Acute Failure Research Articles

10 TIPS on how to use dynamic risk assessment and alerts for AKI

Abstract Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common syndrome in hospitalized patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The focus of AKI care requires a shift away from strictly supportive management of established injury to the early identification and timely prevention of worsening renal injury. Identifying patients at risk for developing or progression of severe AKI is crucial for improving patient outcomes, reducing length of hospitalization and minimizing resource utilization. Implementation of dynamic risk scores and incorporation of novel biomarkers show promise for early detection and minimizing progression of AKI. Like any risk assessment tools, these require further external validation in a variety of clinical settings prior to widespread implementation. Additionally, alerts which may minimize exposure to a variety of nephrotoxic medications or prompt early nephrology consultation are shown to reduce the incidence and progression of AKI severity and enhance renal recovery. While dynamic risk scores and alerts are valuable, implementation requires thoughtfulness and should be used in conjunction with the overall clinical picture in certain situations, particularly when considering the initiation of fluid and diuretic administration or renal replacement therapy. Despite the contemporary challenges encountered with alert fatigue, implementing an alert-based bundle to improve AKI care is associated with improved outcomes, even when implementation is incomplete. Lastly, all alert-based interventions should be validated at an institutional level and assessed for their ability to improve institutionally relevant, clinical meaningful outcomes, reduce resource utilization and provide cost effective interventions.

Novel TBC1D8B variant causes neonatal nephrotic syndrome combined with acute kidney injury

BackgroundNephrotic syndrome (NPHS), characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema, can be caused by genetic variations. TBC1D8B was recently discovered as a novel disease-causing gene for X-linked NPHS. With only a few reported cases, the clinical manifestations associated with variants of this gene need to be further examined.MethodsWe recruited a newborn with NPHS complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) and his parents and tested the potential genetic cause of the disease through trio-whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Western blotting (WB) was performed using a mutant plasmid to evaluate mutant protein expression levels. Since the TBC1D8B protein interacts with RAB proteins to catalyze the GTPase hydrolysis process, immunofluorescence (IF) can be used to verify the interaction between the TBC1D8B mutant protein and RAB11A/RAB11B, and thus to confirm its effect on the endocytosis and vesicle recycling functions of RAB proteins within the cell.ResultsThe child, at 1 month, showed severe edema and proteinuria and unexplained coma with epilepsy. Ultrasound examination revealed multiple organ enlargement, and MRI showed nonspecific high diffusion-weighted imaging signal characteristics in the splenium of the corpus callosum. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal interstitium and multifocal renal tubule lumen expansion. Diffuse fusion of podocyte foot processes was observed under electron microscopy, indicating glomerular podocyte lesions. Genetic testing revealed a maternally inherited novel hemizygous variant, NM_017752: c.628 A > T, p.Lys210Ter, in TBC1D8B. In vitro functional experiments showed that this variant may lead to TBC1D8B protein degradation. IF results showed disrupted interaction with RAB11A/RAB11B, that then affects the biological function of RAB proteins in the process of cell intimal vesicle formation and intracellular transport.ConclusionThis study will enrich the mutational and phenotypic spectra of TBC1D8B and demonstrate the potential of this gene variants to cause early-onset NPHS leading to severe kidney disease.

Acute Kidney Injury in Children: Classification, Recognition and Treatment Principles

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in children is a critical medical condition characterized by a sudden decline in kidney function. This article provides a comprehensive overview of AKI in pediatric populations, exploring its pathophysiology, the role of various drugs and the long-term implications for kidney health. Key topics include oliguria, anuria, urine output, hypervolemia and the interactions among them, as well as role of diuretic nephrotoxicity and the glomerular filtration rate. Concepts of electrolytes, acid–base balance and renal perfusion assessment are presented. Basic principles of intensive care unit (ICU) management, renal replacement therapy and the association with multiorgan failure are described. Additionally, the article discusses the potential long-term outcomes of AKI, including the risk of chronic kidney disease, hypertension and proteinuria.

