Prevention of CVD in patients with CKD

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by proteinuria and kidney dysfunction caused by multiple factors. Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension are involved in the underlying pathological mechanisms of CKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In patients with CKD, CVD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent clinical studies have revealed that intervention by angiotensin II blockade with ARB and ACEI reduces CKD and CVD. Accordingly, earlier intervention to metabolic disorders with blockers for angiotensin II and aldosterone may prevent CKD as well as CVD associated with CKD.     

Hypertension complicated with chronic kidney disease

Hypertension causes exacerbation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and vice versa. CKD has been known as an independent risk factor for death from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Proteinuria and albuminuria indicate progressive kidney injury and are risk factors for end-stage renal disease(ESRD). Corrections of blood pressure and proteinuria or albuminuria reduce the risk of occurrence of CVD and progression to ESRD. Antihypertensive therapy in CKD includes the management of salt sensitivity and renin angiotensin system. Diuretics more effectively contribute to the balance of sodium and volume of water, when used with ACE inhibitor and ARB. Direct renin inhibitor has been available and shown potential to be a first choice for the treatment of hypertension in CKD.     

Clinical epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The clinical epidemiology of CVD in CKD is challenging due to a prior lack of standardized definitions of CKD, inconsistent measures of renal function, and possible alternative effects of 'traditional' CVD risk factors in patients with CKD. These challenges add to the complexity of the role of renal impairment as the cause or the consequence of cardiovascular disease. The goal of this review is to summarize the current evidence on: (1) the incidence and prevalence of CVD in chronic renal insufficiency and in ESRD, (2) risk factors for CVD in CKD, (3) the outcomes of patients with renal failure with CVD, and (4) CKD as a risk factor for CVD. The epidemiological associations implicating the huge burden of CVD throughout all stages of CKD highlight the need to better understand and implement adequate screening, and diagnostic and treatment strategies.     

Dyslipidemia as a therapeutic target for prevention of cardiovascular events and end-stage renal disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and cardiovascular events as well. Early-onset and progressive atherosclerosis is common in patients with CKD, which is caused by varieties of factors including dyslipidemia. CKD-related dyslipidemia such as increased triglyceride-rich atherogenic lipoproteins such IDL, small dense LDL and low HDL associated with insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and malnutrition co-existing dyslipidemia such as high LDL are both causetive for early-onset atherogenesis and, possibly progression of CKD, thus are the therapeutic targets in early intervention of CKD. Life-style modification aimed for both renoprotection and anti-dyslipidemia as well as medications for metabolic disorders in CKD patients such as Ca/P imbalance is crucial for correction of dyslipidemia, and also prevention of cardiovasclular events and ESRD in CKD patients. Among anti-dyslipidemic drugs, statin, so far, is only class of drug proved to be effective for such purpose on evidence-basis.     

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been shown to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a number of recent epidemiological studies. There are possible explanations for the independent association of CKD with CVD. Reduced renal function is associated with a high prevalence of traditional CVD risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and left ventricular hypertrophy. In addition, reduced renal function may be associated with increased levels of nontraditional risk factors, such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Subjects with CKD should be considered a high-risk population for CVD and be recommended for more intensive preventive management of CVD, including active detection and strict treatment of CVD risk factors.     

CKD非透析患者CVD的发生情况及影响因素分析

目的研究慢性肾脏病（CKD）非透析患心血管疾病（CVD）的发生情况及危险因素。方法分析695例cKD非透析患者基础资料、实验室指标、心脏彩色超声指标及其与既往CVD病史之间的关系,研究CKD非透析患者CVD的发生情况,探讨与其相关的危险因素。结果695例患者中226例（32．5％）有CVD既往史,Logistic回归分析显示,年龄、GFR、SBP、DBP、颈总动脉内径、颈总动脉IMT及分叉部IMT是cKD非透析患者CVD的独立危险因素。结论cKD非透析患者CVD的发生率较正常人显著升高,年龄、高血压、脂质代谢紊乱、微炎症状态、贫血、低蛋白血症、钙磷代谢紊乱等因素与CKD患者CVD的发生、发展密切相关。     

Cardiovascular disease and the kidney. Tracking a killer in chronic kidney disease

