Baseline Serum Creatinine Level Research Articles

The computerized algorithm for renal assessment improves diagnostic accuracy of renal impairment in hospitalized patients

In hospitalized patients, acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important adverse event associated with high mortality and medical costs. Accurate diagnosis and timely management of AKI are essential for improving the outcomes of in-hospital AKI, and delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis hinders advancements in AKI care. To ameliorate this problem, several electronic AKI alert systems have been proposed but have shown inconsistent effects on AKI outcomes. Before electronic systems can improve AKI outcomes, it is important to confirm their diagnostic accuracy. The purposes of the present study were to establish an easy-to-construct computerized algorithm for the diagnosis of renal impairment and to test its accuracy. The present study retrospectively included 1551 patients hospitalized in Wanfang Hospital with serum creatinine (SCr) levels > 1.3 mg/dL. A computerized algorithm was constructed to identify AKI events and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in these patients. Previous SCr tests were reviewed to define baseline SCr levels. A SCr level increased > 1.5 times from baseline was defined as AKI. An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for > 90 days was defined as CKD. Discharge diagnoses made by the attending physicians were defined as “clinician’s diagnoses.” The researcher’s diagnoses, made by experienced nephrologists according to the same criteria, were the gold standard to which the computerized algorithms and the clinician’s diagnoses were compared. The diagnoses made by the computerized algorithm and clinician were compared with the researcher’s diagnoses to define their accuracy. Among the included patients, the mean age was 73.0 years; in-hospital mortality was 14.8%, and AKI was present in 28.6% of patients. Regarding the diagnostic accuracy for AKI, the computerized algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 85.6% and a specificity of 98.8%. The main cause of false-negative (FN) AKI diagnosis was AKI occurring prior to the outpatient visit, before the indexed hospitalization. Regarding the diagnostic accuracy for CKD, the computerized algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 94.7% and specificity of 100%. The main cause of FN CKD diagnosis was the lack of previous eGFR records. The computerized algorithm exhibited significantly superior accuracy compared to the clinician’s diagnoses for both AKI (95.0% vs. 57.0%) and CKD (96.5% vs. 73.6%). We developed a simple and easy-to-construct computerized algorithm for the diagnosis of renal impairment that demonstrated significantly improved diagnostic accuracy for AKI and CKD compared to that of clinicians. In the future, an algorithmic approach for the differential diagnosis of AKI and a decision guide should be incorporated into this system.

Identification of factors associated with vancomycin-induced acute kidney injury: A retrospective analysis using the Common Data Model.

Previous findings on predictors of vancomycin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) are inconsistent. We aimed to identify the predictors of vancomycin-induced AKI using the Observational Medical Outcome Partnership Common Data Model. We analyzed data from patients treated with vancomycin between January 1, 2012, and May 31, 2022, who were positive for Staphylococcus aureus and had undergone oxacillin susceptibility tests. After excluding patients without data for vancomycin or baseline serum creatinine levels, 116 patients were included in the final dataset. Data up to the third measured vancomycin concentration were collected for each patient. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for each variable associated with vancomycin-induced AKI. High baseline serum creatinine levels, intensive care unit admission, and concurrent renal disorders were significantly associated with vancomycin-induced AKI. Although high trough levels or area under the curve values were not significantly associated with vancomycin-induced AKI, both were significantly higher in patients with AKI than in those without AKI at the second vancomycin concentration measurement. The proportion with trough levels >20mg/L was higher in patients with AKI than in those without AKI at the third measurement. Our findings revealed that underlying renal disease and intensive care unit admission are more significantly associated with vancomycin-induced AKI than vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters or dosage, likely due to vancomycin concentration-based dosage adjustment in clinical settings. Our findings may help develop strategies for reducing the incidence of vancomycin-induced AKI; however, further prospective studies are essential.

Is the transradial approach associated with decreased acute kidney injury following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients not complicated by major bleeding and haemodynamic disturbance?

The impact of the transradial approach (TRA) on the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) has been controversial. We retrospectively analysed 463 patients undergoing PCI for either acute or chronic coronary syndrome. Excluded patients were those with missing laboratory or procedural data, acute/decompensated heart failure, major bleeding, haemodynamic instability, long-term dialysis and mortality. The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of AKI after PCI, which was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) level of 0.5 mg/dl or 25% from the baseline. Secondary endpoints were change in SCr level, increase in SCr of ≥ 0.3 and ≥ 0.5 mg/dl, and increase in SCr of ≥ 25 and ≥ 50%. We compared the incidence of AKI between the TRA and the transfemoral approach (TFA) in the overall and a propensity score (PS)-matched study population. The study population included 339 patients. After PS matching, we obtained a well-balanced population of 182 patients. The differences between the incidence of AKI in the TRA and TFA were not significant in both the overall (9.0 vs 11.2%, p = 0.503) and PS-matched (9.9 vs 7.7%, p = 0.601) study population. TRA resulted in a significantly lower incidence of SCr increase of ≥ 50% in unmatched patients. However, after PS matching, there was no difference between the TRA and TFA in any variable of secondary post-PCI renal outcomes. Age, female gender, baseline SCr level, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and contrast volume were independent predictors of AKI. Compared to the conventional TFA, TRA was not associated with a reduced incidence of AKI after PCI in patients not complicated by major bleeding, acute heart failure and haemodynamic disturbances.

