Kidney outcomes after methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ingestions with methanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and isopropanol are rare yet exceedingly dangerous conditions that may require emergent management with kidney replacement therapy. Little is known regarding short- and long-term kidney outcomes post-ingestion. OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively synthesize existing evidence regarding short- and long-term kidney and other outcomes of adult patients following these poisonings. METHODS: We developed a search strategy in MEDLINE via OVID and then translated it into other databases including EMBASE (via OVID), PubMed, CENTRAL (via OVID). The databases were searched from their dates of inception to 29 July 2021. A grey literature search was conducted in the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry and ClinicalTrials.gov. All interventional and observational studies and case series with ≥ five participants that reported on the outcomes of toxic alcohol (methanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol and isopropanol) poisonings in adult patients ≥18 years old were included. Studies that reported mortality, kidney outcomes and/or complications attributed to toxic alcohol poisoning were eligible. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 1,221 citations. Sixty-seven studies (13 retrospective observational studies, one prospective observational study, 53 case series) met inclusion criteria (total N = 2,327 participants). No randomized controlled trials were identified per our prespecified criteria. Generally, included studies had small sample sizes (median of 27 participants) and were of low quality. Methanol and/or ethylene glycol poisoning made up 94.1% of included studies, whereas one study reported on isopropanol and none reported on propylene glycol. Results of the 13 observational studies of methanol and/or ethylene glycol poisoning were pooled for meta-analyses. The pooled in-hospital mortality estimates amongst patients with methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning were 24 and 11%, respectively. A more recent year of publication, female sex and mean age were associated with lower in-hospital mortality amongst individuals with ethylene glycol poisoning. Although hemodialysis was the most frequently employed kidney replacement therapy, the indications for initiation of this therapy were not reported in the majority of studies. At hospital discharge, kidney recovery occurred in 64.7-96.3% of patients with ethylene glycol poisoning. In studies of methanol and/or ethylene glycol poisoning, 2-3.7% of individuals required ongoing dialysis. Only one study reported post-discharge mortality. Furthermore, long-term toxic alcohol-mediated sequelae, such as visual and neurologic outcomes, were scarcely reported. DISCUSSION: Ingestions of methanol and ethylene glycol were associated with a significant short-term risk of mortality. Although a wealth of literature in the form of case reports and case series exists, high-quality evidence regarding kidney outcomes after these poisonings is lacking. We identified a paucity of standardized reporting in clinical presentations, therapeutics and outcomes amongst adults with toxic alcohol poisoning. Amongst the included studies, there was substantial heterogeneity encompassing study type, outcomes, duration of follow-up and treatment modalities. These sources of heterogeneity restricted our ability to perform comprehensive meta-analyses of all outcomes of interest. An additional limitation is the lack of studies pertaining to propylene glycol and the paucity of data on isopropanol. CONCLUSIONS: The indications for hemodialysis, long-term kidney recovery and long-term mortality risk vary widely in these poisonings and are inconsistently reported in the literature. This highlights the need for further research with standardized reporting of baseline kidney function, indications for initiation of kidney replacement therapy and short-term and long-term kidney outcomes. REGISTRATION: This systematic review protocol is registered at PROSPERO, CRD42018101955.

Cannabis Use for Restless Legs Syndrome and Uremic Pruritus in in patients treated with maintenance dialysis: A Survey.

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and uremic pruritus reduce the quality of life in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and current treatments are often insufficient. There is an increasing interest in using cannabinoids for symptom management, and preliminary evidence suggests cannabinoids may help alleviate RLS and pruritus. OBJECTIVES: (1) To assess the frequency and severity of RLS and pruritus in our ESKD population with the current treatment options, (2) to estimate patient use of cannabinoids for these symptoms, and (3) to determine interest in participating in future trials to treat RLS and/or pruritus. DESIGN: Survey. PATIENTS: Adult prevalent patients with ESKD treated with dialysis at the Ottawa Hospital. MEASUREMENTS: International RLS Study Group Rating Scale and visual analogue scale for symptom severity of RLS and pruritus, respectively. METHODS: Eligible patients with ESKD treated at the Ottawa Hospital were invited to complete a survey to identify symptoms and severity of RLS and pruritus using validated scales, cannabis use for management, and interest in future trials. Basic demographic statistics to describe the study population and results were used. RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent (192 of 277) of eligible patients completed the surveys, 35 declined participation, and 50 surveys were not returned. Eighty-six (45%) and 129 patients (67%) reported symptoms of RLS and pruritus, respectively. Only 18 previously symptomatic patients were relieved with current treatment. Fifteen patients reported cannabis use for symptoms; 9 noted improvement. Most (>2 of 3) symptomatic patients were interested in participating in a future trial. LIMITATIONS: Single-center study in a tertiary-care hospital in Canada limiting generalizability. Quoted prevalence of symptoms is dependent on survey return. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of ESKD patients suffer from RLS and/or pruritus, most of which are not relieved by existing treatments. Few patients reported trying cannabis to decrease their symptoms despite legalization. This study confirms strong patient interest for future trials regarding cannabis for symptom relief. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

