Analysis of Extracellular Fluid Volume in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients before and after Kidney Transplantation

This retrospective study was designed to compare the cause of hospitalization and influencing factors between patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Baseline data and laboratory parameters of 192 dialysis patients (92 HD patients and 100 PD patients) were compared. Quantitative parameters with normal distribution were assessed using independent t-test or analysis of variance (ANOVA). Quantitative parameters with non-normal distribution were assessed by non-parametric test. Qualitative data were statistically compared using χ2 test. The number of patients with urban employee medical insurance (88 HD patients and 60 PD patients) and rural cooperative medical care (12 HD patients and 40 PD patients) significantly differed (P < .01). The hospitalization rate of PD patients was significantly higher than that of HD counterparts. The average length of hospital stay of PD patients was 10 days, remarkably longer than 8 days of HD patients (P < .01). The primary cause of hospitalization for HD patients was infection-related complications, followed by cardiovascular, cerebrovascular complications and dialysis access disorders. The primary cause of hospitalization for PD patients was infection-related complications, followed by dialysis access disorders, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal complications. Compared with the HD group, the levels of hemoglobin, serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase, intact parathyroid hormone were significantly decreased, whereas serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, phosphorus levels and cardiothoracic ratio were remarkably increased in the PD group (all P < .01). The hospitalization rate of PD patients is relatively higher, and the length of hospital stay is longer. Extensive attention and efforts should be delivered to enhance the understanding of disease and lower the risk of complications for patients.

A clinical study to investigate gum infection in patients on kidney dialysis

Background and Aims Among peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD) while waiting for a kidney transplant (KT), which is better in terms of KT outcomes has long been of interest. Nowadays it is difficult to agree on which modality is better. The primary objective of this study was to compare the incidence of composite outcomes (delayed graft function, primary non-function, biopsy-proven acute rejection) within 1 year after primary adult KT between recipients taken PD and HD before KT (PD group vs. HD group, respectively). Method This study was a prospective, multi-sites cohort study. We used a propensity score matching to control for patients characteristics. Results Total 1040 patients were enrolled consecutively. Among them, 1030 patients (248, PD group; 782, HD group) were included in the final analysis. The HD group was older and had higher prevalence of diabetes, higher Charlson comorbidity index score, higher prevalence of positive PRA and more prescription of rituximab than the PD group significantly. After propensity score matching (246, PD group; 476, HD group), there were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. In the whole population, there was no difference in the risk of the composite outcomes between the PD and HD groups (19% vs. 17%, hazard ratio [HR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88 ∼ 1.77, p = 0.21). There were also no differences in the risk of each component in the composite outcomes between the two groups. Primary non-function, a component of the composite outcomes did not occur in the both groups. There were no differences in the risks of death, frequency and total duration of re-hospitalization after KT for 1 year, and the changes of eGFR for 1 year between the two groups. The results from the propensity score matched population were consistent with those from the whole population. There was no difference in the risk of the composite outcomes between the PD and HD groups (19% vs. 17%, HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.80 ∼ 1.74, p = 0.43). Conclusion The pre-transplant dialysis modality does not affect the incidences of delayed graft function and acute rejection in early period of KT. (NCT01513707) This study was supported by Baxter Incorporated.

