High volume online post-dilution hemodiafiltration: how relevant is it in chronic kidney disease? / Hemodiafiltração on-line pós-dilucional de alto volume: qual sua real importância na doença renal crônica?

ABSTRACT Online hemodiafiltration is potentially a superior mode of dialysis compared to conventional hemodialysis. However, prospective randomized controlled trials have failed to demonstrate such superiority. Post-hoc analyses of these trials have indicated that high volume post-dilution hemodiafiltration is associated with lower death rates than conventional dialysis. This study discusses whether the lower death rates ascribed to high volume hemodiafiltration are linked to convection volume or the time on dialysis needed to achieve high convection volumes.

RESUMO A hemodiafiltração on-line é uma modalidade de diálise com potencial de superioridade sobre a hemodiálise convencional. Entretanto, estudos prospectivos, randomizados e controlados falharam em demonstrar a superioridade da hemodiafiltração. Análises post hoc desses estudos sugerem que a hemodiafiltração pós-dilucional de alto volume apresenta taxa de mortalidade inferior à hemodiálise convencional. Neste estudo, discutimos se a menor taxa de mortalidade da hemodiafiltração de alto volume está associada ao volume de convecção ou ao tempo de diálise necessário para atingir um alto volume de convecção.

High volume online post-dilution hemodiafiltration: how relevant is it in chronic kidney disease?

Online hemodiafiltration is potentially a superior mode of dialysis compared to conventional hemodialysis. However, prospective randomized controlled trials have failed to demonstrate such superiority. Post-hoc analyses of these trials have indicated that high volume post-dilution hemodiafiltration is associated with lower death rates than conventional dialysis. This study discusses whether the lower death rates ascribed to high volume hemodiafiltration are linked to convection volume or the time on dialysis needed to achieve high convection volumes.

Effect of hemodiafiltration on measured physical activity: primary results of the HDFIT randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dialysis patients are typically inactive and their physical activity (PA) decreases over time. Uremic toxicity has been suggested as a potential causal factor of low PA in dialysis patients. Post-dilution high-volume online hemodiafiltration (HDF) provides greater higher molecular weight removal and studies suggest better clinical/patient-reported outcomes compared with hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: HDFIT was a randomized controlled trial at 13 clinics in Brazil that aimed to investigate the effects of HDF on measured PA (step counts) as a primary outcome. Stable HD patients (vintage 3-24 months) were randomized to receive HDF or high-flux HD. Treatment effect of HDF on the primary outcome from baseline to 3 and 6 months was estimated using a linear mixed-effects model. RESULTS: We randomized 195 patients (HDF 97; HD 98) between August 2016 and October 2017. Despite the achievement of a high convective volume in the majority of sessions and a positive impact on solute removal, the treatment effect HDF on the primary outcome was +538 [95% confidence interval (CI) -330 to 1407] steps/24 h after dialysis compared with HD, and was not statistically significant. Despite a lack of statistical significance, the observed size of the treatment effect was modest and driven by steps taken between 1.5 and 24.0 h after dialysis, in particular between 20 and 24 h (+197 steps; 95% CI -95 to 488). CONCLUSIONS: HDF did not have a statistically significant treatment effect on PA 24 h following dialysis, albeit effect sizes may be clinically meaningful and deserve further investigation.

Vascular access cannulation in hemodialysis patients: technical approach / Canulação do acesso vascular em pacientes em hemodiálise: abordagem técnica