Haemolysis and acute tubular injury after pulsed field ablation compared to radiofrequency: An observational study

Abstract Background Pulsed field ablation (PFA) represents a novel promising non-thermal alternative in non-pharmacological treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, infrequent cases of acute renal failure secondary to intravascular haemolysis after a PFA procedure have been described. Objective To investigate the impact of ablation technology (PFA vs. radiofrequency ablation (RFA)) on the level of plasma cell-free haemoglobin (CFH) and the concentration of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a marker of tubular injury. Methods This was a prospective observational trial. In a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent AF ablation (PFA of RFA), blood samples were drawn just before the procedure (Sample 1: CFH and NGAL), immediately after the procedure (Sample 2: CFH) and one day after the procedure (Sample 3: CFH and NGAL). Plasma CHF level and serum NGAL concentration were analysed using the ELISA technique. Results Among 70 patients enrolled (mean age 64.3 ± 10.3 years, 61 % male), 23 underwent RFA and 47 PFA (22 pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) only and 25 PVI with other additive lesions). Baseline serum creatinine levels of both groups were comparable (91.7 ± 22.1 µmol/L vs. 88.8 ± 22.1 µmol/L P = 0.44). In the PFA cohort, a significant peak of CFH concentration was observed just after the procedure with a subsequent decrease within 12 hours (Sample 1 vs. Sample 2: 93.4 ± 65.1 µg/mL vs. 2394.9 ± 1966.1 µg/mL P &amp;lt; 0.001, Sample 1 vs. Sample 3: 93.4 ± 65.1 µg/mL vs. 97.2 ± 68.5 µg/mL P = 0.75). No significant differences were observed in the RFA cohort. Compared to baseline, neither the PFA nor the RFA group showed a significant difference in NGAL levels (PFA 98.6 ± 31.7 ng/mL vs. 98.5 ± 38.1 ng/mL P = 0.78, RFA 108.3 ± 33.8 ng/mL vs. 116.3 ± 32.2 ng/mL P = 0.49). Conclusions Compared to RFA, PFA leads to significant peri-procedural haemolysis. However, no differences in the concentration of the tubular injury marker NGAL were observed on the first day after the procedure.

Low incidence of acute kidney injury with combined intravenous and topical antibiotic infusions in periprosthetic joint infection after total knee arthroplasty.

This study aimed to assess the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with combined intravenous (IV) and topical antibiotic therapy in patients undergoing treatment for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), utilizing the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria for classification. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 162 knees (162 patients) that received treatment for PJI post-TKA with combined IV and topical antibiotic infusions at a single academic hospital from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2022. The incidence of AKI was evaluated using the KDIGO criteria, focussing on the identification of significant predictors and the temporal pattern of AKI development. AKI was identified in 9.26% (15/162) of the cohort, predominantly presenting as stage 1 AKI, which was transient in nature and resolved prior to discharge. The analysis highlighted moderate anaemia and lower baseline serum creatinine levels as significant predictors for the development of AKI. Notably, the study found no instances of severe complications such as wound dehiscence, skin erosion, or the need for haemodialysis following treatment. The findings suggest that the combined use of IV and topical antibiotic therapy in the management of PJIs post-TKA is associated with a low incidence of primarily transient stage 1 AKI. This indicates a potentially favourable renal safety profile, advocating for further research to confirm these outcomes and potentially influence treatment protocols in PJI management.

ASSOCIATION OF RADIAL ARTERY ACCESS WITH REDUCED INCIDENCE OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication following cardiac procedures, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The choice of vascular access site may influence the incidence of AKI, with radial artery access potentially offering protective benefits compared to femoral artery access. Objective: To evaluate the association between radial artery access during cardiac procedures and the incidence of acute kidney injury among patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease from January 2023 to January 2024. A total of 370 patients who underwent cardiac procedures were included, comprising 200 patients in the radial artery access group and 170 in the femoral artery access group. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records, including demographic information, baseline renal function, procedural details, and serum creatinine levels before and after the procedure. The incidence of AKI was determined based on established criteria for changes in serum creatinine. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate tests, with a significance level set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Patients in the radial artery access group had a shorter average hospital stay (2.5 ± 1.2 days) compared to the femoral group (3.8 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.001). The mortality rate was lower in the radial group (1.5%) versus the femoral group (4.1%), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was 2.5% in the radial group compared to 5.9% in the femoral group (p = 0.07). Acute kidney injury occurred in 10.0% of patients in the radial artery access group (20 out of 200) versus 17.6% in the femoral artery access group (30 out of 170), indicating a significant reduction in AKI incidence with radial access. Conclusion: Using radial artery access during cardiac procedures significantly reduces the incidence of acute kidney injury compared to femoral artery access. These findings support the preference for radial artery access to minimize the risk of AKI and improve patient outcomes.

