Revascularization for peripheral vascular disease in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal patients

BACKGROUND: Canadian Aboriginal subjects have a higher prevalence of diabetes, renal disease, and lower extremity amputation than non-Aboriginal subjects. However, limited information is available about patient outcomes for arterial bypass surgery in Canadian Aboriginal compared with non-Aboriginal subjects. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients undergoing revascularization for peripheral vascular disease at a tertiary care referral center was performed. RESULTS: A total of 828 procedures were performed on 678 patients between 1995 and 2002: 108 (13%) procedures on 84 (12%) Aboriginal patients and 720 (87%) procedures on 594 (88%) non-Aboriginal patients. Aboriginal patients had a higher prevalence of diabetes, chronic renal failure, and end-stage renal disease than non-Aboriginal patients. Aboriginal patients presented with more serious complications (gangrene [Aboriginal, 63 [58%] of 108 patients; non-Aboriginal, 112 [16%] of 720 patients; P < .0001] and nonhealing ulcer [Aboriginal, 29 [27%] of 108 patients; non-Aboriginal, 131 [18%] of 720 patients; P < .05]) and required urgent or emergency revascularization (Aboriginal, 47 [49%] of 95 patients; non-Aboriginal, 228 [36%] of 634 patients; P < .02) more frequently than non-Aboriginal patients. The 60-month patient mortality was similar for both groups (Aboriginal, 20 [24%] of 84 patients; non-Aboriginal, 160 [27%] of 594 patients; not significant), but Aboriginal patients had loss of limb more frequently (Aboriginal, 19 [18%] of 108 patients; non-Aboriginal, 62 [9%] of 720 patients; P < .0001) and had loss of primary graft patency more frequently (Aboriginal, 39 [36%] of 108 patients; non-Aboriginal, 155 [22%] of 720 patients; P < .0001) than non-Aboriginal patients. CONCLUSIONS: Canadian Aboriginal subjects had worse outcomes with revascularization than non-Aboriginal subjects, but ethnicity and diabetes were not independent risk factors for poor outcome. Multivariate analysis showed that the poor outcomes in mortality, limb salvage, and primary graft patency among Aboriginal patients undergoing revascularization may be attributed to renal disease and a more advanced mode of presentation of peripheral vascular disease complications at the time of intervention.     

Foot and ankle problems

The most common reason for children presenting to the general or the pediatric orthopedist has to do with foot problems. The usual age group ranges from the neonate to preschool. The authors have made an attempt to present guidelines for our approach to foot problems other than clubfoot in these age groups and have rendered our recommendations for treatment. We feel that pediatric and general orthopedists will be able to utilize our methods in the management of the pediatric patient with the more commonly presenting foot disorders.     

糖尿病血液透析患者颈动脉粥样硬化、营养及微炎症状的关系

目的探讨糖尿病终末期肾病（ESDN）血液透析患者颈动脉粥样硬化（AS）与C-反应蛋白（CRP）的关系。方法检测28例原发于糖尿病及同期32例非糖尿病的维持性血液透析（MHD）患者一般临床指标、CRP水平,同时应用高分辨彩色B超检测患者颈动脉内膜-中层厚度（IMT）及粥样硬化斑块情况。结果原发于糖尿病患者尿素氮（BUN）、血浆白蛋白（Alb）、肱三头肌皮褶厚度（TSF）、上臂围（AC）、标准化蛋白分解率（nPCR）均显著低于非糖尿病的MHD患者;而血CRP、颈动脉IMT、颈动脉斑块阳性率、增厚阳性率显著高于非糖尿病的MHD患者;粥样斑块与CRP升高、高血压有关系。结论ESDN患者营养状况及低蛋白血症明显,血CRP水平高、AS明显而严重,AS可能与CRP及高血压有关,因此,改善营养状况、纠正微炎症状态,对治疗和预防ESDN患者AS有重要意义。     

Higher rate and earlier peritonitis in Aboriginal patients compared to non-Aboriginal patients with end-stage renal failure maintained on peritoneal dialysis in Australia: analysis of ANZDATA