ABSTRACT Introduction: The vascular access cannulation technique varies among clinics, and guidelines on vascular access give little importance to cannulation techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cannulation technique and to determine which factors are associated with each detail of the technique. Material and methods: The vascular access cannulation was evaluated in 260 patients undergoing hemodialysis. The type and anatomical location of the vascular access, the cannulation technique, direction, gauge, and distance between needles, besides bevel direction and needle rotation were registered. Results: The arteriovenous fistula was the most frequent vascular access (88%), the most used cannulation technique was area (100%), the needle direction was anterograde in most cases (79.5%), and the mean distance between the tips of needles was 7.57±4.43 cm. For arteriovenous grafts, the proximal anatomical location (brachial artery) and cannulation with 16G needles in anterograde position were more predominant. For arteriovenous fistulas, the distal anatomical location (radial artery) and cannulation through 15G needles were more common. Cannulation of vascular access in retrograde direction was associated with a greater distance between needles (13.2 ± 4.4 vs 6.1 ± 3 cm, p < 0.001). Kt/V was higher when the distance between needles was higher than 5 cm (1.61 ± 0.3 vs. 1.47 ± 0.28, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The vascular access cannulation technique depends on the vascular access characteristics and expertise of cannulators. Clinical trials are required for the formulation of guidelines for vascular access cannulation.

RESUMO Introdução: A técnica de canulação do acesso vascular varia entre instituições de saúde, e as diretrizes sobre o acesso vascular dão pouca importância às técnicas de canulação. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a técnica de canulação e determinar quais fatores estão associados a cada detalhe da técnica. Material e métodos: A canulação do acesso vascular foi avaliada em 260 pacientes em hemodiálise. Foram registrados o tipo e localização anatômica do acesso vascular, a técnica de canulação, a direção, a bitola e a distância entre as agulhas, além da direção do bisel e da rotação da agulha. Resultados: A fístula arteriovenosa foi o acesso vascular mais frequente (88%), a técnica de canulação mais utilizada foi a área (100%), a direção da agulha foi anterógrada na maioria dos casos (79,5%) e a distância média entre as pontas das agulhas foi de 7,57 ± 4,43 cm. Para enxertos arteriovenosos, a localização anatômica proximal (artéria braquial) e a canulação com agulhas 16G em posição anterógrada foram mais predominantes. Para as fístulas arteriovenosas, a localização anatômica distal (artéria radial) e a canulação através de agulhas 15G foram mais comuns. A canulação do acesso vascular na direção retrógrada foi associada a uma maior distância entre as agulhas (13,2 ± 4,4 v.s. 6,1 ± 3 cm, p < 0,001). O Kt / V foi maior quando a distância entre as agulhas foi superior a 5 cm (1,61 ± 0,3 vs. 1,47 ± 0,28, p < 0,01). Conclusões: A técnica de canulação do acesso vascular depende das características do acesso vascular e da experiência dos "canuladores". Ensaios clínicos são necessários para a formulação de diretrizes para a canulação do acesso vascular.

Vascular access cannulation in hemodialysis patients: technical approach.

INTRODUCTION: The vascular access cannulation technique varies among clinics, and guidelines on vascular access give little importance to cannulation techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cannulation technique and to determine which factors are associated with each detail of the technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The vascular access cannulation was evaluated in 260 patients undergoing hemodialysis. The type and anatomical location of the vascular access, the cannulation technique, direction, gauge, and distance between needles, besides bevel direction and needle rotation were registered. RESULTS: The arteriovenous fistula was the most frequent vascular access (88%), the most used cannulation technique was area (100%), the needle direction was anterograde in most cases (79.5%), and the mean distance between the tips of needles was 7.57±4.43 cm. For arteriovenous grafts, the proximal anatomical location (brachial artery) and cannulation with 16G needles in anterograde position were more predominant. For arteriovenous fistulas, the distal anatomical location (radial artery) and cannulation through 15G needles were more common. Cannulation of vascular access in retrograde direction was associated with a greater distance between needles (13.2 ± 4.4 vs 6.1 ± 3 cm, p < 0.001). Kt/V was higher when the distance between needles was higher than 5 cm (1.61 ± 0.3 vs. 1.47 ± 0.28, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The vascular access cannulation technique depends on the vascular access characteristics and expertise of cannulators. Clinical trials are required for the formulation of guidelines for vascular access cannulation.

