Effects of vitamin E-coated dialysis membranes on anemia,nutrition and dyslipidemia status in hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: This was controversial whether vitamin E-coated dialyzer therapy was beneficial for the complications associated with hemodialysis. Therefore, we performed this systematic review to evaluate the effects of vitamin E-coated dialyzer. Methods: Related trials were searched from multiple electronic databases. We conducted meta-analysis to assess changes in the predefined outcomes using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Meta-analysis showed vitamin E-coated dialyzer therapy could decrease erythropoietin (EPO) resistance index (SMD, ?0.24; 95% CI, ?0.47 to ?0.01; p?=?0.04). However, pooled-analysis showed vitamin E-coated dialyzer therapy could not decrease weekly EPO dose (SMD, ?0.11; 95% CI, ?0.32 to 0.09; p?=?0.28) and intima–media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery (MD, ?0.09; 95% CI, ?0.2 to 0.01; p?=?0.09), and vitamin E-coated dialyzer therapy did not improve the serum hemoglobin (MD, ?0.03; 95% CI, ?0.18 to 0.13; p?=?0.74), albumin levels (SMD, ?0.64; 95% CI, ?1.62 to 0.34; p?=?0.2), in addition, there was no significant difference in serum cholesterol (SMD, ?0.07; 95% CI, ?0.45 to 0.31; p?=?0.71), triglycerides (MD, ?2.77; 95% CI, ?32.42 to 26.87; p?=?0.85), high density lipoprotein (HDL) (SMD, 0.24; 95% CI, ?0.14 to 0.62; p?=?0.22) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (SMD, 0.00; 95% CI, ?0.38 to 0.37; p?=?0.98) levels. Conclusions: Vitamin E-coated dialyzer may reduce the EPO resistance, but there is no conclusive evidence that vitamin E-coated dialyzer can improve the renal anemia, malnutrition, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis status in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, high-quality trials with hard clinical endpoints are required to fully elucidate the clinical value of vitamin E-coated dialyzer therapy.     

Meta-analysis of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of chronic heart failure

Objectives. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether vitamin D supplementation is beneficial in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Design. Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Results. Vitamin D supplementation in patients with CHF improved health-related quality of life and C-reactive protein levels [weighted mean difference (WMD): 6.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.87 to 10.64, p?p?=?.007]. However, this supplementation was not superior to conventional treatment in terms of mortality, changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (ΔLVEF), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide or B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and 6-minute walk distance (risk ratio: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.57, p?=?.53; WMD: 2.56, 95% CI: ?2.18 to 7.31, p?=?.29; SMD: ?0.18, 95% CI: ?0.42 to 0.06, p?=?.15; WMD: ?23.30, 95% CI: ?58.31 to 11.72, p?=?.19). In contrast, ΔLVEF significantly improved (WMD: 6.75, 95% CI: 4.16 to 9.34, p?Conclusions. Vitamin D supplementation decreases serum levels of inflammatory markers and improves quality of life in CHF patients. Pooled analysis of vitamin D supplementation did not show reduced mortality or improved left ventricular function perhaps because of excessive increase in plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcium levels. Future studies should pay attention to vitamin D and calcium levels achieved.     

Serum levels of malondialdehyde,vitamin C and E in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: a meta-analysis

It is well documented that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a measurement of lipid oxidation; vitamin C and E are important components of antioxidants. However, the association between MDA, vitamin C or E levels and INS remains elusive. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the alteration of serum levels of MDA, vitamin C and E in INS compared with controls. Eight studies were included in our meta-analysis according to predefined criteria. Active INS patients demonstrated significantly higher level of serum MDA (SMD: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.511 to 2.749, p?10^?4), markedly lower levels of serum vitamin C (SMD: ?1.449, 95% CI: ?2.616 to ?0.281, p?=?0.015) and E (SMD: ?1.45, 95% CI: ?2.544 to ?0.356, p?=?0.009) compared with those in controls. Active steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) patients showed comparable levels of serum vitamin C and E to those in controls. INS subjects in the remission stage demonstrated significantly higher level of serum MDA (SMD: 1.028, 95% CI: 0.438 to 1.617, p?10^?4), markedly lower level of serum vitamin C (SMD: ?2.235, 95% CI: ?3.048 to ?1.421, p?10⁴) and similar level of serum vitamin E compared with those in controls. No significant publication bias was observed. In conclusion, the disorder of MDA and vitamin C persists in the remission stage of INS. It seems that the serum levels of vitamin C and E is associated with the responsiveness of INS to steroids. However, more studies should be performed in the future.     