Reduction Rate of Uric Acid in Blood During Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for Acute Kidney Injury: A Multicenter Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) eliminates these small solutes with equal efficacy under the same conditions. However, variations in the reduction rates of these solutes observed in patients with CRRT are likely influenced by factors other than removal through CRRT. This study evaluated the reduction rates of these small solutes during CRRT and their possible association with mortality. Methods: This study used the data of limited patients registered in the CHANGE study, which is a large retrospective observational study on CRRT management across 18 Japanese ICUs. Reduction rates of three solutes in blood, calculated on the 1st and 2nd days, were compared in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) treated by CRRT. The potential association between solute reduction rates and mortality during CRRT or within 7 days after the termination of CRRT was evaluated. Results: In total, 163 patients with AKI were included in the analysis. The reductuin rates of uric acid (UA) were significantly higher than those of urea and creatinine for the 1st and 2nd tests in the entire cohort. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis revealed that lower UA reduction rates were significantly associated with mortality during CRRT or within 7 days after CRRT termination (area under the ROC curve: 0.62 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.52–0.71] for the 1st test and 0.63 [95%CI 0.54–0.72] for the 2nd test). After adjusting for age and SOFA score, a significant association was observed between lower UA reduction rates and hospital mortality for both tests. Conclusion: Among the small solutes, UA reduction rates in patients with AKI treated with CRRT were notably higher than those of creatinine and urea. Furthermore, the significant association between lower UA reduction rates and mortality suggests that UA reduction rate may serve as a valuable indicator of insufficient removal of uremic solutes by CRRT, although the decline in UA production must be taken into account.

Case Report: Hypercalcemia and Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Disseminated Paracoccidioidomycosis

Paracoccidioidomycosis is an acute to chronic systemic mycosis caused by the fungi Paracoccidioides. Hypercalcemia is a rare and not fully understood presentation of this infection. We present a case report of paracoccidioidomycosis associated with hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury (AKI) in an immunocompetent patient. An immunocompetent 30-year-old man from Brazil presented with papular erythematous-violaceous skin lesions, disseminated lymphadenopathy, pain in the left hypochondrium, fever with night sweats, and loss of 25 kilograms in 5 months. The result of a biopsy of the lesions was positive for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Laboratory findings were high total calcium and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D, with low parathyroid hormone, low albumin, and AKI. Computed tomography scans revealed splenic infarcts without bone lesions. Treatment was performed with methylprednisolone and liposomal amphotericin B. Calcium levels and kidney function normalized within 20 days of hospitalization. The patient was discharged 49 days after admission. A follow-up 6 months later revealed total clinical and serological remission.

An updated systematic review of the risk factors for unplanned dialysis initiation

Abstract Background Previously, a comprehensive review of the risk factors for unplanned dialysis initiation (UDI) was conducted by Hassan et al. (2019), based on studies published up to end of 2017. They demonstrated that high quality data and well-designed studies on the subject are lacking. Thus, we updated their review to establish the modifiable factors associated with UDI. Methods MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from January 2018 to August 2023. Following several rounds of screening, we identified 17 international studies (majority of which were based in Europe) that met the eligibility criteria. Results Many of the included studies were well designed, utilised very large datasets, and adopted multivariate analyses to examine associations between patient characteristics and UDI. Definitions of UDI varied across studies, i.e. timeliness of presentation, vascular access type, initiating dialysis as an inpatient/outpatient, or for life threatening indications. The most common risk factors reported were cardiovascular disease, increased age, cause of kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, lower serum albumin, increased rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline and fewer number of nephrology visits prior to dialysis start. These were in line with those reported by Hassan et al. However, our updated review revealed several other important predictors of UDI, i.e. worse coding of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the GP health record, lower health literacy, and having an acute kidney injury (AKI). Conclusions Our review provides new insights into reasons why people start dialysis in an unplanned manner, many of which are modifiable, thus contributing to efforts in reducing the rate of UDI.

Risk Factor Analysis Including Inflammatory Markers for ICU Admission and Survival After Pneumonectomy

Background and Objectives: To assess the impact of preoperative inflammatory parameters on the necessity for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and survival after pneumonectomy. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 207 adult patients who underwent pneumonectomy between December 2016 and January 2022. We collected data from patients’ electronic medical records. Results: The preoperative albumin level was statistically lower, need for blood transfusion was higher, and length of hospital stay was longer in ICU-admitted patients (p = 0.017, p = 0.020, and p = 0.026, respectively). In multivariate analysis, intra-pericardial pneumonectomy and postoperative complications were predictive factors for ICU admission (OR = 3.46; 95%CI: 1.45–8.23; p = 0.005 and OR = 5.10; 95%CI: 2.21–11.79; p < 0.001, respectively). Sleeve or pericardial pneumonectomy (p = 0.010), intraoperative vascular injury (p = 0.003), the need for mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001), acute renal failure (p = 0.018), sepsis (p = 0.008), respiratory failure (p < 0.001), pneumonia (p = 0.025), the need for blood transfusion (p = 0.047), elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p = 0.046), and elevated creatinine levels (p = 0.004) were more common in patients who died within 28 days. Patients who died within 90 days exhibited higher preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values (p = 0.019) and serum creatinine levels (p = 0.008), had a greater prevalence of sleeve or intra-pericardial pneumonectomy (p = 0.002), the need for mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001), intraoperative vascular injury (p = 0.049), sepsis (p < 0.001), respiratory failure (p = 0.019), and contralateral pneumonia (p = 0.008) than those who did not. Conclusions: Intra-pericardial pneumonectomy and postoperative complications are independent predictors of ICU admission after pneumonectomy. Tracheal sleeve and intra-pericardial procedures, intraoperative and postoperative complications, the need for blood transfusion, preoperative NLR ratio, BUN and creatinine levels may also be potential risk factors for mortality.