Conservative management for patients with chronic kidney disease refusing dialysis / Tratamento conservador de paciente com doença renal crônica que renuncia à diálise

ABSTRACT Estimates suggest that 20-30% of the deaths of patients with chronic kidney disease with indication to undergo dialysis occur after refusal to continue dialysis, discontinuation of dialysis or inability to offer dialysis on account of local conditions. Contributing factors include aging, increased comorbidity associated with chronic kidney disease, and socioeconomic status. In several occasions nephrologists will intervene, but at times general practitioners or family physicians are on their own. Knowledge of the main etiologies of chronic kidney disease and the metabolic alterations and symptoms associated to end-stage renal disease is an important element in providing patients with good palliative care. This review aimed to familiarize members of multidisciplinary care teams with the metabolic alterations and symptoms arising from chronic kidney disease treated clinically without the aid of dialysis.

RESUMO Estimativas sugerem que em torno de 20% a 30% dos óbitos de pacientes com doença renal crônica em estágio dialítico decorrem de renúncia à diálise, da interrupção do tratamento dialítico ou da incapacidade de oferecer tratamento dialítico em função das condições locais. O envelhecimento populacional, o aumento das comorbidades associadas à doença renal crônica e o nível socioeconômico do país contribuem para esse cenário. Em diversas ocasiões o nefrologista estará presente para intervir ativamente, mas em outras o médico generalista ou o médico de família estarão sós. O conhecimento das principais etiologias da doença renal crônica e das alterações metabólicas e dos sintomas associados à fase terminal da doença renal são condições importantes para a evolução do paciente sem sofrimento para uma boa morte. O objetivo desta revisão é familiarizar os membros da equipe multiprofissional para o reconhecimento e conduta quanto às alterações metabólicas e aos sintomas decorrentes da doença renal crônica tratada clinicamente sem suporte dialítico.

Conservative management for patients with chronic kidney disease refusing dialysis.

Estimates suggest that 20-30% of the deaths of patients with chronic kidney disease with indication to undergo dialysis occur after refusal to continue dialysis, discontinuation of dialysis or inability to offer dialysis on account of local conditions. Contributing factors include aging, increased comorbidity associated with chronic kidney disease, and socioeconomic status. In several occasions nephrologists will intervene, but at times general practitioners or family physicians are on their own. Knowledge of the main etiologies of chronic kidney disease and the metabolic alterations and symptoms associated to end-stage renal disease is an important element in providing patients with good palliative care. This review aimed to familiarize members of multidisciplinary care teams with the metabolic alterations and symptoms arising from chronic kidney disease treated clinically without the aid of dialysis.

Reflections on end-of-life dialysis / Reflexões sobre a diálise no fim da vida

ABSTRACT The world population is aging and diseases such as diabetes mellitus and systemic arterial hypertension are increasing the risk of patients developing chronic kidney disease, leading to an increase in the prevalence of patients on dialysis. The expansion of health services has made it possible to offer dialysis treatment to an increasing number of patients. At the same time, dialysis survival has increased considerably in the last two decades. Thus, patients on dialysis are becoming more numerous, older and with greater number of comorbidities. Although dialysis maintains hydroelectrolytic and metabolic balance, in several patients this is not associated with an improvement in quality of life. Therefore, despite the high social and financial cost of dialysis, patient recovery may be only partial. In these conditions, it is necessary to evaluate the patient individually in relation to the dialysis treatment. This implies reflections on initiating, maintaining or discontinuing treatment. The multidisciplinary team involved in the care of these patients should be familiar with these aspects in order to approach the patient and his/her relatives in an ethical and humanitarian way. In this study, we discuss dialysis in the final phase of life and present a systematic way to address this dilemma.

