AKI Patients Research Articles

Relationship between CRP Albumin Ratio and the Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with AKI: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background AKI is known to be associated with inflammation and nutritional status. The novel inflammatory prognostic score CAR (CRP/albumin ratio), which combines inflammation and nutritional status, was hypothesized to be associated with mortality in critically ill AKI patients in this study. Methods The included cases were patients admitted to the ICU of Shandong Provincial Hospital from January 2016 to November 2018 and diagnosed with AKI within 48 hours of ICU admission. From the electronic case database of Shandong Provincial Hospital, we extracted the baseline demographic information, vital signs, routine laboratory parameters, complications, and other data. The above records are measured within 48 hours of admission to ICU. The clinical endpoint was the total cause mortality rate in hospital and 2 years. We constructed two multivariate regression models to determine the statistically significant correlation between CAR and mortality and conducted subgroup analysis to determine the mortality among different subgroups. Results A total of 580 patients were included in this study. In multivariate regression analysis, higher CAR was associated with an increase in hospital and two-year all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with AKI after adjusting gender, age, respiratory frequency, temperature, and other confounding factors (tertile 3 versus tertile 1: OR, 95% CI: 2.97, 1.70-5.17; 3.03, 1.68-5.47, respectively; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the CAR level in each subgroup increases with hospital mortality in critically ill patients with AKI. Conclusion The increase of CAR in critically ill patients with AKI was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death.

Monocyte to high density lipoprotein ratio in patients with acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery.

The Monocyte to high density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) has been postulated as a novel parameter associated with adverse renal and cardiovascular outcomes. In this study we investigated the association of MHR with cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI). In this retrospective study, we analyzed the data pertaining to 1505 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. The CSA-AKI, which was defined using Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Concurrently, a retrospective scan of patient files was conducted and information relevant to nephropathy such as the level of their serum creatinine (SCr), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), serum cystatin C (Cys-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), glucose and MHR, ejection fraction, CPB duration time, and other indicators. About 1505 patients were studied of whom 195 developed AKI. MHR was significantly higher in the AKI patients (p = 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MHR, UA, Cys-C, age, glucose, and history of chronic kidney disease or hypertension were independently correlated with CSA-AKI. As a laboratory index, the elevated MHR is convenient, independent, and a useful predictor for CSA-AKI.

Acute kidney injury and acute kidney recovery following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with a dismal prognosis in Transcatheter Aortic Valve replacement (TAVR). Acute kidney recovery (AKR), a phenomenon reverse to AKI has recently been associated with better outcomes. Between November 2012 to May 2018, we explored consecutive patients referred to our Heart Valve Center for TAVR. AKI was defined according to the VARC-2 definition. Mirroring the VARC-2 definition of AKI, AKR was defined as a decrease in serum creatinine (≥50%) or ≥25% improvement in GFR up to 72 hours after TAVR. AKI and AKR were respectively observed in 8.3 and 15.7% of the 574 patients included. AKI and AKR patients were associated to more advanced kidney disease at baseline. At a median follow-up of 608 days (range 355-893), AKI and AKR patients experienced an increased cardiovascular mortality compared to unchanged renal function patients (14.6% and 17.8% respectively, vs. 8.1%, CI 95%, p<0.022). Chronic kidney disease, (HR: 3.9; 95% CI 1.7-9.2; p < 0.001) was the strongest independent factor associated with AKI similarly to baseline creatinine level (HR: 1; 95% CI 1 to 1.1 p < 0.001) for AKR. 72-hours post procedural AKR (HR: 2.26; 95% CI 1.14 to 4.88; p = 0.021) was the strongest independent predictor of CV mortality. Both AKR and AKI negatively impact long term clinical outcomes of patients undergoing TAVR.

Characteristics and outcomes of acute kidney injury in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A multicenter study by the Turkish society of nephrology.