Integrated, person-centred care for patients with complex cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease; a randomized trial

Abstract Background Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often experience fragmented care, which negatively impacts outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study assessed whether multidisciplinary, person-centred care at an integrated clinic improves clinical outcomes and HRQoL. Methods This prospective, open, blinded-endpoint trial (CareHND; NCT03362983) included 131 patients with CVD, DM, and CKD stages 3–4, most of whom were enrolled during or shortly after acute hospitalization. The intervention group received person-centred care from cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, and specialist nurses at an integrated clinic; the control group received traditional care from separate specialists. Primary disease progression outcome was the composite of major adverse renal and cardiovascular events (MARCE) including death, heart failure (HF) readmission, myocardial infarction, PCI/CABG, acute or end-stage kidney failure, or TIA/stroke at 2 years. Co-primary person-centred outcomes was self-reported HRQoL by RAND-36. Results In a pre-specified interim analysis, patients randomized to integrated care had lower eGFR and higher NT-proBNP than traditional care. Follow-up ranged from 2.0 to 5.7 years. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no difference in MARCE between groups. Cox-regression adjusting for baseline differences, indicated a trend towards reduced HF hospitalisations for integrated care (HR 0.53; CI 0.28–1.01; P = 0.054). Integrated care improved Role Physical and Social Function scores, and self-rated health (P = 0.021, P = 0.019, and P = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions Integrated care improved several dimensions of HRQoL but did not improve MARCE compared to traditional care in this small trial. We observed a trend towards reduced HF hospitalizations. Overall, integrated care presents a promising alternative.

Sociodemographic Disparities in 1-Year Outcomes of Children With Community-Acquired Acute Kidney Injury

Racial disparities have been identified in pediatric community-acquired acute kidney injury (CA-AKI), and they are associated with increased risk of child mortality, morbidity, and progression of kidney disease. To assess clinical outcomes at 1 year among children with CA-AKI, stratified by age, race, and ethnicity. This retrospective cohort study is a population-based analysis of deidentified, aggregated electronic health record data collected by 61 large health care organizations from 2003 to 2023 and accessed through the TriNetX platform. Outcomes were assessed at 1 year after a CA-AKI episode. Participants included pediatric patients (aged <18 years) with AKI. Data were accessed in January 2024. A diagnosis of CA-AKI and sociodemographic factors such as race, ethnicity, and age, as reported in electronic health records. The primary end point of this study was to assess differences in clinical outcomes within 1 year of an episode of CA-AKI, including all-cause emergency department (ED) visits, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, mechanical intubation and ventilation, and mortality. Risk was compared between White children and Asian (including Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander), Black, and Hispanic children, stratified by age group. Measures of association, Cox proportional hazard analyses, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were performed within the TriNetX Advanced Analytics Platform between racial and ethnic groups for each analysis. From the total sample of 18 152 children, those with hospital-acquired AKI, chronic kidney disease, end-stage kidney failure, or dialysis dependence were excluded, leaving a final cohort of 17 125 children (mean [SD] age, 11.2 [5.2] years; 9424 male [55.3%]). Eligible patients were divided into racial and ethnic groups as follows: non-Hispanic Asian, 1169 children (6.5%); non-Hispanic Black, 4636 children (27.3%); Hispanic, 1786 children (10.2%); and non-Hispanic White, 9534 children (55.9%). Patients were further subdivided into groups aged 0 to 9 years (546 Asian children, 1675 Black children, 689 Hispanic children, and 3340 White children) and 10 to 18 years (623 Asian children, 2961 Black children, 1091 Hispanic children, and 6104 White children). Within 1 year of CA-AKI diagnosis, compared with White children, Black children experienced greater rates of ED visits (hazard ratio [HR], 1.53; 95% CI, 1.40-1.67), ICU admissions (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.16-1.47), mechanical ventilation (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13-1.56), and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.09-1.48), as well as the greatest risk for composite outcomes (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.33-1.53). Hispanic children experienced greater rates of ED visits (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.21-1.62) and the greatest risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.31-2.09), whereas Asian children experienced greater rates of mechanical ventilation (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.26-2.27), compared with White children. Black and Hispanic children aged 0 to 9 years were at greatest risk of experiencing poor clinical outcomes. Black children had a 11.41% lower survival probability and Hispanic children had a 7.14% lower survival probability compared with White children after an initial ED encounter. Among children with an identified episode of CA-AKI diagnosed in an ED, within 1 year, Black and Hispanic children had a poorer survival probability compared with White children. Future studies are needed to understand these disparities and improve awareness and follow-up after emergency care.

