Factors Associated with Sarcopenia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND Sarcopenia is a recognized complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and increases risk of increased morbidity from cardiovascular events and mortality. This single-center cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in CKD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with non-dialysis-dependent (NDD)-CKD were examined for sarcopenia by handgrip strength testing, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and 4-minute gait speed test. We divided 220 patients into 2 groups - No Probable Sarcopenia (NPS; n=120) and Probable Sarcopenia (PS; n=100) - according to muscle strength defined by handgrip strength, then into another 2 groups - No Sarcopenia (NS; n=189) and Confirmed Sarcopenia (CS; n=31) - according to muscle mass defined by BIA. RESULTS Mean age and prevalence of coronary heart disease were significantly higher and mean body mass index (BMI) was lower in the PS and CS groups than that of NPS and NS groups (P.

To what extent can we achieve mineral bone metabolism treatment targets suggested by the KDIGO guidelines among chronic kidney disease stage 3 - 5 non-dialysis patients?

INTRODUCTION: Real-life data on the predialysis management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is scarce. In this study, our aim was to investigate the current clinical practice and compliance among nephrologists with the KDIGO chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we recruited stage 3 - 5 non-dialysis (ND) CKD patients and recorded the data related to CKD-MBD from two consecutive outpatient clinical visits 3 - 6 months apart. We calculated the therapeutic inertia for hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, and hypovitaminosis D, in addition to overtreatment for hypophosphatemia, hypercalcemia, hypoparathyroidism, and hypervitaminosis D. RESULTS: We examined a total of 302 patients (male: 48.7%, median age: 67 years). The persistence of low 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels was the most common laboratory abnormality related to CKD-MBD (61.7%), followed by hyperparathyroidism (14.8%), hyperphosphatemia (7.9%), and hypocalcemia (0.0%). According to our results, therapeutic inertia seems to be a more common problem than overtreatment for all the CKD-MBD laboratory parameters that we examined. Therapeutic inertia frequency was highest for hypovitaminosis D (81.1%), followed by hypocalcemia (75.0%), hyperparathyroidism (59.0%), and hyperphosphatemia (30.4%). CONCLUSION: We concluded that CKD-MBD is not optimally managed in CKD stage 3 - 5 ND patients. Clinicians should have an active attitude regarding the correction of MBD even at the earlier stages of CKD.

Kidney tissue elastography and interstitial fibrosis observed in kidney biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney interstitial fibrosis is an important risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease. Kidney elastography is a noninvasive imaging modality that might be used to assess tissue fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between tissue stiffness detected in kidney elastography and interstitial fibrosis observed in kidney biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who were hospitalized in a tertiary care university hospital with a kidney biopsy indication were included in this study. In all patients, the transverse and sagittal elastography measurements were made using a sonoelastography device before the biopsy. The total histological score was calculated. RESULTS: Fifty-seven native kidney patients with proteinuria were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (n = 6) and absence of fibrosis (n = 51) as detected by kidney biopsy. A significant correlation was found between the presence of fibrosis detected by biopsy and elastography outcomes (p = .046, r = .192). A significant correlation was found between the urea and creatinine levels and transverse elastography measurements (p = .036, r = .240). No correlation was observed between the transverse elastography measurements and total histological score consisting of glomerular, vascular, and tubular scores (r = .006, p = .967). CONCLUSION: The findings of our study suggest a significant relationship between the elastography measurements and interstitial fibrosis. Because of the high negative predictive value (91%), we suggest that elastography should mainly be used as an exclusion test for the presence of fibrosis. We also believe that elastography may be useful to evaluate the fibrosis status in kidney diseases.

Reflex Decay Test Can Reveal Ear Involvement in Fabry Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder that causes multisystem involvement, including ear disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the nature of auditory issues in FD using a wide spectrum of audiological tests. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2017 and December 2018. We collected the clinical and laboratory data of 40 eligible FD patients, 45 healthy subjects, and 26 diabetic controls. All patients and controls completed audiologic evaluations that included tympanometry, acoustic reflex threshold test, reflex decay test, pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, transient otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), high-frequency audiometry, and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). RESULTS: In our study population, hearing was reduced at higher frequencies starting at 4 kHz in both the FD and diabetic groups. Regarding the acoustic reflex threshold test, FD and diabetic patients had similar results. In all frequencies, positive decay was significantly more frequent in FD patients when compared with the diabetic patients and healthy controls (p < 0.001 for each ear). The FD patients and healthy controls had similar results for DPOAE testing. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that FD patients had a higher rate of reflex decay, indicating retrocochlear involvement. Thus, further investigation of factors associated with retrocochlear involvement could be investigated, such as ABR and speech in noise tests.

Single-frequency and multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis: What is the difference?

