Non-traditional risk factors predict coronary calcification in chronic kidney disease in a population-based cohort

The increased burden of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease cannot be explained by traditional risk factors alone. Here, we evaluated the impact of non-traditional factors on the association of chronic kidney disease with coronary artery calcification using logistic regression among 2672 Dallas Heart Study patients of whom 220 had chronic kidney disease. The prevalence of coronary calcification significantly increased across all chronic kidney disease stages and this remained independently associated with coronary calcification after adjusting for traditional factors. The calcium x phosphorus product, homocysteine, and osteoprotegerin each diminished the magnitude of association between kidney disease and coronary calcification. After adjustment for these, the association between kidney disease and coronary calcification was no longer significant with the effects most prominent in the stages 3-5 subgroup. Our study has identified three non-traditional independent predictors of coronary calcification that diminished the association between chronic kidney disease and coronary calcification. These factors may represent novel mechanistic links warranting further investigation.     

Markers of inflammation predict the long-term risk of developing chronic kidney disease: a population-based cohort study

In animal models, inflammatory processes have been shown to have an important role in the development of kidney disease. In humans, however, the independent relation between markers of inflammation and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not known. To clarify this, we examined the relationship of several inflammatory biomarker levels (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 2, white blood cell count, and interleukin-6) with the risk of developing CKD in a population-based cohort of up to 4926 patients with 15 years of follow-up. In cross-sectional analyses, we found that all these inflammation markers were positively associated with the outcome of interest, prevalent CKD. However, in longitudinal analyses examining the risk of developing incident CKD among those who were CKD-free at baseline, only tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 2, white blood cell count, and interleukin-6 levels (hazard ratios comparing highest with the lowest tertile of 2.10, 1.90, and 1.45, respectively), and not C-reactive protein (hazard ratio 1.09), were positively associated with incident CKD. Thus, elevations of most markers of inflammation predict the risk of developing CKD. Each marker should be independently verified.     

Vitamin D levels in subjects with or without chronic kidney disease among Veterans with diabetes in North East United States

AIM To evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its relation to diabetes and kidney disease in Veterans residing in the North East United States(VISN 2). METHODS In this retrospective study, we used data from the computerized patient record system at Stratton Veterans Administration Medical Center at Albany, NY(VHA) for those patients who had 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and 1,25(OH) vitamin D levels measured between 2007 and 2010. We collected demographic information including age, sex, body mass index and race; clinical data including diabetes, hypertension and CAD; and laboratory data including calcium, creatinine and parathyroid hormone(PTH)(intact). Vitamin D deficiency is defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of less than 20 ng/mL(50 nmol/L), and insufficiency is defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 20 to 30 ng/mL(50 to 75 nmol/L). RESULTS Data was available for approximately 68000 subjects. We identified 64144 subjects for analysis after exclusion of duplicates. Among them, 27098 had diabetes. Themean age of subjects with diabetes was 68 ± 11 with a mean body mass index(BMI) of 32 ± 7 and duration of diabetes of 5.6 ± 3.2 years. The mean 25(OH) vitamin D level among subjects with diabetes was 27 ± 11.6. There was no significant difference in 25(OH) vitamin D levels between subjects with diabetes and glomerular filtration rate(e-GFR) 60 compared to those with e-GFR ≥ 60. As expected, subjects with e-GFR 60 had significantly lower 1,25(OH) vitamin D levels and significantly elevated PTH-intact. Of the 64144 subjects, 580 had end-stage renal disease. Of those, 407 had diabetes and 173 did not. Vitamin D levels in both groups were in the insufficiency range and there was no significant difference irrespective of presence or absence of diabetes. Subjects with vitamin D levels less than 20 ng/mL had a higher BMI and elevated PTH, and higher HbA 1C levels compared to those with vitamin D levels more than 20 ng/mL. CONCLUSION We conclude that we need to keep a close eye on vitamin D levels in subjects with mild chronic kidney disease as well as those with moderate control of diabetes.     

Geographic difference in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Japanese screened subjects: Ibaraki versus Okinawa

BACKGROUND: In Japan, there is a geographic difference in the prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Few epidemiologic studies, however, have compared the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among different geographic areas. Other than genetic factors, socioeconomic conditions and lifestyle are targets for modification. METHODS: We examined the prevalence of CKD among two large community-based screened populations, 40 years of age and older, in Japan: Ibaraki (N = 187,863) and Okinawa (N = 83,150). Prevalence of CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) using the coefficient modified abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (aMDRD) study equation using a standardized serum creatinine value. CKD prevalence was compared among screenees with (+) or without (-) hypertension (systolic blood pressure > or =140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure > or =90 mmHg) and hyperglycemia (plasma glucose > or = 126 mg/dl). RESULTS: Both male and female participants in Okinawa had a significantly lower prevalence of hypertension (-)/hyperglycemia (-) than did patients in Ibaraki. The prevalence of CKD in Okinawa was higher than that in Ibaraki among screenees with hypertension (-)/hyperglycemia (-), and highest among screenees with hypertension (+)/hyperglycemia (-). CONCLUSION: The regional difference in CKD prevalence may underlie the variation in ESRD prevalence observed in Japan.     