Sociodemographic Disparities in Pediatric Acute Kidney Injury—The Right Questions and the Right Definitions

Sociodemographic Disparities in Pediatric Acute Kidney Injury—The Right Questions and the Right Definitions

Long-Term Kidney Outcomes after Pediatric Acute Kidney Injury: Future Studies Need to Explore Further

Long-Term Kidney Outcomes after Pediatric Acute Kidney Injury: Future Studies Need to Explore Further

Acute kidney injury stage 2/3 during acute heart failure admission - clinical contributors and outcomes

Abstract Introduction Acute Heart failure (AHF) may be complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) as a result of cardiorenal syndrome.(1) However other factors may contribute to AKI. AKI stage 2 or 3 predicts negative inpatient outcomes in the general population.(2) We have reported data in a contemporary cohort on AKI in AHF. This study looks at a larger cohort in 5 previous years to test whether those findings were consistent. Better understanding of this clinical scenario may lead to improvements in care. Aim To assess the clinical factors associated with AKI 2/3 in AHF inpatients. Methods This study used retrospective data from a single teaching hospital collected for inclusion in the UK National Heart Failure National Audit. All AHF admissions over a 5-year period, from April 2017 – April 2022 inclusive, were analysed. Renal function on admission and discharge/death were assessed. AKI stage was defined according to KDIGO guidelines based on serum creatinine levels. Electronic patient records were reviewed and the clinical course leading up to and following AKI 2/3 was reviewed. Reported mode of death was also collected. Results 3219 AHF admissions (2360 unique patients) were assessed. 257 patients died during admission (8% admission mortality, 10.9% patients). 157 (4.9%) admissions had AKI 2/3 on admission/discharge. 85 (54.1%) AKI 2/3 died during their hospital admission vs 6.1% mortality in admissions without AKI 2/3. Baseline population characteristics are summarised in Table 1. Admissions with AKI 2/3 who died were older (77.6±11.5 vs 71.5 ±15.8) and had higher rates of atrial fibrillation (48.2% vs 39.9%), diabetes (40% vs 36%), ischaemic cardiomyopathy (56.5% vs 41.7%) and LVEF &amp;lt;35% (38.8% vs 27.7%). The most frequent contributors to AKI 2/3 were sepsis (55, 64.7%) and congestive cardiac failure/cardiorenal syndrome (48, 56.6%). Hypotension (25, 29.4%), over-diuresis (17, 20%), radioiodine contrast (10, 11.8%) and aminoglycosides (8, 9.4%) were less common factors in development of AKI 2/3. ≥2 contributors were present in 49, 57.6%. The dominant contributor for AKI 2/3 was adjudicated to be sepsis in 33 (38.8%) of admissions, followed by cardiorenal syndrome (congestive heart failure with AKI) in 29 (34.1%), and cardiogenic shock in 7 (8.2%). AKI 2/3 contributors are summarised in Table 2. In AKI 2/3 cases who died, 35 (41.2%) involved renal specialist input; 60 (70%) involved heart failure specialist review. Conclusion AKI in AHF is associated with high inpatient mortality. Despite this, specialist renal input was uncommon. AKI 2/3 was usually multifactorial. Cardiorenal syndrome accounted for one third of cases and may not be preventable. In keeping with our findings from a smaller contemporary cohort, sepsis was the most common dominant cause of severe AKI. Prevention, early identification, and treatment of infection could reduce this risk. Awareness of the high mortality of AKI in AHF and specialist review may improve outcomes in AHF.

High infection prevalence in patients who develop severe acute kidney injury during heart failure hospital admission

