Prognostic analysis of aged end-stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis

Objective To compare the survival rates of elderly hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and identify their independent prognostic predictors. Methods Patients aging ＞60 years old who initiated dialysis between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2014 were included. Propensity score method (PSM) was applied to adjust for selection bias. Kaplan-Meier method was used to obtain survival curves and a Cox regression model was used to evaluate risk factors for mortality. Results 447 eligible patients with maintenance dialysis were identified, 236 with hemodialysis and 211 with peritoneal dialysis. 174 pairs of patients were matched, with the baseline data [age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and the primary disease] between two groups showing no significant difference (P＞0.05). Cardiovascular events, cerebrovascular events and infection were major causes of death in both groups and there was no significant difference in the causes of death between two groups (P＞0.05). The overall survival rates at 1 and 5 year were 93.6% and 63.4% respectively in HD group, 91.9% and 61.5% in PD group. The differences of total survival rates between HD and PD patients were not significant (P＞0.05). Cox regression analysis showed age(≥80 year) (P＜0.001, HR=1.058, 95%CI 1.028-1.088), diabetic nephropathy (P=0.001, HR=2.161, 95%CI 1.384-3.373), CCI≥5 (P=0.007, HR=1.935, 95%CI 1.201-3.117) were independent prognostic risk predictors in HD patients; age(≥80 year) (P=0.022, HR=1.043, 95%CI 1.006-1.081), serum albumin level ＜ 35 g/L (P=0.025, HR=1.776, 95%CI 1.075-2.934), and prealbumin (P=0.012, HR=0.968, 95%CI 0.944-0.993) were independent prognostic predictors in PD patients. Conclusions The differences of total survival rates between aged HD and PD patients are not significant. Age, diabetic nephropathy, CCI≥5 and age, serum albumin＜35 g/L, prealbumin＞30 g/L respectively influence the survival of elderly HD and PD patients.     

Long-term outcomes of peritoneal dialysis patients with diabetes as a comorbid condition

Objective To investigate the long-term outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with diabetes as a comorbid condition. Methods All diabetic patients who commenced PD between January 1, 1995 and June 30, 2012 at Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were included in the present study. Patients were divided into diabetic kidney disease group (DKD group) and non-diabetic kidney disease group (NDKD group) according to their diagnosis of primary renal disease at the initiation of PD. They were followed until death, cessation of PD, transferred to other centers or to the end of study (June 30, 2013). Outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to determine the predictors of outcomes. Results A total of 163 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study. Compared with patients in DKD group, patients in NDKD group had a significantly lower fasting plasma glucose, a higher serum C-reactive protein level, a higher normalized protein nitrogen appearance, a lower dialysate glucose exposure, a lower peritoneal creatinine clearance and were treated with lower dialysate dose (all P＜0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in NDKD group had a worse patient survive compared to those in DKD group (log rank Chi-square=4.830, P=0.028). Patients in NDKD group had a marginally shorter peritonitis-free period (log rank Chi-square=3.297, P=0.069), however, there was no significant difference in technique survival between these two groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that older age (HR 1.047, 95%CI 1.022~1.073, P＜0.001) and cardiovascular disease comorbidity (HR 2.200, 95%CI 0.1.269~3.814, P=0.005) and diabetes as a comorbid condition (HR 1.806, 95%CI 1.003~3.158, P=0.038) were the independent predictors for increased mortality. While higher serum C-reactive protein level (HR 1.023, 95% CI 1.008~1.036, P=0.003) was the independent predictor for shorter peritonitis-free period. Conclusion PD patients with diabetes as a comorbid condition had a higher mortality compared to those with diabetic kidney disease, and closer monitoring and extra attention in the former subgroup of patients are therefore warranted.     

自体动静脉内瘘使用寿命的影响因素

目的分析自体动静脉内瘘(arteriovenous fistula,AVF)使用的相关因素,为延长血液透析患者AVF使用寿命提供理论依据。方法采用回顾性调查研究,选取2004年10月至2017年6月在南昌大学第一附属医院行AVF手术并使用其进行维持性血液透析(maintenance hemodialysis,MHD)的患者为研究对象,探讨AVF使用寿命的影响因素。通过问卷调查、查阅医院病历系统和血液透析记录单等方式,记录患者的一般资料、透析资料和实验室指标。根据内瘘功能状态将患者分为失功组及通畅组,对比两组资料之间的差异。采用多因素Cox比例风险回归模型分析AVF使用寿命的影响因素,Kaplan-Meier方法绘制生存曲线。结果共纳入研究对象187例,内瘘失功组47例,通畅组140例,两组患者在糖尿病占比、血浆白蛋白水平、尿酸水平、甲状旁腺素(parathyroid hormone,PTH)水平之间的差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。多因素Cox比例风险回归分析结果显示,糖尿病(HR=9.348,95%CI 3.507~24.918,P<0.001)和低白蛋白血症(HR=12.650,95%CI 2.925~54.714,P=0.001)是AVF使用寿命短的危险因素。Kaplan-Meier分析结果显示,合并糖尿病MHD患者AVF使用寿命明显短于未合并糖尿病的MHD患者(Log-rankχ2=13.191,P<0.001);低白蛋白血症的MHD患者AVF使用寿命明显短于无低白蛋白血症的MHD患者(Log-rankχ2=13.591,P<0.001)。结论糖尿病及低白蛋白血症是AVF使用寿命短的危险因素,应积极制定干预方案,延长AVF的使用寿命。     