Surgical versus conservative treatment of primary patellar dislocation. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of surgical and conservative treatment in the prevention of recurrence after primary patellar dislocation.

Methods

Studies were searched on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and CINHAL from their inception to April 2015. All randomized controlled clinical trials comparing surgical versus conservative treatment after first patellar dislocation were included. Primary outcomes were: recurrent dislocation, subluxation, overall instability and subsequent surgery. Secondary outcomes included imaging, and subjective and objective clinical assessment tools. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration’s “Risk of Bias” tool. Pooled analyses were reported as risk ratio (RR) using a random effects model. Continuous data were reported as standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using I².

Results

Nine studies were included in the meta-analyses. Methodological quality of the studies was moderate to low. Meta-analyses showed that surgical treatment significantly reduces the redislocation rate (RR?=?0.62; 95% CI?=?0.39, 0.98, p?=?0.04) and provides better results on Hughston VAS score (SMD?=??0.32; 95% CI?=??0.61, ?0.03; p?=?0.03) and running (OR?=??0.52; 95% CI?=?0.31, 0.88; p?=?0.01). Conservative treatment showed less occurrence of minor complications (OR?=?3.46; 95% CI?=?2.08, 5.77; p?=?0.01) and better results in the figure-of-8 run test (SMD?=?0.42; 95% CI?=?0.06, 0.77; p?=?0.02) and in the squat down test (SMD?=??0.45; 95% CI?=??0.81, ?0.10; p?<?0.00001). No other significant differences could be found.

Conclusions

Based on the available data, surgical treatment of primary patella dislocation significantly reduces the risk of patella redislocation.

     

The Effects of Vitamin E-Coated Membrane Dialyzer Compared to Simvastatin in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

Background: We investigated the effects of the use of vitamin E-coated membrane (VEM) dialyzer in comparison to simvastatin on markers of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial cell apoptosis in ten patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD), aiming at distinguishing the different treatment effects and their time sequence on these pathogenetic routes. Methods: Ten HD patients were sequentially submitted to a 6-month treatment with the use of VEM and 10 mg of simvastatin daily, interrupted by a 3-month washout period. At baseline, at 3, and 6 months of each trial, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 and B, lipoprotein-a [Lp(a)], high-sensitivity interleukin-6 (hsIL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble Fas (sFas), soluble Fas ligand (sFasL), and plasma oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) levels were determined. Results: VEM treatment resulted in a significant decrease in CRP, IL-6, sICAM-1 at 3 months, and oxLDL at 6 months, compared to baseline. Simvastatin resulted in a significant decrease in CRP, which correlated with decreases in both total (r = 0.87, p < 0.05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, IL-6, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, oxLDL, and sFas at 6 months, compared to baseline. Simvastatin effects on sVCAM-1 (mean difference = 652 ng/mL; 95% CI = 294 to 2686; p < 0.05) and sFas (mean difference = 1284 pg/mL; 95% CI = 510 to 1910; p < 0.05) differed significantly from the corresponding VEM effects. Conclusions: The 6-month use of VEM resulted in more direct and immediate anti-inflammatory effects compared with those caused by the 6-month treatment with simvastatin. Simvastatin caused a more intense decrease in the markers of inflammation, which was in part correlated with its lipid-lowering effects.     

Vitamin E-coated dialyzer and antioxidant defense parameters: three-month study

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the most frequent cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease who have undergone dialysis treatment. Oxidative stress, increased lipid peroxidation, and impaired function of antioxidant systems may contribute to the accelerated development of atherosclerosis in chronic renal failure patients during renal replacement therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a vitamin E-coated dialyzer on antioxidant defense parameters in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In 14 HD patients, hemodialysis was performed using a vitamin E-coated dialyzer (Terumo CL-E15NL; Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) during a 3-month study. In these patients, erythrocyte (ER) antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT), plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), RBC glutathione (GSH), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma, and RBC vitamin E were investigated. Each parameter was measured at the beginning of the study, after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd month of the study, and 10 weeks after the interruption of the use of vitamin E-coated dialyzer. All HD patients were treated by erythropoietin (EPO) and received vitamin C 50 mg/d, pyridoxine 20 mg/d, and folic acid 5 mg/wk during the entire study. The 3-month treatment with the vitamin E-coated dialyzer led to a significant decrease of plasma MDA level (from 2.85 +/- 0.44 to 2.25 +/- 0.37 micromol/L) and to an increase of plasma TAC, RBC, GSH, and the vitamin E levels both in plasma (from 25.9 +/- 2.8 to 33.6 +/- 3.8 micromol/L) and in the RBCs (from 6.7 +/- 0.8 to 7.4 +/- 0.7 micromol/L) by 30% and 10.5%, respectively. Ten-week interruption of the use of the vitamin E-coated dialyzer led to near initial values of MDA (2.90 +/- 0.28 micromol/L), plasma (28.6 +/- 3.5 micromol/L), and RBC (6.9 +/- 0.7 micromol/L) vitamin E and of other investigated parameters. Statistical analysis of results was performed by conventional methods and analysis of variance. The findings of the current study confirm the beneficial effect of the vitamin E-coated dialyzer against oxidative stress in HD patients.     

