Acute kidney injury in multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant plays an important role in multiple myeloma (MM) treatment. Increasing incidence of MM and growing awareness of acute kidney injury (AKI) as a complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplant results in the need to better understand AKI in these patients. We aimed to evaluate incidence, risk factors and 5-year prognostic impact of AKI in MM patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. AKI was defined by the KDIGO classification using creatinine and urinary output criteria. We used survival analysis methods considering competing events for risk factors and disease-free survival, Cox proportional regression for overall survival and stepwise regression methods for multivariable models. RESULTS: We analyzed data regarding 143 patients. The cumulative incidence of AKI and moderate-to-severe AKI was 49.7% and 14.1%, respectively. Factors with independent impact on AKI were obesity (HR: 1.83, 95% CI 1.07-3.11; p = 0.026), Hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI) ≥ 2 (HR: 1.85, 95% CI 1.08-3.17), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (HR: 2.06, 95% CI 1.05-4.04), amyloidosis (HR: 2.25, 95% CI 1.25-4.06), mucositis grade 3-4 (HR: 2.19, 95% CI 1.25-3.86) and exposure to nephrotoxic drugs (HR: 2.0856, 95% CI 1.04-4.19). Moderate-to-severe AKI had an impact (HR: 1.62, 95% CI 1.15-2.31) on 5-year overall survival. CONCLUSION: Acute kidney injury affects almost half of MM patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and reduction in urinary output allows early diagnosis in almost a quarter of the patients. Obesity, HCT-CI ≥ 2, CKD, amyloidosis, mucositis grade 3-4 and exposure to nephrotoxic drugs are significant risk factors. Moderate-to-severe AKI is associated with lower 5-year overall survival.

Predictive Risk Score for Acute Kidney Injury in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is an important treatment option for hematologic malignancies. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in HSCTs and is related to worse outcomes. We aimed to create a predictive risk score for AKI in HSCT considering variables available at the time of the transplant. We performed a retrospective cohort study. AKI was defined by the KDIGO classification using creatinine and urinary output criteria. We used survival analysis with competing events. Continuous variables were dichotomized according to the Liu index. A multivariable analysis was performed with a backward stepwise regression. Harrel's C-Statistic was used to evaluate the performance of the model. Points were attributed considering the nearest integer of two times each covariate's hazard ratio. The Liu index was used to establish the optimal cut-off. We included 422 patients undergoing autologous (61.1%) or allogeneic (38.9%) HSCTs for multiple myeloma (33.9%), lymphoma (27.3%), and leukemia (38.8%). AKI cumulative incidence was 59.1%. Variables eligible for the final score were: hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index ≥2 (HR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.08-2.006; p = 0.013), chronic kidney disease (HR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.31-3.36; p = 0.002), lymphoma or leukemia (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.26-2.25; p < 0.001) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio > 171.9 (HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.10-1.86; p = 0.008). This is the first predictive risk score for AKI in patients undergoing HSCTs and the first study where the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio is independently associated with AKI.

Acute kidney injury in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant for patients with lymphoma - KDIGO classification with creatinine and urinary output criteria: a cohort analysis.

Eligibility and indication for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with lymphoma are increasing. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a known complication of HSCT with studies including a miscellaneous of hematological diagnoses and using different definitions of AKI. We aimed to evaluate incidence, risk factors and prognostic impact of AKI post-HSCT in patients with lymphoma submitted to autologous HSCT using the KDIGO classification with both serum creatinine and urinary output criteria. We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study including patients with lymphoma admitted for autologous HSCT. We used survival analysis with competing risks to evaluate cumulative incidence of AKI, AKI risk factors and AKI impact on disease-free survival. We used Cox regression for impact of AKI on overall survival. We used backward stepwise regression to create multivariable models. A total of 115 patients were included. Cumulative incidence of AKI: 63.7% 100 d post-HSCT. First diagnosis criteria: creatinine in 54.8%, urinary output in 41.1% and both in 4.1%. AKI highest stage: 1 in 57.5%, 2 in 17.8% and 3 in 24.7%. Variables independently associated with higher incidence of AKI were: use of nephrotoxic drugs (HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.07-7.65; p = 0.035), mucositis (HR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.16-3.29; p = 0.012) and shock (HR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.19-5.85; p = 0.017). Moderate to severe AKI was independently associated with lower overall survival (HR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.06-3.94; p = 0.033). No association with relapse nor progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) was found. AKI affects almost two thirds of patients with lymphomas submitted to autologous HSCT. Nephrotoxic drugs, mucositis and shock are important independent AKI risk factors. More than one third of AKI episodes are moderate to severe and these are associated with lower overall survival.