BACKGROUND: Aboriginal patients maintained on peritoneal dialysis (PD) have a higher rate of technique failure than any other racial group in Australia. Peritonitis accounts for the bulk of these technique failures, but it is uncertain whether the increased risk of peritonitis in Aboriginal patients was independent of associated comorbid conditions, such as diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Using data collected by the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA), peritonitis rates and time to first peritonitis were compared between Aboriginal (n = 238) and non-Aboriginal patients (n = 2924) commencing PD in Australia between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2003. RESULTS: Aboriginal PD patients were younger, and had a higher incidence of diabetes than their non-Aboriginal counterparts. Mean peritonitis rates were significantly higher among Aboriginal (1.15 episodes/year; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.28) than non-Aboriginal patients (0.60 episodes/year; 95% CI: 0.57-0.62, P < 0.05). Using multivariate negative binomial regression, independent predictors of higher peritonitis rates include Aboriginal racial origin (adjusted odds ratio 1.78; 95% CI: 1.45-2.19), obesity, age and absence of a recorded dialysate : plasma creatinine ratio (D/P creatinine) measurement. Aboriginal racial origin was also associated with a shorter median time to first peritonitis (9.9 vs 19.3 months, P < 0.05), which remained statistically significant in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model (adjusted hazard ratio 1.76; 95% CI: 1.47-2.11, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Aboriginal and obese PD patients have a higher rate of peritonitis and a shorter time to first peritonitis, independent of demographic and comorbid factors. Further investigation of the causes of increased peritonitis risk in Aboriginal patients is needed.     

Care of the diabetic patient with end-stage renal disease

Diabetic nephropathy is now the leading cause of renal failure in patients referred for uremia therapy. The diabetic patient is a complicated treatment problem from the first detection of microalbuminmuria, at which time decisions regarding choice of antihypertensive and strictness of metabolic control assume increasing importance. At present, our policy is to advocate strict control of blood pressure, aiming for a systolic blood pressure of less than 140 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure of less than 80 mm Hg. We attempt to maintain hemoglobin Alc levels at less than 8%, if the patient does not develop frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. We extend these recommendations to the patient with frank proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome and early uremia, understanding that strict metabolic control may be impossible as patients lose GFR. In addition, we recommend avoidance of a high protein diet in the early nephropathic diabetic, with diet of approximately 1 gm/kg/d. As renal failure progresses, we embark on an analysis of the patient's abilities, lifestyle, and social support. At a GFR of approximately 10 mL/min, we initiate preparations for uremia therapy. If a willing and appropriate living related kidney donor is available, the patient is referred for cardiovascular evaluation and kidney transplantation performed subsequently. If no donor is immediately available, we refer the patient for vascular access placement and/or insertion of a Tenckhoff peritoneal catheter, if preferred. Most of these predialysis patients also undergo screening for placement on the cadaveric kidney transplant list, including cardiac work-up as is done for the patients who receive living-related renal transplants. Because of the long waiting list in Brooklyn, and the universal shortage of organ donors, many of these patients eventually end up on dialysis for some period of time. Other extrarenal problems (urologic, ophthalmologic) are addressed at initial referral and followed up, in hopes of maintaining the patient in optimal physical shape as uremia progresses. The care of the diabetic patient with ESRD ideally involves a consortium of caregivers. We include a nurse-educator familiar with options for uremia therapy, a podiatrist, a cardiologist, and often a urologist, an endocrinologist, and a gastroenterologist. In addition, a social worker is helpful to assess psychologic difficulties in adjustment to uremia, socioeconomic considerations, and rehabilitation status. Finally, the nephrologist, as coordinator of this team works with the vascular or transplant surgeon, to facilitate the transition to ESRD and its therapy.     