RESUMO A população mundial está envelhecendo, e doenças como diabetes mellitus e hipertensão arterial sistêmica estão aumentando o risco de doença renal crônica, com consequente elevação na prevalência de pacientes em diálise. A expansão dos serviços de saúde permitiu oferecer tratamento dialítico para um número cada vez maior de pacientes. Paralelamente, a sobrevida em diálise aumentou consideravelmente nas últimas duas décadas. Dessa maneira, os pacientes em diálise são cada vez mais numerosos, mais idosos e com maior número de comorbidades. Embora a diálise mantenha o equilíbrio hidroeletrolítico e metabólico, em diversos pacientes isso não está associado à melhora da qualidade de vida. Então, apesar do elevado custo social e financeiro da diálise, a recuperação do paciente pode ser apenas parcial. Nessas condições, é necessário avaliar individualmente o paciente em relação ao tratamento dialítico, o que implica reflexões sobre iniciar, manter ou suspender o tratamento. A equipe multidisciplinar envolvida no cuidado desses pacientes deve estar familiarizada com esses aspectos para abordar o paciente e seus familiares de forma ética e humanitária. Neste estudo, foi discutido o tratamento dialítico na fase final da vida e apresentada uma maneira sistemática para enfrentar esse dilema.

Reflections on end-of-life dialysis.

The world population is aging and diseases such as diabetes mellitus and systemic arterial hypertension are increasing the risk of patients developing chronic kidney disease, leading to an increase in the prevalence of patients on dialysis. The expansion of health services has made it possible to offer dialysis treatment to an increasing number of patients. At the same time, dialysis survival has increased considerably in the last two decades. Thus, patients on dialysis are becoming more numerous, older and with greater number of comorbidities. Although dialysis maintains hydroelectrolytic and metabolic balance, in several patients this is not associated with an improvement in quality of life. Therefore, despite the high social and financial cost of dialysis, patient recovery may be only partial. In these conditions, it is necessary to evaluate the patient individually in relation to the dialysis treatment. This implies reflections on initiating, maintaining or discontinuing treatment. The multidisciplinary team involved in the care of these patients should be familiar with these aspects in order to approach the patient and his/her relatives in an ethical and humanitarian way. In this study, we discuss dialysis in the final phase of life and present a systematic way to address this dilemma.

Variability in quality of care among dialysis units in the state of São Paulo and the ordinance number 389/2014 of the Health Ministry of Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Medical organizations have proposed indices to assess the quality of dialytic therapy offered to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, the Ministry of Health of Brazil published the ordinance n° 389/2014, which establishes targets in the care of patients with CKD. OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the performance of hemodialysis (HD) clinics in relation to the goals established in this ordinance. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, prospective, observational, involving 1,633 patients with CKD on HD in eight clinics. Demographic characteristics, Kt/V, hemoglobin, phosphorus, parathormone (PTH) and the mortality rate were recorded. The results were compared to the goals established in the ordinance No. 389/2014: Kt/V > 1.2 in more than 70% of patients, hemoglobin between 10 and 12 g/dl in more than 80%, phosphorus between 3.5 and 5.5 mg/dl in more than 50%, and PTH < 600pg/ml in more than 80% of patients. RESULTS: The age was 56.4 ± 15.2 years, the median time on dialysis was 28.4 months. The HD session time was 3.74 ± 0.31 hours. For Kt/V, six clinics reached the goal. For hemoglobin, none of the clinics reached the goal. For phosphorus, only two clinics meet the goal and for PTH four clinics. Six clinics hit two goals and two clinics did not achieve any goal. Mortality was lower in clinics that reached targets (10.2vs. 21.6% per year; p = 0.0546). CONCLUSION: For Kt/V most clinics reached the goal established by the ordinance. For hemoglobin and phosphorus, the objectives were not achieved in many clinics. For PTH, the response was variable and dependent on clinical features.

A variabilidade na qualidade do atendimento entre unidades de diálise do estado de São Paulo e a Portaria n° 389/2014 do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil / Variability in quality of care among dialysis units in the state of São Paulo and the ordinance number 389/2014 of the Health Ministry of Brazil

