Effects of hemodialysis treatment on saliva flow rate and saliva composition during in-center maintenance dialysis: a cross-sectional study

AimTo analyze changes in saliva flow rate and clinical measures from unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) among patients undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).BackgroundChronic hemodialysis causes changes in blood chemistry as well as dry mouth, due to removal of excess fluids. UWS is used to examine saliva flow rate as an indicator of mouth dryness. Whether UWS can be used to measure changes in clinical variables following hemodialysis has not been explored.DesignA cross-sectional quantitative study.MethodsPatients with ESKD were recruited by purposive sampling (n = 100) between 1 January and 30 June 2015 from a hospital in northern Taiwan. UWS was collected 1-hour pre-dialysis (T1), mid-dialysis (T2), and 1-hour post-dialysis (T3). Saliva flow rate and clinical variables were analyzed.ResultsSaliva flow rate increased significantly from T1 to T3 (Wald χ² = 10.40, p < .01). Changes in saliva from T1 to T3 included decreases in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine (Wald χ² = 97.12, p < .001 and Wald χ² = 36.98, p < .001, respectively). The pH and osmolality also decreased (p < .001 and p < .01, respectively). Changes in electrolytes included decreases in potassium and calcium (Wald χ² = 6.71, p < .05 and Wald χ² = 17.64, p < .01, respectively) and increases in chloride (Wald χ² = 17.64, p < .001).ConclusionOur findings demonstrated saliva flow rate and several saliva components were altered during hemodialysis. The total volume of saliva secretion increased following dialysis, which can reduce xerostomia. Therefore, medical personnel could provide interventions of relieving dry mouth symptoms and increasing saliva flow rate before hemodialysis treatment.     

High ultrafiltration rate induced intradialytic hypotension is a predictor for cardiac remodeling: a 5-year cohort study

BackgroundIntradialytic-hypotension (IDH) is a common complication of hemodialysis. High ultrafiltration rate (UFR) might lead to IDH. However, the relationships between UFR, IDH, and cardiac remodeling among hemodialysis patients in the long-term have not been deeply explored.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study collected clinical and echocardiographic data. Patients were enrolled from 1 January 2014 to 31 March 2014 and were followed-up for 5-year. Those who suffered from more than four hypotensive events during three months (10% of dialysis treatments) were defined as the IDH group. Subgroup analysis was done according to the UFR of 10 ml/h/kg. Associations between UFR, IDH, and alterations of cardiac structure/function were analyzed.ResultsAmong 209 patients, 96 were identified with IDH (45.9%). The survival rate of IDH patients was lower than that of no-IDH patients (65.5% vs. 81.4%, p = .005). In IDH group, decreased ejection fraction (EF), larger left atrium diameter index (LADI), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (p < .05) were observed at the end of the follow-up. In multivariate logistic model, the interaction between UFR and IDH was notably associated with LVMI variation (OR = 1.37). After adjusting covariates, UFR was still an independent risk factor of LVMI variation (OR = 1.52) in IDH group. In subsequent analysis, we divided patients according to UFR 10 ml/h/kg. For IDH-prone patients, decreased EF, larger LADI, and LVMI (p < .05) were observed at the end of the study only in high-UFR group.ConclusionsUFR and IDH have interactions on cardiac remodeling. High ultrafiltration rate induced IDH is a predictor for cardiac remodeling in long-term follow-up.     

Risk factors for heel pressure injury in cardiovascular intensive care unit patients

This study analyzed the risk factors for heel pressure injury in cardiovascular intensive care unit patients with the aim of laying the groundwork for preventive nursing interventions. We conducted a retrospective case‐control study of 92 patients who were admitted to the cardiovascular surgical or medical intensive care unit of a university hospital in South Korea between January and December 2017. Of these patients, 31 and 61 were included to the heel pressure injury group and the non‐heel pressure injury group, respectively. Data on their demographic, disease‐related, and intensive care unit treatment characteristics, as well as the degree of pressure injury, were collected from the hospital''s electronic medical records using a standardized form. Cardiac surgery (P < .001), operation time (P = .001), use of a mechanical ventilator (P < .001), use of vasoconstrictors (P < .001), use of sedative drugs (P < .001), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment (P < .001) were identified as significant risk factors for heel pressure injury. A total of 22 patients (71%) from the heel pressure injury group developed deep tissue injury, and 16 patients (51.6%) who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment developed heel pressure injury.     

