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Recent advances in treatment of haemodialysis.
Burton, JO, Corbett, RW, Kalra, PA, Vas, P, Yiu, V, Chrysochou, C, Kirmizis, D
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 2021;(1):30-37
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Abstract
Haemodialysis remains the most widely used treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. Despite the progress that has occurred in the treatment of end-stage renal disease over the last six decades, there has been a failure to translate this into the desired clinical benefits, with morbidity and mortality rates among patients on haemodialysis remaining unacceptably high. Recently, however, there have been expectations that the significant advances that took place over the last few years may result in improved outcomes. New medications for the treatment of anaemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism, as well as novel trends in the areas of iron therapy, diabetes management and physical exercise are among the most important advances which, taken together, are changing the standards of care for patients on haemodialysis. The latest advances, of relevance not only to specialists in Renal Medicine but also to general practitioners caring for these patients, are reviewed in this collaborative paper.
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A Scoping Review of Alternative Anticoagulation Strategies for Hemodialysis Patients with a Mechanical Heart Valve.
Thomson, BKA, Pilkey, NG, Monteith, B, Holden, RM
American journal of nephrology. 2021;(10-11):861-870
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have high rates of cardiac valvulopathy but can develop contraindications for vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy. We explored the evidence for alternative anticoagulation strategies in patients with ESRD with a contraindication for VKA therapy. METHODS A scoping review was completed, searching MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Conference abstracts from inception to March 30, 2021. The study population was patients with ESRD who were on VKA therapy and developed a contraindication to VKA therapy use. All data regarding studies, patient characteristics, anticoagulation strategy, and clinical outcomes were summarized. RESULTS Twenty-three articles met inclusion criteria. These articles included 57 patients. Contraindications to VKA therapy included calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) (n = 55) and warfarin-induced skin necrosis (n = 2). All studies were either case reports or case series. There were 10 anticoagulation strategies identified. Continuation of VKA therapy was associated with increased death and decreased rates of CUA resolution (80.0% and 10.0%, respectively), compared to apixaban (24.0% and 70.8%), subcutaneous (SC) low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) (14.3%, 85.7%), and SC unfractionated heparin (0.0%, 100.0%). While only 5 patient cases were reported with mechanical heart valves, SC LMWH use has been reported in this context with good outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In patients with ESRD who develop a contraindication to VKA therapy, several alternative anticoagulation strategies have been reported with superior outcomes to VKA continuation. While outcomes appear superior to continuation of VKA therapy, more data are required before definitive recommendations can be made for the patient with ESRD and a mechanical heart valve.
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APD or CAPD: one glove does not fit all.
Roumeliotis, A, Roumeliotis, S, Leivaditis, K, Salmas, M, Eleftheriadis, T, Liakopoulos, V
International urology and nephrology. 2021;(6):1149-1160
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Abstract
The use of Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) in its various forms has increased over the past few years mainly in developed countries. This could be attributed to improved cycler design, apparent lifestyle benefits and the ability to achieve adequacy and ultrafiltration targets. However, the dilemma of choosing the superior modality between APD and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) has not yet been resolved. When it comes to fast transporters and assisted PD, APD is certainly considered the most suitable Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) modality. Improved patients' compliance, lower intraperitoneal pressure and possibly lower incidence of peritonitis have been also associated with APD. However, concerns regarding increased cost, a more rapid decline in residual renal function, inadequate sodium removal and disturbed sleep are APD's setbacks. Besides APD superiority over CAPD in fast transporters, the other medical advantages of APD still remain controversial. In any case, APD should be readily available for all patients starting PD and the most important indication for its implementation remains patient's choice.
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A Roadmap for Innovation to Advance Transplant Access and Outcomes: A Position Statement From the National Kidney Foundation.
Lentine, KL, Pastan, S, Mohan, S, Reese, PP, Leichtman, A, Delmonico, FL, Danovitch, GM, Larsen, CP, Harshman, L, Wiseman, A, et al
American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation. 2021;(3):319-332
Abstract
Over the past 65 years, kidney transplantation has evolved into the optimal treatment for patients with kidney failure, dramatically reducing suffering through improved survival and quality of life. However, access to transplant is still limited by organ supply, opportunities for transplant are inequitably distributed, and lifelong transplant survival remains elusive. To address these persistent needs, the National Kidney Foundation convened an expert panel to define an agenda for future research. The key priorities identified by the panel center on the needs to develop and evaluate strategies to expand living donation, improve waitlist management and transplant readiness, maximize use of available deceased donor organs, and extend allograft longevity. Strategies targeting the critical goal of decreasing organ discard that warrant research investment include educating patients and clinicians about potential benefits of accepting nonstandard organs, use of novel organ assessment technologies and real-time decision support, and approaches to preserve and resuscitate allografts before implantation. The development of personalized strategies to reduce the burden of lifelong immunosuppression and support "one transplant for life" was also identified as a vital priority. The panel noted the specific goal of improving transplant access and graft survival for children with kidney failure. This ambitious agenda will focus research investment to promote greater equity and efficiency in access to transplantation, and help sustain long-term benefits of the gift of life for more patients in need.
