Health-related quality of life in a PD-First programme in South Africa

Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, offers a PD-First policy as a result of haemodialysis (HD) restrictions and resource limitations. This study aimed to compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between HD and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, given the lack of autonomy in modality choice and the socio-economic challenges. This single-centre, cross-sectional study was performed between July 2015 and December 2016. Demographic, socio-economic variables and perceptions of safety were collected. HRQOL was assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SFTM) version 1.3. All data were compared between the two dialysis modalities; 77 HD and 33 PD patients were included in the study and there were no significant differences in demographics. Median age was 42.5 years (IQR: 32.4–48.6) and 57.3% were female. HD patients had less pain (P = 0.036), better emotional well-being (P = 0.020) and a better energy/fatigue score (P = 0.015). Both cohorts experienced role-limitations due to physical health with PD being more affected overall (P = 0.05). The only significant symptom in the kidney domain was that PD patients experienced more shortness of breath (P < 0.001). Patients in both groups had very poor socio-economic circumstances, and safety within their communities was a major concern. The patients in our dialysis service have very challenging social circumstances. Those on PD scored worse in four HRQOL domains, possibly due to a lack of autonomy in dialysis modality choice and less frequent contact with dialysis staff. Additional psychological and social support needs to be instituted to help improve our patients’ well-being on PD

Clinico-pathological correlation and outcome in patients with mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis in Cape Town: A single centre study

Background Glomerulonephritis is a major cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESRD) in Africa. There is scanty data on the clinico-pathological characteristics and outcome of the mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritides in Africa, despite the non-IgA subtype being reported as a common cause of nephrotic syndrome. This study will assess the outcome of patients with biopsy proven mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (MesPGN) from a single centre in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods The study is designed as 10-year retrospective analysis of patients with biopsy proven MesPGN. The MesPGN patterns were divided into non-IgA MesPGN and IgA nephropathy (IgAN), depending on the predominant type of immune deposit. Univariate cox regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with ESRD. Results Data of 109 patients with renal biopsy-proven MesPGN were included for the period between 2005-2014. The mean age at biopsy was 33.8 ±14.9 years, 53.2% were males, and 39.4% were black Africans. Clinically, 58.7% presented with nephrotic syndrome. On histology 79.8% had non-IgA MesPGN, and 20.2% had IgAN. Compared to the non-IgA group, most patients with IgAN were not treated with immunosuppression (72.7% vs. 40.2%; p=0.006). At the last visit, 10.1% reached ESRD (40.9% vs. 2.3%; p<0.0001) and 30.2% achieved complete remission (9.1% vs. 35.7%; p=0.015) for IgAN and non-IgA MesPGN respectively. The 5-year renal survival for IgAN and non-IgA MesPGN respectively, were: 63.3% vs. 97.6%, log rank p=0.001. Overall, hypertension (p=0.019), not receiving immunosuppression (p=0.046) and having IgAN (p=0.007) were independent predictors of progression to ESRD. Conclusion There is a significantly higher ESRD-free survival of patients with biopsy proven non-IgA MesPGN than IgAN. Whether this is related to the limited use of immunosuppressive therapy in IgAN patients or represents a true nature of the disease still requires further research

Clinico-pathological characteristics and outcomes of nephrology adolescents and young adults in Cape Town: a single centre study

Background Adolescents and young adults [AYA] are important users of the nephrology health care services. Worldwide, there is a paucity of data on AYA kidney disease and outcomes. This study evaluates kidney outcomes, survival and challenges faced by AYA in a South African setting. Methods This 5-year retrospective study included AYA [aged 10-24] with chronic kidney disease, at a tertiary nephrology service in South Africa. Descriptive analysis characterised the aetiology of kidney disease. A comparative analysis of baseline characteristics, outcomes and social challenges were performed between patients attending a dedicated AYA clinic and those attending the standard adult clinics [non-AYA clinics]. Primary composite outcome assessed included doubling of creatinine, reduction of eGFR >40%, end-stage kidney disease and death. Logistic regression evaluated associations between relevant variables, death and lost to follow up [LTFU]. Results The total AYA cohort consisted of 292 patients, 111 (38.0%) attended the AYA clinic and 181 (62.0%) the non-AYA clinics. The main aetiologies of disease were glomerular 212 (72.6%), congenital anomalies of the urinary tract 31 (10.6%), and hereditary conditions 24 (8.2%). There was a significantly lower mortality (p=0.007) and reduction in LTFU (p=0.012) in the cohort attending the AYA clinic. A statistically significant composite outcome (p=0.018), with improved kidney survival was found in the AYA clinic group. High proportions of nonadherence (33.9%) and substance use (25.0%) was demonstrated in both cohorts. Conclusion This study adds to the dearth of literature on AYA kidney disease. A dedicated nephrology AYA clinic is shown to have lower mortality, less LTFU and improved kidney outcomes, which is essential in a resource-limited setting where access to kidney replacement therapy is restricted