Association between metabolic syndrome and prognosis in patients with peritoneal dialysis

Objective To investigate the incidence situation of metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and analyze the correlation between MS and prognosis of patients. Methods The patients who received peritoneal dialysis from June 1, 2002 to April 30, 2018 and followed up regularly were divided into MS group and non-MS group according to the diagnostic criteria of MS. Follow-up was until July 31, 2018. The differences of clinical data, metabolic indexes and clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared. The survival rates of the two groups were compared by Kaplan-Meier survival curve, and the risk factors of all-cause death and cardiovascular disease (CVD) death were analyzed by Cox regression analysis. Results A total of 516 patients with CAPD were enrolled in this study, including 340 males (65.9%) and 176 females (34.1%). Their age was (47.29±12.20) years. The median follow-up time was 20 (9, 39) months. According to the diagnostic criteria of MS, the patients were divided into MS group (210 cases, 40.7%) and non-MS group (306 cases, 59.3%). At baseline, there was no significant difference in age, educational background, duration of peritoneal dialysis, smoking history and drinking history between the two groups (P＞0.05), but the patients in MS group were more exposed to high glucose peritoneal dialysate (P＜0.05). The body mass index (BMI), blood phosphorus, blood glucose, blood potassium, triglyceride, cholesterol and systolic blood pressure in MS group were significantly higher than those in non-MS group (all P＜0.05), and HDL-C level was significantly lower in MS group than in non-MS group (P＜0.05). There were no significant differences in other indicators between the two groups (P＞0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the cumulative survival rate in MS group was significantly lower than that in non-MS group, and the difference was statistically significant (Log-rank χ2=14.87, P＜0.001). If CVD death was taken as the end event, the cumulative survival rate in the non-MS group was significantly higher than that in the MS group (Log-rank χ2=14.49, P＜0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that MS and high 4 h dialysate creatinine/serum creatinine ratio (4hD/Pcr) were independent risk factor for all-cause death (HR=1.982, 95%CI 1.240-3.168, P=0.004; HR=3.855, 95%CI 1.306-11.381, P=0.015) and CVD death (HR=2.499, 95%CI 1.444-4.324, P=0.001; HR=5.799, 95%CI 1.658-20.278, P=0.006) in patients with CAPD. Conclusion The prevalence of MS in patients with CAPD is high, and MS and high 4hD/Pcr are independent risk factor for all-cause and CVD death in CAPD patients. They can be used as valuable indicators to predict the treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis of patients with CAPD.     

Risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective To identify the risk factors associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods We analyzed all of the patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in the dialysis center of the 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University for at least 3 months from Jan 1st, 2009 to Dec 31st, 2014. Baseline and yearly interval clinical data were recorded and patients were followed up until morbidity or death of CCVD. Cox proportional hazard regression and time-dependent Cox regression were used to estimate the relative risk of outcomes associated with clinical measurements. Results There were 243 patients enrolled in the study, with a mean age of (53.2±16.4) years old, and 138 of them were male (56.8%). The multivariate Cox proportional model revealed that age (HR=1.040, 95%CI: 1.015-1.065, P=0.002), Erythropoietin (EPO) dose (HR=0.914, 95%CI: 0.846-0.987, P=0.022) and history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (HR=4.045, 95%CI: 2.074-7.890, P＜0.001) were independent predictors of CCVD in MHD patients. After adjusting for baseline predictors, time-dependent serum phosphorus level (HR=1.722, 95%CI: 1.034-2.866, P=0.037) was significantly associated with CCVD. Conclusion Older age, decreases in EPO dose and history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease were associated with increased risks of CCVD in MHD patients. Increase in serum phosphorus level was associated with increased risks of CCVD in a time-dependent manner.     

