Evaluation of variables associated with the patency of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis created by a nephrologist

<div><p>ABSTRACT Introduction: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is considered the gold standard vascular access for chronic hemodialysis, and its failure predicts higher morbidity and mortality rates. Objective: 1) To evaluate the success rate of AVF created by a nephrologist and 2) to identify clinical, laboratory, and demographic variables that influence AVF patency. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 101 patients with chronic kidney disease for a total of 159 AVF created by a nephrologist between June 2010 and June 2013. Results: Of the AVFs created, 124 (78%) displayed immediate patency and 110 (62.9%) displayed late patency. Hemoglobin (10-12 g/dL) was the only variable related to late AVF patency (p = 0.05). An elevated blood pressure at time of surgery was associated with a lower number of procedures per patient (p = 0.001). Proximal AVF occurred more frequently in patients with dual access (p = 0.03). The AVF success rate was similar to those previously reported in the literature. Conclusion: Hemoglobin level in the recommended range has a favorable impact on late AVF patency and elevated blood pressure during surgery on the lower number of vascular accesses per patient. The high success rate indicates that it can be placed by trained nephrologists.</p></div

Point of care kidney ultrasonography and its role in the diagnosis of urinary obstruction: a case report

<div><p>Abstract Introduction: Ultrasonography (US) is a rapid, non-invasive and safe procedure that allows the nephrologist to obtain vital information to the bedside, as well as allows to guide the procedures for nephrology practice. Case report: Male patient, elderly with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease presents with infraumbilical protrusion that the Point of Care US (POCUS), performed by the nephrologist, proved to be a large bladder with a diverticulum. In addition, the US enabled the nephrologist to diagnose bilateral hydronephrosis, preservation of the cortico-medullary differentiation and echotexture of the right kidney, post-voiding urinary retention, urinary catheter placement and functional and morphological monitoring of the urinary tract after surgical correction of the infravesical obstruction. Conclusion: POCUS assessment of the renal tract may become the new standard of care among nephrologists by enabling the expansion of clinical information in a timely fashion, allowing faster resolution of cases and permitting the monitoring of the treatment done.</p></div

Evaluation of prevalence, biochemical profile, and drugs associated with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder in 11 dialysis centers

<div><p>ABSTRACT Introduction: The diagnosis and treatment of mineral and bone disorder of chronic kidney disease (CKD-MBD) is a challenge for nephrologists and health managers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, biochemical profile, and drugs associated with CKD-MBD. Methods: Cross-sectional study between July and November 2013, with 1134 patients on dialysis. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between groups based on levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (< 150, 150-300, 301-600, 601-1000, and > 1001 pg/mL). Results: The mean age was 57.3 ± 14.4 years. The prevalence of iPTH < 150 pg/mL was 23.4% and iPTH > 601 pg/mL was 27.1%. The comparison between the groups showed that the level of iPTH decreased with increasing age. Diabetic patients had a higher prevalence of iPTH < 150 pg/mL (27.6%). Hyperphosphatemia (> 5.5 mg/dL) was observed in 35.8%. Calcium carbonate was used by 50.5%, sevelamer by 14.7%, 40% of patients had used some form of vitamin D and 3.5% used cinacalcet. Linear regression analysis showed a significant negative association between iPTH, age, and diabetes mellitus and a significant positive association between iPTH and dialysis time. Conclusion: The prevalence of patients outside the target for iPTH was 50.5%. There was a high prevalence of hyperphosphatemia (35.8%), and the minority of patients were using active vitamin D, vitamin D analogs, selective vitamin D receptor activators, and cinacalcet. These data indicate the need for better compliance with clinical guidelines and public policies on the supply of drugs associated with CKD-MBD.</p></div

Sarcopenia in patients with chronic kidney disease not yet on dialysis: Analysis of the prevalence and associated factors

<div><p>Introduction</p><p>Sarcopenia is a chronic condition that is associated with aging and characterized by a reduction of muscle mass, strength, and function. Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as cardiovascular complications.</p><p>Objectives</p><p>To investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with CKD not yet on dialysis and its correlation with clinical and laboratory variables and inflammatory markers.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A total of 100 patients of both sexes aged over 18 were evaluated. Sarcopenia was defined using the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Sarcopenia Project. Sociodemographic and clinical data, activities of daily living, functional capacity, and physical activity were also evaluated. Inflammation was assessed by the serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin (IL) 4 and 6.</p><p>Results</p><p>The prevalence of sarcopenia was 11.9% and 28.7% using the EWGSOP and FNIH criteria, respectively. Sarcopenia was more prevalent in the more advanced stages of CKD (34.5% in stages 2 and 3A; and 65.5% in stages 3B, 4, and 5) and associated with worse performance in activities of daily living (p = 0.049), lower walking speeds (p < 0.001), and higher body mass indexes (BMIs) (p = 0.001) in the non-adjusted model. In addition, patients with sarcopenia had lower functional capacity (p = 0.012) and higher prevalence of physical inactivity (p = 0.041) compared with patients without sarcopenia. After adjustment for confounding variables, sarcopenia was still significantly correlated with walking speed (p = 0.004) and BMI (p = 0.002). HsCRP levels were inversely correlated with appendicular lean mass adjusted for BMI (p = 0.007) and were also positively associated with BMI (p = 0.001). IL4 levels were positively correlated with walking speed (p = 0.007) and lean mass in the lower limbs (p = 0.022).</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Sarcopenia is common in patients with CKD, particularly in the most advanced stages of the disease. We observed an association between the levels of inflammatory markers and peripheral lean body mass, physical performance, and BMI. This association between sarcopenia and modifiable factors highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the implementation of therapeutic measures to minimize adverse outcomes in patients with CKD not yet on dialysis.</p></div

Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of the study groups.

<p>Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of the study groups.</p

Laboratory characteristics of the study groups.

<p>Laboratory characteristics of the study groups.</p

Odds ratio for sarcopenia adjusted for confounding variables.

<p>Odds ratio for sarcopenia adjusted for confounding variables.</p

FNIH and EWGSOP recommended criteria for sarcopenia.

<p>FNIH and EWGSOP recommended criteria for sarcopenia.</p

Scatter plot between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (A and B) and log for interleukin 4 (C and D) and clinical variables.

<p>Spearman’s correlation coefficient, p < 0.05. BMI: body mass index; hsCRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; LogIL: log of interleukin.</p