Transitioning to peritoneal dialysis: it does not matter where you come from / Transição para diálise peritoneal: não importa de onde

Introduction: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) frequently change renal replacement (RRT) therapy modality due to medical or social reasons. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients under peritoneal dialysis (PD) according to the preceding RRT modality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational single-center study in prevalent PD patients from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2017, who were followed for 60 months or until they dropped out of PD. Patients were divided into three groups according to the preceding RRT: prior hemodialysis (HD), failed kidney transplant (KT), and PD-first. Results: Among 152 patients, 115 were PD-first, 22 transitioned from HD, and 15 from a failing KT. There was a tendency for ultrafiltration failure to occur more in patients transitioning from HD (27.3% vs. 9.6% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.07). Residual renal function was better preserved in the group with no prior RRT (p < 0.001). A tendency towards a higher annual rate of peritonitis was observed in the prior KT group (0.70 peritonitis/year per patient vs. 0.10 vs. 0.21, p = 0.065). Thirteen patients (8.6%) had a major cardiovascular event, 5 of those had been transferred from a failing KT (p = 0.004). There were no differences between PD-first, prior KT, and prior HD in terms of death and technique survival (p = 0.195 and p = 0.917, respectively) and PD efficacy was adequate in all groups. Conclusions: PD is a suitable option for ESRD patients regardless of the previous RRT and should be offered to patients according to their clinical and social status and preferences.

Introdução: Pacientes com doença renal em estágio terminal (DRET) frequentemente mudam de modalidade de terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) por razões médicas ou sociais. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar desfechos de pacientes em diálise peritoneal (DP) segundo a modalidade anterior de TRS. Métodos: Realizamos estudo retrospectivo observacional unicêntrico, em pacientes prevalentes em DP, de 1º de janeiro de 2010 a 31 de dezembro de 2017, acompanhados por 60 meses ou até saírem de DP. Pacientes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com a TRS anterior: hemodiálise prévia (HD), transplante renal malsucedido (TR) e DP como primeira opção (PD-first). Resultados: Entre 152 pacientes, 115 eram PD-first, 22 transitaram da HD e 15 de TR malsucedido. Houve tendência à maior ocorrência de falência de ultrafiltração em pacientes em transição da HD (27,3% vs. 9,6% vs. 6,7%; p = 0,07). A função renal residual foi melhor preservada no grupo sem TRS prévia (p < 0,001). Observou-se tendência à maior taxa anual de peritonite no grupo TR prévio (0,70 peritonite/ano por paciente vs. 0,10 vs. 0,21; p = 0,065). Treze pacientes (8,6%) tiveram um evento cardiovascular maior, cinco dos quais haviam sido transferidos de um TR malsucedido (p = 0,004). Não houve diferenças entre PD-first, TR prévio e HD prévia em termos de óbito e sobrevida da técnica (p = 0,195 e p = 0,917, respectivamente) e a eficácia da DP foi adequada em todos os grupos. Conclusões: A DP é uma opção adequada para pacientes com DRET, independentemente da TRS anterior, e deve ser oferecida aos pacientes de acordo com seu status clínico e social e suas preferências.

Controversy on the CONVINCE study findings: the PRO take / Controvérsia sobre os achados do estudo CONVINCE: a perspectiva PRO

ABSTRACT The CONVINCE study, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, reveals a groundbreaking 23% reduction in the relative risk of all-cause mortality among end-stage kidney patients undergoing high convective volume hemodiafiltration. This significant finding challenges the conventional use of high-flux hemodialysis and offers hope for improving outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients. While some controversies surround the study's findings, including concerns about generalizability and the causes of death, it is essential to acknowledge the study's design and its main outcomes. The CONVINCE study, part of the HORIZON 2020 project, enrolled 1360 patients and demonstrated the superiority of hemodiafiltration in reducing all-cause mortality overall, as well as in specific patient subgroups (elderly, short vintage, non-diabetic, and those without cardiac issues). Interestingly, it was shown that hemodiafiltration had a protective effect against infection, including COVID-19. Future research will address sustainability, dose scaling effects, identification of subgroups especially likely to benefit and cost-effectiveness. However, for now, the findings strongly support a broader adoption of hemodiafiltration in renal replacement therapy, marking a significant advancement in the field.

RESUMO O estudo CONVINCE, publicado recentemente no New England Journal of Medicine, revela uma redução inovadora de 23% no risco relativo de mortalidade por todas as causas entre pacientes renais em estágio terminal submetidos à hemodiafiltração de alto volume de convecção. Esse achado significativo desafia o uso convencional da hemodiálise de alto fluxo e oferece esperança de melhoria dos desfechos em pacientes com doença renal crônica. Embora algumas controvérsias cerquem os achados do estudo, incluindo preocupações sobre a generalização e as causas de óbito, é essencial reconhecer o desenho do estudo e seus principais desfechos. O estudo CONVINCE, parte do projeto HORIZON 2020, inscreveu 1.360 pacientes e demonstrou a superioridade da hemodiafiltração na redução da mortalidade por todas as causas em geral, bem como em subgrupos específicos de pacientes (idosos, HD de curta duração, não diabéticos e aqueles sem problemas cardíacos). Curiosamente, demonstrou-se que a hemodiafiltração teve um efeito protetor contra infecções, incluindo a COVID-19. Pesquisas futuras abordarão sustentabilidade, efeitos de escalonamento da dose, identificação de subgrupos especialmente propensos a se beneficiar e a relação custo-benefício. No entanto, por ora, os achados apoiam fortemente uma adoção mais ampla da hemodiafiltração na terapia renal substitutiva, marcando um avanço significativo na área.

