Unplanned 30-Day Readmission Rates for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Insight from the Nationwide Readmissions Database.

INTRODUCTION: Among end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on dialysis with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), relatively little is known about the epidemiology and risk factors for 30-day readmissions in the USA. Therefore, we evaluated the 30-day unplanned readmission rates and predictors and inpatient care costs among ESKD patients with and without ADPKD using a nationally representative, all-payer database. METHODS: We utilized the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2013 to 2018 to identify patients admitted for ESKD on dialysis with and without ADPKD using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. The primary outcome was a 30-day, unplanned readmission rate. Secondary outcomes were readmission reasons and timing, mortality, cost of hospitalization and rehospitalization, and adjusted predictors of readmissions. We used χ2 tests, t tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for descriptive analyses and survey logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations with readmissions adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2018, in a cohort of 1,404,144 hospitalizations with ESKD on dialysis as the primary and secondary diagnosis on index admission, there were 8,213 (0.58%) patients with ADPKD and 1,395,932 patients without ADPKD. Those who had ADPKD during index admissions had fewer 30 days readmissions (18.8 vs. 23.8%, p < 0.0001). The cost of hospitalizations and readmissions in ESKD on-dialysis patients with ADPKD was higher than non-ADPKD patients. Compared to ESKD patients without ADPKD who were readmitted, readmitted ADPKD patients were more likely to be younger with a lower Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) score; have received kidney transplant, lower source of income, elective index admissions, private insurance; and be discharged routinely, admitted in hospitals with larger bed size, in teaching hospitals, and less likely to get admitted through the emergency department. Younger age (<75 years), higher ECI score, longer length of stay, Medicare and Medicaid insurance, self-pay, discharge to a short-term hospital, specialized care, home health care, and against medical advice were associated with significantly increased odds of readmission. ADPKD patients were 31% less likely to get readmitted and 43% less likely to die during readmissions. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Nationwide, ESKD on-dialysis patients with ADPKD were less likely to have 30-day readmission than patients without ADPKD. Inpatient mortality during readmissions in patients admitted with ESKD on dialysis was lower with ADPKD as compared to those without ADPKD at the cost of higher health care expenses.

Prevalence of active hepatitis E virus infection and efficacy of ribavirin treatment in renal allograft recipients.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 infection frequently progresses to chronic disease with persisting HEV viremia in immunocompromised patients. Here, we evaluated the prevalence of HEV infection in renal allograft recipients and investigated the efficacy and tolerability of ribavirin monotherapy. METHODS: A total of 947 recipients on average 8.7 years post transplant were screened for anti-HEV IgG, IgM and HEV-RNA. Sixteen HEV-viremic renal allograft recipients were treated with ribavirin for 12 weeks. HEV-RNA concentration, laboratory and clinical parameters were assessed at baseline, during therapy and 12 weeks after treatment cessation. HEV-genotyping was performed in all HEV-viremic patients. RESULTS: Past HEV infection was detected serologically in 18% of the renal allograft recipients. Ongoing HEV replication was found in 16 recipients (all genotype 3). Unanimously, distinct HEV sequences were revealed in all HEV-viremic patients. At the start of ribavirin treatment, median HEV-RNA viral load was 4.3 × 106 (8000-5.0 × 106 ) IU/mL. Ninety-four percentage of HEV-infected allograft recipients showed a sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment cessation. Ribavirin treatment was associated with rapid decrease in liver enzymes and rare occurrence of anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of active HEV infection is important in renal transplant patients without signs of nosocomial infection. Ribavirin treatment was safe and effective.

Mortality in Elderly Waiting-List Patients Versus Age-Matched Kidney Transplant Recipients: Where is the Risk?

The number of elderly patients on the waiting list (WL) for kidney transplantation (KT) has risen significantly in recent years. Because KT offers a better survival than dialysis therapy, even in the elderly, candidates for KT should be selected carefully, particularly in older waitlisted patients. Identification of risk factors for death in WL patients and prediction of both perioperative risk and long-term post-transplant mortality are crucial for the proper allocation of organs and the clinical management of these patients in order to decrease mortality, both while on the WL and after KT. In this review, we examine the clinical results in studies concerning: a) risk factors for mortality in WL patients and KT recipients; 2) the benefits and risks of performing KT in the elderly, comparing survival between patients on the WL and KT recipients; and 3) clinical tools that should be used to assess the perioperative risk of mortality and predict long-term post-transplant survival. The acknowledgment of these concerns could contribute to better management of high-risk patients and prophylactic interventions to prolong survival in this particular population, provided a higher mortality is assumed.