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is common in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and the severity of AKI is linked to adverse outcomes. In this study, we investigated the factors associated with in-hospital outcomes among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and AKI.MethodsIn this multicenter retrospective observational study, we evaluated the characteristics and in-hospital renal and patient outcomes of 578 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and AKI. Data were collected from 34 hospitals in Turkey from March 11 to June 30, 2020. AKI definition and staging were based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Patients with end-stage kidney disease or with a kidney transplant were excluded. Renal outcomes were identified only in discharged patients.ResultsThe median age of the patients was 69 years, and 60.9% were males. The most frequent comorbid conditions were hypertension (70.5%), diabetes mellitus (43.8%), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (37.6%). The proportions of AKI stages 1, 2, and 3 were 54.0%, 24.7%, and 21.3%, respectively. 291 patients (50.3%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Renal improvement was complete in 81.7% and partial in 17.2% of the patients who were discharged. Renal outcomes were worse in patients with AKI stage 3 or baseline CKD. The overall in-hospital mortality in patients with AKI was 38.9%. In-hospital mortality rate was not different in patients with preexisting non-dialysis CKD compared to patients without CKD (34.4 versus 34.0%, p = 0.924). By multivariate Cox regression analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (95%CI)]: 1.01 [1.0–1.03], p = 0.035], male gender (HR [95%CI]: 1.47 [1.04–2.09], p = 0.029), diabetes mellitus (HR [95%CI]: 1.51 [1.06–2.17], p = 0.022) and cerebrovascular disease (HR [95%CI]: 1.82 [1.08–3.07], p = 0.023), serum lactate dehydrogenase (greater than two-fold increase) (HR [95%CI]: 1.55 [1.05–2.30], p = 0.027) and AKI stage 2 (HR [95%CI]: 1.98 [1.25–3.14], p = 0.003) and stage 3 (HR [95%CI]: 2.25 [1.44–3.51], p = 0.0001) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.ConclusionsAdvanced-stage AKI is associated with extremely high mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Age, male gender, comorbidities, which are risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19 in the general population, are also related to in-hospital mortality in patients with AKI. However, preexisting non-dialysis CKD did not increase in-hospital mortality rate among AKI patients. Renal problems continue in a significant portion of the patients who were discharged.

Development and External Verification of a Nomogram for Patients with Persistent Acute Kidney Injury in the Intensive Care Unit.

BackgroundWe aimed to identify the affecting features of persistent acute kidney injury (pAKI) for patients in intensive care units (ICU).MethodsThe Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database and eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) were used to identify AKI patients with and without duration of more than 48 hours. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and support vector machine (SVM-RFE) were utilized to screen for the significant clinical indexes associated with pAKI. Predictive nomogram was created based on the above informative parameters to predict the probability of pAKI.ResultsLASSO regression and SVM-RFE revealed that serum albumin, chronic kidney disease, AKI stage, sequential organ failure assessment score, lactate and renal replacement therapy during the first day were significantly associated with pAKI in the training cohort. The predictive nomogram based on the six predictors exhibited good predictive performance as calculated by C-index 0.730 (95% CI 0.710–0.749) in the training group, 0.702 (95% CI 0.672–0.722) in the internal validation set and 0.704 (0.677–0.731) in the external validation cohort for the prediction of pAKI. Moreover, the predictive nomogram exhibited not only encouraging calibration ability, but also great clinical utility in the training group, in the internal validation group as well as in the external validation cohort.ConclusionSerum albumin, CKD, AKI stage, SOFA score, lactate, RRT during the first day were closely associated with pAKI in patients in ICU. The predictive nomogram for pAKI manifested good predictive ability for the identification of ICU patients with pAKI.