Abstract Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in acute HF and associated with poor prognosis. (1-3) The cause of AKI is often unknown. Purpose The aim of this analysis was to analyse the data for patients with a severe AKI which developed during a HF admission and identify potential triggers in the preceding 7 days (e.g., infection, hypotension, contrast agents.). Methods Data between January 2022 to March 2023 was obtained from that submitted by our centre to the mandatory National HF Audit which collects data from every patient admitted with acute HF. For this analysis, baseline renal function was retrospectively collected from electronic patient records, and chronic kidney disease and AKI were subsequently defined, as per KDIGO guidelines(4), using baseline and admission measurements. Electronic patient records were reviewed for all patients who developed AKI stage 2/3 ≥48 hours after admission. Data collected during the week prior to their AKI included any radioiodine contrast exposure, temperature ≥ 38⁰C, antibiotics, CRP &amp;gt;100mg/L and periods of sustained hypotension. Results Of the 843 HF hospital admissions between January 2022 and March 2023, 507 (60.1%) were not associated with AKI [inpatient (IP) mortality 5.9%], 237 (28.1%) had an AKI stage 1 [IP mortality 17.3%], 51 (6.0%) had an AKI stage 2 [IP mortality 25.5%] and 48 (5.7%) had an AKI stage 3 [IP mortality 33.3%]. The age, diabetic status and ejection fraction of patients was similar across AKI stages. Of these, 64 patients developed their AKI stage 2 (n=30) or 3 (n=34) on or after their second day of HF hospital admission. 22 (34.3%) of these patients died during this admission, and 37 (57.8%) had died after a median follow-up of 217.5 days (IQR 24-331.75) (Table 1). 71.9% had evidence of an infection (defined by a temperature spike ≥38⁰C, received antibiotics, OR CRP &amp;gt;100mg/dL) in the week prior to developing their AKI (Table 2). 39% of patients had received a contrast agent in the preceding week, and 39% had experienced persistent hypotension in the preceding 48 hours. 25% had 2 of these potential triggers, 17.2% had 3. Six patients (9.4%) had no apparent identifiable triggers. 25% had not had renal function checked for 48h prior to AKI. Conclusion The most frequent identifiable potential trigger for severe AKI was infection in 72%, followed by contrast agent (39%) and hypotension (39%). Many patients had multiple triggers. Over-diuresis in isolation was not identified as a trigger for AKI in this cohort. Severe AKI 2/3 is a marker of extreme mortality risk and identifies patients in need of intensive monitoring. Lack of daily bloods in one quarter of patients led to a delay in AKI alert. Close observation for all acute HF patients including daily bloods and early identification and treatment of infection plus judicious and least use of contrast is needed to reduce the high mortality rates in this population.

Acute kidney injury as a risk factor for heart failure hospitalisation after major non-cardiac surgery

Abstract Aim The importance of acute kidney injury (AKI) after major non-cardiac surgery is incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of AKI with short-term complications (e.g. perioperative myocardial injury (PMI); acute heart failure (AHF)), and long-term adverse outcomes (e.g. readmission for AHF, all-cause mortality). Methods The prospective observational international multi-center BASEL PMI study screened inpatients aged 40-85 at high cardiovascular risk undergoing non-cardiac surgery at tertiary hospitals to detect asymptomatic PMI. This secondary analysis focused on AKI, with prospective adjudication of AKI, PMI and AHF by blinded experts. Results In 11'133 patient cases, the incidence of AKI within 7 days was 11.1%, classified as KDIGO stage one (68.3%), two (15.4%) and three (16.3%). Pre- and perioperative determinants for AKI were perioperative myocardial infarction / injury (PMI, OR 3.63), the need for intra-operative blood transfusion (OR 1.48), chronic heart failure (CHF, OR 1.42), surgery duration (OR 1.37), male sex (OR 1.27), preoperative GFR (OR 0.80) and preoperative hemoglobin concentration (OD 0.84). Median time to occurrence of AKI was 2 days (IQR 1-4), similar to PMI (median 1, IQR 1-2) and in contrast to AHF (median 4, IQR 2-9). 41% of all AKI patients experienced additionally a PMI. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, AKI (aHR 1.76, 95% CI 1.51-2.06, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and PMI (aHR 1.21, 95% CI 1.02-1.45, p = 0.025) were both independently associated with prediction of one-year all-cause mortality after adjustment for each other and confounding factors, whereas AHF was marginally not (aHR 1.28, 95% CI 0.98-1.68, p = 0.070). However, testing the assumed proportional hazards assumption, the impact of AKI, PMI and AHF on mortality depended significantly on time. AKI had significantly increased short- and long-term mortality, in contrast to PMI and AHF with just elevated short-term mortality. The coincidence of AKI and PMI resulted in an additive effect on overall mortality. Importantly, patients with AKI showed more in-hospital AHF (aHR 2.08, 95% CI 1.49-2.91) within 30 days and higher hospitalization rates for HF within one year (aHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01-1.98, p = 0.046) than patients without AKI, particularly patients without known heart failure (aHR 1.65, 95% CI 1.05-2.60, p = 0.029). Conclusion AKI is a common complication, occurring in 11% after non-cardiac surgery. The occurrence of AKI was associated with increased risks for in-hospital AHF, hospitalizations for heart failure and all-cause mortality. Notably, AKI patients without known history of heart failure faced hospitalizations for de novo heart failure. The occurrence of AKI unveiling de novo heart failure highlights the importance of systematic monitoring for AKI after surgery and gives clinicians a window of opportunity to take action at an early stage.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in cardiac intensive care unit patients: a real challenge to overcome

