Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome triggered by SARS-CoV2 infection: Case Report and Systematic Review.

Objective: Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a severe condition characterized by the coexistence of hypovolaemic shock, haemococentration, and hypoalbuminaemia, without albuminuria, that may progress to multiorgan failure and an unfavourable outcome. Its development is often triggered by viral infections, such as influenza A virus, but it is unclear whether it is also triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). We aimed to investigated the association between SARS-CoV-2 and SCLS.Method: We present the case of a 55-year-old-woman affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection who developed SCLS. Moreover, we performed a systematic review of the literature to identify any common features with other cases and to describe clinical characteristics and outcomes.Results: We found three other cases of SCLS occurring during SARS-CoV-2 infection in 2020. Taking all cases together, the mean age was 50 years (range 38-63), with a 1:1 gender ratio. Respiratory manifestations were the most common symptom, and all patients required admission to the intensive care unit. The mortality rate was 50%.Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger SCLS disease, either by an overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines or by direct viral infection of the endothelium. Since SCLS may have a poor prognosis, in every SARS-CoV-2-infected patient presenting the suggestive triad of hypovolaemic shock, haemoconcentration, and hypoproteinaemia, an SCLS diagnosis should be considered and early treatment initiated.

ESPEN Guidelines on Parenteral Nutrition: adult renal failure.

Among patients with renal failure, those with ARF and critical illness represent by far the largest group undergoing artificial nutrition. ARF, especially in the ICU, seldom occurs as isolated organ failure but rather is a component of a much more complex metabolic environment, in the setting of the multiple organ failure. Nutritional programs for ARF patients must consider not only the metabolic derangements peculiar to renal failure and with the underlying disease process/associated complications, but also the relevant derangements in nutrient balance due to renal replacement therapies, especially when highly efficient renal replacement therapies (RRT) are used, such as continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH), or prolonged intermittent modalities such as sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED). Finally it is to be taken into account that nutrient requirements can change considerably during the course of illness itself (see also guidelines on PN in intensive care). From a metabolic point of view, patients with CKD or on chronic HD who develop a superimposed acute illness should be considered to be similar to patients with ARF. The same principles in respect of PN should therefore be applied.

[Vascular access for dialysis in elderly: AVF versus permanent CVC]. / L'accesso vascolare nell'anziano: confronto FAV versus CVCp.

The type of hemodialysis vascular access (fistula, graft, catheter) employed plays an important role in the results of dialysis treatment. Moreover, different complications can affect the vascular access and interfere with the morbidity and mortality of patients. The ideal vascular access is the Cimino Brescia fistula, followed by graft. Tunnelled central venous catheters should be considered as 'second choice' because they present a higher incidence of complications, mainly due to thrombosis and infections. Finally, in elderly patients the vascular bed is frequently damaged and this may make it difficult to create a Cimino (Brescia) fistula (AVF). The use of instrumental tests, as echo-color Doppler or angiography in order to evaluate the real status of vascular bed in elderly patients can offer a great opportunity in order to find the best position where it is possible to create a fistula or graft. We suggest that a native fistula can be easily created in elderly patients and the 'second choice' access should be limited to a small proportion of patients. Although patient selection is important, even patients of 80 years or older who are considered suitable for surgical placement of access should not be denied an AVF solely because of age. Nephrologists or vascular surgeons, who create vascular access, should develop a good patient and site selection to predict which vascular access will function successfully rather than risk complications of prolonged central catheters.

[Objectives of the low-protein diet]. / Obiettivi della dieta ipoproteica.

The prescription of low-protein diets to patients with chronic kidney disease has several objectives: to lower the dietary phosphorus load and circulating phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels, and to improve the acid-base control and uremic symptoms while preserving the nutritional status. However, such objectives are always subordinate to the necessity of maintaining adequate calorie intake. An important target of any reduction of dietary protein intake is the delay of renal death and start of dialysis, as demonstrated by several methodologically sound studies and meta-analyses. However, no prospective study has yet confirmed the nephroprotective potential of low-protein diets repeatedly shown in animal models. Such negative results in human studies could be explained by their frequent methodological flaws, as well as by the modest actual reduction of protein intake compared with pre-study levels. The recent Cochrane meta-analysis confirmed that reducing dietary protein intake can delay renal death and dialysis. The Number-to-Treat estimate in the Cochrane meta-analysis (NNT=16) was even better than similar estimates in the statin prevention trials ''4S'' and ''WOSCOPS''.