AIM: Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a promising method in determining the body compartments in haemodialysis patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the agreement between two widely used methods: the single-frequency and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyses. METHODS: Maintenance haemodialysis patients were enrolled in the study. Single-frequency and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyses were performed consecutively before haemodialysis. A second bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed right after the haemodialysis session. A third bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed one hour after haemodialysis. We used weight change as a measure of fluid removal during haemodialysis session. RESULTS: Bioelectrical impedance analysis estimates from both devices had significant differences. Best agreement was observed between single frequency and multifrequency devices' extracellular water estimates immediately after haemodialysis (mean difference 0.076 L). We found the best agreement between weight change and extracellular water change using single-frequency bioimpedance analysis. Moreover, one hour waiting time did not improve the agreement between weight and extracellular water changes for both devices. Different estimates seem to be caused by different raw impedance data measured by both devices and device-specific equations. CONCLUSION: There are significant differences among bioelectrical impedance measurements performed with different bioelectrical impedance analyzers. Using open source software might be an important step forward in the development of standardized measurements.

The Frequency and Associated Factors for BK Virus Infection in a Center Performing Mainly Living Kidney Transplantations.

PURPOSE: BK virus (BKV) nephropathy has increasingly become an important cause of morbidity in renal transplant recipients. We evaluated the frequency and associated factors for BKV infection in a center performing mainly living donor transplantations over a long time period. METHODS: One hundred consecutive renal transplant patients were included. Quarterly visits were planned to examine urine for decoy cells and to measure the BKV DNA in the blood and urine. Renal biopsy was performed in case of deteriorated allograft function. Serological examinations for BKV immunoglobulin G (IgG) were performed in donors. RESULTS: Throughout the entire follow-up period, the rates of viruria, viremia, and the positivity of decoy cells were 12%, 6%, and 13%, respectively. The negative and positive predictive values of decoy cells were 93.1% and 69.2%, respectively, for viruria, and 99.2% and 45.5%, respectively, for viremia. Biopsy-proven BKV nephropathy was observed in 1 patient. The BKV IgG was positive in all living donors. Viruria and viremia were associated with deceased donor transplantation, acute rejection, and pulse steroid therapy. In addition, viremia was associated with antithymocyte globulin therapy and a short duration of the posttransplant period. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of BKV infection was lower in our transplant unit compared to previous reports. Reduced doses of immunosuppression seem to be the main factor that may explain the reduced frequency. However, an active screening strategy is still of importance for this patient group.

A Solid Mass in the Chest Wall.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is one of the most common malignancies after kidney transplantation. Different clinical and histopathological forms of PTLD related to immunosuppression can be observed after organ transplantations. We report a 42-year-old woman who had undergone deceased donor renal transplantation with an unusual presentation of PTLD. The immunosuppressive treatment was discontinued and appropriate chemotherapy was started. However, the patient died despite this treatment. Different presentations of PTLD in transplant patients should also be kept in mind.

Comparison of chronic kidney disease progression and associated complications between geriatric and non-geriatric groups.

There is no consensus on the physiologic decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) due to geriatric conditions related with the aging or chronic kidney disease (CKD) itself. In this study, we aimed to compare the CKD progression and associated complications in a large sample of geriatric and non-geriatric patients. The data of in 506 patients at age between 30 to 90 years and diagnosed with CKD at stage 2 and above (15 mL/min/1.73 m2 ≤ eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2) were collected retrospectively and compared among geriatric (>65 years old) and non-geriatric individuals. The rate of hypertension was higher in geriatrics compared to non-geriatrics (96.6% vs 91.9%, P = .04). Among laboratory findings, only PTH level was significantly lower and HCO3 concentration was higher in geriatrics compared to non-geriatrics (P = .02, P < .001, respectively). There was no significant difference in last measured eGFR (P = .99) while that measured 4 years ago was lower in geriatrics compared to that of non-geriatrics (P < .001). eGFR change was smaller in geriatrics compared to non-geriatrics (P < .001), and rate of progressive renal disease among non-geriatric group (39%) was found to be significantly higher than in the geriatrics (17.2%) (P < .001). The prevalence of hyperkalemia was lower in geriatrics at stage 3a (P = .02); prevalence of hyperparathyroidism was lower in those at stage 3b (P = .02) and lastly the acidosis was observed significantly lower in geriatric patients at stage 3a, 3b, and 4 compared to the non-geriatrics at corresponding stages (P < .001, P = .03, and P = .04, respectively). The eGFR change was significantly smaller in geriatrics at stage 3b and 4 (P < .001 and P = .04, respectively) while the rate of progressed renal disease was lower in geriatrics at stage 3a and 3b (21.1% vs 9.9%, P = .03 and 41.2% vs 11.1%, P < .001, respectively). eGFR change in 4-year period and the rates of progressive renal disease are higher in the non-geriatrics and also the prevalence of secondary complications of CKD, such as hyperparathyroidism, acidosis, and hyperkalemia, are higher in non-geriatrics. This may reflect that decline of GFR in geriatric individuals is at least partially related to physiological aging rather than kidney disease. Therefore, devising age related CKD definitions might be appropriate.

