Apoprotein L1 risk variants and kidney transplantation: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Graft survival after kidney transplantation may be influenced by both donors' and recipients' Apoprotein 1 (APOL1) risk variant status. There are several conflicting reports on screening, eligibility, and inclusion of APOL1 risk variant testing in the Kidney donor risk index. We developed a search strategy that included medical subject headings (MeSH), text words, and entry terms in order to search nine databases. The primary measurable outcome is the recipient's post-transplant graft survival time from APOL1 high-risk variant donors. The secondary outcomes are the proportion of APOL1 high-risk variants in end-stage kidney disease requiring a kidney transplant, the proportion in graft recipients and kidney donors; the effect of APOL1 high-risk variant on donor's kidney function post-kidney donation, recipient kidney allograft survival in APOL1 low and high-risk recipients. Confidence and comprehensive meta-analysis software will be used for the meta-analysis. Methodological, clinical, and statistical heterogeneity will be assessed. Publication bias will be visually assessed using the funnel plot. Results will be presented in forest plots with pooled survival time, standard error, and variance. Sub-group analysis will be performed using moderators such as sociodemographic characteristics, hypertension, HIV status, forms of rejection and other environmental factors. The primary outcome effect size is the standardized mean difference in survival time for APOL1 high risk variants in kidney transplants. The differences in kidney function between donors and recipients before and after transplantation would be examined. The suitability of donors with APOL1 high risk variants will be explored in terms of graft survival time, donor kidney function, and the aforementioned moderators.

Resistivity index in the diagnosis and assessment of loss of renal function in diabetic nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the haemodynamics of the intrarenal arteries from the relationship between resistivity index (RI) and kidney function, and to identify the predictors of high RI among patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and those with diabetes mellitus (DM) without DN. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey of 133 participants, comprising 40 subjects with DM without DN, 53 with DM with DN and 40 healthy controls. Information obtained was demographics, lifestyle, medical and medication histories, while anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken. Albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate were determined and RI was measured using a Doppler ultrasound scan. RESULTS: The mean intrarenal artery RIs were higher among the patients with DM without DN (0.60 ± 0.04) and the group with DM with DN (0.61 ± 0.04) than in the controls (0.56 ± 0.04) (p = 0.02). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) predicted high RI in the DM without DN group (OR 2.81; CI: 1.73-9.03) while hypertension (OR 3.60; CI: 1.06-12.22) predicted high RI in the DM with DN group. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated intrarenal artery RI was prevalent among patients with DM without DN and those with DM with DN, while elevated HbA1c level and hypertension predicted elevated RI in subjects with DM without DN and those with DM with DN.

HIV Viremia Is Associated With APOL1 Variants and Reduced JC-Viruria.

Variants in the Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene (G1-rs60910145, rs73885319, G2-rs71785313) are common in Africans and in individuals of recent African ancestry and are associated with an increased risk of non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in particular of HIV associated nephropathy (HIVAN). In light of the significantly increased risk of HIVAN in carriers of two APOL1 risk alleles, a role in HIV infectivity has been postulated in the mechanism of APOL1 associated kidney disease. Herein, we aim to explore the association between HIV viremia and APOL1 genotype. In addition, we investigated interaction between BK and JC viruria, CKD and HIV viremia. A total of 199 persons living with HIV/AIDS (comprising 82 CKD cases and 117 controls) from among the participants in the ongoing Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Kidney Disease Research Network case control study have been recruited. The two APOL1 renal risk alleles (RRA) genotypes were associated with a higher risk of CKD (OR 12.6, 95% CI 3.89-40.8, p < 0.0001). Even a single APOL1 RRA was associated with CKD risk (OR 4.42, 95% CI 1.49-13.15, p = 0.007). The 2 APOL1 RRA genotypes were associated with an increased probability of having HIV viremia (OR 2.37 95% CI 1.0-5.63, p = 0.05). HIV viremia was associated with increased CKD risk (OR 7.45, 95% CI 1.66-33.35, P = 0.009) and with a significant reduction of JC virus urine shedding (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-0.98, p = 0.046). In contrast to prior studies, JC viruria was not associated with CKD but was restricted in patients with HIV viremia, regardless of CKD status. These findings suggest a role of APOL1 variants in HIV infectivity and emphasize that JC viruria can serve as biomarker for innate immune system activation.