The interlinking of CVD with CKD is undeniable. CVD accounts for more than 50% of all morbidity and mortality in patients with kidney disease who have undergone renal replacement therapy, and CVD is also prevalent in patients with mild and moderately severe kidney disease. To help address the elevated risks of these patients, primary care physicians need to maintain vigilance in (1) identifying patients who have CKD and (2) implementing strategies for reducing the prevalence of CVD in this population. It is essential that patients be screened for relatively mild kidney disease by measurement of serum creatinine and urine microalbumin and by calculation of the glomerular filtration rate in mL/min/1.73 m2 using equations based on serum creatinine. Rigorous assessment of conventional risk factors, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes, is also necessary to prevent the poor outcomes currently observed in persons with CKD. Routine use of ACE inhibitors and aspirin is encouraged in all patients with CKD, and strict glycemic and blood pressure control is recommended for optimal outcomes. In addition, patients should be screened and treated for risk factors particularly associated with kidney disease and CVD morbidity and mortality, including anemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hyperparathyroidism. Finally, physicians should be careful to avoid therapeutic nihilism in patients with kidney disease; those at highest risk of CVD are likely to receive the greatest benefit from cardiovascular therapies.     

Multiple risk factor intervention in chronic kidney disease: management of cardiac disease in chronic kidney disease patients

This article describes the relationship between CVD and CKD, the current state of knowledge regarding medical interventions, and underscores the importance of attending to both CVD and kidney disease aspects in each individual. The burden of cardiac disease in CKD patients is high with severe LVH, dilated cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease occurring frequently. This predisposes to congestive heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction, and death. Multiple risk factors for cardiac disease exist and include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, anemia, abnormal calcium and phosphate metabolism, inflammation, and LVH. The efficacy of risk factor intervention has not been established in these populations, although there is good evidence for good blood pressure control, partial correction of anemia, treatment of dyslipidemia, cessation of tobacco use, correction of divalent abnormalities, and aspirin us. Appropriate use of ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and statins should be encouraged.     

Dyslipidemias in patients who have chronic kidney disease

Patients with CKD are at high risk for developing CVD. In fact, most CKD patients have a 10-year risk of coronary heart disease events greater than or equal to 20%, placing them in the highest risk category according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. For this reason, the National Kidney Foundation K/DOQI guidelines for managing dyslipidemia suggest that CKD patients with LDL greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) should be treated with diet and a statin. The K/DOQI guidelines also make it clear that the evidence supporting treatment in CKD populations is lacking however, and that additional placebo-controlled trials are needed. In the mean time, the high incidence of CVD makes intensive monitoring and treatment of dyslipidemias in patients with CKD a reasonable clinical approach.     

Cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease: untying the Gordian knot

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects around 10–13% of the general population, with only a small proportion in end stage renal disease (ESRD), either on dialysis or awaiting renal transplantation. It is well documented that CKD patients have an extremely high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with the general population, so much so that in the early stages of CKD patients are more likely to develop CVD than they are to progress to ESRD. Various pathophysiological pathways and explanations have been advanced and suggested to account for this, including endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidaemia, inflammation, left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac autonomic dysfunction. In this review, we try to understand and further explore the link between CKD and CVD, as well as offering interventional advice where available, while exposing the current lack of RCT‐based research and trial evidence in this area. We also suggest pragmatic Interim measures we could take while we wait for definitive RCTs.     

Evidence based treatment of dyslipidemia associated with diabetes mellitus

Diabetic patients are more prone to develop atherosclerosis. Coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease(CVD), and peripheral arterial disease(PAD) are three main life-threatening macrovascular complications in diabetes. Previous studies indicate that glycemic control is important. They also indicate that glycemic control does not sufficiently prevent the development of atherosclerotic diseases in diabetic patients. It is now clear that treatment of dyslipidemia and hypertension are as important as good glycemic control. Diabetic patients tend to develop dyslipidemia and hypertension, as both derives from insulin resistance. Many randomized control studies have proved that lowering of LDL-cholesterol is beneficial for preventing the development of CHD or CVD. Sub-analyses of RCT of statins suggest that lipid lowering therapy helps prevent the development of these macrovascular complications.     

