Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for the Evaluation of Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive technique that measures electrical resistance (R) and reactance (Xc), which are then used to calculate phase angle (PA). The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether BIA can differentiate between minimal and advanced hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Twenty patients with HCV participated in this study, and were divided into minimal (Metavir 1) and advanced (Metavir 3 or 4) fibrosis groups. We obtained BIA measurements (R and Xc) in several axes and calculated PA from each pair of measurements. We found no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to PA, R, or Xc for the whole body, the trunk or the right upper quadrant measurements in any axis. Mean whole body PA was 7.0 and 7.1 (P = 0.9) in the minimal and advanced fibrosis groups, respectively. Bioelectrical impedance analysis did not demonstrate the ability to distinguish between minimal and advanced degrees of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV infection.     

Skeletal Muscle Loss Is Negatively Associated With Single‐Pool Kt/V and Dialysis Duration in Hemodialysis Patients

We evaluated the skeletal muscle loss in hemodialysis (HD) patients by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and handgrip strength test. Thirty‐four HD patients and 16 healthy subjects (control group) were measured for skeletal muscle mass normalized as the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), calculated as skeletal muscle mass (kg)/height (m)² using a tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance plethysmograph. Handgrip strength test was also performed using a hand dynamometer in both groups. In HD patients, the associations of SMI and handgrip strength with age, sex, HD conditions, and HD parameters such as body mass index (BMI), single‐pool Kt/V (spKt/V), normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), creatinine generation rate (CGR) and serum albumin level (Alb) were investigated. SMI of HD patients (4.58 ± 0.95 kg/m²) was significantly lower than that of the control group (5.55 ± 0.80 kg/m², P < 0.01). The handgrip strength of HD patients (19.9 ± 7.74 kg) was also significantly lower than that of the control group (33.0 ± 8.94 kg, P < 0.01). In HD patients, HD duration was associated with both SMI and handgrip strength. Among HD parameters, spKt/V was negatively associated with both SMI and handgrip strength, BMI and Alb were positively associated with SMI, while nPCR and CGR were associated with neither SMI nor handgrip strength. HD duration independently contributed to skeletal muscle loss and the value of spKt/V may be affected by skeletal muscle loss in HD patients.     

维持性透析患者低血压状态相关因素分析

目的：探讨维持性血液透析（MHD）患者慢性低血压状态的发生的影响因素。方法：收集近3年来进行透析的252例MHD患者慢性低血压状态发生情况,回顾性分析患者进入透析时的基础状态指标,包括一般情况、病史资料、体检情况、实验室指标等,并寻找与慢性低血压发生的相关因素。结果：本组MHD患者中并发慢性低血压状态的发生率为23．02％,低血压组与未发生低血压组相比,两组在年龄、糖尿病史、冠心病史、身体质量指数、左室功能、白蛋白水平、血脂、C反应蛋白等方面的差异有显著性意义,多元分析表明高龄、糖尿病、低蛋白血症、C反应蛋白是MHD患者并发慢性低血压状态的主要危险因素。结论：高龄、糖脂代谢紊乱、营养不良和炎症状态与MHD患者慢性低血压状态有关,可作为透析低血压状态的早期预测因素。     

Effective and Timely Evaluation of Pulmonary Congestion: Qualitative Comparison Between Lung Ultrasound and Thoracic Bioelectrical Impedance in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

The assessment of pulmonary congestion in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients is challenging. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) can estimate body water compartments. Natriuretic peptides are markers of hemodynamic stress, neurohormonal activation and extracellular volume overload. Lung ultrasound (LUS) has been proposed for the non-invasive estimation of extravascular lung water through B-lines assessment. Up to now, no study evaluated the correlation between B-lines, segmental thoracic BIA, and natriuretic peptides in MHD patients. The aims of this study were: (1) To validate LUS as a tool for an effective and timely evaluation of pulmonary congestion in MHD patients, in comparison with segmental thoracic BIA, and with natriuretic peptides; (2) To compare a comprehensive whole chest ultrasound scanning with a simplified and timely scanning scheme limited to the lateral chest regions.Thirty-one MHD adult patients were examined. LUS, total body and thoracic BIA, and natriuretic peptides were performed immediately before and after a mid-week dialysis session. The number of B-lines assessed by LUS was compared with total body and thoracic impedance data and with natriuretic peptides.Pre-HD B-lines ranged 0–147 (mean 31) and decreased significantly post-HD (mean 16, P < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between the number of B-lines and extra-cellular water index (ECWI, r = 0.45, P < 0.001), with thoracic impedance (r = 0.30, P < 0.05), and with BNP (r = 0.57, P < 0.01). The dynamic changes in B-lines correlated better with thoracic impedance than with total body impedance, and correlated with extra-cellular but not with intra-cellular water index. The correlation between B-lines and ECWI was similar when LUS was limited to the lateral chest regions or performed on the whole chest. Multivariate analysis showed that only segmental thoracic impedance was an independent predictor of residual pulmonary congestion.The dynamic changes in B-lines after hemodialysis are correlated to the changes in total body and extra-cellular water, and particularly to lung fluids removal. B-line assessment in MHD patients is highly feasible with a simplified and timely scanning scheme limited to the lateral chest regions. These premises make B-lines a promising biomarker for a bedside assessment of pulmonary congestion in MHD patients.     