Comparison of renal transplantation and dialysis in rehabilitation of diabetic end-stage renal disease patients

We have reviewed the outcome of replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 100 diabetic patients with emphasis on late complications, extrarenal diabetic manifestations, and overall patient rehabilitation. Long-term complications, other than myocardial infarction, were not different after renal transplantation compared with chronic dialysis. Overall rehabilitation was better after renal transplantation compared with chronic dialysis (p less than 0.05). Retinopathy and neuropathy were more stable with renal transplantation and peritoneal dialysis compared with hemodialysis (p less than 0.05). These factors should be considered along with expected patient survival when deciding between different treatment modalities for diabetic ESRD.     

Ocular problems in the patient with end-stage renal disease

The patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is at risk for development of eye disease. This risk is related to the comorbid conditions that are often seen in ESRD patients as well as to the unique effects of hemodialysis and the uremic state in leading to changes in the conjunctivae, cornea, retina, and macula. The most common ocular complaints in ESRD patients include red, irritated eyes, and may be associated with elevations in the calcium-phosphate product. In those patients with chronically elevated calcium-phosphate products, band keratopathy may result. Other eye conditions include macular edema, ischemic optic neuropathy, elevated intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, and retinal hemorrhage. Prompt recognition of these conditions that may threaten a patient's vision is required. This may prove challenging to the nephrologist in the dialysis unit where a detailed ophthalmological examination is difficult. However, a basic knowledge of the common ocular diseases encountered in the dialysis patient forms a framework for deciding which patients require urgent consultation with an ophthalmologist.     

Survival in patients with end-stage renal disease

Based on age and medical condition at the time of treatment, 138 patients beginning dialysis for treatment of chronic renal failure between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1988, were classified into low, average, and high risk of death. The survival in these three groups was shown to be significantly different after as little as 6 months. The classification scheme is simple, and can be performed at the bedside. Efforts to monitor quality assurance in the dialysis unit must account for the significant differences in expected survival that reflect the case-mix observed in a particular unit.     

Association of a low ankle brachial index with progression to end-stage kidney disease in patients with advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease

IntroductionsThe effect of a low ankle-brachial index (ABI) in patients with advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease is not fully understood. This study investigates the prevalence of a low ABI in patients with advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease, which was defined as a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥300 mg/g and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 15–60 mL/min/1.73 m². Furthermore, the association between a low ABI and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) was determined.MethodsThis single-center, retrospective, cohort study included 529 patients with advanced-stage diabetic kidney disease who were stratified into groups according to the ABI: high (>1.3), normal (0.9–1.3), and low (<0.9). The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional analysis were used to examine the association between the ABI and ESKD.ResultsA total of 42.5% of patients with a low ABI progressed to ESKD. A low ABI was associated with a greater risk of ESKD (hazard ratio (HR): 1.073). After adjusting for traditional chronic kidney disease risk factors, a low ABI remained associated with a greater risk of ESKD (HR: 1.758; 95% confidence interval: 1.243–2.487; p = 0.001).ConclusionsThese results indicate that patients with a low ABI should be monitored carefully. Furthermore, preventive therapy should be considered to improve the long-term kidney survival of patients with residual kidney function.     

Stringent glycaemic control prolongs survival in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis

Aim: No suitable index or optimal target for diabetic control has been established for diabetic patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing haemodialysis. To address these issues, the single‐centre observational study was conducted. Methods: Two hundred and forty‐five diabetic ESRD patients (23.3% female; age at initiation of haemodialysis 61.7 ± 10.7 years) at start of haemodialysis between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2004 were enrolled. Subjects were grouped according to glycaemic control level throughout the observational period as follows: mean postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) <8.9 mmol/L, 8.9 mmol/L ≤ PPG < 10.0 mmol/L, 10.0 mmol/L ≤ PPG < 11.1 mmol/L, 11.1 mmol/L ≤ PPG < 12.2 mmol/L and PPG ≥ 12.2 mmol/L; and HbA1c < 6.0%, 6.0–6.4%, 6.5–6.9% and ≥7.0%. Survival was then followed until 31 December 2005. Results: Cumulative survival of groups of 10.0 mmol/L ≤ PPG < 11.1 mmol/L, 11.1 ≤ PPG < 12.2 and PPG ≥ 12.2 mmol/L was significantly lower than that for PPG < 8.9 mmol/L as determined by Kaplan–Meier estimation (P = 0.016, 0.009 and 0.031, respectively; log–rank test). In both uni‐ and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, mortality hazard ratios were significantly higher for PPG ≥ 10.0 mmol/L than for PPG < 8.9 mmol/L (P = 0.002–0.021). Kaplan–Meier survival curves grouped by HbA1c levels showed no correlation between HbA1c and survival during the observational period. No significant difference in mortality hazard ratios was seen for any HbA1c groups evaluated by Cox proportional hazard model. Conclusion: Intensive management of diabetic control at a stringent mean on‐study PPG < 10.0 mmol/L will improve the life expectancy in diabetic dialysis patients. However, no range of HbA1c values obtained in this study showed any clear difference in clinical outcomes.     

Serum C-peptide concentrations poorly phenotype type 2 diabetic end-stage renal disease patients

BACKGROUND: A homogeneous patient population is necessary to identify genetic factors that regulate complex disease pathogenesis. In this study, we evaluated clinical and biochemical phenotyping criteria for type 2 diabetes in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) probands of families in which nephropathy is clustered. C-peptide concentrations accurately discriminate type 1 from type 2 diabetic patients with normal renal function, but have not been extensively evaluated in ESRD patients. We hypothesized that C-peptide concentrations may not accurately reflect insulin synthesis in ESRD subjects, since the kidney is the major site of C-peptide catabolism and would poorly correlate with accepted clinical criteria used to classify diabetics as types 1 and 2. METHODS: Consenting diabetic ESRD patients (N = 341) from northeastern Ohio were enrolled. Clinical history was obtained by questionnaire, and predialysis blood samples were collected for C-peptide levels from subjects with at least one living diabetic sibling (N = 127, 48% males, 59% African Americans). RESULTS: Using clinical criteria, 79% of the study population were categorized as type 1 (10%) or type 2 diabetics (69%), while 21% of diabetic ESRD patients could not be classified. In contrast, 98% of the patients were classified as type 2 diabetics when stratified by C-peptide concentrations using criteria derived from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group (DCCT) and UREMIDIAB studies. Categorization was concordant in only 70% of ESRD probands when C-peptide concentration and clinical classification algorithms were compared. Using clinical phenotyping criteria as the standard for comparison, C-peptide concentrations classified diabetic ESRD patients with 100% sensitivity, but only 5% specificity. The mean C-peptide concentrations were similar in diabetic ESRD patients (3.2 +/- 1.9 nmol/L) and nondiabetic ESRD subjects (3.5 +/- 1.7 nmol/L, N = 30, P = NS), but were 2.5-fold higher compared with diabetic siblings (1.3 +/- 0.7 nmol/L, N = 30, P < 0.05) with normal renal function and were indistinguishable between type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Although 10% of the diabetic ESRD study population was classified as type 1 diabetics using clinical criteria, only 1.5% of these patients had C-peptide levels less than 0.20 nmol/L, the standard cut-off used to discriminate type 1 from type 2 diabetes in patients with normal renal function. However, the criteria of C-peptide concentrations> 0.50 nmol/L and diabetes onset in patients who are more than 38 years old identify type 2 diabetes with a 97% positive predictive value in our ESRD population. CONCLUSIONS: Accepted clinical criteria, used to discriminate type 1 and type 2 diabetes, failed to classify a significant proportion of diabetic ESRD patients. In contrast to previous reports, C-peptide levels were elevated in the majority of type 1 ESRD diabetic patients and did not improve the power of clinical parameters to separate them from type 2 diabetic or nondiabetic ESRD subjects. Accurate classification of diabetic ESRD patients for genetic epidemiological studies requires both clinical and biochemical criteria, which may differ from norms used in diabetic populations with normal renal function.     

