Acute Renal Replacement Therapy Research Articles

Acute renal replacement therapy in patients with major extremity injuries.

This narrative review will describe treatment options for patients in the ICU with major extremity injury requiring extracorporeal myoglobin removal and contemporaneous support for systemic complications, such as sepsis, systemic inflammation and coagulation disorders. Peer-reviewed manuscripts indexed in PubMed. A systematic search for articles describing treatment options for patients in the ICU with major extremity injury were included in the analysis. Our group determined by consensus which resources would best inform this review. Acute renal replacement therapy (ARRT) for renal support may be needed for patients with major extremity trauma developing AKI. Contemporary advances allow the physician to perform a tailored treatment that closely match patient's needs. Techniques and equipment for ARRT can be modulated according to the patient's pathophysiological derangements, maximizing the therapeutic effects and minimizing adverse events. Most of the clinical reviews available in the literature on this topic limit their focus to the extracorporeal removal of myoglobin.

Acute renal replacement therapy during hospitalization: Is training adequate?

Acute renal replacement therapy is one of the most common interventions provided by nephrologists, however, data on the quality of training provided to nephrology fellows is limited. Extensive curricula for acute renal replacement therapy and the management of poisonings and intoxications have been published, but personal experience suggests that there are significant opportunities to improve training. Particular areas to be considered include the use of novel technologies for assessment of volume status, greater emphasis on the dosing of medications during acute renal replacement therapy, greater training in assessing and tailoring treatment to the goals of care of the individual patient, incorporation of continuous quality improvement tools into the management of acute renal replacement therapy programs and development of robust simulation training to augment training.

Long-term quality of life postacute kidney injury in cardiac surgery patients.

Background:Acute renal failure after cardiac surgery is known to be associated with significant short-term morbidity and mortality. There have as yet been no major reports on long-term quality of life (QOL). This study assessed the impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) and renal replacement therapy (RRT) on long-term survival and QOL after cardiac surgery. The need for long-term RRT is also assessed.Materials and Methods:Patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2005 and 2011 (n = 6087) and developed AKI (RIFLE criteria, n = 570) were included. They were propensity-matched 1:1 to patients without renal impairment (control). Data were prospectively collected, and health-related QOL questionnaire was sent to patients who were alive at least 1-year postoperatively at the time of the study.Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative characteristics between the two groups (age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, procedure, urgency, logistic Euroscore), respectively. Median follow-up was 52 months. Survival data were available in all patients. Questionnaires were returned in 64% of eligible patients. Long-term survival was significantly lower, and QOL, in particular the physical aspect, was significantly worse for the AKI group as compared to non-AKI group (38.8 vs. 44.2, P = 0.002), especially so in patients who required RRT. In alive respondents, despite an 18% (66/359) incidence of ongoing renal follow-up, the need for late RRT was only in 1.1% (4/359).Conclusion:AKI and especially the need for RRT following cardiac surgery are associated with increased long-term mortality as well as worse quality of life in a propensity-matched control group.

Urinary biomarkers may provide prognostic information for subclinical acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the biomarker-specific outcome patterns and short-and long-term prognosis of cardiac surgery–asoociated acute kidney injury (AKI) identified by standard criteria and/or urinary kidney biomarkers. MethodsPatients enrolled (N = 200), originated a German multicenter study (NCT00672334). Standard risk injury, failure, loss, and end-stage renal disease classification (RIFLE) criteria (including serum creatinine and urine output) and urinary kidney biomarker test result (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, midkine, interleukin 6, and proteinuria) were used for diagnosis of postoperative AKI. Primary end point was acute renal replacement therapy or in-hospital mortality. Long-term end points among others included 5-year mortality. Patients with single-biomarker-positive subclinical AKI (RIFLE negative) were identified. We controlled for systemic inflammation using C-reactive protein test. ResultsUrinary biomarkers (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, midkine, and interleukin 6) were identified as independent predictors of the primary end point. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, midkine, or interleukin 6 positivity or de novo/worsening proteinuria identified 21.1%, 16.9%, 30.5%, and 48.0% more cases, respectively, with likely subclinical AKI (biomarker positive/RIFLE negative) additionally to cases with RIFLE positivity alone. Patients with likely subclinical AKI (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin or interleukin 6 positive) had increased risk of primary end point (adjusted hazard ratio, 7.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.52-33.93 [P = .013] and hazard ratio, 6.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-35.21 [P = .037]), respectively. Compared with biomarker-negative/RIFLE-positive patients, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin positive/RIFLE-positive or midkine-positive/RIFLE-positive patients had increased risk of primary end point (odds ratio, 9.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-67.3 [P = .033] and odds ratio, 14.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-109.2 [P = .011], respectively). Three percent to 11% of patients appear to be influenced by single-biomarker-positive subclinical AKI. During follow-up, kidney biomarker-defined short-term outcomes appeared to translate into long-term outcomes. ConclusionsUrinary kidney biomarkers identified RIFLE-negative patients with high-risk subclinical AKI as well as a higher risk subgroup of patients among RIFLE-AKI-positive patients. These findings support the concept that urinary biomarkers define subclinical AKI and higher risk subpopulations with worse long-term prognosis among standard patients with AKI.