Abstract Introduction Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs), but in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU), despite the evidence of a causal link between cardiac illness and AKI, few data are available (1). Purpose We analyzed the predictive factors of AKI in CICU, as well as the impact of AKI on the long-term prognosis of patients admitted to CICU. Methods We reviewed the medical data of patients admitted to our CICU over a 2-year period. We excluded patients with chronic kidney disease prior to admission. We defined AKI according to the KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) classification based on serum creatinine and urine output. To determine the predictive factors, we performed a logistic regression analysis, and to determine the prognostic impact of AKI, we performed a Cox proportional hazards regression, taking all-cause mortality at 30 months as the main study outcome. p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant Results We included in our study 1581 patients hospitalized in our unit over a 2-year period, 70.4% of whom were men and 29.6% women. Among these patients, 291 presented with AKI (18.4%), 35.5% classified as KDIGO 1, 42% as KDIGO 2, and 22.5% as KDIGO 3. For the admission diagnosis of patients with AKI, STEMI came first at 56.3%, followed by NSTEMI at 17.3%, acute heart failure at 9.3%, pulmonary embolism at 2.1%, severe arrhythmias at 7.9%, and valvular disease at 1.1%. Among patients in the KDIGO 3 group, 54% benefited from a renal replacement strategy. La morta For factors predictive of AKI, and after adjustment for variables significant in univariate analysis, we objectified the following factors: arterial hypertension (OR=1.92, p&amp;lt;0.001), Diabetes (OR=1.50, p=0.007), KILLIP&amp;gt;2 at admission (OR=1.75, p=0.003), Ejection fraction&amp;lt;40% at admission (OR=1. 93, p&amp;lt;0.001), right ventricular systolic dysfunction (OR=2.95, p&amp;lt;0.001), anemia with Hb&amp;lt;10g/dl (OR=2.95, p&amp;lt;0.001), cardiogenic shock (OR=3.02, p&amp;lt;0.001), high-grade conduction disorder (OR=2.7, p=0.003) and bleeding events (OR=5.93, p&amp;lt;0.001) (Table 1-figure 1). For all-cause mortality at 30 months, 204 events were observed, 104 in the AKI group (35%), and 100 in the non-AKI group (7.75%) (p&amp;lt;0.001), and AKI was independently associated with the outcome studied for all KDIGO classes with for stage 1 (HR = 1.33; p=0.03), stage 2 (HR = 2.28; p&amp;lt;0. 001), and stage 3 (HR = 5.71; p&amp;lt;0.001), adding to this diabetes (HR = 1.96; p&amp;lt;0.001), cardiogenic shock (HR = 2.27; p&amp;lt;0.001) and finally EF&amp;lt;35% at discharge (HR = 1.53; p=0.001) (Table 2-figure 1). The Kaplein-Meier survival analysis showed a significant difference between the rates of mortality between the different KDIGO at 30-months, with a log-rank test p&amp;lt;0.001 (Figure 2). Conclusion We can conclude that AKI remains a real challenge for admitted patients, since long-term mortality in this group is very high.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Association between average glucose concentration or glucose variability and acute kidney injury among CAD patients with prediabetes

Abstract Background Prediabetes, impacting approximately 10% of adults, lacks comprehensive attention, and there is limited data on effective glycemic control strategies. Meta-analysis suggests that intensive glycemic control is linked to a lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events, mainly driven by decreased reinfarction and reduced microvascular complications in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. However, despite these associations, existing evidence does not conclusively establish the efficacy of intensive glycemic control in enhancing cardio-renal outcomes. Purpose In the present study, we aimed to validate the utility of intensive glycaemic control on acute kidney injury (AKI) prevention using a prospective, pragmatic clinical data of patients with CAD. Methods This study utilized data from the Prospective Registry of the Current Status of Care for Patients with Coronary Artery Disease database, a nationwide and pragmatic registry project initiated on January 17th, 2022. Data, including demographics, medical history, and lab results, were collected from electronic medical records. The time-weighted average glucose (TWAG) and glucose variability (CV) for each patient to assess glycaemic control, and outcomes including AKI were assessed. Statistical analysis involved logistic models and sensitivity analyses. SAS 9.4 and R software were used, with p&amp;lt;0.05 considered significant. Results Between January 2022 and June 2023, 2,454 CAD patients with prediabetes were included for final analysis. Among them, the average age was 62.6 ± 10.3 years, of whom 27.1% were females. In univariate model, the incidence of AKI was 1.51 (1.36,1.68) times higher in patients with an increasing TWAG per mmol/L. After the stepwise adjusting of covariates, the OR was 1.50 (1.35,1.67). CV of glucose also had positive association with AKI. An increasing of 0.1 unit of CV increased the risk of about 44%. When adjusting the TWAG and CV of glucose at the same time, both still had positive association with AKI. A restricted cubic splines plot showed an increasing trend of the ORs for AKI as both TWAG and CV of glucose increased. Subgroups analyses also showed stable positive association between TWAG, CV and AKI. Conclusions Our study reveals an association between TWAG or CV and AKI in individuals with both CAD and prediabetes. These findings underscore the importance of continuous glucose monitoring and the implementation of intensive glycaemic control for CAD patients coexistence of prediabetes.Restricted cubic splines function