Meta-analysis of AKI to CKD transition in perioperative patients

BackgroundRecent research shows AKI increases the risk of incident CKD. We hypothesized that perioperative AKI may confer increased risk of subsequent CKD compared to nonperioperative AKI.MethodsA MEDLINE search was performed for “AKI, CKD, chronic renal insufficiency, surgery, and perioperative” and related terms yielded 5209 articles. One thousand sixty-five relevant studies were reviewed. One thousand six were excluded because they were review, animal, or pediatric studies. Fifty-nine studies underwent full manuscript review by two independent evaluators. Seventeen met all inclusion criteria and underwent analysis. Two-by-two tables were constructed from AKI +/− and CKD +/− data. The R package metafor was employed to determine odds ratio (OR), and a random-effects model was used to calculate weighted ORs. Leave-1-out, funnel analysis, and structured analysis were used to estimate effects of study heterogeneity and bias.ResultsNonperioperative studies included studies of oncology, percutaneous coronary intervention, and myocardial infarction patients. Perioperative studies comprised patients from cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, and burns. There was significant heterogeneity, but risk of bias was overall assessed as low. The OR for AKI versus non-AKI patients developing CKD in all studies was 4.31 (95% CI 3.01–6.17; p < 0.01). Nonperioperative subjects demonstrated OR 3.32 for developing CKD compared to non-AKI patients (95% CI 2.06–5.34; p < 0.01) while perioperative patients demonstrated OR 5.20 (95% CI 3.12–8.66; p < 0.01) for the same event.ConclusionsWe conclude that studies conducted in perioperative and nonperioperative patient populations suggest similar risk of development of CKD after AKI.

Hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate acute kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury via enhancing renal tubular autophagy

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is an emerging global healthcare issue without effective therapy yet. Autophagy recycles damaged organelles and helps maintain tissue homeostasis in acute renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs) represent an innovative cell-based therapy in AKI. Moreover, the conditioned medium of HMSCs (HMSC-CM) rich in beneficial trophic factors may serve as a cell-free alternative therapy. Nonetheless, whether HMSCs or HMSC-CM mitigate renal I/R injury via modulating tubular autophagy remains unclear.MethodsRenal I/R injury was induced by clamping of the left renal artery with right nephrectomy in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were injected with either PBS, HMSCs, or HMSC-CM immediately after the surgery and sacrificed 48 h later. Renal tubular NRK-52E cells subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) injury were co-cultured with HMSCs or treated with HMSC-CM to assess the regulatory effects of HSMCs on tubular autophagy and apoptosis. The association of tubular autophagy gene expression and renal recovery was also investigated in patients with ischemic AKI.ResultHMSCs had a superior anti-oxidative effect in I/R-injured rat kidneys as compared to normoxia-cultured mesenchymal stem cells. HMSCs further attenuated renal macrophage infiltration and inflammation, reduced tubular apoptosis, enhanced tubular proliferation, and improved kidney function decline in rats with renal I/R injury. Moreover, HMSCs suppressed superoxide formation, reduced DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, and increased anti-oxidants expression in renal tubular epithelial cells during I/R injury. Co-culture of HMSCs with H/R-injured NRK-52E cells also lessened tubular cell death. Mechanistically, HMSCs downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory interleukin-1β, proapoptotic Bax, and caspase 3. Notably, HMSCs also upregulated the expression of autophagy-related LC3B, Atg5 and Beclin 1 in renal tubular cells both in vivo and in vitro. Addition of 3-methyladenine suppressed the activity of autophagy and abrogated the renoprotective effects of HMSCs. The renoprotective effect of tubular autophagy was further validated in patients with ischemic AKI. AKI patients with higher renal LC3B expression were associated with better renal recovery.ConclusionThe present study describes that the enhancing effect of MSCs, and especially of HMCSs, on tissue autophagy can be applied to suppress renal tubular apoptosis and attenuate renal impairment during renal I/R injury in the rat. Our findings provide further mechanistic support to HMSCs therapy and its investigation in clinical trials of ischemic AKI.

Cystatin C as a predictor of acute renal damage after radical surgical treatment in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Purpose of the study. To assess the clinical and prognostic significance of serum and urinary cystatin C (uCys-C and sCys-C) in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) in relation to AKI.Patients and methods. In this prospective study, uCys-C and sCys-C levels were measured during the first week after undergoing RC in a heterogeneous group of patients undergoing RC (n=186), mean age 59.5±11.4 years. The observation period of the patients was 6 months. The diagnosis of AKI that developed within the first week after surgery was based on the KDIGO criteria.Results. Of the 186 examined patients, 43 developed AKI according to generally accepted criteria. During the follow-up period, no patient required renal replacement therapy. AKI patients had a longer hospital stay (22.4±22.9 versus 13.0±4.1). The sCys-C levels were significantly associated with the occurrence of AKI and CKD in the long-term postoperative period and had an area under the ROC curve of 0.76 and 0.81, respectively, for predicting severe outcomes. At an optimal cut-off value of 161.17 ng/ml, sCys-C showed a sensitivity of 65 % and a specificity of 58 % for predicting AKI. The greatest increase in the concentration of sCys-C was detected 6-12 hours after surgery, followed by a decrease in the long-term follow-up.Conclusion. Peak sCys-C levels are associated with AKI and independently predict the development of AKI in patients after RC and the onset of CKD within 6 months.

