in recent years, and the best therapeutic approach has not been determined due to a lack of evidence. OBJECTIVES: To observe the progression of elderly patients with ACKD (stages 4 and 5) and to compare the survival of stage 5 CKD patients with and without dialysis treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients ≥70 years who began ACKD follow-up from 01/01/2007 to 31/12/2008 were included, and their progression was observed until 31/12/2013. Demographic data, the Charlson comorbidity index, history of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 314 patients ≥70 years with stages 4 and 5 CKD were studied. Of these patients, 162 patients had stage 5 CKD at the beginning of follow-up or progressed to stage 5 during the study, and 69 of these patients were treated with dialysis. In the stage 5 group: median age was 77 years (74-81); 48% had IHD; 50% had DM, Charlson 7 (6-9). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis: ≥70 years (93 vs. 69 patients with dialysis, log rank: 15 P<.001); patients ≥75 years (74 vs. 46 patients with dialysis, log rank: 8.9 P=.003); patients ≥80 (40 vs. 15 patients with dialysis) and p=0,2. Patients receiving dialysis were younger, with a lower Charlson comorbidity index and shorter follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that dialysis treatment improves survival, although this benefit is lost in patients ≥80 years.