The impact of preservation solutions for static cold storage on kidney transplantation outcomes: Results of a Brazilian nationwide multicenter study.

This study evaluated the current practices of selecting cold storage preservation solutions in Brazil and their impact on delayed graft function (DGF) incidence and 1-year outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 3,134 brain-dead deceased donor kidney transplants performed between 2014 and 2015 in 18 Brazilian centers. The most commonly used preservation solution was Euro-collins (EC, 55.4%), followed by Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK, 30%) and Institut Georges Lopez (IGL-1, 14.6%). The incidence of DGF was 54.4%, with 11.7% of patients requiring dialysis for more than 14 days, indicating prolonged DGF. Upon adjusting for confounding variables, HTK demonstrated a significantly lower risk of DGF than EC (OR 0.7350.82500.926), as did IGL-1 (OR 0.6050.7120.837). Similar protective effects were observed for prolonged DGF when comparing HTK (OR 0.4780.5990.749) and IGL-1 (OR 0.4780.6810.749) against EC. No significant association was found between preservation solutions and 1-year death-censored graft survival. In conclusion, EC was the most frequently used cold storage perfusion solution, demonstrating a higher incidence and duration of DGF compared with HTK and IGL-1, but with no impact on 1-year graft survival.

Does whole-body vibration improve risk of falls, balance, and heart rate variability in post-COVID-19 patients? A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) can be a therapeutic recovery strategy for patients hospitalized for COVID-19. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a 36-session WBV protocol on the risk of falls, balance, mobility and heart rate variability (HRV). STUDY DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial. METHODS: 13 patients affected by COVID-19, trained with WBV, 3×/week on alternate days, totaling 36 sessions, were evaluated before and after the intervention. RESULTS: WBV training at 2 mm and 4 mm amplitude resulted in a reduction in the risk of falls when compared to Sham (p = 0.023), with effect size of 0.530. No changes were observed for mobility and balance outcomes (p = 0.127) or for any of the HRV variables (p = 0.386). CONCLUSION: WBV training reduced the risk of falls in post-COVID patients. No changes were observed regarding balance and mobility, nor for HRV.

Intravenous Human Immunoglobulin in the Treatment of BK Virus Nephropathy in Kidney Transplant: A Case Report.

The BK virus infection is common in the immunocompetent population and is asymptomatic in the majority of cases. However, in renal transplant patients, reactivation and replication can occur, leading to the development of BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVN), which is associated with renal injury and graft loss. The objective of this case report was to demonstrate a case of BKVN that showed a good response to the use of human immunoglobulin. A 37-year-old man who underwent a second transplant received rabbit-derived antithymocyte human immunoglobulin at a dose of 6 mg/kg intravenously as induction immunosuppressive therapy, and maintenance therapy with tacrolimus, prednisone, and mycophenolate sodium (MFS). At 3 months post-transplant, he presented sustained BK virus viremia (70,000-100,000 copies/mL), leading to a reduction in the dose of MFS and tacrolimus. A biopsy diagnosed BKVN class 2/B2, and viremia increased to over 1 million copies/mL at 22 months, prompting the discontinuation of tacrolimus without response. Intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG) was administered at 2 g/kg at 22 months and again at 33 months, with viremia peaking at 2 million copies 3 months later. However, it steadily declined to 5500 copies/mL at 52 months post-transplant. Currently, the only proven therapy for BKVN is the reduction of immunosuppression. However, in patients who do not respond, IVIG is considered as an option, with good results demonstrated in case reports, as shown here. Nevertheless, the data are based on case reports or case series, and the development of controlled clinical trials is necessary for confirmation of the efficacy.

Relationship between quadriceps thickness and 60-second sit-to-stand test in patients with chronic kidney disease / Relação entre espessura do quadríceps e o teste sit-to-stand de 60 segundos em pacientes com doença renal crônica

Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between quadriceps muscle thickness and functional performance on the 60s sit-to-stand test (60s-STS), the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and handgrip strength in non-dialytic stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 40 CKD patients aged between 30-70 years. Participants were submitted to an assessment that included quadriceps muscle thickness evaluated by a portable ultrasound. Functional performance tests included the 60s-STS, distance walked in the 6MWT, and handgrip strength. Also, body composition evaluated using electrical bioimpedance analysis and physical activity level through the short version of International Physical Activity were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between the quadriceps thickness and functional performance. Results: Quadriceps muscle thickness was correlated to 60s-STS (R2 = 43.6%; 95% CI = 0.022 - 0.665; β = 0.34; p = 0.037). Also, a moderate correlation between this muscle thickness and appendicular skeletal muscle (ALM) was found in CKD patients (r = 0.603, p <0.001). No relationship was found between quadriceps muscle thickness with the 6MWT and handgrip strength. Conclusion: Quadriceps muscle thickness is associated to 60s-STS, thus our results demonstrate the repercussions of the disease on the musculoskeletal system.