Acid–base balance in hemodialysis patients in everyday practice

IntroductionAbnormalities in blood bicarbonates (HCO₃^–) concentration are a common finding in patients with chronic kidney disease, especially at the end-stage renal failure. Initiating of hemodialysis does not completely solve this problem. The recommendations only formulate the target concentration of ≥22 mmol/L before hemodialysis but do not guide how to achieve it. The aim of the study was to assess the acid–base balance in everyday practice, the effect of hemodialysis session and possible correlations with clinical and biochemical parameters in stable hemodialysis patients.Material and methodsWe enrolled 75 stable hemodialysis patients (mean age 65.5 years, 34 women), from a single Department of Nephrology. We assessed blood pressure, and acid–base balance parameters before and after mid-week hemodialysis session.ResultsWe found significant differences in pH, HCO₃^– pCO₂, lactate before and after HD session in whole group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.001, respectively). Buffer bicarbonate concentration had only statistically significant effect on the bicarbonate concentration after dialysis (p < 0.001). Both pre-HD acid–base parameters and post-HD pH were independent from buffer bicarbonate content. We observed significant inverse correlations between change in the serum bicarbonates and only two parameters: pH and HCO₃^– before hemodialysis (p = 0.013; p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsDespite the improvement in hemodialysis techniques, acid–base balance still remains a challenge. The individual selection of bicarbonate in bath, based on previous single tests, does not improve permanently the acid–base balance in the population of hemodialysis patients. New guidelines how to correct acid–base disorders in hemodialysis patients are needed to have less ‘acidotic’ patients before hemodialysis and less ‘alkalotic’ patients after the session.     

Clinical and economic outcomes of a multidisciplinary team approach in a lower extremity amputation prevention programme for diabetic foot ulcer care in an Asian population: A case‐control study

Present guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) care, but relevant data from Asia are lacking. We aim to evaluate the clinical and economic outcomes of an MDT approach in a lower extremity amputation prevention programme (LEAPP) for DFU care in an Asian population. We performed a case‐control study of 84 patients with DFU between January 2017 and October 2017 (retrospective control) vs 117 patients with DFU between December 2017 and July 2018 (prospective LEAPP cohort). Comparing the clinical outcomes between the retrospective cohort and the LEAPP cohort, there was a significant decrease in mean time from referral to index clinic visit (38.6 vs 9.5 days, P < .001), increase in outpatient podiatry follow‐up (33% vs 76%, P < .001), decrease in 1‐year minor amputation rate (14% vs 3%, P = .007), and decrease in 1‐year major amputation rate (9% vs 3%, P = .05). Simulation of cost avoidance demonstrated an annualised cost avoidance of USD $1.86m (SGD $2.5m) for patients within the LEAPP cohort. In conclusion, similar to the data from Western societies, an MDT approach in an Asian population, via a LEAPP for patients with DFU, demonstrated a significant reduction in minor and major amputation rates, with annualised cost avoidance of USD $1.86m.     

Morning blood pressure surge in early autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and its relation with left ventricular hypertrophy

IntroductionThe activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which usually leads to a swift surge in blood pressure in the morning hours (MBPS) may be the cause of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and endothelial dysfunction (ED) in early autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients. We studied the association between MBPS and LVH in ADPKD patients with preserved renal functions.MethodsPatients with ADPKD with preserved renal functions were enrolled. Prewaking MBPS was calculated using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The patients were categorized as MBPS (≥median) and non-MBPS (<median). Left ventricular mass index (LVMI), endothelial-dependent dilatation (FMD, %), and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) evaluated.ResultsFifty-six patients (30 females and 26 males) were enrolled. Gender distribution was similar-among-the-groups. The mean age was higher in the MBPS group (50.1 ± 13 vs 37.3 ± 10.3). Urinary albumin (49.5 vs 16 mg/g creatinine, p < 0.001), hs-CRP (0.59 vs 0.37 mg/dl, p = 0.045) LVMI (124 ± 27.7 vs 95.2 ± 19.7 g/m², p < 0.001) and mean awake SBP surge was higher (42 vs 20 mmHg, p < 0.001) and FMD (%) was lower (14.4 ± 6.6 vs 18.9 ± 5.7, p = 0.009) in MBPS group. In the binary logistic regression analysis, the presence of MBPS in model 1 (OR: 6.625, 95% CI [1.048–41.882] p = 0.044), and age in model 2 (OR: 1.160, 95% CI [1.065–1.263] p = 0.001) were the only independent determinant of LVH.ConclusionsMBPS seems to be an important and independent determinant of LVH in ADPKD patients with preserved renal functions. It may be worth assessing the effect of reduction in MBPS as a new therapeutic target to prevent LVH in-patients-with-ADPKD.     