CONTEXTE: Le syndrome des jambes sans repos (SJSR) et le prurit urémique réduisent la qualité de vie des patients atteints d'insuffisance rénale terminale (IRT), et les traitements existants pour les soulager sont souvent insuffisants. Les cannabinoïdes suscitent un intérêt grandissant à cet effet et des données préliminaires suggèrent qu'ils pourraient atténuer le SJRS et le prurit. OBJECTIFS: 1) évaluer, dans une population de patients atteints d'IRT, la fréquence et la sévérité du SJRS et du prurit avec les options de traitement existantes; 2) estimer la consommation de cannabinoïdes pour soulager ces symptômes, et 3) sonder l'intérêt des patients à participer à des essais futurs sur les traitements du SJSR et du prurit. CONCEPTION: Sondage. SUJETS: Des adultes atteints d'IRT et dialysés à l'hôpital d'Ottawa. MESURES: L'échelle d'évaluation de l'International RLS Study Group et l'échelle visuelle analogique ont été utilisées pour mesurer respectivement la sévérité du SJSR et du prurit. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les patients admissibles atteints d'IRT et dialysés à l'hôpital d'Ottawa ont été invités à répondre au sondage. Les répondants devaient identifier leurs symptômes de SJSR et de prurit et évaluer leur sévérité à l'aide d'échelles validées. Ils devaient également mentionner s'ils consommaient des cannabinoïdes pour soulager leurs symptômes et s'ils accepteraient de participer à de futurs essais sur le sujet. Des statistiques démographiques de base ont été employées pour décrire la population étudiée et les résultats. RÉSULTATS: Le sondage a été rempli par 192 des 277 patients admissibles (69 %); 35 patients ont refusé de participer et 50 sondages n'ont pas été retournés. Des symptômes de SJSR ont été rapportés par 86 répondants (45 %), et 129 patients (67 %) ont mentionné souffrir de prurit. Seuls 18 patients préalablement symptomatiques se sont dits soulagés par les traitements existants. La consommation de cannabis pour atténuer les symptômes a été rapportée par quinze patients, dont neuf voyaient une amélioration de leurs symptômes. Plus du 2/3 des patients symptomatiques accepteraient de participer à un essai futur. LIMITES: L'étude s'est tenue dans un seul center hospitalier de soins tertiaires canadien, ce qui limite la généralisabilité des résultats. La prévalence citée dépend du retour des sondages. CONCLUSION: Une grande proportion de patients atteints d'IRT souffre du SJSR et/ou de prurit urémique, la plupart d'entre eux n'étant pas soulagés par les traitements existants. Malgré la légalisation du cannabis, seuls quelques patients en consommaient pour atténuer leurs symptômes. Cette étude confirme le grand intérêt des patients envers de futurs essais examinant la consommation de cannabis pour soulager leurs symptômes. ENREGISTREMENT DE L'ESSAI: Sans objet.

Renal infarct in a COVID-19-positive kidney-pancreas transplant recipient.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with increased risk of thromboembolic events, but the extent and duration of this hypercoagulable state remain unknown. We describe the first case report of renal allograft infarction in a 46-year-old kidney-pancreas transplant recipient with no prior history of thromboembolism, who presented 26 days after diagnosis of COVID-19. At the time of renal infarct, he was COVID-19 symptom free and repeat test for SARS-CoV-2 was negative. This case report suggests that a hypercoagulable state may persist even after resolution of COVID-19. Further studies are required to determine thromboprophylaxis indications and duration in solid organ transplant recipients with COVID-19.

