Considerations on equity in management of end-stage kidney disease in low- and middle-income countries

Achievement of equity in health requires development of a health system in which everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their full health potential. The current, large country-level variation in the reported incidence and prevalence of treated end-stage kidney disease indicates the existence of system-level inequities. Equitable implementation of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) programs must address issues of availability, affordability, and acceptability. The major structural factors that impact equity in KRT in different countries are the organization of health systems, overall health care spending, funding and delivery models, and nature of KRT prioritization (transplantation, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and conservative care). Implementation of KRT programs has the potential to exacerbate inequity unless equity is deliberately addressed. In this review, we summarize discussions on equitable provision of KRT in low- and middle-income countries and suggest areas for future research

Increasing access to integrated ESKD care as part of Universal Health Coverage

The global nephrology community recognizes the need for a cohesive strategy to address the growing problem of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In March 2018, the International Society of Nephrology hosted a summit on integrated ESKD care, including 92 individuals from around the globe with diverse expertise and professional backgrounds. The attendees were from 41 countries, including 16 participants from 11 low- and lower-middle–income countries. The purpose was to develop a strategic plan to improve worldwide access to integrated ESKD care, by identifying and prioritizing key activities across 8 themes: (i) estimates of ESKD burden and treatment coverage, (ii) advocacy, (iii) education and training/workforce, (iv) financing/funding models, (v) ethics, (vi) dialysis, (vii) transplantation, and (viii) conservative care. Action plans with prioritized lists of goals, activities, and key deliverables, and an overarching performance framework were developed for each theme. Examples of these key deliverables include improved data availability, integration of core registry measures and analysis to inform development of health care policy; a framework for advocacy; improved and continued stakeholder engagement; improved workforce training; equitable, efficient, and cost-effective funding models; greater understanding and greater application of ethical principles in practice and policy; definition and application of standards for safe and sustainable dialysis treatment and a set of measurable quality parameters; and integration of dialysis, transplantation, and comprehensive conservative care as ESKD treatment options within the context of overall health priorities. Intended users of the action plans include clinicians, patients and their families, scientists, industry partners, government decision makers, and advocacy organizations. Implementation of this integrated and comprehensive plan is intended to improve quality and access to care and thereby reduce serious health-related suffering of adults and children affected by ESKD worldwide

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Physician misconception of «adequate phosphatemia» may be a determinant factor for hyperphosphatemia [Importancia del concepto «fosfatemia adecuada» como factor de riesgo de hiperfosfatemia]

Hyperphosphatemia is an important risk factor of secondary hyperparathyroidism and extraosseous calcifications in chronic renal failure patients. In this study our hypothesis is that physicians misconception of adequate phosphatemia is a risk factor for hyperphosphatemia. In 1999 GEMOR sent a renal osteodystrophy inquiry to different hemodialysis centers in Argentina. It included 80 dialysis centers in 17 Argentinian provinces. The enquire had 33 questions about renal osteodystrophy. Here we report the section related to phosphorous metabolism. We obtained responses from 80 dialysis centers (4,512 dialysis patients), which represents about 24% of Argentinian dialysis centers. Physicians considered phosphorous levels between 4.5 to 5.5 mg/dl in 83.5% of centers as adequate, and between 5.5 to 6.5 mg/dl in 10.1%. Five out of 77 centers reported that they had no patients with hyperphosphatemia. The percentage of hemodialysis patients that had more than 6 mg/dl in each center was 28.8 ± 15.9%. Those centers that aimed for phosphatemia between 5.5 and 6.5 mg/dl, had a higher percentage of patients with phosphatemia above 6 mg/dl than those aiming for between 4.5 and 5.5 mg/dl (42.8 ± 16.7 vs 27.1 ± 15.2% respectively, p = 0.007), and had higher mean of phosphatemia (6.4 ± 0.7 vs 5.3 ± 0.7 mg/dl respectively, p = 0.0001), than the last group. In conclusion, a higher mean phosphate level was obtained in hemodialysis centers where physicians considered higher pre-dialysis target levels. Some centers had no patients with hyperphosphatemia (neglect or good control?).Fil: Douthat, Walter Guillermo. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Alles, A. GEMOR (Grupo de Estudio Multicéntrico de la Osteodistrofia Renal), Sociedades de Nefrología de Córdoba, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos y Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Marinovich, S. GEMOR (Grupo de Estudio Multicéntrico de la Osteodistrofia Renal), Sociedades de Nefrología de Córdoba, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos y Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Tirado, S. GEMOR (Grupo de Estudio Multicéntrico de la Osteodistrofia Renal), Sociedades de Nefrología de Córdoba, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos y Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Peñalba, A. GEMOR (Grupo de Estudio Multicéntrico de la Osteodistrofia Renal), Sociedades de Nefrología de Córdoba, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos y Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Prudkin, S. GEMOR (Grupo de Estudio Multicéntrico de la Osteodistrofia Renal), Sociedades de Nefrología de Córdoba, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos y Tucumán; Argentin