Italian Version of Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale: Normative Data in Patients Undergoing Oral Surgery and Relationship With the ASA Physical Status Classification

To test the Italian translation of Corah''s Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and to check the relationship between dental anxiety and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification (ASA-PS), the DAS was translated into Italian and administered to 1072 Italian patients (620 male and 452 female patients, ages 14–85 years) undergoing oral surgery. Patients'' conditions were checked and rated according to the ASA-PS. The DAS ranged from 4 to 20 (modus  =  8, median  =  10); 59.5% of patients had a DAS of 7–12, 26.1% had a DAS >12, and 10.3% had a DAS >15. The mean DAS was 10.29 (95% confidence limit  =  0.19); female patients were more anxious than male patients (P < .001), while patients older than 60 years showed a significant decrease in the level of anxiety. Five hundred two patients were rated as ASA-PS class P1, 502 as ASA-PS class P2, and 68 as ASA-PS class P3, with a mean DAS score of 9.69, 10.78, and 11.09, respectively: the DAS difference between groups was significant (P < .001).     

Efficacy and safety of expanded hemodialysis in hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BackgroundExpanded hemodialysis (HDx) is a new dialysis modality, but a systematic review of the clinical effects of using HDx is lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of HDx for hemodialysis (HD) patients.MethodsPubMed, the Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for prospective interventional studies comparing the efficacy and safety of HDx with those of high flux HD or HDF in HD patients.ResultsEighteen trials including a total of 853 HD patients were enrolled. HDx increased the reduction ratio (RR) of β2-microglobulin (SMD 6.28%, 95% CI 0.83, 1.73, p = .02), κFLC (SMD 15.86%, 95% CI 6.96, 24.76, p = .0005), and λFLC (SMD 22.42%, 95% CI, 17.95, 26.88, p < .0001) compared with high flux HD. The RR of β2-microglobulin in the HDx group was lower than that in the HDF group (SMD −3.53%, 95% CI −1.16, −1.9, p < .0001). HDx increased the RRs of κFLC (SMD 1.34%, 95% CI 0.52, 2.16, p = .001) and λFLC (SMD 7.28%, 95% CI 1.08, 13.48, p = .02) compared to HDF. There was no significant difference in albumin loss into the dialysate between the HDx and HDF groups (SMD 0.35 g/session, 95% CI −2.38, 3.09, p = .8).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis indicated that compared with high-flux HD and HDF, HDx can increase the clearance of medium and large-molecular-weight uremic toxins. And it does not increase the loss of albumin compared with HDF.     

Acute effects of dietary phosphorus intake on markers of mineral metabolism in hemodialysis patients: post hoc analysis of a randomized crossover trial