Resumo Introdução: Alguns índices são utilizados para avaliar a qualidade da terapia dialítica oferecida aos pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC). Em 2014, o Ministério da Saúde do Brasil publicou a Portaria n° 389/2014, que estabelece metas no cuidado desses pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho de diferentes clínicas de hemodiálise (HD) em relação às metas estabelecidas nessa Portaria. Métodos: Estudo transversal, prospectivo, observacional, envolvendo 1.633 pacientes em HD em oito clínicas. As características demográficas, Kt/V, hemoglobina, fósforo, paratormônio (PTH) e a taxa de mortalidade foram registradas. Os resultados foram comparados com as metas estabelecidas na Portaria: Kt/V > 1,2 em mais de 70% dos pacientes, hemoglobina entre 10 e 12g/dl em mais de 80%, fósforo entre 3,5 e 5,5mg/dl em mais de 50% e o PTH < 600pg/ml em mais de 80% dos pacientes. Resultados: A idade foi de 56,4 ± 15,2 anos, a mediana do tempo em diálise foi de 28,4 meses. A duração da HD foi de 3,74 ± 0,31 horas. Para o Kt/V, seis clínicas atingiram a meta. Para a hemoglobina, nenhuma clínica atingiu a meta. Para o fósforo, duas clínicas atingiram a meta e para o PTH quatro clínicas. Seis clínicas atingiram duas metas e duas clínicas não atingiram nenhuma meta. A mortalidade foi menor nas clínicas que atingiram metas (10,2vs. 21,6% ao ano; p = 0,0546). Conclusão: Para o Kt/V a maioria das clínicas atingiu a meta estabelecida. Para a hemoglobina e fósforo, as metas não foram atingidas na maioria das clínicas. Para o PTH, a resposta foi variável e dependente de características da clínica.

Abstract Introduction: Medical organizations have proposed indices to assess the quality of dialytic therapy offered to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, the Ministry of Health of Brazil published the ordinance n° 389/2014, which establishes targets in the care of patients with CKD. Objective: We evaluate the performance of hemodialysis (HD) clinics in relation to the goals established in this ordinance. Methods: Cross-sectional study, prospective, observational, involving 1,633 patients with CKD on HD in eight clinics. Demographic characteristics, Kt/V, hemoglobin, phosphorus, parathormone (PTH) and the mortality rate were recorded. The results were compared to the goals established in the ordinance No. 389/2014: Kt/V > 1.2 in more than 70% of patients, hemoglobin between 10 and 12 g/dl in more than 80%, phosphorus between 3.5 and 5.5 mg/dl in more than 50%, and PTH < 600pg/ml in more than 80% of patients. Results: The age was 56.4 ± 15.2 years, the median time on dialysis was 28.4 months. The HD session time was 3.74 ± 0.31 hours. For Kt/V, six clinics reached the goal. For hemoglobin, none of the clinics reached the goal. For phosphorus, only two clinics meet the goal and for PTH four clinics. Six clinics hit two goals and two clinics did not achieve any goal. Mortality was lower in clinics that reached targets (10.2vs. 21.6% per year; p = 0.0546). Conclusion: For Kt/V most clinics reached the goal established by the ordinance. For hemoglobin and phosphorus, the objectives were not achieved in many clinics. For PTH, the response was variable and dependent on clinical features.

The perception of sleep quality in kidney transplant patients during the first year of transplantation

OBJECTIVE: Poor sleep quality is one of the factors that adversely affects patient quality of life after kidney transplantation, and sleep disorders represent a significant cardiovascular risk factor. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of changes in sleep quality and their outcomes in kidney transplant recipients and analyze the variables affecting sleep quality in the first years after renal transplantation. METHODS: Kidney transplant recipients were evaluated at two time points after a successful transplantation: between three and six months (Phase 1) and between 12 and 15 months (Phase 2). The following tools were used for assessment: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; the quality of life questionnaire Short-Form-36; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale; the Karnofsky scale; and assessments of social and demographic data. The prevalence of poor sleep was 36.7% in Phase 1 and 38.3% in Phase 2 of the study. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between patients with and without changes in sleep quality between the two phases. We found no changes in sleep patterns throughout the study. Both the physical and mental health scores worsened from Phase 1 to Phase 2. CONCLUSION: Sleep quality in kidney transplant recipients did not change during the first year after a successful renal transplantation.