Influence of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease on 3-year clinical outcomes in patients with AMI treated by contemporary PCI and optimal medical therapy; insights from J-MINUET study

Abstract Background The influence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) on long-term outcomes following AMI in the era of modern primary PCI with optimal-medical-therapy (OMT) is still in debate. Methods A total of 3,281 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were enrolled in the J-MINUET registry with primary PCI of 93.1% in STEMI Consecutive patients hospitalized within 48 h of onset of AMI at 28 Japanese medical institutions were enrolled in the J-MINUET study (UMIN000010037). AKI was defined as an increase in serum-creatinine ≥0.3mg/dL or ≥50% within-48h during-hospitalization. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration-rate [eGFR]&amp;lt;60mL/min/1.73m2. Major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was defined as a composite of all-cause death, cardiac-failure, MI and stroke. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the presence or absence of CKD and the occurrence or non-occurrence of AKI. The parameters were assessed by the Cox proportional hazards model. Differences were considered statistically significant at P&amp;lt;0.05. Results Of the 3,281 patients with AMI, 3220 patients had complete data set. The average age was 69±13 years old and 75.3% of the patients were male. Of the 3220 patients, 1375 patients had CKD (42.7%) and AKI occurred in 365 patients (11.3%) during the initial hospital stay. AKI more frequently occurred in 305 CKD patients (22.2%) than 60 non-CKD patients (3.3%) (p&amp;lt;0.0001). A total of 898 MACE occurred (27.4%) during follow-up period (median of 768days). Kaplan-Meier curves illustrated event-free survival for MACE over 3 years stratified by the 4 groups (Figure). Conclusions While both CKD without AKI and non-CKD with AKI showed similar effect on the incidence of MACE, the worst clinical outcome was observed in patients having AKI on pre-existed CKD.

A simplified bedside model for acute kidney injury prediction after percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Background Concern for acute kidney injury (AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a major determinant in the decision to pursue cardiac catheterization if otherwise indicated. A bedside AKI risk prediction model derived from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR), most recently updated in 2023, employs relatively complex parameters for AKI prediction. Purpose To test the efficacy of a simplified pre-procedural 5-variable bedside score for post-PCI AKI prediction based on the NCDR model. Methods We analyzed our institution’s NCDR-reported catheterization laboratory registry between Q2 2022 and Q1 2023. Inclusion criteria, variable selection, and definitions were based on the NCDR model. A bedside prediction model was validated, including 5 pre-procedural variables: anemia (hemoglobin &amp;lt;10 mg/dl), history of heart failure, stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate &amp;lt;30 mg/dl), cardiac arrest, and shock status. Results We included 840 patients, of which 593 (70.6%) were men. Mean age was 69 (±12.5). Most procedures were performed on an urgent basis (444, 52.9%). AKI developed in 107 (12.7%) patients. Compared to the non-AKI group, patients who developed AKI were older (age 74±11.5 vs 68.3 ±12.5), and more frequently had anemia (23.6% vs 7.4%), diabetes (51.4% vs 35.2%), severe frailty (45.8% vs 23.7%), heart failure (62.6% vs 29.7%), cardiac arrest (13.1% vs 2.9%), CKD (30.8% vs 6%), shock (12.1% vs 1.5%), and mechanical circulatory support (7.5% vs 2.9%), p&amp;lt;0.001. Utilizing integer scores, the simplified bedside model employing 5 pre-procedural variables demonstrated discrimination similar to the bedside NCDR model, with a C-statistic of 0.77 (0.60-0.88) and excellent calibration (intercept of 0.31 and slope of 1.03) (Figure), indicating the robust performance of the model (compared to bedside NCDR model with a C-statistic 0.793, intercept of -0.197, and slope of 0.957). Conclusion A simplified NCDR-based bedside score using 5 pre-procedural variables is an effective tool for predicting AKI as a complication of PCI, with comparable performance to the 2023 updated bedside NCDR AKI risk model.