Vitamin D receptor agonist supplementation and suppression of inflammation may have advantage for all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether HD patients with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are at increased risk of mortality.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of Japanese HD patients. We selected all patients with measured serum 25(OH)D levels at the time of entry. We assessed the impact of low serum 25(OH)D levels on the long-term mortality of HD patients by performing Cox regression analyses. Associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and all-cause mortality were also investigated.

Results

Data from 100 patients (mean age 61.0?±?11.8?years, 64?% males) were available. There was a high prevalence (55?%) of 25(OH)D insufficiency?p?=?0.777). After adjustments for possible confounders, the hazard ratio (with 95?% CI) for all-cause mortality was 1.091 (1.024–1.167) for age, 0.734 (0.566–1.167) for dialysis vintage, 1.012 (0.995–1.031) for serum total cholesterol values, 2.028 (1.093–3.701) for serum phosphate levels, and 0.291 (0.088–0.855) for treatment with alfacalcidol. A survival advantage of alfacalcidol treatment was observed (log-rank, p?=?0.0150). The group of subjects whose serum (25(OH)D level was <20?ng/ml and who were not treated with alfacalcidol had the highest mortality rate.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency in HD patients who had not taken vitamin D receptor agonist (VDRA) is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. VDRA supplementation may suppress chronic inflammation and have some advantage for mortality of HD patients with vitamin D deficiency.     

Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treatment of large renal pelvic calculi (diameter >2 cm): a meta-analysis

Objective: To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LP) versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of renal pelvic calculi >2?cm.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar about LP and PCNL for the treatment of renal stones. The retrieval time ended in September 2015. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of all included studies. The available data in the studies were analyzed using the RevMan 5.2 software.

Results: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nine Non-Randomized Concurrent Controlled Trials (NRCCTs) were included, involving a total of 766 patients. This meta-analysis showed that LP has a statistically higher stone-free rate than PCNL [I^2?=?0, OR?=?0.26 (95% CI 0.10–0.64), p?=?0.003], lower drop in hemoglobin level [I^2?=^?0, difference in mean drop?=??0.83 (95% CI ?1.05 to ?0.61), p?I^2?=^?0, OR?=?0.36 (95% CI 0.14–0.89), p?=?0.03], and PCNL is associated with a lower length of hospital stay [I^2?=^?74%, difference in mean of hospital stay?=?0.72 (95% CI 0.04–1.40), p?=?0.04].

Conclusion: LP is an alternative for the treatment of large solitary renal stone. LP may have a higher stone-free rate, lesser blood loss, lower postoperation fever rate, while PCNL may have a lower length of hospital stay. However, further well designed and large volume randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.     

Efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids for patients with IgA nephropathy: a meta-analysis

Background

The efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids for the treatment of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) remains controversial. The aim of the study is to perform a metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids for patients with IgAN.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library and article reference lists of Controlled Trials, and Clinical Trial Registries for randomized controlled trials comparing glucocorticoids with other non-immunosuppressive agents in patients with IgAN.

Results

The present meta-analysis, including 10 RCTs and 791 patients from 12 published studies, showed that using glucocorticoids agents relatively preserves kidney function(RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.14–0.61) and plays an effective role on reducing the proteinuria(SMD, ??0.69; 95% CI 0.85 to ??0.53, p?<?0.00001; heterogeneity I2?=?0%; p?=?0.09) compared with a control group. Moreover, adverse events cannot be neglected, especially gastrointestinal tract (RR 3.10, 95% CI 1.37–6.98, p?=?0.006; heterogeneity I2?=?0%, p?=?0.86), and corticosteroid regimens in IgAN should be reviewed with regard to safety.

