The prognostic value of URR equals that of Kt/V for all-cause mortality in Taiwan after 10-year follow-up.

Kt/V and URR (urea reduction ratio) measurements represent dialysis adequacy. Single-pool Kt/V is theoretically a superior method and is recommended by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. However, the prognostic value of URR compared with Kt/V for all-cause mortality is unknown. The effect modifiers and cut-off values of the two parameters have not been compared. We investigated 2615 incident hemodialysis patients with URR of 72% and Kt/V (Daugirdas) of 1.6. The average patient age was 59 years, 50.7% were female, and 1113 (40.2%) died within 10 years. URR and Kt/V were both positively associated with nutrition factors and female sex and negatively associated with body weight and heart failure. In Cox regression mod-els for all-cause mortality, the hazard ratios (HRs) of high URR groups (65-70%, 70-75%, and > 75%) and the URR < 65% group were 0.748 (0.623-0.898), 0.693 (0.578-0.829), and 0.640 (0.519-0.788), respectively. The HRs of high Kt/V groups (Kt/V 1.2-1.4, 1.4-1.7, and > 1.7) and the Kt/V < 1.2 group were 0.711 (0.580-0.873), 0.656 (0.540-0.799), and 0.623 (0.498-0.779), respec-tively. In subgroup analysis, Kt/V was not associated with all-cause mortality in women. The prognostic value of URR for all-cause mortality is as great as that of Kt/V. URR > 70% and Kt/V > 1.4 were associated with a higher survival rate. Kt/V may have weaker prognostic value for women.

Non-insulin-based insulin resistance indices for predicting all-cause mortality and renal outcomes in patients with stage 1-4 chronic kidney disease: another paradox.

Non-insulin-based insulin resistance (IR) indices serve as the indicators of metabolic syndrome (MetS) but have limited value for predicting clinical outcomes. Whether the obesity paradox affects the predictive value of these indicators in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unknown. We investigated whether MetS and non-insulin-based IR indices can predict all-cause mortality and renal outcomes in a prospective observational study with stage 1-4 CKD Asians (N = 2,457). These IR indices were associated with MetS. A Cox regression model including body mass index (BMI) revealed an association between MetS and renal outcomes. Among the IR indices, only high triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index was associated with adverse renal outcomes: the hazard ratio of Q4 quartile of the TyG index was 1.38 (1.12-1.70). All-cause mortality was marginally associated with MetS but not high IR indices. Low TyG and TyG-BMI indices as well as low BMI and triglyceride were paradoxically associated with increased risks of clinical outcomes. The triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and metabolic score for IR indices were not associated with clinical outcomes. In conclusion, MetS and TyG index predict renal outcome and obesity paradox affects the prediction of IR indices in patients with stage 1-4 CKD.

Association between rapid renal function deterioration and cancer mortality in the elderly: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Kidney function is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with cancer. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the association between kidney function decline and cancer-related mortality among community-dwelling elderly individuals. DESIGN: This was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: The 61,988 participants were from an elderly health examination database in Taipei City from 2005 to 2012. MEASUREMENTS: Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between baseline covariates and rapidly deteriorating estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In addition, Cox proportional hazards model and the Fine-Gray model were used to quantify the effects of covariates on total cancer mortality and six specific cancer mortalities. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 1482 participants died of cancer. Their baseline average eGFR was 73.8 ± 19.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and 18.3% had rapid renal function decline (≥5 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year). Rapid renal function decline was positively related to age, baseline eGFR, proteinuria, hypertension, waist circumferences, high log triglyceride levels, and diabetes mellitus (DM) history. In Cox proportional hazard models, participants with rapid eGFR decline had an increased risk of cancer mortality [hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.97 (1.73, 2.24); p < 0.001] compared to those without rapid eGFR decline. In the analysis of site-specific cancer mortality risk, rapid eGFR decline was associated with six site-specific cancer mortality, namely gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary, lung, prostate, urinary tract, and hematological malignancies. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly individuals with rapid kidney function decline had higher cancer mortality risks. Serial assessments of dynamic changes in eGFR might provide information relevant for cancer prognosis.

The Association between Iron Deficiency and Renal Outcomes Is Modified by Sex and Anemia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1-4.