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Exercise intolerance in kidney diseases: physiological contributors and therapeutic strategies.
Kirkman, DL, Bohmke, N, Carbone, S, Garten, RS, Rodriguez-Miguelez, P, Franco, RL, Kidd, JM, Abbate, A
American journal of physiology. Renal physiology. 2021;(2):F161-F173
Abstract
Exertional fatigue, defined as the overwhelming and debilitating sense of sustained exhaustion that impacts the ability to perform activities of daily living, is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Subjective reports of exertional fatigue are paralleled by objective measurements of exercise intolerance throughout the spectrum of the disease. The prevalence of exercise intolerance is clinically noteworthy, as it leads to increased frailty, worsened quality of life, and an increased risk of mortality. The physiological underpinnings of exercise intolerance are multifaceted and still not fully understood. This review aims to provide a comprehensive outline of the potential physiological contributors, both central and peripheral, to kidney disease-related exercise intolerance and highlight current and prospective interventions to target this symptom. In this review, the CKD-related metabolic derangements, cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction, altered physiological responses to oxygen consumption, vascular derangements, and sarcopenia are discussed in the context of exercise intolerance. Lifestyle interventions to improve exertional fatigue, such as aerobic and resistance exercise training, are discussed, and the lack of dietary interventions to improve exercise tolerance is highlighted. Current and prospective pharmaceutical and nutraceutical strategies to improve exertional fatigue are also broached. An extensive understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of exercise intolerance will allow for the development of more targeted therapeutic approached to improve exertional fatigue and health-related quality of life in CKD and ESRD.
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Sudden cardiac death in dialysis patients: different causes and management strategies.
Genovesi, S, Boriani, G, Covic, A, Vernooij, RWM, Combe, C, Burlacu, A, Davenport, A, Kanbay, M, Kirmizis, D, Schneditz, D, et al
Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association. 2021;(3):396-405
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Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) represents a major cause of death in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The precise estimate of its incidence is difficult to establish because studies on the incidence of SCD in ESKD are often combined with those related to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurring during a haemodialysis (HD) session. The aim of the European Dialysis Working Group of ERA-EDTA was to critically review the current literature examining the causes of extradialysis SCD and intradialysis SCA in ESKD patients and potential management strategies to reduce the incidence of such events. Extradialysis SCD and intradialysis SCA represent different clinical situations and should be kept distinct. Regarding the problem, numerically less relevant, of patients affected by intradialysis SCA, some modifiable risk factors have been identified, such as a low concentration of potassium and calcium in the dialysate, and some advantages linked to the presence of automated external defibrillators in dialysis units have been documented. The problem of extra-dialysis SCD is more complex. A reduced left ventricular ejection fraction associated with SCD is present only in a minority of cases occurring in HD patients. This is the proof that SCD occurring in ESKD has different characteristics compared with SCD occurring in patients with ischaemic heart disease and/or heart failure and not affected by ESKD. Recent evidence suggests that the fatal arrhythmia in this population may be due more frequently to bradyarrhythmias than to tachyarrhythmias. This fact may partly explain why several studies could not demonstrate an advantage of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in preventing SCD in ESKD patients. Electrolyte imbalances, frequently present in HD patients, could explain part of the arrhythmic phenomena, as suggested by the relationship between SCD and timing of the HD session. However, the high incidence of SCD in patients on peritoneal dialysis suggests that other risk factors due to cardiac comorbidities and uraemia per se may contribute to sudden mortality in ESKD patients.
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Novel management of diabetes in kidney transplantation.
Ong, SC, Rhee, CM
Current opinion in nephrology and hypertension. 2021;(1):5-13
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a prevalent complication in kidney transplant recipients, and has been associated with worse short-term and long-term outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS While hyperglycemia is frequently seen in the early posttransplant period because of surgical stress, infection, and use of high-dose steroids, the diagnosis of PTDM should be established after patients are clinically stable and on stable maintenance immunosuppression. In the early posttransplant period, hyperglycemia is typically treated with insulin, and pilot data have suggested potential benefit of lower vs. higher glycemic targets in this setting. Growing data indicate lifestyle modifications, including dietary interventions, physical activity, and mitigation of obesity, are associated with improved posttransplant outcomes. While there are limited data to support a first-line antidiabetic medication for PTDM, more established pharmacotherapies such as sulfonylureas, meglitinides, and dipetidyl peptidase IV inhibitors are commonly used. Given recent trials showing the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists upon kidney outcomes in nontransplant patients, further study of these agents specifically in kidney transplant recipients are urgently needed. SUMMARY Increasing evidence supports a multidisciplinary approach, including lifestyle modification, obesity treatment, judicious immunosuppression selection, and careful utilization of novel antidiabetic therapies in PTDM patients.
