Screening of a Population at Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease: Analysis of Factors Associated with Low eGFR and Microalbuminuria

Background and objective: Numerous screenings of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been performed all over the world. This screening study was undertaken with the aim of estimating the prevalence of low glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and microalbuminuria (MAU) and/or proteinuria in a population at risk for CKD and to detect factors associated with these CKD markers. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 1617 patients without previously known kidney disease who came for regular check-ups to their general practitioners in 13 Belgrade health centers over a 3-month period. Patients selected were as follows: 1316 with hypertension, 208 with type 2 diabetes, and 93 older than 60 years without hypertension or diabetes. Screening included a questionnaire, blood pressure measurement, single MAU dipstick measurement (Micral-test® strip) and proteinuria and GFR estimation by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease. Results: MAU was found in 419 (25.9%) patients, proteinuria in 163 (10.1%), and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² in 370 (22.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender, age, duration of hypertension, and smoking were associated with eGFR. Male gender, hypertension, treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, proteinuria, and systolic blood pressure were associated with MAU. Conclusions: High prevalence of MAU/proteinuria and reduced eGFR were found in high-risk persons for CKD. Besides nonmodifiable, significant modifiable factors for MAU were use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and strict regulation of hypertension and the factor for reduced eGFR was smoking.     

Underestimated incidence of kidney disease in nonrenal outpatient

Background and aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been regarded as a severe threaten to public health, a large percentage of CKD are secondary to other diseases. Serum creatinine is the most common marker of renal function, but it did not always reflect glomerular filtration rate (GFR) accurately. In order to investigate the prevalence of kidney disease in non-renal departments and to provide a basis for the prevention of kidney injury, the present study was conducted in several medical centers.

Methods: A total of 17,462 outpatients were selected randomly from the departments of cardiology, endocrinology, and neurology in 16 hospitals and the incidence of kidney disease was screened. Estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated by using MDRD-formula.

Results: There are 5293 (30.1%) patients’ eGFR above 90?mL/min/1.73m² among all the subjects in non-renal departments, and 4055(23%) patients’ eGFR lower than 60?mL/min/1.73?m² including 80 patients whose eGFR were below 15?mL/min/1.73?m². Furthermore, among 16616 subjects who have a normal SCr level, there are 3209 respondents’ eGFR lower than 60?mL/min/1.73?m². Moreover, individuals with hypertension or diabetes had a high prevalence of decreased renal function.

Conclusions: This survey indicated kidney injury wildly existed in non-renal outpatients, and the incidence of CKD is underestimated.     

Effectiveness and current status of multidisciplinary care for patients with chronic kidney disease in Japan: a nationwide multicenter cohort study

Background

Multidisciplinary care is well established in clinical practice, but its effectiveness in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether multidisciplinary care could help to avoid worsening kidney function in patients with CKD.

Methods

This nationwide study had a multicenter retrospective observational design and included 3015 Japanese patients with CKD stage 3–5 who received multidisciplinary care. We assessed the annual decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR) and urinary protein in the 12 months before and 24 months after the start of multidisciplinary care. All-cause mortality and initiation of renal replacement therapy were investigated according to baseline characteristics.

Results

Most of the patients had CKD stage 3b or higher and a median eGFR of 23.5 mL/min/1.73 m². The multidisciplinary care teams consisted of health care professionals from an average of four disciplines. ΔeGFR was significantly smaller at 6, 12, and 24 months after initiation of multidisciplinary care (all P < 0.0001), regardless of the primary cause of CKD and its stage when multidisciplinary intervention was started. Urinary protein level also decreased after initiation of multidisciplinary care. After a median follow-up of 2.9 years, 149 patients had died and 727 had started renal replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary care may significantly slow the decline in eGFR in patients with CKD and might be effective regardless of the primary disease, including in its earlier stages. Multidisciplinary care is recommended for patients with CKD stage 3–5.

Trial registration

UMIN00004999.

