End-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis: a study from a tertiary care center in a developing country

The exact number of patients with chronic renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy in developing world is not known. Unlike the developed world, most developing countries lack renal registries. This study was initiated to know demographic and clinical data of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients presenting to maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) at a government funded tertiary care centre in a developing country. A prospective analysis of all new ESRD patients attending to hemodialysis at our centre from 2004 to 2007 had been done. There were 237 new hemodialysis patients during a three-year period. Males were 153 and females were 84, with the mean age 44.92 years. Diabetes mellitus (31.22%) was the most common cause of ESRD. Only 29.95% of patients had education on renal replacement therapy. 65.40% patients had emergency hemodialysis. Internal jugular catheter was the most common form of vascular access at initiation of hemodialysis. Arteriovenous fistula was secured in 29.95% of patients at presentation. Catheter-related infection appeared in 13.55% of patients on catheter. The most common infection in dialysis patients was urinary tract infection (37.14%). Renal transplantation was opted by 9.7% patients and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in 20.25% and 103 (43.45%) were lost to follow up. The rest (8.86%) continued on MHD. There were 42 (17.72%) deaths over a three-year period. The present study provided the information of the practice of hemodialysis, its population characteristics and outcomes from a developing country.     

Hyponatremia in patients with chronic kidney disease

Hyponatremia is a common condition encountered in clinical practice. A number of studies have associated low serum sodium levels with increased mortality in various patient populations, such as hospitalized patients and patients with various comorbid conditions; recent studies have shown that individuals with chronic kidney disease also are afflicted by hyponatremia. However, few studies have focused on patients with hemodialysis. Evidence supporting the incidence and prevalence of hyponatremia, clinical characteristics and the association with patient outcomes with hemodialysis is limited. In the present review, we examined the physiology and pathophysiology of water and sodium balance with a special emphasis on changes occurring during end‐stage renal disease. The outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis were associated with low serum sodium. We evaluated the associations between hyponatremia and mineral bone abnormalities and discussed the elevated incidence and prevalence of difficult clinical outcomes associated with hyponatremia. We also provided specific recommendations for hemodialysis treatment in hyponatremic patients.     

Late acceleration of glomerular filtration rate decline is a risk for hemodialysis catheter use in patients with established nephrology chronic kidney disease care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with established nephrology care have a high rate of tunneled dialysis catheters (TDC) as first vascular access when transitioning to hemodialysis (HD). We sought to identify factors associated with this problem. Patients who started HD and had prior CKD care within our renal clinic were categorized according to access type at incident HD. Clinical factors, all estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), renal clinic attendance records, hospital admissions in the 6 months preceding HD start, and patient participation in predialysis education course were analyzed. Three hundred thirty‐eight patients initiated HD, 107 received pre‐HD CKD care within our clinics. Seventy patients started with a TDC. All groups started HD at similar eGFR values. The trajectory of eGFR decline in the 6 months prior to HD start was significantly more rapid in the TDC group. Patients in the TDC group had more acute health events in the prior 6 months. Multivariate modeling showed that failure to attend a predialysis education course and having a more rapid rate of eGFR decline in the 6 months prior to dialysis initiation were both associated with TDC use. Patients with CKD nephrology care who initiated HD with a TDC as first vascular access had a more rapid rate of decline in eGFR in the months preceding dialysis start and were less likely to have attended our predialysis education course. This appears to correspond with the observed increased number of emergency and hospital visits in the 6 months prior to end‐stage renal disease.     

The relationship of insulin resistance and body fat in chronic kidney disease patients.

Background:  Insulin resistance has been associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, central obesity, and dyslipidemia, all of which are important risk factors for progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A greater degree of insulin resistance may predispose to renal injury by worsening renal hemodynamics through the elevation of glomerular filtration fraction. However, there are sparse data on the relationship between insulin resistance, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and total body fat or phase angle in CKD without diabetes. Methods:  We examined 84 non‐diabetes CKD patients according to the K/DOQI definitions; only 79 patients were enrolled into the study (GFR between 15 and 90 ml/min/1.73 m²). The value of insulin resistance was obtained by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed to determine the percentage of total body fat or phase angle. GFR was calculated by the average of creatinine and urea clearances. Results:  The correlation analysis showed that HOMA‐insulin resistance was positively correlated with phase angle (r = 0.35, P < 0.01), percentage of total body fat (r = 0.27, P < 0.01), body mass index (r = 0.48, P < 0.01) and serum triglyceride levels (r = 0.32, P < 0.01), but not significantly correlated with gender (r = −0.07, P > 0.05), age (r = 0.05, P > 0.05), GFR (r = −0.006, P > 0.05), and mean arterial blood pressure (r = 0.11, P > 0.05). Conclusion:  In non‐diabetic chronic kidney disease patients, the major risk factor for insulin resistance is the amount of total body fat. The insulin level is not dependent on the GFR in these patients.     