The spectrum of renal osteodystrophy in Argentina [Espectro bioquímico e histológico de la osteodistrofia renal en Argentina]

Between 1994-2001 we have performed 57 bone biopsies for diagnostic purposes in symptomatic CRF patients. We analyzed here 52 samples where the material was optimal for study, and divided them into 2 periods according to when the biopsy was performed: 1994-1996 and 1997-2001, to verify changes in the spectrum of renal osteodystrophy. Mean serum values were: serum calcium 9.9 ± 1.8 mg/dl, phosphate 5.8 ± 3.2 mg/dl, alkaline phosphatase 693.9 ± 968.9 UI/L, iPTH 562.0 ± 598.5 pg/ml, serum aluminum 65.7 ± 79.3 ug/L and bone aluminum 22.8 ± 22.4 ug/g. Hyperparathyroidism was the most common histological diagnosis as severe in 13 patients (25%), or as mild in 14 (27%). Ten patients had osteomalacia (19%), adynamic bone disease was diagnosed in 5 (9.6%) and mixed renal osteodystrophy in 10 (19.2%). Low bone turnover patients showed higher bone and serum aluminum than high bone turnover patients. We observed a relative increment in high turnover bone disease in the later period (1997-2001) without changes in low turnover bone disease. These data showed a high prevalence of hyperparathyroidism and aluminumrelated low turnover bone disease, with no significant changes between the two time-periods analyzed here.Fil: Douthat, Walter Guillermo. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Garay, Gabriela. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: De Arteaga, Javier. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Fernández Martín, J.L. Universidad de Oviedo. Servicio de Metabolismo Óseo y Mineral, Instituto Reina Sodía de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias; EspañaFil: Cannata Andía, J.B. Universidad de Oviedo. Servicio de Metabolismo Óseo y Mineral, Instituto Reina Sodía de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias; EspañaFil: Massari, Pablo U. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; Argentin

National kidney dialysis and transplant registries in Latin America: how to implement and improve them

The Strategic Plan of the Pan American Health Organization, 2014-2019, Championing Health: Sustainable Development and Equityrecognizes that "Chronic kidney disease, caused mainly by complications of diabetes and hypertension, has increased in the Region." This Plan includes the first concrete goal on chronic kidney disease: to achieve a prevalence rate for renal replacement therapy of at least 700 patients per million population by 2019. National dialysis and transplant registries (DTR) are a useful tool for epidemiological research, health care planning, and quality improvement. Their success depends on the quality of their data and quality control procedures. This article describes the current situation of national DTRs in the Region and the content of their information and health indicators, and it offers recommendations for creating and maintaining them. It points to their heterogeneity or absence in some countries, in line with the inequities that patients face in access to renal replacement therapy. The complete lack of information in Caribbean countries prevents their inclusion in this communication, which requires immediate attention

Percutaneous ethanol injection therapy in post-transplant patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism

Persistent hyperparathyroidism is frequent in postrenal transplant patients. Percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (PEIT) is an alternative for treatment of patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism but it was not described in postrenal transplant patients. We report our experience with PEIT to control hyperparathyroidism in the post-transplant period. We performed PEIT under ultrasonographic guidance and local anesthesia in eight patients because of persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism after renal transplantation. Indications for PEIT were: high intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels with hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, osteopenia and/or bone pain. All patients had at least one visible parathyroid nodule by ultrasonography. Biochemical assays were performed immediately before PEIT, between 1 and 7 days after last PEIT, and a mean of 8.0 ± 2.8 months after PEIT. Serum iPTH and calcium levels decreased significantly after treatment and remained unchanged until final control. Serum iPTH decreased from 286.9 ± 107.2 to 154.6 ± 42.2 pg/ml (P < 0.01) after PEIT (percentual reduction 36.5 ± 9.5%). This response was significantly correlated to total ethanol volume used (r: 0.94, P < 0.0001). Hypercalcemia disappeared in six of eight patients treated. Only minor complications were registered. There were no changes in renal function related to the treatment. Our findings show that PEIT is a useful and safe alternative for patients with persistent post-transplant secondary hyperparathyroidism.Fil: Douthat, Walter Guillermo. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Orozco, Santiago E. Department of Radiology, Hospital Privado-Centro Médico de Córdoba, Córdoba, ArgentiFil: Maino, Pablo. Department of Radiology, Hospital Privado-Centro Médico de Córdoba, Córdoba, ArgentinaFil: Cardozo, Gabriela. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Arteaga, Javier de. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Fuente, Jorge de la. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Chirchiu, Carlos R. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Massari, Pablo U. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; Argentin

Enfermedad renal crónica y aparición de metástasis posterior a nefrectomía radical y parcial por carcinoma renal de células claras

