Effects of direct renin blockade on renal & systemic hemodynamics and on raas activity, in weight excess and hypertension: A randomized clinical trial

Aim: The combination of weight excess and hypertension significantly contributes to cardiovascular risk and progressive kidney damage. An unfavorable renal hemodynamic profile is thought to contribute to this increased risk and may be ameliorated by direct renin inhibition (DRI). The aim of this trial was to assess the effect of DRI on renal and systemic hemodynamics and on RAAS activity, in men with weight excess and hypertension. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, cross-over clinical trial to determine the effect of DRI (aliskiren 300 mg/day), with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi; ramipril 10 mg/day) as a positive control, on renal and systemic hemodynamics, and on RAAS activity (n = 15). Results: Mean (SEM) Glomerular filtration rate (101 (5) mL/min/1.73m2) remained unaffected by DRI or ACEi. Effective renal plasma flow (ERPF; 301 (14) mL/min/1.73m2) was increased in response to DRI (320 (14) mL/min/1.73m2, P = 0.012) and ACEi (317 (15) mL/min/1.73m2, P = 0.045). Filtration fraction (FF; 34 (0.8)%) was reduced by DRI only (32 (0.7)%, P = 0.044). Mean arterial pressure (109 (2) mmHg) was reduced by DRI (101 (2) mmHg, P = 0.008) and ACEi (103 (3) mmHg, P = 0.037). RAAS activity was reduced by DRI and ACEi. Albuminuria (20 [9±42] mg/d) was reduced by DRI only (12 [5±28] mg/d, P = 0.030). Conclusions: In men with weight excess and hypertension, DRI and ACEi improved renal and systemic hemodynamics. Both DRI and ACEi reduced RAAS activity. Thus, DRI provides effective treatment in weight excess and hypertension

Early detection of diabetic kidney disease by urinary proteomics and subsequent intervention with spironolactone to delay progression (PRIORITY): a prospective observational study and embedded randomised placebo-controlled trial

Background: Microalbuminuria is an early sign of kidney disease in people with diabetes and indicates increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We tested whether a urinary proteomic risk classifier (CKD273) score was associated with development of microalbuminuria and whether progression to microalbuminuria could be prevented with the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone. Methods: In this multicentre, prospective, observational study with embedded randomised controlled trial (PRIORITY), we recruited people with type 2 diabetes, normal urinary albumin excretion, and preserved renal function from 15 specialist centres in ten European countries. All participants (observational cohort) were tested with the CKD273 classifier and classified as high risk (CKD273 classifier score >0·154) or low risk (≤0·154). Participants who were classified as high risk were entered into a randomised controlled trial and randomly assigned (1:1), by use of an interactive web-response system, to receive spironolactone 25 mg once daily or matched placebo (trial cohort). The primary endpoint was development of confirmed microalbuminuria in all individuals with available data (observational cohort). Secondary endpoints included reduction in incidence of microalbuminuria with spironolactone (trial cohort, intention-to-treat population) and association between CKD273 risk score and measures of impaired renal function based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; observational cohort). Adverse events (particularly gynaecomastia and hyperkalaemia) and serious adverse events were recorded for the intention-to-treat population (trial cohort). This study is registered with the EU Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT 20120-004523-4) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02040441) and is completed. Findings: Between March 25, 2014, and Sept 30, 2018, we enrolled and followed-up 1775 participants (observational cohort), 1559 (88%) of 1775 participants had a low-risk urinary proteomic pattern and 216 (12%) had a high-risk pattern, of whom 209 were included in the trial cohort and assigned to spironolactone (n=102) or placebo (n=107). The overall median follow-up time was 2·51 years (IQR 2·0–3·0). Progression to microalbuminuria was seen in 61 (28%) of 216 high-risk participants and 139 (9%) of 1559 low-risk participants (hazard ratio [HR] 2·48, 95% CI 1·80–3·42; p<0·0001, after adjustment for baseline variables of age, sex, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, retinopathy, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio [UACR], and eGFR). Development of impaired renal function (eGFR <60 mL/min per 1·73 m2) was seen in 48 (26%) of 184 high-risk participants and 119 (8%) of 1423 low-risk participants (HR 3·50; 95% CI 2·50–4·90, after adjustment for baseline variables). A 30% decrease in eGFR from baseline (post-hoc endpoint) was seen in 42 (19%) of 216 high-risk participants and 62 (4%) of 1559 low-risk participants (HR 5·15, 95% CI 3·41–7·76; p<0·0001, after adjustment for basline eGFR and UACR). In the intention-to-treat trial cohort, development of microalbuminuria was seen in 35 (33%) of 107 in the placebo group and 26 (25%) of 102 in the spironolactone group (HR 0·81, 95% CI 0·49–1·34; p=0·41). In the safety analysis (intention-to-treat trial cohort), events of plasma potassium concentrations of more than 5·5 mmol/L were seen in 13 (13%) of 102 participants in the spironolactone group and four (4%) of 107 participants in the placebo group, and gynaecomastia was seen in three (3%) participants in the spironolactone group and none in the placebo group. One patient died in the placebo group due to a cardiac event (considered possibly related to study drug) and one patient died in the spironolactone group due to cancer, deemed unrelated to study drug. Interpretation: In people with type 2 diabetes and normoalbuminuria, a high-risk score from the urinary proteomic classifier CKD273 was associated with an increased risk of progression to microalbuminuria over a median of 2·5 years, independent of clinical characteristics. However, spironolactone did not prevent progression to microalbuminuria in high-risk patients. Funding: European Union Seventh Framework Programme

