What Insights Do Patients and Caregivers Have on Acute Kidney Injury and Posthospitalization Care? A Single-Centre Qualitative Study from Toronto, Canada

Objectives Hospitalisation with acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with short-term and long-term adverse events, but patient and caregiver experiences with AKI are not well described. We sought to better understand patient and caregiver perspectives after a hospitalisation with AKI to inform discharge strategies that may improve outcomes for this high-risk population. Design Qualitative study with semistructured interviews. Setting Tertiary care hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Participants Adult patients (n=15) who survived a hospitalisation with Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes stage 2 or 3 AKI from May to December 2016. We also interviewed five patient caregivers. We required patients to have no previous evidence of severe chronic kidney disease (ie, prior receipt of dialysis, previous kidney transplantation or pre-existing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) under 30 mL/min/1.73 m2). Results We identified three over-arching themes: (1) prioritisation of conditions other than AKI, reflected by the importance placed on other comorbidities and the omission of AKI as part of the ongoing medical history; (2) variability in comprehension of the significance of AKI, represented by minimal knowledge of the causes and symptoms associated with AKI, along with misinformation on the kidneys’ ability to self-repair; and (3) anxiety from discharge planning and competing health demands, illustrated by complicated discharge plans involving multiple specialist appointments. Conclusions Patients and caregivers view AKI as a short-term and reversible condition, giving it little thought during the postdischarge period. As a result, reliance on patients and caregivers to report an episode of AKI to their outpatient physicians is unlikely to be successful. Patient-centred tools and decision aids are needed to bridge the gap between a hospitalisation with AKI and the safe transition to the outpatient setting

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

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Receiving Systemic Treatment for Cancer: A Population-based Cohort Study

Background: Patients undergoing cancer treatment are at increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), but there are few data on incidence and risk factors. Methods: Population-based study of patients initiating systemic therapy for new cancer diagnoses in Ontario, Canada (2007-2014). The primary outcome was hospitalization with AKI or acute dialysis. Results: We identified 163,071 patients, of whom 10,880 experienced AKI. The cumulative incidence of AKI was 9.3%. Malignancies with highest 5-year AKI incidence were myeloma (26.0%), bladder (19.0%), and leukemia (15.4%). Advanced cancer stage, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and diabetes were associated with increased risk. In patients age ≥66, diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blockers (ACEi/ARB) were associated with higher risk. Annual incidence of AKI increased from 18 to 52 per 1000-PY. Conclusion: Cancer-related AKI is common and associated with advanced stage, CKD, diabetes, diuretics and ACEi/ARBs. Strategies are needed to address the increasing burden of AKI in this population.M.Sc

Gaps in the Inpatient Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation and Impact of An Evidence-Based Order Set

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based, guideline-recommended practices improve multiple outcomes in patients admitted with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), but are incompletely implemented in actual practice. Admission order sets with evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic guidance have enabled quality improvement and guideline implementation in other conditions.OBJECTIVE: To characterize the magnitude of care gaps and the effect of order sets on quality of care in patients with AECOPD.METHODS: The authors prospectively designed a standardized chart review protocol to document process of care and health care utilization before and after implementation of AECOPD order sets at an academic hospital in Toronto, Ontario.RESULTS: A total of 243 total AECOPD admissions and multiple important care gaps were identified. There were 74 admissions in the pre-order set period (January to June 2009) and 169 in the order set period (October 2009 to September 2010). The order set was used in 78 of 169 (46.2%) admissions. In the order set period, we observed improvements in respiratory therapy educational referrals (five of 74 [6.8%] versus 48 of 169 [28.4%]; Pud_less_than0.01); venous thromboembolism prophylaxis prescriptions (when indicated) (15 of 68 [22.1%] versus 100 of 134 [74.6%]; Pud_less_than0.01); systemic steroid prescriptions (55 of 74 (74.3%) versus 151 of 169 [89.4%]; Pud_less_than0.01]); and appropriate antibiotic prescriptions (nine of 24 [37.5%] versus 61 of 88 [69.3%]; Pud_less_than0.01). The mean (± SD) length of stay also decreased from 6.5±7.7 days before order sets to 4.1±5.0 days with order sets (P=0.017).CONCLUSIONS: Care gaps in inpatient AECOPD management were large and evidence-based order sets may improve guideline adherence at the point of care. Randomized trials including patient outcomes are required to further evaluate this knowledge translation intervention.Peer Reviewe