C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and six-month mortality in incident hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The first few months of hemodialysis (HD) are associated with a higher risk of mortality. Protein-energy malnutrition is a demonstrated major risk factor for mortality in this population. The C-Reactive Protein to Albumin ratio (CAR) has also been associated with increased mortality risk. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of CAR for six-month mortality in incident HD patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of incident HD patients between January 2014 and December 2019. CAR was calculated at the start of HD. We analyzed six-month mortality. A Cox regression was performed to predict six-month mortality and the discriminatory ability of CAR was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: A total of 787 patients were analyzed (mean age 68.34 ± 15.5 years and 60.6% male). The 6-month mortality was 13.8% (n = 109). Patients who died were significantly older (p < 0.001), had more cardiovascular disease (p = 0.010), had central venous catheter at the start of HD (p < 0.001), lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) level (p = 0.014) and higher CAR (p = 0.015). The AUC for mortality prediction was 0.706 (95% CI (0.65-0.76), p < 0.001). The optimal CAR cutoff was ≥0.5, HR 5.36 (95% CI 3.21-8.96, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that higher CAR was significantly associated with a higher mortality risk in the first six months of HD, highlighting the prognostic importance of malnutrition and inflammation in patients starting chronic HD.

One-Year Mortality after Hemodialysis Initiation: The Prognostic Role of the CHA2DS2-VASc Score.

BACKGROUND: CKD is a significant cause of morbidity, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. CHA2DS2-VASc is a score used in patients with atrial fibrillation to predict thromboembolic risk; it also appears to be useful to predict mortality risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate CHA2DS2-VASc scores as a tool for predicting one-year mortality after hemodialysis is started and for identifying factors associated with higher mortality. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who started hemodialysis between January 2014 and December 2019 in Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte. We evaluated mortality within one year of hemodialysis initiation. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated at the start of hemodialysis. RESULTS: Of 856 patients analyzed, their mean age was 68.3 ± 15.5 years and the majority were male (61.1%) and Caucasian (84.5%). Mortality within one-year after starting hemodialysis was 17.8% (n = 152). The CHA2DS2-VASc score was significantly higher (4.4 ± 1.7 vs. 3.5 ± 1.8, p < 0.001) in patients who died and satisfactorily predicted the one-year risk of mortality (AUC 0.646, 95% CI 0.6-0.7, p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 71.7%, a specificity of 49.1%, a positive predictive value of 23.9% and a negative predictive value of 89.2%. In the multivariate analysis, CHA2DS2-VASc ≥3.5 (adjusted HR 2.24 95% CI (1.48-3.37), p < 0.001) and central venous catheter at dialysis initiation (adjusted HR 3.06 95% CI (1.93-4.85)) were significant predictors of one-year mortality. CONCLUSION: A CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥3.5 and central venous catheter at hemodialysis initiation were predictors of one-year mortality, allowing for risk stratification in hemodialysis patients.

A glance into the future of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

In the past decade, unprecedented progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAVs). International collaborations and input from several fields (e.g. immunology, rheumatology, and nephrology) have been critical for analyzing demographics, disease manifestations, and outcomes in clinical research studies. Such efforts opened new avenues for generating novel questions and rationale to design better clinical trials. In addition, clinical research has been a source of several biological discoveries and the starting point for knowledge seeking on the pathophysiology of AAV. Interestingly, the blending of clinical and basic research provides a platform for personalized medicine. Despite recent revisions on AAV classification, the incorporation of new findings on disease genetics and immunologic responses may soon result in changes in clinical practice. These advances will enhance the selection of more specific and targeted therapies. However, current unmet needs in the management of AAV are still sizable and heavily impact long-term survival. Especially, frequent relapses, damage accrual, and high morbidity contribute to poor outcomes. Finally, the lack of defined biomarkers for disease activity and the prognosis is a permanent challenge in AAV research. Our work provides an overview of the current state of the art in AAV literature and suggests bridges for the remaining knowledge gaps. It offers potential future directions for the clinical assessment, management, and research in the field toward a more personalized medicine approach.