Utilization of thyroidectomy for benign disease in the United States: a 15-year population-based study

Background

Recent recommendations suggest that total thyroidectomy (TT) is the preferred treatment for benign thyroid disease. This approach remains controversial because of the increased risk of morbidity compared with a partial thyroidectomy (PT). The aim of this study was to determine the use of thyroidectomy for benign disease over a 15-year period.

Methods

One hundred nineteen thousand eight hundred eighty-five patients from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (1993–2007) underwent surgery for benign thyroid disease. Logistic regression was used to assess the relation between extent of thyroidectomy and the year of admission, hospital volume, and surgical outcomes.

Results

The use of TT increased from 17.6% (1993–1997) to 39.6% (2003–2007) compared with 82.4% and 60.4% for PT over the same periods (P < .0001). A greater proportion of TTs was performed in high-volume centers in which the rates of postoperative complications were lower than low-volume centers.

Conclusions

The use of TT for benign thyroid disease has increased over the last 15 years in the United States. This pattern of practice is in keeping with the trends reported in recent literature.     

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease risk factors among low birth weight adolescents

Background

By adulthood, low birth weight infants have an increased risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The extent to which objective CKD risk factors are present at earlier ages is unclear.

Methods

We analyzed 5352 participants aged 12–15 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2012. Participants were classified as low birth weight (LBW; < 2500 g), very low birth weight (VLBW; < 1500 g), or normal (2500–4000 g) by parental/proxy recall. Albuminuria (albumin/creatinine 30 – <300 mg/g), decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; < 90 ml/min/1.73 m²; Counahan–Barratt), and elevated systolic blood pressure (BP; ≥ 95th percentile for age, height, and sex) were considered CKD risk factors.

Results

While albuminuria did not vary by birth weight, elevated blood pressure (BP) and decreased eGFR occurred more frequently in LBW/VLBW adolescents (elevated BP: LBW 6.0 %, VLBW 11.2 %, normal 2.4 %; decreased eGFR: LBW 23.2 %, VLBW 32.5 %, normal 16.1 %). After multivariable adjustment, LBW/VLBW adolescents had greater odds for both elevated BP (LBW: OR 2.90, 95 % CI 1.48–5.71; VLBW: 5.23; 1.11–24.74) and decreased eGFR (LBW: 1.49, 95 % CI 1.06–2.10; VLBW 2.49, 95 % CI 1.20–5.18).

Conclusions

In the U.S. population, both decreased eGFR and elevated systolic BP occur frequently among adolescents with history of LBW/VLBW.

     

Prognosis and risk factors of chronic kidney disease progression in patients with diabetic kidney disease and non-diabetic kidney disease: a prospective cohort CKD-ROUTE study

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is emerging rapidly as the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. In this 3-year prospective, multicenter cohort study, a total of 1138 pre-dialysis CKD patients were recruited. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the etiologies of DKD and non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for confounding factors, resulting in 197 patients being assigned to DKD and NDKD groups, respectively. The primary endpoints were 50% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline and initiation of kidney replacement therapy (KRT). The secondary endpoints were all-cause death and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. We found that DKD patients have a higher risk to develop 50% eGFR decline endpoint (HR:2.30, 95%CI [1.48–3.58], p < 0.001) and KRT endpoint (HR:1.64, 95%CI [1.13–2.37], p < 0.05) than NDKD patients. The 3-year cumulative incidence of 50% eGFR decline and KRT endpoint was significantly higher in DKD patients (26.90% vs.13.71% and 35.03% vs. 22.34%, respectively). The Cox regression analyses showed that the increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), DKD, decreased serum albumin (Alb), and higher CKD stages were risk factors for the 50% eGFR decline endpoint; the increased SBP, DKD, decreased serum Alb, serum creatinine (Scr), higher CKD stages, presence of proteinuria and CVD were risk factors for KRT endpoint; the increased age, decreased hemoglobin (Hb), decreased serum Alb were risk factors for all-cause death endpoint; the increased age, decreased serum Alb were risk factors for CVD events endpoint. Appropriate preventive or therapeutic interventions should be taken to control these predictive factors to delay the development of CKD complications, thereby improving the prognosis and reducing the disease burden of the high-risk populations.     