Amyloidoses in Onco-Nephrology Practice: A Multidisciplinary Case-Based Conference Report

Introduction and Objective: Amyloidoses are a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting from deposition of amyloid fibrils into extracellular tissues. While the kidneys are one of the most frequent sites of amyloid deposition, amyloid deposits can also affect a wide range of organ systems, including the heart, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and peripheral nerves. The prognosis of amyloidosis, especially with cardiac involvement, remains poor; however, a collaborative approach applying new tools for diagnosis and management may improve outcomes. In September 2021, the Canadian Onco-Nephrology Interest Group hosted a symposium to discuss diagnostic challenges and recent advances in the management of amyloidosis from the perspectives of the nephrologist, cardiologist, and onco-hematologist. Methods and Sources of Information: Through structured presentations, the group discussed a series of cases highlighting the varied clinical presentations of amyloidoses affecting the kidney and heart. Expert opinions, clinical trial findings, and publication summaries were used to illustrate patient-related and treatment-related considerations in the diagnosis and management of amyloidoses. Key findings: (1) Overview of the clinical presentation of amyloidoses and the role of specialists in performing timely and accurate diagnostic workup; (2) review of best practices for multidisciplinary management of amyloidosis, including prognostic variables and determinants of treatment response; and (3) update on new and emerging treatments in the management of light chain and amyloid transthyretin amyloidoses. Limitations: This conference featured multidisciplinary discussion of cases, and learning points reflect the assessments by the involved experts/authors. Implications: Identification and management of amyloidoses can be facilitated with a multidisciplinary approach and higher index of suspicion from cardiologists, nephrologists, and hemato-oncologists. Increased awareness of clinical presentations and diagnostic algorithms for amyloidosis subtyping will lead to more timely interventions and improved clinical outcomes

Acute kidney injury associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: incidence, risk factors and outcomes

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) are a novel and promising anti-cancer therapy. There are limited data on the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients receiving ICPi.Methods We conducted a cohort study of patients receiving ICPi at our center between 2010 and 2017 via electronic health record. The primary outcome was AKI (increase of >50% from baseline serum creatinine (sCr)). Risk factors for AKI were assessed using logistic regression. Survival among those with and without AKI was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results Among 309 patients on ICPi, 51 (16.5%) developed AKI (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) stages 1: 53%, 2: 22%, 3: 25%). AKI was associated with other immune-related adverse events (IRAE) (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.6 to 6; p<0.001), hypertension (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.8 to 6.1; p<0.001) and cerebrovascular disease (OR 9.2; 95% CI 2.1 to 40; p<0.001). Baseline sCr, cancer, and ICPi type was not associated with AKI. Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blockers (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.5 to 5.7; p=0.002), diuretics (OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.9 to 9.8; p<0.001), and corticosteroid treatment (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1 to 3.6; p=0.03) were associated with AKI. In the multivariable analysis, AKI was associated only with other IRAE (OR 2.82; 95% CI 1.45 to 5.48; p=0.002) and hypertension (OR 2.96; 95% CI 1.33 to 6.59; p=0.008). AKI was not associated with increased risk of mortality (HR 1.1; 95% CI: 0.8 to 1.6; p=0.67). ICPi nephrotoxicity was attributed via biopsy or nephrologist assessment in 12 patients (six interstitial nephritis, two membranous nephropathy, two minimal change disease, and two thrombotic microangiopathy). Subsequent doses of ICPi were administered to 12 patients with prior AKI, with one (8.3%) having recurrent AKI.Conclusion AKI is a common complication in patients receiving ICPi treatment. The development of other IRAE and previous diagnosis of hypertension were associated with increased AKI risk. AKI was not associated with worse survival. Distinguishing kidney IRAE from other causes of AKI will present a frequent challenge to oncology and nephrology practitioners. Kidney biopsy should be considered to characterize kidney lesions and guide potential therapy

