Vascular access for hemodialysis in Italy: What a national survey reveals.

BACKGROUND: Since in Italy there are no official data on vascular access (VA) for hemodialysis the Vascular Access Project Group (VAPG) of the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN) designed a national survey. METHODS: A 35-question survey was designed and sent it to the Italian facilities through the SIN website. The basic questions were the prevalence, the location, and the surveillance of VA, the bedside use of ultrasound, the use of fluoroscopy for central venous catheter (CVC) placement, and of buttonhole technique, the role of nephrologist in the access creation. RESULT: The questionnaire was completed in June 2022 by 161 facilities. The survey registered 15,499 patients, approximately one-third of the Italian dialysis population. The prevalence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous Graft (AVG), and CVC were 61.8%, 3.7%, and 34.5% respectively. The AVF location was 50% in distal forearm, 20% in meanproximal forearm, 30% in upper arm. For AVF creation, nephrologists were involved in 72% of facilities while for CVC placement in 62%. As regards VA monitoring, 21% of the facilities did not have a surveillance protocol; 60% did not register AVF thrombosis and 53% did not register CVC infections. Most of facilities use the fluoroscope during CVC placement, 37% when needed, and 22% never. Ultrasound-guided puncture of complex AVFs was used by 80% of facilities. Buttonhole puncture was used in 5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Some considerations emerge from the survey data: (1) The increasing CVC prevalence compared to DOPPS 5 study. (2) The low rate of AVG prevalence. (3) The nephrologist is the operator in many VA procedures. (4) The fluoroscopy for CVC placement and the US-guide puncture of the complex AVF are widely used in most facilities. (5) The practice of the buttonhole is not widespread. (6) When the operator is the nephrologist more distal fistulas are performed.

Nephrology Partnership for Advancing Technology in Healthcare (N-PATH) program: the teachers' perspective.

The N-PATH (Nephrology Partnership for Advancing Technology in Healthcare) program concluded with the 60th European Renal Association 2023 Congress in Milan, Italy. This collaborative initiative aimed to provide advanced training in interventional nephrology to young European nephrologists. Funded by Erasmus+ Knowledge Alliance, N-PATH addressed the global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the shortage of nephrologists. CKD affects >850 million people worldwide, yet nephrology struggles to attract medical talent, leading to unfilled positions in residency programs. To address this, N-PATH focused on enhancing nephrology education through four specialized modules: renal expert in renal pathology (ReMAP), renal expert in vascular access (ReVAC), renal expert in medical ultrasound (ReMUS) and renal expert in peritoneal dialysis (RePED). ReMAP emphasized the importance of kidney biopsy in nephrology diagnosis and treatment, providing theoretical knowledge and hands-on training. ReVAC centred on vascular access in haemodialysis, teaching trainees about different access types, placement techniques and managing complications. ReMUS recognized the significance of ultrasound in nephrology, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and preparing nephrologists for comprehensive patient care. RePED addressed chronic peritoneal dialysis, offering comprehensive training in patient selection, prescription, monitoring, complications and surgical techniques for catheter insertion. Overall, N-PATH's strategy involved collaborative networks, hands-on training, mentorship, an interdisciplinary approach and the integration of emerging technologies. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, N-PATH aimed to revitalize interest in nephrology and prepare proficient nephrologists to tackle the challenges of kidney diseases. In conclusion, the N-PATH program aimed to address the shortage of nephrologists and improve the quality of nephrology care in Europe. By providing specialized training, fostering collaboration and promoting patient-centred care, N-PATH aimed to inspire future nephrology professionals to meet the growing healthcare demands related to kidney diseases and elevate the specialty's status within the medical community.

Color Doppler ultrasound evaluation of arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis.

Although arteriovenous fistula (AVF) continues to be the vascular access of choice for the hemodialysis, arteriovenous graft (AVG) can be the best choice in certain categories of patients and could have several advantages over AVF in a "patient centered approach" to vascular access. In the clinical management of prosthetic fistulas, color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) is the imaging method of choice for identifying stenosis and other AVG complications. In this review, besides highlighting the pivotal role of CDU in the diagnosis of AVG complications, we will underline the key role that ultrasound can play in identifying those stenosis most likely to cause AVG thrombosis. Furthermore, we will emphasize the support that CDU can play in distinguishing the different types of grafts and prosthetic devices such as stent-grafts, in identifying AVG with lower survival, CDU utilities and limitations in the evaluation of freshly-implanted grafts, the different sites available for AVG volume flow measurement and their use based on the configuration of the prosthesis, the time interval elapsed from the surgical intervention and the integrity of the prosthetic walls.