AimSkin test anergy is common in patients with uremia and during maintenance hemodialysis treatment. However, up to date only one study concerning skin test in peritoneal dialysis patients has focused on the issue. Our cross-sectional controlled study was conducted to analyze the correlation of purified protein derivative (PPD) test response with demographical features, nutritional parameters and the distribution of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patientsPatients and methodsStable 30 hemodialysis (HD) patients (16 men, 14 women) and 30 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients (17 men, 13 women) were included. Thirty healthy cases (15 men, 15 women) with a mean age of 32.4 ± 9.4 constituted the control group.ResultsIn the HD group, 14 patients (46.6%) were PPD positive, and ın the PD group 16 patients (53.3%) were PPD positive. In the PPD-positive HD patients 64.2% (9/14), and in the PPD-positive PD patients 62.4% (10/16) had an induration of 10 mm or greater. In the control group, 21 of 30 patients (70%) were PPD positive. Comparison of both HD and PD groups with the control group showed significant differences in PPD reactivity (p < 0.01). Albumin levels were significantly high in the control groups (p < 0.01), and cholesterol levels were significantly high in the PD and the control groups (p < 0.05). Transferrin levels were significantly high in the PD (p < 0.01). The lymphocyte counts were significantly high in the control group compared to the HD patients (p < 0.05). The lymphocyte subset percentages CD19 were high in the control groups (p < 0.05), and CD16/56 was significantly high in the PD groups (p < 0.05). All the parameters were also similar between PPD-positive and -negative same groups.ConclusionThe prevalence of PPD positivity was lower in the PD and HD groups. The PPD test responses were not related to the peripheral lymphocyte counts, subsets and malnutrition parameters.

Background/AimsMany studies have compared patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on renal replacement therapy (RRT) with non-lupus patients. However, few data are available on the long-term outcome of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to SLE who are managed by different types of RRTs.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective multicenter study on 59 patients with ESRD who underwent maintenance RRT between 1990 and 2007 for SLE. Of these patients, 28 underwent hemodialysis (HD), 14 underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD), and 17 patients received kidney transplantation (KT). We analyzed the clinical outcomes in these patients to determine the best treatment modality.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 5 ± 3 years in the HD group, 5 ± 3 years in the PD group, and 10 ± 5 years in the KT group (p = 0.005). Disease flare-up was more common in the HD group than in the KT group (p = 0.012). Infection was more common in the PD and HD groups than in the KT group (HD vs. KT, p = 0.027; PD vs. KT, p = 0.033). Cardiovascular complications were more common in the HD group than in the other groups (p = 0.049). Orthopedic complications were more common in the PD group than in the other groups (p = 0.028). Bleeding was more common in the HD group than in the other groups (p = 0.026). Patient survival was greater in the KT group than in the HD group (p = 0.029). Technique survival was lower in the PD group than in the HD group (p = 0.019).ConclusionsAmong patients with ESRD secondary to SLE, KT had better patient survival and lower complication rates than HD and lower complication rates than PD. The prognosis between the HD and PD groups was similar. We conclude that if KT is not a viable treatment option, any alternative treatment should take into account the patient's general condition and preference.

Background and Aims Apathy is a distinct syndrome manifesting with a loss of interest in social or emotional situations, lack of sense of purpose, low energy levels and detachment from life and personal events. Previous studies showed that apathy is associated with vascular impairment and consequent cognitive dysfunction, reduced quality of life and increased hospitalization, institutionalization, healthcare costs and death. So far there has been little research on the prevalence of apathy among dialysis patients although this population could be considered at risk for this condition due to increasing age, and disease and treatment burden. Fatigue is also common in dialyzed patients and impacts daily living, impairs the quality of life, increases the risk of cardiovascular events and negatively influences survival. This study aimed to explore the link between apathy and fatigue among hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Method We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study which included 75 HD (57.3% male, median age 64 years) and 62 PD patients (48.4% male, median age 61 years) from two dialysis centres. Apathy status was assessed by the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES) by Starkstein. Fatigue was evaluated with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) scale. AES score of 14 and higher denotes the presence of apathy, while a FACIT score of less than 30 indicates severe fatigue. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained by a focused questionnaire and from electronic medical records. Data were analyzed with T-test, Hi-square, ANOVA and Pearson correlation as applicable. Results HD patients were significantly longer on dialysis than PD patients (p=0.046). Apathy was more frequent among PD patients compared to the HD group (64.5% vs 48%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.053). Severe fatigue was more frequent in the HD group (33.8% vs 27.4%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.424). Elderly patients had a higher prevalence of apathy in both HD (70.3% vs 29.7%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and PD groups (84.2% vs 16.3%, p = 0.008), and a significantly higher prevalence of severe fatigue in the HD group (68% vs 32%, p = 0.017). Among HD patients higher education level was significantly associated with higher FACIT and lower apathy scores (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001 respectively). HD patients taking psychotropic medication had significantly lower FACIT (27.2±13.5 vs 35.0 ± 11.9, p = 0.03). Also, the presence of apathy was significantly associated with lower hemoglobin levels (101.7±9.7 vs 110.3±11.2, p = 0.001), red blood cells count (3.2±0.2 vs 3.5±0.6, p = 0.004), lower serum creatinine (900.0±149.1 vs 1001.5±266.4, p = 0.047) and lower Kt/V (1.35±0.22 vs 1.49±0.24, p = 0.008) in the HD group, while PD patients with severe fatigue had significantly higher creatinine levels (796.7±176.9 vs 646.4±200.0, p = 0.009). Gender, dialysis vintage, primary renal disease, and comorbidities were not significantly associated with either apathy or fatigue in either group of patients. Apathy and fatigue were significantly correlated in both the HD (p = 0.04) and the PD (p = 0.001) groups. Conclusion Apathy is a highly prevalent and often overlooked condition among dialyzed patients regardless of dialysis modality. Longitudinal studies should explore whether apathy is a causative factor for fatigue in these populations.