Renal function and outcome after heart transplantation

ObjectivesTo investigate whether measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) is a risk factor for death and/or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after heart transplantation (HTx). MethodsAll adult patients (n = 416) who underwent HTx between 1988 and 2010 were included. mGFR was performed both preoperatively and postoperatively as annual follow-up. Eight patients received a concomitant kidney transplant (KTx), and 15 underwent late KTx due to chronic renal failure after HTx. ResultsThe mean drop in mGFR compared with the preoperative value was 12% during the first year after HTx. Preoperative mGFR was not predictive of mortality or ESRD. Older or the use of a ventricular assist device (VAD) were preoperative predictors of death. Long-term survival was significantly worse in the patients who experienced a >25% decrease in mGFR during the first year after transplantation. The need for acute postoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT) was associated with impaired survival but did not predict ESRD among survivors. On multivariable analyses, previous heart surgery, preoperative VAD, and a lower mGFR were all predictors of RRT. In the most recent period, death without previous ESRD was lower, and the only preoperative factors associated with ESRD by multivariable analyses were mechanical ventilation and diabetes mellitus. ConclusionsPretransplantation mGFR was not predictive of mortality or ESRD after HTx, but necessitated simultaneous or late-stage KTx in this selected population of patients. However, patients with a decrease in >25% mGFR during the first year post-transplantation, as well as early postoperative dialysis-dependent acute renal dysfunction, had a poor prognosis. We suggest that patients with severely impaired kidney function, irrespective of pretransplantation renal function, still should be considered for HTx, but also encourage careful interpretation of our results given the selection bias involved in this population.

The clinical significance of technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy findings in patients with rhabdomyolysis.

This study evaluated the relationship between bone scintigraphy finding and clinical factors and assessed the prognostic value of bone scintigraphy finding in patients with rhabdomyolysis. We retrospectively enrolled 143 patients with rhabdomyolysis who had undergone bone scintigraphy. Bone scintigraphy was classified into three groups: no or equivocal soft tissue uptake, a localized uptake, and a diffuse uptake. The relationship of bone scintigraphy findings with clinical factors was evaluated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for acute renal failure (ARF) and renal replacement therapy (RRT). Of 143 patients, 52 (36.4%) experienced ARF and 12 (8.4%) required RRT. Among cases caused by exercise, 83.7% showed localized soft tissue uptake. Diffuse soft tissue uptake was only shown among the patients with rhabdomyolysis caused by drug and toxin. Patients with localized or diffuse soft tissue uptake had higher levels of serum creatine kinase, myoglobin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase compared with patients with no or equivocal uptake (P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, female sex, and serum phosphate level were associated with a risk for ARF and only serum creatinine level was associated with a risk for RRT (P<0.05). Bone scintigraphy findings failed to show significance for predicting ARF and RRT (P>0.05). Soft tissue uptake on bone scintigraphy in patients with rhabdomyolysis was related to etiologies and showed limited value for predicting ARF and RRT.

The dialysis orders objective structured clinical examination (OSCE): a formative assessment for nephrology fellows.