     

The relationship between kidney function and body mass index before and after bariatric surgery in patients with chronic kidney disease

BackgroundImprovements in kidney function post–bariatric surgery may be related to weight loss–independent effects.ObjectivesTo characterize the dynamic relationship between body mass index (BMI) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before and after bariatric surgery in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).SettingKaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) health system.MethodsWe conducted an observational, retrospective cohort study of patients with CKD stage 3 or higher who received bariatric surgery at the KPSC health system between 2007–2015. Bariatric surgery procedures included primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedures. Outcomes consisted of mean trajectory estimates and correlations of BMI and eGFR taken between 2 years before and 3 years after surgery. Multivariate functional mixed models were used to estimate how BMI and eGFR trajectories evolved jointly.ResultsA total of 619 RYGB and 474 SG patients were included in the final analytic sample. The measurements were available before surgery for a median time of 1.9 years for SG and 1.8 years for RYGB patients. Median follow-up times after surgery were 2.8 years for both SG and RYGB patients. The mean age at the time of surgery was 58 years; 77% of patients were women; 56% of patients were non-Hispanic White; the mean BMI was 44 kg/m²; 60% of patients had diabetes mellitus; and 84% of patients had hypertension. Compared to the presurgery eGFR declines, the postsurgery declines in eGFR were 57% slower (95% credible interval [CrI], 33%–81%) for RYGB patients and 55% slower (95% CrI, 25%–75%) for SG patients. The mean correlation between BMI and eGFR was negligible at all time points.ConclusionThough bariatric surgery slowed declines in eGFR up to 3 years after surgery, changes in eGFR tracked poorly with changes in BMI. This study provides evidence that the kidney-related benefits of bariatric surgery may be at least partly independent of weight loss. Confirming this hypothesis could lead to mechanistic insights and new treatment options for CKD.     

Renal disease in adult Nigerians with sickle cell anemia: a report of prevalence, clinical features and risk factors

Renal abnormalities in adult Nigerians with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have not been extensively studied. To determine the prevalence, pattern and the associated risk factors of renal disease, 72 subjects with SCA from two centers in the southwestern Nigeria were investigated. Socio-demographic data, body mass index and clinical findings were documented. The urine analysis, serum bio-chemistry, hemogram and renal factors attributable to SCA were determined. Presence of albuminuria of at least 1+ or microalbuminuria in those negative with dipstick; and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Cockcroft-Gault formula categorized subjects to various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Subjects with and without albuminuria were compared to determine the relative risk associated with renal disease. Four (5.6%) subjects had macro-albuminuria, while 32 (44.4%) had micro-albuminuria and 30 (41.7%) had hemoglobinuria. In the subjects with albuminuria, age, hematocrit, systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, urea and creatinine clearance were numerically higher while the eGFR was numerically lower. There was no significant difference in the clinical parameters studied in the two groups of subjects. The diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the albuminuric group. Based on eGFR, 22 (30.6%) subjects had hyperfiltration (GFR > 140 mL/min/1.73 m2), of whom 36.4% had albuminuria, 18 (25.0%) had stage 1 CKD, 30 (41.7%) had stage 2 CKD and two (2.7%) subjects had stage 3 CKD with albuminuria. None had stage 4 and 5 CKD. We conclude that renal abnormalities, importantly albuminuria, is common in adult Nigerians with SCA and the pattern and incidence are similar to those reported from other parts of the world. Regular blood pressure monitoring, early diagnosis and active intervention are advocated to delay progression to end-stage kidney disease in view of poor outcomes of renal replacement therapy in SCA patients with nephropathy.     

Renal function is associated with plasma trimethylamine-N-oxide,choline, l-carnitine and betaine: a pilot study

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) due to a variety of causes. Most patients remain undiagnosed at early stage of CKD and proceed to end stage CKD due to unawareness and lacking of efficient biomarkers. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and its predecessor products: choline, l-carnitine and betaine are associated with reduced renal function. However, whether the combined variation of the four metabolites could contribute in prediction and stratification of impaired glomerular function in Chinese CKD patients is unknown. Our aim is to investigate the associations of plasma TMAO, choline, l-carnitine and betaine with glomerular filtration in CKD patients.