Acute kidney injury after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: comparison between different energy sources

Abstract Introduction Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an innovative technology recently adopted for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Preclinical and clinical studies have reported a reassuring safety profile, because of its tissue specific effect, sparing adjacent tissues. However, two cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to hemolysis after PFA have recently been reported. Purpose To compare the incidence of AKI and hemolysis after catheter ablation of AF using radiofrequency energy (RFA), cryo-balloon energy (CBA) and PFA using a pentaspline catheter. Method Patients undergoing catheter ablation of AF were consecutively enrolled in a prospective registry in a tertiary referral center between April 2010 and January 2024. Blood samples including renal parameters and hemolysis indicators were obtained prior to the procedure and the day after the procedure. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine by 26.5 µmol/L within up to 10 days after the procedure . Results A total of 2602 patients (median age 64 years, 29.4% female) underwent catheter ablation for AF. 1707 (66.4%) were treated with RFA, 557 (21.7%) using CBA and 306 (11.9%) using PFA. Median net duration of ablation was 1669 (IQR 1207, 2164) seconds for RFA, 1046 (IQR 840, 1451) seconds for CBA and, 80 (IQR 48, 85) seconds (32 (IQR 19, 34) applications) for PFA. AKI was found in 21 (0.012%), 1 (0.002%) and 1 (0.003%) patients treated with RFA, CBA and PFA, respectively, p=0.245. The case with AKI after PFA received a total of 86 PFA applications. There was a significant positive correlation for the RFA group between the ablation duration and the creatinine level after the procedure, while there was no positive correlation for the CBA and PFA group (Figure). At least one hemolysis indicator (Bilirubin, LDH or Urea levels) was elevated the day after the procedure in 53.1%, 50.1% and 46.5% in the RFA, CBA and PFA group, respectively, p=0.12. Conclusion AKI appears to be very rare after PFA and comparable to thermal energy forms. Hemolysis does not seem to be dependent on the used energy source for pulmonary vein isolation. Minimal hemolysis occurs when PFA is applied as recommended by the manufacturer.Graphical Abstract

Increased frailty is associated with risk of hospital-acquired infections and death during heart failure hospital admissions

Abstract Background Frailty is common in patients admitted with acute decompensation of heart failure (ADHF) and it is unclear how the frailty syndrome affects heart failure (HF) patients during their acute hospital admission. Understanding the interplay between frailty, impaired renal function, hospital-acquired infections (HAI), and death may be useful in optimising patient care and prognosis. Purpose The aim of this analysis was to explore the relationship between admission frailty levels and the incidence of HAI, acute kidney injury (AKI), and mortality in acute HF hospital admissions. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of data submitted from a single centre to the National HF audit between January and June 2023. Additional frailty and baseline renal function data was retrospectively collected from electronic patient health records. Patients were categorised into three groups according to their Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CSF) (1): no/mild frailty (CFS 1-3), moderate frailty (CFS 4-6) and severe frailty (CFS 7-9). AKI was defined based on baseline and admission creatinine, as per KDIGO guidelines (2). Chi-squared and t-tests were used to compare baseline characteristics between frailty groups. Chi-squared tests were used to compare frailty groups in terms of: HAI, AKI, mortality. Results Between 1st January and 22nd June 2023, there were 344 acute HF hospital admissions in our centre. Most patients had moderate frailty on admission (n=256, 74.4%). Frail patients were significantly older, had a lower admission mean haemoglobin and more were female, compared to non-frail patients (Figure 1A). Patients who were more frail were more likely to experience HAI during their admission; p=0.035 (figure 1B). Furthermore, patients with HAI had a greater risk of mortality, at a median follow-up of 171 (IQR 100.25) days after admission, compared to those without HAI (p&amp;gt;0.001). 41.9% of acute HF admissions were associated with an AKI, and although numerically more frail patients had an AKI, this did not achieve statistical significance (p=0.084). Patients who were more frail were more likely to die, both during hospital admission and at 3 months following discharge; p&amp;lt;0.001 (Figure 1B). Furthermore, this trend persisted after follow-up; p&amp;lt;0.001 (Figure 2). Conclusions Patients with moderate or severe frailty are at greater risk of adverse events (HAI, death) during an acute HF hospital admission, than patients with no or mild frailty. It is imperative to consider the frailty status of all patients with ADHF, to be aware of the frailty-associated risks, and act proactively with targeted interventions (screen for infections, daily bloods, early conversations with patients and their families about treatment escalation plans and patient priorities) to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of care for this vulnerable patient population. Further research is warranted to explore potential interventions to address frailty-related risks in HF management.