A Survey of Training for Temporary Hemodialysis Catheter Insertion During Nephrology Fellowship in Canada: An Update.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists as to whether the insertion of temporary hemodialysis catheters (THDCs) should remain a mandatory requirement of nephrology fellowship training in Canada. A survey conducted by our group in 2012 showed that many nephrology trainees reported inadequate training to achieve procedural competence. OBJECTIVE: To determine the current practices and training of the insertion of THDCs in nephrology fellowship programs in Canada and how this has evolved since 2012. DESIGN: A survey study was designed comprising the following sections: demographics, details regarding the number and types of THDCs inserted within the past 6 months of fellowship training, adherence to sterile techniques, the use of ultrasound guidance during THDC insertion, training for THDC insertion received before and during nephrology fellowship, and self-perceived adequacy of training and competence in THDC insertion. SETTING: The survey was distributed by e-mail in May 2018 either directly or through Canadian nephrology training programs. PARTICIPANTS: Current trainees of Canadian adult nephrology training programs. MEASUREMENTS: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the summarized data. The means and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were used to summarize the number of THDC insertions performed, and the categorical data, including data on training and self-perceived competency, were reported using frequencies and percentages. A chi-squared test was used to evaluate the relationship between those who received simulation-based training and self-perceived confidence in either internal jugular or femoral catheter insertion. METHODS: An online survey, available in both English and French, was distributed to all adult nephrology trainees in Canada in May 2018 either directly or through their respective programs. RESULTS: Completed surveys were received from 46 of 136 nephrology trainees across Canada (34%). Of those who responded, the median (IQR) number of combined femoral and/or internal jugular THDCs inserted in the past 6 months of fellowship training was 3 (1-6). Eight respondents (17%) indicated that they had not inserted a THDC in the past 6 months. However, only 7 of 42 respondents (17%) indicated that they did not feel competent or adequately trained to perform either femoral or internal jugular THDC insertion. LIMITATIONS: Limitations of the study include participation of trainees at different stages of their training. Many trainees indicated that it was not a requirement to keep a formal log of their procedures performed and likely had recall bias when reporting their procedure details. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrology fellows in Canada are performing fewer THDC insertions compared to 2012 but report higher levels of self-perceived competence and better training. This may be as a result of significantly more simulation-based training. Our data suggest that training to procedural mastery using simulation-based techniques may be a path to ensuring adequate training for THDC insertion despite fewer procedures being performed during training.

CONTEXTE: Une controverse existe à savoir si l'insertion de cathéters d'hémodialyse temporaires (CHT) devrait demeurer une exigence de la formation des néphrologues au Canada. Une enquête menée par notre groupe en 2012 montrait que plusieurs stagiaires en néphrologie jugeaient leur formation insuffisante pour l'acquisition de compétences techniques. OBJECTIFS: Faire état des pratiques et de la formation actuelles en matière d'insertion de CHT dans les programs canadiens de stages en néphrologie, et témoigner de l'évolution de la situation depuis 2012. CONCEPTION DE L'ÉTUDE: L'étude, sous forme de sondage, a été conçue en incluant les éléments suivants: les données démographiques, les détails quant au nombre et au type de cathéters insérés au cours des six derniers mois de la formation, l'observance des techniques d'asepsie, le recours à l'échoguidage pendant la procédure, la formation reçue sur l'insertion de CHT avant et pendant le stage en néphrologie, et l'auto-évaluation de l'adéquation de la formation et des compétences individuelles en insertion de CHT. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Un sondage distribué en mai 2018 par courrier électronique, directement ou par l'entremise des programs de formation en néphrologie. SUJETS: Les stagiaires actuels des programs canadiens de formation en néphrologie adulte. MESURES: Des statistiques descriptives ont été utilisées pour analyzer les données agrégées. Les moyennes et les écarts interquartiles (EIQ) ont été employés pour résumer le nombre d'insertions de CHT. Les données catégorielles, y compris les données sur la qualité de la formation et la compétence perçue, ont été rapportées en fréquences et en pourcentages. Enfin, un test x2 a évalué le lien entre la compétence individuelle perçue quant à l'insertion d'un cathéter dans la jugulaire interne ou dans la veine fémorale et le fait d'avoir ou non reçu une formation par simulation. MÉTHODOLOGIE: En mai 2018, un sondage électronique, disponible en anglais et en français, a été distribué à tous les stagiaires canadiens en néphrologie adulte, directement ou par l'intermédiaire de leurs programs respectifs. RÉSULTATS: Des 136 stagiaires ayant reçu le sondage, 46 (34%) l'ont retourné dument rempli. Le nombre médian combiné de CHT insérés dans la veine fémorale et/ou la jugulaire interne au cours des 6 derniers mois de formation était de 3 (EIQ: 1 à 6). Huit répondants (17%) n'avaient pas pratiqué cette procédure au cours des six derniers mois. Néanmoins, seulement 7 répondants sur un total de 42 (17%) ont indiqué ne pas se sentir à l'aise ou suffisamment formés pour pratiquer l'insertion d'un CHT dans la veine fémorale ou dans la jugulaire interne. LIMITES: L'étude porte sur des stagiaires à différentes étapes de leur formation. Aussi, plusieurs stagiaires ont indiqué qu'on ne les obligeait pas à tenir un registre officiel des procédures effectuées, leur déclaration pourrait donc présenter un biais de rappel. CONCLUSION: Les stagiaires en néphrologie canadiens pratiquent moins d'insertions de CHT, mais signalent une meilleure formation et des niveaux plus élevés de compétence perçue qu'en 2012, un constat qui pourrait s'expliquer par une formation axée sur la simulation de meilleure qualité. Ces résultats suggèrent que l'apprentissage de procédures par des techniques axées sur la simulation pourrait constituer un moyen d'assurer une formation adéquate en insertion de CHT, et ce, malgré le nombre réduit de procédures exécutées pendant la formation.