Effect of Calcium Carbonate Combined With Calcitonin on Hypercalcemia in Hemodialysis Patients

This short‐term study assessed the efficacy and safety of calcium carbonate combined with calcitonin in the treatment of hypercalcemia in hemodialysis patients. Patients (n = 64) on hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease for more than 6 months were included based on total serum calcium more than 10.5 mg/dL. All patients were randomized (1 : 1) to receive calcium carbonate combined with calcitonin (Group I) or lanthanum carbonate (Group II) for 12 weeks. Blood levels of calcium, phosphorus and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured every month, bone mass density (BMD) and coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) were measured at 3 months. During the study period, serum calcium decreased from 10.72 ± 0.39 to 10.09 ± 0.28 mg/dL (P < 0.05), serum phosphorus decreased from 6.79 ± 1.05 to 5.46 ± 1.18 mg/dL (P < 0.05), and serum iPTH levels in the Group I and Group II were not significantly different from the baseline. There were no significant differences in CACS in either group. There were no significant differences in the BMD values between Group I and baseline. In Group II, the BMD values at the lumbar spine and femoral neck were significantly lower than those before the trial and significantly lower than the corresponding values of Group I (P < 0.05). Calcium carbonate combined with calcitonin and lanthanum carbonate were equally effective in the suppression of hypercalcemia in hemodialysis patients. There were no serious treatment‐related adverse events in treatment with calcium carbonate combined with calcitonin.     

Seasonal Variations of Nutritional Status in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Nutritional status of hemodialysis (HD) patients is influenced by a multitude of factors and it strongly correlates with morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of seasonal changes on nutritional status in maintenance HD patients. A selected population of 84 adult (40 females and 44 males, aged 68.98 ± 13.45 years) HD (5.94 ± 6.44 years) patients were investigated. Clinical, biochemical and nutritional parameters (BMI, creatinine, urea, serum albumin, total cholesterol and Dialysis Malnutrition Score (DMS) were measured in cold (January and December) and mild (June and September) months, altogether in 336 HD sessions. Statistically significant differences between cold and mild months were found in BMI (P = 0.046), creatinine before HD (P = 0.011), urea before HD (P ≤ 0.001), urea after HD (P ≤ 0.001) and glucose (P = 0.001). Differences between male and female patients in DMS, serum albumin and creatinine level in cold and mild months were found; where females altogether had higher DMS score and lower serum albumin and creatinine levels. These results suggest that seasonal variations of clinical and laboratory variables that reflect nutritional status occur commonly among maintenance HD patients and might lead to biases in the interpretation of results in clinical studies in which measurement schedules vary during the year. Also, results suggested that female HD patients may constitute an especially vulnerable population for seasonal oscillations of nutritional status. The reasons for most of these variations are not apparent and require further investigation.     

Evaluation of Dry Eye Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate dry eye parameters with conventional tests and tear meniscus with Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Thirty-eight ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis, and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled. An ocular surface disease index questionnaire (OSDI) was administered. Before conventional dry eye tests, tear meniscus were evaluated using AS-OCT. After a complete ocular examination, Schirmer and break-up time (BUT) tests were performed and probable corneal staining was investigated. Schirmer test and BUT values were significantly lower in ESRD patients (P < 0.05). OSDI scores and corneal staining scores were significantly higher in ESRD patients (P < 0.05). Tear meniscus height, tear meniscus depth, and tear meniscus area, which were obtained by AS-OCT were significantly lower in patients with ESRD (P < 0.05). Tear meniscus evaluation using AS-OCT is an effective and non-invasive method to assess tear meniscus in patients with ESRD. Patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis should obtain regular ophthalmic examination, especially for dry eye.     