BackgroundFew quantitative nephrology-specific simulations assess fellow competency. We describe the development and initial validation of a formative objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) assessing fellow competence in ordering acute dialysis.MethodsThe three test scenarios were acute continuous renal replacement therapy, chronic dialysis initiation in moderate uremia and acute dialysis in end-stage renal disease-associated hyperkalemia. The test committee included five academic nephrologists and four clinically practicing nephrologists outside of academia. There were 49 test items (58 points). A passing score was 46/58 points. No item had median relevance less than ‘important’. The content validity index was 0.91. Ninety-five percent of positive-point items were easy–medium difficulty. Preliminary validation was by 10 board-certified volunteers, not test committee members, a median of 3.5 years from graduation. The mean score was 49 [95% confidence interval (CI) 46–51], κ = 0.68 (95% CI 0.59–0.77), Cronbach’s α = 0.84.ResultsWe subsequently administered the test to 25 fellows. The mean score was 44 (95% CI 43–45); 36% passed the test. Fellows scored significantly less than validators (P < 0.001). Of evidence-based questions, 72% were answered correctly by validators and 54% by fellows (P = 0.018). Fellows and validators scored least well on the acute hyperkalemia question. In self-assessing proficiency, 71% of fellows surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the OSCE was useful.ConclusionsThe OSCE may be used to formatively assess fellow proficiency in three common areas of acute dialysis practice. Further validation studies are in progress.

Predictive Factors Upon Discontinuation of Renal Replacement Therapy for Long-Term Chronic Dialysis and Death in Acute Kidney Injury Patients.

The specific timing for discontinuing renal replacement therapy (RRT) in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients is debatable. The predictive abilities of variables at the time of discontinuation of RRT for the long-term prognoses of patients have not been explored. This study aimed to explore the prognostic factors upon discontinuation of RRT for long-term chronic dialysis and death of patients with acute RRT-requiring AKI, thus improving decision making regarding the discontinuation of RRT and the follow-up of patients thereafter. A cohort of 302 AKI patients who required acute RRT and remained alive and free of dialysis for at least 30 days after discharge from January 2009 to December 2012 were followed up. The predictive abilities of general characteristics, RRT details, and variables upon discontinuation of RRT for long-term chronic dialysis and all-cause death were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Kaplan-Meier analysis with a log-rank test was used to compare the survival curves between the strata of levels of good predictors upon discontinuation of RRT. After a median follow-up time of 4.1 years, 20 (6.6%) patients initiated chronic dialysis and 56 (18.5%) patients died. A higher CysC level upon discontinuation of RRT (HR 1.520, 95% CI 1.082-2.135; P = 0.016), comorbid chronic kidney disease, and a higher non-renal Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were independently predictive for chronic dialysis. The hemoglobin level upon discontinuation of RRT was inversely predictive of death (HR 0.986, 95% CI 0.973-0.999; P = 0.035), and comorbid malignancy, the presence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and a higher non-renal CCI also predicted death. Urine output upon discontinuation of RRT was marginally inversely predictive of death (HR 0.997, 95% CI 0.994-1.000; P = 0.056). Patients who discontinued RRT with CysC levels <2.97 mg/L, hemoglobin levels >85 g/L, and urine output >1130 mL/24 h showed significantly higher non-chronic dialysis and survival rates according to a log-rank test. Our study suggested that upon discontinuation of RRT, higher serum CysC levels had the most promising predictive value for long-term chronic dialysis, and lower hemoglobin levels predicted long-term death; lower urine output also marginally predicted long-term death. Based on the remission of the comprehensive condition, lower CysC levels and higher hemoglobin levels and urine output should be considered in the decision to stop RRT. Patients showing worse levels of these indices upon discontinuation of RRT should undergo stricter follow-up and treatment to improve long-term outcomes.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of respiratory failure during pregnancy.