Rethinking an effective AV fistula-graft screening program. An "A B C".

The goal of a vascular access screening program is to detect and preemptively correct hemodynamically significant stenosis, however, a practice pattern allowing to implement such a program still remains to be defined. Achieving balance between the increase in access-related procedures by adopting an aggressive screening program, and the risks associated with the absence of any screening program, i.e., failure or abandonment of the arterio-venous access with need for central venous catheter placement, can be extremely challenging. All major guidelines agree about the role of arterio-venous access monitoring, but the way surveillance should be managed is still a controversial issue. Preserving long-term vascular access function should be a goal for all hemodialysis teams, yet it ideally requires a multidisciplinary effort with a monitoring program, calling for a great deal of involvement by hemodialysis health professionals. In this context, the engagement of skilled nurses and the role of patient empowerment with collaborative decision-making may be the key to a successful vascular access screening program. Screening programs should be personalized, shared with the patients, and tailored according to vascular access type and site. In the near future, new devices and the use of artificial intelligence may allow to support interpretation of complex data and lead to the development of prediction models for vascular access failure.

Parathyroidectomy and survival in a cohort of Italian dialysis patients: results of a multicenter, observational, prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is associated with mortality in end stage kidney disease (ESKD). Parathyroidectomy (PTX) becomes necessary when medical therapy fails, thus highlighting the interest to compare biochemical and clinical outcomes of patients receiving either medical treatment or surgery. METHODS: We aimed to compare overall survival and biochemical control of hemodialysis patients with severe hyperparathyroidism, treated by surgery or medical therapy followed-up for 36 months. Inclusion criteria were age older than 18 years, renal failure requiring dialysis treatment (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) and ability to sign the consent form. A control group of 418 patients treated in the same centers, who did not undergo parathyroidectomy was selected after matching for age, sex, and dialysis vintage. RESULTS: From 82 Dialysis units in Italy, we prospectively collected data of 257 prevalent patients who underwent parathyroidectomy (age 58.2 ± 12.8 years; M/F: 44%/56%, dialysis vintage: 15.5 ± 8.4 years) and of 418 control patients who did not undergo parathyroidectomy (age 60.3 ± 14.4 years; M/F 44%/56%; dialysis vintage 11.2 ± 7.6 y). The survival rate was higher in the group that underwent parathyroidectomy (Kaplan-Meier log rank test = 0.002). Univariable analysis (HR 0.556, CI: 0.387-0.800, p = 0.002) and multivariable analysis (HR 0.671, CI:0.465-0.970, p = 0.034), identified parathyroidectomy as a protective factor of overall survival. The prevalence of patients at KDOQI targets for PTH was lower in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy compared to controls (PTX vs non-PTX: PTH < 150 pg/ml: 59% vs 21%, p = 0.001; PTH at target: 18% vs 37% p = 0.001; PTH > 300 pg/ml 23% vs 42% p = 0.001). The control group received more intensive medical treatment with higher prevalence of vitamin D (65% vs 41%, p = 0.0001), calcimimetics (34% vs 14%, p = 0.0001) and phosphate binders (77% vs 66%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that parathyroidectomy is associated with survival rate at 36 months, independently of biochemical control. Lower exposure to high PTH levels could represent an advantage in the long term.

The role of Doppler ultrasonography in vascular access surveillance-controversies continue.

Chronic hemodialysis therapy required regular entry into the patient's blood stream with adequate flow. The use of arteriovenous fistulas and grafts is linked with lower morbidity and mortality than the use of catheters. However, these types of accesses are frequently affected by stenoses, which decrease the flow and lead to both inadequate dialysis and access thrombosis. The idea of duplex Doppler ultrasound surveillance is based on the presumption that in-time diagnosis of an asymptomatic significant stenosis and its treatment prolongs access patency. Details of performed trials are conflicting, and current guidelines do not support ultrasound surveillance. This review article summarizes the trials performed and focuses on the reasons of conflicting results. We stress the need of precise standardized criteria of significant access stenosis and the weakness of the metaanalyses performed.