Presentation and outcomes of chronic kidney disease patients with COVID-19 / Apresentação e desfechos de pacientes com doença renal crônica com COVID-19

Abstract Introduction: COVID-19 is currently a global health issue and an important cause of mortality. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the risk factors for infection, morbidity and mortality by SARS-CoV-2. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation and outcomes of CKD patients with COVID-19, as well as identify predictors of mortality. Methods: This was a retrospective study of CKD patients admitted in a tertiary-care Portuguese hospital between March and August of 2020. Variables were submitted to univariate and multivariate analysis to determine factors predictive of in-hospital mortality. Results: 130 CKD patients were analyzed (median age 73.9 years, male 60.0%). Hypertension (81.5%), cardiovascular disease (36.2%), and diabetes (54.6%) were frequent conditions. Cough, dyspnea, fever and respiratory failure were also common. Almost 60% had anemia, 50% hypoalbuminemia, 13.8% hyperlactacidemia and 17% acidemia. Mean serum ferritin was 1531 µg/L, mean CRP 8.3 mg/dL and mean LDH 336.9 U/L. Most patients were treated with lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine or corticosteroids and only 2 with remdesivir. Eighty percent had acute kidney injury and 16.2% required intensive care unit admission. The 34 patients who died were older and more likely to have heart failure. They had higher neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio, ferritin, lactate, and LDH levels. Multivariate analysis identified an association between older age [OR 1.1 (CI 1.01-1.24), p=0.027], higher ferritin [OR 1.0 (CI 1.00-1.00), p=0.009] and higher LDH levels [OR 1.0 (CI 1.00-1.01), p=0.014] and mortality. Conclusion: In our cohort of CKD patients with COVID-19, older age, higher ferritin, and higher LDH levels were independent risk factors for mortality.

Resumo Introdução: COVID-19 é atualmente um problema de saúde global e uma causa importante de mortalidade. Doença renal crônica (DRC) é um dos fatores de risco para infecção, morbilidade e mortalidade por SARS-CoV-2. Neste estudo, objetivamos avaliar a apresentação clínica e os outcomes de doentes com DRC com COVID-19, bem como identificar preditores de mortalidade. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo de doentes com DRC internados num hospital terciário português entre Março-Agosto/2020. As variáveis foram submetidas a análise univariada e multivariada para determinar fatores preditivos de mortalidade hospitalar. Resultados: analisámos 130 pacientes com DRC (média de idades 73,9 anos; 60,0% homens). Hipertensão (81,5%), doença cardiovascular (36,2%) e diabetes (54,6%) foram comorbilidades frequentes. Tosse, dispneia, febre e insuficiência respiratória também foram comuns. Quase 60% apresentavam anemia, 50% hipoalbuminemia e 13,8% hiperlactacidemia, 17% acidemia. A ferritina sérica média foi 1531 µg/L, PCR média 8,3 mg/dL, LDH médio 336,9 U/L. A maioria foi tratada com lopinavir/ritonavir, hidroxicloroquina ou corticosteroides e apenas 2 com remdesivir. Oitenta por cento tiveram lesão renal aguda; 16,2% necessitaram de internamento na unidade de cuidados intensivos. Os 34 pacientes que faleceram eram mais velhos e mais propensos a ter insuficiência cardíaca. Estes apresentaram razão neutrófilos/linfócitos e níveis de ferritina, lactato e LDH mais elevados. A análise multivariada identificou uma associação entre idade avançada [OR 1,1 (IC 1,01-1,24), p=0,027], níveis de ferritina [OR 1,0 (IC 1,00-1,00), p=0,009] e LDH mais elevados [OR 1,0 (IC 1,00-1,01), p=0,014] e mortalidade. Conclusão: Na nossa coorte de doentes com DRC com COVID-19, a idade avançada e níveis mais elevados de ferritina e LDH foram fatores de risco independentes para mortalidade.