Materials and methods

A total of 65 CKD patients and 64 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Fasting plasma metabolites were detected using liquid chromatography-based method.

Results

Plasma TMAO, choline, betaine and l-carnitine levels were differentially correlated with eGFR. The four metabolites were independently associated with CKD after adjustment for multiple traditional risk factors. The combination of the four metabolites had good performance at discriminating CKD from healthy controls (AUC?=?0.96) as well as discriminating low eGFR from high eGFR in CKD (AUC?=?0.96).

Conclusion

Combinations of TMAO and its precursors were associated with glomerular function and might be utilized in evaluation of CKD.

     

Kidney Function and Histological Damage in Autopsy Subjects with Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We previously reported renal parenchymal damage in autopsy subjects with stroke or abdominal aortic aneurysm. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between renal histology and clinical characteristics of patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: A total of 699 subjects were autopsied at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Hospital. We retrospectively evaluated all autopsy cases with MI (n = 123). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Japanese formula. Subjects were classified into four groups: 25 subjects with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and no proteinuria (no CKD), 10 subjects with eGFR ≥ 60 and proteinuria (CKD1/2), 65 subjects with 60 > eGFR ≥ 30 (CKD3), and 23 subjects with eGFR < 30 (CKD4/5). Renal parenchymal damage was evaluated using a semi-quantitative histological score (score 0–3) for glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, arteriolar hyalinosis, and arteriosclerosis of medium-sized artery (maximum score = 15). Results: The mean histological score was significantly higher in patients with CKD3 and CKD4/5 and was associated with age, hypertension, diabetes, kidney function, proteinuria, and other CVD. Conclusions: In patients with MI, renal parenchymal damage and deteriorating kidney function are closely associated.     

Effect of multidisciplinary care of dialysis initiation for outpatients with chronic kidney disease

Background

The aim of comprehensive multidisciplinary care (MDC) by the chronic kidney disease (CKD) team is not only to prevent worsening renal function, but also provide education on the selection of renal replacement therapy (RRT) by shared decision making (SDM). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of MDC for predialysis outpatients on dialysis therapy, especially with regard to peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods

This study evaluated 112 CKD patients who underwent dialysis at our hospital starting from 2012, with 53 outpatients receiving MDC from the CKD team and 59 outpatients not receiving MDC. Annual decreases in the estimated glomerular filtration rates (ΔeGFR), the duration from the time of intervention to dialysis initiation, the urgent dialysis rate using a temporary catheter, and the PD selection rate were compared and examined between the two groups. The ΔeGFR, the duration from intervention to PD initiation, and the PD retention rate were compared between 18 PD patients in the MDC group and 10 PD patients in the non-MDC group.

Results

The MDC group had a significantly lower ΔeGFR, significantly longer duration, and a significantly lower urgent dialysis initiation rate versus the non-MDC group. Moreover, there was a significantly higher PD selection rate, significantly prolonged duration, and significantly higher PD retention rate.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary CKD team care for outpatients is effective in delaying the progression of CKD and avoiding the initiation of urgent dialysis; contributing to improved PD selectivity and continuity by SDM.

     

The impact of introducing automated eGFR reporting on uncovering new cases of chronic kidney disease in a University Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of introducing eGFR automated reporting on uncovering new cases of Chronic Kidney Disease. Methods: All serum creatinine (SCr) in adult patients attending outpatient clinics over a two-month period were recorded and eGFR estimated. Cases with a SCr within normal limits but were in CKD stage 3 (<60?mL/min) or higher were recorded and their numbers, percentages and mean ages calculated. Stages 1 and 2 were excluded from analysis because urinary albumin and other urinary abnormalities were not checked. Results: A total of 26,422 SCr from different patients were included. The mean SCr was 92.5?±?130.9?μmol/ and the mean eGFR was 99.8?±?32.4?mL/min/1.73?m². Of all the10,601 males with normal SCr, 0.84% were in CKD stage 3 and in all the 14,695 female, 19.24% were in stage 2 in stage. Of all the 14,695 females with serum creatinine in the normal range, 200 (1.36%) were in CKD stage 3. The patients in stages 2 and 3 were significantly older. Conclusion: If our findings are shown to be true for the rest of Saudi Arabia, one could extrapolate that for each 100,000 serum creatinine assayed for males, 840 new cases will be uncovered in CKD stage 3. The corresponding number for females would be 1360 cases.     