BackgroundLong-term dietary phosphorus excess influences disturbances in mineral metabolism, but it is unclear how rapidly the mineral metabolism responds to short-term dietary change in dialysis populations.MethodsThis was a post hoc analysis of a randomized crossover trial that evaluated the short-term effects of low-phosphorus diets on mineral parameters in hemodialysis patients. Within a 9-day period, we obtained a total of 4 repeated measurements for each participant regarding dietary intake parameters, including calorie, phosphorus, and calcium intake, and markers of mineral metabolism, including phosphate, calcium, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23), and C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23 (cFGF23). The correlations between dietary phosphorus intake and serum mineral parameters were assessed by using mixed-effects models.ResultsThirty-four patients were analyzed. In the fully adjusted model, we found that an increase in dietary phosphorus intake of 100 mg was associated with an increase in serum phosphate of 0.3 mg/dL (95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.2–0.4, p < .001), a decrease in serum calcium of 0.06 mg/dL (95% CI, −0.11 to −0.01, p = .01), an increase in iPTH of 5.4% (95% CI, 1.4–9.3, p = .01), and an increase in iFGF23 of 5.0% (95% CI, 2.0–8.0, p = .001). Dietary phosphorus intake was not related to cFGF23.ConclusionsIncreased dietary phosphorus intake acutely increases serum phosphate, iPTH, and iFGF23 levels and decreases serum calcium levels, highlighting the important role of daily fluctuations of dietary habits in disturbed mineral homeostasis in hemodialysis patients.     

The prognostic effect of immunosuppressive therapy in IgA nephropathy with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease

BackgroundIt is debated whether patients with IgAN with heavy proteinuria and decreased eGFR benefit from aggressive treatment consisting of corticosteroids alone or combined with immunosuppressive agents.MethodsA retrospective study was performed between January 2008 and December 2016 on patients with IgAN who had urinary protein excretion > 1.0 g/d and an eGFR between 15 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m². These patients were assigned to receive supportive care alone or supportive care plus immunosuppressive therapy. The primary outcome was defined as the first occurrence of a 50% decrease in eGFR or the development of ESKD.ResultsAll 208 included patients were followed for a median of 43 months, and 92 (44%) patients experienced the primary outcome. Cumulative kidney survival was better in the immunosuppression group than in the supportive care group (p < .001). The median annual rate of eGFR decline in the immunosuppression group was −2.0 (−7.3 to 4.2), compared with −8.4 (–18.9 to −4.1) mL/min/1.73 m² in the supportive care group (p < .001). In multivariate Cox regression analyses, immunosuppressive therapy was associated with a lower risk of progression to ESKD, independent of age, sex, eGFR, proteinuria, MAP, kidney histologic findings and the use of RASi agents (HR = 0.335; 95% CI 0.209–0.601). Among the adverse events, infection requiring hospitalization occurred at similar rates in both groups (p = .471).ConclusionImmunosuppressive therapy attenuated the rate of eGFR decline and was associated with a favorable kidney outcome in IgAN patients with heavy proteinuria and decreased eGFR, and the side effects were tolerable.     

Hematuria was a high risk for renal progression and ESRD in immunoglobulin a nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The relationship between hematuria, a typical presentation of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), and long-term adverse prognosis of these patients is still controversial. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the effect of hematuria on renal outcomes in IgAN.Methods: Observational cohort studies reporting associations between various forms of hematuria and renal outcomes among IgAN patients were identified from the PubMed and Embase databases. The pooled adjusted risk ratios (RRs) were computed with random effects models.Results: Thirteen studies encompassing 5660 patients with IgAN were included. Patients with initial hematuria did not have a significantly increased risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared with those without hematuria (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.87–2.00; p = .19). However, initial microscopic hematuria was associated with an 87% increase in the risk of ESRD (RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.40–2.50; p < .001), while macroscopic hematuria was associated with a 32% decrease in the risk of ESRD (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.58–0.79; p < .001). Additionally, persistent hematuria might be an independent risk factor for ESRD or a 50% decline in eGFR.Conclusions: Among IgAN patients, hematuria, including initial microscopic hematuria and even persistent hematuria, was possibly associated with renal progression and ESRD. However, independent of other classical predictors, initial macroscopic hematuria might be a protective factor for IgAN.     