[Low-protein dietary therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease]. / Terapia dietetica ipoproteica del paziente con IRC.

Several prospective studies and meta-analyses including the recent Cochrane meta-analysis have demonstrated that reducing the protein content in the diet delays renal death and the start of dialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Reducing the dietary protein intake offers other benefits such as lowering accumulation of uremic toxins and circulating phosphates and improving symptoms and metabolic derangements. Following the publication of the Cochrane meta-analysis, some of the most renowned experts in Italy on dietary therapy in the CKD patient established a working group within the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN), the ''Nephrontieres'' project. The current supplement of GIN presents the views of the members of the ''Nephrontieres'' group on a range of issues related to dietary therapy in CKD. A CME program for Italian nephrologists also originated from the collaborative work of the group.

[Low-protein diet in Italy today: the conclusions of the Working Group from the Italian Society of Nephrology]. / La dieta ipoproteica oggi in Italia: le conclusioni del Gruppo di Lavoro SIN.

The high estimated prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) forcefully supports the need for collaboration among nephrologists, cardiologists, diabetologists and general practitioners, to reduce the cardiovascular risk of CKD patients and delay the start of dialysis. Many studies confirm that reducing the dietary intake of proteins improves uremia as well as acid-base and phosphorus disorders without exposing the CKD patient to the risk of malnutrition. The possibility of delaying renal death and the start of dialysis by almost one to two years is also recognized, thanks in part to the antiproteinuric effect of low-protein diets supplemented with keto acids and essential amino acids. Reducing the dietary protein intake delays the start of dialysis independently of the effect of renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-active antihypertensive drugs. Reduction of the dietary protein intake is indicated in patients with a glomerular filtration rate <25 mL/min (CKD stages 4 and 5). Some situations may, however, require an earlier switch to a low-protein diet, e.g., high proteinuria, renal function worsening at more than 5 mL/min/year, diabetes, and metabolic decompensation. If well designed and properly carried out, reduction of the dietary intake of proteins is not associated with low serum albumin levels or malnutrition, and does not affect patients death. Today, highly palatable, high-quality reduced protein preparations are widely available to reduce the protein intake of CKD patients.

Diet or dialysis in the elderly? The DODE study: a prospective randomized multicenter trial.

There are no solid data on the real advantage of an early start of dialysis, as suggested by the DOQI guidelines. Uremic patients frequently have a poor nutritional status. However, we cannot distinguish between the detrimental effect on nutrition of too low a residual renal function or too long a period of low protein-diet, per se. However, it appears that a very-low-protein diet (VLPD) supplemented with essential amino acids and keto-analogs of amino acids, and with an adequate quantity of calories, can prevent hypoalbuminemia at the start of dialysis and can slow the progression of chronic renal failure. EDTA and USRDS data suggest that most patients starting dialysis nowadays are elderly, who also have the highest incidence of morbidity and mortality. Moreover, hospitalization rate becomes higher after the start of dialysis compared to the pre-dialysis period. Can an aminoacid-supplemented VLPD, prolonged beyond the GFR limits suggested by DOQI, offer elderly patients better survival and better quality of life than dialysis? The answer can only come from a prospective, randomized trial, in elderly patients, starting at the GFR values suggested by the NKF-DOQI for starting dialysis, comparing outcomes with a vegetarian VLPD supplemented with a mixture of keto-analogs of amino acids and essential amino acids, and with dialysis.

Which vascular access for chronic hemodialysis in uremic elderly patients?