Implication of CKD-EPI Equation to Estimate Glomerular Filtration Rate in Chinese Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the applicability of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in Chinese patients of different stages of CKD. Methods: The CKD-EPI equation estimated GFR (eGFR) was compared with body surface area standardized GFR (sGFR), which was measured by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid renal dynamic imaging method in 142 CKD cases. Results: eGFR was positively correlated with sGFR (r = 0.838, p < 0.001). eGFR of 15%, 30%, and 50% accuracy were 31.0%, 57.7%, and 76.8%, respectively. Average deviation of eGFR from sGFR was ?0.92 ± 16.36 mL/min/1.73 m² (p = 0.506). There was no significant deviation in the CKD from stages 2 to 5. However, in CKD stage 1, the deviation was increased with the value of 13.36 ± 18.44 mL/min/1.73 m² (p = 0.023). Conclusion: CKD-EPI equation might be widely used in evaluation of Chinese CKD patients of different stages, with a less deviation and higher accuracy. However, in CKD stage 1, eGFR was higher than sGFR on average. It was suggested that eGFR might be overcorrected or overestimated. These results demonstrated that careful modification of CKD-EPI equation would be necessary in Chinese populations with CKD.     

Neobladder creation in patients with chronic kidney disease: A viable diversion strategy

IntroductionRenal function impairment is often cited as a contraindication to continent diversion strategies. There is little evidence exploring renal function changes between continent and incontinent surgery in patients with preoperative chronic kidney disease (CKD), in particular CKD3B.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of two high-volume centers performing robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with orthotopic neobladder (ONB) or ileal conduit (IC) between 2014 to 2020. Patients were stratified based on CKD estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) stage, which was estimated via the CKD-EPI equation. Postoperative renal function was compared for up to 60 months postoperative. Surgical, post-surgical, complications, and readmission data were gathered and compared between all patientsResults522 cystectomy patients, 430 with IC and 125 with ONB, were included. eGFR decline was statistically significant in a matched cohort of IC and ONB patients only at 3 months. There were no statistically significant differences between readmission rates, time to readmission, or complications. 34.6% of stage 3B patients had hydronephrosis on imaging prior to surgery, compared to 11.4%, 22.1% and 21.8% of CKD stage 1, 2, and 3A patients. CKD stage 3B had statistically and clinically improved eGFR through 24 months.ConclusionONB surgery may be a viable diversion strategy in patients previously thought to be contraindicated due to low renal function.     

The impact of sleeve gastrectomy on renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease varies with severity of renal insufficiency

BackgroundAlthough laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is known, in general, to improve renal function in patients with obesity and chronic kidney disease (CKD), its effect on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) stratified by the stage of CKD is less clear.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the impact of sleeve gastrectomy on renal function in a stratified cohort of patients with CKD.SettingUniversity Hospital.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 1932 patients who met National Institutes of Health’s guidelines for metabolic surgery and underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy performed by 1 of 3 surgeons. One hundred sixty-four patients with CKD stages 1 through 4 were identified.ResultsMean follow-up period was 1.57 ± 1.0 years. Mean age was 56.4 ± 9.9 years with a preoperative body mass index of 47 ± 9 kg/m², which decreased to 38.9 ± 8.7 kg/m² at most recent follow-up (P < .001). In the cohort of patients with diabetes, significant decreases were observed in mean glycated hemoglobin level, daily number of oral hypoglycemics, and daily long acting insulin use (P < .001 each). Of 67 patients with diabetes, 34.3% (n = 24) achieved complete remission. In patients with hypertension, average daily number of antihypertensives decreased (P < .001) and 22.3% (n = 31) of 133 patients with hypertension discontinued all antihypertensives. Patients with CKD stages 2, 3a, and 3b showed significant improvement in eGFR. Reinforcing this evidence of improvement, patients with CKD 3a and 3b were more likely to downstage disease compared with those with CKD 4 (58.1% versus 73.1% versus 22.7%, respectively) (P < .001).ConclusionRenal function, as measured by eGFR, in patients with stages 1 and 4 CKD did not improve after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; in contrast, eGFR in patients with CKD stages 2 and 3 significantly improved. Early surgical referral and intervention may be important in achieving the greatest improvement in eGFR and possibly delaying or reversing progression to end-stage renal disease.     