Comparison of bone microstructures via high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease before and after starting hemodialysis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) negatively affects bone strength; however, the osteoporotic conditions in patients with CKD are not fully understood. Moreover, the changes in bone microstructure between pre-dialysis and dialysis are unknown. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) reveals the three-dimensional microstructures of the bone. We aimed to evaluate bone microstructures in patients with different stages of CKD. This study included 119 healthy men and 40 men admitted to Nagasaki University Hospital for inpatient education or the initiation of hemodialysis. The distal radius and tibia were scanned with HR-pQCT. Patient clinical characteristics and bone microstructures were evaluated within 3 months of initiation of hemodialysis (in patients with CKD stage 5 D), patients with CKD stage 4–5, and healthy volunteers. Cortical bone parameters were lower in the CKD group than in healthy controls. Tibial cortical and trabecular bone parameters (cortical thickness, cortical area, trabecular volumetric bone mineral density, trabecular-bone volume fraction, and trabecular thickness) differed between patients with CKD stage 5 D and those with CKD stage 4–5 (p < 0.01). These differences were also observed between patients with CKD stage 5 and those with CKD stage 5 D (p < 0.017), but not between patients with CKD stage 4 and those with CKD stage 5, suggesting that the bone microstructure rapidly changed at the start of hemodialysis. Patients with CKD stage 5 D exhibited tibial microstructural impairment compared with those with CKD stage 4–5. HR-pQCT is useful for elucidation of the pathology of bone microstructures in patients with renal failure.     

Effect of clinical factors on trajectory of functional performance in patients undergoing hemodialysis

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the association between clinical factors and temporary changes in functional performance in patients undergoing hemodialysis.MethodsThis was a retrospective, longitudinal observational study conducted from 2015 to 2017. Eight-two patients undergoing hemodialysis in the outpatient clinic were enrolled. Functional performance was measured using the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale. Collected data for analysis included demographics, laboratory parameters, and KPS scale scores. All participants were grouped into a high KPS cluster and a low KPS cluster based on dynamic changes in KPS scales from 2015 to 2017.ResultsParticipants in the high KPS cluster demonstrated an approximate trend, and those in the low KPS cluster demonstrated a low pattern. By stepwise selection model analysis, age (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.23, p = 0.011), serum BUN (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.16, p = 0.015), calcium levels (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.2–8.73, p = 0.02), and beta-2-microglobulin (OR > 1.0, CI >1.00-<1.01, p = 0.031) showed risk for the low KPS cluster. Male sex (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04–0.96, p = 0.045) and albumin level (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0–0.4, p = 0.009) showed a low risk for the low KPS cluster.ConclusionsA different trajectory pattern was observed between the high and low KPS clusters in a 3-year period. Risk factors for the low KPS cluster were age, serum BUN, calcium, and beta-2-microglobulin levels. Male sex and serum albumin levels reduced the risk for the low KPS cluster.     

Thrombophilic risk factors and ABO blood group profile for arteriovenous access failure in end stage kidney disease patients: a single-center experience

IntroductionThrombosis of fistula occurs most frequently in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients receiving hemodialysis. However, the role of thrombophilia in arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure has not been well established. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing the roles of hereditary and acquired thrombophilic factors in association with AVF failure among patients with ESKD undergoing hemodialysis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 ESKD patients, of whom 50 patients with well-functioning AVFs with no fistula failures earlier were enrolled as Group 1, and 50 patients who have had AVF failure were enrolled as Group 2. The hereditary factors as factor V Leiden, factor XIII, prothrombin, and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase and the acquired factors as lipoprotein (a), fibrinogen, homocysteine, and anticardiolipin antibodies IgG and IgM were studied.ResultsAmong the hereditary factors, no statistically significant difference was observed in relation to factor V Leiden and Prothrombin (p > 0.05). However, for factor XIII and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase, a statistically significant difference was observed between patients with well-functioning AVFs and patients who have had AVF failure (p < 0.05). We found a statistically significant increase in all the acquired factors in patients who have had AVF failure in comparison with patients with well-functioning AVFs (p < 0.001). Association between ABO blood groups and thrombophilic factors showed significant association between factor V Leiden, anticardiolipin antibody IgG and IgM and ABO blood groups (p < 0.05), whereas none of the other thrombophilic factors showed significant association (p > 0.05).ConclusionThus, our study suggests significant role of acquired factors in causing AVF failure.     