Acute Kidney Injury in Crush Syndrome and Renal Disaster-Experience in Bangladesh after garment factory collapse

Background: Crush-syndrome usually resulting from earthquake and other natural disaster causes mortality and morbidity. A multistoried garment factory collapsed in Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 24th April 2013 with about 4000 workers. Among the rescued victims, many of them develop crush – syndrome and AKI that led to a man-made renal disaster in Bangladesh. We analyzed outcome of severe AKI patient who required renal replacement therapy.&#x0D; Methods: Victims from accident site were first treated in primarily local hospital and primary care center. Suspected crush syndrome patients were rapidly transferred to tertiary hospital for dialysis and ICU support. We collect data of severe AKI patient by a standard questionnairebased onrenal disaster relief force – crush syndrome patient questionnaire.&#x0D; Results: We had experienced many AKI and crush syndrome after collapsed garment factory with 3500 workers which created a manmade renal disaster. We observed 27 severe AKI due to crush syndrome of Rana plaza with mean age 25.12 years, most of them were female (51.85%). Victims rescued as early as possible, average rescue time was 20.30 hours, 62.96% developed compartment syndrome and required fasciotomy. All of them got dialysis treatment; some of them required ICU support. Among all, 67% recovered completely and 26% died. Main causes of death were infection and DIC with MOF.&#x0D; Conclusions: Crush injury victims who developed severe AKI, required dialysis. Severe AKI patients who required dialysis had high mortality and morbidity. Early intervention to prevent AKI and complications may reduce mortality and morbidity.&#x0D; Bangladesh J Medicine July 2021; 32(2) : 107-112

MO383COVID - 19 AND AKUTE KIDNEY INJURY- A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Background and AimsThe new coronavirus disease (COVID 19) has become a worldwide health emergency with a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, from common cold symptoms to multiorgan failure. A great number of medical centers have reported that patients with COVID-19 have developed acute kidney injury. The kidney is a target organ for SARS - COV2 because of ACE2 receptor, the binding site for this virus, is expressed in kidney tissue. The potential mechanisms for kidney injury are direct kidney injury, inflammation, activation of coagulation and complement cascades. Data from centers worldwide reported a wide range of AKI incidence, from 0,5% in China to 46% in USA. The aim of this study was to analyze incidence, risk factors and outcomes of AKI in hospitalized patients with COVID 19 who were treated from 01.04. to 01.06.2020. at Nephrology Department of University Clinical Center Zvezdara, which was at the time transformed into COVID hospital.MethodThis retrospective observational study included 51 patients who had normal kidney function before the infection with SARS COV2, and 7 of them developed dialysis non-dependent AKI. Analysis included data collection from the patients’ history including demographic, clinical and administrative data. Statistical analysis has been performed using SPSS software version 20 (IBM Corporation, New York, USA).ResultsOut of 51 patients 7 (13.7%) developed AKI, mean age was 59 + 16 years and 53% were male. Diabetes mellitus was present in 27 of patients with AKI, hypertension in 6/7, obesity in 3/7, coronary artery disease in 1/7 and 1 of 7 patients was smoker. These risk factors except obesity (p= 0.05) didn’t vary significantly between two groups (AKI and non AKI patients with COVID-19). Our results showed significant correlation between AKI development and obesity (p= 0.05, OR 4.75), Charlston index score (p=0.01), D dimer score (p=0.01), and CT COVID score (p=0.03). Regarding the outcome, COVID 19 patients with AKI showed 7-fold higher risk for fatal outcome (p= 0.046).ConclusionObesity, higher D dimer values, worse CT findings and higher Charlston comorbidity score index were associated with acute kidney injury in patients with COVID 19. AKI proved to be significant risk factor for fatal outcome in patients with SARS COV2 infection.