Renal disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Background

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is a lifelong progressive disorder. However, how age, blood pressure, and stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) affect the rate of kidney function deterioration is not clearly understood.

Methods

In this long-term observational case study up to 13.9?years (median observation period for slope was 3.3?years), serum creatinine was serially measured in 255 mostly adult patients. The glomerular filtration rate was estimated (eGFR) using a modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study method. The total kidney volume (TKV) has been measured in 86 patients at one center since 2006.

Results

As age increased, eGFR declined significantly (P?Conclusion The declining rate of eGFR was relatively constant and did not correlate with age or eGFR after adolescence. eGFR was already low in young adult patients with hypertension. As age increased after adolescence, eGFR declined and TKV increased similarly between normal and high blood pressure groups. eGFR starts to decline in patients with normal eGFR, suggesting that the decline starts earlier than previously thought.     

Kidney failure,CKD progression and mortality after nephrectomy

Purpose

This study tested the hypothesis that progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is less aggressive in patients whose primary cause of CKD was nephrectomy, compared with non-surgical causes.

Methods

A sample of 5983 patients from five specialist nephrology practices was ascertained from the Queensland CKD Registry. Rates of kidney failure/death were compared on primary aetiology of CKD using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. CKD progression was compared using multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses.

Results

Of 235 patients with an acquired single kidney as their primary cause of CKD, 24 (10%) and 38 (17%) developed kidney failure or died at median [IQR] follow-up times of 12.9 [2.5–31.0] and 33.6 [18.0–57.9] months after recruitment. Among patients with an eGFR?<?45 mL/min per 1.73m² at recruitment, patients with diabetic nephropathy and PCKD had the highest rates (per 1000 person-years) of kidney failure (107.8, 95% CI 71.0–163.8; 75.5, 95% CI 65.6–87.1); whereas, patients with glomerulonephritis and an acquired single kidney had lower rates (52.9, 95% CI 38.8–72.1; 34.6, 95% CI 20.5–58.4, respectively). Among patients with an eGFR?≥?45 mL/min per 1.73m², those with diabetic nephropathy had the highest rates of kidney failure (16.6, 95% CI 92.5–117.3); whereas, those with glomerulonephritis, PCKD and acquired single kidney had a lower risk (11.3, 95% CI 7.1–17.9; 11.7, 95% CI 3.8–36.2; 10.7, 95% CI 4.0–28.4, respectively).

Conclusion

Patients who developed CKD after nephrectomy had similar rates of adverse events to most other causes of CKD, except for diabetic nephropathy which was consistently associated with worse outcomes. While CKD after nephrectomy is not the most aggressive cause of kidney disease, it is by no means benign, and is associated with a tangible risk of kidney failure and death, which is comparable to other major causes of CKD.

     

Kidney function predicts the risk of asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease in a Chinese community-based population

Purpose

Lower-extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can predict the risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a precursor of CVD has been proven to be independently associated with PAD. However, few data exist regarding the prediction value of kidney function for incident asymptomatic PAD in community-based populations. We aimed to investigate the predicting value of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for incident asymptomatic PAD in a Chinese community-based population. A total of 3549 subjects without PAD and eGFR?>?30 ml/min/1.73 m² were included.

Methods

PAD was defined by an ankle-brachial index (ABI)?≤?0.9. Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the associations.