Hemodiafiltration: a synergy yet to be convincing / Hemodiafiltração: uma sinergia ainda não convincente

ABSTRACT The desperate attempt to improve mortality, morbidity, quality of life and patient-reported outcomes in patients on hemodialysis has led to multiple attempts to improve the different modes, frequencies, and durations of dialysis sessions in the last few decades. Nothing has been more appealing than the combination of diffusion and convection in the form of hemodiafiltration. Despite the concrete evidence of better clearance of middle weight molecules and better hemodynamic stability, tangible evidence to support the universal adoption is still at a distance. Survival benefits seen in selected groups who are likely to tolerate hemodiafiltration with better vascular access and with lower comorbid burden, need to be extended to real life dialysis patients who are older than the population studied and have significantly higher comorbid burden. Technical demands of initiation hemodiafiltration, the associated costs, and the incremental benefits targeted, along with patient-reported outcomes, need to be explored further before recommending hemodiafiltration as the mode of choice.

RESUMO A tentativa desesperada de melhorar a mortalidade, morbidade, qualidade de vida e desfechos relatados pelos pacientes em indivíduos em hemodiálise levou a diversas tentativas de aprimorar os diferentes modos, frequências e durações das sessões de diálise nas últimas décadas. Nada foi mais atrativo do que a combinação de difusão e convecção na forma de hemodiafiltração. Apesar das evidências concretas de melhor depuração de moléculas de peso médio e melhor estabilidade hemodinâmica, evidências tangíveis para apoiar a adoção universal ainda estão distantes. Os benefícios de sobrevida observados em grupos selecionados que provavelmente toleram a hemodiafiltração com melhor acesso vascular e com menor carga de comorbidades precisam ser estendidos aos pacientes reais em diálise, que são mais velhos do que a população estudada e apresentam uma carga de comorbidades significativamente maior. As exigências técnicas do início da hemodiafiltração, os custos associados e os benefícios incrementais almejados, juntamente com os desfechos relatados pelos pacientes, precisam ser melhor explorados antes de se recomendar a hemodiafiltração como o modo de escolha.

Brazilian Dialysis Survey 2022 / Censo Brasileiro de Diálise 2022

Abstract Introduction: The Brazilian Dialysis Survey (BDS) is an annual national survey about patients on chronic dialysis that contributes to health policies. Objective: To report the 2022 epidemiological data from the BDS of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (BSN). Methods: A survey was carried out in Brazilian chronic dialysis centers using an online questionnaire that included clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients on chronic dialysis, dialysis therapy data, and dialysis center characteristics. Results: Overall, 28% (n = 243) of the centers answered the questionnaire. In July 2022, the estimated total number of patients on dialysis was 153,831. The estimated prevalence and incidence rates of patients per million population (pmp) were 758 and 214, respectively. Of the prevalent patients, 95.3% were on hemodialysis (HD, 4.6% of these on hemodiafiltration) and 4.7% on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Only 1.3% of patients were not vaccinated against COVID-19. The prevalence of anemia (Hb < 10g/dL) was 27% and hyperphosphatemia (P > 5.5mg/dL) reached 30%. The estimated overall crude annual mortality rate was 17.1%. Conclusions: The absolute number and prevalence rate of patients on chronic dialysis continue to increase. A growing number of patients were receiving hemodiafiltration. The mortality rate decreased, probably due to the end of COVID-19 pandemic. The conclusions were drawn in the context of relatively low voluntary participation, which imposed methodological limitations on our estimates.

Resumo Introdução: O Censo Brasileiro de Diálise (CBD) é uma pesquisa nacional anual sobre pacientes em diálise crônica que contribui para as políticas de saúde. Objetivo: Informar os dados epidemiológicos de 2022 do CBD da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia (SBN). Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa em centros brasileiros de diálise por meio de um questionário online que incluiu aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos de pacientes em diálise crônica, dados da terapia dialítica e características do centro de diálise. Resultados: No total, 28% (n = 243) dos centros de diálise ativos cadastrados na SBN responderam ao questionário. Em julho de 2022, o número total estimado de pacientes em diálise era de 153.831. As taxas estimadas de prevalência e incidência de pacientes por milhão (ppm) de habitantes foram 758 e 214, respectivamente. Dos pacientes prevalentes, 95,3% estavam em hemodiálise (HD; 4,6% desses em hemodiafiltração) e 4,7% em diálise peritoneal (DP). Apenas 1,3% dos pacientes não foram vacinados contra a COVID-19. A prevalência de anemia (Hb < 10g/dL) foi de 27% e de hiperfosfatemia (P > 5,5mg/dL) alcançou 30%. A taxa bruta total anual de mortalidade estimada foi de 17,1%. Conclusões: O número absoluto e a taxa de prevalência de pacientes em diálise crônica continuam a aumentar. Um número crescente de pacientes estava em hemodiafiltração. A taxa de mortalidade diminuiu, provavelmente devido ao fim da pandemia da COVID-19. As conclusões foram de um contexto de participação voluntária relativamente baixa, o que impõe limitações metodológicas às nossas estimativas.

