Low cholesterol along with inflammation predicts morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients

Low and not high cholesterol seems to predict high mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The confirmation of this reverse epidemiology as well as its possible interconnection with the increased inflammatory activity observed in this population is being explored in the present study. A group of 136 HD patients was prospectively studied for 2 years, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as all-cause mortality and morbidity were recorded. Baseline lipid profile, inflammatory status, and patients' characteristics were studied as potential survival and hospitalization predictors. During the 24-month follow-up, 21 deaths (52.4% due to CVD) and 38 hospitalizations (55.3% due to CVD) were recorded. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, decreased interleukin-10 (IL-10) and decreased total serum cholesterol (TChol) were the only independent predictors of CVD mortality while C-reactive protein and decreased TChol predicted all-cause mortality. Interleukin-10 at baseline was 11.29 ± 21.49 vs. 5.51 ± 4.57 pg/mL (P<0.018) and TChol 167.37 ± 47.84 vs.122.04 ± 26.48 mg/dL (P<0.000) in survivors vs. nonsurvivors from CVD, while C-reactive protein at baseline was 9.37 ± 11.54 vs. 23.15 ± 18.76 mg/L (P<0.000) and TChol 169.26 ± 46.42 vs. 133.26 ± 46.33 mg/dL (P<0.003) in survivors vs. nonsurvivors from any cause of death. Using the same method of statistical analysis, IL-6 and decreased soluble gp130 (sgp130)—an antagonist of IL-6 action—were found to be the only independent prognostic factors for hospitalization due to CVD while decreased soluble gp130 remained the sole predictor of hospitalization due to any cause. In conclusion, reverse epidemiology regarding cholesterol is confirmed in the present study. Furthermore, inflammatory activity also predicts, independently of or in conjunction with low-cholesterol, CVD and all-cause morbidity and mortality in HD patients.     

Death during hospitalization in patients on chronic hemodialysis

Mortality from various causes is higher in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD) than in the general population. There is evidence suggesting that some of the deaths in HD patients are preventable. To identify potentially preventable causes of death, we analyzed deaths that occurred in HD patients during hospitalization over a period of 15 years. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 410 patients on HD for at least 6 months between 1995 and 2009 (included), who had all their hospitalizations in the same hospital. The patients were classified into 3 groups: Those who died during hospitalization (group A, n=120), those who died away from the hospital (group B, n=135), and those who were alive at the end of the observation period (group C, n=155). Continuous variables were compared between groups by the Kruskall-Wallis statistic. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of dying during the observation period and predictors of death in the hospital. For the whole HD group of 410 patients, only 9 (2.2%) were women. 59% of the patients had diabetes mellitus. Age at the onset of HD was 65.8 ± 11.5 years and the duration of HD was 34.4 ± 27.9 months. Group A patients had a higher annual rate and duration of hospitalization and a higher Charlson comorbidity index than either of the other 2 groups, and, in comparison with patients in group C, were older at the end of observation and had a shorter duration of HD. Cardiac disease (19.2%), vascular access complications (18.3%), peripheral vascular disease (16.7%), infections (15.8%), trauma (11.7%), central nervous system disease (7.5%), respiratory failure (4.2%), malignancy (3.3%), and gastrointestinal disease (3.3%) were the causes of the last hospitalization in group A. Compared with the patients who died during hospitalization without discontinuing HD, group A patients who discontinued HD had a longer duration of their last hospitalization (52.7 ± 77.7 vs. 14.3 ± 23.8 days, P<0.001). Discontinuation of HD occurred in 80% of the hospitalizations for respiratory failure, 75% of the hospitalizations for malignancy, 57% of the hospitalizations for trauma, and 56% of the hospitalizations for central nervous system disease. Logistic regression identified a high Charlson index, advanced age, and short duration of HD as predictors of death, and an absence of diabetes, high Charlson index, prolonged annual duration of hospitalization, and short distance of the patient's domicile from the dialysis unit as predictors of death in the hospital. A substantial number of hospitalizations leading to the death of HD patients are caused by potentially preventable conditions, including vascular access complications, peripheral vascular disease, and trauma. Implementation of measures preventing these hospitalizations is a worthwhile undertaking.     