The type of hemodialysis vascular access (fistula, graft, catheter) employed plays an important role in the results of dialysis treatment. Moreover, different complications can affect the vascular access and interfere with the morbidity and mortality of patients. The ideal vascular access is the Cimino Brescia fistula. Graft and catheter methods should be considered as 'second choice' because they present a higher incidence of complications, mainly due to thrombosis and infections. Finally, in elderly patients the vascular bed is frequently damaged and this may make it difficult to create a Cimino Brescia fistula. In a 5-year period, 140 elderly patients (>65 years) and 63 'young' patients (< 65 years) started dialysis treatment in our facility. In the elderly group, a native fistula was created in 88% of cases, whereas in the younger patients the percentage was 94% (p: NS). The grafts were, respectively, 11% in elderly and 6% in young patients. Only in one case, in one elderly patient, was a permanent catheter the first vascular access. We also report survival rate of the first vascular access, the incidence of thrombosis, and the need for creating another type of access. We suggest that a native fistula can be easily created in elderly patients and a 'second choice' access should be limited to a small proportion of patients.

CAPD viability: a long-term comparison with hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term viability of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) to that of hemodialysis (HD). DESIGN: Retrospective study of patients of our institution starting dialysis between January 1, 1981, and December 31, 1993, and surviving for at least 2 months. PATIENTS: Five hundred and seventy-eight new patients (51.3% on CAPD and 48.6% on HD). MAIN OUTCOMES STUDIED: Cox-adjusted assessment of patient and technique survival, and of technique success. Differences in results for two successive periods of time. RESULTS: Patient survival did not differ between CAPD and HD after adjusting for age and comorbidity, and significantly improved in the second part of the follow-up (1987-1993). Technique failure was significantly higher on CAPD, in which it was inversely related to age. The probability of a patient continuing on the first method of dialysis ("technique success") was significantly lower on CAPD than on HD, but the difference decreased progressively with age and disappeared in patients > or = 75 years. CONCLUSION: CAPD is as effective as HD in preserving life in uremic patients in the long-term, and gives better results in the older elderly. In adults, the lower technique success rate may not be a problem for patients with access to a good transplantation program; for others, this drawback must be weighed against the advantages of home treatment.

Differing dialysis treatment strategies and outcome.

The choice of a dialysis treatment depends on many factors, both medical and non-medical. A full and rational treatment requires easy access to a transplantation programme and to all dialysis modalities, extracorporeal or peritoneal. Presently, haemodialysis (HD) is used almost exclusively for in-centre or limited care treatment, peritoneal dialysis (PD) being preferred for home treatment. On HD, bicarbonate buffer is used in preference to acetate. Mixed convective-diffusive HD techniques have a very limited utilization world-wide because of their cost. Use of PD and automated PD continues to grow, although slowly. In our single-centre experience on a large number of patients, 10-year patient survival is not different on CAPD and HD, and there is initial lower risk of death on CAPD for patients > or = 75 years of age. Drop-out from CAPD has increased in recent years, mainly due to the patient/partner 'burn-out'. Drop-out is less for the elderly, and the difference in modality change between CAPD and HD decreases with increasing patient age, suggesting a clear indication for CAPD in the elderly, or in adults waiting for a transplant. The clinical background, e.g. the presence of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia or obesity, is also important in the choice of method.

Comparison of long-term survival between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

We have reviewed the literature and our own center's results for patients on long-term continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in comparison to results for patients on hemodialysis (HD). Contrary to recent American data showing one-year survivals to be worse on CAPD, the Canadian Registry and other studies show no significant difference in survivals on the two methods. Results are also conflicting for diabetics. Insufficient adjustments for age and case-mix variations are probably the most important causes for differences. For the general population, personal Cox-adjusted data show no difference between CAPD and HD up to ten-year follow-up, with very close curves for the adults and non-significant differences for the elderly. Old elderly (> 75 years) have better survival on CAPD in the first years of treatment. Dropout, which is higher on CAPD, decreases with age, and the patient retention on CAPD is worse than on HD for all patients, except the old elderly, for whom it is similar. These data were obtained in patients receiving a standard treatment, modified in order to give a more adequate dialysis dose only in recent years. The results of a prospective three-year study on the effect of nutritional [serum albumin and transferrin, normalized protein catabolic rate (PCRN), and subjective global assessment of malnutrition] and adequacy indices [Kt/V, creatinine clearance (Ccr), residual renal function] on patient survival on CAPD and HD are reported. Survival was not different for the two methods. Using the Cox analysis, nutritional indices did not affect survival whereas adequacy indices did. The effect of low serum albumin on survival was referable to the predialysis nutritional state. The similar survivals obtained on CAPD and HD, with Kt/V more or less than 1.0/treatment for HD and 1.7/week for CAPD, support the "peak concentration hypothesis" of Keshaviah et al. Survival in different groups of patients with different Kt/V and Ccr shows that the adequate dose on CAPD is Kt/V between 1.96 and 2.03 and Ccr > or = 70 L/week. A group of 26 patients who remained on CAPD treatment for more than eight years was also studied. Patient age and predialysis comorbidity were the most important factors affecting survival. Patients surviving longest had > 3 g/dL of serum albumin, > 0.8 g/kg/day of PCRN, a Kt/V > 1.6, and a weekly Ccr > 54L/week.