Association of serum magnesium with cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients

Objective To investigate the association of serum magnesium with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods A retrospective study was performed in patients who initiated peritoneal dialysis from January 1, 2013 to July 31, 2019 in the Shaoxing People's Hospital. According to the standard of serum magnesium, the patients were divided into control group (Mg≥0.7 mmol/L) and low-magnesium group (Mg﹤0.7 mmol/L). The differences in baseline biochemical variables, comorbidities, medications, and clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of hypomagnesemia. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Fine-Gray model were used to compare the difference in cumulative survival rate between the two groups. Cox regression model and competitive risk model were used to analyze the risk factors of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality. Results A total of 381 peritoneal dialysis patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 321 patients were in control group and 60 patients in low-magnesium group. The total median follow-up time was 27(15, 43) months. There were significant differences in serum albumin, magnesium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, low-density lipoprotein chloesterol, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and 4-hour dialysate-to-plasma creatinine (4 h D/Pcr) between the two groups. CVD was the main cause of death in patients on peritoneal dialysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypoalbuminemia (OR=0.901, 95%CI 0.831-0.976, P=0.011), hypophosphatemia (OR=0.217, 95%CI 0.080-0.591, P=0.003), higher hsCRP (OR=1.276, 95%CI 1.066-1.528, P=0.008), and higher 4 h D/Pcr (OR=1.395, 95%CI 1.014-1.919, P=0.041) were independent risk factors for patients with hypomagnesemia. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed the cumulative survival rate of patients in low-magnesium group was significantly lower than that of control group (Log-rank χ2=5.388, P=0.020). Fine-Gray model analysis showed the cumulative CVD survival rate of low-magnesium group was significantly lower than that of control group (Gray=6.915, P=0.009). Multivariate-corrected Cox regression model and competitive risk model analysis showed that higher serum magnesium level was a protective factor for all-cause mortality and CVD mortality when serum magnesium was used as a continuous variable (HR=0.137, 95%CI 0.020-0.946, P=0.044; SHR=0.037, 95%CI 0.002-0.636, P=0.023, respectively). Hypomagnesemia was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality and CVD mortality when serum magnesium was used as categorical variable (HR=1.864, 95%CI 1.044-3.328, P=0.035; SHR=2.117, 95%CI 1.147-3.679, P=0.029, respectively). Conclusions Hypomagnesemia is susceptible to peritoneal dialysis patients with hypoalbuminemia, hypophosphatemia, higher hsCRP and higher peritoneal transport characteristics. Hypomagnesemia is an independent risk factor for CVD mortality and all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients.     

Relationship between coronary artery calcification and outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective To evaluate the relationship between coronary artery calcification (CAC) and outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods Eighty-six patients who were on MHD between October 2014 and May 2015 in the blood purification center of our hospital were enrolled prospectively. CAC was measured and scored by multiple slice computed tomography (MSCT). According to the CAC score (CACs), the patients were divided into mild CAC (CACs＜100) group and severe CAC (CACs≥100) group. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to analyze the survival rates of the two groups, and a COX proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the risk factors of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality in MHD patients. Results Severe CAC (CACs≥100) was present in 62.8% (54/86) patients. The median of follow-up duration was 28.9(23.8, 29.4) months. During the follow up, 2(6.3%) patients in CACs＜100 group and 18 (33.3%) patients in CACs≥100 group died. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that patients in CACs≥100 group had higher all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality as compared with patients in CACs＜100 group (P=0.007, P=0.030). Multivariate COX regression analysis demonstrated that CACs≥100 (HR=7.687, 95%CI 1.697-34.819, P=0.008) and low single-pool Kt/V (HR=0.092, 95%CI 0.020-0.421, P=0.002) were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. Old age (HR=1.192, 95%CI 1.100-1.291, P＜0.001), short duration of dialysis (HR=0.598, 95%CI 0.445-0.804, P=0.001), low 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (HR=0.461, 95%CI 0.326-0.630, P＜0.001), and low total cholesterol (HR=0.405, 95%CI 0.213-0.772, P=0.006) were independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease mortality. Conclusions The CACs is significantly related with overall survival in MHD patients. Large multicenter prospective studies are to be evaluated the association between CACs and long-term survival in MHD patients.     