Health-related quality of life is maintained in hemodialysis patients receiving pharmaceutical care: A 2-year randomized, controlled study

End-stage renal disease and initiation of hemodialysis (HD) adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL). There are currently no data evaluating the effect of pharmaceutical care (PC) on HRQOL in HD patients. HD patients were randomized to receive PC; one-on-one, in-depth medication reviews conducted by a clinical pharmacist or Standard of Care (SOC); and brief medication reviews conducted by dialysis nurses. The renal quality of life profile (RQLP) was administered at baseline and then at 1 and 2 years after study initiation. The RQLP is a 43-item questionnaire that has 5 dimensions: Eating/Drinking, Physical Activities, Leisure Time, Psychosocial Activities, and Impact of Treatment, where increasing scores reflect worsening of HRQOL. A total of 107 patients were enrolled (SOC: n=46; PC: n=61). Besides gender, there were no differences in the demographics or the baseline total RQLP scores. The mean±SD total RQLP scores at Year 1 were significantly worse in SOC compared with PC (88±31 vs. 71±34, respectively; P=0.03). Significant worsening of Eating and Drinking (5.9±3.3 vs. 4.4±3.1, respectively; P=0.04), Physical Activities (37±13.6 vs. 30±16.3, respectively; P=0.04), and Leisure Time scores (8.3±3.4 vs. 5.9±3.6, respectively; P=0.03) was also observed in the SOC group. After 2 years, only the SOC patients had worsening of Leisure Time (7.5±3.0 vs. 5.2±3.9, respectively; P=0.04). No other parameters were different between the groups after 2 years. These data indicate that patients who have clinical care provided by pharmacists do not have worsened HRQOL after 1 year and are able to maintain HRQOL for an additional year.     

Mini mental status examination (MMSE) in stable chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis: The effects of hemodialysis on the MMSE score. A prospective study

Cognitive impairment is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The mini mental status examination is a simple screening test for dementia. The objectives of this study were to (1) study and compare the predialysis and postdialysis mini mental status examination score and 2 subscores and compare them with those of a control group and (2) determine the factors affecting these scores. This was a prospective study of 54 HD patients, which involved calculation of their predialysis (PrHDSc) and (2–4 weeks later) postdialysis (PoHDSc) scores and comparison of these with the control scores (CoSc). The mean scores for PreHDSc and PoHDSc were 26.5±2.7 and 26.4±3.3, respectively. Both were significantly lower than CoSc, 28.4±1.6 (95% CI for score difference 0.99–2.97, P<0.001). The subscores for orientation, registration, and recall (ORR) and attention (ATT) before and after HD were 14.2±1.3, 14.3±1.8, and 3.5±1.7, 3.2±1.8, respectively. Both were significantly lower than the CoSc, 15.2±1.2 and 4.2±1.1 (P=0.001 and 0.004, respectively). There were no significant differences between the PrHDSc and PoHDSc (P values of 0.87, 0.63, and 0.45, respectively). Patients' PrHDSc correlated positively with PoHDSc and dialysis efficiency measured by the urea reduction ratio and Kt/V (r=0.58, 0.4, and 0.34, respectively). Education level correlated positively with PrHDSc r=0.41 but not PoHDSc. Hemodialysis duration correlated negatively with PrHDSc r=−0.3. There was no correlation among age, chronic renal failure duration, HD frequency, weight loss, systolic or diastolic blood pressure drop, and PrHDSc or PoHDSc. Hemodialysis patients scored significantly less than the control patients. Their score was not affected by HD. This may reflect the stable cognitive function/dysfunction or the mild sensitivity of the test.     