Resumo Antecedentes: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a relação entre espessura muscular do quadríceps e desempenho funcional no teste sit-to-stand de 60s (STS-60s), no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M), e na força de preensão manual em pacientes não dialíticos com doença renal crônica (DRC) estágios 4 e 5. Métodos: Este foi um estudo transversal que avaliou 40 pacientes com DRC com idades entre 30-70 anos. Os participantes foram submetidos a uma avaliação que incluiu a espessura muscular do quadríceps avaliada por um ultrassom portátil. Os testes de desempenho funcional incluíram o STS-60s, a distância percorrida no TC6M e a força de preensão manual. Além disso, foram medidos a composição corporal, avaliada usando a análise de bioimpedância elétrica e o nível de atividade física por meio da versão curta do International Physical Activity. A regressão linear múltipla foi usada para investigar a relação entre a espessura do quadríceps e o desempenho funcional. Resultados: A espessura muscular do quadríceps foi correlacionada com o STS-60s (R2 = 43,6%; IC 95% = 0,022 - 0,665; β = 0,34; p = 0,037). Também foi encontrada uma correlação moderada entre esta espessura muscular e a massa muscular esquelética apendicular (MEA) em pacientes com DRC. (r = 0,603, p <0,001). Nenhuma relação foi encontrada entre a espessura muscular do quadríceps com o TC6M e a força de preensão manual. Conclusão: A espessura muscular do quadríceps está associada ao STS-60s, assim nossos resultados demonstram as repercussões da doença sobre o sistema músculo-esquelético.

Modeling of covariates predicting renal allograft failure within six months after transplantation / Modelagem das covariáveis preditivas para falência do enxerto renal até seis meses do transplante

INTRODUCTION: Kidney transplantation (KT) is the renal replacement therapy (RRT) of choice for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, not every KT is successful and some patients persist on RRT. OBJECTIVE: To model a logistic regression with pre- and post-KT risk covariates capable of predicting secondary allograft dysfunction in need of RRT or reaching stage V of CKD until the first six months post-KT. METHODS: Cohort with KT recipients from Northeastern Brazil. Medical records of KT performed between 2011-2018 were analyzed. KT-recipients with insufficient data or who abandoned follow-up were excluded. The covariables analyzed were: demographic; infectious; pre- and post-KT comorbidities; panel reactive-antibodies; number of HLA mismatches; acute rejection episodes mediated by T-cell (ACR) or antibodies (AAR) six months after KT; and laboratory tests six months after KT. RESULTS: Covariates with higher risk for the analyzed outcomes six months after KT were: elderly KT recipients (OR:1.41; CI95%:1.01-1.99), time between onset of RRT and KT (ΔT-RRT&KT)>10years (OR:3.54; CI95%:1.27-9.87), diabetes mellitus (DM) pre-KT (OR:3.35; CI95%:1.51-7.46), pyelonephritis (OR:2.45; CI95%:1.24-4.84), polyomavirus nephropathy (OR:4.99; CI95%:1.87-13.3), AAS (OR:4.82; CI95%:1.35-17.2), 24h-proteinuria ≥300mg/24h (OR:5.05; CI95%:2.00-12.7) and serum calcium (Ca) <8.5mg/dL (OR:4.72; CI95%:2.00-11.1). The multivariate model presented an accuracy of 88.1% and the mean variance inflation factor is 1.81. CONCLUSION: Elderly-recipients, ΔT-RRT&KT>10 years, pre-KT DM, and post-KT aggressions until six months (pyelonephritis, polyomavirus nephropathy, ABMR, 24h-proteinuria≥300mg/24h, and Ca<8.5mg/dL) are associated with high predictive power for secondary allograft dysfunction in need of RRT or reaching CKD stage V until the first six months post-KT.