Obstetric patients comprise a limited portion of intensive care unit patients, but they often present with unfamiliar conditions and exhibit the potential for catastrophic deterioration. This study evaluated the maternal and neonatal outcomes of respiratory failure during pregnancy. Information on 71 patients at >25 weeks gestation in the ICU with respiratory failure was recorded between 2009 and 2013. The characteristics and outcomes of mothers and fetuses were determined through a retrospective chart review and evaluated using Student's t test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. The leading causes of respiratory failure were postpartum hemorrhage and severe preeclampsia in the obstetric causes group and pneumonia in the nonobstetric causes group during pregnancy and the peripartum period. The non-obstetric causes group exhibited a higher incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome and renal replacement therapy as well as requiring more ventilator days. The patients in the obstetric causes group showed significant improvement after delivery in the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen and peak inspiratory pressure decrease. Both groups exhibited high incidences of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Neonatal complications resulting from meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and sepsis were more common in the non-obstetric causes group; however, neurological development impairment was more common in the obstetric causes group. Obstetric cause was associated with longer ventilator free days and fewer episodes of ARDS after delivery. Neonatal complications resulting from different etiologies of respiratory failure were found to differ.

Fluid balance and chloride load in the first 24 h of ICU admission and its relation with renal replacement therapies through a multicentre, retrospective, case–control study paired by APACHE-II

Abstract Objective To analyse the association between water balance during the first 24 h of admission to ICU and the variables related to chloride levels (chloride loading, type of fluid administered, hyperchloraemia), with the development of acute kidney injury renal replacement therapy (AKI-RRT) during patients’ admission to ICU. Patients and methods Multicentre case–control study. Hospital-based, national, carried out in 6 ICUs. Cases were patients older than 18 years who developed an AKI-RRT. Controls were patients older than 18 years admitted to the same institutions during the study period, who did not develop AKI-RRT during ICU admission. Pairing was done by APACHE-II. An analysis of unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, APACHE-II and water balance (in evaluating the type of fluid). Results We analysed the variables of 430 patients: 215 cases and 215 controls. An increase of 10% of the possibility of developing AKI-RRT per 500 mL of positive water balance was evident (OR: 1.09 [95% CI: 1.05–1.14]; p Conclusions The water balance in the first 24 h of ICU admission relates to the development of IRA-TRR, regardless of chloraemia.

Cell-free hemoglobin mediated oxidative stress is associated with acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy in severe falciparum malaria: an observational study

BackgroundIntravascular hemolysis is an intrinsic feature of severe malaria pathophysiology but the pathogenic role of cell-free hemoglobin-mediated oxidative stress in severe malaria associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is unknown.MethodsAs part of a prospective observational study, enrolment plasma cell-free hemoglobin (CFH), lipid peroxidation markers (F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) and isofurans (IsoFs)), red cell deformability, and serum creatinine were quantified in Bangladeshi patients with severe falciparum malaria (n = 107), uncomplicated malaria (n = 80) and sepsis (n = 28). The relationships between these indices and kidney function and clinical outcomes were examined.ResultsAKI was diagnosed at enrolment in 58% (62/107) of consecutive patients with severe malaria, defined by an increase in creatinine ≥1.5 times expected baseline. Severe malaria patients with AKI had significantly higher plasma cell-free hemoglobin (geometric mean CFH: 8.8 μM; 95% CI, 6.2–12.3 μM), F2-isoprostane (56.7 pg/ml; 95% CI, 45.3–71.0 pg/ml) and isofuran (109.2 pg/ml; 95% CI, 85.1–140.1 pg/ml) concentrations on enrolment compared to those without AKI (CFH: 5.1 μM; 95% CI, 4.0–6.6 μM; P = 0.018; F2-IsoPs: 27.8 pg/ml; 95% CI, 23.7–32.7 pg/ml; P < 0.001; IsoFs: 41.7 pg/ml; 95% CI, 30.2–57.6 pg/ml; P < 0.001). Cell-free hemoglobin correlated with markers of hemolysis, parasite burden (P. falciparum histidine rich protein 2 (PfHRP2)), and F2-IsoPs. Plasma F2-IsoPs and IsoFs inversely correlated with pH, positively correlated with creatinine, PfHRP2 and fractional excretion of sodium, and were higher in patients later requiring hemodialysis. Plasma F2-IsoP concentrations also inversely correlated with red cell deformability and were higher in fatal cases. Mixed effects modeling including an interaction term for CFH and time showed that F2-IsoPs, IsoFs, PfHRP2, CFH, and red cell rigidity were independently associated with increasing creatinine over 72 h. Multivariable logistic regression showed that admission F2-IsoPs, IsoFs and red cell deformability were associated with the need for subsequent hemodialysis.ConclusionsCell-free hemoglobin and lipid peroxidation are associated with acute kidney injury and disease severity in falciparum malaria, suggesting a pathophysiological role in renal tubular injury. Evaluation of adjunctive therapies targeting cell-free hemoglobin-mediated oxidative stress is warranted.