Higher arteriovenous fistulae blood flows are associated with a lower level of dialysis-induced cardiac injury

Native arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) remain the vascular access of choice for hemodialysis (HD). Despite being associated with superior long-term outcomes (cf. catheter use), little is known about the systemic hemodynamic consequences of AVFs. Repetitive myocardial injury (myocardial stunning) is an under-recognized common consequence of HD. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of AVF flow (Qa) on dialysis-induced cardiac injury. We studied 50 chronic HD patients. All patients underwent echocardiography (and subsequent quantitative offline analysis) at baseline, during and post dialysis, to assess left ventricular function and the development of regional wall motion abnormalities. Qa was measured using ionic dialysance. Patients were divided into Qa tertiles (<500, mean 291±101 mL/min, 500–1000, mean 739±130 mL/min and >1000, mean 1265±221 mL/min). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, sex, diabetes, or resting ejection fraction. Patients with Qa>1000 mL/min had a lower prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (55% vs. 76%, P=0.01). Dialysis-induced myocardial stunning (seen in 65% of the patients studied) was significantly and sequentially reduced in those patients with higher Qas. This was seen in a lower number of segments and ventricular regions developing regional wall motion abnormalities, as well as a significantly reduced mean and cumulative percentage reduction in fractional shortening of those ventricular segments affected (−187±37%, −161±26%, and −101±25%, respectively, P=0.04). Relatively higher AVF flows appear to be associated with a lower level of observed HD-induced cardiac injury.     

Changes of Plasma Amino Acid Profile in Hemodialysis Patients

Background:  The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of HCV on two markers of systemic inflammation, serum CRP, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in HD patients.
Methods:  The study included 118 HD patients (47% males, age 47 ± 13 years, 9% diabetics) who were treated by on standard HD for at least 6 months. The patients were divided in two groups, depending on the presence (HCV+) or absence (HCV–) of serum antibodies against HCV. Serum albumin (S-Alb), plasma high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), IL-6, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured, and the values were compared with 22 healthy controls.
Results:  The median of hsCRP, IL-6, and the hsCRP/IL-6 ratio were: 3.5 vs. 2.1 mg/L, p < 0.05; 4.3 vs. 0.9 pg/mL, p < 0.0001; and 0.8 vs. 2.7 pg/mL, p < 0.0001 for patients and controls, respectively. Age, gender, S-Alb, IL-6, and hsCRP did not differ between the HCV+ and HCV– patients. However, HCV+ patients had higher ALT (29 ± 21 vs. 21 ± 25 UI/L) and had been a longer time on HD (6.1 ± 3.0 vs. 4.0 ± 2.0 years) (p < 0.0001), respectively. Moreover, HCV+ patients had a significantly lower median hsCRP/IL-6 ratio (0.7 vs. 0.9; p < 0.05) as compared to the HCV group.
Conclusion:  The finding that the hsCRP/IL-6 ratio was lower in HCV+ patients than in HCV– patients suggests that hsCRP may be a less useful marker of inflammation in HCV+ patients and that a different cut-off value for hsCRP may be required to define inflammation in HD patients.     

Categorization of the hemodynamic response to hemodialysis: The importance of baroreflex sensitivity

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The baroreflex arc is under autonomic control and regulates blood pressure. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) to the pathophysiology of IDH. Thirty-four chronic HD (12 IDH-prone, 22 IDH-resistant) patients underwent BRS measurement during HD with relative blood volume monitoring. During analysis, patients were separated into four age-matched groups according to resting BRS≥4.5 ms/mmHg and hemodynamic stability. Resting BRS was extremely heterogenous (geometric mean BRS 5.78±1.41 [range 1.76–41.41] ms/mmHg). Relative blood volume reduction was well matched in all groups (mean reduction in relative blood volume for all patients −6.74%±0.86%, P>0.05). Thirty-seven episodes of IDH occurred in the IDH prone, reduced BRS group. Patients with impaired resting BRS and prone to IDH had markedly different responses to HD as compared to the preserved BRS group, but the total peripheral resistance response was significantly lower than in the IDH-resistant patients (15.9%±2.1% vs. 42.4%±3.0%, respectively, P<0.001). In those patients prone to IDH and with impaired resting BRS, percentage reduction in cardiac output at the end of HD highly correlated with reduction in relative blood volume (r=0.94, P=0.006). Hypotension during dialysis may be an important source of recurrent cardiac injury and early recognition of those patients prone to relative symptomatic and asymptomatic hypotension remains important. Impaired resting BRS and recognition of a suboptimal peripheral pressor response, appear to predict those patients most likely to undergo hemodynamic instability and may assist in the pursuit of this elusive goal.     