Predictive value of dialysis adequacy and nutritional indices for mortality and morbidity in CAPD and HD patients. A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The effects of dialysis inadequacy on patient survival and nutritional status and that of malnutrition on survival have not been clearly assessed. Studies comparing dose/mortality and morbidity curves on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and on haemodialysis (HD) are also needed, to assess adequate treatment on CAPD. METHODS: We have evaluated the effects of age, 13 pretreatment risk factors, serum albumin, transferrin, normalized protein catabolic rate, Kt/V, normalized weekly creatinine clearance, residual renal function and subjective global assessment of nutritional status on survival and morbidity, in a 3-year prospective study of 68 CAPD and 34 HD patients. RESULTS: Survivals did not differ for CAPD and HD patients. In the Cox hazard regression model, age, peripheral vasculopathy, serum albumin < 3.5 g/dl and Kt/V < 1.0/treatment on HD and < 1.7/week on CAPD were independent factors negatively affecting survival. On the contrary, adjusted survivals were not affected by gender, modality, other comorbid factors, normalized protein catabolic rate, or subjective global assessment of nutritional status. Persistence of residual renal function significantly improved survival. Observed and adjusted survival did not significantly differ for CAPD and HD patients with either low (HD, < 1.0/treatment; CAPD, < 1.7/week) or high ( > or = 1.0 and > or = 1.7) Kt/V. On HD, adjusted survivals were similar for 1.0 < or = Kt/V < 1.2 or > or = 1.2. On CAPD, Kt/V > or = 1.96/week was associated with definitely better survival, with only one death/23 patients versus 19/45, with Kt/V < or = 1.96. Survival was not different for 1.96 < or = Kt/V < 2.03 and > or = 2.03. Normalized weekly creatinine clearance and wKt/V were positively related on CAPD (r 0.39, P < 0.01) and wKt/V = 1.96 corresponded to 58 litres of normalized weekly creatinine clearance. CONCLUSIONS: Indices of adequacy were predictors of mortality and morbidity, both on CAPD and HD, whereas normalized protein catabolic rate and subjective global assessment of nutritional status were not. Serum albumin did not decrease during dialysis; hence its predictive effect for survival is due to the predialysis condition and not to dialysis-induced malnutrition.

Cross-sectional comparison of malnutrition in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients.

Although malnutrition is not uncommon in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, there has never been a large-scale comparison study of nutritional status with these two dialysis modalities. We therefore assessed protein-calorie nutrition in 224 CAPD patients and 263 MHD patients who were treated in eight centers in Italy. The CAPD patients were slightly older than the MHD patients (60.2 +/- 14.2 years v 56.3 +/- 15.1 years; P < 0.01), had undergone dialysis for less time (2.32 +/- 2.10 years v 3.66 +/- 2.66 years; P < 0.0001), and had higher residual renal function (1.83 +/- 2.29 mL/min v 0.27 +/- 0.91 mL/min; P < 0.0001). Protein nitrogen appearance was 60.5 +/- 16.6 g/d and 61.9 +/- 16.5 g/d in the CAPD and MHD patients, respectively. In CAPD versus MHD patients, serum total protein and albumin tended to be lower; serum transferrin and midarm muscle circumference were similar; and relative body weight, skinfold thickness, and estimated percent body fat tended to be greater. These greater values in CAPD patients were particularly evident in those who were 65 years of age or older. Serum glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides also were greater in CAPD patients. The subjective global nutritional assessment indicated a significantly greater proportion of malnourished CAPD patients than MHD patients (42.3% v 30.8%). The greater prevalence of malnutrition in CAPD patients diminished with age. Maintenance hemodialysis patients older than 76 years were more likely to be malnourished than CAPD patients. In patients less than 65 years of age, protein-calorie malnutrition was more likely to be present in CAPD patients than in MHD patients.