Analysis of early mortality and related risk factors in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective To analyze the early mortality and related risk factors of new hemodialysis patients in Zhejiang province, and provide basis for reducing the death risk of hemodialysis patients. Methods The early mortality and related factors of new hemodialysis patients from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2018 were retrospectively analyzed using the database of Zhejiang province hemodialysis registration. The early mortality was defined as death within 90 days of dialysis. Cox regression model was used to analyze the related risk factors of the early mortality in hemodialysis patients. Results The mortality was the highest in the first month after dialysis (46.40/100 person year), and gradually stabilized after three months. The early mortality was 25.33/100 person year. The mortality within 120 days and 360 days were 21.40/100 person year and 11.37/100 person year, respectively. The elderly (≥65 years old, HR=1.981, 95%CI 1.319-2.977, P＜0.001), primary tumor (HR=3.308, 95%CI 1.137-5.624, P=0.028), combined with tumors (not including the primary tumor, HR=2.327, 95%CI 1.200-4.513, P=0.012), temporary catheter (the initial dialysis pathway, HR=3.632, 95%CI 1.806-7.307, P＜0.001), lower albumin (＜30 g/L, HR=2.181, 95%CI 1.459-3.260, P＜0.001), lower hemoglobin (every 0.01 g/L increase, HR=0.861, 95%CI 0.793-0.935, P=0.001), lower high density lipoprotein (＜0.7 mmol/L, HR=1.796, 95%CI 1.068-3.019, P=0.027) and higher C reactive protein (≥40 mg/L, HR=1.889, 95%CI 1.185-3.012, P=0.008) were the risk factors of early death for hemodialysis patients. Conclusions The early mortality of hemodialysis patients is high after dialysis, and gradually stable after 3 months. The elderly, primary tumor, combined with tumors, the initial dialysis pathway, lower albumin, lower hemoglobin, lower high density lipoprotein and higher C reactive protein are the risk factors of early death for hemodialysis patients.     

The risk factors of mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients in different periods

Objective To explore the risk factors and characteristics in patients with peritoneal dialysis who died in different periods. Methods The clinical data of new peritoneal dialysis patients in the Department of Nephrology and Peritoneal Dialysis Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from November 1, 2005 to February 28, 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the time of death: those who died within one year and died after one year. The risk factors of mortality between the two groups were analyzed by Cox regression model. Results A total of 997 patients were enrolled and 244 patients died. There were 69 patients (28.3%) died within one year and 175 patients (71.7%) died after one year. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease was the dominating reason of death in both groups, accounting for 59.4% (died within one year group) and 51.4% (died after one year group) respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that for died within one year group, old age (HR=1.035, 95%CI: 1.016-1.055, P＜0.001), low blood total calcium (HR=0.167, 95%CI: 0.053-0.529, P=0.002), low albumin (HR=0.899, 95%CI: 0.856-0.943, P＜0.001) and low apolipoprotein A1 (HR=0.274, 95%CI: 0.095-0.789, P=0.016) were risk factors associated with mortality. However, for died after one year group, old age (HR=1.053, 95%CI: 1.038-1.069, P＜0.001), combined with diabetes (HR=2.181, 95%CI: 1.445-3.291, P＜0.001) and hypertriglyceride (HR=1.204, 95%CI: 1.065-1.362, P=0.003) were risk factors associated with mortality. Conclusions The risk factors of mortality for peritoneal dialysis patients of different periods were not exactly the same. For died within one year patients, old age, low blood total calcium, low albumin and low apolipoprotein A1 were independent risk factors for mortality.However, for died after one year patients, old age, combined with diabetes, and high triglycerides were independent risk factors for mortality.     

Clinical analysis of 1 371 patients with acute kidney injury after acute myocardial infarction

Objective To investigate the risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods A total of 1 371 adult patients diagnosed AMI in the First People's Hospital of Changzhou from January 2008 to December 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. AKI was defined according to the 2012 KDIGO AKI criteria. Based on the occurrence of AKI, the patients were divided into AKI group and non-AKI group. According to the AKI timing, the patients were divided into subgroups including conservative treatment groups, coronary angiography(CAG) groups and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) groups, respectively. Related risk factors of AKI were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results Of the 1 371 patients,410(29.9%) developed AKI. Compared to the non-AKI group, in-hospital mortality increased significantly in the AKI group (17.1% vs 3.9%, χ2=68.0, P＜0.001). Multifactor retrospective analysis showed that decreased baseline eGFR (OR=2.049, 95%CI: 1.246-3.370), increased fasting plasma glucose(FPG) (OR=1.070, 95%CI: 1.018-1.124), diuretics (OR=1.867, 95%CI: 1.220-2.856) and Killip class 4 status (OR=1.362, 95%CI: 1.059-3.170) were all independent risk factors of AKI, while increased DBP on admission was a protective factor (OR=0.986, 95%CI: 0.974-0.998) for the conservative management group. Decreased baseline eGFR (OR=2.371, 95%CI: 1.500-3.747), increased FPG(OR=1.009, 95%CI: 1.005-1.012), diuretics (OR=1.674, 95%CI: 1.042-2.690), intraoperative hypotension (OR=2.276, 95%CI: 1.324-3.575) and acute infection (OR=1.678, 95%CI: 1.023-2.754) were independent risk factors of AKI for the CAG group. Decreased baseline eGFR (OR=2.246, 95%CI:1.340-3.981), increased FPG (OR=1.059, 95%CI: 1.018-1.124), diuretics (OR=1.723, 95%CI: 1.122-2.650), and low cardiac output syndrome after operation (OR=2.331, 95%CI: 1.277-3.286) were independent risk factors of AKI for CABG group. Conclusions AKI is a common complication and associated with increased mortality after AMI. Decreased baseline renal function, increased FPG and diuretics were common independent risk factors of AKI after AMI.     