Adherence to treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis / Adesão ao tratamento de pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise

Objective: To identify the adherence to therapeutic regimens in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach developed at an HD center in the south of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study participants were 51 patients undergoing HD. Personal, socioeconomic, and objective data were collected, and the End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ) was applied. The analysis was performed using simple descriptive statistics. Result: The average age was 56.7 years, and 58% of the patients were male. The percentages of non-adherence were diet (35.4%), hemodialysis (21.6%), fluid intake (15.7%), and medication (13.7%). Conclusion: Therapeutic adherence is a complex process that requires constant monitoring by a multidisciplinary team.

Objetivo: Identificar a adesão ao regime terapêutico de pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido em um centro de hemodiálise situado no sul de Minas Gerais. Os participantes do estudo foram 51 pacientes em tratamento hemodialítico. Foram coletados dados pessoais, socioeconômicos, objetivos aplicado o "Questionário de avaliação sobre a adesão do portador de doença renal crônica em hemodiálise". A análise foi realizada por meio de estatística descritiva simples. Resultado: A média de idade foi de 56,7 anos e 58% dos pacientes foram do sexo masculino. Os percentuais de não aderência encontrados foram dieta (35,4%), hemodiálise (21,6%), ingestão de líquidos (15,7%) e medicação (13,7%). Conclusão: A adesão terapêutica é um processo complexo, e por isso necessita de acompanhamento constante pela equipe multiprofissional.

Exploring the efficacy of roxadustat combined with levocarnitine in the treatment of renal anemia in hemodialysis patients with diabetic kidney disease based on microvascular complications / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of roxadustat combined with levocarnitine in the treatment of renal anemia in hemodialysis patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and its effects on iron metabolism, microinflammation status and microvascular complications.Methods:The clinical data of 89 hemodialysis renal anemia patients with DKD from January 2020 to October 2021 in Beijing Geriatric Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 44 patients (control group)were treated with recombinant human erythropoietin and levocarnitine for renal anemia, and 45 patients (study group) were treated with recombinant human erythropoietin, levocarnitine and roxadustat for renal anemia. Both groups were treated for 3 months. The efficacy was compared between two groups. The laboratory indexes were measured before treatment and after 1, 3 months of treatment, including anemia related indexes such as hemoglobin, red blood cell count and mean corpuscular volume (MCV); iron metabolism indexes such as serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT); inflammatory indexes such as interleukin-8 (IL-8), C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The adverse reactions were recorded. The patients were followed up for 1 year after treatment, the incidence of diabetic microvascular complications, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), was recorded.Results:The total effective rate in study group was significantly higher than that in control group: 93.33% (42/45) vs. 77.27% (34/44), and there was statistical difference ( χ2 = 4.60, P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in the laboratory indexes before treatment between two groups ( P<0.05); the hemoglobin, red blood cell count, MCV, serum iron, ferritin and TSAT after 1 and 3 months of treatment in study group were significantly higher than those in control group, the IL-8, CRP and TNF-α were significantly lower than those in control group, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 or <0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between two groups ( P>0.05). After 1 year follow-up, 2 cases were lost in study group and 3 cases in the control group. The incidence of DR and DPN in study group were significantly lower than those in control group: 0 vs. 14.63% (6/41) and 2.33% (1/43) vs. 19.51% (8/41), and there were statistical differences ( χ2 = 4.75 and 4.81, P<0.05). Conclusions:Roxadustat combined with levocarnitine in the treatment of renal anemia in hemodialysis patients with DKD is reliable and safe, and can effectively relieve anemia symptoms, improve iron metabolism, reduce inflammatory response, and reduce the risk of diabetic microvascular complications.

Relationship between protein-energy wasting and parathyroid hormone levels in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the relationship between protein-energy wasting (PEW) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted to enroll 150 adult patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2022 to May 2023. These patients were categorized into four groups based on their PTH levels: low PTH group (< 150 ng/L), standard PTH group (150-300 ng/L), very high PTH group (300-600 ng/L), and extreme high PTH group (> 600 ng/L). The diagnosis of PEW was determined using the diagnostic criteria proposed by the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM). Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between PEW and PTH levels.Results:Among the 150 patients undergoing maintenance dialysis, 52 (34.7%) were diagnosed with PEW. The prevalence of PEW was significantly higher in the low PTH group compared with the standard, very high, and extreme high PTH groups ( χ2 = 20.64, all P < 0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed a strong association between low PTH levels ( OR = 13.810, 95% CI: 2.907-65.603, P = 0.001) and an increased risk of PEW. The risk of PEW in the low PTH group was 13.810 times higher than that in the extreme high PTH group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further confirmed that low PTH levels ( OR = 19.891, 95% CI: 1.810-218.620, P = 0.014) and low C-reactive protein levels ( OR = 1.056, 95% CI: 1.015-1.099, P = 0.007) were independently associated with an increased risk of PEW. Higher hemoglobin levels ( OR = 0.959, 95% CI: 0.931-0.988, P = 0.005) and a larger middle upper arm circumference ( OR = 0.544, 95% CI: 0.338-0.875, P = 0.012) were independently associated with a reduced risk of PEW. The risk of PEW in the low PTH group was 19.891 times higher than that in the extreme high PTH group. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of PEW in the standard and very high PTH groups compared with the extreme high PTH group (both P > 0.05). Conclusion:The risk of PEW is markedly elevated in patients with low PTH levels, emphasizing the importance of clinical attention to the prevention and treatment of low PTH levels. Addressing this issue may hold great value in reducing the risk of PEW.