INTRODUÇÃO: Transplante renal (TR) é a terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) de escolha para pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC). Entretanto, nem todo TR é bem-sucedido e alguns pacientes persistem em TRS. OBJETIVO: Modelar uma regressão logística com covariáveis de risco pré e pós-TR preditora da disfunção secundária do aloenxerto com necessidade de TRS ou alcance ao estágio V da DRC até os primeiros seis meses pós-TR. MÉTODOS: Coorte com receptores transplantados realizado em hospital no Nordeste brasileiro. Analisou-se registros médicos dos TR realizados entre 2011-2018. Receptores com dados insuficientes ou que abandonaram seguimento foram excluídos. Foram analisadas covariáveis: demográficas; infecciosas; comorbidades pré e pós-TR; painel de reatividade; incompatibilidades de HLA; episódios de rejeições agudas mediadas por células-T ou por anticorpos; exames laboratoriais seis meses pós-TR. RESULTADOS: Receptores idosos (OR:1,41; IC95%:1,01-1,99), tempo entre início da TRS e TR (∆T-TRS&TR)>10 anos (OR:3,54; IC95%:1,27-9,87), diabetes mellitus (DM) pré-TR (OR:3,35; IC95%:1,51-7,46), pielonefrite (OR:2,45; IC95%:1,24-4,84), nefropatia por poliomavírus (OR:4,99; IC95%:1,87-13,3), RAMA (OR:4,82; IC95%:1,35-17,2), proteinúria de 24h (Pt24h) ≥300mg/24h (OR:5,05; IC95%:2,00-12,7) e cálcio sérico (Ca)<8,5mg/dL (OR:4,72; IC95%:2,00-11,1) foram identificadas como covariáveis de maior risco para os desfechos analisados até seis meses pós-TR. O modelo multivariado apresentou acurácia de 88,1% e fator de inflação da variância médio de 1,81. CONCLUSÃO: Receptores idosos, ∆T-TRS&TR>10anos, DM pré-TR e agressões até seis meses pós-TR (pielonefrite, nefropatia por poliomavírus, RAMA, Pt24h≥300mg/24h e Ca<8,5mg/dL), apresentam alto poder preditivo para disfunção secundária do aloenxerto com necessidade de TRS ou alcance ao estágio V da DRC até os primeiros seis meses pós-TR.

Estreia da terapia de reparo transcateter edge-to-edge nas valvas tricúspide e mitral em um único procedimento na América Latina: relato de caso / First performance of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral and tricuspid valve repair in a single procedure in Latin America: case report

Apresentamos o caso debutante na América Latina de reparos transcateteres edge- to-edge nas valvas mitral e tricúspide em um único procedimento em paciente de alto risco para cirurgia. A paciente evoluía com insuficiência cardíaca e limitações em suas atividades diárias quando foi submetida ao procedimento, no qual foram realizados os reparos transcateteres das valvas mitral e tricúspide. Aos 6 meses de evolução, estava assintomática e realizando suas atividades diárias. Debatemos as recomendações mais atualizadas sobre a terapia transcateter para coexistência dessas doenças valvares, assim como expomos as lacunas no conhecimento.

We present the first case in Latin America of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral and tricuspid valve repair in a single procedure, in a patient at high risk for surgery. The patient progressed to heart failure and limitation in her daily living activities when she was submitted to transcatheter mitral and tricuspid valve repair. Six months later, she was asymptomatic and performing her daily living activities. We discuss the most updated recommendations for transcatheter repair when both valvar conditions coexist, and show the knowledge gaps.

Relevant functioning aspects and environmental factors for adults and seniors undergoing hemodialysis: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify which functioning, personal and environmental factors are more relevant to adults in hemodialysis treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected by semi-structured interview, recorded, transcribed in full, verified and produced by Bardin Thematic content analysis. Two independent researchers identified the relevant themes and named the thematic categories found according to the coding of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). RESULTS: Six men and three women aged between 32-65 years were interviewed, with per capita family income between 1-2.9 minimum salaries and hemodialysis treatment time between 5 to 26 years. Fifty-seven ICF categories were listed: 17 Body Functions, 9 Body Structures, 21 Activities and Participation, and 10 Environmental Factors. Health, transportation and general social support services, systems and policies; doing housework; recreation and leisure; emotional functions, temperament and personality functions; energy and drive functions; sensation of pain; and structures of the cardiovascular system, lower extremity and musculoskeletal structures related to movement were the most reported aspects by the participants. CONCLUSION: Patients' need for physical/emotional support from their partners, friends and health professionals, including emotional and social support, with health policies, transportation and job maintenance, in order to increase their survival and quality of life.

Relationship between quadriceps thickness and 60-second sit-to-stand test in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between quadriceps muscle thickness and functional performance on the 60s sit-to-stand test (60s-STS), the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and handgrip strength in non-dialytic stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 40 CKD patients aged between 30-70 years. Participants were submitted to an assessment that included quadriceps muscle thickness evaluated by a portable ultrasound. Functional performance tests included the 60s-STS, distance walked in the 6MWT, and handgrip strength. Also, body composition evaluated using electrical bioimpedance analysis and physical activity level through the short version of International Physical Activity were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between the quadriceps thickness and functional performance. RESULTS: Quadriceps muscle thickness was correlated to 60s-STS (R2 = 43.6%; 95% CI = 0.022 - 0.665; ß = 0.34; p = 0.037). Also, a moderate correlation between this muscle thickness and appendicular skeletal muscle (ALM) was found in CKD patients (r = 0.603, p <0.001). No relationship was found between quadriceps muscle thickness with the 6MWT and handgrip strength. CONCLUSION: Quadriceps muscle thickness is associated to 60s-STS, thus our results demonstrate the repercussions of the disease on the musculoskeletal system.