Indoxyl sulfate,a valuable biomarker in chronic kidney disease and dialysis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly recognized disease with high global incidence and mortality. Yet, the existing diagnostic tools are not sufficient enough to predict prognosis of CKD and CKD comorbidities. Indoxyl sulfate, a typical uremic toxin, is of great importance in the development of CKD with its nephrotoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, and bone toxicity. Some reports suggest that indoxyl sulfate directly associate with renal function loss and mortality in CKD patients. This review discusses the diagnostic value of indoxyl sulfate from its biological characteristics, pathophysiological effects, related therapies, and its diagnostic value in clinical studies.     

Physical function was related to mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease and dialysis

Previous studies have shown that exercise improves aerobic capacity, muscular functioning, cardiovascular function, walking capacity, and health‐related quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis. Recently, additional studies have shown that higher physical activity contributes to survival and decreased mortality as well as physical function and QOL in patients with CKD and dialysis. Herein, we review the evidence that physical function and physical activity play an important role in mortality for patients with CKD and dialysis. During November 2016, Medline and Web of Science databases were searched for published English medical reports (without a time limit) using the terms “CKD” or “dialysis” and “mortality” in conjunction with “exercise capacity,” “muscle strength,” “activities of daily living (ADL),” “physical activity,” and “exercise.” Numerous studies suggest that higher exercise capacity, muscle strength, ADL, and physical activity contribute to lower mortality in patients with CKD and dialysis. Physical function is associated with mortality in patients with CKD and dialysis. Increasing physical function may decrease the mortality rate of patients with CKD and dialysis. Physicians and medical staff should recognize the importance of physical function in CKD and dialysis. In addition, exercise is associated with reduced mortality among patients with CKD and dialysis.     

Protecting the endothelium: a new focus for management of chronic kidney disease

It is being increasingly recognized that cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its complications are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis patients. If outcomes for these patients are to be improved, therapeutic strategies at all stages of CKD will have to target the etiologies and mechanisms that lead to CVD. In this review, we focus on the central role of endothelial dysfunction as the critical precursor of CVD. We argue that a better understanding of endothelial dysfunction by nephrologists and dialysis physicians is necessary if there is to be success in limiting the CVD epidemic that kills and maims our patients. The extensive studies to explain the high prevalence of vascular disease in patients with CKD have shown the close relationship among endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. The pathogenesis starts with endothelial cell injury from any of many possible causes, and strategies to reduce the burden of CVD in uremic and dialysis patients must be directed at restoring normal endothelial function or, at the least, preventing aggravation of endothelial damage. At the center of the exploration of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis are oxidative stress and inflammation. Of these, which is the chicken and which is the egg is unknown, but in the setting of uremia, endothelial injury because of free radical, oxidative stress is likely to precede inflammation. The issues raised here are highly complex and most renal practitioners may not have been adequately exposed to the background research underlying current thinking of the pathogenesis of vascular disease. Clearly, progress in management of CVD in patients with CKD will require collaboration with experts in the research and treatment of vascular disease. Nephrologists seeking optimum outcomes for patients with CKD will need to become "endotheliologists" or, at the least, subscribe to a mission "to protect the endothelium."     

Efficacy and safety of Cinacalcet on secondary hyperparathyroidism in Chinese chronic kidney disease patients receiving hemodialysis

Introduction Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) develops in patients with chronic renal failure. Cinacalcet hydrochloride has been used successfully in U.S., Europe, and Japan in the treatment of SHPT, while maintaining serum levels of calcium and phosphorus. The efficacy and safety profile of Cinacalcet treatment vs. conventional treatments has been of great interest in clinical practice. In this recent phase III study conducted in China, efficacy and safety of a calcimimetic agent, Cinacalcet (Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd.), were assessed for SHPT treatment in stable chronic renal disease patients on hemodialysis. Methods In this double‐blind, multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized phase III study, 238 subjects were enrolled in 12 centers and randomly divided into a Cinacalcet group and a placebo group. The percentage of patients achieving a serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level ≤250 pg/mL was the primary efficacy end point. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels were measured. Adverse events and serious adverse events were recorded, and causal analysis performed. Findings In primary analysis, 25.4% of the Cinacalcet group and 3.5% of the placebo group achieved the primary end point (PTH ≤250 pg/mL). Calcium and phosphorus levels and calcium–phosphorus product were lower in the Cinacalcet group compared with the placebo group. Eleven serious adverse events were reported and considered to be not related to study drugs. Mild to moderate hypocalcemia and reduced calcium levels were reported and considered to be Cinacalcet related. Discussion This phase III study demonstrated that Cinacalcet is effective and well tolerated in treating SHPT in Chinese chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis, and in a patient population with much higher baseline PTH levels.     

Chryseobacterium meningosepticum in a parapneumonic effusion in a chronic kidney disease patient on hemodialysis

Chryseobacterium meningosepticum is an uncommon human pathogen, which is an inhabitant of soil and water. It should be included in the list of suspected nosocomial infections, especially in patients with immunocompromised status. C. meningosepticum infections are not common but are clinically important because the organism is naturally resistant to multiple antibiotics. We report a case where the bacterium was isolated from the pleural fluid from a chronic kidney disease patient on hemodialysis, who developed pneumonia with complicated parapneumonic effusion. To the best of our knowedge, this is the first case where C. meningosepticum is isolated from the pleural effusion, from India.     