阿托伐他汀对维持性血液透析患者心血管的保护作用

目的 观察阿托伐他汀对维持性血液透析患者心血管的保护作用.方法 新导入维持性血液透析患者100例,随机分成阿托伐他组50例和对照组50例.常规方法检测两组患者研究前后血色素、血脂、肝肾功能、心肌损伤标志物和动态血压的变化,64排螺旋CT冠状血管成像分析两组患者研究前后冠状动脉血管狭窄程度和钙化的变化,同时比较分析两组患者心血管事件的发生率.结果 阿托伐他汀组在研究后冠状动脉小血管狭窄≥50％的血管数、狭窄＜50％的血管数和未见狭窄的血管数与研究前比较差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05);对照组在研究后冠状动脉小血管狭窄＞50％的血管数和狭窄＜50％的血管数均显著多于研究前(P＜0.05),未见狭窄的血管教则显著少于研究前(P＜0.05).两组患者冠状动脉钙化积分在研究前差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),阿托伐他汀组研究后冠状动脉钙化积分与研究前比较无显著性增加(P＞0.05),但对照组研究后冠状动脉钙化积分与研究前比较显著增加,与阿托伐他汀组研究前、研究后比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).心肌损伤标志物在阿托伐他汀组研究后水平也显著低于研究前、且显著低于对照组研究后水平(P＜0.05),同时,对照组患者心血管事件的发生率显著高于阿托伐他汀组患者(P＜0.05).结论 阿托伐他汀可能通过抑制冠状动脉血管钙化和/或降低血脂对新导入维持性血液透析患者的心血管产生保护作用.     

维持性血液透析患者血管钙化及相关因素分析

目的观察维持性血液透析(MHD)患者血管钙化情况及其影响因素,探讨矿物质与骨代谢指标在MHD患者血管钙化中的作用。方法选取MHD患者69例和健康体检者67例,检测血清白蛋白、血清总钙、血磷、血肌酐、碱性磷酸酶、钙磷乘积和全段甲状旁腺激素(i PTH)。同时行侧位腹平片(空腹)、髋关节正位片、双手及腕关节正位片X线检查以评价腹主动脉、股动脉、桡动脉及双手动脉钙化情况,并了解钙化与相关因素之间的关系。结果 MHD组血管钙化程度明显高于正常对照组(P0.05);中重度钙化组年龄、透析时间、血糖、血磷和钙磷乘积均高于轻度钙化组(P0.05);低i PTH(150 ng/L)、高i PTH(300 ng/L)患者i PTH与钙化相关(P0.05),150~300 ng/L i PTH患者i PTH与钙化无相关性(P0.05)。结论年龄、透析时间、血磷、血糖、钙磷乘积、i PTH水平可能与MHD患者血管钙化密切相关。     

Bioelectrical impedance analysis and age-related differences of body composition in the elderly

Background and aimSignificant changes in body composition that have important health related effects may occur in the elderly. In this study, we evaluated the bioelectrical characteristics in a large group of apparently healthy Caucasian men in the age range 50–80 years, as a function of age and body mass index.MethodsWe studied 315 men with ages ranging from 50 to 80 years. They were divided into three groups according to body mass index (kg/m²): 18.5–24.9 normoweight (NW); 25.0–29.9 overweight (OW); ≥30 obese (OB), and they were classified in nine age subgroups: 50–59 (young-old, YO); 60–69 (old, O); 70–80 (oldest, OS). Fat-free mass, fat mass and body cell mass were investigated using conventional bioelectrical impedance analysis. Body composition was also assessed by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and the RXc graph method.ResultsBody cell mass decreased significantly with age particularly in subgroups of the OW and OB groups (p < 0.05). Mean vector displacement followed a definite pattern, with downward migration of the ellipses in the OW and OB groups, after 70 years of age.ConclusionsAgeing was associated with a pattern of vector bioelectrical impedance analysis indicating decreased soft tissue mass (fat-free mass and body cell mass), particularly in OW and OB-OS healthy men. We suggest 70 years of age as a cut-off for significant quantitative and qualitative (tissue electrical properties) body composition modifications. This bioelectrical impedance vector analysis pattern associated with ageing and across the different body mass index categories, may be useful for clinical purposes and can be used in geriatric routine to accurately assess the body composition modifications occurring in the elderly.     