Abdominal aortic calcification score can predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Purpose: Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) assessed by using standard lateral lumbar radiographs can be graded, and composite summary scores (range, 0–24) have been shown to be highly predictive of subsequent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, few studies have sought to determine the optimal AAC score cutoff values for the prediction of mortality among HD patients.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 408 hemodialysis patients. AAC severity was quantified by the AAC score, which was measured by lateral lumbar radiography with complete follow-up data from January 2015 to December 2021. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to find the cutoff AAC value for the prediction of mortality. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyze all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.Results: The cutoff calcification score for the prediction of mortality was 4.5 (sensitivity, 67.3%; specificity, 70.4%). The patients with AAC scores above 4.5 had significantly higher all-cause (log-rank p < 0.001) and cardiovascular (log-rank p < 0.001) mortality rates than those with AAC scores below 4.5. In the multivariate regression analyses, an AAC score above 4.5 was a significant factor associated with all-cause mortality (HR: 2.079, p = 0.002) and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 2.610, p < 0.001).Conclusions: AAC is a reliable aortic calcification marker. HD patients with an AAC score > 4.5 have significantly elevated all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with those with an AAC score ≤ 4.5. AAC was a better predictor than cardiac valve calcification for mortality in HD patients.     

Alteration of normal level of serum urate may contribute to decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate decline in healthy Japanese men

IntroductionSerum uric acid (SUA) levels have a linear relationship with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). It is unclear whether further changes, subsequent to normal level of SUA can attenuate eGFR decline in a healthy population, so we aimed to determine the normal level of SUA that can contribute to preventing kidney dysfunction.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study from Japan, annual health checkup data from 2009 to 2014 was collected. After propensity score matching (1:1), data from 2,634 individuals with basal SUA ≤7.0 mg/dL (normal; mean age, 39 y; mean eGFR, 80.8 mL/min/1.73 m²) and 1,642 individuals with basal SUA >7.0 mg/dL (elevated; mean age, 42 y; mean eGFR, 75.0 mL/min/1.73 m²) were collected to determine the relationship between followed-up SUA level and the rate of change in eGFR.ResultsIn individuals with normal level SUA at baseline, the elevation of SUA (>7.0 mg/dL) accelerated eGFR decline compared to those with normal SUA levels at 5-year follow-up (−4.1 ± 9.6% vs −9.9 ± 9.0%, p < .0001). Digression of SUA level (≤7.0 mg/dL) reduced eGFR decline compared with persistent SUA level over 7.0 mg/dL (−1.5 ± 11.5% vs −7.0 ± 10.1, p < .0001). In multiple linear regression analysis, there was strong association between the rate of change in SUA and eGFR in individuals with basal SUA ≤7.0 and >7.0 mg/dL (standardized coefficient; −0.3348, p < .001 and −.2523, p < .001, respectively).ConclusionSubsequent to normal level of SUA (under 7.0 mg/dL) may contribute to a decrease in eGFR decline in apparently healthy men.     

Timing of the first cannulation and survival of arteriovenous grafts in hemodialysis patients: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

Arteriovenous graft (AVG) is an important vascular access route in hemodialysis patients. The optimal waiting time between AVG creation and the first cannulation is still undetermined, therefore the current study investigated the association between ideal timing for cannulation and AVG survival. This retrospective cohort study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database, which included 6,493 hemodialysis patients with AVGs between July 1^st 2008 and June 30^th 2012. The waiting cannulation time was defined as the time from the date of shunt creation to the first successful cannulation. Patients were categorized according to the waiting cannulation time of their AVGs as follows: ≤30 days, between 31 and 90 days, between 91 and 180 days, and >180 days. The primary outcome was functional cumulative survival, measured as the time from the first cannulation to shunt abandonment. The AVGs which were cannulated between 31 and 90 days (reference group) after construction had significantly superior functional cumulative survival compared with those cannulated ≤30 days (adjusted HR = 1.651 with 95% CI 1.482–1.839; p < 0.0001) and >180 days (adjusted HR = 1.197 with 95% CI 1.012–1.417; p = 0.0363) after construction. An analysis of the hazard ratios in patients with different demographic characteristics, revealed that the functional cumulative survival of AVGs in most groups was better when they received cannulation >30 days after construction. Consequently, in order to achieve the best long-term survival, AVGs should be cannulated at least 1 month after construction, but you should avoid waiting for >3 months.     