The perception of sleep quality in kidney transplant patients during the first year of transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Poor sleep quality is one of the factors that adversely affects patient quality of life after kidney transplantation, and sleep disorders represent a significant cardiovascular risk factor. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of changes in sleep quality and their outcomes in kidney transplant recipients and analyze the variables affecting sleep quality in the first years after renal transplantation. METHODS: Kidney transplant recipients were evaluated at two time points after a successful transplantation: between three and six months (Phase 1) and between 12 and 15 months (Phase 2). The following tools were used for assessment: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; the quality of life questionnaire Short-Form-36; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale; the Karnofsky scale; and assessments of social and demographic data. The prevalence of poor sleep was 36.7% in Phase 1 and 38.3% in Phase 2 of the study. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between patients with and without changes in sleep quality between the two phases. We found no changes in sleep patterns throughout the study. Both the physical and mental health scores worsened from Phase 1 to Phase 2. CONCLUSION: Sleep quality in kidney transplant recipients did not change during the first year after a successful renal transplantation.

Importância da avaliação bioquímica mensal na triagem de pacientes com desnutrição em hemodiálise / Importance of the monthly biochemical evaluation to identify patients on hemodialysis with malnutrition

INTRODUÇÃO: A desnutrição é uma complicação frequente nos pacientes em hemodiálise, sendo o diagnóstico precoce importante para reduzir as taxas de morbidade e mortalidade do tratamento. OBJETIVO: Investigar a utilidade dos exames bioquímicos mensais realizados na hemodiálise para triagem de pacientes com desnutrição. MÉTODOS: O diagnóstico nutricional de 252 pacientes foi feito através da avaliação objetiva e subjetiva global, classificando-os em desnutridos e não desnutridos. Paralelamente, durante 4 meses consecutivos, as concentrates de creatinina, fósforo, ureia pré-e pósdiálise e o Kt/V foram registradas para cálculo das médias. Após análise dessas variáveis através da curva ROC, calculouse a sensibilidade e a especificidade na identificação dos pacientes com desnutrição. RESULTADOS: Na curva ROC, a área sob a curva para a ureia foi de 0,683, para o fósforo 0,71, para o Kt/V 0,724 e para a creatinina 0,765. Para valores de ureia < 90 mg/dL; fósforo < 4,2 mg/dL; Kt/V > 1,6 e creatinina < 6,5 mg/dL, a especificidade variou entre 80 por cento e 88 por cento e a sensibilidade entre 26 por cento e 51 por cento . O valor preditivo negativo variou entre 90 por cento e 92 por cento e o valor preditivo positivo entre 23 por cento e 32 por cento. A associação de dois ou mais desses índices não modificou de forma significante esses valores. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados sugerem que valores de ureia < 90 mg/dL, creatinina < 6,5 mg/dL, fósforo < 4,2 mg/dL e Kt/V > 1,6 podem ser utilizados para triagem de pacientes com desnutrição.

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is a frequent complication in patients on hemodialysis and early diagnosis is important to reduce the morbidity and mortality of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usefulness of biochemical tests performed monthly in order to identify hemodialysis patients with malnutrition. METHODS: The nutritional status of 252 patients was evaluated by objective and subjective global assessment, and the patients classified as malnourished and not malnourished. Then, during 4 consecutive months, serum creatinine, phosphorus, urea pre-and post-dialysis and Kt/V were recorded for calculation of averages. After analysis of these variables by the RO C curve we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of these parameters to identify patients with malnutrition. RESULTS: In ROC curve, the area under the curve for urea was 0.683, 0.71 for phosphorus, 0.724 for Kt/V and 0.765 for creatinine. For values of urea < 90 mg/dL, phosphorus < 4.2 mg/dL, Kt/V > 1.6 and creatinine < 6.5 mg/dL, the specificity ranged between 80 percent and 88 percent and sensitivity between 26 percent and 51 percent. The negative predictive value ranged between 90 percent and 92 percent and positive predictive value between 23 percent and 32 percent. The association of two or more of these índices did not change significantly these values. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that serum urea < 90 mg/dL, creatinine < 6.5 mg/dL, phosphorus < 4.2 mg/dL, and Kt/V > 1.6 can be used for screening patients with malnutrition. However, using these cutoffs the parameters tend to overestimate the number of patients with malnutrition.