Incidence and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in middle-aged patients with chronic kidney disease: a population-based cohort study

International Urology and Nephrology - For early prevention, information regarding the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in middle-aged patients with chronic kidney disease...     

Elevated risk of clinical fractures and associated risk factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus versus matched controls: a population-based study in the United Kingdom

Summary

The incidence of clinical fractures and the associated factors were assessed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) versus matched controls. We found an increased fracture risk in SLE patients compared to controls. Glucocorticoid use, longer disease duration, neuropsychiatric disease complications and previous osteoporotic fractures were identified as associated factors.

Introduction

The aims of this study were to estimate the risk of clinical fractures in patients with SLE versus matched controls and to evaluate the risk factors associated with clinical fractures in SLE.

Methods

This is a population-based cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (from 1987–2012). Each SLE patient (n?=?4,343) was matched with up to six controls (n?=?21,780) by age and sex. Clinical fracture type was stratified according to the WHO definitions into osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic fracture. Cox proportional hazards calculated relative rates (RR) of clinical fracture and time interaction terms to evaluate the timing patterns of fracture. Clinical fracture rates in SLE patients, stratified by age, gender, type of fracture, disease duration and therapy variables, were compared with those rates in controls.

Results

Follow-up durations were 6.4 years in SLE patients and 6.6 years in controls. SLE patients had a 1.2-fold increased clinical fracture risk compared to controls (adjusted RR?=?1.22, 95% CI?=?1.05–1.42), and the risk further increased with a longer disease duration. Glucocorticoid (GC) use in the previous 6 months raised the risk of clinical fracture (adjusted RR?=?1.27, 95% CI?=?1.02–1.58). Cerebrovascular events, seizures and previous osteoporotic fractures were identified as predictors of clinical fractures.

Conclusions

We found an increased risk of clinical fracture in SLE patients compared to controls. GC use in the previous 6 months and longer disease duration are associated with the increased fracture risk in SLE. Patients with neuropsychiatric organ damage or previous osteoporotic fractures are also at increased risk of the occurrence of clinical fractures.     

Uremia-related metabolic cardiac risk factors in chronic kidney disease

Growing evidence has been gathered over the last 15 years regarding the role of nontraditional or uremia-related risk factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in subjects with renal failure. Among those factors, dyslipidemia, inflammation, hyperhomocysteinemia, and oxidant stress have been extensively studied. However, the clinical significance of many of these factors remains controversial in light of reported studies. In this article, the existing evidence regarding the role of uremia-related risk factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is reviewed, with special emphasis on prevalence, cardiac risk, and management in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Consensus treatment recommendations are provided for risk factors for which there is evidence to support preventive or therapeutic interventions.     

Fracture risk among patients with Paget's disease: a population-based cohort study.

Localized disruption of bone architecture leads to an increased risk of pathological fractures in patients with Paget's disease, but the impact of the disease on overall fracture risk is unknown. We addressed this issue among 236 Olmsted County, Minnesota residents (107 women and 129 men) first diagnosed with Paget's disease from 1950 through 1994. These subjects (mean +/- SD age at diagnosis, 69.6+/-12.2 years) were followed subsequently for 2798 person-years. During this period of observation, 33 pathological fractures were attributed to Paget's disease (1 skull, 11 vertebra, 1 shaft/distal humerus, 1 pelvis, 6 proximal femur, 2 shaft/distal femur, and 11 tibia/fibula). Excluding the fractures through pagetic bone, there was no increase in overall fracture risk in this cohort (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 1.2; 95% CI, 0.9-1.4). However, there was a statistically significant increase in the risk of subsequent vertebra (SIR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.2-4.1) and rib fractures (SIR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.4) but not fractures of the proximal femur (SIR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.3-1.1) or distal forearm (SIR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.7-2.5). Thus, unselected patients with Paget's disease in the community, who mostly have mild disease, have a significantly increased risk of vertebral fractures, although this may relate partly to increased surveillance. Additional work is needed to clarify the relationship between Paget's disease and vertebral fractures and to identify individuals at increased risk for more aggressive therapy.     