Predictors of Health Deterioration Among Older Adults After 12 Months of Dialysis Therapy: A Longitudinal Cohort Study From New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: Involving patients in dialysis decision making is crucial, yet little is known about patient-reported experiences and patient-reported outcomes of dialysis. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective longitudinal cohort study of older patients receiving long-term dialysis. Predictors of worse health status were assessed using modified Poisson regression analysis. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 150 New Zealanders 65 years or older with end-stage kidney disease dialyzing at 1 of 3 nephrology centers. PREDICTORS: Patient-reported social and health characteristics based on the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, EQ-5D, and Kidney Symptom Score questionnaires and clinical information from health records. OUTCOMES: Health status after 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: 35% of study participants had reported worse health or had died at 12 months. Baseline variables independently associated with reduced risk for worse health status were Pacific ethnicity (relative risk [RR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.53-0.72), greater bother on the Kidney Symptom Score (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62-0.97), and dialyzing at home with either home hemodialysis (RR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36-0.83) or peritoneal dialysis (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.93). Baseline variables independently associated with increased risk were greater social dissatisfaction (RR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.27-2.17), lower sense of community (RR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.09-2.64), comorbid conditions (RR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.09-2.64), EQ-5D anxiety/depression (RR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.07-2.42); poor/fair overall general health (RR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.37-1.85), and longer time on dialysis therapy (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size restricted study power. CONCLUSIONS: Most older dialyzing patients studied reported same/better health 12 months later. Home-based dialysis, regardless of whether hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, was associated with reduced risk for worse health, and older Pacific People reported better outcomes on dialysis therapy. Social and/or clinical interventions aimed at improving social satisfaction, sense of community, and reducing anxiety/depression may favorably affect the experiences of older patients receiving long-term dialysis.

End-stage renal disease and severe aortic stenosis: Does valve replacement improve one-year outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and severe aortic stenosis (AS) includes balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV), surgical (SAVR), or transcatheter (TAVR) aortic valve replacement. We compared outcomes among these strategies. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with ESRD undergoing treatment for severe AS between 07/2007 and 06/2015 was performed at our center. Patients were classified based on treatment: BAV-only, TAVR, or SAVR. Baseline characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared among groups. A 1-year survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of 85 patients, 25 (29.4%) underwent BAV, 30 (35.3%) TAVR, and 30 (35.3%) SAVR. Patients in the SAVR group, compared to the BAV or TAVR patients, were younger (63 vs. 74 vs. 71 years, P = 0.02) and had less prior stroke (3.3% vs. 12.0% vs. 30.0%, P = 0.008). While all BAV patients had NYHA class III/IV, 93.3% and 76.7% of patients had NYHA class III/IV in the TAVR and SAVR group, respectively (P = 0.001). BAV patients were less likely to have atrial fibrillation than TAVR or SAVR patients (16.0% vs. 43.3% vs. 50.0%, P = 0.03). All patients were high risk, but there was a statistical trend to lower STS scores in the SAVR group (8.6% vs. 13.5% vs. 13.5%, P = 0.08). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality (16.7% vs. 10.0% vs. 10.0%, P = 0.74), but BAV treated patients had an increased 1-year mortality compared to those treated with TAVR or SAVR (87.0% vs. 32.0%, vs. 36.7%, P=<0.001). Independent predictors of 1-year mortality were a higher STS score (HR 1.026, 95%CI 1.002-1.051) and BAV-only strategy (BAV vs. TAVR: HR 3.961, 95%CI 1.595-9.840), but dialysis duration and type, and SAVR versus TAVR were not. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ESRD and severe AS have a similar and higher survival with TAVR or SAVR when compared to BAV at 1-year. These results may influence patient care decisions favoring valve replacement in AS patients with ESRD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The prognostic value of time needed on dialysis in patients with delayed graft function.