Results

Subjects were 56.69?±?8.56 years old and 35.9% were males. After 2.36 years of follow-up, the incidence of asymptomatic PAD was 3.1%. The risk of incident PAD was graded related to the categories of eGFR. Compared to participants with normal kidney function, the multivariate adjusted OR [95% CI] for new PAD was 1.31 (0.81–2.12) for those with mildly decreased kidney function, 4.13 (1.73–9.89) for those with grades 3 CKD (P for trend: 0.014). Baseline eGFR was significantly and linearly associated with incident PAD (OR [95% CI] for each 5 mL/min/1.73 m² decrease of eGFR: 1.23 [1.09–1.38]) in participants with baseline eGFR?<?90 mL/min/1.73 m² but not in those with baseline eGFR?≥?90 mL/min/1.73 m² after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusion

Kidney function was an independent risk factor for development of incident PAD in community-based population with baseline eGFR?≤?90 mL/min/1.73 m².

     

Sleeve gastrectomy in patients with severe obesity and baseline chronic kidney disease improves kidney function independently of weight loss: a propensity score matched analysis

BackgroundIn the last 10 years, severe obesity and the associated metabolic syndrome have reached pandemic proportions and consequently have significantly increased the prevalence of related co-morbidities such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). One in 7 people in the United States have CKD, and 90% of those are not aware of it.ObjectivesFollowing sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in patients with severe obesity and baseline CKD stage ≥2, to determine improvement of glomerular function and analyze the relationship between kidney function and weight loss.SettingUS Hospital, Academic Institution.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent SG at our institution from 2010 to 2019. Kidney function assessment using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration Study (CKD-EPI) equation and classification was carried out preoperatively and postoperatively at 12-months follow-up. Propensity score matching (1:1 ratio) was used to balance the distribution of covariates between patients with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <90 mL/min/1.73 m² and patients with normal kidney function.ResultsWe calculated the eGFR of 1330 bariatric patients who underwent SG. Of these patients, 18.79% (n = 250) met the criteria for CKD-EPI eGFR calculation preoperatively and at 12-months follow-up after SG. From the 250 patients included in the analysis, 42% (n = 105) were classified as CKD stage ≥2. When comparing the baseline preoperative eGFR at 12-months follow-up after SG, we observed an improvement of 8.26 ± 11.89 mL/min/1.73 m² in CKD stage ≥2 (eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m²) as compared with 1.98 ± 10.25 mL/min/1.73 m² in patients with eGFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m² (P < .001).ConclusionThere is short-term improvement of the eGFR in patients with severe obesity following SG. This improvement is significant in CKD stages ≥2 and seems unrelated to weight loss.     

Total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio is independently associated with CKD progression

Purpose

Although dyslipidemia can cause kidney damage, whether it independently contributes to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. The research aims to evaluate the predictive value of serum lipids and their ratios in the progression of CKD.

Methods

The retrospective, case–control study included 380 adult subjects with CKD stage 3–4 (G3-4) at baseline. The end point of follow-up was the progression of CKD, defined as a composite of renal function rapid decline [an annual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline?>?5 mL/min/1.73 m²] or the new-onset end-stage renal disease (ESRD) [eGFR?<?15 mL/min/1.73 m²]. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between CKD progression and lipid parameters. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive power of lipid parameters in the progression of CKD.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 3.0 years, 96 participants (25.3%) developed CKD progression. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, logarithm-transformed urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (log ACR) [odds ratio (OR) 1.834;95% confidence interval (CI) 1.253–2.685; P?=?0.002] and total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C) [OR 1.345; 95% CI 1.079–1.677; P?=?0.008] were independently associated with CKD progression. The ROC curve showed the combined predictor of ACR and TC/HDL-C ratio was acceptable for CKD progression diagnosis (area under the ROC curve [AUC]?=?0.716, sensitivity 50.0%, specificity 84.2%), and the cut-off value was ? 0.98.

Conclusions

The combination of TC/HDL-C ratio and ACR had predictive value in the progression of CKD, and may help identify the high-risk population with CKD.

     

Biophysical integrated approach for the management of early stages of CKD in elderly patients: a 12-month controlled study

Background

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and its clinical evolution are an emerging issue, due to an increasingly aging population. Consequently, the evaluation of integrative strategies to manage the decline in renal function is warranted. The previous evidence indicates that a biophysical integrated approach can significantly improve renal function. Nevertheless, controlled trials assessing the clinical efficacy of this strategy are still needed.