Renal Support for Acute Kidney Injury in the Developing World

There is wide variation in the management of acute kidney injury (AKI) and the practice of renal replacement therapy (RRT) around the world. Clinicians in developing countries face additional challenges due to limited resources, reduced availability of trained staff and equipment, cultural and socioeconomic aspects, and administrative and governmental barriers. In this article, we report the consensus recommendations from the 18th Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative conference in Hyderabad, India. We provide the minimal requirements for provision of acute RRT in developing countries, including patient selection, choice of RRT modality and monitoring, transition, and termination of acute RRT. We also discuss areas of uncertainty and propose themes for future research. These recommendations can serve as a foundation for clinicians to implement renal support for AKI in low resource settings.

Cardiac biomarkers are associated with maximum stage of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: a prospective analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate whether cardiac troponin T (cTnT), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) and need for acute renal replacement therapy (RRT) in adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsWe analysed prospectively collected data for patients admitted to the ICU between June and December 2010 for non-cardiac reasons. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes creatinine criteria were applied to identify patients with AKI including those who received acute RRT. Severity of illness was determined by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and the Serial Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Regression analyses were performed to assess the association between cTnT, cTnI and NT-proBNP concentrations on the first day of ICU stay, maximum AKI stages and need for acute RRT. Sensitivity analysis was performed in which patients who developed a myocardial infarction during their stay in the ICU were excluded.ResultsOf 138 patients included, 73 (53%) had AKI and 40 (29%) required acute RRT. Patients with AKI were significantly older, more likely to have sepsis and had higher APACHE II and SOFA scores on admission to the ICU. In univariable analysis, cTnT, cTnI and NT-proBNP were significantly higher in those with AKI requiring acute RRT, but after adjustment for baseline differences in severity of illness, cumulative fluid balance and pre-existing comorbidities, only NT-proBNP remained significantly associated with worst stage of AKI and need for RRT. cTnT and cTnI were independently associated with the odds of any AKI but not with need for RRT.In a sensitivity analysis in which patients who had an acute myocardial infarction while in the ICU were excluded, NT-proBNP remained independently associated with AKI and acute RRT.ConclusionsIn critically ill patients admitted to the ICU for non-cardiac reasons, admission NT-proBNP had the strongest independent association with maximum stage of AKI and need for RRT.

Balance hídrico y carga de cloro en las primeras 24 h de ingreso en UCI y su relación con las terapias de reemplazo renal mediante un estudio multicéntrico, retrospectivo, de casos y controles emparejados por APACHE-II

ObjectiveTo analyse the association between water balance during the first 24h of admission to ICU and the variables related to chloride levels (chloride loading, type of fluid administered, hyperchloraemia), with the development of acute kidney injury renal replacement therapy (AKI-RRT) during patients’ admission to ICU. Patients and methodsMulticentre case-control study. Hospital-based, national, carried out in 6 ICUs. Cases were patients older than 18 years who developed an AKI-RRT. Controls were patients older than 18 years admitted to the same institutions during the study period, who did not develop AKI-RRT during ICU admission. Pairing was done by APACHE-II. An analysis of unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, APACHE-II and water balance (in evaluating the type of fluid). ResultsWe analysed the variables of 430 patients: 215 cases and 215 controls. An increase of 10% of the possibility of developing AKI-RRT per 500ml of positive water balance was evident (OR: 1.09 [95% CI: 1.05 to 1.14]; P<.001). The study of mean values of chloride load administered did not show differences between the group of cases and controls (299.35±254.91 vs. 301.67±234.63; P=.92). ConclusionsThe water balance in the first 24h of ICU admission relates to the development of IRA-TRR, regardless of chloraemia.

Hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury treated with hemodialysis is associated with adverse events.