Arteriovenous fistula cannulation by buttonhole technique using dull needle.

INTRODUCTION: Cannulation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) may be performed by the following techniques: area puncture, rope ladder, or buttonhole. The ideal technique has not yet been established. OBJECTIVE: To assess the complications and difficulties of introducing the buttonhole (BH) technique for cannulation of AVF created with a native vein in a dialysis unit. METHODS: Sixteen patients (mean age, 57 ± 14 years) undergoing hemodialysis for 63 ± 38 months were changed to BH AVF cannulation. In the phase of track formation cannulations were performed with sharp needles and, in the maintenance phase, with blunt needles. In both phases, patients were assessed for pain intensity on a 0 to 10 scale. RESULTS: The number of HD sessions required for the track formation was 9.5 ± 1.5 and the number of sessions during the maintenance phase was 29.7 ± 0.8 per patient. During the 152 HD for the track formation, no significant complications occurred. During the 475 HD sessions using the BH technique and a blunt needle, the complications were as follows: resistance to cannulation (7.6%); cannulation using a sharp needle due to cannulator choice (5.7%); change from a blunt to a sharp needle during cannulation (4.2%); and local bleeding (0.8%). One patient required antibiotic therapy. The median pain intensity reported by the patients was four during the track formation, and two during cannulation with a blunt needle. The Kt/V values before and after changing the cannulation technique did not differ (1.48 ± 0.27 and 1.48 ± 0.23). CONCLUSION: The introduction of the BH technique with a blunt needle is technically easy, has few complications, reduces pain, and does not induce change in dialysis dose.

Arteriovenous fistula cannulation by buttonhole technique using dull needle / Punção da fístula arteriovenosa com a técnica em casa de botão com agulha romba

INTRODUÇÃO: A canulação da fístula arteriovenosa (FAV) pode ser realizada pelas técnicas de punção por área, rotatória ou em casa de botão (CB); entretanto, a técnica ideal ainda não foi estabelecida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as dificuldades e complicações na introdução da técnica de punção em CB em FAV construída com veia nativa. MÉTODOS: 16 pacientes com idade de 57±14 anos, em hemodiálise há 63±38 meses foram submetidos à punção em CB. Na fase de formação do túnel (T), as punções foram feitas com agulha cortante (AC) e na fase de manutenção com agulha romba (AR). Nas duas fases, os pacientes foram avaliados para a intensidade da dor em uma escala de 0 a 10. RESULTADOS: O nº de sessões de HD para formação do T foi de 9,5 ± 1,5 e o número de sessões na fase de manutenção foi de 29,7 ± 0,8. Nas 152 HD para formação do T não ocorreram complicações significativas. Durante 475 HD com AR as complicações foram: resistência na punção (7,6 por cento), punção com AC por opção do puncionador (5,7 por cento), troca de AR para AC durante a punção (4,2 por cento) e sangramento local durante a HD (0,8 por cento). Um paciente necessitou antibioticoterapia. A mediana do índice de dor foi 4 na fase de formação do T e 2 na fase de manutenção. Os valores de Kt/V pré- e pós-alteração na técnica de punção não foram diferentes (1,48 ± 0,27 e 1,45 ± 0,23). CONCLUSÃO: A implantação da punção em CB com AR é tecnicamente fácil, apresenta poucas complicações, reduz a dor e não induz variação na dose de diálise.