INTRODUCTION: We hypothesize that in patients with delayed graft function (DGF), the need for a longer time needed on dialysis (TND) post-kidney transplant is associated with poorer long-term function and an increase in complications. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review involving collaboration between Western University (WU) Renal Transplant Program of London, Ontario and the Saskatchewan renal transplant program (SRTP). A total of 774 patients (567 WU and 207 SRTP) received kidney transplants between 2004 and 2011, of which 83 patients with deceased donor transplants (59 WU and 24 SRTP) developed DGF, defined as the need for dialysis in the first week posttransplant. RESULTS: Patients with DGF were divided into three groups depending on TND [group 1: <7 days (n = 52), group 2: 7-14 days (n = 13) and group 3 (n = 18): >14 days]. The creatinine clearance (CrCl) at 30 days (42.5, 33.8, 20.0 cc/min; P < 0.001) and 1 year (56.7, 49.2, 37.3 cc/min, P = 0.031) were significantly different between the three groups. Multivariate regression analysis identified length of TND posttransplant (ß = -0.5, P < 0.001) and donation after cardiac death (DCD) donor (ß = 19.5, P < 0.001) as the most significant predictors of CrCl at 1 year in these patients with DGF. DCD kidneys with DGF had a higher CrCl at 1 year and fewer readmissions in the first year compared with non-DCD kidneys with DGF. DISCUSSION: Our study suggests that increased TND is associated with worse CrCl at 1 year. The data also support the hypothesis of a different mechanism for DGF in DCD and non-DCD kidneys.

The inactivated herpes zoster vaccine HZ/su induces a varicella zoster virus specific cellular and humoral immune response in patients on dialysis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the immunogenicity of the inactivated herpes-zoster vaccine HZ/su in patients at increased risk for VZV-reactivation, we analysed the quantity and quality of the vaccine-induced cellular and humoral immunity in patients on dialysis with uremic immunodeficiency. METHODS: In this observational study, 29 patients and 39 immunocompetent controls underwent standard dual-dose vaccination. Blood samples were analysed before and two weeks after each vaccination, and after one year. Specific T-cells were characterized after stimulation with VZV-gE-peptides based on induction of cytokines and CTLA-4-expression using flow-cytometry. Antibodies were analysed using ELISA. FINDINGS: Both groups showed an increase in VZV-gE-specific CD4 T-cell levels over time (p < 0.0001), although median levels reached after second vaccination were lower in patients (0.17% (IQR 0.21%)) than in controls (0.24% (IQR 0.3%), p = 0.042). VZV-gE specific CD8 T-cells were only poorly induced. CTLA-4 expression on VZV-gE-specific CD4 T-cells was strongest after second dose with no differences between the groups (p = 0.45). Multifunctional cells co-expressing IFNγ, IL-2, and TNF were higher in patients after first vaccination (p = 0.028). Median VZV-specific IgG-levels reached a maximum after second vaccination with significantly lower levels in patients (10796 (IQR 12482) IU/l) than in controls (16899 (IQR 14019) IU/l, p = 0.009). Despite similar CD4 T-cell levels after one year (p = 0.415), antibody levels remained significantly lower in patients (p = 0.0008). INTERPRETATION: VZV-gE vaccination induced specific antibodies and CD4 T-cells in both patients and controls, whereas CD8 T-cell-induction was poor. Quantitative and qualitative differences in immunity may indicate reduced duration of protection which may necessitate booster vaccinations in patients on dialysis. FUNDING: HOMFORexzellent (to D.S.).

Successful Renal Transplant in Castleman Disease - First Case Report from India.

Castleman disease (CD) comprises a rare group of heterogenous benign lymphoproliferative disorders with pathologic similarities. However, they present with diverse clinical manifestations. Renal involvement is rare in CD and is mainly reported with plasma cell type of multicentric disease. Various glomerular pathologies, interstitial involvement, or thrombotic microangiopathies have all been reported, some of which progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Progression of CD to ESRD is well documented; however, a patient on dialysis developing CD is rare. Moreover, kidney transplantations have seldom been performed on patients with CD. We report a patient with ESRD of unknown etiology who developed multicentric CD while on dialysis. He was treated with four doses of rituximab and later underwent a living kidney transplant with his wife as a donor. He has been clinically well ever since. We believe that this is possibly the first successful case of renal transplantation in CD with ESRD being reported from India.

Association of Smoking, Diabetes, and Dialysis with the Presence of Popliteal Lesions in Femoropopliteal Artery Disease.

AIM: Although recent advances in endovascular devices have markedly improved clinical outcomes of femoropopliteal endovascular therapy, lesions located in the popliteal artery are still a major challenge. This study aimed to determine the association of cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking, diabetes mellitus, and dialysis-dependent renal failure, with the location of atherosclerotic lesions in femoropopliteal artery disease. METHODS: We used a multicenter prospective study database registering patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal artery disease undergoing drug-coated balloon treatment. The analysis included 1912 patients with de novo femoropopliteal lesions. The association of clinical characteristics with popliteal lesions was investigated using the logistic regression model. In addition, the femoropopliteal artery was divided into six segments (the proximal, middle, and distal portions of the superficial femoral artery and P1, P2, and P3 segments of the popliteal artery), and the association of clinical characteristics with the presence of atherosclerotic lesions in the respective arterial segments was investigated. RESULTS: Smoking and dialysis-dependent renal failure showed a statistically significant inverse and positive association with the presence of popliteal lesions, respectively (adjusted odds ratio, 0.66 [95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.85] and 2.01 [1.62-2.49]; P=0.001 and P＜0.001), whereas diabetes mellitus did not (P=0.17). The subsequent per-segment analysis presented similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking was inversely associated with popliteal lesions, whereas renal failure on dialysis was positively associated in patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal artery disease who underwent drug-coated balloon treatment. Diabetes mellitus was not significantly associated.