Study on distribution characteristics of TCM constitutions in 232 maintenance hemodialysis patients / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To study the distribution of TCM constitutions in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.Methods:This is a multicenter cross-sectional study. The general clinical data, dialysis-related parameters and physical and chemical examination data of MHD patients from 6 dialysis centers in Sichuan were collected. At the same time, DS01-A tongue and facial pulse information collection system was used for TCM constitution discrimination.Results:A total of 232 MHD patients were enrolled , and 417 kinds of TCM constitutions were detected, including 59 patients (25.43%) with moderate constitution and 173 patients (74.57%) with biased constitution. Phlegm-dampness was the most common type of solid constitution 47 patients (20.26%). The most common deficiency constitution was qi deficiency 86 patients (37.07%). There were certain differences in the physical distribution of patients with different gender, age, dialysis age, BMI, and whether they had diabetes, hypertension or anemia.Conclusions:The TCM constitutions of MHD patients are mainly biased constitution. Gender, age, BMI, diabetes or hypertension have a certain impact on the distribution of TCM constitutions. At the same time, different constitutions may have an impact on the anemia of MHD patients. The intervention of TCM constitutions on MHD patients may be beneficial to the prognosis of MHD patients.

Frailty of patients with long-term maintenance dialysis and its influencing factors / 实用医学杂志

Objective To analyze the frailty of patients with long-term maintenance dialysis(MD)and its influencing factors,and to explore the correlation of different dialysis modalities with the re-infection of novel coronavirus infection(COVID-19)and frailty syndrome.Methods Patients with regular dialysis in Nephrology Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from February to June 2023 were selected.A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect clinical data of the patients,including dialysis modality(i.e.maintenance hemodialysis,abbreviated as hemodialysis,and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis,abbreviated as peritoneal dialysis),and whether with re-infection of COVID-19.Patients were divided into 3 groups using Fried's frailty phenotype(FP):non-frailty group,pre-or-intermediate frailty group,and frailty syndrome group.The clinical characteristics of the FP were compared among the three groups.The correlation of frailty with clinical data,dialysis modality,re-infection of COVID-19 in each group was compared.Multifactorial logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing the development of frailty syndrome in patients.Results A total of 246 dialysis patients were included in this study,with 77(31.3%)in the non-frailty group,83(33.7%)in the pre-frailty group and 86(35.0%)in the frailty syndrome group.The frailty syndrome group showed characteristics of advanced age,high pre-dialysis creatinine level,low serum albumin level and combined pleural effusion(all P＜0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the comparison of frailty between the hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis group(P = 0.960).COVID-19 re-positive patients had higher frailty score than non-re-positive patients.Multifactor logistic regression showed that age,COVID-19 re-infection of COVID-19,serum albumin,pre-dialysis creatinine,and pleural effusion were factors influencing the development of frailty syndrome in dialysis patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion There is high incidence of frailty syndrome in dialysis patients,and there is no correlation of frailty with dialysis modality.High serum albumin level is a protective factor for the development of frailty syndrome in patients,whereas re-infection of COVID-19,advanced age,high pre-dialysis blood creatinine level and pleural effusion are risk factors for the development of frailty syndrome.

Micro-elimination of hepatitis C virus infection in the hemodialysis population / 临床肝胆病杂志

The hemodialysis population is increasing year by year in China. Due to the specific nature of hemodialysis treatment， the prevalence and incidence rates of hepatitis C virus （HCV） infection in hemodialysis patients are much higher than the general population. In order to achieve the WHO’s initiative to eliminate HCV by 2030 and realize the micro-elimination of HCV in the hemodialysis population， standard infection control and hand hygiene procedures should be implemented to cut off the route of iatrogenic infection， especially to prevent the outbreak of HCV infection in hemodialysis centers. Screening for HCV infection should be conducted for patients newly admitted to the hemodialysis center or transferred to another hemodialysis center， and regular screening should be conducted for patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis to identify new HCV infections in the early stage. It is also necessary to collaborate with specialists and provide direct-acting antiviral therapy for hemodialysis patients with HCV infection.