Angiogenesis Inhibitors as Anti-Cancer Therapy Following Renal Transplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Solid organ transplant recipients on long-term immunosuppressive medication are at increased risk of developing malignancy, and treatment of advanced cancers with angiogenesis inhibitors in this context has not been widely studied. We present a case of recurrent high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma treated with paclitaxel and bevacizumab in the context of prior renal transplantation where the patient responded well to treatment with controlled toxicities, discussing the potential for increased rates of adverse events and drug interactions in this select population

Outcomes of sustained low efficiency dialysis versus continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill adults with acute kidney injury: a cohort study

Abstract Background Sustained low efficiency dialysis (SLED) is increasingly used as a renal replacement modality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and hemodynamic instability. SLED may reduce the hemodynamic perturbations of intermittent hemodialysis, while obviating the resource demands of CRRT. Although SLED is being increasingly used, few studies have evaluated its impact on clinical outcomes. Methods We conducted a cohort study comparing SLED (target 8 h/session, blood flow 200 mL/min, predominantly without anticoagulation) to CRRT in four ICUs at an academic medical centre. The primary outcome was mortality 30 days after RRT initiation, adjusted for demographics, comorbidity, baseline kidney function, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. Secondary outcomes were persistent RRT dependence at 30 days and early clinical deterioration, defined as a rise in SOFA score or death 48 h after starting RRT. Results We identified 158 patients who initiated treatment with CRRT and 74 with SLED. Mortality at 30 days was 54 % and 61 % among SLED- and CRRT-treated patients, respectively [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95 % CI 0.56–2.03, as compared with CRRT]. Among SLED recipients, the risk of RRT dependence at 30 days (adjusted OR 1.36, 95 % CI 0.51–3.57) and early clinical deterioration (adjusted OR 0.73, 95 % CI 0.40–1.34) were not different as compared to patients who initiated CRRT. Conclusions Notwithstanding the limitations of this small non-randomized study, we found similar clinical outcomes for patients treated with SLED and CRRT. While we await the completion of a trial that will definitively assess the non-inferiority of SLED as compared to CRRT, SLED appears to be an acceptable alternative form of renal support in hemodynamically unstable patients with AKI

Hospital case volume and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury treated with dialysis

PurposeTo determine whether patients with severe acute kidney injury who receive dialysis (AKI-D) experience better outcomes at centres that care for more patients with AKI-D.Materials and methodsLinked administrative datasets where used to perform a retrospective cohort study of all critically ill patients in Ontario, Canada, who had a first episode of AKI-D between 2002 and 2011. Centre volume for a given year, was designated by calculating the mean number of patients treated with acute dialysis at that centre during that year and the one preceding it. Patients treated at that centre were then assigned to a centre volume quartile for that year.ResultsWe identified 19,658 critically ill patients with AKI-D treated at 54 Ontario hospitals. Mortality and dialysis dependence at 90-days were 46% and 31%, respectively. Centre volume was not associated with mortality at 90 days (with quartile 1 as the reference, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.16 (95% CI, 0.87 - 1.54) in quartile 2, aOR 1.17 (95% CI, 0.91 - 1.50) in quartile 3, and aOR 1.06 (95% CI, 0.81 - 1.41) in quartile 4).ConclusionsThere are no Centre volume survival associations in the management of AKI-D despite high mortality and dependence rate