Objective To compare the influence of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) on early outcome of patients underwent kidney transplantation from donation after cardiac death (DCD). Methods Patients admitted in the First People's Hospital of Foshan with DCD kidney transplant from January 1st, 2011 to June 30th, 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Recipients were grouped into HD group (n=61) and PD group (n=28) according to their pre-transplant dialysis modality. Their short-term outcomes after DCD kidney transplant were compared, including recovery of renal function, short-term complications and laboratory data. Results Patients had longer dialysis duration and lower hemoglobin, serum albumin and phosphorus in PD group than those in HD group (all P 0.05). HD patients with 6.00(4.00, 11.00) d recovery time of renal function, 18.00(17.00, 21.50) d hospital time, had 24.59% the delayed graft function (DGF), 3.28% acute rejection and 16.39% infection during hospitalization. While for PD patients the recovery time of renal function was 4.00(3.75, 7.00) d; hospital time was 19.00(15.00, 21.75) d; the incidence rate of DGF was 14.29%; acute rejection was 3.57%; and infection during hospitalization reached 17.86%. Above indexes were not significantly different between HD and PD groups (all P>0.05). Repeated measure ments showed that, compared with those before transplant surgery, after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months HD and PD groups had decreased creatinine and phosphorus, and increased hemoglobinserum albumin and calcium; Serum albumin and calcium were different between the two groups (P<0.001, P=0.040), whereas creatinine, hemoglobin and phosphorus did not show difference (all P<0.05). After transplantation the trends of creatinine, hemoglobin, calcium and phosphorus were not different between the two groups (P values were 0.295, 0.310, 0.501 and 0.063, respectively). Conclusions No significant difference of the recovery regarding renal function, anemia, nutrition status and mineral metabolites was found between pre-transplant HD and PD modality in patients who underwent DCD kidney transplantations. Key words: Renal dialysis; Peritoneal dialysis; Tissue and organ procurement; Kidney transplantation