The impact of transient and persistent acute kidney injury in hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients / O impacto da lesão renal aguda transitória e persistente na mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes com COVID-19

Abstract Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been described in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and is considered a marker of disease severity and a negative prognostic factor for survival. In this study, the authors aimed to study the impact of transient and persistent acute kidney injury (pAKI) on in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Department of Medicine of the Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal, between March 2020 and August 2020. A multivariate analysis was performed to predict AKI development and in-hospital mortality. Results: Of 544 patients with COVID-19, 330 developed AKI: 166 persistent AKI (pAKI), 164 with transient AKI. AKI patients were older, had more previous comorbidities, had higher need to be medicated with RAAS inhibitors, had higher baseline serum creatine (SCr) (1.60 mg/dL vs 0.87 mg/dL), higher NL ratio, and more severe acidemia on hospital admission, and more frequently required admission in intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor use. Patients with persistent AKI had higher SCr level (1.71 mg/dL vs 1.25 mg/dL) on hospital admission. In-hospital mortality was 14.0% and it was higher in AKI patients (18.5% vs 7.0%). CKD and serum ferritin were independent predictors of AKI. AKI did not predict mortality, but pAKI was an independent predictor of mortality, as was age and lactate level. Conclusion: pAKI was independently associated with in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients but its impact on long-term follow-up remains to be determined.

Resumo Introdução: A lesão renal aguda (LRA) foi descrita em pacientes com doença do Coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) e é considerada um marcador de gravidade da doença e fator prognóstico negativo para sobrevivência. Neste estudo, os autores visaram estudar o impacto da lesão renal aguda transitória e persistente (LRAp) na mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes com COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo de pacientes internados com COVID-19 no Departamento de Medicina do Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal, entre Março-Agosto de 2020. Realizou-se análise multivariada para prever desenvolvimento de LRA e mortalidade hospitalar. Resultados: De 544 pacientes com COVID-19, 330 desenvolveram LRA: 166 LRA persistente (LRAp), 164, LRA transitória. Pacientes com LRA eram mais velhos, apresentaram mais comorbidades prévias, maior necessidade de serem medicados com inibidores do SRAA, apresentaram creatina sérica basal mais elevada (CrS) (1,60 mg/dL vs 0,87 mg/dL), maior razão NL, e acidemia mais grave na admissão hospitalar, e necessitaram mais frequentemente de internação na UTI, ventilação mecânica, e uso de vasopressores. Pacientes com LRA persistente apresentaram maior nível de CrS (1,71 mg/dL vs 1,25 mg/dL) na admissão hospitalar. A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 14,0% e foi maior em pacientes com LRA (18,5% vs 7,0%). A DRC e ferritina sérica foram preditores independentes de LRA. A LRA não previu mortalidade, mas a LRAp foi um preditor independente de mortalidade, assim como idade e nível de lactato. Conclusão: A LRAp foi associada independentemente à mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes com COVID-19, mas seu impacto no acompanhamento de longo prazo ainda precisa ser determinado.

The impact of transient and persistent acute kidney injury in hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been described in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and is considered a marker of disease severity and a negative prognostic factor for survival. In this study, the authors aimed to study the impact of transient and persistent acute kidney injury (pAKI) on in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Department of Medicine of the Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal, between March 2020 and August 2020. A multivariate analysis was performed to predict AKI development and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Of 544 patients with COVID-19, 330 developed AKI: 166 persistent AKI (pAKI), 164 with transient AKI. AKI patients were older, had more previous comorbidities, had higher need to be medicated with RAAS inhibitors, had higher baseline serum creatine (SCr) (1.60 mg/dL vs 0.87 mg/dL), higher NL ratio, and more severe acidemia on hospital admission, and more frequently required admission in intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor use. Patients with persistent AKI had higher SCr level (1.71 mg/dL vs 1.25 mg/dL) on hospital admission. In-hospital mortality was 14.0% and it was higher in AKI patients (18.5% vs 7.0%). CKD and serum ferritin were independent predictors of AKI. AKI did not predict mortality, but pAKI was an independent predictor of mortality, as was age and lactate level. CONCLUSION: pAKI was independently associated with in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients but its impact on long-term follow-up remains to be determined.