Common errors in temporary hemodialysis catheter insertion.

Non-tunneled hemodialysis catheter (NTHC) insertion is an essential skill for nephrology practice and remains a requirement of training. However, improper insertion technique can increase the risk of potentially fatal infectious and mechanical complications. Evidence-based strategies can reduce the rates of such complications and should be integrated into practice and training. Ultrasound (US) guidance should routinely be used for NTHC insertion at the femoral and internal jugular sites (with avoidance of the subclavian site). Nephrologists should receive proper training in the use of US for line insertion. With respect to other aspects of the procedure, proper insertion technique readily prevents guidewire-induced arrhythmias. In addition, adherence to infection-control guidelines results in a sustainable reduction in bloodstream infections. All these aspects of NTHC insertion may be best taught and evaluated through a program that includes simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) training. As a separate issue, nephrologists (and intensivists) should be aware that a dysfunctional catheter should be replaced at a new site rather than being changed over a guidewire. This review of common errors related to NTHC insertion seeks to highlight evidence-based approaches to practice and training.

Outcomes after toxic alcohol poisoning: a systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Toxic alcohols have been implicated in accidental ingestions and intentional exposures. Recognition of toxic alcohol poisoning is challenging. The main treatment modalities include antidotes with alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors and dialysis. Current guidelines exist for both methanol and ethylene glycol intoxication. However, treatment consensus related to other toxic alcohols is limited. Furthermore, uncertainties regarding thresholds for when to initiate antidotes and dialysis persist. As a consequence, variations exist in the interventions utilized for management of all toxic alcohol poisonings. To our knowledge, no prior systematic review of clinical outcomes of toxic alcohols exists. The objective of this study is to summarize existing evidence on short- and long-term outcomes of patients following toxic alcohol poisonings, including methanol, ethylene glycol, isopropanol, propylene glycol, and diethylene glycol. METHODS: A literature search in PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE will be performed based on pre-determined criteria. There will be no restrictions on publication dates or languages. The search will be supplemented by manual scan of bibliographies of eligible studies and gray literature assessment. Observational studies and clinical trials will be included in this review. Once eligible studies have been selected based on pre-specified criteria, two investigators will extract relevant data independently and perform quality assessment per validated tools. A pooled analysis of mortality and short- and long-term secondary outcomes will be performed. Pre-specified subgroup analyses will be performed according to the type of toxic alcohol intoxication, mode of renal replacement therapy, and medical interventions received. A meta-analysis will be performed if three or more studies with similar populations, type of toxic alcohol poisoning, and outcome measures, as well as adequate quality, are identified. This review will be reported according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. DISCUSSION: This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence in the short- and long-term outcomes of post-toxic alcohol poisoning. The results will enhance the understanding of patient morbidity and mortality after toxic alcohol poisoning, help inform uniform concrete management guideline development, identify gaps in the current state of knowledge, and provide evidence to help implement post-treatment follow-up. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018101955.