Acute kidney disease in hospitalized acute kidney injury patients.

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have become worldwide public health problems, but little information is known about the epidemiology of acute kidney disease (AKD)—a state in between AKI and CKD. We aimed to explore the incidence and outcomes of hospitalized patients with AKD after AKI, and investigate the prognostic value of AKD in predicting 30-day and one-year adverse outcomes.MethodsA total of 2,556 hospitalized AKI patients were identified from three tertiary hospitals in China in 2015 and followed up for one year.AKD and AKD stage were defined according to the consensus report of the Acute Disease Quality Initiative 16 workgroup. Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for confounding variables were used to examine the association of AKD with adverse outcomes.ResultsAKD occurred in 45.4% (1161/2556) of all AKI patients, 14.5% (141/971) of AKI stage 1 patients, 44.6% (308/691) of AKI stage 2 patients and 79.6% (712/894) of AKI stage 3 patients. AKD stage 1 conferred a greater risk of Major Adverse Kidney Events within 30 days (MAKE30) (odds ratio [OR], 2.36; 95% confidence interval 95% CI [1.66–3.36]) than AKD stage 0 but the association only maintained in AKI stage 3 when patients were stratified by AKI stage. However, compared with AKD stage 0, AKD stage 2–3 was associated with higher risks of both MAKE30 and one-year chronic dialysis and mortality independent of the effects of AKI stage with OR being 31.35 (95% CI [23.42–41.98]) and 2.68 (95% CI [2.07–3.48]) respectively. The association between AKD stage and adverse outcomes in 30 days and one year was not significantly changed in critically ill and non-critically ill AKI patients. The results indicated that AKD is common among hospitalized AKI patients. AKD stage 2–3 provides additional information in predicting 30-day and one-year adverse outcomes over AKI stage. Enhanced follow-up of renal function of these patients may be warranted.

A cross-sectional study of chemotherapy-related AKI

This study aims to detail the characteristics of chemotherapy-related acute kidney injury (CR-AKI) and investigate its effect on patient outcomes. This is a multicenter cross-sectional study of cancer patients with CR-AKI screened from hospital-acquired adult AKI patients based on a nationwide AKI survey in China. Of the 3468 patients with hospital-acquired AKI, 258 cases of CR-AKI were identified. Of the patients, 20.1% (52/258) were ≥ 70 years old. Among the 258 CR-AKI cases, 61 (23.6%) reached AKI stage 3, and 75 (29.1%) reached AKI stage 2. The remaining 122 (47.3%) remained at AKI stage 1. A total of 413 chemotherapeutic agents were related to AKI, of which platinum compounds (24.5%, 101/413) were the most common. In-hospital mortality was 14.7% (38/258), and the rate of AKI non-recovery was 48.3% (100/207). AKI stage 3 (OR 2.930, 95% CI 1.156-7.427) and age ≥ 70 years (OR 3.138, 95% CI 1.309-7.519) were independent risk factors for in-hospital death. Compared to stage 2 or 3 AKI cases, a higher proportion of patients with stage 1 AKI did not recover their renal function (57.1% vs. 41.4% vs. 36.4%, P = 0.032). More AKI episodes were not recognized in patients with stage 1 AKI compared with the other two groups (82.8% vs. 60.0% vs. 36.1%, P < 0.001). CR-AKI accounted for a noteworthy proportion of hospital-acquired AKI, and severe CR-AKI increased in-hospital mortality. Mild CR-AKI was more likely to be overlooked, and sustained kidney injury was common in this situation. Recognizing CR-AKI at an early stage and personalizing treatment should be emphasized in those undergoing chemotherapy.