Exploring the causes of the high incidence of delayed graft function after kidney transplantation in Brazil: a multicenter study.

This retrospective multicenter (n = 18) cohort study evaluated the incidence, risk factors, and the impact of delayed graft function (DGF) on 1-year kidney transplant (KT) outcomes. Of 3992 deceased donor KT performed in 2014-2015, the incidence of DGF was 54%, ranging from 29.9% to 87.7% among centers. Risk factors (lower-bound-95%CI OR upper-bound-95%CI ) were male gender (1.066 1.2491.463 ), diabetic kidney disease (1.053 1.2961.595 ), time on dialysis (1.005 1.0071.009 ), retransplantation (1.035 1.3971.885 ), preformed anti-HLA antibodies (1.011 1.3831.892 ), HLA mismatches (1.006 1.0661.130 ), donor age (1.011 1.0171.023 ), donor final serum creatinine (sCr) (1.239 1.3171.399 ), cold ischemia time (CIT) (1.031 1.0431.056 ), machine perfusion (0.401 0.5420.733 ), and induction therapy with rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) (0.658 0.8000.973 ). Duration of DGF > 4 days was associated with inferior renal function and DGF > 14 days with the higher incidences of acute rejection, graft loss, and death. In conclusion, the incidence and duration of DGF were high and associated with inferior graft outcomes. While late referral and poor donor maintenance account for the high overall incidence of DGF, variability in donor and recipient selection, organ preservation method, and type of induction agent may account for the wide variation observed among transplant centers.

Logistic Regression Model in a Machine Learning Application to Predict Elderly Kidney Transplant Recipients with Worse Renal Function One Year after Kidney Transplant: Elderly KTbot.

BACKGROUND: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is a public health problem worldwide. Kidney transplantation (KT) is the best treatment for elderly patients' longevity and quality of life. OBJECTIVES: The primary endpoint was to compare elderly versus younger KT recipients by analyzing the risk covariables involved in worsening renal function, proteinuria, graft loss, and death one year after KT. The secondary endpoint was to create a robot based on logistic regression capable of predicting the likelihood that elderly recipients will develop worse renal function one year after KT. METHOD: Unicentric retrospective analysis of a cohort was performed with individuals aged ≥60 and <60 years old. We analysed medical records of KT recipients from January to December 2017, with a follow-up time of one year after KT. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds ratios for elderly vs younger recipients, controlled for demographic, clinical, laboratory, data pre- and post-KT, and death. RESULTS: 18 elderly and 100 younger KT recipients were included. Pretransplant immune variables were similar between two groups. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between groups were observed after KT on laboratory data means and for the prevalences of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, acute rejection, cytomegalovirus, polyomavirus, and urinary infections. One year after KT, the creatinine clearance was higher (P = 0.006) in youngers (70.9 ± 25.2 mL/min/1.73 m2) versus elderlies (53.3 ± 21.1 mL/min/1.73 m2). There was no difference in death outcome comparison. Multivariable analysis among covariables predisposing chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 presented a statistical significance for age ≥60 years (P = 0.01) and reduction in serum haemoglobin (P = 0.03). The model presented goodness-fit in the evaluation of artificial intelligence metrics (precision: 90%; sensitivity: 71%; and F 1 score: 0.79). CONCLUSION: Renal function in elderly KT recipients was lower than in younger KT recipients. However, patients aged ≥60 years maintained enough renal function to remain off dialysis. Moreover, a learning machine application built a robot (Elderly KTbot) to predict in the elderly populations the likelihood of worse renal function one year after KT.

Development of an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health core set for adults with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to identify the most frequently evaluated functioning assessment methods and instruments or physical tests for adults in hemodialysis and to link these to International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health categories. INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease is one of the main causes of morbidity, mortality and incapacity worldwide. Individuals show decreased functioning, which is associated with limitations in activities and social participation, and early mortality. Thus, evaluating functioning could help identify the needs of these patients, directing rehabilitation choices and strategies. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies of adult patients (18 years or over) undergoing hemodialysis treatment will be included. Initially, the main aspects of functionality related to physical functions, body structures, activities, and participation will be summarized, in addition to the influence of environmental factors, through the instruments and methods described in the studies found. The context will be hemodialysis treatment in hospitals. Therefore, data on home dialysis of any kind or renal transplantation will not be considered. There will be no language restrictions. Studies from 2009 will be included, METHODS:: This research will be conducted via the following: i) identification of the instruments and methods used to evaluate functioning in patients; ii) charting the data, iii) linking the functioning aspects of the selected studies to International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health categories, and iv) summarizing and reporting the results. Two independent researchers will conduct the initial search, and the data extracted will be collated in a table.