Conclusions

Glucocorticoids were wildly used to treat various diseases including IgAN. Meanwhile, adverse events cannot be neglected, such as gastrointestinal adverse events, infection and so on. Corticosteroid should be used with reserve, especially in those patients with hypertension and impaired renal function or older patients.

     

Effects of far infrared therapy on arteriovenous fistulas in hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis

Background: Far infrared (FIR) therapy may have a beneficial effect on maturity and function of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Therefore, we performed this pooled analysis to assess the protective effects of FIR therapy in HD patients.

Methods: The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of FIR therapy for HD patients were searched from multiple databases. Relevant studies were screened according to the predefined inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.2 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK).

Results: Meta-analysis showed that FIR therapy could significantly increase the vascular access blood flow level (MD, 81.69?ml/min; 95% CI, 46.17–117.21; p?p?p?p?p?Conclusions: FIR therapy can reduce AVFs occlusion rates and needling pain level, while significantly improve the level of vascular access blood flow, AVFs diameter and the primary AVFs patency.     

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.     

C-reactive protein but not hepcidin,NGAL and transferrin determines the ESA resistance in hemodialysis patients

Background: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) are commonly used for the treatment of anemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients, however, 5–10% of these patients have resistance to ESA treatment. Hepcidin and neutrophil-gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) are induced by inflammation and these proteins may take role in ESA resistance. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of serum hepcidin, NGAL, transferrin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on ESA resistance in HD patients. Methods: A total of 63 chronic HD patients (6.0?±?17?years, M/F:44/19) and 20 healthy controls (6.0?±?4?years, M/F:14/6) were enrolled. ESA resistance index (ERI) was calculated as weekly ESA dose (IU)/body weight (kg)/hemoglobin level (g/dL). Patients on ESA treatment were divided into two groups depending on the median ERI value as low and high ERI groups. Results: Serum ferritin, hepcidin and NGAL levels were significantly higher in HD patients compared with controls. Serum transferrin levels were lower in high ESA index group compared with patients without ESA treatment and healthy controls. ERI was significantly correlated with serum CRP levels (r?=?0.55, p?r?=?0.55, p?r?=?0.27, p?=?0.03). Dose of ESA was significantly associated with serum CRP (r?=?0.34, p?=?0.02), total protein (r?=??0.34, p?=?0.01), transferrin (r?=??0.28, p?=?0.04) and ferritin (r?=?0.31, p?=?0.02). In linear regression analysis to predict ERI, age, gender, serum CRP, hepcidin, NGAL, albumin, ferritin and BMI were included (Model R?=?0.62, R²?=?0.38, p?=?0.02). Serum CRP was the only significant factor predicting ERI. Conclusion: CRP was the only predictor of ESA resistance index in HD patients. Hepcidin, NGAL and transferrin were not found to be markers of ESA resistance.     

Effects of vitamin D supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in coronary artery disease patients*

Objectives: Low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with coronary artery disease. We planned to research the effects of vitamin D₃ supplementation on the severity of coronary artery disease. Design: We investigated the effect of 0.5 μg vitamin D₃ per day in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in 90 stable coronary artery disease patients residing in Beijing. Coronary angiography was performed before and after 6 months of treatment that took place between January and June. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D was measured by chemiluminescence assay. Coronary artery disease severity was assessed by using the SYNTAX scores. Results: In vitamin D supplementation group, there was a significant increase in mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels from baseline (19.9?±?9.8 ng/ml) to 6 months (35.8?±?12.1 ng/ml; p?<?0.001). At 6 months, the primary end point, a difference in the fall of SYNTAX score between the groups was ?2.5 (95% CI ?5.1 to ?0.5; p?<?0.001) under intention to treat analysis. Compared with the control group, patients treated with vitamin D₃ also had greater decreases in high sensitivity C-reactive protein and renin-angiotensin system activity (p?<?0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation has beneficial effects on coronary artery disease; it can be an adjuvant therapy for patients with coronary artery disease.     

Circulating irisin levels reflect visceral adiposity in non-diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis

Background: Recent evidence suggests that increased visceral adiposity is a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Irisin, which is a novel myokine, can play critical roles in diabetes and adiposity. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether serum irisin levels are associated with body mass index, waist circumference (WC), and total fat mass in non-diabetic patients undergoing maintenance HD.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 108 non-diabetic HD patients and 40 age- and sex-matched apparently healthy subjects. Serum irisin concentrations were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Body fat composition (TBF-410 Tanita Body Composition Analyzer) was measured and calculated.