Screening Key Indicators for Acute Kidney Injury Prediction Using Machine Learning

Acute kidney injury is a common critical disease with a high mortality. The large number of indicators in AKI patients makes it difficult for clinicians to quickly and accurately determine the patient’s condition. This study used machine learning methods to filter key indicators and use key indicator data to achieve advance prediction of AKI so that a small number of indicators could be measured to reliably predict AKI and provide auxiliary decision support for clinical staff. Sequential forward selection based on feature importance calculated by XGBoost was used to screen out 17 key indicators. Three machine learning algorithms were used to make predictions, namely, logistic regression (LR), decision tree, and XGBoost. To verify the validity of the method, data were extracted from the MIMIC III database and the eICU-CRD database for 1,009 and 1,327 AKI patients, respectively. The MIMIC III database was used for internal validation, and the eICU-CRD database was used for external validation. For all three machine learning algorithms, the prediction performance from using only the key indicator dataset was very close to that from using the full dataset. The XGBoost algorithm performed the best, and LR was the next best. The decision tree performed the worst. The key indicator screening method proposed in this study can achieve a good predictive performance while streamlining the number of indicators.

POS-072 PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NGAL FOR AKI DIAGNOSIS IN A CLINICAL SETTING

Kidney injury biomarkers for AKI have been shown to detect AKI earlier, predict progression and better discriminate etiology compared to serum creatinine. These biomarkers have been studied in various clinical trials, but their implementation and prediction capacity in standard clinical settings have rarely been reported. We describe our initial clinical experience during the implementation of the Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in our academic medical centre. We prospectively audited the initial implementation and use of urine and plasma NGAL (uNGAL, pNGAL) as diagnostic biomarkers in hospitalised patients with newly diagnosed AKI. This novel biomarker was ordered only by the Nephrology Consult service. Questionnaires for initial evaluation of the suspected etiology and risk of progression were completed by the consulting renal team before and one day after usual diagnostic workup. NGAL results were available for the second follow-up assessment. An NGAL level of 150 ng/mL was used by the SVUH Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory as the cut-off value to discriminate the presence of tubular damage (range 25-3000 ng/mL). An attending nephrologist, not involved in the care of these patients, independently conducted a retrospective review using medical records, to determine the most likely etiology of AKI, and whether or not clinical progression occurred following initial renal consultation. Descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for analyses. This audit was pre-approved by the SVUH Clinical Audit Committee. Between May and October 2020, 47 NGAL samples were measured (uNGAL, n=23; pNGAL, n=24) in 26 AKI patients, with a median age of 66.5 (IQR 55.3-81.0). Chronic kidney disease was present in 12 (46%) patients. Stage 1, 2 and 3 AKI occurred in 6 (23%), 11 (42%), and 9 (35%) patients, respectively. The median delay between admission and NGAL measurement was 4 (IQR 0-20) days. The creatinine level at diagnosis was similar for pre-renal AKI (median 224 (IQR 157-340) umol/L) and intra-renal AKI (median 247 (IQR 193-487) umol/L). Urine NGAL was 41 (IQR 29-280) ng/mL in the pre-renal group, compared to 1308 (IQR 175-1361) ng/mL for intra-renal AKI (p=0.08), while pNGAL were 251 (IQR 99-340) ng/mL and 420 (IQR 255-865) ng/mL (p=0.19), respectively. NGAL levels were higher in the subgroup of ischemic ATN (uNGAL: 1332 (IQR 888-1365) ng/mL; pNGAL: 495 (IQR 384-889) ng/mL) compared to toxic ATN (uNGAL: 178 (IQR 105-1389) ng/mL; pNGAL 208 (IQR 139-751) ng/mL). According to adjudication, the initial clinical impression of AKI etiology was incorrect in 3 patients (12%), while the initial prediction of progression vs. non-progression was incorrect in 8 patients (31%). In those 8 patients, NGAL values correctly predicted progression in 7 of them. We reported the early use of both uNGAL and pNGAL in clinical practice on the Nephrology consultation service in an academic medical centre. Based on our experience, we consider that NGAL, especially uNGAL can be an interesting tool for differential diagnosis and to predict AKI progression. The diagnostic accuracy of NGAL tests for these purposes may be improved by using a higher cut-off level to determine the etiology and prognosis of new AKI cases. Additional integration of NGAL tests into clinical algorithms for AKI management and follow-up audits are required.