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.

Profound Hyperkalemia and Anemia in a Dialysis Patient With a Gastrointestinal Bleed.

An 80-year-old male receiving dialysis three times per week presented to the emergency room with general malaise after missing four consecutive dialysis appointments. During his workup, he was noted to have a potassium of 9.1 mmol/L, hemoglobin of 4.1 g/dL, and an electrocardiogram showing a first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, a right bundle branch block, peaked T waves, and a wide QRS complex. During emergent dialysis and resuscitation, the patient suffered respiratory failure and was intubated. The next morning, he underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which found a healing duodenal ulcer. He was extubated the same day and was discharged in stable condition a few days later. This case appears to report the highest observed potassium coupled with significant anemia in a patient not affected by cardiac arrest.

Safety and Effectiveness of Roxadustat in Dialysis-Dependent Patients With Renal Anemia: A Hospital-Based Cohort Study.

Background Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown the efficacy and safety of Roxadustat and conclude that it has the potential to change the treatment for anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. However, the experience of its use from clinical perspectives post-approval is lacking. Aim Using a clinical practice context, this study aims to compare Roxadustat's effectiveness and tolerability with Erythropoietin (EPO) in patients with renal anemia undergoing dialysis. Methods We examined the clinical records of patients with a diagnosis of renal anemia on dialysis who were prescribed Roxadustat or Erythropoietin at the department of nephrology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University from January 2021 to December 2021. Eligible hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with renal anemia, aged >18 or <75 years, without infection, active bleeding, and malignancy were recruited. These patients received Roxadustat or EPO based on the preferential prescription choice made by the nephrologists of the department. We retrospectively attempted to determine the treatment response measured by the change in hemoglobin rate, from baseline up to six months. We also explored the impact of various factors on the treatment response and reported adverse events. Results A total of 106 patients have been included in the final analysis, with 53 patients in each group. The mean age of the study group was 49.9 ± 13.6 years with the main Hb level at the baseline of 8.1 g/dL ± 1.23 g/dl. The gain of hemoglobin from the baseline averaged over six months was 2.2 ± 2.11 g/dl in the Roxadustat group compared with 1.1 ± 1.67 g/dL in the EPO group (p=0.01). As compared to EPO,Roxadustat reduced the total cholesterol level by -0.59 ± 1.08 mmol/l versus -0.01 ± 1.28 mmol/l (p=0012) and the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by -0.48 ± 1.07 mmol/l versus -0.47 ± 1.05 (p=0.017) in the first three months. Associated factors with a non-response to treatment were age greater than 65 years (OR=6, 95% CI: 1.23-32.46, p=0.02), hypertension (OR=3.5, 95%CI: 0.89-13.25, p=0.060), and heart failure (OR=4.18, 95%CI:4.18 1.04-20.39, p=0.040). Although the proportion of hospitalization and infection was higher in the EPO group and the incidences of gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, nausea) and blood transfusions were higher in the Roxadustat group, there were no statistically significant differences. Conclusion Roxadustat improved hemoglobin compared to erythropoietin in patients undergoing dialysis with a safe profile but precautions should be taken for old patients with a cardiovascular medical history.

[Ocular manifestations in patients with chronic renal insufficiency who are not dialysis: about 60 cases]. / Manifestations oculaires chez les patients insuffisants rénaux chroniques non dialyses : a propos de 60 cas.