Background and Aims Skin test anergy is common in patients with uremia and during maintenance hemodialysis treatment. However, up to date only one study concerning skin test in peritoneal dialysis patients has focused on the issue. Our cross-sectional controlled study was conducted to analyze the correlation of purifed protein derivative (PPD) test response with demographical features, nutritional parameters and the distribution of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients. Method Stable 30 hemodialysis (HD) patients (16 men, 14 women) and 30 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients (17 men, 13 women) were included. Thirty healthy cases (15 men, 15 women) with a mean age of 32.4±9.4 constituted the control group. Results In the HD group, 14 patients (46.6%) were PPD positive, and ın the PD group 16 patients (53.3%) were PPD positive. In the PPD-positive HD patients 64.2% (9/14), and in the PPD-positive PD patients 62.4% (10/16) had an induration of 10 mm or greater. In the control group, 21 of 30 patients (70%) were PPD positive. Comparison of both HD and PD groups with the control group showed signifcant diferences in PPD reactivity (p&amp;lt;0.01). Albumin levels were signifcantly high in the control groups (p&amp;lt;0.01), and cholesterol levels were signifcantly high in the PD and the control groups (p&amp;lt;0.05). Transferrin levels were signifcantly high in the PD (p&amp;lt;0.01). The lymphocyte counts were signifcantly high in the control group compared to the HD patients (p&amp;lt;0.05). The lymphocyte subset percentages CD19 were high in the control groups (p&amp;lt;0.05), and CD16/56 was signifcantly high in the PD groups (p&amp;lt;0.05). All the parameters were also similar between PPD-positive and -negative same groups. Conclusion The prevalence of PPD positivity was lower in the PD and HD groups. The PPD test responses were not related to the peripheral lymphocyte counts, subsets and malnutrition parameters.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare psychosocial characteristics in caregiving relatives (caregivers) of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Thirty-three caregivers (17 women, 16 men) of HD patients, 27 caregivers (11 women, 16 men) of PD patients, and a control group of 49 subjects who do not care for family members with chronic illness (23 women, 26 men) are included in this study. The brief symptom inventory (BSI), social disability schedule (SDS), and brief disability questionnaire (BDQ) were used for the psychosocial evaluation. The mean age, men-to-women ratios, duration of education, and distribution of marital status did not differ significantly among the three groups. In addition, dialysis duration and distribution of caregiver type were not different between the HD and PD groups. Although the mean global severity index scores of the three groups were similar, somatization and depression scores from BSI subitems were greater in the HD group than the scores of the PD and control groups. Although the mean SDS and BDQ scores were higher in the HD group, the differences did not achieve statistical significance. BSI subitems such as somatization, obsession-compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, and anxiety were positively correlated among themselves. Hostility and somatization were negatively correlated with age and education, respectively. Nevertheless, somatization was positively correlated with age. Social disability was negatively correlated with duration of education. Somatization and depression are greater in the caregivers of center HD patients compared to PD and control groups. According to the findings of this study, we suggest that caregiving family members of dialysis patients especially on HD also should be evaluated for psychosocial problems and supported as needed. Further studies are needed to explore whether psychosocial parameters of caregivers predict outcomes for caregivers and patients.

Transitions in an integrated model of renal replacement therapy in a regional health system

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in ESRD patients. Endothelium exerts a number of vasoprotective effects, such as vasodilatation, suppression of smooth muscle cell growth, and inhibition of inflammatory responses impairment of endothelial functions can leads to vascular dysfunction. This study involved 25 ESRD patients on regular hemodialysis (HD) (group 1), 15 ESRD patients on intermittent peritoneal dialysis (PD) (group 2) and 20 healthy control subjects (group 3). For all groups complete medical history and thorough examination, biochemical Laboratory tests including renal function tests, calcium, phosphorus, intact PTH and Echocardiography. Endothelial function was assessed by Flow mediated dilatation of the brachial artery (FMD) evaluated non-invasively by B-mode ultrasonography. Comparison of FMD of brachial artery shows significant difference between hemodialysis group and control (p < 0.001), peritoneal dialysis group and control group (p < 0.001), and between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis group (p < 0.001). Multiple regression test for brachial artery flow mediated dilatation shows significant correlations with age (p < 0001), serum LDL (p = 0.04), hematocrit value (p < 0.001), serum PTH (P = 0.01) and presence of DM (p = 0.009). No correlation is found with duration of dialysis (p = 0.57), total cholesterol (p = 0.62), serum triglyceride (p = 0.10) nor with calcium phosphorus products (p = 0.08). Endothelial function is impaired in ESRD patients. PD patients had more endothelial dysfunction when compared to HD patients. ED is independently affected by age, LDL, PTH, hematocrit and presence of diabetes mellitus. The main correctable factors affecting ED are Hematocrit, PTH, and LDL.