Evaluation of Risk and Prognosis Factors of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With HELLP Syndrome During Pregnancy.

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome complicated with acute renal failure (AKI) is an important cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. The present retrospective study aims to identify risk and prognosis factors that are associated with AKI in patients with HELLP syndrome during pregnancy. A total of 110 pregnant HELLP patients with or without AKI from an 8-year period were studied. 65 of the patients were diagnosed with AKI based on the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative criteria. Levels of the lowest hemoglobin and highest serum creatinine and bleeding incidence were identified as independent risk factors for AKI onset. Infection and serum creatinine level were identified as independent risk factors for maternal mortality. In addition, we also found that these factors were significantly different in AKI patients of different severity. The overall complete recovery rate was 67.7% (44 out of 65) for patients with AKI. The overall death rate was 4.5% (5 out of 110), where one of the patient was from the non-AKI group and the other four were from the AKI group. Our results provide valuable indications for clinical doctors during their diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of recovery status in HELLP patients complicated with AKI.

Role of SIK1 in the transition of acute kidney injury into chronic kidney disease

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI), with a high morbidity and mortality, is recognized as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). AKI-CKD transition has been regarded as one of the most pressing unmet needs in renal diseases. Recently, studies have showed that salt inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) plays a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammation, which are the hallmarks of AKI-CKD transition. However, whether SIK1 is involved in AKI-CKD transition and by what mechanism it regulates AKI-CKD transition remains unknown.MethodsWe firstly detected the expression of SIK1 in kidney tissues of AKI patients and AKI mice by immunohistochemistry staining, and then we established Aristolochic acid (AA)-induced AKI-CKD transition model in C57BL/6 mice and HK2 cells. Subsequently, we performed immunohistochemistry staining, ELISA, real-time PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining and Transwell assay to explore the role and underlying mechanism of SIK1 on AKI-CKD transition.ResultsThe expression of SIK1 was down-regulated in AKI patients, AKI mice, AA-induced AKI-CKD transition mice, and HK2 cells. Functional analysis revealed that overexpression of SIK1 alleviated AA-induced AKI-CKD transition and HK2 cells injury in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that SIK1 mediated AA-induced AKI-CKD transition by regulating WNT/β-catenin signaling, the canonical pathway involved in EMT, inflammation and renal fibrosis. In addition, we discovered that inhibition of WNT/β-catenin pathway and its downstream transcription factor Twist1 ameliorated HK2 cells injury, delaying the progression of AKI-CKD transition.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated, for the first time, a protective role of SIK1 in AKI-CKD transition by regulating WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and its downstream transcription factor Twist1, which will provide novel insights into the prevention and treatment AKI-CKD transition in the future.

Survey of Current Practices of Outpatient Hemodialysis for AKI Patients

“I developed acute kidney injury requiring dialysis as a complication of heart surgery and was transferred to an outpatient dialysis center. I was readmitted to the hospital multiple times for severe fluid overload and congestive heart failure and became terrified to go back to the outpatient dialysis clinic that I felt had nearly killed me twice. My labs were checked once a week, but I felt I was not comprehensively evaluated and was never able to establish good communication with my nephrologist.

Association of plasma and urine NGAL with acute kidney injury after elective colorectal surgery: A cohort study

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is common in surgical patients. We aimed to investigate the validity of plasma and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in the detection of AKI and prediction of outcomes in patients undergoing major colorectal surgery. Materials and methodsThis was a pre-specified post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing oesophageal doppler and Lithium dilution cardiac output monitoring in high risk patients undergoing major colorectal surgery as part of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol in a tertiary care hospital. Plasma and urine samples for NGAL measurement were taken before surgery (T1), immediately after surgery (T2), and on postoperative day 1 (T3). AKI was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. ResultsA total of 89 patients were included of whom 12 (13.5%) developed AKI. Plasma NGAL significantly increased from T1 to T3 in both AKI (p < 0.001) and non-AKI (p = 0.048) patients, while urine NGAL did not change over time. There were no significant differences in plasma and urine NGAL in patients with and without AKI at all time points. Postoperative day 1 urine NGAL concentrations were significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors (41.2 versus 25 ng/mL, p = 0.026). One-year mortality was significantly higher in AKI patients with a raised urine NGAL compared to AKI patients without elevated urine NGAL levels. ConclusionsPlasma and urine NGAL poorly predicted AKI post-colorectal surgery. Non-survivors had higher urine NGAL results. More research is required to explore the association between NGAL and long-term outcomes.