A call to optimize haemodialysis vascular access care in healthcare disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in major disruption to the delivery of both routine and urgent healthcare needs in many institutions across the globe. Vascular access (VA) for haemodalysis (HD) is considered the patient's lifeline and its maintenance is essential for the continuation of a life saving treatment. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the provision of VA for dialysis was already constrained. Throughout the pandemic, inevitably, many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not received timely intervention for VA care. This could have a detrimental impact on dialysis patient outcomes in the near future and needs to be addressed urgently. Many societies have issued prioritisation to allow rationing based on clinical risk, mainly according to estimated urgency and need for treatment. The recommendations recently proposed by the European and American Vascular Societies in the COVID-19 pandemic era regarding the triage of various vascular operations into urgent, emergent and elective are debatable. VA creation and interventions maintain the lifeline of complex HD patients, and the indication for surgery and other interventions warrants patient-specific clinical judgement and pathways. Keeping the use of central venous catheters at a minimum, with the goal of creating the right access, in the right patient, at the right time, and for the right reasons, is mandatory. These strategies may require local modifications. Risk assessments may need specific "renal pathways" to be developed rather than applying standard surgical risk stratification. In conclusion, in order to recover from the second wave of COVID-19 and prepare for further phases, the provision of the best dialysis access, including peritoneal dialysis, will require working closely with the multidisciplinary team involved in the assessment, creation, cannulation, surveillance, maintenance, and salvage of definitive access.

How to manage catheter-related right atrial thrombosis: Our conservative approach.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-related right atrial thrombosis is an underestimated, severe, and life-threatening complication of any type of central venous catheters. No clear-cut epidemiological data are available. Catheter-related right atrial thrombosis is often asymptomatic; however, it can lead to serious complications and death. CASE SERIES: We report seven catheter-related right atrial thrombosis events occurred in five hemodialysis patients; two recurrences following primary treatment are included in the report, all of them managed with a conservative approach without catheter removal. Systemic anticoagulation (vitamin K antagonists), having a well-defined target of International Normalized Ratio of 2.5-3.0, combined with urokinase as a locking solution at the end of each hemodialysis session were the therapeutic strategy used in all patients. After the first month, the anticoagulation target was reduced to an International Normalized Ratio value of 1.5-2.0 and urokinase to a weekly administration. After sixth months, when no thrombus was identified at transthoracic echocardiographic examinations, the treatment was stopped. No bleeding complications were reported. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy here described is safe, quick, and effective, achieving the goal of not removing catheters.

Hemodialysis vascular access affects heart function and outcomes: Tips for choosing the right access for the individual patient.

Chronic kidney disease is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A well-functioning vascular access is associated with improved survival and among the available types of vascular access the arterio-venous (AV) fistula is the one associated with the best outcomes. However, AV access may affect heart function and, in some patients, could worsen the clinical status. This review article focuses on the specific cardiovascular hemodynamics of dialysis patients and how it is affected by the AV access; the effects of an excessive increase in AV access flow, leading to high-output heart failure; congestive heart failure in CKD patients and the contraindications to AV access; pulmonary hypertension. In severe heart failure, peritoneal dialysis (PD) might be the better choice for cardiac health, but if contraindicated suggestions for vascular access selection are provided based on the individual clinical presentation. Management of the AV access after kidney transplantation is also addressed, considering the cardiovascular benefit of AV access ligation compared to the advantage of having a functioning AVF as backup in case of allograft failure. In PD patients, who need to switch to hemodialysis, vascular access should be created timely. The influence of AV access in patients undergoing cardiac surgery for valvular or ischemic heart disease is also addressed. Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices are increasingly implanted in dialysis patients, but when doing so, the type and location of vascular access should be considered.

Green nephrology and eco-dialysis: a position statement by the Italian Society of Nephrology.

