Eighteen years experience in pediatric acute dialysis: analysis of predictors of outcome

This study reviewed the 18-year experience of acute dialysis in the pediatric intensive care unit, in order to identify factors that could predict outcome, and to determine whether newer modalities of acute dialysis have influenced this outcome. Sixty-six children (ages 1 day to 19 years) received acute dialysis from May 1980 to April 1998. Factors predicting outcome were analyzed using univariate and Cox regression analysis. Modality of dialysis in the first 15 years was exclusively peritoneal dialysis, with a mortality of 63.9%. However, in the last 3 years, with increasing patient numbers, continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) was the modality of choice (56.7%), with a mortality of 73.3%. Univariate analysis showed that age <1 year, coma, acute tubular necrosis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, assisted ventilation, and hypotension were associated significantly with poor outcome (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that mortality was significantly higher in patients on mechanical ventilation (RR 5.96, 95% CI 1.82–19.50), or with age <1 year (RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.08–3.73). In conclusion, despite the increasing use of CHDF over the last 3 years, there was no significant improvement in mortality, probably related to the fact that more critically ill patients were dialyzed. Received: 21 March 2000 / Revised: 12 October 2000 / Accepted: 19 October 2000     

Beneficial influence of recombinant human erythropoietin therapy on the rate of progression of chronic renal failure in predialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Partial correction of anaemia with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) has been shown to markedly improve the general condition and quality of life of predialysis patients, but the effects of rHuEpo therapy on blood pressure and the rate of progression of chronic renal failure (CRF) are still disputed. In particular, no study evaluated the time duration until the start of maintenance dialysis in treated patients, compared to untreated predialysis patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the rate of decline of creatinine clearance (Delta Ccr) and the duration of the predialysis period in 20 patients with advanced CRF treated with rHuEpo (Epo+ group), and in 43 patients with a similar degree of CRF but with less marked, asymptomatic anaemia, not requiring rHuEpo therapy (Epo- group). All patients were submitted to identical clinical and laboratory surveillance. All received similar oral supplementation with B(6), B(9), and B(12) vitamins and oral iron supplementation. Maintenance dose of subcutaneous epoetin was 54.3+/-16.5 U/kg/week (median dose 3300 U/week). RESULTS: Initial and final haemoglobin (Hb) levels were 8.8+/-0.7 and 11.3+/-0.9 g/dl in the Epo+ group, vs 10.9+/-1.2 and 9.5+/-0.9 g/dl in the Epo- group. In the Epo+ group, Delta Ccr declined from 0.36+/-0.16 during the preceding 24 months to 0.26+/-0.15 ml/min/ 1.73 m(2)/month after the start of rHuEpo therapy (P<0.05). No significant variation was observed in the Epo- group. Time duration until the start of dialysis was 16.2+/-11.9 in the Epo+ group, compared to 10.6+/-6.1 months in the Epo- group (P<0.01). Slowing of progression was observed in 10 Epo+ patients, whereas no significant variation in Delta Ccr occurred in the other 10. There was no difference in previous Delta Ccr rate, nor in Hb or blood pressure levels while on rHuEpo therapy between the two subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study affords conclusive evidence that rHuEpo therapy did not result in accelerated progression of CRF in any treated predialysis patients, nor deleterious increase in blood pressure, but instead resulted in significant slowing of progression and substantial retardation of maintenance dialysis. Such encouraging results remain to be validated in a large prospective, randomized study.     

Clinical efficacy of sildenafil in patients on chronic dialysis

PURPOSE: We evaluate the clinical efficacy of sildenafil citrate for patients who are on chronic dialysis and who have concomitant erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 men (mean age 60.7 years) on dialysis and with erectile dysfunction of various etiologies were administered 25 to 100 mg sildenafil for at least 6 months. The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF), a global assessment question and partner satisfaction question were used to evaluate sildenafil efficacy. Patients also reported any adverse events that occurred during treatment. RESULTS: Treatment was effective for 28 of the 35 (80%) patients according to the results of the IIEF and global assessment questions. Partner satisfaction correlated with the IIEF overall response (0.79) and global assessment question results (0.86). No correlation was found between sildenafil failure and patient age, the etiology of erectile dysfunction, duration of erectile dysfunction, prior treatments, testosterone and prolactin blood levels, and the duration and etiology of renal failure. Of the 35 patients sildenafil was stopped due to intolerable headaches in 3 and because of lack of efficacy in 7. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil is an effective and safe treatment for erectile dysfunction in most patients on chronic dialysis.     