Early proteinuria lowering by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition predicts renal survival in children with CKD

PubMedID: 29930161Background Although pharmacotherapeutic proteinuria lowering was found to be nephroprotective in adults, the predictive value of early drug-induced proteinuria reduction for long-term renal survival in pediatric CKD is unknown. We analyzed data from the ESCAPE Trial for a potential association between initial antiproteinuric effect of standardized angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and renal disease progression in children with CKD. Methods In total, 280 eligible children with CKD stages 2-4 (mean age 11.7 years old, median eGFR 46 ml/min per 1.73 m2, 71% congenital renal malformations) received a fixed dose of ramipril (6 mg/m2 per day) and were subsequently randomized to conventional or intensified BP control. We assessed initial proteinuria reduction from baseline to first measurement on ramipril (at 2.561.3 months). We used multivariable Cox modeling to estimate the association between initial proteinuria reduction and the risk of reaching a renal end point (50% eGFR decline or ESRD), which occurred in 80 patients during 5 years of observation. Results Ramipril therapy lowered proteinuria by a mean of 43.5% (95% confidence interval, 36.3% to 49.9%). Relative to proteinuria reduction,30%, 30%-60% and .60% reduction resulted in hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.70 (0.40 to 1.22) and 0.42 (0.22 to 0.79), respectively. This association was independent of age, sex, CKD diagnosis, baseline eGFR, baseline proteinuria, initial BP, and concomitant BP reduction. Conclusions The early antiproteinuric effect of ACE inhibition is associated with long-term preservation of renal function in children with CKD. Proteinuria lowering should be considered an important target in the management of pediatric CKD. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Nephrology.Baxter Nederland Fifth Framework Programme: QLRT-2001-00908 Boehringer Ingelheim Stiftung Cancer Research Foundation European Commission American College of EndocrinologyThe Effect of Strict Blood Pressure Control and ACE inhibition on the Progression of CRF in Pediatric Patients (ESCAPE) Trial was supported by grants from the Boehringer Ingelheim Stiftung, the European Commission (Fifth Framework Programme QLRT-2001-00908), the Kuratorium für Dialyse und Nierentransplantation e.V., Neu-Isenburg, and the Baxter Extramural Grant Program. Aventis Pharmaceuticals supplied ramipril and financed the Good Clinical Practice audit

Discontinuation of RAAS inhibition in children with advanced

PubMed: 322532752-s2.0-85084379982Background and objectives Although renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition (RAASi) is a cornerstone in the treatment of children with CKD, it is sometimes discontinued when kidney function declines. We studied the reasons of RAASi discontinuation and associations between RAASi discontinuation and important risk markers of CKD progression and on eGFR decline in the Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Children with CKD study. Design, setting, participants, & measurements In this study, 69 children with CKD(67% male, mean age 13.7 years, mean eGFR 27 ml/min per 1.73 m2) who discontinued RAASi during prospective follow-upwere included. Initial change in BP, albuminuria, and potassium after discontinuation were assessed (median time 6 months). Rate of eGFR decline (eGFR slope) during amedian of 1.9 years before and 1.2 years after discontinuation were estimated using linear mixed effects modeling. Results Physician-reported reasons for RAASi discontinuation were increase in serum creatinine, hyperkalemia, and symptomatic hypotension. After discontinuation of RAASi, BP and albuminuria increased, whereas potassium decreased. eGFR declinedmore rapidly after discontinuation of RAASi (-3.9ml/min per 1.73m2 per year; 95%confidence interval, -5.1 to -2.6) compared with the slope during RAASi treatment (-1.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year; 95% confidence interval, -2.4 to -0.6; P=0.005). In contrast, no change in eGFR slope was observed in a matched control cohort of patients in whom RAASi was continued. Conclusions Discontinuation of RAASi in children with CKD is associated with an acceleration of kidney function decline, even in advanced CKD. © 2020 by the American Society of Nephrology.EO0802 National Institute for Health Research, NIHR Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF: 01EO0802Support for the 4C Study was received from the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Research Programme, the Kuratorium für Heimdialyse Foundation for Preventive Medicine and the German Federal Ministry of Education andResearch(referencenumber:01EO0802).Dr.Schaefer,Dr.Wühl, Dr. Bacchetta, Mr. Azukaitis, Dr. Melk, and Dr. Shroff are members of the European Reference Network for Rare Kidney Diseases (ERKNet). Dr. Shroff is supported by a National Institute for Health Research Career Development Fellowship.Support for the 4C Study was received from the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Research Programme, the Kuratorium f?r Heimdialyse Foundation for Preventive Medicine and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (referencenumber: 01EO0802). Dr. Schaefer, Dr. W?hl, Dr. Bacchetta, Mr. Azukaitis, Dr. Melk, and Dr. Shroff are members of the European Reference Network for Rare Kidney Diseases (ERKNet). Dr. Shroff is supported by a National Institute for Health Research Career Development Fellowship