OBJECTIVE: describe the ocular manifestations encounterd in chronic renal failure not on dialysis in order to ensure better management. METHODS: it is a descriptive analytical study, which took place from febrauary 2017 to june 2017. The study was carried out jointly in the Nephrology and Ophortamology departments of the Yopougon hospital and university center. It focused on patients with renal failure not on dialysis. A total of 60 patients were included with regard to the study inclusion criteria. RESULTS: patients personal history was dominated by high blood pressure arterial (88%) diabetes (27%). The decrease in visual acuity (BAV) and pruritus were symptoms at rates of 66.66% and 26% respectively. The review biomicroscopic anterior segment, has shown unilateral cataracts in 26.67% of cases. At the posterior pole, optic neuropathy was predominant (23,33%). The macular edemas were 10%. Arterial shrinkage (16.66%) was the most observed lesion of peripheral chorioretin. The hypertensive retinopathy (HR) and large papillary excavation (GEP) were the abnormalities most found on the back of the eye, each observing each in 43.75% of cases. We found no correlation between eye manifestations and IRC. CONCLUSION: There was no direct link between kidney failure and eye damage Observed. Several factors could explain the eye signs, including HTA and diabetes.

OBJECTIFS: décrire les manifestations oculaires rencontrées chez l'insuffisant rénal chronique non dialysé afin d'en assurer une meilleure prise en charge. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: il s'agit d'une étude descriptive et analytique, qui s'est déroulée du mois de février 2017 au mois de Juin 2017. L'étude a été menée conjointement dans les services de Néphrologie et d'Ophtalmologie du Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire (CHU) de Yopougon. Elle a porté sur les patients insuffisants rénaux non dialysés. Au total 60 patients ont été inclus eu égard aux critères d'inclusion de l'étude. RÉSULTATS: les antécédents personnels des patients étaient dominés par l'hypertension artérielle (88%) et le diabète (27%). Labaisse de l'acuité visuelle (BAV) et le prurit étaient lessymptômes plus exprimésà des taux respectifs de 66,66% et 26%. L'examen biomicroscopique du segment antérieur, a mis en évidence une cataracte unilatérale chez 26,67% des cas. Au pôle postérieur, les neuropathies optiques étaient prédominantes (23,33%). Les oedèmes maculaires étaient de 10%. Le rétrécissement artériel (16,66%) représentait la lésion la plus observée au niveau de la choriorétine périphérique. La rétinopathie hypertensive (RH) et la grande excavation papillaire (GEP) étaient les anomalies les plus retrouvées à l'examen du fond d'œil, s'observant chacune dans 43,75% des cas. Nous n'avons pas retrouvé de corrélation entre les manifestations oculaires et l'IRC. CONCLUSION: Il n'existait pas de lien direct entre l'insuffisance rénaleet les lésions oculaires observées. Plusieurs facteurs pourraient expliqués les signes oculaires, notamment l'HTA et le diabète.

Classical Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Presenting With Severe Anemia and Pigmented Acute Kidney Injury.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare form of intravascular hemolysis caused by an acquired deficiency of complement regulatory glycoproteins. In our case, a 53-year-old male presented with fatigue, discoloration of urine, and reduced urine output. Preliminary investigations showed severe anemia (3.7 g/dl) and hyperkalemia (7.6 mmol/L) in the setting of acute kidney injury, requiring urgent dialysis. Four units of packed cell volumes were transfused for the correction of anaemia. Following initial stabilization, flow cytometry and a fluorescein-labeled proaerolysin (FLAER) study showed a total deficiency of CD59 in 95.92% of granulocytes and a 97.14% deficiency in monocytes. A bone marrow biopsy showed erythroblast hyperplasia confirming the diagnosis of classical paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. The patient was treated with steroids, androgens, and iron supplementation and made a complete recovery with a near-total resolution of his acute kidney injury. This paper aims to review the clinical features and investigations in order to focus on acute kidney injury as an outcome of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Predictors of Health Deterioration Among Older New Zealanders Undergoing Dialysis: A Three-Year Accelerated Longitudinal Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Patient involvement in dialysis decision-making is crucial, yet little is known about patient-reported outcomes over time on dialysis. OBJECTIVE: To examine health-related outcomes over 24 and 36 months in an older cohort of dialysis patients. DESIGN: The "Dialysis outcomes in those aged ≥65 years study" is a prospective longitudinal cohort study of New Zealanders with kidney failure. SETTING: Three New Zealand nephrology units. PATIENTS: Kidney failure (dialysis and predialysis) patients aged 65 or above. We have previously described outcomes after 12 months of dialysis therapy relative to baseline. MEASUREMENTS: Patient-reported social and health factors using the SF-36, EQ-5D, and Kidney Symptom Score questionnaires. METHODS: This article describes and compares characteristics of 120 older kidney failure patients according to whether they report "Same/better" or "Worse" health 24 and 36 months later, and identifies predictors of "worse health." Modified Poisson regression modeling estimated relative risks (RR) of worse health. RESULTS: Of 120 patients at 12 months, 47.5% had worse health or had died by 24 months. Of those surviving at 24 months (n = 80), 40% had "Worse health" or had died at 36 months. Variables independently associated with reduced risk of "Worse health" (24 months) were as follows: Maori ethnicity (RR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.26-0.75), Pacific ethnicity (RR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.33-0.46); greater social satisfaction (RR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.46-0.7). Variables associated with an increased risk of "Worse health" were as follows: problems with usual activities (RR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.04-1.37); pain or discomfort (RR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.34, 1.63). At 36 months, lack of sense of community (RR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.18-1.69), 2 or more comorbidities (RR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.13-1.29), and problems with poor health (RR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.41-1.54) were associated with "Worse health." LIMITATIONS: Participant numbers restricted the number of variables able to be included in the multivariable model, and hence there may have been insufficient power to detect certain associations. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the majority of older dialyzing patients report "Same/better health" at 24 and 36 months. Maori and Pacific people report better outcomes on dialysis. Social and/or clinical interventions aimed at improving social satisfaction, sense of community, and help with usual activities may impact favorably on the experiences for older dialysis patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand clinical trials registry: ACTRN12611000024943.