Results: Serum irisin levels did not differ between HD patients and the healthy controls (523.50?±?229.32 vs. 511.28?±?259.74, p?=?0.782). Serum irisin levels were associated with age (r?=?0.314; p?=0.006), HOMA-IR (r?=?0.472; p?=?0.003), WC (r?=?0.862; p?r?=?0.614; p?β?=?1.240, p?β?=?0.792, p?=?0.015) were the variables that were significantly associated with irisin concentrations (R^2?=^?0.684, p?Conclusions: These results suggest that serum irisin levels are related to visceral adiposity in non-diabetic HD patients.     

Increased serum renalase in hemodialysis patients: is it related to left ventricular hypertrophy?

Introduction: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is one of the most common cardiac abnormalities in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Hypertension, diabetes, increased body mass index, gender, age, anemia, and hyperparathyroidism have been described as risk factors for LVH in patients on dialysis. However, there may be other risk factors which have not been described yet. Recent studies show that renalase is associated with cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to reveal the relation between renalase, LVH in patients under hemodialysis (HD) treatment.

Methods: The study included 50?HD patients and 35 healthy controls. Serum renalase levels and left ventricle mass index (LVMI) were measured in all participants and the relation between these variables was examined.

Findings: LVMI was positively correlated with dialysis vintage and C-reactive protein (CRP) (r?=?0.387, p?=?0.005 and r?=?0.597, p?r?=??0.324, p?=?0.022 and r?=??0.499, p?r?=?0.263, p?=?0.065). Serum renalase levels were significantly higher in HD patients (212?±?127?ng/mL) compared to controls (116?±?67?ng/mL) (p?r?=?0.677, p?r?=?0.625, p?Discussion: In our study, LVMI was correlated with dialysis vintage, residual diuresis, CRP, and hemoglobin. LVMI tends to correlate with renalase and this correlation may be significant in studies with more patient numbers. The main parameters affecting renalase levels are dialysis vintage and serum creatinine.     

One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass for Revision of Restrictive Procedures: Mid-Term Outcomes and Analysis of Possible Outcome Predictors

Purpose

Revisional one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) for insufficient weight reduction following primary restrictive procedures is still investigated. We report mid-term outcomes and possible outcome predictors.

Materials and Methods

Single-center retrospective comparative study of revisional OAGB outcomes (2015–2018) following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG); silastic ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG) is separately discussed.

Results

In all, 203 patients underwent revisional OAGB following LAGB (n?=?125), SG (n?=?64), and SRVG (n?=?14). Comparing LAGB and SG, body mass index (BMI) at revision were 41.3?±?6.6 and 42?±?11.2 kg/m² (p?=?0.64), reduced to 31.3?±?8.3 and 31.9?±?8.3 (p?=?0.64) at mid-term follow-up, respectively. Excess weight loss (EWL)?>?50% was achieved in?~?50%, with EWL of 79.4?±?20.4% (corresponding total weight loss 38.5?±?10.4%). SRVG patients had comparable outcomes. Resolution rates of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension (HTN) were 93.3% and 84.6% in LAGB compared with 100% and 100% in SG patients (p?=?0.47 and p?=?0.46), respectively.

In univariable analysis, EWL?>?50% was associated with male gender (p?<?0.001), higher weight (p?<?0.001), and BMI (p?=?0.007) at primary surgery, and higher BMI at revisional OAGB (p?<?0.001). In multivariable analysis, independent predictors for EWL?>?50% were male gender (OR?=?2.8, 95% CI 1.27–6.18; p?=?0.01) and higher BMI at revisional OAGB (OR?=?1.11, 95% CI 1.03–1.19; p?=?0.006).

Conclusion

Revisional OAGB for insufficient restrictive procedures results in excellent weight reduction in nearly 50% of patients, with resolution of T2D and HTN at mid-term follow-up. Male gender and higher BMI at revision were associated with EWL?>?50% following revisional OAGB. Identification of more predictors could aid judicious patient selection.