Hypoalbuminemia is an important risk factor of hypotension during hemodialysis

Hypotension during hemodialysis (HD) is an important problem in patients on HD. To investigate the risk factors that contribute to the hypotension during HD, we compared background factors of hypotensive (HP) patients during HD. Among 58 patients undergoing HD in Tamura Memorial Hospital, 12 patients could not continue full HD because of hypotension. We compared the data of ultrafiltration volume, cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), total protein (TP), serum albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), hemoglobin (Hb), blood glucose (BS), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and cardiac function between HP patients (HP group; n=12) and sex- and age-matched control patients (NP group; n=12). There were no significant differences of age, sex, and duration of HD between the 2 groups. Cardiothoracic ratio is bigger and BNP is higher in the HP group compared with the NP group (CTR: HP 55.8+/-2.9% vs. NP 47.7+/-1.1%, p=0.0165; BNP: HP 602+/-171 vs. NP 147+/-38, p=0.0167). Serum albumin in the HP group is significantly lower compared with the NP group (HP 3.2+/-0.1 g/dL vs. NP 3.5+/-0.1 g/dL, p=0.0130). However, there were no significant differences of ultrafiltration rate (UFR), BS, TC, Hb, and cardiac function between the 2 groups. There is a significant negative correlation between changes of systolic blood pressure (delta systolic blood pressure) and serum albumin in these patients (r=-0.598, p=0.0016). From these data, we conclude that hypoalbuminemia is a major risk factor of hypotension during HD.     

Impact of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients: Risk factors and associations with prognosis

The risk factors of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and the impact of CAC on cardiovascular events, cardiovascular deaths, and all‐cause deaths in hemodialysis (HD) patients have not been fully elucidated. We examined the CAC score (CACS) in 74 HD patients using electron‐beam computed tomography. Fifty‐six patients underwent a second electron‐beam computed tomography after a 15‐month interval to evaluate CAC progression. We evaluated (1) the risk factors for CAC and its progression and (2) the impact of CAC on the prognosis. In the cross‐sectional study, HD vintage and high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) were the independent risk factors for CAC. In the prospective cohort study, delta CACS (progression of CAC) was significantly correlated with hsCRP, fibrinogen, and serum calcium level in the univariate analysis. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that only hsCRP was the independent risk factor for CAC progression in HD patients. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis revealed that cardiovascular events (P<0.0001), cardiovascular deaths (P=0.039), and all‐cause deaths (P=0.026) were significantly associated with CACS. In conclusion, CAC had significantly progressed in HD patients during the 15‐month observation period. Microinflammation was the only independent risk factor for CAC progression in HD patients. The advanced CAC was a significant prognostic factor in HD patients, i.e., which was strongly associated with future cardiovascular events, cardiovascular deaths, and all‐cause deaths.     

Bioreactance: A new tool for cardiac output and thoracic fluid content monitoring during hemodialysis

Outpatient hemodialysis therapy (HD) can be associated with hemodynamic compromise. Bioreactance^® has recently been shown to provide accurate, noninvasive, continuous, measurements of cardiac output (CO) and thoracic impedance (Zo) from which thoracic fluid content (TFC) can be derived assuming TFC=1000/Zo. This study was designed to evaluate the changes in TFC in comparison with the traditional indices of fluid removal (FR) and to understand the trends in CO changes in HD patients. Minute-by-minute changes in TFC and CO were prospectively collected using the bioreactance system (NICOM^®) in HD patients of a single unit. Changes in body weight (ΔW), hematocrit (ΔHct), and amount of FR were also measured. Twenty-five patients (age 77 ± 11 years) were included. The TFC decreased in all patients by an average of 5.4 ± 7.9 kΩ⁻¹, weight decreased by 1.48 ± 0.98 kg, and FR averaged 2.07 ± 1.93 L over a 3- to 4-hour HD session. There were good correlations between ΔTFC and ΔW (R=0.80, P<0.0001) and FR (R=0.85, P<0.0001). ΔHct (4.13 ± 3.42%) was poorly correlated with ΔTFC (R=0.35, P=0.12) and FR (R=0.40, P=0.07). The regression line between FR and TFC yielded FR=1.0024−0.1985TFC; thus, a 1 kΩ⁻¹ change of Zo correlates with an ∼200 mL change in total body water. The change in CO (−0.52 ± 0.49 L/min m²) during HD did not correlate with FR (R=0.15, P=NS). Changes in TFC represented the monitored variable most closely related to FR. CO remained fairly constant in this stable patient cohort. Further studies in high-risk patients are warranted to understand whether TFC and CO monitoring can improve HD session management.     