Survival of analysis of older patients with external iliac vein tunneled cuffed catheters on maintenance hemodialysis

Objective To investigate the survival of older patients with iliac vein tunneled cuffed catheters on maintenance hemodialysis. Methods A total of 70 older patients with external iliac vein tunneled cuffed catheters on maintenace hemodialysis were included in this study, there were 94 patients with internal jugular vein tunneled cuffed catheters as control group. The baseline anthropometric and 1aboratory parameters were measured. The catheter dysfunction and catheter related complications were documented. Results There were lower survival rate and catheter survival in the external iliac vein group compared with internal jugular vein group（χ2=13.714, P＜0.01;χ2=13.093, P＜0.01）. Compared with internal jugular vein group, there was lower rate of catheter infection in external iliac vein group(χ2=9.416, P＜0.01); In addition, there were higher rate of cardiovascular disease(CVD) events and catheter dysfunction among patients in external iliac vein group (χ2=7.492, P＜0.01;χ2=5.912, P＜0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of catheter dysfunction and cardiovascular disease events were the independent risk factors of mortality for older patients with iliac vein tunneled cuffed catheters on maintenance hemodialysis by Cox regression model. Conclusions Patients with iliac vein tunneled cuffed catheters have a shorter survival time. Those with catheter dysfunction or cardiovascular disease events are in higher risk of mortality．     

Phenotypic and genotypic risk factors for cardiovascular events in an incident dialysis cohort

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the major cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Traditional risk factors do not explain the high prevalence of CVD in this population, and other non-traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk markers have now been described. Therefore, the potential relationship between CVD and phenotypic and genotypic risk markers was investigated prospectively in incident dialysis patients cohort. The 279 patients (244 on hemodialysis, 35 on peritoneal dialysis) within the Diamant Alpin Dialysis Cohort Study were investigated. Phenotypic and genotypic parameters were determined at dialysis initiation, patients monitored over a 2-year period, and CV events (morbidity and mortality) recorded. Globally, 82 CV events occurred and 26 patients (9.3%) died from CVD, whereas 28 (10%) died from non-CV causes. Previous CV events were strongly predictive of CV events occurrence, whatever patients had had one (hazard ratio (HR) 2, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.1-3.5) or more (HR 3.9, 95% CI 2.1-7.1) CV accidents before starting dialysis. Both lipoprotein(a) (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1-2.5) and total plasma homocysteine at cutoff 30 micromol/l (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.8) were independent predictors of CV events outcome. In the subgroup of patients with homocysteine < 30 micromol/l, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) TT was the sole biological parameter predictive of CV event outcome (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-10, P = 0.03). ESRD patients who enter chronic dialysis with a previous CV event, high total homocysteinemia levels, or MTHFR 677TT genotype must be considered at high risk of incident CV events.     

Clinical study on the relationship between calcium and phosphorus metabolism with aortic arch calcification in maintenance peritoneal dialysis patients

Objective To retrospectively study the risk factors of aortic arch calcificationand its influence on the survival prognosis of maintenance peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods One hundred seventy-seven cases of maintenance peritoneal dialysis patients were enrolled, including 66 cases of aortic arch calcification cases. Their general dialysis data were collected for the evaluation of dialysis adequacy and residual renal function, and their chest X-rays were recorded to assess the degree of aortic arch calcification. The two variables Logistics regression was used to analyze independent risk factors of aortic arch calcification; Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the influence on prognosis of dialysis patients; and multivariate COX regression was employed to analyze independent risk factors of death in dialysis patients. Results Among the 177 selected cases of peritoneal dialysis patients, 66 cases (37.29%) presented with aortic arch calcification. Elevated serum phosphorus was an independent risk factor of aortic arch calcification (OR=54.69，95%CI: 10.01-298.65, P＜0.01). The probability of survival in patients with mild and moderate (severe) calcification of aortic arch was less than those without calcification. Moderate (severe) calcification of aortic arch was the independent risk factor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality, whose hazard ratios in patients with calcification were 3.779 times and 5.636 times of those in patients without calcification respectively. Conclusions Hyperphosphatemia is an independent risk factor promoting the development of calcification of aortic arch. The probability of survival in patients with mild and moderate (severe) calcification of aortic arch is less than those without calcification; moderate (severe) calcification of aortic arch is the independent risk factor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality.     