Correlation between geriatric nutritional risk index and adverse events in elderly hemodialysis patients / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between geriatric nutritional risk index(GNRI)and adverse outcomes in elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis(MHD).Methods A prospective cohort trial was conducted on 337 MHD patients aged ≥60 years in hemodialysis centers of 11 hospitals in Beijing from April to June 2017.Their baseline data were collected,and they were divided into non-malnutrition(GNRI≥98,226 cases),mild malnutrition(92≤GNRI＜98,81 cases),and major malnutrition groups(GNRI＜92,30 cases).All of them were followed up until June 2018.The endpoint events were all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease(CVD)mortality.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare the cumulative survival rate among the 3 groups.Multivariate Cox regression model was employed to analyze the relationship of GNRI with all-cause and CVD mortality.Results The mild and major malnutrition groups had significantly lower BMI,serum albumin level and GNRI(P＜0.01).During the median follow-up of 52(4.4-52.0)weeks,56(16.6％)patients died of all-cause death and 25(44.6％)of CVD death.Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed significant differences in all-cause mortality(x2=30.484,P＜0.01)and CVD mortality(x2=22.398,P＜0.01)in the 3 groups.Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that,as a continuous variable,elevated GNRI was a protective factor for all-cause mortality(HR=0.910,95％CI:0.870-0.952,P=0.000)and CVD mortality(HR=0.895,95％CI:0.852-0.940,P=0.000),and as a categorical variable,mild and major malnutri-tion were independently correlated with all-cause and CVD mortality(P＜0.05).Conclusion GNRI is an independent risk factor for all-cause and CVD mortality in elderly MHD patients.Mo-nitoring the nutritional status using GNRI can predict the risk of adverse prognosis.

High-risk screening combined with family screening for Fabry disease in adult hemodialysis population—a family report of GLA IVS4+919G>A mutation in Fabry disease / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To explore the combination of high risk screening and family screening for potential patients with Fabry disease in adult hemodialysis population, and to improve the diagnostic efficiency of the disease.Methods:It was a cross-sectional investigation study. High-risk screening for Fabry disease was performed on adult hemodialysis patients with end-stage kidney disease who were admitted to Yongkang First People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province between November 2022 and February 2023. Dry blood paper α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) detection assay was performed in males, or glycosphingolipids (Lyso-GL-3) detection assay was performed in females. GLA genetic assay was performed for further diagnosis after abnormal screening results. Family screening was carried out on the family members of the confirmed Fabry disease patients, and α-Gal A activity and Lyso-GL-3 of peripheral blood were measured. Additionally, urine routine, blood biochemistry, eye examination, hearing test, cranial magnetic resonance imaging, and electrocardiogram were performed to assess organ damage. Results:Among 244 hemodialysis patients, 139 (56.97%) were males and 105 (43.03%) were females. The age ranged from 25 to 81 years (with median age of 61 years). One female patient with Fabry disease was identified GLA IVS4+919G>A mutation, resulting in a total prevalence of 0.41%. Pedigree screening was conducted on 41 family members of the patient, leading to the confirmation of 12 patients (including the proband), including 3 males and 9 females. Among them, 9 patients were abnormal in enzyme examination, 10 patients were abnormal in substrate, and 11 patients were abnormal in gene sequencing. None of the 12 patients exhibited limb pain, hypohidrosis, angiokeratoma, corneal opacity, and hearing impairment. Eight patients had heart abnormalities. Nine patients had abnormal urine routine (albuminuria or hematuria) and one patient had abnormal renal function. Four patients had abnormal cranial magnetic resonance imaging findings. Conclusions:One GLA IVS4+919G>A mutation family is successfully identified through the combination of high-risk screening and family screening in adult hemodialysis patients, with a total of 12 cases of Fabry disease. The combination of high-risk screening and family screening proves to be effective in detecting potential patients with Fabry disease, and improve the screening efficiency of Fabry disease.

Accuracy of portable hemoglobinometer in maintenance hemodialysis patients / 中华肾脏病杂志

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of portable hemoglobinometer (Hemocue Hb 201+ hemoglobin analyzer) in patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and its diagnostic value for anemia. The data of venous hemoglobulin (Hb) and fingertip capillary hemoglobulin (DHb) in MHD patients from Lingnan Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were retrospectively analyzed, and the correlation and difference between DHb and Hb and the accuracy of DHb in the diagnosis of anemia were evaluated. A total of 105 patients were included in the study. There was no significant difference between the paired DHb and Hb [(109±21) g/L vs. (108±20) g/L, t=-1.284, P=0.202]. Pearson correlation analysis showed that DHb was positively correlated with Hb ( r=0.929, P<0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that DHb and Hb met the regression equation Hb=0.88×DHb+12.23, and P<0.001. Bland-Altman analysis showed that the differences between the paired DHb and Hb was (1.0±7.8) g/L with the limit of agreement as (-14.2, 16.2) g/L. The mean percentage of the differences in Hb was 1% with limit of agreement as (-13.7%, 15.7%). A DHb of >110 g/L was 0.90 sensitive and 0.83 specific to identify patients with an Hb >110 g/L and its positive and negative predictive values were 0.84 and 0.90, respectively. It suggests that, in MHD patients, Hemocue Hb 201+ analyzer shows good accuracy, and can be used to monitor the Hb trend and serve as a screen method for those reaching target Hb.