Cardiac surgery in patients with end-stage renal disease

In a retrospective study we analyzed the clinical features of 85 patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent cardiac operation. Seventy-eight patients were from reports in the literature, and 7 were from our experience. The cardiac procedures were primarily valve replacements and aortocoronary bypass (ACB) operations. The indication for valve replacement was most commonly infective endocarditis (73%), affecting most frequently the aortic valve (68%). The most common organism was Staphylococcus aureus, and there was a recent episode of angioaccess site infection in at least 17.5% of patients with documented endocarditis. The 30-day mortality was 57% for patients undergoing emergency valve replacement and only 3% for similar elective operations. Cumulative survival at 48 months was equal to that of the overall hemodialysis population not having cardiac operations. The mean age (50 years), male to female ratio (9:1), number of vessels bypassed per patient (2.4), and operative mortality for ACB were equal to those reported in comparable series of patients with normal renal function. Cumulative survival at 48 months for ACB patients was similar (60% versus 56%) to that of the overall hemodialysis population. Cardiac operations can be performed safely in patients with end-stage renal disease; the morbidity and mortality are similar to those encountered in patients with normal renal function. The long-term survival after cardiac procedures in patients with end-stage renal disease is similar to that reported for the overall hemodialysis population not having cardiac operations.     

Resistance training in patients with end-stage renal disease

Patients with end-stage renal disease have to deal with a lot of health problems which are on the one hand caused by the disease and on the other hand are the result of their reduced physical activity. Both mechanisms lead to a reduced functional ability and often cross the threshold of impairment. The decrease of functional ability is mainly caused by the loss of strength due to a reduction and alteration of muscle fibres and of the neuromuscular system. It is well-known that strength training can improve structural and functional abilities of the muscle in healthy young as well as in old people. Some studies could demonstrate that the beneficial effects of strength training can also be reached in people with end-stage renal disease. A limiting factor for the strength training in dialysis patients may be the disturbed cardio-ciculatory reaction due to cardiac neuropathy, e.g. of the blood pressure response.     

Cardiac surgery in patients with end-stage renal disease

Objectives: The number of patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing open heart surgery continues to grow. We evaluated continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and the extracorporeal ultrafiltration method during cardiopulmonary bypass in the management of these difficult patients.Methods: These 2 methods were used in 4 patients with renal failure who underwent open heart surgery between July 1997 and March 1999. Preoperative continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was conducted using standard protocols. Extracorporeal ultrafiltration method was used only during cardiopulmonary bypass. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was initiated upon arrival at the intensive care unit. Mean follow-up was 12 months.Results: Postoperative blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations were lower than preoperative concentrations. No patients required hemodialysis. All 4 patients were discharged to their homes. No deaths occurred.Conclusions: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and extracorporeal ultrafiltration method are combined to treat patients with end-stage renal disease who require open heart surgery. This combination is simple, and does not require specialized personnel, and obviates the hemodynamic instability associated with hemodialysis.     

Trace minerals in patients with end-stage renal disease

The kidneys are famously responsible for maintaining external balance of prevalent minerals, such as sodium, chloride, and potassium. The kidney's role in handling trace minerals is more obscure to most nephrologists. Similarly, the impact of kidney failure on trace mineral metabolism is difficult to anticipate. The associated dietary modifications and dialysis create the potential for trace mineral deficiencies and intoxications. Indeed, there are numerous reports of dialysis-associated mishaps causing mineral intoxication, notable for the challenge of assigning causation. Equally challenging has been the recognition of mineral deficiency syndromes, amid what is often a cacophony of multiple comorbidities that vie for the attention of clinicians who care for patients with chronic kidney disease. In this paper, I review a variety of minerals, some of which are required for maintenance of normal human physiology (the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's list of essential minerals), and some that have attracted attention in the care of dialysis patients. For each mineral, I will discuss its role in normal physiology and will review reported deficiency and toxicity states. I will point out the interesting inter-relationships between several of the elements. Finally, I will address the special concerns of aluminum and magnesium as they pertain to the dialysis population.