Iron deficiency is prevalent in women and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Iron deficiency is not only related to anemia but contributes to adverse consequences for the kidney as well. Whether iron status is associated with renal outcomes after considering sex and anemia in patients with CKD stage 1-4 is unclear. Thus, we investigated the association of iron or iron saturation with renal outcomes in a CKD cohort. During a follow-up of 8.2 years, 781 (31.2%) patients met the composite renal outcome of renal replacement therapy and a 50% decline in renal function. In linear regression, iron was associated with sex, hemoglobin (Hb), and nutritional markers. In a fully adjusted Cox regression model, the male patients with normal iron had a significantly decreased risk of renal outcomes (hazard ratio (HR) 0.718; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.579 to 0.889), but the female patients did not exhibit this association. The non-anemic patients (Hb ≥ 11 g/dL) had a decreased risk of renal outcomes (HR 0.715; 95% CI 0.568 to 0.898), but the anemic patients did not. In the sensitivity analysis, transferrin saturation (TSAT) showed similar results. When comparing iron and TSAT, both indicators showed similar prognostic values. In conclusion, iron deficiency, indicated by either iron or iron saturation, was associated with poor renal outcomes in the male or non-anemic patients with CKD stage 1-4.

High risk of renal outcome of metabolic syndrome independent of diabetes in patients with CKD stage 1-4: The ICKD database.

AIMS: To investigate whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) could predict renal outcome in patients with established chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enroled 2500 patients with CKD stage 1-4 from the Integrated CKD care programme, Kaohsiung for delaying Dialysis (ICKD) prospective observational study. 66.9% and 49.2% patients had MetS and diabetes (DM), respectively. We accessed three clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality, RRT, and 50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate events. RESULTS: The MetS score was positively associated with proteinuria, inflammation, and nutrition markers. In fully adjusted Cox regression, the hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval) of MetS for composite renal outcome (renal replacement therapy, and 50% decline of renal function) in the DM and non-DM subgroups was 1.56 (1.15-2.12) and 1.31 (1.02-1.70), respectively, while that for all-cause mortality was 1.00 (0.71-1.40) and 1.27 (0.92-1.74). Blood pressure is the most important component of MetS for renal outcomes. In the 2 by 2 matrix, compared with the non-DM/non-MetS group, the DM/MetS group (HR: 1.62 (1.31-2.02)) and the non-DM/MetS group (HR: 1.33 (1.05-1.69)) had higher risks for composite renal outcome, whereas the DM/MetS group had higher risk for all-cause mortality (HR: 1.43 (1.09-1.88)). CONCLUSIONS: MetS could predict renal outcome in patients with CKD stage 1-4 independent of DM.

High Ultrafiltration Rate Is Associated with Increased All-Cause Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis Patients with a High Cardiothoracic Ratio.

A high ultrafiltration rate (UFR) is associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, whether a high UFR itself or heart failure with fluid overload followed by a high UFR causes mortality remains unknown. In this study, 2615 incident hemodialysis patients were categorized according to their initial cardiothoracic ratios (CTRs) to assess whether UFR was associated with mortality in patients with high or low CTRs. In total, 1317 patients (50.4%) were women and 1261 (48.2%) were diabetic. During 2246 (1087−3596) days of follow-up, 1247 (47.7%) cases of all-cause mortality were noted. UFR quintiles 4 and 5 were associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality than UFR quintile 2 in fully adjusted Cox regression analysis. As the UFR increased by 1 mL/kg/h, the risk of all-cause mortality increased 1.6%. Subgroup analysis revealed that in UFR quintile 5, hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality were 1.91, 1.48, 1.22, and 1.10 for CTRs of >55%, 50−55%, 45−50%, and <45%, respectively. HRs for all-cause mortality were higher in women and patients with high body weight. Thus, high UFRs may be associated with increased all-cause mortality in incident hemodialysis patients with a high CTR, but not in those with a low CTR.

Normal weight and waist obesity indicated by increased total body fat associated with all-cause mortality in stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) demonstrate a survival benefit with a high body mass index (BMI); this is the obesity paradox. Central obesity has a higher prognostic value than BMI, even in those with normal weight. Whether total body fat percentage (TBF%) provides more information than BMI and waist circumference (WC) remains unknown. We included 3,262 Asian patients with stage 3-5 CKD and divided these patients by TBF% and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) quartiles (Q1-Q4). TBF% was associated with BMI, WC, nutritional markers, and C-reactive protein. In all patients, BMI but not TBF% or WHtR demonstrated a survival paradox. In patients with BMI <25 kg/m2, but not in those with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, TBF% Q4 and WHtR Q4 were associated with all-cause mortality, with hazard ratios [HRs; 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of 2.35 (1.31-4.22) and 1.38 (1.06-1.80), respectively. The HRs of TBF% Q4 for all-cause mortality were 2.90 (1.50-5.58) in patients with a normal WC and 3.81 (1.93-7.50) in patients with normal weight and normal WC (All P for interaction < 0.05). In conclusion, TBF% can predict all-cause mortality in patients with advanced CKD and a normal weight, normal WC, or both.