Presentation and outcomes of chronic kidney disease patients with COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is currently a global health issue and an important cause of mortality. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the risk factors for infection, morbidity and mortality by SARS-CoV-2. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation and outcomes of CKD patients with COVID-19, as well as identify predictors of mortality. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of CKD patients admitted in a tertiary-care Portuguese hospital between March and August of 2020. Variables were submitted to univariate and multivariate analysis to determine factors predictive of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: 130 CKD patients were analyzed (median age 73.9 years, male 60.0%). Hypertension (81.5%), cardiovascular disease (36.2%), and diabetes (54.6%) were frequent conditions. Cough, dyspnea, fever and respiratory failure were also common. Almost 60% had anemia, 50% hypoalbuminemia, 13.8% hyperlactacidemia and 17% acidemia. Mean serum ferritin was 1531 µg/L, mean CRP 8.3 mg/dL and mean LDH 336.9 U/L. Most patients were treated with lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine or corticosteroids and only 2 with remdesivir. Eighty percent had acute kidney injury and 16.2% required intensive care unit admission. The 34 patients who died were older and more likely to have heart failure. They had higher neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio, ferritin, lactate, and LDH levels. Multivariate analysis identified an association between older age [OR 1.1 (CI 1.01-1.24), p=0.027], higher ferritin [OR 1.0 (CI 1.00-1.00), p=0.009] and higher LDH levels [OR 1.0 (CI 1.00-1.01), p=0.014] and mortality. CONCLUSION: In our cohort of CKD patients with COVID-19, older age, higher ferritin, and higher LDH levels were independent risk factors for mortality.

Hypoalbuminaemia and One-Year Mortality in Haemodialysis Patients with Heart Failure: A Cohort Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF) has been rising over the past decade, with a prevalence close to 40%. Cardiovascular disease and malnutrition are common comorbidities and known risk factors for mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients. We aimed to evaluate the one-year mortality rate after dialysis induction, and the impact of serum albumin levels on survival outcomes, in patients with CKD and HF. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients with CKD and HF who underwent chronic HD between January 2016 and December 2019 in a tertiary-care Portuguese hospital. Variables were submitted to univariate and multivariate analysis to determine factors predictive of one-mortality after HD start. RESULTS: In total, 204 patients were analysed (mean age 75.1 ± 10.3 years). Within the first year of HD start, 28.7% of patients died. These patients were significantly older [79.8 ± 7.2 versus 72.9 ± 10.9 years, p < 0.001; OR 1.08 (1.04-1.13), p < 0.001] and had a higher mean Charlson Index [9.0 ± 1.8 versus 8.3 ± 2.0, p = 0.015; OR 1.22 (1.04-1.44), p = 0.017], lower serum creatinine [5.1 ± 1.6 mg/dL versus 5.8 ± 2.0 mg/dL; p = 0.021; OR 0.80 (0.65-0.97), p = 0.022], lower albumin levels [3.1 ± 0.6 g/dL versus 3.4 ± 0.6 g/dL, p < 0.001; OR 0.38 (0.22-0.66), p = 0.001] and started haemodialysis with a central venous catheter more frequently [80.4% versus 66.2%, p = 0.050]. Multivariate analysis identified older age [aOR 1.07 (1.03-1.12), p = 0.002], lower serum creatinine [aOR 0.80 (0.64-0.99), p = 0.049] and lower serum albumin [aOR 0.41 (0.22-0.75), p = 0.004] as predictors of one-year mortality. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, older age, lower serum creatinine and lower serum albumin were independent risk factors for one-year mortality, highlighting the prognostic importance of malnutrition in patients starting chronic HD.

Acute Kidney Disease and Mortality in Acute Kidney Injury Patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of AKI in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is variable and has been associated with worse prognosis. A significant number of patients develop persistent kidney damage defined as Acute Kidney Disease (AKD). There is a lack of evidence on the real impact of AKD on COVID-19 patients. We aim to identify risk factors for the development of AKD and its impact on mortality in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of COVID-19 patients with AKI admitted at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte between March and August of 2020. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification was used to define AKI. AKD was defined by presenting at least KDIGO Stage 1 criteria for >7 days after an AKI initiating event. RESULTS: In 339 COVID-19 patients with AKI, 25.7% patients developed AKD (n = 87). The mean age was 71.7 ± 17.0 years, baseline SCr was 1.03 ± 0.44 mg/dL, and the majority of patients were classified as KDIGO stage 3 AKI (54.3%). The in-hospital mortality was 18.0% (n = 61). Presence of hypertension (p = 0.006), CKD (p < 0.001), lower hemoglobin (p = 0.034) and lower CRP (p = 0.004) at the hospital admission and nephrotoxin exposure (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for the development of AKD. Older age (p = 0.003), higher serum ferritin at admission (p = 0.008) and development of AKD (p = 0.029) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19-AKI patients. CONCLUSIONS: AKD was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality in this population of COVID-19-AKI patients. Considering the significant risk of mortality in AKI patients, it is of paramount importance to identify the subset of higher risk patients.