Choice Reaction Time and Adequacy of Dialysis: A New Application of an Old Method

Background:  Choice Reaction Time (CRT) is the time it takes for a subject to accurately respond to a flashing panel of lights. The CRT has been used to assess the quality of dialysis in hemodialysis patients and to assess the neurological impairments in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Methods:  Three groups of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on three different renal replacement therapies were tested using CRT: intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD, n = 11), thrice weekly hemodialysis (HD, n = 22), and well‐functioning kidney transplant (Tx, n = 6). A group of volunteers with normal renal function (NL, n = 12) was also tested.
Results:  The CRT was significantly longer in IPD patients (618 ± 89 ms) than observed in the other three groups (p < 0.0001). CRT in HD patients was 461 ± 50 ms, which was significantly longer than in Tx patients (396 ± 25 ms, p = 0.05). However, the CRT in the Tx patients was no different from the NL (382 ± 22, p = 0.32). There was a strong negative correlation between CRT and weekly creatinine clearance in the IPD group (r =− .96) and between the dialysis index and CRT in HD (r =− 0.79).
Conclusions:  CRT may be a useful tool in assessing the adequacy of dialysis.     

Prevalence of hypothyroidism and thyroid nodule in chronic hemodialysis Iranian patients

Introduction: End stage renal disease (ESRD) reasons several changes in the function of thyroid gland as; lower levels of thyroid hormones, altered hormone metabolism, and increased iodine storage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of nodular goiter and hypothyroidism in hemodialysis (HD) patients compared with normal population. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted among HD patients and healthy people as the control group for thyroid function evaluation. Thyroid gland was evaluated by physical examination and ultrasonography. Blood level of FT3, FT4, TSH, TPO Ab, and urinary iodine excretion were checked in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS‐17 and P‐value less than 0.05 was considered as the significance level. Findings: Eighty six HD patients (57.2 ± 17.2 mean age, 48 men) and 86 healthy people (56.6 ± 16.8 mean age, 48 men) were enrolled in this study. Goiter was confirmed by physical examination in 29.0% of the HD patients and 12.8% of the control group (P = 0.04). Nodular goiter that was shown by ultrasonography was found in 27.9% and 3.5% of the HD and control groups, respectively (P = 0.01). HD patients had a higher frequency of reduced FT3 (40.9% vs. 4.6%, P < 0.01) and increased TSH (18.6% vs. 8.1%, P < 0.03(. TPO Ab was positive in 15.1% of the HD and 11.6% of the control groups (P = 0.14). Discussion: The high incidence of nodular goiter and hypothyroidism in ESRD patients shows that screening for thyroid dysfunction and goiter, using appropriate laboratory tests, should be considered in evaluations of ESRD patients.     

Hemodialysis in the Elderly

Background:  Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important outcome of medical treatment effectiveness.
Objectives:  Thirty-six item short-Form (SF-36) first has been used in hemodialysis (HD) patients in Taiwan.
Method:  HRQOL was measured by using SF-36 in 497 HD patients in 5 hospitals.
Results:  Male sex, age less than 50 years, higher education level (EL), marriage, employed status (EPS), less comorbid medical condition (CMC), and non-diabetic patients were all predicted a better physical component scale (PCS). Age less than 50 years, BMI greater than 18.5, HEL, EPS, and NDP were all predicted a higher mental component scale (MCS). Scales contributing to a summary measure of physical health, the PCS score, was significantly lower in women (35 ± 12.3) than in men (37.9 ± 12.3). There is no difference in MCS score between women and men. In multivariate analysis, age, CMC, diabetes, serum creatinine (SCr), and erythropoietin responsiveness were significant independent predictors of PCS. Diabetes, EL, SCr, and erythropoietic responsiveness were significant independent predictors of MCS. All of the individual scales, PCS and MCS scores were lower in the Taiwan HD patients than values for the US general population. Each of the individual scales and MCS scores were substantially lower in Taiwan HD group than in the US HD cohort. But the bodily pain of PCS was significantly higher in Taiwan HD group in spite of mean PCS scores for Taiwan HD group and US HD study participants were nearly equal at 36.3 and 36.1, respectively.
Conclusion:  Physical and mental aspects of quality of life are substantially reduced among Taiwan HD patients, but higher bodily pain tolerance. A number of demographic and clinical characteristics significantly impact on HRQOL in Taiwan HD patients. To our knowledge, this is the first time we demonstrate the HRQOL by using SF-36 in Chinese HD patients.     