Predictive Value of HbA1c and Metabolic Syndrome for Renal Outcome in Non-Diabetic CKD Stage 1-4 Patients.

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are commonly used to indicate long-term glycemic control. An HbA1c level of 6.5−5.7% is defined as pre-diabetes and is proposed as a criterion for diagnosing metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, HbA1c levels can be affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether HbA1c is associated with clinical outcomes in nondiabetic CKD patients with or without MetS is still unknown. This study included 1270 nondiabetic CKD stage 1−4 Asian patients, divided by HbA1c and MetS. Through linear regression, HbA1c was positively associated with age, waist circumference, hemoglobin levels, and C-reactive protein and was negatively associated with malnutrition−inflammation. HbA1c levels were 5.5% (0.6%) and 5.7% (0.6%) in non-MetS and MetS, respectively (p < 0.001). In Cox regression, higher-level HbA1c was associated with worse composite renal outcome in MetS patients, but with better renal outcome in non-MetS patients: Hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of HbA1c ≥5.7%, compared with HbA1c <5%, was 2.00 (1.06−3.78) in MetS and 0.25 (0.14−0.45) in non-MetS. An association between HbA1c and all-cause mortality was not found. In conclusion, higher HbA1c levels are associated with worse renal outcomes in nondiabetic CKD stage 1−4 patients modified by the presence of MetS.

Hyperuricemia, a Non-Independent Component of Metabolic Syndrome, Only Predicts Renal Outcome in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients without Metabolic Syndrome or Diabetes.

Uric acid (UA) is elevated in metabolic syndrome (MS) and diabetes (DM). UA is associated with central obesity and blood glucose and is proposed as a criterion of MS. Previous reports showed that UA could predict renal outcome in CKD. However, recent clinical trials did not demonstrate the benefits of urate-lowering agents (ULA) for renal outcome. Whether the prognostic value of UA for renal outcome is independent of MS or secondary to MS in CKD patients is unknown. Our study included 2500 CKD stage 1−4 Asian patients divided by UA tertiles and MS/DM. In linear regression, UA was associated with obesity, C-reactive protein, and renal function. In Cox regression, high UA was associated with worse renal outcome in non-MS/DM, but not in MS/DM: hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of UA tertile 3 was 3.86 (1.87−7.97) in non-MS/DM and 1.00 (0.77−1.30) in MS/DM (p for interaction < 0.05). MS was associated with worse renal outcome, but redefined MS (including hyperuricemia as the 6th criteria) was not. In conclusion, hyperuricemia is associated with worse renal outcome in non-MS/DM and is not an independent component of MS in CKD stage 1−4 patients. Hyperuricemia secondary to MS could not predict renal outcome.

Association between Body Mass Index and Renal Outcomes Modified by Chronic Kidney Disease and Anemia: The Obesity Paradox for Renal Outcomes.

Obesity-related nephropathy is associated with renal function progression. However, some studies have associated a high body mass index (BMI) with improved renal outcomes­this is referred to as the obesity paradox for renal outcomes, especially in relation to advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Central obesity can explain the obesity paradox in all-cause mortality. However, whether obesity or central obesity is associated with renal outcomes (renal replacement therapy or a 50% decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate) in patients with advanced CKD remains unclear. Our study included 3605 Asian patients with CKD stages 1−5 divided into six groups according to their BMI (between 15 and 35 kg/m2). Through linear regression, BMI was positively associated with hemoglobin and albumin at CKD stages 4 and 5. In the competing risk Cox regression model, a high BMI (27.5−35 kg/m2) was associated with renal outcomes at CKD stages 1−3, but not stages 4 and 5. A high BMI was associated with renal outcomes in patients with hemoglobin ≥11 g/dL, but not <11 g/dL. A high waist-to-hip ratio was not associated with renal outcomes. We conclude that the CKD stage and anemia may explain the obesity paradox in renal outcomes in patients with CKD.

Reduced Incidence of Stroke in Patients with Gout Using Benzbromarone.