CONTEXTE: La participation des patients à la prise de décisions est essentielle en contexte de traitements de dialyse. On en sait toutefois peu sur les résultats observés par les patients en cours de traitement. OBJECTIF: Examiner les résultats liés à la santé sur une période de 24 et de 36 mois dans une cohorte de patients âgés suivant des traitements de dialyse. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Cette étude intitulée Dialysis outcomes in those aged ≥65 years est une étude de cohorte prospective et longitudinale menée auprès de Néo-Zélandais atteints d'insuffisance rénale. CADRE: Trois unités de néphrologie en Nouvelle-Zélande. SUJETS: Des patients âgés de plus de 65 ans atteints d'insuffisance rénale (dialyse et prédialyse). Nous avions antérieurement décrit les résultats observés après 12 mois de dialyse par rapport au début de l'étude. MESURES: Les facteurs sociaux et l'état de santé déclarés par les patients par l'entremise des questionnaires SF-36, EQ-5D et Kidney Symptom Score. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Dans cet article, nous décrivons et comparons les caractéristiques de 120 patients âgés atteints d'insuffisance rénale selon qu'ils avaient déclaré un état de santé « inchangé/meilleur ¼ ou « empiré ¼ après 24 et 36 mois. Nous discutons également des facteurs prédictifs d'un état de santé jugé « empiré ¼. Un modèle de régression de Poisson corrigé a servi à estimer le risque relatif (RR) de progresser vers un état de santé « empiré ¼. RÉSULTATS: Des 120 patients évalués après 12 mois, 47,5 % avaient déclaré un état de santé « empiré ¼ ou étaient décédés après 24 mois. Parmi les survivants à 24 mois d'étude (n = 80), 40 % avaient déclaré un état de santé « empiré ¼ ou étaient décédés après 36 mois. Les variables associées de façon indépendante à un risque réduit de voir l'état de santé empiré (24 mois) étaient : le fait d'être Maori (RR = 0,44; IC 95% = 0.26-0.75) ou issu d'une population du Pacifique (RR = 0.39; IC 95% = 0.33-0.46) et une satisfaction sociale plus élevée (RR = 0.57; IC 95% = 0.46-0.7) constituent les variables qui ont été associées de façon indépendante à un risque réduit de voir un état de santé empiré après 24 mois. Parmi les variables associées à un risque accru d'aggravation de l'état de santé, on compte des difficultés à pratiquer les activités quotidiennes (RR = 1.32; IC 95% = 1.04-1.37) et la douleur ou l'inconfort (RR = 1.48; IC 95% = 1.34-1.63). Après 36 mois de traitement, l'absence d'un sentiment de communauté (RR = 1,41; IC 95% = 1.18-1.69), le fait de présenter au moins deux maladies concomitantes (RR = 1.21; IC 95% = 1.13-1.29) et des problèmes liés à une mauvaise santé (RR = 1.47; IC 95% = 1.41-1.54) ont été associés à un état de santé jugé « empiré ¼. LIMITES: Le faible nombre de participants a restreint le nombre de variables pouvant être incluses dans le modèle multivarié, il est donc possible que la puissance de détection de certaines associations soit insuffisante. CONCLUSION: Dans cette étude, la majorité des patients âgés sous dialyse ont déclaré avoir un état de santé « inchangé/meilleur ¼ après 24 et 36 mois de traitement. Les patients Maoris et ceux qui sont originaires du Pacifique ont déclaré de meilleurs résultats de dialyse. Les interventions sociales ou cliniques visant à améliorer la satisfaction sociale, le sentiment d'appartenance à la communauté et l'aide aux activités quotidiennes pourraient avoir un effet bénéfique sur le vécu des patients âgés suivant des traitements de dialyse.