Objectives: The aortic stiffness index beta (ASI-β), calculated noninvasively with the pressure change caused by arterial strain and volume changes on echocardiography, shows a strong correlation with invasive measurements of arterial stiffness. This study aimed to compare arterial stiffness and distensibility between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) and patients in renal replacement therapy. Methods: This cross-sectional and observational study analyzed 108 patients under renal replacement therapy (PD and HD). The aortic stiffness index beta (ASI-β) was calculated for each group. Results: The mean age of the patients in the study was 58.2±11.1 years, and 49 (45.4%) of the patients were female and 59 (54.6%) were male. Age, gender, comorbid rates, and levels of blood pressure and heart rate did not differ between the PD and HD groups. Blood pressure levels and heart rate. Mean aortic strain (5.6±1.9 vs. 9.4±2.8, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and median distensibility (1.5 vs. 2.9 cm, p &amp;lt; 0.001) were lower in the PD group than the HD group, while median ASI-β (11.6 vs. 6.2, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and mean E/e’ (10.6±2.9 vs. 9.2±2.3, p = 0.006) were higher in the PD group. The rate of concentric hypertrophy was higher in the PD group (47.5% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.005). Conclusion: PD patients have higher arterial stiffness and lower distensibility levels compared to HD patients. Therefore, patients with PD may be more prone to diastolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and events.

BackgroundEnd-stage kidney disease (ESKD) substantially impacts different aspects of patients' lives, including mental and physical health, and overall quality of life. The aim of our study is to assess the quality of life (QoL) and the associated predictors in ESKD Saudi Arabian patients receiving either hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Saudi Ministry of health (MOH) is advancing dialysis care in the country with more focus on patients’ satisfaction and QoL. However, the data regarding QoL in Saudi Arabian dialysis patients is limited.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out using Kidney Disease Quality of Life scale (KDQOL-36) to assess the QoL. We disturbed a validated formal arabic version of the questionnaire. Patients older than 18-year-old and attending dialysis clinics in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, were invited to participate in the study.ResultsA total of 152 responses were analyzed, which were separated into two primary groups: the HD group (98 patients) and the PD group (54 patients). Our results showed no significant differences between the two groups except for the KDQOL-SF-36 physical composite score at which the PD group had a higher mean than the HD group 44.75 vs 37.84, respectively (p < 0.001). However, more PD patients reported feeling depressed compared to HD patients.ConclusionsKidney Disease Quality of Life scale scores were comparable between HD and PD groups except for the physical composite score. On the other hand, PD patients tend to suffer from depression more than HD patients. Interventions to attenuate the physical deconditioning and depressive symptoms in HD and PD patients, respectively, are crucial. Future prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the level of soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and its correlation with micro-inflammation and atherosclerosis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: This retrospective study involved 23 healthy subjects (control group), 23 hemodialysis (HD) patients (HD group) and 26 PD patients (PD group). Serum biochemical measurements and sTWEAK assessments were tested. The association between intima-media thickness (IMT) and sTWEAK concentrations was evaluated. Results: The TWEAK level was lower in PD (155.16 ± 3.69 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and the HD group (150.16 ± 7.23 pg/mL, p < 0.001) than that in the control group (193.05 ± 5.36 pg/mL), with no significant difference between the PD group and the HD group. In the PD and HD groups, sTWEAK was significant negatively correlated with CPR, fibrinogen, and white blood cell (p < 0.05). Besides, compared to lower sTWEAK concentration end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients (no >161.9 pg/mL), patients who had a higher level of sTWEAK (>161.9 pg/mL) had a lower IMT (0.97 ± 0.04 vs. 0.84 ± 0.03 cm, p = 0.029). After adjusted for sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, duration of dialysis, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and serum glucose, sTWEAK (B = –0.002, r = 0.015) and CRP (B = 0.022, r = 0.015) were independent risk factors for the IMT of ESRD patients. Conclusion: Plasma TWEAK is inversely associated with carotid IMT among patients undergoing HD and PD.

Reply to the letter regarding the article 'Efficacy and safety of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibition in heart failure patients with end-stage kidney disease on maintenance dialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis'.