Gout is strongly associated with the incidence of atherosclerotic events, including stroke and myocardial infarction. Considering the increased prevalence of stroke in the population with gout, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of benzbromarone, a uricosuric agent, on the incidence of stroke in the population with gout. We used data from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Registration Database (NHIRD). The benzbromarone user cohort included 15,143 patients; each patient was age- and sex-matched with one non-user randomly selected from the population with gout. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to estimate the effects of benzbromarone on the incidence of stroke in the population with gout. The incidence of stroke was significantly lower in benzbromarone users than in benzbromarone non-users. The HR for the incidence of stroke was lower in male benzbromarone users than in non-users. An analysis of three age groups (<40, 40-59, and ≥60 years) indicated that the HRs in those aged 40-59 years and ≥60 years were significantly lower among benzbromarone users than non-users. In the population with gout, the incidence of stroke was lower in benzbromarone users than in benzbromarone non-users.

Association between the risk of heart failure hospitalization and end-stage renal disease with digoxin usage in patients with cardiorenal syndrome: A population-based study.

Background: The management of the coexistence of heart disease and kidney disease is increasingly challenging for clinicians. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not only a prevalent comorbidity of patients with heart failure but has also been identified as a noteworthy risk factor for all-cause mortality and poor clinical outcomes. Digoxin is one of the commonest treatments for heart disease. There are few trials investigating the role of digoxin in patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). This study aims to examine the association between digoxin usage and clinical outcomes in patients with CRS in a nationwide cohort. Method: We conducted a population-based study that included 705 digoxin users with CRS; each patient was age, sex, comorbidities, and medications matched with three non-users who were randomly selected from the CRS population. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to estimate the effects of digoxin on the incidence of all-cause mortality, congestive heart failure (CHF) hospitalization, coronary artery disease (CAD) hospitalization, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Results: The all-cause mortality rate was significantly higher in digoxin users than in non-users (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-1.46, p = 0.002). In a subgroup analysis, there was significantly high mortality in the 0.26-0.75 defined daily dose (DDD) subgroup of digoxin users (aHR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.23-1.82, p<0.001). Thus, the p for trend was 0.013. With digoxin prescription, the CHF hospitalization was significantly higher [subdistribution HR (sHR) = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.05-1.30, p = 0.004], especially in the >0.75 DDD subgroup (sHR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.01-1.41, p = 0.046; p for trend = 0.006). The digoxin usage lowered the coronary artery disease (CAD) hospitalization in the > 0.75 DDD subgroup (sHR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.63-0.99, p = 0.048). In renal function progression, more patients with CRS entered ESRD with digoxin usage (sHR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.16-1.54, p<0.001). There was a significantly greater incidence of ESRD in the < 0.26 DDD and 0.26-0.75 DDD subgroups of digoxin users (sHR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.06-1.66, p = 0.015; sHR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.18-1.75; p for trend<0.001). Conclusion: Digoxin should be prescribed with caution to patients with CRS.

Pyuria, urinary tract infection and renal outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3-5.

Pyuria is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD), which could be due to either urinary tract infection (UTI) or renal parenchymal inflammation. Only little is known regarding the association of pyuria or UTI with renal outcomes. We investigated 3226 patients with stage 3-5 CKD. Pyuria was defined as ≥ 50 WBC per high-power field (hpf) and was correlated to old age, female, diabetes, hypoalbuminemia, lower eGFR, and higher inflammation status. In Cox regression, patients with more than one episode of pyuria in the first year (11.8%) had increased risks for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) [hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.90 (1.58-2.28); p < 0.001], rapid renal function progression [odds ratio (95% CI): 1.49 (1.13-1.95); p = 0.001], and all-cause mortality [hazard ratio: 1.63 (1.29-2.05); p < 0.001], compared to those without pyuria. In a subgroup analysis, the risk of pyuria for ESRD was modified by CKD stages. We investigated the effects of UTI (urinary symptoms and treated by antibiotics) and pyuria without UTI (urine WBC < 50 to ≥ 10/hpf without any episodes of ≥ 50 WBC/hpf or UTI), while both groups were associated with clinical outcomes. In conclusion, CKD stage 3-5 patients with frequent pyuria or UTI episodes have increased risks of renal outcomes.

The association of adiponectin with metabolic syndrome and clinical outcome in patients with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease.