Usual nutritional scores have acceptable sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing malnutrition compared to GLIM criteria in hemodialysis patients.

Diagnosing malnutrition by the recently published Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria requires using modern techniques for body composition measurements. We hypothesized that the prevalence of malnutrition identified by usual nutritional scores and according to GLIM criteria may be close to each other due to the number of components shared between them. Our aim was to compare the concurrent validity of four nutritional scores, malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS), objective score of nutrition on dialysis, geriatric nutritional index (GNRI), and nutritional risk index against the GLIM criteria for malnutrition in maintenance hemodialysis patients. This prospective observational study was performed on 318 maintenance hemodialysis outpatients (37% women) with a mean age of 68.7 ± 13.1 years and a median dialysis vintage of 21 months. According to the GLIM criteria, 45.9% of these patients were diagnosed with malnutrition. Nutritional scores, dietary intake and body composition parameters were measured. All nutritional scores showed a strong association with malnutrition in multivariable logistic regression models. In discriminating the nutritional risk, the ROC AUC was largest for GNRI (0.70, 95% CI: 0.65-0.75; P< .001). Nutritional risk index and MIS showed high specificity but lower sensitivity compared to GNRI and objective score of nutrition on dialysis. Compared to MIS, GNRI had better concurrent validity (higher sensitivity and acceptable specificity) but was inferior to MIS in terms of relation to certain etiologic and phenotypic components of the GLIM criteria (specifically, to dietary intake and decrease in dry weight). In summary, of the nutritional scores tested, GNRI is the most sensitive score in identifying malnutrition diagnosed by GLIM criteria, but MIS is more specific and better in predicting the individual components of the GLIM criteria.

Cost-Effectiveness of Home Hemodialysis With Bedside Portable Dialysis Machine "DIMI" in the United Arab Emirates.

Background and objective The incidence and prevalence of patients requiring renal replacement therapies (RRTs) are increasing worldwide and a large number of these patients die prematurely due to the unavailability of treatment. While in-center hemodialysis remains the most commonly practiced modality globally, more and more patients find it unsuitable due to their frail condition, difficulty in ambulation, and time lost in traveling, etc. Such patients find the self-administered or nurse-assisted home hemodialysis (NAHHD) more suitable. The costly and recurring nature of these therapies prompted us to evaluate and compare the cost-effectiveness aspect of these two treatment modalities. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate if home hemodialysis (HHD) with a portable hemodialysis machine was cost-effective in comparison to in-center hemodialysis for patients of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is the first study of its kind to be conducted in the UAE. Methodology The study topic was developed based on an informal inquiry from the health regulator of Abu Dhabi if HHD was cost-effective compared to in-center hemodialysis with an emphasis on a portable dialysis machine. No such head-to-head study performed in the UAE was available. Hence, a systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) design was chosen as the investigative method. An outline of the study was drafted, and a literature search of Science of Web, PubMed, and Cochrane Evidence was performed using the keywords "Home Hemodialysis", "home-based Dialysis", "Cost-effectiveness of Dialysis", "Cost-effectiveness of renal replacement therapy", etc. A review of the article titles was performed to include the articles relevant to the cost of RRTs and the economic burden of ESRF. Full text and abstracts of those articles were retrieved, studied, and, the articles that were found not relevant were excluded. The remaining articles were studied and used in the evidence synthesis. DIMI was chosen to represent a standard type of recently developed portable dialysis machines. Results It was interesting to find out during the review that HHD and in-center hemodialysis had been developed simultaneously but the former had eventually fallen out of favor. The review revealed that HHD is not only as effective as in-center hemodialysis but is also associated with better survival benefits over the latter. Several studies have found it to be significantly cost-effective compared to in-center hemodialysis. Newer types of HHD machines make it easier for the patients or their family/caregivers to administer it safely and effectively at home and while traveling. They have regenerated interest in HHD and the Medicare administration in the USA has already decided to make use of it at a more frequent rate. Conclusion Based on the evidence in the available literature, HHD is cost-effective when compared to in-center hemodialysis in terms of survival benefits, quality of life (QoL) of patients, and monetary savings. Newer portable bedside dialysis machines provide better safety and have simplified the procedure of hemodialysis, making HHD more acceptable to patients and caregivers. We believe HHD should be the preferred modality of treatment instead of in-center hemodialysis, and that applies to UAE too.