INTRODUCTION: Cannulation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) may be performed by the following techniques: area puncture, rope ladder, or buttonhole. The ideal technique has not yet been established. OBJECTIVE: To assess the complications and difficulties of introducing the buttonhole (BH) technique for cannulation of AVF created with a native vein in a dialysis unit. METHODS: Sixteen patients (mean age, 57 ± 14 years) undergoing hemodialysis for 63 ± 38 months were changed to BH AVF cannulation. In the phase of track formation cannulations were performed with sharp needles and, in the maintenance phase, with blunt needles. In both phases, patients were assessed for pain intensity on a 0 to 10 scale. RESULTS: The number of HD sessions required for the track formation was 9.5 ± 1.5 and the number of sessions during the maintenance phase was 29.7 ± 0.8 per patient. During the 152 HD for the track formation, no significant complications occurred. During the 475 HD sessions using the BH technique and a blunt needle, the complications were as follows: resistance to cannulation (7.6 percent); cannulation using a sharp needle due to cannulator choice (5.7 percent); change from a blunt to a sharp needle during cannulation (4.2 percent); and local bleeding (0.8 percent). One patient required antibiotic therapy. The median pain intensity reported by the patients was four during the track formation, and two during cannulation with a blunt needle. The Kt/V values before and after changing the cannulation technique did not differ (1.48 ± 0.27 and 1.48 ± 0.23). CONCLUSION: The introduction of the BH technique with a blunt needle is technically easy, has few complications, reduces pain, and does not induce change in dialysis dose.

Obstetric outcome in pregnant women on long-term dialysis: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Although still uncommon, pregnancy frequency in women on maintenance hemodialysis therapy has increased in the past 20 years. Most published reports suggest that intensified hemodialysis regimens result in better pregnancy outcomes. The small number of patients investigated in all reported series is the main limitation of the available studies. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Data for all pregnancies that occurred in 1988-2008 in women undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (52 pregnancies) at the São Paulo University Medical School (São Paulo, Brazil). OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS: We analyzed maternal and fetal outcomes of 52 pregnancies, as well as their relationship with various clinical, laboratory, and hemodialysis parameters, such as pre-eclampsia, pregnancy before or after dialysis therapy, hemodialysis dose, polyhydramnios, anemia, and predialysis serum urea level. In addition, logistic regression models for a composite adverse fetal outcome (perinatal death or extremely premature delivery) and linear regression models for birth weight were built. RESULTS: 87% overall rate of successful delivery, with a mean gestational age of 32.7 +/- 3.1 weeks. Pre-eclampsia was associated with a poor prognosis compared with pregnancies without pre-eclampsia: a successful delivery rate of 60% versus 92.9% (P = 0.02), extremely premature delivery rate of 77.8% versus 3.3% (P < 0.001), lower gestational age (P < 0.001), and birth weight (P < 0.001). Patients with an adverse composite fetal outcome had a higher frequency of pre-eclampsia (P < 0.001), lower frequency of polyhydramnios (P = 0.03), lower third-trimester hematocrit (P = 0.03), and higher predialysis serum urea level (P = 0.03). The same results were seen for birth weight. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective data analysis. The absence of creatinine clearance measurements did not allow evaluation of the impact of residual renal function on fetal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of pregnancy in women undergoing hemodialysis often are good. Pre-eclampsia, third-trimester hematocrit, polyhydramnios, and predialysis serum urea level are important variables associated with fetal outcome and birth weight.

Effects of bone remodelling on calcium mass transfer during haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: During haemodialysis, calcium balance can affect, or be affected by, mineral metabolism. However, when dialysate calcium concentration (d[Ca]) is chosen or kinetic models are employed to calculate calcium balance, bone remodelling is rarely considered. In this study, we examined whether bone remodelling affects calcium mass transfer during haemodialysis. METHODS: We dialysed 23 patients using a d[Ca] of 1.0, 1.25, 1.5 or 1.75 mmol/L. Calcium mass transfer was measured and associated with remodelling bone factors. RESULTS: Calcium balance varied widely depending on the d[Ca]. Calcium removal was -578 +/- 389, -468 +/- 563, +46 +/- 400 and +405 +/- 413 mg when a d[Ca] of 1.0, 1.25, 1.5 or 1.75 mmol/L was used, respectively (1.0 and 1.25 vs 1.5 and 1.75 mmol/L, P < 0.001; 1.5 vs 1.75 mmol/L, P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that calcium balance correlated with calcium gradient, parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin and dialysis vintage. Multivariate analysis revealed that calcium balance was dependent on calcium gradient, PTH and osteocalcin. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that bone remodelling could affect calcium mass transfer during haemodialysis.