Time-average albumin predicts the long-term prognosis of IgA nephropathy patients achieved remission

Objective To clarify the long-term renal prognosis and related risk factors of progression for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients who achieved remission under current therapy. To identify the target value of the serum albumin level for Chinese patients with IgAN. Methods The patients with biopsy-proven primary IgAN in Nephrology Department of Renji Hospital in Shanghai were studied．The survival of renal and the relationships between clinical parameters and renal outcome were assessed. Results A total of 369 patients between Jan 2005 and Dec 2010 were included with a median follow-up time of 49.0 (38.0-65.8) months. All the subjects had achieved a complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR) following six months’ therapy after diagnosis. Progressive renal disease had occurred in 61 cases at the end of follow-up. Three variables had a significant independent effect on renal outcome in patients achieving remission under current therapy regimen for IgAN, including time-average serum creatinine (TA-Scr) [HR(95%CI): 1.03(1.01-1.04)], time-average serum albumin (TA-Alb) [HR(95%CI): 0.83 (0.69-0.99)], and eGFR ratio within one year [HR(95%CI): 0.00(0.00-0.01)]. By multivariate Cox analyses, each 1 g/L drop of TA-Alb was related with 17.2% increase in the risk of renal progression. The ROC curve indicated that combination of serum albumin at baseline and during a long-term had a more significant value in prediction of renal outcome than independent predictor alone. By Kaplan-Meier analyses, patients with TA-Alb﹤38 g/L had a 10.4 fold sincreased risk of progressive disease compared with that of TA-Alb﹥38 g/L. Conclusions IgAN patients with lower eGFR ratio, higher TA-Scr and lower TA-Alb would progress to ESRD more quickly, and serum albumin during follow-up is important for predicting IgAN progression.     

Prognostic value of red cell distribution width in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective To investigate the relationship of red cell distribution width (RDW) with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in patients who initiated MHD from January 2008 to September 2017 in the hemodialysis center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Basic data on demographic, dialysis and laboratory were collected, and echocardiography indicators and clinical outcomes were recorded. Patients were divided into four groups according to the quartile of RDW level. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare the difference of survival rate among the groups. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of all-cause and CVD-related mortality, and predictive value of RDW for all-cause and CVD-related death in hemodialysis patients. Results A total of 268 MHD patients were enrolled in this study with age of (60.9±15.8) years and dialysis duration of (58.1±9.1) months, including 159 males(59.3%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the 1-year overall survival rates of Q1 group (RDW≤13.8%, n=61), Q2 group (RDW 13.9%-14.6%, n=66), Q3 group (RDW 14.7%-15.6%, n=73) and Q4 group (RDW≥15.7%, n=68) were 96.8%, 95.1%, 93.1% and 85.7% respectively; 3-year overall survival rates were 88.5%, 87.5%, 59.2% and 51.8% respectively; 5-year overall survival rates were 71.5%, 65.4%, 33.6% and 17.7% respectively; The difference between the groups was statistically significant (all P＜0.01). The 1-year CVD survival rates were 98.4%, 96.6%, 95.8% and 92.4% respectively; 3-year CVD survival rates were 94.8%, 92.5%, 84.4% and 70.4% respectively; 5-year CVD survival rates were 86.9%, 81.3%, 65.6% and 51.3% respectively; The difference between the groups was statistically significant (all P＜0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that RDW≥15.7% was an independent risk factor for all-cause and CVD-related mortality in MHD patients. The risk of all-cause mortality in Q4 group was 3.098 times higher than that in Q1 group (95%CI 1.072-8.950, P=0.037) and the risk of CVD-related mortality was 2.661 times (95%CI 1.111-8.342, P=0.048). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that RDW=14.85% was the best cut-off point for predicting the all-cause mortality in HD patients (P＜0.01), RDW=15.45% was the best cut-off point for predicting the cardiovascular disease mortality (P＜0.01), and RDW=14.45% had a higher 5-year survival rate (P＜0.01). Conclusion RDW can independently predict all-cause and CVD-related mortality risk in hemodialysis patients, and it has important value for prognosis.     