"Doctor, can I have less frequent injection with highly efficient treatment?" A patient centered study using an electronic choice-based conjoint analysis (ePRO) to assess real world preferences regarding erythropoiesis stimulating agent to treat anaemia in chronic kidney disease (PERCEPOLIS study).

OBJECTIVES: Patient's perception analysis appears recently in numerous studies. Conjoint analysis has been used extensively by market researchers for studying how people value the characteristics of products and services. This technique was used in a clinical study to describe perceptions and preferences of anaemic patients suffering from chronic kidney disease not on dialysis (CKDnd), regarding erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESA). METHODS: PERCEPOLIS was a French multicenter prospective non-interventional study designed to describe the relative importance of ESA attributes according to CKDnD patients. Patients fulfilled questionnaires using an electronic device (digital tablet) at baseline and after 6 months under continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) treatment. Choice-based conjoint (CBC) questionnaires were developed with multiple components: 7 ESA attributes (2 or 3 levels per attribute), 2 partial profiles per task (2 out of the 7 attributes), and 7 tasks per questionnaire. Analyses were performed according to previous ESA treatment or not. RESULTS: From 789 analyzed patients, 433 non ESA-naive patients were more than 80% to declare treatment efficacy as the most important expectative in ESA choice process (direct question) but CBC analyses revealed that frequency of injections was more crucial (relative mean weight: ∼30% versus ∼20% for efficacy). Pain at injection site and haemoglobin not exceeding the recommended target were confirmed as important criteria for patients (relative mean weights: ∼15%). No new or unexplained safety signals were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Using CBC design for the first time in a non-interventional ESA study with an electronic Patient Reported Outcome (ePRO) in an elderly population, these data showed that monthly injections and treatment efficacy were key patients' expectations relative to ESAs. CERA efficacy to maintain stable haemoglobin within the recommended range was confirmed in real-life conditions.

Survival for haemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis and technique transference. Experience in Ourense, Spain, from 1976 to 2012.

OBJECTIVE: To assess SV in our RRT population in the period 1976-2012 as well as the influence of technique transference (TT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a retrospective cohort of 993 patients. Data were classified as transplant (Tx), change in technique, exitus or lost to follow-up. SV for TT was determined in patients with over 12 weeks of permanence. RESULTS: The mortality risk adjusted for age, sex, dialysis technique or diabetes mellitus (DM) showed that the estimated risk of death increased by 4.8% per year increase (HR=1.048; 95% CI: 1.04-1.06; P<.001) and was 44% higher in diabetics compared to non-diabetics (HR=1.44; 95% CI 1.16-1.76; P<.01). Regarding SV for TT, patients who initiated HD had a shorter survival than those who initiated PD and transferred to HD (P=.00563). CONCLUSION: In our experience, SV in RRT is dependent on age and coexistence of DM. It would be beneficial to reinstate the concept of "comprehensive care", in which RRT would start with PD and later transfer to HD.

Cost-Minimization Analysis of Direct Cost of Sevelamer Carbonate and Lanthanum Carbonate in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Not on Dialysis in Bulgaria.

BACKGROUND: Hyperphosphatemia is associated with significant pathophysiology in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Control of hyperphosphatemia in patients with stage 3 to 5D CKD is now regarded as a high priority. OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this study was to perform an economic analysis of the newly available treatments sevelamer carbonate (SC) and lanthanum carbonate (LC) for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients not on dialysis in Bulgaria. METHODS: Both treatment options demonstrate equal efficacy in controlling hyperphosphatemia, as well as having a similar safety profile in regard to adverse effects. To differentiate between them, a cost-minimization analysis was performed. A time period of 4 years was chosen to perform a budget impact analysis. The robustness of the results was tested through sensitivity analysis using Tornado diagrams. RESULTS: The estimated cost per patient per year with SC and LC would be €1441.75 and €1569.50, respectively, at the weighted average daily dose regimen of 4000 mg SC and 2000 mg LC, whereas the cost would be €2306.80 and €2354.25 for 6400 mg SC and 3000 mg LC, respectively. Expected cost savings (discounted) for the 4-year period of the analysis can reach between €1,363,601 and €2,727,201 at 4000 mg SC and 2000 mg LC dose regimen, whereas these can reach between €506,480 and €1,012,961 at 6400 mg SC and 3000 mg LC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The equal efficacy, similar adverse effect profile, and lower cost of SC when used for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with CKD not on dialysis should make it a preferred alternative.