Assessment of iron deficiency anaemia and its risk factors among adults with chronic kidney disease in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: A substantial proportion of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Despite the association of IDA with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, it remains underdiagnosed and poorly managed. Up to 70% of patients with CKD are anaemic at the time of initiating dialysis, while the predictors of IDA in these patients in our setting are unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for IDA in patients with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a case-control study of 157 patients with CKD and 157 age and gender matched subjects without CKD. Information obtained from the participants were socio-demographic details, aetiology of CKD, medication history and features of IDA. All participants had serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TSAT), highly sensitive C-reactive protein, serum creatinine and complete blood count determined. RESULTS: The median estimated glomerular rate (22.7 [3.4-59.5] vs. 110.2 [60.3-152.8] ml/min/1.73 m2, P < 0.01), the mean haemoglobin concentration (9.3 ± 2.6 vs. 11.4 ± 1.7 g/dl, P < 0.01), and TSAT (27.9% ± 6.4% vs. 34.8% ± 8.1%, P < 0.04) were significantly lower in patients with CKD. The mean age, serum ferritin and TIBC were similar in both groups. The prevalence of absolute (24.8% vs. 13.4%, P < 0.01) and relative (17.8% vs. 7.6%, P < 0.01) iron deficiencies were higher among individuals with CKD compared to the controls. Female gender (odd ratio [OR]:1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.0267-4.1163, P < 0.04) and severity of CKD (OR: 3.43, 95% CI: 1.5568-7.8324, P < 0.02) were independently associated with IDA. CONCLUSION: IDA is common among individuals with CKD while female gender and severity of CKD were factors that independently predicted IDA.

Acute kidney injury among adult patients undergoing major surgery in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an underreported but major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing major surgical interventions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Whereas AKI is often seen following major cardiac surgery in high-income countries, a similar spectrum of surgical diseases and interventions is not seen in developing countries. The impacts on surgical outcomes have also not been well characterized in SSA. This study aimed at identifying risk factors, incidence and determinants and short-term outcomes of AKI among patients undergoing major surgery. METHODS: This was a cohort study of adult patients undergoing major surgery at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Data obtained were sociodemographic details, risk factors for AKI, details of surgery, anaesthesia and intra-operative events and short-term outcomes. Blood samples were obtained for pre-operative (pre-op) full blood count, serum electrolytes, blood urea and creatinine (SCr). Post-operatively (Post-op) SCr was determined at 24 h, Day 7 post-op and weekly until each patient was discharged. RESULTS: A total of 219 subjects who had major surgery (86.3% elective) were enrolled. The median age of the patients was 46 (range 18-73) years and 72.6% were females. The surgeries performed were mostly simple mastectomies (37.4%), exploratory laparotomies (22.8%) and total thyroidectomies (16.4%). The incidences of AKI were 18.7% at 24 h and 17.4% at Day 7 post-op, while cumulative AKI incidence was 22.5% at 1-week post-op. Pre-op elevated SCr [odds ratio (OR) 3.86], sepsis (OR 2.69), anaemia (OR 2.91) and duration of surgery >120 min (OR 1.75) were independently associated with AKI. In-patient mortality was 20.4% in individuals with AKI and 5.3% in those without AKI (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Peri-operative risk factors for AKI are common among patients undergoing major surgery in SSA hospitals. The cumulative incidence of AKI was high and independently associated with pre-op sepsis, anaemia, pre-existing kidney dysfunction and duration of surgery >120 min.

Outcomes of tunneled internal jugular venous catheters for chronic haemodialysis at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: vascular access is an important aspect of haemodialysis treatments and determinant of patient outcomes. Arteriovenous (AV) fistula has been described as the preferred haemodialysis vascular access for patients on chronic dialysis. There continues to be a challenge with the creation of AV fistula, due to shortage of vascular surgeons skilled in the AV fistula creation particularly in source limited setting. We described the outcomes of the tunneled internal jugular venous catheters amongst our patients at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan. METHODS: a retrospective study of patients on maintenance haemodialysis at the UCH, Ibadan, we reviewed the records of all patients on chronic dialysis over a period of 5 years. Information obtained include demographics, types and aetiology of renal failure, types of vascular access, observed complications and outcomes. RESULTS: a total number of 147 catheters were inserted during the period under review, 94 were males while 53 were females. The age range was 18-85 years while the mean age was 46.3 ± 17.2 years. The range and mean duration for Tunneled Dialysis Catheter (TDC) carriage were (30 - 1,440) and 220±185 days respectively. The observed immediate complications of TDCs were failed first attempt 7(4.7%), reactionary haemorrhage 5(3.4%), arrhythmia 3(2.0%), haemothorax 2(1.4%) while death during catheter placement was recorded in 2(1.4%) cases. Catheter related infection was the commonest long-term complications and occurred in 15 cases (10.1%), while being diabetic increased the risk of developing catheter related complications. One tenth of our patients with End Stage Renal Disease on TDC had kidney transplantation while catheter related mortality was 16.3%. CONCLUSION: internal jugular tunneled dialysis catheters despite its shortcomings, has been a safe procedure with good outcomes among our patients on maintenance haemodialysis.