Cardiovascular conditions in hemodialysis patients may be worsened by extensive interdialytic weight gain

The risk of death is increased for hemodialysis (HD) patients compared with age-matched healthy subjects, the main reason for this being cardiovascular conditions. This prospective study investigated whether the burden of interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) was of importance for cardiovascular end points and survival. A total of 97 HD patients were studied. The end points included death (reasons given), acute myocardial infarction, or coronary vascular intervention. The extent of ultrafiltration was measured at predefined follow-up points. The IDWG was calculated as ultrafiltration/body weight given in weight%. The burden of IDWG was analyzed. End points occurred in 77 (79%) of the patients during the 5-year study period. The extent of IDWG was higher in those with end points due to cardiovascular reasons (3.77 weight% vs. 3.19 P<0.001), cardiac reasons (P<0.001), congestive heart failure (P<0.01), aortic aneurysm, and intracerebral bleeding (P<0.024). To reduce the risk for cardiovascular events, it is important to avoid too extensive IDWG in HD patients.     

Hemodialysis‐induced regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Introduction Hemodialysis (HD) patients are under observably elevated cardiovascular mortality. Cardiac dysfunction is closely related to death caused by cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In the general population, repetitive myocardial ischemia induced left ventricular (LV) dysfunction may progress to irreversible loss of contraction step by step, and finally lead to cardiac death. In HD patients, to remove water and solute accumulated from 48 or 72 hours of interdialysis period in a 4‐hour HD session will induce myocardial ischemia. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with HD‐induced LV systolic dysfunction and provide some evidences for clinical strategies. Methods We recruited 31 standard HD patients for this study from Fudan University Zhongshan hospital. Echocardiography was performed predialysis, at peak stress during HD (15 minutes prior to the end of dialysis), and 30 minutes after HD. Auto functional imaging (AFI) was used to assess the incidence and persistence of HD‐induced regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs). Blood samples were drawn to measure biochemical variables. Findings Among totally 527 segments of 31 patients, 93.54% (29/31) patients and 51.40% (276/527) segments were diagnosed as RWMAs. Higher cTnT (0.060 ± 0.030 vs. 0.048 ± 0.015 ng/mL, P = 0.023), phosphate (2.07 ± 0.50 vs. 1.49 ± 0.96 mmol/L, P = 0.001), UFR (11.00 ± 3.89 vs. 8.30 ± 2.66 mL/Kg/h, P = 0.039) and lower albumin (37.83 ± 4.48 vs. 38.38 ± 2.53 g/L, P = 0.050) were found in patients with severe RWMAs (RWMAs in more than 50% segments). After univariate and multivariate analysis, interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) was found as independent risk factor of severe RWMAs (OR = 1.047, 95%CI 1.155–4.732, P = 0.038). Discussion LV systolic dysfunction induced by HD is prevalent in conventional HD patients and should be paid attention to. Patients would benefit from better weight control during interdialytic period to reduce ultrafiltration rate.     