A pilot study of thiamin and folic acid in hemodialysis patients with cognitive impairment

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effectiveness of thiamin and folic acid supplementation on the improvement of the cognitive function in patients with maintenance hemodialysis.MethodIn the present study, we randomly assigned patients undergoing hemodialysis who had the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score lower than 26 to treatment group (n = 25, thiamin 90 mg/day combined with folic acid 30 mg/day) or control group (n = 25, nonintervention). All subjects were followed up for 96 weeks. The primary outcome was the improvement of the MoCA score. The secondary outcomes included homocysteine level, survival and safety.ResultsPatients in treatment group had an increase of the MoCA score from 21.95 ± 3.81 at baseline to 25.68 ± 1.96 at week 96 (p < 0.001, primary outcome), as compared with the MoCA score from 20.69 ± 3.40 to 19.62 ± 3.58 in control group. Thiamin combined with folic acid treatment also resulted in lower level of serum homocysteine in treatment group compare with control group at week 96 (p < 0.05, secondary outcome). 3 patients and 9 patients died during follow-up period in treatment and control group respectively (p = 0.048). The proportion of adverse events in treatment group was significantly lower than that in control group.ConclusionHemodialysis patients with cognitive impairment treated with thiamin and folic acid had a significant improvement in MoCA score.     

Histopathological assessment of radial artery calcification in patients with end-stage kidney disease

BackgroundA comprehensive understanding of vascular calcification pathology is significant for the development of cardiovascular disease therapy in high-risk populations. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of radial artery calcification (RAC) and to identify the factors that are associated with RAC in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).MethodsDetailed medical histories of 180 patients with ESKD were recorded. Fragments of the radial artery obtained during the creation of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis access were stained with alizarin red S.ResultsCalcification was localized in the arterial media layer. The prevalence of positive calcification staining in the radial arteries was 21.1% (n = 38). Patients with RAC had a higher glycated hemoglobin level (p < 0.01), higher prevalence of dialysis duration >5 years (p = 0.022), and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.01) than those without RAC. Multiple logistic regression models showed dialysis duration >5 years (odds ratio [OR], 9.864; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.666–36.502; p < 0.01) and diabetes mellitus (OR, 12.689; 95% CI, 2.796–34.597; p < 0.01) were independent risk factors for RAC in patients with ESKD. Patients with dialysis duration >5 years had a higher prevalence of RAC (p = 0.012) than those with dialysis duration ≤5 years. Patients with diabetes mellitus had a higher prevalence of RAC (p < 0.01) than those without diabetes mellitus. Patients with diabetes mellitus ≥15 years had a higher prevalence of RAC (p = 0.042) than those with diabetes mellitus <15 years. Radial artery calcification level showed a significantly positive correlation with dialysis duration (p < 0.05), diabetes mellitus duration (p < 0.01), HbA1c level (p < 0.01) and Calcium level (p < 0.01).ConclusionsIn patients with ESKD, dialysis duration >5 years and diabetes predict RAC. Thus, the combination of prolonged dialysis and hyperglycemic conditions exerts a synergistic effect on RAC.     

Access and engagement with places in the community,and the quality of life among people with spinal cord damage

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the association between self-reported accessibility and engagement with health services and places in the community, and quality of life (QOL) for people with spinal cord damage (SCD).DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsTwo-hundred and sixty-six people with a SCD residing in Australia (M_age = 62.34, SD_age = 15.95).Outcome MeasureThe International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set.ResultsUnivariate regressions demonstrated that accessing a higher number of places in the community was significantly associated with favorable self-reported psychological health (β = .160, P < .01), physical health (β = .144, P < .01), overall well-being (β = .206, P < .01), and QOL (β = .187, P < .01). In contrast, reporting a higher number of inaccessible places was significantly associated with unfavorable self-reported psychological health (β = −.171, P < .01), physical health (β = −.270, P < .001), overall well-being (β = −.238, P < .001), and QOL (β = −.244, P < .001). Being older and living with injury or onset of damage longer were significantly associated with favorable scores across all outcomes (P < .01) except physical health.ConclusionsCommunity engagement can have a considerable impact on the self-reported health and QOL of people with SCD. Interventions aimed at increasing community engagement, particularly for people who have recently experienced SCD are warranted.