Anti‐thrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation in patients with chronic kidney disease: Current views

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs in approximately one‐third of patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The presence of CKD, particularly advanced CKD, confers increased risk of both thromboembolism and major bleeding in this group of patients who are already at risk for ischemic stroke and systemic embolism and at risk of bleeding due to anticoagulation. Studies assessing the effect of warfarin on risk of ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, and major bleeding have produced disparate results, particularly in patients with advanced CKD including those treated with hemodialysis. The direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC's) have been studied in patients with stage III (moderate) CKD and appear to be as effective or more effective (dabigatran 150 mg twice daily) than warfarin in preventing ischemic stroke or embolism in this group. Two of the DOAC's, apixaban and edoxaban, confer lower risk of major bleeding than warfarin with appropriate dose adjustments. Substantial gaps exist in our knowledge of anti‐thrombotic therapy in patients with AF and CKD, primarily due to exclusion of patients with advanced CKD from randomized controlled trials comparing DOAC's with warfarin.     

Sexual functioning in chronic kidney disease: the association with depression and anxiety

Sexual functioning is composed of both physiological and psychological factors among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the role of depression and anxiety has not yet been studied extensively. This study aimed to investigate the relation of depressive and anxiety symptoms to sexual functioning among hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis patients. A sample of 144 patients was recruited from three general hospitals in the broader area of Athens, consisting of 84 patients undergoing in-center HD and 60 patients in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Measurements were conducted with the following instruments: the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI 1/STAI 2), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. The results indicated that satisfaction about sexual life had negative association with all the subscales of GHQ-28 questionnaire (somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction, severe depression). Sexual functioning was also related negatively to depression as well as state and trait anxieties. Findings provide evidence that the presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms relates significantly to the negative evaluation of sexual functioning in patients with CKD.     

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in two pediatric patients with kidney disease on chronic immunosuppression: A case series

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2). While children appear to experience less severe disease than adults, those with underlying conditions such as kidney disease may be more susceptible to infection. Limited data are present for children with kidney disease, and there are limited prior reports of pediatric hemodialysis patients with COVID-19. This report describes the mild clinical disease course of COVID-19 in two pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease, one on hemodialysis and both on chronic immunosuppression. We review treatment in these patients, as well as our measures to reduce transmission among our hemodialysis patients and staff.     

Left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease and the effects of hemodialysis

Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is a known cause of mortality in patients with heart failure and may possibly play a similar role in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in whom sudden death is one of the most common and as yet not fully explained cause of death. LV synchronicity and its relationship with increased volume load and various biomarkers was analyzed in 145 patients including 53 patients with CKD stages 3 and 4 and in 92 CKD stage 5 patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) using color tissue Doppler imaging and tissue synchronization imaging. The HD patients were evaluated both before and after a single HD session. LV dyssynchrony was defined as a regional difference in time to peak systolic myocardial velocity, between 12 LV segments > 105 milliseconds. LV dyssynchrony was present in 54% of the patients with no difference between CKD 3 and 4 (58%), HD (48%), and PD (51%). LV dyssynchrony was independently associated with LV mass index and increased estimation of LV end‐diastolic pressure. A single HD session resulted in significant changes in LV synchronicity variables—with improvement in 50% of the patients—especially in patients with higher myocardial systolic velocities and lower LV mass index. Abnormalities in LV synchronicity are highly prevalent in CKD patients already prior to dialysis treatment and are associated with LV hypertrophy, LV dysfunction and load conditions, underlining the importance of volume status for LV synchronicity in CKD patients.     

Percutaneous coronary intervention and the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis: a single center experience

Patients on dialysis constitute a major healthcare burden with high prevalence of coronary artery disease frequently requiring coronary revascularization. Prior studies have reported high complications rates with revascularization in patients on dialysis. However, information on the use glycoprotein and direct thrombin inhibitors in this patient population undergoing percutaneous revascularization is limited. We retrospectively analyzed the procedural success and in-hospital outcomes of percutaneous coronary revascularization in 56 consecutive patients on dialysis compared with 524 patients without renal failure, between January 2001 and August 2007 at our facility. Additionally, we also analyzed the off-label use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) inhibitors during revascularization in this high-risk group of patients to evaluate for possible increased bleeding complications. In the study group, 7 interventions were performed on peritoneal dialysis and 49 on hemodialysis patients. Sixty-one percent of these patients had diabetes mellitus. A total of 72 lesions were intervened upon; 12 underwent angioplasty and 60 underwent stenting. Four of 72 interventions were not successful, giving a procedural success rate of 94%. There were 6 immediate complications (10.7%), but no deaths. Thirty-two patients (57%) received GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors while direct thrombin inhibitors were used during percutaneous coronary intervention in 11(20%) patients. There were no bleeding complications with use of either GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors or direct thrombin inhibitors. In our experience, percutaneous coronary intervention has high procedural success in dialysis patients and concomitant use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors is not associated with any major bleeding complications, making this a feasible, safe and effective revascularization option for patients on dialysis; however, this merits further study in a randomized prospective trial.