慢性肾脏病基础上急性肾损伤的病因和预后分析——附38例报告

目的:探讨慢性肾脏病(chronic kidney disease,CKD)基础上急性肾损伤(acute kidney injury,AKI)的病因和预后的影响因素.方法:对38例CKD基础上的AKI患者按照RIFLE标准对AKI进行分层诊断,并对38例患者的病因、预后等临床资料进行数理分析.结果:38例中,符合R标准2例(5%)、I标准3例(8%)、F标准5例(13%),L标准11例(29%),E标准17例(45%);其中符合F、L、E标准33例,占87%.导致AKI最常见的病因是恶性高血压(32%)和严重感染(21%).CKD患者发生AKI后的血清肌酐较发生AKI前明显升高,GFR则明显降低(均为P＜0.01).需要肾脏替代治疗28例(74%),其中发生终末期肾脏病(end-stage renal disease,ESRD)21例,占55%;无需肾脏替代治疗7例(18%);死亡3例,病死率8%.多变量Logistic 回归分析显示,恶性高血压分别是CKD基础上的AKI患者需要肾脏替代治疗(r＝2.42,P＜0.05)和发生ESRD(r＝2.08,P＜0.05)的独立危险因素;而少尿、感染和CKD的基础病因与患者的肾脏预后无关 (P＞0.05).结论:恶性高血压和严重感染是CKD患者并发AKI的主要病因,恶性高血压是这类患者肾脏预后不良的独立危险因素,严格控制血压是预防CKD患者并发AKI和改善患者预后的关键措施之一.     

Interpreting troponin in renal disease: A narrative review for emergency clinicians

IntroductionPatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD)/end stage renal disease (ESRD) can experience several severe complications, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). While troponin is the biomarker of choice for evaluation of ACS, interpretation of troponin in CKD/ESRD can be challenging.ObjectiveThis narrative review evaluates troponin elevation in patients with CKD/ESRD, pitfalls in the evaluation with troponin, and an approach to using troponin in these high-risk patients.DiscussionPatients with CKD/ESRD are at greater risk for ACS and possess higher levels of circulating troponin. Relatedly, these patients often present atypically for ACS. Several pitfalls must be considered in the use of troponin when evaluating for ACS. While troponin elevation in patients with CKD/ESRD is often considered to be due to underlying renal disease, this elevation has several etiologies including uremic skeletal myopathy, microinfarctions, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), decreased clearance, and unrecognized congestive heart failure (CHF). Utilizing troponin assays in this patient population requires a nuanced approach, as the sensitivity and specificity for troponin testing in CKD varies. Concern for ACS with elevated troponin warrants treatment for ACS until proven otherwise, with consideration of atypical presentations along with other causes for patient symptoms that may result in troponin elevation.ConclusionsPatients with CKD/ESRD presenting with symptoms concerning for ACS are challenging. The utilization of troponin assays is important in this population given their high risk of ACS but requires an educated and nuanced approach.     

Management of hypertension in CKD patients

The purpose of treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) is to preserve the renal function and to prevent the cardiovascular disease (CVD). CKD patients frequently present non-dipper and salt-sensitive type hypertension, which is a powerful predictor for both the CKD and CVD. Many previous clinical studies in CKD patients showed that appropriate blood pressure control was absolutely necessary to prevent the progression of CKD and development of CVD. From these studies, the target blood pressure for CKD patients is determined as less than 130/80 mmHg, if amount of urinary protein < 1 g/day, and 125/75 mmHg, if urinary protein > 1 g/day. Especially, blood pressure control using the RAS (renin-angiotensin system) inhibitor such as ARBs or ACEIs is superior to other classes of antihypertensive agents in reducing the amount of urinary protein and in preserving renal function. Thus, ARBs and/or ACEIs should be administered to CKD patients unless hyperkalemia or excessive increase in serum creatinine level is observed. Furthermore, hypertension in CKD patients is sometimes intractable and other classes of antihypertensive agents should be administered in addition to ARBs or ACEIs to obtain the target blood pressure.     

Recognizing the link between CKD and CVD in the primary care setting: accurate and early diagnosis for timely and appropriate intervention

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is becoming increasingly prevalent in the US and worldwide, eventually progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring renal replacement therapy. Diabetes and hypertension, the two leading causes of CKD, are themselves reaching near epidemic proportions. Hypertension can cause both the development and progression of CKD, and CKD is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Indeed, CKD patients are more likely to die of cardiovascular complications than progress to ESRD. However, data indicate that early recognition and management of CKD can have a significant positive impact on disease outcome. This creates an important interventional opportunity for the primary care physician. This report describes the major risk factors and comorbidities associated with the development and progression of CKD and offers suggestions for timely diagnosis and management of CKD in the primary care setting.     