低钙腹膜透析液对尿毒症患者颈动脉粥样硬化的影响

目的探讨低钙腹膜透析（PD）液对尿毒症患者颈动脉粥样硬化的影响及机制。方法将60例行连续性非卧床腹膜透析（CAPD）且合并颈动脉粥样硬化的患者随机分为A组（标准钙PD液治疗组,30例）和B组（低钙PD液治疗组,30例）,均继续行正规CAPD治疗。观察治疗12周前后患者颈动脉内-中膜厚度（IMT）及颈动脉粥样硬化斑块发生率的变化,同时生化法检测血清钙浓度,ELISA法测定血清基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）水平。结果经过12周的分组透析后,B组患者的血清钙、MMP-9[（2．25±0．24）mmol／L、（564．72±124．69）μg／L]较A组患者[（2．40±0．37）mmol／L、（718．56±111．83）μg／L]明显下降（P〈0．05）,颈动脉IMT[（1．17±0．28）mm]亦显著低于A组[（1．25±0．19）mm]（P〈0．05）。结论低钙PD液可延缓尿毒症患者颈动脉粥样硬化的进展,其对血清MMP-9的影响可能是其机制之一。     

Gadolinium and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: association or causation

SUMMARY:   With widespread availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it has become standard practice for patients with severe renal impairment or previous severe reactions to iodine-containing contrast media to receive gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents instead of traditional radiographic contrast agents, particularly for magnetic resonance angiography. However, there is growing concern about the use of gadolinium contrast agents in the presence of severe renal insufficiency, because of increasing reports of nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD)/nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), associated with the exposure to certain gadolinium-containing contrast agents. In this review we explore the causal link between gadolinium exposure and NSF, using an established system of epidemiological criteria proposed by Bradford Hill. Though the current evidence makes gadolinium a strong suspect as an aetiologic agent for NSF in the presence of severe renal failure, the die is not cast yet. At this stage there needs to be cautious approach to the use of gadolinium-containing contrast agents in the presence of severe renal failure (glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m²).     

Single UK centre experience on the treatment of PD peritonitis--antibiotic levels and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies of the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin and gentamicin in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and the influence of antibiotic concentrations on treatment outcome. Concerns about resistance to ceftazidime and potential of aminoglycoside toxicity make the choice of empiric antibiotic difficult. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from 613 patients on PD between 1 June 2002 and 31 December 2005. During this time, we adopted a protocol that minimized aminoglycoside exposure to patients with residual renal function and carefully monitored serum antibiotic concentrations. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in mean day-5 vancomycin concentrations for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) vs automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and for anuric vs not-anuric patients. However, low levels (<12 mg/l) were recorded for 12.8% CAPD and 15% APD patients. These remained low at day 10 in 16% patients (25% if not anuric) despite incremental dosing. Vancomycin concentration did not predict cure or relapse of Gram-positive or culture-negative peritonitis. Gentamicin concentration (>2 mg/l in >50% patients) did not predict outcome of Gram-negative and culture-negative peritonitis. Moreover, cure rates were the same irrespective of whether gentamicin was continued for 14 days or was switched to ceftazidime after 5 days. CONCLUSION: We have confirmed that the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) dosing guideline for vancomycin in CAPD and APD patients produces adequate serum concentrations of the antibiotics in the vast majority. However, large incremental dosing of vancomycin is needed if day-5 levels are low; especially for not-anuric patients. Whilst evidence of gentamicin toxicity in PD remains controversial, ISPD dosing regimen resulted in high levels for >50% patients. High gentamicin concentrations did not correlate with treatment success, but switching gentamicin to ceftazidime at day 5 appeared safe and limited aminoglycoside exposure. Increasing vancomycin and gentamicin concentrations do not appear to improve cure rates and alternative strategies (such as combination treatment) should be considered for future research.     

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in patients with renal failure due to multiple myeloma

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is being used only in limited number of patients with renal failure due to multiple myeloma, despite having better preservation of hemoglobin, higher clearance of paraproteins, and higher chances of recovery of renal function than maintenance hemodialysis. We are reporting our short-term experience of five patients with multiple myeloma who presented with renal failure and required long term continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for the treatment of uremia.     