Infertility among couples in a population-based study in Iran: prevalence and associated risk factors

To explore the prevalence and risk factors of infertility in Iran, a total of 12 285 ever-married women aged 15-50 years old and their husbands (if available) were interviewed by 82 female general practitioners and answered a self-administered questionnaire on several aspects of infertility. They were identified from the national population in 30 counties, and invited to a confidential interview. Data were obtained about their age, education, marital status, toxic habits, medical history, disabilities and illnesses, help-seeking, economy, ethnicity, geographic location, contraceptive use and age at which they had first intercourse. This study used the definition of childlessness proposed by World Health Organization: 'the woman has never conceived despite cohabitation and exposure to pregnancy for a period of 2 years'. The overall prevalence of infertility was 8% (95% CI: 3.2-15.0). The weighted national estimate of primary infertility was 4.6% (95% CI: 3.6-5.2). There was a pronounced regional pattern in the levels of primary infertility. The primary infertility increased significantly from 2.6 to 4.3 to 5.5% for the 1985-1989, 1990-1994 and 1995-2000 marriage cohorts. The prevalence of secondary infertility was 3.4% (95% CI: 2.4-5.1). Overall the prevalence of infertility falls within a relatively wide range being high in the Southern counties, and low in the Northern counties. The probability of first pregnancy at the end of 2 years of marriage was 0.78 for all ever-married women. The prevalence of infertility increased with age (linear chi-square 198.012, 1 d.f., p = 0.01). The age pattern of infertility also varies quite markedly across the counties analysed. No effect of race was detected; neither the intercept (analysis of covariance p = 0.36) nor the slope of the age relationship was influenced by race (analysis of covariance p = 0.41). Infertility were observed as significantly higher in the presence of history of tubo-ovarian surgery [odds ratio (OR): 1.43; 95% CI: 1.28-2.23; p = 0.01], salpingitis (OR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.31-4.3; p = 0.016), ectopic pregnancy (OR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.90-3.44; p = 0.04), varicocele (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.61-5.20; p = 0.01) and cryptorchidism (OR: 3.81; 95% CI: 2.51-4.28; p = 0.031). This study provides a quantitative estimate of the prevalence and main risk factors for infertility in Iranian couples. Yet, further studies on the cause of primary and secondary infertility and geographical variations in the incidence and prevalence of infertility in Iran are needed.     

Characteristics and risk factors of acute kidney injury progressed to chronic kidney disease: a prospective,observational cohort study

Objective To prospectively investigate the characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) that progressed to chronic kidney disease (CKD) (AKI to CKD) in patients hospitalized for AKI, determine the risk factors of AKI to CKD, and preliminarily evaluate the performance of clinical risk factor model for predicting AKI to CKD. Methods This was a prospective, observational cohort study. Patients hospitalized for AKI and without a prior CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)＜60 ml?min-1?(1.73 m2)-1] were enrolled in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University from April 2015 to December 2019. Survived patients were followed 90 days after AKI and the renal function 90 days post AKI was determined. The primary endpoint was AKI to CKD, defined as new-onset CKD [eGFR＜60 ml?min-1?(1.73 m2)-1 90 days post AKI]. According to AKI progressed to CKD or not, AKI patients were divided into two groups (with or without AKI to CKD). The baseline clinical data of demographics, comorbidities, baseline renal function, AKI severity, receiving hemodialysis or not, and other lab parameters were compared between two groups. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of AKI to CKD. Finally, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the performance of clinical risk factor model for predicting AKI to CKD. Results A total of 168 patients with AKI was enrolled in this study[male, n=91; female, n=77; age (44.0±18.4) years], in which 64 patients (38.1%) developed new-onset CKD 90 days post AKI and 104 patients (61.9%) did not. Compared to those without AKI to CKD, patients with AKI to CKD were older, and had a higher proportion of hypertension, lower levels of eGFR and hemoglobin, higher proportion of receiving hemodialysis, and higher level of discharged serum creatinine (all P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportion of diabetes and use of RAS inhibitors, urine protein level, and other lab parameters between two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that receiving hemodialysis (OR=2.516, 95%CI 1.251-5.060, P=0.010), hypertension (OR=2.446, 95%CI 1.124-5.324, P=0.024), and lower baseline eGFR (OR=0.975, 95%CI 0.950-0.999, P=0.043) were the independent risk factors for AKI to CKD. The clinical risk factor model including age, receiving hemodialysis, hypertension, and baseline eGFR produced moderate performance for predicting AKI to CKD, with the area under ROC curve of 0.712, 95%CI 0.634-0.790. Conclusions AKI survivors are at high risk for developing CKD. Receiving hemodialysis, hypertension, and lower baseline eGFR are independent risk factors for predicting AKI to CKD. More studies are needed to improve the performance of clinical risk factor model for early detecting high risk patients who will develop AKI to CKD.