Risk factor analysis of pneumonia in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective To investigate the risk factors of pneumonia in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods The clinical data of patients undergoing dialysis longer than three months at the Hemodialysis Center of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from July 2013 to July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into pneumonia group and non- pneumonia group. Follow-up time started from admission to the beginning of hemodialysis. All patients were followed until the patient died, or withdrawn from hemodialysis, or transferred to another center, or until the study deadline (April 2019). Baseline clinical data were compared between the two groups, and the differences in clinical data between the pneumonia group and the baseline were also analyzed. Risk factors for pneumonia in hemodialysis patients was analyzed by binary logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to compare the survival prognosis of the two groups, and the Log-rank method was used for significant test. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze risk factors for MHD patients' death. Results (1) A total of 311 patients were enrolled in the study, in which 178 (57.2%) of the patients were male, and 75(24.1%) of the patients had pneumonia. Compared with non-pneumonia group, the pneumonia group patients were older (P=0.002), had higher level of white blood cells (P=0.001) and lower level of serum creatinine (P=0.003), albumin (P=0.001), and serum magnesium (P=0.039). There were also statistically significant differences between the two groups in the proportion of females and underlying diseases (all P＜0.05). (2) The time of pneumonia occurred from the initial time of dialysis was (10.69±9.82) months. Compared with baseline values, decreased hemoglobin and albumin level were found (both P＜0.01). (3) Logistic regression analysis showed male patients had lower risk of pneumonia than female patients (OR=0.438, 95%CI 0.242-0.795, P=0.007). For every 1 g/L increase in albumin, the risk of pneumonia was reduced by 6.4% (OR=0.936, 95%CI 0.885-0.991, P=0.022). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the difference in 5-year cumulative survival rate between pneumonia group and non-pneumonia group was statistically significant ( 60.6% vs 84.4%, χ2=16.647, P＜0.001). (4) Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that long dialysis time (HR=0.870, 95%CI 0.832-0.909, P＜0.001) and high serum albumin level (HR=0.898, 95%CI 0.845-0.955, P=0.001) were protective factors in patients with MHD. Pneumonia (HR=3.008, 95%CI 1.423-6.359, P=0.004) was an independent risk factor for death in MHD patients. Conclusions Hemoglobin and albumin level are reduced in MHD patients with pneumonia. Low albumin level is a risk factor for pneumonia in patients. MHD patients with pneumonia have a lower survival time than those without pneumonia.     

Value of handgrip strength in predicting the mortality of hemodialysis patients

Objective To analyze the risk factors of mortality among patients treated by maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), and identify whether handgrip strength (HGS) or other nutrient markers could predict the mortality independently. Methods One hundred and eight patients receiving regular MHD in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from July to September, 2008 were involved. Baseline data including clinical data, nutrient data such as subjective global assessment, anthropometrics and biochemical measurement were collected. After being followed for 72 months, the patients' mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular event were recorded. Cox regression model was used to estimate the risk factors of mortality. Results The average age of 108 MHD patients was (57.6±13.0) years. During the 6-years following up, 35 patients died (32.4%), of whom 62.9% died of cardiovascular events. Among variables, patients’ age, residual urine volume, serum creatinine level, prealbumin level and mean leg circumference were risk factors for all-cause mortality. The patient with lower HGS bore higher risk for all-cause mortality (HR=2.842, 95%CI 1.390-5.811) and cardiovascular death (HR=2.826, 95%CI 1.150-6.947). After adjusting gender, age, history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, body mass index (BMI), dialysis vintage, Kt/V, nPCR and prealbumin, lower handgrip strength was still an independent risk factor of all-cause mortality (HR=2.505, 95%CI 1.112-5.642). In prediction for all-cause mortality by HGS, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC) were 0.705 and 0.682 among men and women respectively. Conclusion Lower handgrip strength can predict mortality of maintenance hemodialysis patients independently.     

Risk factors for mortality in diabetic peritoneal dialysis patients

Objective To investigate the risk factors of all-cause mortality in diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods As a single-center retrospective cohort study, all incident PD patients who were catheterized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between November 1, 2005 and February 28, 2017 were included. Patients were divided into diabetes mellitus group (DM group) and non-diabetes mellitus group (NDM group). Outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to assess the risk factors of all-cause mortality. Results A total of 977 patients were enrolled. Compared with NDM group, patients in DM group were older (47.5±14.4 vs 59.3±11.3, P＜0.01), had more cardiovascular disease (CVD) (7.5% vs 20.3%, P＜0.01), higher levels of serum hemoglobin (78.2±17.2 vs 82.3±14.6 g/L, P＜0.01) , and lower levels of serum albumin (36.1±5.0 vs 32.7±5.6 g/L, P＜0.01). The one-, three- and five-year patient survival rates of DM and NDM group were 89.7%, 56.0%, 31.9% and 94.7%, 81.3%, 67.4%, respectively.Survival rate was significantly lower in DM group than in NDM group ( χ2=63.51, P＜0.01). Stratified analysis showed that DM group had significant lower survival rate than NDM group in patients younger than 70 years old ( χ2= 73.35, P＜0.01), while survival rate was similar between the two groups patients older than 70 years old ( χ2= 0.003, P=0.96). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed that DM (HR: 1.74, 95%CI: 1.27-2.38, P＜0.01), age (HR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.04-1.06, P＜0.01), leukocyte (HR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.00-1.12, P=0.04) and triglyceride (HR: 1.19, 95%CI: 1.07-1.32, P＜0.01) were all independent risk factors for all-cause mortality of PD patients. However, age (HR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.04-1.07, P＜0.01) and alkaline phosphatase (HR: 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01, P=0.02) were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality of diabetic patients. Conclusions Long-term survival rate was lower in diabetic PD patients than in non-diabetic PD patients. DM, age, leukocyte and triglyceride were independent risk factors of mortality in PD patients. Age and alkaline phosphatase were independent risk factors of mortality in diabetic patients.     