Graphical abstract

     

Association between calcium-phosphorus balance and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A meta-analysis

Study designA systematic review and meta-analysis.ObjectiveThe objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between calcium-phosphorus balance and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).MethodsDatabases, including PubMed, OVID database, Web of Science, CBM database and CNKI database were searched for the relevant case control studies and cross-sectional studies. Two authors selected studies and extracted data independently. Data analysis was performed by Review Manager Software 5.0. Subgroup analysis was performed on the serum level of vitamin D according to gender and menstruation.ResultsFive studies were included, with a total of 646 cases of AIS and 791 controls. AIS group had a lower serum level of vitamin D compared to control group [MD = ?6.74, 95% CI (?9.47, ?4.00)]. Gender and menstruation condition were thought to have no effect on the primary outcome of vitamin D level by subgroup analysis [MD = ?5.97, 95% CI (7.61, ?4.34)]. The AIS group had a lower calcium level [SMD= ?0.77, 95% CI (?1.51, ?0.02)] and calcitonin level compared to control group. There was no statistical difference in phosphorus level [SMD=0.5, 95% CI (?0.46, 0.57)] and parathyroid hormone level [SMD = ?0.11, 95% CI (?0.54, ?0.31)]. Meanwhile, the observational indexes, including serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and calcitonin were within normal limits.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency may be involved in the pathogenesis of AIS by influencing the regulation of calcium-phosphors metabolism on human bone. Therefore, we suggest to screen vitamin D level in AIS patients.Level of EvidenceLevel III, Therapeutic Study     

Absence of interaction of diabetes mellitus with chronic kidney disease on mortality in acute heart failure

Objectives: To evaluate how chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) influence in-hospital mortality in patients urgently admitted for acute heart failure (HF). Methods: We used data from the Spanish “Minimum Basic Data Set” for 2006–2007 to evaluate clinical differences and crude mortality rates for patients having versus non-having CKD or DM. We tested pre-specified predictive factors of in-hospital mortality in a multivariate logistic regression model, which included age, sex, CKD, DM, acute respiratory failure, a modified Charlson Comorbidity Index—excluding CKD/DM- and a CKD?×?DM-interaction variable. p Values?Main findings: A total of 275,176 episodes of acute HF were analyzed (47.9% male, mean age 76.2?±?12.8 years). CKD patients (N?=?25,174, 9.1%) were older (78.4?±?10.1 vs. 76.0?±?13.1 years; p?N?=?88,994, 32.3%) more often had vascular risk factors and CKD (11.4% vs. 8.1%; p?p?p?p for interaction?=?0.73). DM remained protective (OR?=?0.85, 95% CI: 0.82–0.87; p?p?Conclusions: In patients urgently admitted for HF, the association of CKD with higher in-hospital mortality was homogeneous irrespectively of the absence or presence of DM.     

The relationship of Prohepcidin levels with anemia and inflammatory markers in non-diabetic uremic patients: a controlled study

Introduction: Hepcidin, a small peptide hormone synthesized in the liver, plays central role in regulation of iron metabolism. Hepcidin generation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is dependent on iron status, anemia, inflammation, and hypoxia and erythropoietin levels. In our study, the relationship between Prohepcidin levels and inflammation and iron indices in non-diabetic uremic patients was investigated. Methods: This study has a cross-sectional design which includes four groups: Non-diabetic 21 patients with stage 4 CKD (predialysis), 20 hemodialysis (HD) and 21 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and 17 healthy volunteers as the control group. Complete blood count, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, parathyroid hormone, interleukin (IL)-6 and Prohepcidin levels were recorded. Results: Serum Prohepcidin levels in the predialysis, HD, PD and the control groups were 119.6?±?45.1?ng/mL, 140.2?±?41.8?ng/mL, 148.2?±?35.0?ng/mL and 93.8?±?21.9?ng/mL, respectively (p?r?=?0.345, p?=?0.002), creatinine (r?=?0.465, p?r?=?0.253, p?=?0.025), hsCRP (r?=?0.275, p?=?0.019), duration of dialysis treatment (r?=?0.443, p?r?=?0.467, p?r?=?0.615, p?r?=??0.286, p?r?=??0.573, p?r?=??0.473, p?r?=??0.351, p?=?0.002) and hematocrit (r?=??0.342, p?=?0.002) levels. Discussion: Prohepcidin levels increase with deepening anemia and show positive correlation with inflammatory markers. Therapeutic interventions regarding Prohepcidin action on inflammatory status may play a role in the treatment of anemia due to inflammation. Functional iron deficiency is frequent in uremic patients. It may be beneficial to measure Prohepcidin level together with ferritin among these patients.