A patient with brachial artery pseudoaneurysm treated with ultrasound-guided and balloon- assisted injection of human fibrin sealant / 中华肾脏病杂志

The paper reports the treatment of a maintenance hemodialysis patient with pseudoaneurysm (PSA) caused by accidental injury of brachial artery during the puncture of internal fistula. The main treatment methods of PSA include surgical incision and repair, local pressure therapy, ultrasound-guided intraluminal thrombin injection, implantation of covered stent, coil embolization and so on, but they all have some defects. The patient was admitted to hospital due to poor fistula function, and the formation of brachial artery PSA was confirmed by color ultrasound. PSA was successfully treated with ultrasound-guided and balloon-assisted injection of human fibrin sealant. The fistula had good function 3 months after the operation.

Advances in pathogenesis and drug therapy in hemodialysis patients with pruritus / 中华肾脏病杂志

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP), one of the most common and intolerable complications in hemodialysis patients, not only seriously affects patients' quality of life and physical and mental health, but also increases the risk of long-term mortality. The pathogenesis of CKD-aP remains unclear, and immune-inflammatory dysregulation, imbalance of endogenous opioid system, abnormal accumulation of metabolites, xerosis, abnormal histamine level as well as hyperparathyroidism, have all been shown to be associated with pruritus. There is a lack of satisfactory and effective treatment strategies for CKD-aP, which mainly include pharmacological treatment, non-pharmacological treatment and dialysis modality modification. This article mainly reviews recent advances in the pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment of pruritus among hemodialysis patients.

Relationship between early dialysis anemia status and prognosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To analyze the status of anemia at the beginning of dialysis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) adult patients, and to explore the relationship between early dialysis anemia and early survival and long-term survival.Methods:It was a retrospective cohort study. The baseline demographic and clinical data of newly admitted MHD patients from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the hemoglobin (Hb) level at the beginning of dialysis, the patients were divided into high Hb group (Hb≥110 g/L), middle Hb group (80 g/L≤Hb<110 g/L) and low Hb group (Hb<80 g/L). The baseline data among the three groups were compared, and the changing trend of Hb level in MHD patients during the 8 years was analyzed. The follow-up ended at peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation, death or on December 31, 2021. All-cause death event within 6 months after the initiation of dialysis was defined as early death, while all-cause death event more than 6 months after the initiation of dialysis was defined as long-term death. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the survival rate, and log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates among the three groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis model was used to analyze the association between anemia (Hb<110 g/L) at the beginning of dialysis and both early and long-term mortality.Results:A total of 36 216 MHD patients were included in this study, with age of (61.3±15.5) years old and 22 163 males (61.20%). The Hb at the beginning of dialysis was (89.33±20.89) g/L. The compliance rate of Hb (≥110 g/L) was 16.43% (5 952/36 216). There were 12 232 patients (33.78%), 18 032 patients (49.79%), and 5 952 patients (16.43%) in low Hb group, middle Hb group, and high Hb group, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in gender distribution, age, serum creatinine, blood phosphorus, blood calcium, C-reactive protein, intact parathyroid hormone, blood leukocytes, platelets, serum albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and proportions of chronic glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, tumors, emporary catheter, long-term catheter and autologous arteriovenous fistula among the three groups (all P<0.05). During the 8-year period, the Hb level had an increased trend steadily each year, and Hb was (88.48±22.07) g/L, (88.52±21.43) g/L, (87.86±21.29) g/L, (88.93±20.69) g/L, (88.87±20.69) g/L, (90.03±20.47) g/L, (90.74±20.31) g/L and (90.31±20.54) g/L year by year. There were 2 176 early deaths (6.01%), and 6 557 long-term deaths (18.10%) by the end of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that early survival rate of low Hb group was significantly lower than those of high Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=57.115, P<0.001) and middle Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=49.918, P<0.001), and long-term survival rates of low Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=107.097, P<0.001) and middle Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=47.430, P<0.001) were significantly lower than that of high Hb group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Hb<80 g/L at the beginning of dialysis was an independent influencing factor of early death (Hb ≥110 g/L as a reference, HR=1.307, 95% CI 1.096-1.559), and 80 g/L≤Hb<110 g/L and Hb<80 g/L at the beginning of dialysis were the independent influencing factors of long-term death (Hb≥110 g/L as a reference, HR=1.108, 95% CI 1.021-1.203; HR=1.228, 95% CI 1.127-1.339, respectively) in MHD patients. Conclusions:The compliance rate of Hb at the beginning of dialysis in MHD patients is low. Hb <80 g/L at the beginning of dialysis is an independent risk factor of early death, and Hb <110 g/L at the beginning of dialysis is an independent risk factor of long-term death in MHD patients.