Trends and perspectives for improving quality of chronic kidney disease care: conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 850 million people globally, and the need to prevent its development and progression is urgent. During the past decade, new perspectives have arisen related to the quality and precision of care for CKD, owing to the development of new tools and interventions for CKD diagnosis and management. New biomarkers, imaging methods, artificial intelligence techniques, and approaches to organizing and delivering healthcare may help clinicians recognize CKD, determine its etiology, assess the dominant mechanisms at given time points, and identify patients at high risk for progression or related events. As opportunities to apply the concepts of precision medicine for CKD identification and management continue to be developed, an ongoing discussion of the potential implications for care delivery is required. The 2022 KDIGO Controversies Conference on Improving CKD Quality of Care: Trends and Perspectives examined and discussed best practices for improving the precision of CKD diagnosis and prognosis, managing the complications of CKD, enhancing the safety of care, and maximizing patient quality of life. Existing tools and interventions currently available for the diagnosis and treatment of CKD were identified, with discussion of current barriers to their implementation and strategies for improving the quality of care delivered for CKD. Key knowledge gaps and areas for research were also identified

Predictors of Atrasentan-Associated Fluid Retention and Change in Albuminuria in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy

Background and objectives Endothelin A receptor antagonists (ERAs) decrease residual albuminuria in patients with diabetic kidney disease; however, their clinical utility may be limited by fluid retention. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to identify predictors for ERA-induced fluid retention among patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD. A secondary objective was to determine if the degree of fluid retention necessarily correlated with the magnitude of albuminuria reduction in those patients receiving ERAs. Design, setting, participants, & measurements A post hoc analysis was conducted of the phase IIb atrasentan trials assessing albuminuria reduction in 211 patientswith type 2 diabetes, urine albumin/creatinine ratios of 300-3500 mg/g, and eGFRs of 30-75 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) who were randomly assigned to receive placebo (n= 50) or atrasentan 0.75 mg/d (n= 78) or 1.25 mg/d (n= 83) for 12 weeks. Changes in body weight and hemoglobin (Hb) after 2 weeks of treatment were used as surrogate markers of fluid retention. Results Baseline predictors of weight gain after 2 weeks of atrasentan treatment were higher atrasentan dose, lower eGFR, higher glycated hemoglobin, higher systolic BP, and lower homeostatic metabolic assessment product. Higher atrasentan dose and lower eGFR also predicted decreases in Hb. There were no changes in B-type natriuretic peptide. There was no correlation between reduction in albuminuria after 2 weeks of atrasentan treatment and changes in body weight or Hb. Conclusions In the Reducing Residual Albuminuria in Subjects With Diabetes and Nephropathy With Atrasentan/JAPAN trials, atrasentan-associated fluid retention was more likely in patients with diabetes and nephropathy who had lower eGFR or received a higher dose of atrasentan. Finding that albuminuria reduction was not associated with changes in body weight and Hb suggests that the albuminuria-reducing efficacy of atrasentan is not impaired by fluid retention

Supplementary Material for: Bardoxolone Methyl Improves Kidney Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 4 and Type 2 Diabetes: Post-Hoc Analyses from Bardoxolone Methyl Evaluation in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Study

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Increases in measured inulin clearance, measured creatinine clearance, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) have been observed with bardoxolone methyl in 7 studies enrolling approximately 2,600 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The largest of these studies was Bardoxolone Methyl Evaluation in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes (BEACON), a multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial which enrolled patients with T2D and CKD stage 4. The BEACON trial was terminated after preliminary analyses showed that patients randomized to bardoxolone methyl experienced significantly higher rates of heart failure events. We performed post-hoc analyses to characterize changes in kidney function induced by bardoxolone methyl. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Patients in ­BEACON (<i>n</i> = 2,185) were randomized 1: 1 to receive once-daily bardoxolone methyl (20 mg) or placebo. We compared the effects of bardoxolone methyl and placebo on a post-hoc composite renal endpoint consisting of ≥30% decline from baseline in eGFR, eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m², and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) events (provision of dialysis or kidney transplantation). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Consistent with prior studies, patients randomized to bardoxolone methyl experienced mean increases in eGFR that were sustained through study week 48. Moreover, increases in eGFR from baseline were sustained 4 weeks after cessation of treatment. Patients randomized to bardoxolone methyl were significantly less likely to experience the composite renal endpoint (hazards ratio 0.48 [95% CI 0.36–0.64]; <i>p</i> < 0.0001). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Bardoxolone methyl preserves kidney function and may delay the onset of ESRD in patients with T2D and stage 4 CKD