Treatment of malnourished CAPD patients with an amino acid based dialysate.

Nineteen malnourished chronic peritoneal dialysis patients who were ingesting a low protein intake underwent metabolic balance studies to test whether a dialysate that contained amino acids would improve their protein nutrition. Patients lived in the hospital for 35 days while they ate a constant diet and underwent their usual regimen of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The first 15 days served as a Baseline Phase. For the last 20 days, the usual dialysate was substituted with a dialysate of essentially the same composition except that it contained 1.1% essential and nonessential amino acids and no glucose. Patients received one or two dialysate exchanges with amino acids each day depending on the amount necessary to bring the individual's dietary protein plus dialysate amino acid intake to 1.1 to 1.3 g/kg body weight/day. During Baseline, patients were in neutral nitrogen balance; net protein anabolism was positive, as determined from 15N-glycine studies. After commencing intraperitoneal amino acid therapy, nitrogen balance became significantly positive, there was a significant increase in net protein anabolism, the fasting morning plasma amino acid pattern became more normal, and serum total protein and transferrin concentrations rose. Patients generally tolerated the treatment well, although some patients developed mild metabolic acidemia. These findings indicate that a dialysate containing amino acids may improve protein malnutrition in CAPD patients ingesting low protein intakes.

Two years of experience with a new device system: a multicenter study.

Peritonitis is a crucial complication of peritoneal dialysis. Over the last few years, new device systems have been developed to reduce episodes of peritonitis caused by exogenous contamination. Remarkable improvement has been obtained by modifying the original connection between the catheter and the bag with the introduction of the Y-set. The aims of this study were to test the reliability and simple use of a double-bag system without disinfectant in-line (Gemini, Gambro) and to evaluate the incidence of peritonitis in a 2-year period of follow-up. In a group of 167 patients, enrolled in 14 dialysis units in Italy, with a follow-up of 2433 patient-months, we observed 82 episodes of peritonitis in 52 patients, with a cumulative incidence of 1 episode every 29.7 patient-months. At 12 months the percentage of patients peritonitis-free was 69.7%, and at 24 months it was 62.8%. The training to complete the bag exchange, assessed by patient and nursing staff, was defined as "easy" in 61% of the cases and "difficult" in only 12% of the cases. The percentage of patients requiring a partner was 23%. For patients this device system presents easy handling in terms of the bag exchange, and it may prevent peritonitis.

Nutritional status in the elderly patient with uraemia.

An increasing number of elderly patients with uraemia are treated by dialysis therapy. Virtually every published study on nutritional status of patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis treatment or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has indicated that a substantial proportion of patients undergoing regular dialysis treatment have protein calorie malnutrition. Problems of undernutrition increase significantly with age; a combination of socioeconomic, psychological, and biochemical problems interfering with acquiring and assimilating a balanced diet are responsible for nutritional deficiencies in older people. We assessed the prevalence of protein calorie malnutrition in 183 regular dialysis patients aged 65 years or older treated with haemodialysis or CAPD. This group of patients was compared to two other groups aged 18-40 years (62 patients) and 41-64 years (239 patients). Presence of malnutrition was assessed by selected serum chemistries, anthropometry and Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment. Adequacy of dialysis, protein nitrogen appearance, as an index of protein intake, and residual renal function were measured. The results indicate that protein calorie malnutrition occurs commonly in regular dialysis patients, with a higher prevalence of malnutrition in the elderly; 51% of patients of the elderly group were classified as malnourished, and no difference was found with the two dialytic modalities.