Low intramuscular adipose tissue index is a protective factor of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between intramuscular adipose tissue index (IATI) calculated from computed tomography images at transverse process of the first lumbar and all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients, and to provide a reference for improving the prognosis in these patients.Methods:It was a multicenter retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of patients who received maintenance hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis treatment from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 in 4 grade Ⅲ hospitals including Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Taizhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were retrospectively collected. IATI was calculated by low attenuation muscle (LAM) density/skeletal muscle density. The receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of IATI, and the patients were divided into high IATI group and low IATI group according to the optimal cut-off value. The differences of baseline clinical data and measurement parameters of the first lumbar level between the two groups were compared. The follow-up ended on December 23, 2022. The endpoint event was defined as all-cause mortality within 3 years. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to analyze the survival rates and the differences between the two groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis models were used to analyze the association between IATI and the risk of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze the influencing factors of high IATI.Results:A total of 478 patients were eligibly recruited in this study, with age of (53.55±13.19) years old and 319 (66.7%) males, including 365 (76.4%) hemodialysis patients and 113 (23.6%) peritoneal dialysis patients. There were 376 (78.7%) patients in low IATI (<0.42) group and 102 (21.3%) patients in high IATI (≥0.42) group. The proportion of age ≥ 60 years old ( χ2=24.746, P<0.001), proportion of diabetes mellitus ( χ2=5.570, P=0.018), fasting blood glucose ( t=-2.145, P=0.032), LAM density ( t=-3.735, P<0.001), LAM index ( t=-7.072, P<0.001), and LAM area/skeletal muscle area ratio ( Z=-9.630, P<0.001) in high IATI group were all higher than those in low IATI group, while proportion of males ( χ2=11.116, P<0.001), serum albumin ( Z=2.708, P=0.007) and skeletal muscle density ( t=12.380, P<0.001) were lower than those in low IATI group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the 3-years overall survival rate of low IATI group was significantly higher than that in high IATI group (Log-rank χ2=19.188, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that IATI<0.42 [<0.42/≥0.42, HR(95% CI): 0.50 (0.31-0.83), P=0.007] was an independent protective factor of all-cause mortality, and age ≥60 years old [ HR (95% CI): 2.61 (1.60-4.23), P<0.001], diabetes mellitus [ HR (95% CI): 1.71 (1.06-2.78), P=0.029] and high blood neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio [ HR (95% CI): 1.04 (1.00-1.07), P=0.049] were the independent risk factors of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients. Stepwise Cox regression analysis showed that IATI<0.42 was still an independent protective factor of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients [<0.42/≥0.42, HR (95% CI): 0.45 (0.27-0.76), P=0.003]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low skeletal muscle density [ OR (95% CI): 0.84 (0.81-0.88), P<0.001] and high serum triglyceride [ OR (95% CI): 1.39 (1.07-1.82), P=0.015] were the independent influencing factors of IATI≥0.42. Conclusion:IATI<0.42 of the first lumbar level is an independent protective factor of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients. Localized myosteatosis within high-quality skeletal muscle may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality in these patients.

Influencing factors for hemodialysis initiation in non-diabetic kidney disease patients with predialysis fistula after arteriovenous fistula creation / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To explore the influencing factors of hemodialysis (HD) initiation in non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD) patients with predialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation.Methods:This was a single-center prospective cohort study. The NDKD patients undergoing predialysis AVF creation were enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from 2015 to 2018. According to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation) and age, patients were divided into different subgroups, eGFR: group 1 [eGFR<10 ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1], group 2 [ eGFR between 10 to 15 ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1], and group 3 [eGFR > 15 ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1]; age: age ≥65 years group and age <65 years group. The primary outcome was defined as the initiation of HD within 1 year after AVF surgery. The second outcome was the use of AVF access at the time of HD initiation. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to identify which demographic and clinical factors were associated with the initiation of HD after AVF surgery. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate factors associated with AVF use at the initiation of HD. Results:A total of 220 patients were enrolled, with age of (48.1±16.2) years, of which 143(65.0%) were males. Overall, the clinical parameters of eGFR, cystatin C, serum albumin, 24h-Urine protein, serum phosphorus were as follows respectively, 7.7 (6.6,9.2) ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1, (3.93±1.12) mg/L, (36.0±4.0) g/L, (2.22±1.36) g, (1.71±0.53) mmol/L. The proportion of patients initiating HD within 6 months ( Fisher=6.832, P=0.020) and the level of hemoglobin ( F=3.112, P=0.047) were higher in group 3 compared to the other two eGFR groups. While the median time interval between AVF creation and HD initiation ( H=6.295, P=0.043) was shorter in group 1. In age <65 years group, the level of serum albumin ( t=2.076, P=0.039), triglyceride ( t=1.995, P=0.048) were higher compared with age ≥65 years group; interestingly, the proportion of patients initiated HD within 3 months ( χ2=4.033, P=0.045) and 6 months ( χ2=5.012, P=0.025) were lower in age <65 years group. The median time interval between AVF creation and HD initiation among these patients was 84 (49,174) days. The patients initiating HD within 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after AVF creation were 112 (50.9%), 152 (69.1%), and 202 (91.8%), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that higher cystatin C level ( HR=1.283, 95% CI 1.121-1.469, P<0.001) was associated with earlier HD initiation within 1 year of AVF surgery in NDKD patients. AVF usage was accomplished in 64.3% of patients who initiated HD within 90 days, the ratio was 100.0% in those initiated HD between 91 to 180 days, and 88.0% in those ≥181 days after AVF surgery. No factor was independently associated with AVF use at HD initiation identified by multivariate logistic regression analyses in patients with NDKD. Conclusion:Serum cystatin C level is associated with HD initiation within 1 year of the predialysis AVF creation in NDKD patients.