非糖尿病维持性血液透析患者髓过氧化物酶与颈动脉硬化的相关性

目的探讨非糖尿病维持性血液透析患者髓过氧化物酶与颈动脉硬化相关指标的关系。方法酶联免疫吸附法测定非糖尿病维持性血液透析患者同一次透析前后血浆髓过氧化物酶和血清弹性蛋白酶水平变化,同时B超测定两侧颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度、斑块数量及面积,并对各项指标做相关性分析。结果血液透析后血浆髓过氧化物酶水平明显高于血液透析前(P<0.01),血清弹性蛋白酶水平透析前后无明显变化。年龄、血液透析前髓过氧化物酶水平与颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度明显正相关(P<0.01),血液透析后髓过氧化物酶水平与血液透析前后弹性蛋白酶水平无相关,与各项颈动脉硬化指标也无相关。结论年龄及血液透析前髓过氧化物酶水平与动脉硬化有关,而特定血液透析条件时血液透析后血浆髓过氧化物酶水平的升高与中性粒细胞脱颗粒及动脉硬化程度无关,可能是肝素诱发的动脉壁髓过氧化物酶释放,这种释放对维持性血液透析患者动脉硬化的意义有待进一步研究。     

Left Ventricular End‐Diastolic Diameter Is an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

Left ventricular (LV) function is impaired in most hemodialysis (HD) patients. We conducted an observational cohort study to investigate whether LV end‐diastolic diameter (LVDd) could predict all‐cause mortality in a cohort of 166 HD patients. The LVDd values (5.06 ± 0.64 cm) of the non‐survivor group were significantly greater than in the survivor group (4.78 ± 0.71 cm). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for an LVDd cut‐off value of 5.01 cm was 0.6145 (P = 0.0234). The sensitivity and specificity of the LVDd threshold of 5.01 cm were 75.7% and 50.4%, respectively. The 4‐year survival rate was significantly lower in the group with LVDd ≥ 5.01 cm than in the group with LVDd < 5.01 cm (log‐rank test, P = 0.0047). Multivariate analysis with adjustments for clinical and echocardiographic parameters showed that increased LVDd was an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.363, 95% CI 1.320–4.228, P = 0.0013). The results of the present study showed that increased LVDd predicts the all‐cause mortality of chronic HD patients better than other echocardiographic parameters. Our findings suggest that LVDd measurements may be helpful for risk stratification and providing therapeutic direction for the management of HD patients.     

Correlation Between Right Ventricular Echocardiography Measurements and Functional Capacity in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BackgroundAccelerometry is an emerging option for real-time evaluation of functional capacity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This prospective pilot study assesses the relationship between functional capacity by accelerometry and right ventricular measurements on echocardiography for this high-risk cohort.MethodsPatients with PAH were prospectively enrolled and underwent 6-Minute Walk Test and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. They were given a Fitbit, which collected steps and sedentary time per day. Echocardiographic data included right ventricular global longitudinal, free wall, and septal strain; tricuspid regurgitant peak velocity; tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion; tricuspid annular plane systolic velocity; right ventricular myocardial performance index; and pulmonary artery acceleration time. Pairwise correlations were performed.ResultsThe final analysis included 22 patients aged 13 to 59 years. Tricuspid regurgitant peak velocity had a negative correlation with 6-Minute Walk Test (r = −0.58, P = .02), peak oxygen consumption on exercise testing (r = −0.56, P = .03), and average daily steps on accelerometry (r = −0.59, P = .03), but a positive correlation with median sedentary time on accelerometry (r = 0.64, P = .02). Pulmonary artery acceleration time positively correlated with peak oxygen consumption on exercise testing (r = 0.64, P = .002). There was no correlation between right ventricular strain measurements and functional capacity testing.ConclusionIn this pilot study, tricuspid regurgitant jet and pulmonary artery acceleration time were the echocardiographic variables that correlated most with accelerometry data. With further echocardiographic validation, accelerometry can be a useful, noninvasive, and cost-effective tool to monitor disease progression in patients with PAH.     