The relationship between indoxyl sulfate and left ventricular hypertrophy in hemodialysis patients

Objective To investigate the relationship between indoxyl sulfate (IS) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hemodialysis patients. Methods For the eligible patients (age ≥18 years, dialysis duration > 6 months, without history of congestive heart failure within 3 months and comorbidity of cardiac aneurysm), clinical data were collected, biochemical measurements were completed, and echocardiographic examinations were performed. Plasma IS concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography electrospray tandem spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Linear and Logistic regression models were employed to assess the associations of plasma IS and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and LVH, respectively. Results Two hundred and ten hemodialysis patients (117 males) with mean age of（57.2 ± 14.3）years were enrolled. The prevalence of LVH was up to 64.0%. Univariate linear regression showed that plasma IS was positively correlated with LVMI (β=7.09, P=0.02). The result persisted after adjustment for all kinds of risk factors (β=4.16, P=0.03). Patients were categorized into two groups: LVH and non-LVH group. Logistic regression models were employed to assess the relationship of plasma IS and LVH. The result showed that plasma IS was independently associated with LVH after adjustment for other confounding risk factors (β=6.54, OR=1.13, 95%CI 1.09-1.44, P=0.03). Conclusions LVH is prevalent in hemodialysis patients. Plasma IS is significantly correlated with LVMI and the independent risk factor for LVH.     

Serum phosphorus variation is associated with mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum phosphorus variability and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods A total of 502 MHD cases from Renji hospital hemodialysis center were registered in Shanghai Registry Network from January 2007 to April 2015. They were recruited with general information, laboratory results and outcomes. According to their median of coefficient of variation (CV) of blood phosphorus, the patients were divided into high variation group (CV≥0.226 mmol/L) and low variation group (CV＜0.226 mmol/L). The relationship of serum phosphorus CV with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality was assessed respectively. Results The average age was (63.9±14.6) years, the median dialysis age was 82.0 (43.0, 139.0) months, 118 patients (23.5%) died for all cause and 64 patients (12.7%) died for cardiovascular disease. Compared with patients in low phosphorus variation group, patients had a higher all-cause mortality in high phosphorus variation group (27.7% vs 19.3%, P=0.028). Higher cardiovascular disease mortality was observed in high variation group as well, but this difference was no statistical significant (15.4% vs 10.0%, P=0.082). COX regression analysis showed that ＞60 years of age (HR=2.762, 95%CI 1.707-4.468, P＜0.001), low hemoglobin (HR=0.466, 95%CI 0.317-0.686, P＜0.001), low albumin (HR=0.555, 95%CI 0.366-0.840, P=0.005), high CV of phosphorus (HR=1.479, 95%CI 1.023-2.139, P=0.037) were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. Moreover, ＞60 years of age (HR=2.666, 95%CI 1.469-4.837, P=0.001), low hemoglobin (HR=0.480, 95%CI 0.238-0.801, P=0.005), and high CV of phosphorus (HR=1.655, 95%CI 1.003-2.729, P=0.049) were independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease mortality. There was no significant statistical difference between patients phosphorus on target and patients phosphorus below target in all-cause disease mortality (P=0.065) and cardiovascular disease mortality (P=0.425). High variation group whose phosphorus on target had higher all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality than those in low variation group (29.2% vs 16.9%, P=0.047; 15.0% vs 6.0%, P=0.033). Kaplan-Meier method showed that patients with high phosphorus variation had higher all-cause (P=0.023) and cardiovascular disease mortality (P=0.047) than patients with low phosphorus variation. Conclusions The high CV of phosphorus is independently correlated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Patients with standard-reaching phosphorus in the low variation group have a lower mortality. A serum phosphorus level sustainably reaching the standard may improve the survival in MHD patients.