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Novel approaches to sarcopenic obesity and weight management before and after kidney transplantation.
Tantisattamo, E, Kalantar-Zadeh, K, Halleck, F, Duettmann, W, Naik, M, Budde, K
Current opinion in nephrology and hypertension. 2021;(1):14-26
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although a widely recognized and complex pathophysiological condition, sarcopenic obesity remains less appreciated and may elude diagnosis and workup in both kidney transplant waitlisted candidates and kidney transplant recipients. The lack of consensus definition, and practical diagnostic tools for evaluating waitlisted candidates and transplant recipients are barriers to early detect and initiate therapeutic management for sarcopenic obesity. Although sarcopenia leads to poor clinical outcomes, posttransplant obesity yields conflicting results. Exercise and nutritional managements are common therapies for sarcopenic obese patients; however, surgery weight loss or bariatric surgery in both transplant candidates and potential living kidney donors shows promising benefits for kidney transplant access in waitlist obese candidates but may require to be selected for appropriate patients. RECENT FINDINGS Pathogenesis and management for sarcopenia and obesity are interconnected. The benefits of exercise to improve muscle mass and function is clear in waitlist kidney transplant candidates and transplant recipients. However, there are several barriers for those to increase exercise and improve physical activity including patient, provider, and healthcare or environmental factors. The advantages of fat mass reduction to lose weight can promote muscle mass and strength. However, epidemiological data regarding the obesity paradox in dialysis-dependent patients when overnutrition provides survival benefits for this population should be taken into account when performing weight loss especially bariatric surgery. SUMMARY Barriers in providing optimal care to kidney transplant waitlisted candidates and transplant recipients may partly result from underdiagnosis of sarcopenic obesity; notwithstanding that this entity has increasingly been more recognized. Mechanistic studies to better understand pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity will help determine pathogenesis and clinical tools for diagnosis of this entity, which can facilitate further studies related to the outcomes and weight management to ultimately improve kidney transplant outcomes.
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Using Patient-Reported Measures to Improve Outcomes in Kidney Disease.
Mclaren, S, Jhamb, M, Unruh, M
Blood purification. 2021;(4-5):649-654
Abstract
Patients with CKD and ESRD are vulnerable to increased mortality rates and other poor outcomes. Among those with ESRD, their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is shown little to no improvement as they undergo treatments such as dialysis and providers concurrently manage other health issues that complicate their already vulnerable state. This review synthesizes evidence demonstrating that a focus on measuring and monitoring patient-reported outcomes (PRO) such as pain and depression can improve HRQOL. Patient-centered care has the potential to create an efficient way for clinicians to address specific challenges facing patients. While there is an emerging literature assessing the use of PROs in kidney research, by examining relevant research in other disciplines it is possible to generate better ways to use PROs in this high-risk population. Electronic health records as well as various other electronic methods of communication between the clinician and patient may serve to accelerate the trajectory toward patient-centered care using PROs.
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[Statement of the Spanish Interdisciplinary Vascular Prevention Committee on the updated European Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines.].
Armario, P, Brotons, C, Elosua, R, Alonso de Leciñana, M, Castro, A, Clarà, A, Cortés, O, Díaz Rodriguez, Á, Herranz, M, Justo, S, et al
Revista espanola de salud publica. 2020
Abstract
We present the adaptation for Spain of the updated European Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines. In this update, greater stress is laid on the population approach, and especially on the promotion of physical activity and healthy diet through dietary, leisure and active transport policies in Spain. To estimate vascular risk, note should be made of the importance of recalibrating the tables used, by adapting them to population shifts in the prevalence of risk factors and incidence of vascular diseases, with particular attention to the role of chronic kidney disease. At an individual level, the key element is personalised support for changes in behaviour, adherence to medication in high-risk individuals and patients with vascular disease, the fostering of physical activity, and cessation of smoking habit. Furthermore, recent clinical trials with PCSK9 inhibitors are reviewed, along with the need to simplify pharmacological treatment of arterial hypertension to improve control and adherence to treatment. In the case of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and vascular disease or high vascular disease risk, when lifestyle changes and metformin are inadequate, the use of drugs with proven vascular benefit should be prioritised. Lastly, guidelines on peripheral arterial disease and other specific diseases are included, as is a recommendation against prescribing antiaggregants in primary prevention.