High-technology medicine saves lives and produces waste; this is the case of dialysis. The increasing amounts of waste products can be biologically dangerous in different ways: some represent a direct infectious or toxic danger for other living creatures (potentially contaminated or hazardous waste), while others are harmful for the planet (plastic and non-recycled waste). With the aim of increasing awareness, proposing joint actions and coordinating industrial and social interactions, the Italian Society of Nephrology is presenting this position statement on ways in which the environmental impact of caring for patients with kidney diseases can be reduced. Due to the particular relevance in waste management of dialysis, which produces up to 2 kg of potentially contaminated waste per session and about the same weight of potentially recyclable materials, together with technological waste (dialysis machines), and involves high water and electricity consumption, the position statement mainly focuses on dialysis management, identifying ten first affordable actions: (1) reducing the burden of dialysis (whenever possible adopting an intent to delay strategy, with wide use of incremental schedules); (2) limiting drugs and favouring "natural" medicine focussing on lifestyle and diet; (3) encouraging the reuse of "household" hospital material; (4) recycling paper and glass; (5) recycling non-contaminated plastic; (6) reducing water consumption; (7) reducing energy consumption; (8) introducing environmental-impact criteria in checklists for evaluating dialysis machines and supplies; (9) encouraging well-planned triage of contaminated and non-contaminated materials; (10) demanding planet-friendly approaches in the building of new facilities.

[Nephrologists' role in a changing climate].

Human-induced climate changes represent an increasing concern in recent years. Among the medical specialties, Nephrology is the most interested in the negative effects of climate changes on human health. Kidneys in fact play a crucial role in blood volume regulation as well as in the extra- and intracellular osmolality that allow normal metabolism. Furthermore, urinary concentration minimizes fluid losses, while also insuring the excretion of nitrogenous wastes. The harmful effects of heat can lead to both acute and chronic kidney diseases, electrolyte abnormalities, kidney stone formation and urinary tract infections. As global warming increases, major efforts are required worldwide to assure adequate hydration and prevent overheating in vulnerable populations. While our activities make us responsible agents, there are also several opportunities to change the game, both individually and as a scientific society. This call to action intends to raise awareness on environmentally sustainable practices and encourage the nephrology community in Italy to participate in this important discussion.

[Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with relapsing episodes of acute kidney injury in the Schnitzler syndrome].

The Schnitzler syndrome (SS) is a rare and underdiagnosed entity that associates a chronic urticarial rash, monoclonal IgM (or sometimes IgG) gammopathy and signs and symptoms of systemic inflammation. During the past 45 years the SS has evolved from an elusive, little-known disorder to the paradigm of a late-onset auto-inflammatory acquired syndrome. Though there is no definite proof of its precise pathogenesis, it should be considered as an acquired disease involving abnormal stimulation of the innate immune system, which can be reversed by the interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist anakinra. Here we describe the case of a 56-year-old male Caucasian patient affected by SS and hospitalized several times in our unit because of relapsing episodes of acute kidney injury. He underwent an ultrasound-guided percutaneous kidney biopsy in September 2012, which showed the histologic picture of type I membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. He has undergone conventional therapies, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and immunosuppressive drugs; more recently, the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra has been prescribed, with striking clinical improvement. Although the literature regarding kidney involvement in the SS is lacking, it can however be so severe, as in the case reported here, to lead us to recommend the systematic search of nephropathy markers in the SS.

Is the removal of a central venous catheter always necessary in the context of catheter-related right atrial thrombosis?

Catheter-related right atrial thrombosis is a severe and life-threatening complication of central venous catheters in both adult and young patients. Catheter-related right atrial thrombosis can occur with any type of central venous catheters, utilized either for hemodialysis or infusion. Up to 30% of patients with central venous catheter are estimated to be affected by catheter-related right atrial thrombosis; however, neither precise epidemiological data nor guidelines regarding medical or surgical treatment are available. This complication seems to be closely associated with positioning of the catheter tip in the atrium, whereas it is unlikely with a tip located within superior vena cava. Herein, we report the case of a patient affected by catheter-related right atrial thrombosis, who showed a quick resolution of thrombosis with a new therapeutic scheme combining loco-regional thrombolytic therapy (urokinase as a locking solution) and systemic anticoagulation therapy (vitamin K antagonists), thus avoiding catheter removal. Neither complications of the combination therapy were reported, nor recurrence of catheter-related right atrial thrombosis occurred. In conclusion, the combination therapy here described was safe, quick and effective, achieving the goal of not removing the catheter.