Intermittent and short daily hemodialysis increase HGF plasma levels and diminish HCV viral load

Decrease of HCV viral load and HGF plasma levels increase have been related to HD sessions. Beneficial effects of HGF stimulation in HD on the outcome of HCV liver disease have been described. Aim was to analyze potential differences between intermittent (3 × week) and short daily (6 × week) HD, examining differences between HCV+ and – pts. We studied 41 pts from 2 HD centres, 26 on intermittent HD (6 on line HF), 8 HCV+, and 15 on short‐daily HD with 4 HCV+ 40 pts used synthetic HD membranes (low‐flux and high‐flux). Among HCV + we determined viral load by Amplicor (Roche) pre- and post- HD. All pts were studied for HGF levels (ELISA) baseline, 15 min, end, and at start of the following session viral load is significantly higher preHD and decreases over session. High‐flux membranes were more efficient in reducing viremia (67% vs 45%), which level was higher pre‐ and post‐HD principally in patients using low‐flux membranes. Viremia in DHD is lower than in intermittent (470067.3 ± 663974.5 vs 1015695.5 ± 1202679.0).  

     

Sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death on dialysis: Epidemiology, evaluation, treatment, and prevention

Sudden cardiac death is the most common cause of death in dialysis patients and is usually preceded by sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. A variety of risk factors have been identified that predispose the sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death in dialysis patients. Primary prevention of sudden cardiac arrest in dialysis patients may be accomplished by avoiding the use of low potassium dialysate. Pharmacotherapy with beta-blockers angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers and use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) may also prevent sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death in high-risk dialysis patients. Secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death may be accomplished by similar pharmacotherapy and by the use of ICDs. Indications for ICD use in dialysis patients are similar to those for nondialysis patients; however, survival rates following ICD implantation in dialysis patients are substantially lower than in non-dialysis patients.     

High prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and nodular thyroid disease in patients on hemodialysis

Chronic kidney disease has been known to affect thyroid hormone metabolism. Low serum levels of T3 and T4 are the most remarkable laboratorial findings. A high incidence of goiter and nodules on thyroid ultrasonography has been reported in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Our objective is to evaluate the prevalence of laboratorial and morphologic alterations in the thyroid gland in a cohort of patients with ESRD on hemodialysis (HD). Sixty‐one patients with ESRD on HD were selected and compared with 43 healthy subjects matched by age, gender, and weight. Patients were submitted to thyroid ultrasonography. T3, free T4 (FT4), thyroid‐stimulating hormone, antithyroglobulin, and antithyroperoxidase antibodies were measured. The mean age of patients with ESRD was 47.4 ± 12.3 and 61% were women. ESRD was mainly caused by hypertensive nephrosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy. Mean thyroid volume, as determined by ultrasonography, was similar in both groups. Patients with ESRD had more hypoechoic nodules when compared with the control group (24.1% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.056). Mean serum FT4 and T3 levels were significantly lower in patients with ESRD, and subclinical hypothyroidism was more prevalent in patients with ESRD (21.82% vs. 7.14% control group, P = 0.04). Titers of antithyroid antibodies were similar in both groups. ESRD was associated with a higher prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and lower levels of T3 and FT4. Almost a quarter of patients showed thyroid nodules >10 mm. Periodic ultrasound evaluation and assessment of thyroid function are recommended in patients with ESRD on HD.     

Hemodialysis access-related survival and morbidity in an elderly population in South West Thames, UK

Elderly patients form the most rapidly expanding group of hemodialysis (HD) patients in Europe and the United States. There are initiatives to promote an increase in arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation. There are concerns that elderly patients may have lower rates of surgical vascular access compared with younger patients due to risks of higher co-morbidities, surgical complications, and higher AVF nonuse rates. The aim of this study was to compare access-related survival and morbidity for dialysis catheters and AVFs and to evaluate the AVF nonuse rate in an elderly population. We have performed a retrospective analysis of access survival and morbidity in patients > or = 70 years of age, either on maintenance HD or predialysis with preemptive formation of surgical access. One hundred and forty-six patients had permanent HD access created during the 18-month study period, from 1 January 2006 to June 2007. There were 89 male and 57 female patients in whom 78 AVFs and 137 tunneled venous catheters were inserted. There was a significantly greater loss of vascular access due to infection in the catheter group compared with the AVF group (P<0.016). Access survival was also significantly prolonged in the AVF group (446 days, 95% confidence interval 405-487) compared with the catheter group (276 days, 95% confidence interval 240-313), P=0.001. The rate of nonuse of AVFs was low (16%). We conclude that an AVF is the preferred form of vascular access in elderly HD patients.