Acute kidney injury in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury (ICPi-AKI) has emerged as an important toxicity among patients with cancer. Methods: We collected data on 429 patients with ICPi-AKI and 429 control patients who received ICPis contemporaneously but who did not develop ICPi-AKI from 30 sites in 10 countries. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of ICPi-AKI and its recovery. A multivariable Cox model was used to estimate the effect of ICPi rechallenge versus no rechallenge on survival following ICPi-AKI. Results: ICPi-AKI occurred at a median of 16 weeks (IQR 8-32) following ICPi initiation. Lower baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, and extrarenal immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were each associated with a higher risk of ICPi-AKI. Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis was the most common lesion on kidney biopsy (125/151 biopsied patients [82.7%]). Renal recovery occurred in 276 patients (64.3%) at a median of 7 weeks (IQR 3-10) following ICPi-AKI. Treatment with corticosteroids within 14 days following ICPi-AKI diagnosis was associated with higher odds of renal recovery (adjusted OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.58 to 4.41). Among patients treated with corticosteroids, early initiation of corticosteroids (within 3 days of ICPi-AKI) was associated with a higher odds of renal recovery compared with later initiation (more than 3 days following ICPi-AKI) (adjusted OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.16 to 3.79). Of 121 patients rechallenged, 20 (16.5%) developed recurrent ICPi-AKI. There was no difference in survival among patients rechallenged versus those not rechallenged following ICPi-AKI. Conclusions: Patients who developed ICPi-AKI were more likely to have impaired renal function at baseline, use a PPI, and have extrarenal irAEs. Two-thirds of patients had renal recovery following ICPi-AKI. Treatment with corticosteroids was associated with improved renal recovery

Adverse Renal Effects of Novel Molecular Oncologic Targeted Therapies: A Narrative Review

Novel targeted anti-cancer therapies have resulted in improvement in patient survival compared to standard chemotherapy. Renal toxicities of targeted agents are increasingly being recognized. The incidence, severity, and pattern of renal toxicities may vary according to the respective target of the drug. Here we review the adverse renal effects associated with a selection of currently approved targeted cancer therapies, directed to EGFR, HER2, BRAF, MEK, ALK, PD1/PDL1, CTLA-4, and novel agents targeted to VEGF/R and TKIs. In summary, electrolyte disorders, renal impairment and hypertension are the most commonly reported events. Of the novel targeted agents, ipilumumab and cetuximab have the most nephrotoxic events reported. The early diagnosis and prompt recognition of these renal adverse events are essential for the general nephrologist taking care of these patients

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)– and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)–associated acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after surgery or intervention is an important complication that may impact mortality, morbidity, and health care costs. Endovascular procedures are now performed routinely for a variety of pathologies that were traditionally treated with open surgery because randomized trials comparing endovascular and open surgery have shown at least equally good results and reduced complication and hospitalization rates with endovascular techniques. However, endovascular procedures have been associated with an increased risk for postoperative AKI, predominantly owing to contrast nephrotoxicity. Over the years, endovascular techniques have progressively been applied for the treatment of complex cardiovascular pathologies, and in recent years, nephrologists have increasingly encountered patients who developed AKI after endovascular aneurysm repair or transcatheter aortic valve replacement. These 2 procedures typically involve high-risk patients who have several established AKI risk factors prior to intervention. Several studies have investigated the incidence, risk factors, and natural course of AKI after endovascular aneurysm repair and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This review summarizes current data on incidence, risk factors, pathophysiology, prognostic implications, and treatment of AKI associated with endovascular aneurysm replacement and transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Practice patterns in transitioning patients from chronic kidney disease to dialysis: a survey of United States nephrologists

Abstract Background There are no guidelines for transitioning patients from chronic kidney disease stage 5 to hemodialysis. We conducted this study to determine if there are uniform patterns in how nephrologists transition patients to dialysis. Methods We designed an electronic survey with 39 questions and sent it to a database of practicing nephrologists at the National Kidney Foundation. Factors that were important for transitioning a patient to hemodialysis were evaluated, including medication changes on dialysis initiation, dry weight and dialysis prescription. Results 160 US Nephrologists replied to the survey; 18% (29/160) of the responses were completed via social media sites. Prior to dialysis, 74% (118/160), prescribed furosemide and 67% (107/160) used furosemide with metolazone. Once dialysis started, only 46% (74/160) of the responders continued patients on diuretics daily. Hypertension medications prescribed in dialysis were calcium channel blockers 69% (112/160), beta blockers 36% (58/160), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor 32% (53/160), angiotensin receptor blocker 29% (46/160) and diuretics 25% (42/160). Once dialysis started, 68% (109/160) routinely changed medications. Most, 67% (107/160) ordered patients to avoid anti-hypertensive medications on dialysis days to allow for ultrafiltration. Dry weight was determined in the first week by 29% (46/160) and in the first month by 53% (85/160). Most, 59% (94/160) felt that multiple causes lead to hypertension. Most nephrologists would prescribe small dialyzers and a shorter period of time for the first dialysis session. Conclusion The transition period to chronic hemodialysis has variations in practice patterns and may benefit from further studies to optimize clinical practice

Additional file 1: of Practice patterns in transitioning patients from chronic kidney disease to dialysis: a survey of United States nephrologists

Survey sample: transitioning patients from CKD to dialysis. (DOCX 16 kb