Background. Hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients may be exacerbated by renal replacement therapy (RRT). We aimed to identify risk factors and adverse outcomes associated with hypophosphatemia in intensive care patients treated with RRT for acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods. This was a secondary analysis of data from a single-center prospective cohort study of medical and surgical intensive care patients with RRT for AKI between 18 December 2010 and 3 April 2013. Demographic, comorbidity, laboratory and RRT data were retrieved from patient case notes and electronic medical records. Outcomes assessed were hypophosphatemia (serum phosphate <0.94 mmol/L) during RRT, intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, and duration of mechanical ventilation and vasopressor support. Results. Among 96 patients who received acute RRT, 25 (26.0%) developed hypophosphatemia. On multivariate logistic regression, serum phosphate at RRT initiation [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.09, 0.91), P = 0.03] was independently associated with hypophosphatemia during acute RRT. Patients with hypophosphatemia during RRT required longer ventilatory support [median 12 (interquartile range: 8, 17) days versus 5 (3, 9) days, P < 0.001] and vasopressor support [5 (4, 15) days versus 2 (2, 6) days, P = 0.003] compared with those without hypophosphatemia but there was no significant difference in ICU mortality [5 patients (20.0%) versus 24 patients (33.8%), P = 0.20]. Hypophosphatemia during RRT was independently associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation (≥7 days) [adjusted OR 14.0, 95% CI (1.37, 143.90), P = 0.03]. Conclusion. Hypophosphatemia is common during acute RRT for critically ill patients and was associated with adverse clinical outcomes.

Acute Kidney Injury due to Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis was first described as crush syndrome, during the London blitz of world war-ll. lt is a common clinical syndrome resulting from muscle injury there after release of toxic cellular component especially myoglobin. Muscle injury may results from a variety of causes. Most common clinical presentation of rhabdomyolysis is triad of myalgia, weakness and dark colour urine. But presentation may be varied. Very often it causes acute kidney injury and demands renal replacement therapy. Acute Renal Failure (ARF) is usually associated with very high rise of Creatinine Kinase(CK) &gt;10,000 u/L1. In this series, there are few cases with rhabdomyolysis who were admitted and treated in Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) during July 2010 to April 2011. These cases of rhabdomyolysis normally developed acute kidney injury who were managed with dialysis support.Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.11(1) 2015: 93-95

Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin for Acute Kidney Injury During Acute Heart Failure Hospitalizations: The AKINESIS Study

BackgroundWorsening renal function (WRF) often occurs during acute heart failure (AHF) and can portend adverse outcomes; therefore, early identification may help mitigate risk. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a novel renal biomarker that may predict WRF in certain disorders, but its value in AHF is unknown. ObjectivesThis study sought to determine whether NGAL is superior to creatinine for prediction and/or prognosis of WRF in hospitalized patients with AHF treated with intravenous diuretic agents. MethodsThis was a multicenter, prospective cohort study enrolling patients presenting with AHF requiring intravenous diuretic agents. The primary outcome was whether plasma NGAL could predict the development of WRF, defined as a sustained increase in plasma creatinine of 0.5 mg/dl or ≥50% above first value or initiation of acute renal-replacement therapy, within the first 5 days of hospitalization. The main secondary outcome was in-hospital adverse events. ResultsWe enrolled 927 subjects (mean age, 68.5 years; 62% men). The primary outcome occurred in 72 subjects (7.8%). Peak NGAL was more predictive than the first NGAL, but neither added significant diagnostic utility over the first creatinine (areas under the curve: 0.656, 0.647, and 0.652, respectively). There were 235 adverse events in 144 subjects. The first NGAL was a better predictor than peak NGAL, but similar to the first creatinine (areas under the curve: 0.691, 0.653, and 0.686, respectively). In a post hoc analysis of subjects with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, a first NGAL <150 ng/ml indicated a low likelihood of adverse events. ConclusionsPlasma NGAL was not superior to creatinine for the prediction of WRF or adverse in-hospital outcomes. The use of plasma NGAL to diagnose acute kidney injury in AHF cannot be recommended at this time. (Acute Kidney Injury Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin [N-GAL] Evaluation of Symptomatic Heart Failure Study [AKINESIS]; NCT01291836)

Trends in One-Year Outcomes of Dialysis-Requiring Acute Kidney Injury in Denmark 2005-2012: A Population-Based Nationwide Study.