Awareness of hypertension and its impact on blood pressure control among elderly nigerians: report from the Ibadan study of aging.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is highly prevalent among the elderly. Its awareness has a direct influence on control through drug adherence. Earlier studies have shown that awareness of hypertension is low among sub-Saharan African populations but only a few studies have looked at the prevalence and awareness of hypertension among the elderly. METHODS: The Ibadan Study of Ageing is a longitudinal cohort study of the mental and physical health status as well as the functioning of elderly persons residing in the Yoruba-speaking areas of Nigeria. Study was conducted in multiple waves from 2003/2004 to 2009. This report is based on the sample studied in 2007 (N = 1469). Respondents, aged ≥ 65 years, were assessed for the presence of hypertension, its awareness, receipt of and adherence to medication for the condition, and effectiveness of treatment on the control of blood pressure. Blood pressure was measured with the use of digital monitors (Omron MS - 2 Basic Model). Awareness of the diagnosis of hypertension was ascertained by self-reports. We explored social, economic, demographic and clinical correlates of the presence of hypertension, its awareness and control using multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 809 (55.1%) females and 666 (44.9%) males. The mean age of the participants was 76.9 ± 8.4 years. Hypertension (defined as previous diagnosis by a health provider or a measured blood pressure higher than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg) was recorded in 973 (62.2%) participants, with females having a prevalence of 61.4% and males that of 70.1%. Other than female gender, residing in urban/semi urban areas and being overweight or obesity were associated with the occurrence of hypertension. Among those assessed to have hypertension, 78% were not previously aware of its presence. Factors independently associated with lack of awareness of hypertension included low socioeconomic class (OR 8.21, 95% CI 3.72-18.11, P < 0.001), and BMI >25kg/m2 (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.36-7.09, P < 0.009). Among those who were aware of the presence of hypertension and were on treatment, 77.3% still had uncontrolled hypertension. Only obesity or overweight (OR 5.56, 95% CI 1.35 - 22.83, P < 0.016) was independently associated with poor blood pressure control. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension among elderly Nigerians is high and those affected are often not aware of having the condition. Only a minority of those who receive treatment for the condition have adequate blood pressure control. The findings highlight the need for improved healthcare for the growing population of elderly persons, with particular attention to early detection and effective control of the condition.

Salivary creatinine and urea analysis in patients with chronic kidney disease: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Many metabolic changes develop in patients with chronic kidney disease which often necessitate frequent biochemical analysis of blood. Saliva analysis as an alternative to blood has many advantages. The aims of this study were to evaluate levels of salivary creatinine and urea in patients with chronic kidney disease in comparison to healthy individuals; to determine correlation between salivary creatinine/urea and blood creatinine/urea and to evaluate the diagnostic potential of saliva. METHODS: A case control study, involving 50 patients with late stage chronic kidney disease and 49 healthy individuals as control. Blood and saliva samples were analyzed for urea and creatinine levels. Data are presented as median with interquartile range and compared using Independent Samples Mann Whitney U test. Correlation between plasma and salivary creatinine as well as urea was determined using Spearman's correlation test. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was done to determine the diagnostic ability of salivary creatinine and urea and cut-off values were established. RESULTS: Median salivary creatinine levels were 2.60 mg/dl and 0.20 mg/dl while median salivary urea levels were 92.00 mg/dl and 20.50 mg/dl in patients with chronic kidney disease and controls respectively. Salivary levels of creatinine and urea were significantly elevated in chronic kidney disease patients (p < 0.001). In addition, there was positive correlation between blood and salivary creatinine as well as urea levels. Total areas under the curve for salivary creatinine and urea were 0.97 and 0.89 respectively. Cut-off values for salivary creatinine and urea were 0.55 mg/dl and 27.50 mg/dl respectively which gave sensitivity and specificity of 94 % and 85 % for creatinine; as well as 86 % and 93 % for urea. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study suggest that analysis of salivary creatinine and urea in patients with chronic kidney disease reflects their levels in blood. Hence, salivary creatinine and urea could be used as diagnostic biomarkers of chronic kidney disease.

Human Heredity and Health (H3) in Africa Kidney Disease Research Network: A Focus on Methods in Sub-Saharan Africa.

CKD affects an estimated 14% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa, but very little research has been done on the cause, progression, and prevention of CKD there. As part of the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Consortium, the H3Africa Kidney Disease Research Network was established to study prevalent forms of kidney disease in sub-Saharan Africa and increase the capacity for genetics and genomics research. The study is performing comprehensive phenotypic characterization and analyzing environmental and genetic factors from nine clinical centers in four African countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya) over a 5-year period. Approximately 4000 participants with specified kidney disease diagnoses and 4000 control participants will be enrolled in the four African countries. In addition, approximately 50 families with hereditary glomerular disease will be enrolled. The study includes both pediatric and adult participants age <1 to 74 years across a broad spectrum of kidney diseases secondary to hypertension-attributed nephropathy, diabetes, HIV infection, sickle cell disease, biopsy-proven glomerular disease, and CKD of unknown origin. Clinical and demographic data with biospecimens are collected to assess clinical, biochemical, and genetic markers of kidney disease. As of March 2015, a total of 3499 patients and controls have been recruited and 1897 had complete entry data for analysis. Slightly more than half (50.2%) of the cohort is female. Initial quality control of clinical data collection and of biosample and DNA analysis is satisfactory, demonstrating that a clinical research infrastructure can be successfully established in Africa. This study will provide clinical, biochemical, and genotypic data that will greatly increase the understanding of CKD in sub-Saharan Africa.