Hsa-miR-494-3p attenuates gene HtrA3 transcription to increase inflammatory response in hypoxia/reoxygenation HK2 Cells

The occurrence of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) increases hospital stay and mortality. MicroRNAs has a crucial role in AKI. This objective of the current study is to explore the function of hsa-miR-494-3p in inflammatory response in human kidney tubular epithelial (HK2) cells with hypoxia/reoxygenation. According to KDIGO standard, patients after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were divided into two groups: AKI (n = 10) and non-AKI patients (n = 8). HK2 were raised in the normal and hypoxia/reoxygenation circumstances and mainly treated by overexpression ofmiR-494-3p and HtrA3. The relationship between miR-494-3p and HtrA3 was determined by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Our result showed that Hsa-miR-494-3p was elevated in the serum of patients with CSA-AKI, and also induced in hypoxic reoxygenated HK2 cells. Hsa-miR-494-3p also increased a hypoxia-reoxygenation induced inflammatory response in HK2 cells. Moreover, as a target gene of miR-494-3p, overexpression of HtrA3 downregulated the hypoxia-reoxygenation induced inflammatory response in HK2 cells. Overexpression of hsa-miR-494-3p-induced inflammatory response was inhibited by overexpression of HtrA3. Collectively, we identified that hsa-miR-494-3p, a miRNA induced in both circulation of AKI patients and hypoxia-reoxygenation-treated HK2 cells, enhanced renal inflammation by targeting HtrA3, which may suggest a possible role as a new therapeutic target for CSA-AKI.

A randomized trial of albumin infusion to prevent intradialytic hypotension in hospitalized hypoalbuminemic patients

BackgroundIntradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a frequent complication of intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), occurring from 15 to 50% of ambulatory sessions, and is more frequent among hospitalized patients with hypoalbuminemia. IDH limits adequate fluid removal and increases the risk for vascular access thrombosis, early hemodialysis (HD) termination, and mortality. Albumin infusion before and during therapy has been used for treating IDH with the varying results. We evaluated the efficacy of albumin infusion in preventing IDH during IHD in hypoalbuminemic inpatients.MethodsA randomized, crossover trial was performed in 65 AKI or ESKD patients with hypoalbuminemia (albumin < 3 g/dl) who required HD during hospitalization. Patients were randomized to receive 100 ml of either 0.9%sodium chloride or 25% albumin intravenously at the initiation of each dialysis. These two solutions were alternated for up to six sessions. Patients' vital signs and ultrafiltration removal rate were recorded every 15 to 30 min during dialysis. IDH was assessed by different definitions reported in the literature. All symptoms associated with a noted hypotensive event as well as interventions during the dialysis were recorded.ResultsSixty-five patients were submitted to 249 sessions; the mean age was 58 (pm 12), and 46 (70%) were male with a mean weight of 76 (pm 18) kg. The presence of IDH was lower during albumin sessions based on all definitions. The hypotension risk was significantly decreased based on the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative definition; (15% with NS vs. 7% with albumin, p = 0.002). The lowest intradialytic SBP was significantly worse in patients who received 0.9% sodium chloride than albumin (NS 83 vs. albumin 90 mmHg, p = 0.035). Overall ultrafiltration rate was significantly higher in the albumin therapies [NS − 8.25 ml/kg/h (− 11.18 5.80) vs. 8.27 ml/kg/h (− 12.22 to 5.53) with albumin, p = 0.011].ConclusionIn hypoalbuminemic patients who need HD, albumin administration before the dialysis results in fewer episodes of hypotension and improves fluid removal. Albumin infusion may be of benefit to improve the safety of HD and achievement of fluid balance in these high-risk patients.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04522635