Adiponectin is the most abundant circulating adipokine, and it has insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Although it has been speculated that kidney function decline associated with elevated adiponectin is attributable to decreased renal clearance and compensatory responses to adiponectin resistance, it is unclear how elevated adiponectin affects clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and whether the effects are the same as those in the general population. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine whether the association between serum adiponectin levels and clinical outcomes in non-diabetic CKD patients is independent of adiposity and metabolic syndrome. We enrolled 196 non-diabetic CKD patients with eGFR ranging between 10 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, these patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of metabolic syndrome. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality or renal events (renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy [RRT] or 50% reduction in eGFR). During the mean follow-up period of 5 years, 48 (24.5%) incident cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were observed, and 33 (16.8%) deaths occurred. The mean eGFR was 29.8 ± 12.8 mL/min/1.73m2. The baseline median adiponectin concentration in the cohort was 29.4(interquartile range, 13.3-108.7) µg/ml. Adiponectin levels were inversely related to body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.29; P < 0.001) and waist circumference (r = -0.35; P < 0.001). In the fully adjusted Cox regression model, the hazard ratios (HRs) were 2.08 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-4.02; P = 0.03) for RRT and 1.66 (95% CI, 1.03-2.65; P = 0.04) for composite renal outcome. The risks remained consistent within different subgroups. However, no association was observed with mortality risk. In conclusion, higher adiponectin levels are associated with a higher risk of ESRD independent of conventional risk factors, BMI, and metabolic syndrome components.

Predominant global glomerulosclerosis in patients of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma with pre-existing renal function impairment is a predictor of poor renal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of renal dysfunction and risks of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were reported higher in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) than in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients after unilateral nephrectomy. METHODS: Totally 193 renal cancer patients, including 132 UTUC and 61 RCC, were studied to clarify whether the pathological changes of the kidney remnant removed from nephrectomy and the clinical factors might predict the risk of ESRD. Renal tubulointerstitial (TI) score and global glomerulosclerosis (GGS) rate were examined by one pathologist and two nephrologists independently under same histopathological criteria. RESULTS: The glomerular filtration rates at the time of surgery were lower in UTUC than RCC groups (p < 0.001). Average GGS score and average TI rate were higher in UTUC than in RCC groups (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Competitive risk factor analysis revealed that abnormal GGS rate not related to age, predominant in UTUC with pre-existing renal function impairment, was a histopathological predictor of poor renal outcomes (creatinine doubling or ESRD) within 5 years in UTUC patients. CONCLUSION: Pre-existing renal function and pathological change of kidney remnant in both UTUC and RCC have the value for prediction of renal outcomes.

Hematuria and Renal Outcomes in Patients With Diabetic Chronic KidneyDisease.

BACKGROUND: Hematuria may indicate nondiabetic renal disease in diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, some studies have reported that hematuria is noted in diabetic nephropathy and is associated with albuminuria. Hematuria is a risk factor for end-stage renal disease in glomerulonephritis, but its prognostic value in diabetic CKD is unknown. We investigated the factors associated with hematuria and the prognostic value of hematuria in patients with diabetic CKD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 1958 patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD stages 1-5, and 111 patients underwent renal biopsy. Patients in the biopsied cohort were younger and had more severe proteinuria, compared with those in the total cohort; hematuria was associated with nondiabetic renal disease. RESULTS: In the total cohort, hematuria was observed in 15.0% of the patients and was associated with young age, a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, high blood pressure and short diabetes duration. Hematuria was significantly associated with an increased risk (hazard ratio 1.39, 95% CI: 1.10-1.76, P < 0.001) of end-stage renal disease, particularly in patients with CKD stages 1-3 or a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio of <1,500mg/g (P for interaction < 0.05). The odds ratio of hematuria for rapid renal progression was 1.81 (95% CI: 1.29-2.53, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hematuria is associated with nondiabetic renal disease in biopsied patients with diabetic CKD and is associated with an increased risk of end-stage renal disease in patients with early diabetic CKD.

Anemia modifies the prognostic value of glycated hemoglobin in patients with diabetic chronic kidney disease.

A common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), anemia can influence glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. In diabetic patients, anemia occurs earlier and with higher severity over the course of CKD stages. To elucidate the effect of hemoglobin (Hb) on the predictive value of HbA1c, we enrolled 1558 diabetic patients with stages 3-4 CKD, categorized according to baseline Hb and HbA1c quartiles. Linear regression revealed that higher HbA1c correlated significantly with higher Hb in the Hb < 10 g/dL group (ß = 0.146, P = 0.004). A fully-adjusted Cox regression model revealed worse clinical outcomes in patients with higher HbA1c quartiles in the Hb ≥ 10 g/dL group. Hazard ratios for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), all-cause mortality, and composite endpoint (cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality) in patients with Hb ≥ 10 g/dL and the highest HbA1c quartile were 1.92 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-3.15), 1.76 (95% CI, 1.02-3.03), and 1.54 (95% CI, 1.03-2.31), respectively. By contrast, HbA1c was not associated with clinical outcomes in the Hb < 10 g/dL group. In conclusion, in stages 3-4 diabetic CKD, higher HbA1c is associated with a higher risk of poor clinical outcomes in patients with Hb ≥ 10 g/dL.