Methods

A 12-month controlled study was designed to assess the clinical outcome of a group of elderly patients affected by stage II/IIIa CKD randomly assigned to either control or biophysical treatment. In addition to the standard treatment with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors, the biophysical group underwent electromagnetic information transfer through aqueous system procedure every 3 months. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), according to CKD–epidemiology collaboration formula, was calculated at baseline and every 3 months.

Results

A total of 238 patients were included in the study, 118 (73.9?±?3.8 years) in the biophysical therapy group and 120 (74.6?±?4.2 years) in the control group. At baseline, mean eGFR was 69?±?11.8 ml/min in the biophysical group and 70.7?±?11.5 ml/min in the control group. After 1 year, eGFR was 74.1?±?12.3 ml/min in the biophysical group, compared to 66.3?±?11.9 ml/min in the control group, with a statistically significant difference between groups (p?<?0.0001). The observed improvement in eGFR in the biophysical group was independent of age, gender, and antihypertensive treatment.

Conclusion

This study shows a potential contribution of a biophysical integrated strategy to support renal function against its natural decline in the elderly, warranting further clinical evaluation.

     

Long-term renal functional outcomes of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

ObjectivePreservation of renal function is the major benefit of partial over radical nephrectomy. We evaluated patients undergoing minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN) to better understand factors predicting long-term renal function.MethodsWe identified 358 patients who underwent MIPN for confirmed renal cell carcinoma between 1998 and 2011 with a serum creatinine level at least 1 year postoperatively. Exposure variables included demographic, clinical, and perioperative information. The primary outcome was clinically significant progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) class, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreasing from >60 to<60, from 30 to 60 to <30, or from 15 to 30 to<15. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed.ResultsMedian follow-up was 39 months. Only 7 patients had a solitary kidney. A total of 47 patients (13%) had CKD class progression. The estimates for remaining free of CKD class progression at 5, 7, and 10 years were 86.98%, 75.45%, and 53.54%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, lower preoperative eGFR (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.98), larger tumor size (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01–1.48), and longer ischemia time (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05) were associated with CKD class progression.ConclusionsClinically significant progression of CKD occurs in a minority of patients 5 years after MIPN, but in almost one-half, it occurs 10 years after surgery. Lower preoperative eGFR and larger tumor size are associated with greater incidence of CKD progression. Longer ischemia time, even when most patients had 2 kidneys and when controlling for other factors, nonetheless increased the risk of CKD progression, although this may be a marker of other unmeasured variables.     

Postural stability during standing and its association with physical and cognitive functions in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients

Purpose

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterised by poor physical function. A possible factor may be aberrant changes to balance and postural stability (i.e. ability to maintain centre of pressure (COP)). Previous research has exclusively focused on patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT). The current study investigated postural stability in a group of CKD patients not requiring RRT.

Methods

30 CKD patients (aged 57.0?±?17.8 years, 47% female, mean eGFR 42.9?±?27.2 ml/kg/1.73 m²) underwent a series of physical function assessments including the sit-to-stand-5 and -60, incremental shuttle walk test, gait speed, and short physical performance battery. Postural stability (defined as total COP ellipse (mm²) displacement) was measured using the Fysiometer board. Control reference data were provided by the manufacture. Cognitive function was assessed using the ‘Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic’ (MOCA-B)’.

Results

CKD patients had poorer postural stability during quiet standing than reference values across all age categories (≤?39 years, 24.9?±?11.3 vs. 10.4?±?1.8 mm²; 40–59 years, 34.3?±?19.0 vs. 17.7?±?6.2 mm²;?≥?60 years, 39.7?±?21.2 vs. 16.8?±?2.9 mm², all comparisons P?<?0.001). Reductions in postural stability were associated with both physical and cognitive functioning. In females only, postural stability worsened with declining renal function (r?=???0.790, P?<?0.01).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first and largest experimental report concerning measurement of postural stability of CKD patients not requiring RRT. Our findings suggest that postural stability is associated with worse physical and cognitive functioning in this patient group.