Effect of endovascular treatment on thrombosis of autogenous arteriovenous fistula / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided endovascular therapy for autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis.Methods:It was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Data of patients undergoing ultrasound-guided intravascular therapy due to AVF thrombosis in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from August 2018 to June 2021 were analyzed. According to different surgical procedures, the patients were divided into two groups. Patients treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) + drilling thrombectomy were in group A, and patients treated with PTA only were in group B. After 1 year of follow-up, the surgical technique success rate, primary patency rate, secondary patency rate and complications were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 152 patients were enrolled, including 74 in group A and 78 in group B. There were no significant differences in gender, age, proportion of patients with diabetes and hypertension, and thrombosis time of AVF between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with group B, the diameter and length of thrombus in group A were larger [13.0(9.0, 16.0) mm vs. 6.0(5.0, 6.5) mm, Z=-9.362, P<0.001; 12(8, 15) cm vs. 3(3, 4) cm, Z=-10.061, P<0.001], and the establishment time of AVF was longer [5(2, 7) years vs. 2(1, 5) years, Z=-2.698, P=0.007]. Among the overall patients, the success rate of surgery was 96.7% (147/152), and the success rate of surgery was 95.9% (71/74) in group A and 97.4% (76/78) in group B respectively, with no statistical difference ( χ2=0.004, P=0.952). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that, overall, the primary patency rate at 3rd, 6th and 12th month after operation was 87.1%, 71.4% and 56.6%, and the secondary patency rate was 97.1%, 96.4% and 94.1%, respectively. The primary patency rate of group A at 3rd, 6th and 12th month was 82.4%, 66.7% and 53.6%, and the secondary patency rate was 95.7%, 94.2% and 89.7%, respectively. The primary patency rate of group B at 3rd, 6th and 12th month was 91.5%, 73.2% and 59.7%, and the secondary patency rate was 98.6%, 98.6% and 98.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the primary and secondary patency rate between group A and group B at 3rd, 6th and 12th month (all P>0.05). The duration of operation in group A was longer than that in group B [2.0(1.9, 2.0) h vs. 2.0(1.0, 2.0) h, Z=-5.181, P<0.001], but no serious complications occurred in both groups. Conclusion:The two surgical methods are effective, safe and reliable in the treatment of AVF thrombosis, and have high clinical application value.

Clinical features and risk factors of the mortality in hemodialysis patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical features of patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) infected with SARS-CoV-2 and analyze the risk factors of death after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and to provide clinical data for early detection of critically ill patients and timely intervention.Methods:It was a cross-sectional investigation study. MHD patients in the hemodialysis centers of four tertiary hospitals with geographical representation in Shanxi province from December 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023 were enrolled, and the demographic data, dialysis-related indicators, laboratory test results and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection were collected by distributing the questionnaires on SARS-CoV-2 infection, and consulting the hospital medical record system and the outpatient hemodialysis information system. SARS-CoV-2-infected patients were divided into survival group and death group according to whether all-cause death occurred and the differences of baseline data between the two groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis method was used to analyze the risk factors of mortality in MHD patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.Results:A total of 519 MHD patients were included in this study, with 508 patients (97.88%) infected with SARS-CoV-2, 474 patients in the survival group and 34 patients in the death group. The clinical symptoms of MHD patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 were diverse, and the most common initial symptom was fever (314/508, 61.81%). Other initial symptoms included cough and phlegm in 66 patients (12.99%), fatigue in 66 patients (12.99%), poor appetite in 20 patients (3.94%), dyspnea in 20 patients (3.94%), muscle pain in 14 patients (2.76%) and diarrhea in 8 patients (1.57%). Compared with the survival group, the death group had older age ( t=5.229, P<0.001), high proportions of males ( χ2=12.319, P<0.001) and diabetic nephropathy ( χ2=49.423, P<0.001), and lower levels of red blood cells ( t=-5.060, P<0.001), lymphocyte ( t=-2.614, P=0.011), neutrophil ( t=-5.117, P<0.001), serum albumin ( t=-2.940, P=0.012), serum prealbumin ( t=-3.519, P=0.001), blood phosphorus ( t=-3.309, P=0.002), serum creatinine ( Z=-3.607, P<0.001), total triglyceride ( Z=-2.486, P=0.013), total cholesterol ( Z=-3.291, P=0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( Z=-3.292, P=0.001). Among 508 SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, 194 patients (38.19%) were treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, 154 patients (30.31%) were treated with antibiotics, and 98 patients (19.29%) were treated with antiviral drugs. There were 225 (43.29%) vaccinated patients against SARS-CoV-2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low red blood cells ( OR=0.256, 95% CI 0.014-0.429), low lymphocytes ( OR=0.487, 95% CI 0.193-0.826), low serum albumin ( OR=0.613, 95% CI 0.329-0.917), older age ( OR=1.227, 95% CI 1.066-1.412) and diabetes mellitus ( OR=1.126, 95% CI 1.025-1.235) were the independent influencing factors of all-cause mortality in MHD patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions:The clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection in MHD patients are varied. Low red blood cells, low lymphocytes, low serum albumin, elder age and diabetes mellitus are the independent risk factors of death after SARS-CoV-2 infection in MHD patients. Strengthening management of MHD patients especially in the elderly, and improving and correcting anemia and malnutrition in time, may reduce the death risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in MHD patients.