BackgroundDialysis-requiring acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with substantial mortality and risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite considerable growth in incidence of severe AKI, information pertaining to trends in outcomes remains limited. We evaluated time trends in one year risks of ESRD and death in patients with dialysis-requiring AKI over an eight year period in Denmark.MethodsIn a retrospective nationwide study based on national registers, all adults requiring acute renal replacement therapy between 2005 and 2012 were identified. Patients with preceding ESRD were excluded. Through individual-level cross-referencing of administrative registries, information pertaining to comorbidity, preceding surgical interventions, and concurrent other organ failure and sepsis was ascertained. Comparisons of period-specific one year odds ratios for ESRD and death were calculated in a multiple logistic regression model.ResultsA total of 13,819 patients with dialysis-requiring AKI were included in the study. Within one year, 1,017 (7.4%) patients were registered with ESRD, and 7,908 (57.2%) patients died. The one-year rate of ESRD decreased from 9.0% between 2005 and 2006 to 6.1% between 2011 and 2012. Simultaneously, the one-year mortality rate decreased from 58.2% between 2005 and 2006 to 57.5% between 2011 and 2012. Consequently, the adjusted odds ratios for the period 2011–2012 (with the period 2005–2006 as reference) were 0.75 (0.60–0.95, p = 0.015) and 0.87 (95% CI 0.78–0.97, p = 0.010) for ESRD and death, respectively.ConclusionsIn a nationwide retrospective study on time trends in one year outcomes following dialysis-requiring AKI, risk of all-cause mortality and ESRD decreased over a period of 8 years.

Increasing the Use of Kidneys From Unconventional and High-Risk Deceased Donors.

In this paper, we have reviewed the literature and report on kidney donors that are currently used at relatively low rates. Kidneys from donors with acute kidney injury (AKI) seem to have outcomes equivalent to those from donors without AKI, provided one can rule out significant cortical necrosis. Kidneys from donors with preexisting diabetes or hypertension may have marginally lower aggregate survival but still provide patients with a significant benefit over remaining on the wait list. The Kidney Donor Profile Index derives only an aggregate association with survival with a very modest C statistic; therefore, the data indicated that this index should not be the sole reason to discard a kidney, except perhaps in patients with extremely low estimated posttransplant survival scores. It is important to note that the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients models of risk adjustment should allay concerns regarding regulatory issues for observed outcomes falling below expectations. The successful utilization of kidneys from donation after cardiac death over the past decade shows how expanding our thinking can translate into more patients benefiting from transplantation. Given the growing number of patients on the wait list, broadening our approach to kidney acceptance could have an important impact on the population with end-stage renal disease. Many lives could be prolonged by carefully considering use of kidneys that are often discarded.

Long term end-stage renal disease and death following acute renal replacement therapy in the ICU.

In ICU the need for acute renal replacement therapy (RRT) associates with high mortality and risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but there are limited long-term data. We investigated these outcomes and their risk factors. Retrospective analysis of all adult patients admitted to a general, university hospital ICU 2005-2012, excluding chronic dialysis patients. ESRD was defined as need of RRT > 90 days or kidney transplant. Of 5766 patients included, 1004 (16%) received acute RRT; their 30-day mortality was 42% vs. 16% for those not requiring acute RRT (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.13 (0.96-1.32)). The 90-day mortality was 55% for patients receiving acute RRT vs. 22% for those who did not (adjusted HR 1.32 (1.15-1.51)) and 1-year mortality was 63% vs. 30%, respectively, (adjusted HR 1.31 (1.16-1.48)). The 7-year risk of ESRD for ICU patients surviving 90 days was 10% for patients who received acute RRT vs. 0.5% among those who did not (adjusted HR 5.9 (2.9-12.4)). Independent risk factors for ESRD included pre-existing kidney disease, pre-existing peripheral vascular disease and use of acute RRT in ICU. The need of acute RRT was associated with markedly increased long term risk of death and ESRD; in contrast its use was not associated with 30-day mortality. In addition to acute RRT, decreased kidney function and peripheral vascular disease before ICU admission were risk factors for ESRD. It seems warranted offering medical follow-up to patients after acute RRT in ICU.