Impact of Chronic RAAS Use in Elderly COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Analysis.

Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) recently emerged as a global pandemic. Advanced age is the most important risk factor for increased virus susceptibility and worse outcomes. Many older adults are currently treated with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors and there is concern that these medications might increase the risk of mortality by COVID-19. This is a retrospective cohort of 346 patients older than 65 years with COVID-19, at the Department of Medicine of the Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, in Portugal, hospitalized between March 2020 and August 2020. Mean age was 80.9 ± 8.7 years old. Most patients had arterial hypertension (n = 279, 80.6%), almost half (n = 161, 46.5%) had cardiovascular disease and approximately one-third of patients had heart failure (n = 127, 36.7%) or diabetes Mellitus (n = 113, 32.7%). Ninety-eight patients (28.3%) had chronic kidney disease and almost half of the patients (49.4%) were chronically under renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors. Twenty percent of patients died during hospitalization. In a multivariate analysis, older age (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04, 1.18, p = 0.002), absence of baseline medication with RAAS inhibitors (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.10, 0.75, p = 0.011), higher serum ferritin (OR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00, 1.00, p = 0.003) and higher lactate levels (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02, 1.14, p = 0.006) were independent predictors of mortality. Older age, higher serum ferritin and lactate levels at admission were found to be independent predictors of mortality and might act as early predictors of worsening disease in clinical practice. Chronic treatment with RAAS inhibitors appeared to be protective, supporting guidelines in not discontinuing such drugs.

Bird Fancier's Lung diagnosis in times of COVID-19 / Diagnóstico de la neumonitis de los avicultores en tiempos de la covid-19

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Perception of the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder in females by using the ProTMDMulti protocol and the visual analog scale before and after acupuncture treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perceptions of patients with TMD in relation to the signs and symptoms before and after acupuncture treatment, according to the ProTMDMulti and the VAS. METHOD: 68 patients were divided into groups: muscle TMD treated with acupuncture at local points (MUS-LP), muscle TMD with acupuncture at distant points (MUS-DP), joint and muscle treated with LP (JOI-LP) and joint and muscle treated with DP (JOI-DP). The evaluations were performed at four times: initial, control, final and follow-up. RESULTS: The best results were seen in the JOI-LP and the MUS-DP groups, in which the perceptions of the signs and symptoms were statistically lower in the final assessment than in the initial (P<0.05). In all groups, the final and the follow-up evaluations were similar. CONCLUSIONS: For TMDs with joint components, the best acupuncture treatment involves local points and for the TMDs with muscle components, points at a distance.

Pinos de fibra anatômicos: técnica clínica e benefícios mecânicos — relato de caso

Introdução: o emprego de pinos estéticos compostos por fibra de vidro tem sido cada vez mais estudado e os benefícios biomecânicos, além da possibilidade adesiva,tornam viável seu uso em várias situações clínicas. Estudos mostram que a perfeita adaptação às paredes do canal radicular é importante para melhorar as propriedades do conjunto dente-pino. Objetivo: apresentar a sequência técnica de um reembasamento de pino de fibra de vidro em canal amplo de um incisivo central fraturado coronalmente. Relato do caso: paciente do sexo masculino,12 anos de idade, apresentou-se com fratura oblíqua no dente 11 após acidente, atingindo a câmara pulpar.Após tratamento endodôntico, a obturação do canal radicular foi removida em preparo mecânico, resultando em necessidade de reembasamento do pino de fibra (Exacto#3, Angelus), que foi realizado com resina composta microhíbrida (Natural Look, DFL). O pino foi cimentado com adesivo convencional de três passos quimicamente polimerizado (Fusion Duralink, Angelus) e cimento resinoso autopolimeriável (Cement Post, Angelus), sendo posteriormente reconstruída a restauração da fratura dentária. Resultados: alcançou-se ótima resolução funcional e estética, com previsão de grande durabilidade clínica