Aldosterone and Insulin Resistance: Vicious Combination in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Recently, we demonstrated that plasma aldosterone contributed to insulin resistance in chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study is the clinical impact of this relationship in hemodialysis patients. In a cross section study using a total of 128 hemodialysis patients, multiple regression analysis revealed that plasma aldosterone levels were independently associated with HOMA-IR, insulin resistance index. This association was found to be more stringent in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients. Aldosterone levels were associated with cardiac hypertrophy and carotid artery stenosis. HOMA-IR was associated with cardiac hypertrophy. The patients whose aldosterone and HOMA-IR were above the top tertile of each parameter in this cohort showed more severe cardiac hypertrophy and lower contractile function as compared with the patients whose aldosterone levels and HOMA-IR are below the lowest tertile of each parameter. In conclusion, in hemodialysis patients, aldosterone levels and insulin resistance are closely interrelated and the constellation of the two is related to severe cardiovascular tissue damages.     

Effects of Intradialytic Resistance Exercise on Protein Energy Wasting,Physical Performance and Physical Activity in Ambulatory Patients on Dialysis: A Single‐Center Preliminary Study in a Japanese Dialysis Facility

Patients under hemodialysis present protein‐energy wasting (PEW), which is related with higher mortality rates. The study aimed to determine whether intradialytic resistance exercise training could improve physical performance, physical activity, and PEW in hemodialysis patients. In single center study, 75 hemodialysis patients were enrolled in an intradialytic resistance exercise training consisting of 20 min of adapted leg press, with a gymnastic ball, 3 days/week, during 9 months on the same day of hemodialysis therapy. Physical performance by short physical performance battery (SPPB), physical activity by life space assessment (LSA), and PEW score based on the nomenclature proposed by the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism in 2008 were assessed at baseline and after 9 months. Intradialytic resistance exercise training significantly improved SPPB score, LSA score, and PEW score (all, P < 0.05). In addition, intradialytic resistance exercise training improved SPPB score in patients with moderate and severe PEW subgroups (P < 0.05), associated with reduced prevalence of the patients with moderate to severe PEW (53% vs. 36%, P < 0.05). Intradialytic resistance exercise training was safe and effective to improve physical performance, physical activity, and PEW in hemodialysis patients.     

Current Status of Hepatitis C Virus‐Infected Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients in Japan

Complete recovery using interferon therapy in Japanese hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected dialysis patients is difficult to achieve because >70 % of the HCV genotypes observed in Japan are type 1. In 2016, new direct‐acting antiviral drugs against HCV genotype 1 were reported to be effective and safe for HCV‐infected hemodialysis patients. Although new direct antiviral therapy has become available, no large‐scale studies evaluating the status of HCV infection in Japanese hemodialysis patients have been conducted since 2007. Therefore, we conducted a questionnaire survey to determine the current status of HCV infection in patients. Our results indicated that the HCV antibody prevalence was 5.02 %, and HCV RNA prevalence was 72.3 %. Genotype testing revealed that 62.1 % of patients had HCV genotype 1. New direct antiviral therapy may improve the survival of Japanese HCV‐infected dialysis patients.     

肺动脉高压患者右室功能的多普勒超声评价与进展

肺动脉高压会导致患者右室功能减低,早诊断、早治疗肺动脉高压能明显改善患者的预后。近年来应用多普勒超声技术对肺动脉高压患者右室功能研究的新进展层出不穷,如双多普勒同步技术、Tei指数及三尖瓣环收缩期位移等,均为临床提供了全新的评价肺动脉高压及右室功能的新手段及新参数。     

维持性血液透析患者颈动脉硬化与左心室肥厚的关系

目的 研究维持性血液透析患者颈动脉硬化程度与左心室肥厚的关系.方法 收集36例维持性血液透析患者的一般临床资料及透析前的C反应蛋白等生物化学指标,应用彩色多普勒超声仪检测双侧颈总动脉、颈动脉分叉处及颈内动脉斑块、颈动脉内膜中膜厚度等,并用超声心动图测定左心室功能及肥厚指标,并计算左心室质量指数.结果 36例患者中有24例颈动脉斑块阳性,阳性率为67%.颈动脉斑块阳性组患者年龄、透析时间和C反应蛋白明显高于斑块阴性组(P<0.05),血浆白蛋白明显低于斑块阴性组(P<0.05).斑块阳性组颈动脉内膜中膜厚度以及反映左心室肥厚的指标如舒张期末室间隔厚度、左心室质量指数显著高于斑块阴性组.结论 维持性血液透析患者颈动脉硬化与左心室肥厚关系密切,动脉硬化的治疗有可能预防和逆转维持性血液透析患者的左心室肥厚.