A ‘Weight‐Listing’ Paradox for Candidates of Renal Transplantation?

Research suggests that end-stage renal disease patients with elevated body mass index (BMI) have superior outcomes on dialysis. In contrast, low and high BMI patients represent the highest risk cohorts for kidney transplant recipients. The important question remains concerning how to manage transplant candidates given the potentially incommensurate impact of BMI by treatment modality. We conducted a retrospective analysis of waitlisted and transplanted patients in the United States from 1990 to 2003. We constructed Cox models to evaluate the effect of BMI on mortality of waitlisted candidates and identified risk factors for rapid weight change. We then assessed the impact of weight change during waitlisting on transplant outcomes. Decline in BMI on the waiting list was not protective for posttransplant mortality or graft loss across BMI strata. Substantial weight loss pretransplantation was associated with rapid gain posttransplantation. The highest risk for death was among listed patients with low BMI (13-20 kg/m(2), adjusted hazard ratio = 1.47, p < 0.01). Approximately one-third of candidates had a change in BMI category prior to transplantation. While observed declines in BMI may be volitional or markers of disease processes, there is no evidence that candidates have improved transplant outcomes attributable to weight loss. Prospective trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of weight loss protocols for candidates of kidney transplantation.     

Risk factors for acute renal failure requiring dialysis after surgery for congenital heart disease in children

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on the risk factors for acute renal failure (ARF) following cardiac surgery in children with congenital heart disease. This cohort study was conducted to examine this subject, as well as changes in the incidence of ARF from 1993 to 2002, the in-hospital mortality and the time spent in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: One thousand, one hundred and twenty-eight children, operated on for congenital heart disease between 1993 and 2002, were identified from our prospectively collected ICU database to obtain data on potential risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 130 children (11.5%) developed ARF after surgery. A young age [> or =1.0 vs. <0.1 year; odds ratio (OR), 0.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12-0.46], high Risk Adjusted Classification of Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) score (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.66-4.45) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (<90 min vs. none; OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.03-6.96; > or =90 min vs. none; OR, 12.94; 95% CI, 5.46-30.67) were independent risk factors for ARF. The risk of ARF decreased during the study period. Children with ARF spent a significantly longer time in the ICU (2-7 days vs. <2 days, P = 0.002; > or =7 days vs. <2 days, P < 0.001) compared with non-ARF patients, and showed increased in-hospital mortality (20% vs. 5%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A young age, high RACHS-1 score and CPB were independent risk factors for ARF after surgical procedures for congenital heart disease in children. The risk of ARF decreased during the study period. Children with severe ARF spent a longer time in the ICU, and the mortality in ARF patients was higher than that in non-ARF patients.     

Baseline and time-averaged fluid removal affect technique survival in peritoneal dialysis in a non-linear fashion

AIM: The longevity of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is limited by technique failure and patient mortality. The authors assessed the influence of baseline and time-averaged fluid removal on patient, technique and death-censored technique survival. METHODS: Peritoneal and total fluid removal was measured 1 month after commencing PD, then 6 monthly, in 225 incident patients (mean age 55.3+/-15.8 years, 52% male). A Cox proportional hazards model regression analysis was performed to identify variables independently predictive of technique and patient survival. RESULTS: Seventy (31.9%) patients were transferred to haemodialysis and 39 (17.63%) died. Technique survival was greatest in the middle tertile of baseline total fluid removal (mean survival time 3.5 vs 2.5 and 2.2 years for the lower and upper tertiles, respectively, log rank 6.5, P=0.039). The middle tertile of both baseline and time-averaged total fluid removal were significant predictors of PD survival (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.476, 95% CI 0.286-0.795, P=0.005 relative to the upper tertile and HR 0.573, 95% CI 0.350-0.939, P=0.027 for baseline and time-averaged, respectively). Other significant variables on multivariate analysis were body mass index (HR 1.044 per kg/m2, 95% CI 1.005-1.084, P=0.028), creatinine (HR 0.999 per micromol, 95% CI 0.998-1.000, P=0.048) and residual Kt/V (HR 0.418, 95% CI 0.233-0.747, P=0.003). Patient survival was not affected by fluid removal. CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate total fluid removal both at baseline and throughout their PD career have improved technique survival. Attention should be paid to optimizing total fluid removal.