Decreased incidence of diabetes in patients with gout using benzbromarone.

Objective: Insulin resistance is inversely correlated with the clearance rate of uric acid, which may indicate that improvement in the clearance rate of uric acid could reduce insulin resistance. Considering the increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the gout population, this study evaluated the effects of benzbromarone, a uricosuric agent, on the incidence of DM in the gout population. Methods: We used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance program. The benzbromarone user cohort included 8678 patients; each patient was age- and sex-matched with one benzbromarone non-user who was randomly selected from the gout population. The Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to estimate the effects of benzbromarone on the incidence of DM in the gout population. Results: The incidence of DM was significantly lower in benzbromarone users than in benzbromarone non-users [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.94]. The HR for the incidence of DM was lower in male benzbromarone users (adjusted HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.86) than in benzbromarone non-users. An analysis of three age groups (<40, 40-59 and ⩾60 years) indicated that the HRs of the age groups of 40-59 years (adjusted HR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.98) and ⩾60 years (adjusted HR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.94) were significantly lower among benzbromarone users than among benzbromarone non-users. Conclusion: In the gout population, the incidence of DM was lower in benzbromarone users than in benzbromarone non-users.

Association between Age and Changes in Heart Rate Variability after Hemodialysis in Patients with Diabetes.

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) represents changes in the time between successive heart beats, and it has been used to assess the autonomic nervous system. Previous studies have reported autonomic dysfunction in diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), however, no studies have evaluated the effects of age on changes in HRV in these patients. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of age on changes in HRV in diabetic HD patients. Methods: We enrolled 84 diabetic patients receiving maintenance HD. HRV was measured before and after HD to assess changes in HRV (ΔHRV). The patients were divided into two groups based on their age (65 years< or ≥65 years). Results: Compared to the patients aged <65 years, those aged ≥65 years had a higher high frequency (HF) % (p = 0.032) before HD. The patients aged <65 years had a significant increase in very low frequency, low frequency (LF), and HF after HD. The patients aged ≥65 years had a significant increase in LF, but a significant decrease in HF% after HD. There was a significant interaction between age and change of HF% (p = 0.023) after HD. After multivariate adjustments for clinical, biochemical data and medications, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin were associated with ΔLF, whereas cerebrovascular disease, systolic blood pressure, and fasting glucose were associated with ΔHF% in patients aged ≥65 years. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated significant changes in HRV after HD in diabetic patients. In the patients aged ≥65 years, LF was increased, whereas HF% was decreased significantly after HD. Among the HRV parameters, age had an interaction with the change of HF%.

Decreased incidence of gout in diabetic patients using pioglitazone.

Objective: The incidence and prevalence of gout are increasing, but the management is poor. Considering the increased prevalence of gout in the diabetic population, this study evaluated the effects of pioglitazone, an insulin resistance inhibitor, on the incidence of gout in the diabetic population. Methods: We used data from the National Health Insurance program in Taiwan. The pioglitazone cohort contained 30 100 patients and each patient was age and sex matched with three non-pioglitazone users who were randomly selected from the diabetic population. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to estimate the effects of pioglitazone on the incidence of gout in the diabetic population. Results: The incidence of gout was significantly lower in pioglitazone users than in non-pioglitazone users [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.81 (95% CI 0.78, 0.85)]. The HR for the incidence of gout was lower in both male [aHR 0.80 (95% CI 0.75, 0.85)] and female [aHR 0.83 (95% CI 0.78, 0.88)] pioglitazone users than in non-pioglitazone users. An analysis of three age groups (<40, 40-59 and ⩾60 years) revealed that the HRs of both the 40-59 years [aHR 0.78 (95% CI 0.73, 0.83)] and the ⩾60 years [aHR 0.85 (95% CI 0.80, 0.91)] age groups were significantly lower among pioglitazone users than non-pioglitazone users. Conclusion: Compared with the non-pioglitazone users, the incidence of gout in the diabetic population using pioglitazone was less.