Calcium channel blockers and the kidney

Although end-stage renal disease (ESRD) currently affects only a small percentage (<0.2%) of the US population, its precursor, the mild and moderate forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD), affects 11% of the population, with significant growth in both ESRD and CKD anticipated in the rapidly aging US population. The primary diagnoses in the majority of ESRD patients are diabetes and hypertension. Results of clinical studies demonstrate that the level of proteinuria and sympathetic activation contribute to the progression of CKD to ESRD. There are sufficient clinical data to demonstrate that the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (DHP CCB) class of antihypertensives such as amlodipine and nifedipine, although effective in reducing systemic hypertension, lack activity in reducing proteinuria or attenuating sympathetic activity. Experimental studies and a limited number of clinical studies suggest that non-DHP CCBs, including verapamil and diltiazem, have a mechanism of action that differs from DHP CCBs. Non-DHP CCBs could potentially attenuate sympathetic activity and reduce protein excretion in patients with CKD.     

血栓弹力图在评价慢性肾脏病患者高凝状态中的作用

目的观察血栓弹力图（TEG）与常规凝血指标在慢性肾脏病（CKD）患者高凝状态中的关系,评价TEG在CKD患者高凝状态中的诊断作用。方法根据简化肾脏病膳食改良试验（MDRD）公式计算67例CKD患者的肾小球滤过率（eGFR）,并按肾脏病生存质量指导（K-DOQI）标准分成3组[CKD1～2期20例、CKD3～4期20例、终末期肾脏病（ESRD）27例]。检测所有患者常规凝血功能、血常规及TEG。结果凝血功能各指标和血小板（PLT）计数在CKD1～2期、CKD3～5期及ESRD患者3组间差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。ESRD患者及CKD3～5期患者TEG结果中的R值、K值均较CKD1～2期患者显著降低,夹角（Angle）、血栓最大弹力度（MA）、凝血指数（C I）值显著升高。提示CKD 3～5期及ESRD患者存在高凝状态。结论与其他常规凝血指标比较,TEG是反映CKD患者高凝状态的一个更为敏感的指标。根据TEG得到的不同高凝状态结果,进行针对性的抗凝治疗,可能有助于预防CKD患者心血管疾病（CVD）并发症。     

Epidemiology and risk factors for chronic kidney disease

Kidney disease is highly prevalent in the United States population and groups at high risk for increased prevalence of CKD include individuals with a family history of ESRD, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Despite the increased risk of ESRD observed for blacks compared with whites, racial disparities in the prevalence of kidney disease have not been consistently demonstrated in the United States population. Although the reasons for discrepancy in risk of ESRD and CKD have not been established, clinicians should be aware that more rapid progression of CKD among blacks is a possible explanation for this observation and that closer monitoring and intensive care of risk factors associated with progressive renal injury is warranted for blacks with CKD and in other high-risk groups. Therapeutic interventions that delay or prevent progressive kidney disease are well established and incorporated into widely disseminated clinical practice guidelines. These interventions include aggressive blood pressure control with agents that block the renin-angiotensin system, reduction of dietary protein to recommended levels for the American diet, weight loss, smoking cessation, and control of hyperlipidemia. These interventions also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and should be regarded as essential components of care of CKD. Achieving high levels of medically appropriate care of CKD patients and reduction in risk of progression to ESRD may be delayed by barriers created by individual and regional poverty.     

Cardiovascular Screening and Early Detection of Heart Disease in Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are among the most common disease states that nurse practitioners encounter in various health care settings. In many cases, patients with CVD and CKD have overlapping risk factors and underlying medical conditions. CVD is one of the most common causes of death in patients with CKD, and therefore, appropriate recognition and screening are important for preventing disease progression and complications. Nurse practitioners can become familiar with various risk factors, screen patients, and provide nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic measures for CVD in CKD patients.     

Abnormalities in renal hemodynamics

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Abnormalities of renal hemodynamics are associated with CKD. Abnormalities in renal hemodynamics include blood flow into glomeruli, and tubulointerstitial tissue. Renin-angiotensin system, oxidative stress and NOS system affect abnormalities of renal hemodynamics in CKD. Further, intrarenal hemodynamic abnormalities are strongly associated with systemic arteriosclerosis. Appropriate regulation of renal hemodynamics and controls of hypertension and diabetes mellitus retard the progression of both CKD and CVD.