Should a fistula first policy be revisited in elderly haemodialysis patients?

Life-sustaining haemodialysis requires a durable vascular access (VA) to the circulatory system. The ideal permanent VA must provide longevity for use with minimal complication rate and supply sufficient blood flow to deliver the prescribed dialysis dosage. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) have been endorsed by many professional societies as the VA of choice. However, the high prevalence of comorbidities, particularly diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease and arterial hypertension in elderly people, usually make VA creation more difficult in the elderly. Many of these patients may have an insufficient vasculature for AVF maturation. Furthermore, many AVFs created prior to the initiation of haemodialysis may never be used due to the competing risk of death before dialysis is required. As such, an arteriovenous graft and, in some cases, a central venous catheter, become a valid alternative form of VA. Consequently, there are multiple decision points that require careful reflection before an AVF is placed in the elderly. The traditional metrics of access patency, failure and infection are now being seen in a broader context that includes procedure burden, quality of life, patient preferences, morbidity, mortality and cost. This article of the European Dialysis (EUDIAL) Working Group of ERA-EDTA critically reviews the current evidence on VA in elderly haemodialysis patients and concludes that a pragmatic patient-centred approach is mandatory, thus considering the possibility that the AVF first approach should not be an absolute.

Dialysate bicarbonate concentration: Too much of a good thing?

Acid-base equilibrium is a complex and vital system whose regulation is impaired in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Metabolic acidosis is a common complication of CKD. It is typically due to the accumulation of sulfate, phosphorus, and organic anions. Metabolic acidosis is correlated with several adverse outcomes, such as morbidity, hospitalization and mortality. In patients undergoing hemodialysis, acid-base homeostasis depends on many factors: net acid production, amount of alkali given by the dialysate bath, duration of interdialytic period, as well as residual diuresis, if any. Recent literature data suggest that the development of postdialysis metabolic alkalosis may contribute to adverse clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, no randomized studies exist about the effect of different dialysate bicarbonate concentrations on hard outcomes, such as mortality. Like everything else in dialysis, the quest for the "ideal" dialysate bicarbonate concentration is far from over. The Latin aphorism "ne quid nimis" ie "nothing in excess" (excess of neither acid nor base) probably best summarizes our current state of knowledge in this field. For the present, the clinician should understand that target values for predialysis serum bicarbonate concentrations have been established primarily based on observational studies and expert opinion. On the basis of this information, we should keep predialysis serum bicarbonate concentrations at least at 22 mEq/L. Furthermore, a specific focus should be addressed to the clinical and nutritional status of the major outliers on both the acid and alkaline sides of the curve.

Lancisi's sign and central venous catheter tip position: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Valvular disease and pulmonary hypertension are common conditions in haemodialysis patients. In presence of tricuspid regurgitation, an increased retrograde blood flow into the right atrium during ventricle systole results in a typical modification of the normal venous waveform, creating a giant c-v wave. This condition clinically appears as a venous palpable pulsation within the internal jugular vein, also known as Lancisi's sign. CASE REPORT: An 83-year-old woman underwent haemodialysis for 9 years. After arteriovenous fistula thrombosis, a right internal jugular vein non-tunnelled central venous catheter (CVC) was placed. About one month later, the patient was referred to our facility for the placement of a tunnelled CVC. Neck examination revealed an elevated jugular venous pulse, the Lancisi's sign. Surprisingly, chest x-ray posteroanterior view showed the non-tunnelled catheter tip in correspondence with the right ventricle. She underwent surgery for temporary to tunnelled CVC conversion using the same venous insertion site (Bellcath®10Fr-length 25 cm to Mahurkar®13.5Fr-length 19 cm). In the postoperative period, we observed a significant reduction of the jugular venous pulse. DISCUSSION: The inappropriate placement of a 25-cm temporary CVC in the right internal jugular vein worsened the tricuspid valve regurgitation, which became evident by the Lancisi's sign. Removal of the temporary CVC from the right ventricle resulted in improved right cardiac function. Safe approaches recommended by guidelines for the CVC insertion technique and for checking the tip position should be applied in order to avoid complications.