Relationship between Prolactin, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Cardiovascular Risk.

CKD has a high prevalence worldwide, mainly due to its main etiologies-diabetes and hypertension. It has high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with traditional risk factors such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and left ventricular hypertrophy being common. Nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as anemia, hyperparathyroidism, chronic inflammation, and microalbuminuria, are also well studied. Prolactin is a hormone not only related to lactation but also being considered a uremic toxin by some authors. It accumulates with loss of renal function, and it is associated with cardiovascular outcomes in both normal renal function population and CKD population. The purpose of this narrative review is to raise the main common aspects of CKD, prolactinemia, and cardiovascular risk.

Does whole body vibration training improve heart rate variability in kidney transplants patients? A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an exercise modality that can promote improvements in heart rate variability (HRV) with lower patient overload, and consequently reduce cardiovascular risk in renal transplant patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week WBV training program of two weekly sessions on HRV. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial with 12 kidney transplant recipients of both genders who underwent WBV training (35 Hz) twice a week for 12 weeks on alternate days (WBV Group) and training with sub-therapeutic WBV (8 Hz) (Sham Group). Variables were evaluated in time and frequency domains of HRV through the 24-h Holter monitor, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) through an exercise stress test. RESULTS: The delta between Sham and WBV groups showed an increase in the low frequency (Δ = 959.05 Hz; p = 0.01) and in the high frequency (Δ = 204.42 Hz; p = 0.04) of the HRV compared to Sham group. No changes in the ergometric variables were observed for any of the groups. CONCLUSION: The present study evidenced an increase in the low and high frequency of HRV in individuals who participated in the Sham WBV group. There was no improvement in the autonomic balance in the groups, in the other HRV parameters, or the exercise test after the WBV training period.

Effects of daily inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength and chest wall regional volumes in haemodialysis patients: a randomised clinical trial.

Purpose: Evaluating the effects of interdialytic daily inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory muscle strength, chest wall regional volumes, diaphragmatic mobility and thickness, pulmonary function, functional capacity, and quality of life (QoL) in haemodialysis (HD) patients.Method: A randomised, and double-blind clinical trial composed of 24 chronic kidney disease patients undergoing HD. Patients were allocated into the IMT group (n = 12) or sham group (n = 12) and performed daily IMT twice per day with a load of 50% inspiratory muscle strength for the IMT group and 5 cmH2O for the sham group during 8 weeks. Respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness and mobility, chest wall regional volumes, functional capacity, and QoL were measured.Results: At the end of the study, an increase in inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength was observed for both groups, but no significant difference was found between them. Changed volume distribution was also observed in the IMT group, with significantly increased inspiratory capacity in the pulmonary compartment compared to the sham group.Conclusions: Daily interdialytic IMT promoted a change in chest wall regional volumes, with an increase in the inspiratory capacity of the pulmonary rib cage. Both groups had increased inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength with daily respiratory exercise.Trial registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov; study number: NCT02599987; name of trial registry: IMT in Patients with End-stage Renal Disease.Implications for rehabilitationMuscular impairment in chronic kidney disease patients results from a series of common alterations, affecting respiratory muscles.Patients with chronic kidney disease have low values of diaphragmatic thickness.The daily inspiratory muscle training (IMT) or breathing exercise over a period of 8 weeks provided increased respiratory muscle strength.The daily inspiratory muscle training presented a change in tri-compartment distribution of lung volume compared to the sham group, with increased inspiratory capacity of the pulmonary rib cage.

Endocarditis due to Burkholderia cepacia and an intracardiac foreign body in a renal transplant patient.

The authors describe the case of a renal transplant patient who developed late infective endocarditis associated with an intracardiac fragment of a catheter inserted 16 years before. Clinical presentation was anemia of undetermined cause and weight loss. Three blood cultures were positive for Burkholderia cepacia. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a foreign body in the right atrium and right ventricle, confirmed by computed tomography. The patient underwent intravenous antibiotic therapy, followed by cardiac surgery to remove the foreign body. There were no postoperative complications, with improvement of anemia and stabilization of renal function.