Fabry Disease Prevalence in Renal Replacement Therapy in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from lack of alpha-galactosidase A (AGALA) activity in lysosomes. OBJECTIVE: In this multicenter study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of FD in renal transplant (Tx) recipients in Turkey. We also screened dialysis patients as a control group. METHODS: All Tx and dialysis patients were screened regardless of the presence of a primary disease. We measured the AGALA activity in all male patients as initial analysis. Mutation analysis was performed in male patients with decreased AGALA activity and in female patients as the initial diagnostic assay. RESULTS: We screened 5,657 patients. A total of 17 mutations were identified. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the prevalence of patients with mutation. We found FD even in patients with presumed primary kidney diseases. Seventy-one relatives were analyzed and mutation was detected in 43 of them. We detected a patient with a new, unknown mutation (p.Cys223) in the GLA gene. CONCLUSIONS: There are important implications of the screening. First, detection of the undiagnosed patients leads to starting appropriate therapies for these patients. Second, the transmission of the disease to future generations may be prevented by prenatal screening after appropriate genetic counseling. In conclusion, we suggest screening of kidney Tx candidates for FD, regardless of etiologies of chronic kidney disease.

Recurrent and de novo glomerulonephritis following renal transplantation: higher rates of rejection and lower graft survival.

PURPOSE: In this retrospective study with case-control design, we aimed to determine the clinical and pathological characteristics of post-transplant glomerulonephritis (GN), and their effects on transplant recipients. METHODS: One hundred and twenty renal transplant recipients with biopsy-proven recurrent or de novo primary GN were compared with two matched control groups including 120 transplant recipients with nonrecurrent primary GN (nonrecurrent GN group) and 120 transplant recipients with non-GN etiology (non-GN group). Primary outcome was allograft loss, and secondary outcomes were biopsy-confirmed cellular or antibody-mediated rejection. RESULTS: In recurrent/de novo GN, nonrecurrent GN and non-GN groups, 54.2% (n = 65), 16.7% (n = 20) and 8.3% (n = 10) of patients reached primary outcome after a median follow-up of 96 (IQR: 56-149) months, respectively. Allograft loss was significantly higher in recurrent/de novo GN group compared to nonrecurrent GN and non-GN groups (p < 0.001). At 10 years, allograft loss rates in recurrent/de novo GN group were 54.2% for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, 53.2% for membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and 33.4% for IgA nephropathy cases. Biopsy-confirmed rejection rate was significantly higher in the recurrent/de novo GN group (n = 25, 20.8%) compared to non-GN (n = 8, 6.7%) group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent/de novo GN is associated with higher risk of rejection and worse allograft survival.

Long-Term Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification Is Independent of Classical Risk Factors, C-Reactive Protein, and Parathyroid Hormone in Renal Transplant Patients.

AIMS: Compared to the general population, mortality is significantly increased in renal transplant recipients. In the general population, coronary artery calcification (CAC) and its evolution over time are associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, and the study of this biomarker could provide useful information for describing the long-term progression of coronary heart disease in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: We followed up a cohort of 113 renal transplant patients by performing three multi-detector computed tomography studies over 83.6 ± 6.8 months. Data analysis was performed by logistic regression analysis and by mixed linear modelling. RESULTS: Progression was observed in 34.5% of patients. Baseline CAC and time-to-transplantation were the sole variables that predicted CAC evolution over time. Neither classical nor nontraditional risk factors, biomarkers of renal function (GFR) and kidney damage (albuminuria) or biomarkers of bone mineral disorder (BMD), such as serum phosphorus, calcium, and PTH, were associated with the long-term progression of coronary calcification. Serum triglycerides predicted CAC progression only in logistic regression analysis, while in addition to baseline CAC, time to transplantation was the sole variable predicting CAC progression when the data were analyzed by mixed linear modelling. These data suggested that, in addition to the background calcification burden, other unmeasured factors play major roles in promoting the evolution of coronary calcification in the transplant population. CONCLUSION: CAC progression continued over the long-term follow-up of renal transplant patients. This phenomenon was unaccounted for by classical and nontraditional risk factors, as well as by biomarkers of renal dysfunction and renal damage.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring and Echocardiographic Findings in Renal Transplant Recipients.

Hypertension is common in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) is important in diagnosing hypertension and diurnal BP variation. The authors set out to compare office BP and ABPM measurements to determine diurnal pattern and to evaluate echocardiographic findings in RTRs. ABPM and office BP measurements were compared in 87 RTRs. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed for each patient. The correlations between office and 24-hour ABPM were 0.275 for mean systolic BP (P=.011) and 0.260 for mean diastolic BP (P=.017). Only 36.8% had concordant hypertension between office BP and ABPM, with a masked hypertension rate of 16.1% and white-coat effect rate of 24.1%. Circadian BP patterns showed a higher proportion of nondippers (67.8%). Left ventricular mass index was increased in 21.8% of all recipients. There was a significant but weak correlation between office BP and ABPM.