Influence of powder/liquid ratio on the radiodensity and diametral tensile strength of glass ionomer cements

Clinicians tend to make reductions in glass ionomer power/liquid (P/L) ratios since some materials are difficult to mix and flow into small cavities, grooves or pits. In general, changing the P/L ratio decreases the physical and mechanical properties of conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) and resin modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs), but alterations seem to depend on their composition. OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of P/L ratio on the radiodensity and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of glass ionomer cements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 2 factors under study: P/L ratio (manufacturer's recommended P/L ratio and a 50 percent reduced P/L ratio), and materials (Vitro Molar, Vitro Fil, Vitro Cem conventional GICs and Vitro Fil LC, Ortho Glass LC RMGICs. Five 1-mm-thick samples of each material-P/L ratio were produced for radiodensity evaluation. Samples were x-ray exposed onto Digora phosphor plate and radiodensity was obtained using the software Digora for Windows 2.5 Rev 0. For DTS, five (4.0x8.0 mm) cylinder samples of each material were tested (0.5 mm/min). Data were subjected to one- and two-way ANOVA (5x2) followed by Tukey's HSD test, or Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's method. For paired comparisons, t-test or Mann-Whitney test were used (α=0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant interaction (P=0.001) for the studied factors (materials vs. P/L ratio). Reduced P/L ratio resulted in significantly lower DTS for the RMGICs, but radiodensity was affected for all materials (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced P/L ratio affected properties of the tested glass ionomer cements. RMGICs were more susceptible to lower values of DTS, but radiodensity decreased for all materials following P/L ratio reduction.

Radiodensity evaluation of dental impression materials in comparison to tooth structures.

UNLABELLED: In the most recent decades, several developments have been made on impression materials' composition, but there are very few radiodensity studies in the literature. It is expected that an acceptable degree of radiodensity would enable the detection of small fragments left inside gingival sulcus or root canals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the radiodensity of different impression materials, and to compare them to human and bovine enamel and dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five impression materials, from 5 classes, were studied: addition and condensation silicones, polyether, polysulfides and alginates. Five 1-mm-thick samples of each material and tooth structure were produced. Each sample was evaluated 3 times (N=15), being exposed to x-ray over a phosphor plate of Digora digital system, and radiodensity was obtained by the software Digora for Windows 2.5 Rev 0. An aluminum stepwedge served as a control. Data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's method (α=0.05). RESULTS: Different materials and respective classes had a different behavior with respect to radiodensity. Polysulfides showed high values of radiodensity, comparable to human enamel (p>0.05), but not to bovine enamel (p<0.05). Human dentin was similar only to a heavy-body addition silicon material, but bovine dentin was similar to several materials. Generally, heavy-body materials showed higher radiodensity than light-body ones (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Impression materials' radiodensity are influenced by composition, and almost all of them would present a difficult detection against enamel or dentin background in radiographic examinations.

Radiodensity evaluation of dental impression materials in comparison to tooth structures

In the most recent decades, several developments have been made on impression materials' composition, but there are very few radiodensity studies in the literature. It is expected that an acceptable degree of radiodensity would enable the detection of small fragments left inside gingival sulcus or root canals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the radiodensity of different impression materials, and to compare them to human and bovine enamel and dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five impression materials, from 5 classes, were studied: addition and condensation silicones, polyether, polysulfides and alginates. Five 1-mm-thick samples of each material and tooth structure were produced. Each sample was evaluated 3 times (N=15), being exposed to x-ray over a phosphor plate of Digora digital system, and radiodensity was obtained by the software Digora for Windows 2.5 Rev 0. An aluminum stepwedge served as a control. Data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's method (α=0.05). RESULTS: Different materials and respective classes had a different behavior with respect to radiodensity. Polysulfides showed high values of radiodensity, comparable to human enamel (p>0.05), but not to bovine enamel (p<0.05). Human dentin was similar only to a heavy-body addition silicon material, but bovine dentin was similar to several materials. Generally, heavy-body materials showed higher radiodensity than light-body ones (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Impression materials' radiodensity are influenced by composition, and almost all of them would present a difficult detection against enamel or dentin background in radiographic examinations.