Introduction: Partial nephrectomy to treat early-stage renal cell carcinoma has become one of the surgeries of choice for patients in Argentina. However, long-term results in the country are unknown. In this study, we analyzed the progression to chronic kidney disease and the appearance of metastasis after partial or radical nephrectomy in renal cell carcinoma patients. Methods: A retrospective, cohort study was conducted. We included all patients suffering from T1 stage clear cell renal carcinoma who, between 2006 and 2012, underwent nephrectomy in our hospital. Follow-up continued until January 2018. Results: Thirty-two patients were included (19 had undergone radical nephrectomy and 13, partial nephrectomy). Subjects who had radical nephrectomy showed a more rapid progression to chronic kidney disease as compared to the subjects in the partial nephrectomy group (radical nephrectomy 63.2% vs. partial nephrectomy 15.4%; p=0.007). There were no differences in the follow-up period in both groups (radical nephrectomy 69.3% ± 23.8 months vs. partial nephrectomy 72.5 ± 26.9 months; p=0.73). Risk of progression to end-stage chronic kidney disease was 11 times higher for subjects who had undergone radical nephrectomy as compared to subjects who had had partial nephrectomy (adjusted HR 11.12; 95% CI: 1.24-99.9; p=0.031), adjusted by the rest of traditional risk factors. None of the T1a patients had metastasis during follow-up, regardless of the type of surgery. Conclusion: According to the findings of our study, partial nephrectomy preserves long-term renal function better than radical nephrectomy and has an excellent oncologic safety profile in T1a stage renal cell carcinoma patients. Radical nephrectomy was an independent risk factor of progression to chronic kidney disease.Introducción: El uso de la nefrectomía parcial para el tratamiento del carcinoma de células renales en estadios tempranos se ha convertido en una de las intervenciones preferidas para estos pacientes en la Argentina. Sin embargo, sus resultados en el país a largo plazo aún se desconocen. En este estudio analizamos la progresión a enfermedad renal crónica y aparición de metástasis posterior a nefrectomía parcial y radical, en pacientes con carcinoma de células renales. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Se incluyeron a todos los pacientes con carcinoma renal de células claras en estadio T1 que, entre 2006 y 2012, se sometieron a nefrectomía en nuestro hospital. Se realizó un seguimiento hasta enero del 2018. Resultados: Se incluyeron 32 pacientes (19 con nefrectomía radical y 13 con nefrectomía parcial). Comparado con el grupo de nefrectomía parcial, los individuos sometidos a nefrectomía radical presentaron mayor progresión a enfermedad renal crónica (nefrectomía radical 63,2% vs nefrectomía parcial 15,4%; p=0,007). No existieron diferencias en el tiempo de seguimiento de ambos grupos (nefrectomía radical 69,3 ± 23,8 vs nefrectomía parcial 72,5 ± 26,9 meses; p=0,73). Los sujetos sometidos a nefrectomía radical tuvieron 11 veces mayor riesgo de progresión a enfermedad renal crónica que los de nefrectomía parcial (HR ajustado 11,12, IC95 1,24-99,9; p=0,031) ajustado por los demás factores de riesgo tradicionales. Ningún paciente con estadio T1a presentó metástasis durante todo el seguimiento, independientemente del tipo de cirugía. Conclusión: En nuestro estudio, la nefrectomía parcial preserva mejor la función renal a largo plazo que la nefrectomía radical y tiene un excelente perfil de seguridad oncológico en pacientes con carcinoma de células renales en estadio T1a. La nefrectomía radical fue un factor de riesgo independiente de progresión a enfermedad renal crónica

Parathyroidectomy in chronic kidney disease patients in Argentina: pre surgical studies, types of surgery, recurrence and persistence

Introduction: Parathyroidectomy (PTx) is the selecte treatment for patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism, refractory to medical treatment. There is not enough information about this procedure in Argentina, that is the reason why we performed this study. Methods: 255 patients with PTx were included from the year 2003 to 2007 on a voluntary register. Studies of pre-surgical localization, phosphocalcic metabolism laboratories before and after surgery were evaluated, and the type of surgical technique used. The persistence and recurrence of post-surgical hyperparathyroidism was analyzed. Results: The PTx rate was 2,7/1000 patients year. 83% of the patients had neck echography and 59% Sestamibi scans with Tc 99. There was a positive correlation (p<0,001) between the number of detected glands by echography and Sestamibi. The parathyroidectomy performed was: subtotal in 77%, total with self-implant in 14% and total without self-implant in 9%. There were significant falls of Ca and P, Alkaline Phosphatase and PTH (1744±788 pg/ml to 247±450 pg/ml; p<0.0001) post-surgical. 2.4 ±2,5 months after the PTx, 72% of patients had PTH <2 50 pg/ml, 19,8% had persistence and 8,3% had recurrence. According to the type of surgery, the persistence and recurrence were for subtotal PTx 22% and 8,3%, total PTx with implant 11% and 11%, and total PTx without selfimplant 13% and 4% respectively. The performance of the Sestamibi scan did not affect the PTx results. No noticeable differences were observed among the centers for persistence and recurrence. Conclusions: The PTx rate was very low, echography was the preferred method of pre-surgical localization, and subtotal PTx was the most used surgical technique. PTx was successful in most of the patients, and persistence and recurrence were not related to the technique