Maternal-related factors associated with development and improvement of peripartum cardiomyopathy and therapeutic outcomes of bromocriptine

HIGHLIGHTS Younger age, black race, normotension, and multiparity indicate a poorer prognosis for peripartum cardiomyopathy recovery, while bromocriptine therapy reduces adverse events. ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed to fill the significant knowledge gap regarding peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a heart failure phenotype linked to pregnancy. The main objectives were to explore the factors influencing the development and progression of PPCM and to assess the outcomes of bromocriptine.Materials and Methods: Systematic search across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library identified studies until December 2022. This study includes non-randomized prospective and retrospective studies, as well as relevant randomized controlled trials. Risk factors were compared between the recovered and non-recovered PPCM groups, and bromocriptine therapy outcomes were evaluated against standard heart failure treatment as the primary endpoint.Results: The analysis included 24 observational studies and 1 randomized controlled trial involving 1,651 PPCM patients; 9 studies evaluating the outcomes of bromocriptine therapy. The most prevalent factors were caesarean delivery (proportion=53%, 95%CI=41%-66%) and anemia (proportion=51%, 95%CI=38%-65%). Non-recovered patients were younger (MD=-1.04 years old, 95%CI=-1.82-(-0.27), p=0.008) and predominantly black (RR=1.82, 95%CI=1.43-2.31, p &lt;0.001). Hypertensive disorders and primiparity were found less among non-recovered patients (RR=0.73, 95%CI=0.60-0.88, p=0.001; RR=0.81, 95%CI=0.66-0.99, p=0.04, respectively). Non-recovered patients also exhibited higher baseline serum creatinine levels, lower LVEF, larger left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), larger left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and lower fractional shortening (all P-values&lt;0.05). Furthermore, bromocriptine significantly reduced major adverse cardiac events (MACE), mortality, and increased LVEF (all P-values&lt;0.05).Conclusion: Younger maternal age, black race, absence of hypertension, and multiparity are associated with poorer prognosis for PPCM recovery. Bromocriptine therapy demonstrates superior benefits in reducing adverse events in PPCM.

Changes in pre-haemodialysis serum creatinine levels over 2years and long-term survival in maintenance haemodialysis.

Pre-haemodialysis (HD) serum creatinine levels are reliable and inexpensive markers of muscle mass and important predictors of survival in patients with stable chronic HD. We aimed to assess whether changes in pre-HD serum creatinine levels during a 2-year period are linked to long-term patient survival. We retrospectively analysed patients enrolled in a periodic HD quality assessment program. Of the 21846 participants in the fourth HD quality assessment program, 13765 were presented in the fifth, of which 10299 eligible patients were included in this study. We assessed the change in serum creatinine levels over 2years. The patients were categorized into the following three groups: stable group (patients with change in serum creatinine<1mg/dL during 2years of HD, n=5664), increasing group (patients with increase in serum creatinine≥1mg/dL, n=2419) and decreasing group (patients with decrease in serum creatinine≥1mg/dL, n=2216). The duration of HD at baseline was 62-83months, with diabetic kidney disease being the most common cause of kidney failure in 36.4% of patients. The 5-year patient survival rates in the stable, increasing and decreasing groups were 69.1%, 71.3% and 66.8%, respectively. The decreasing group had poorer patient survival than the other two groups (P=0.083 for stable vs. increasing group; P=0.011 for stable vs. decreasing group; P<0.001 for increasing vs. decreasing group). There was no significant difference in the cardiovascular event-free survival rate among the three groups. Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed the highest hazard ratio (HR) for mortality in the decreasing group (HR 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-1.45, P<0.001 vs. stable group; HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.34-1.69, P<0.001 vs. increasing group). The increasing group exhibited a lower risk of mortality than the stable group (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81-0.97, P=0.008). Subgroup analyses based on age, HD vintage, sex, Charlson comorbidity index score, presence of diabetes and baseline serum creatinine level tertiles revealed that the decreasing group exhibited the highest mortality among all subgroups. Our results demonstrate that changes in pre-HD serum creatinine levels over 2years of HD were associated with all-cause mortality in patients undergoing HD. This finding suggests a simple and promising approach for clinicians in the prognosis and management of patients undergoing HD.

Risk factors and multi-pathogen infections in kidney transplant recipients with omicron variant pneumonia: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundKidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at an elevated risk of progressing to severe infections upon contracting COVID-19. We conducted a study on risk factors and multi-pathogen infections in KTRs with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.MethodsKTRs were subjected to a thorough etiological evaluation. Whenever feasible, they were also provided with bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage to enable metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), ideally within a 48-hour window post-admission. We performed a retrospective analysis for pathogens and risk factors of KTRs with the COVID-19 virus variant Omicron.ResultsWe included thirty patients in our study, with sixteen exhibiting single infection of COVID-19 and fourteen experiencing co-infections, predominantly with Pneumocystis jirovecii. Notably, patients with severe cases demonstrated significantly elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 compared to those with moderate cases (P < 0.05). Furthermore, individuals whose conditions progressed had markedly higher baseline serum creatinine levels than those without such progression (P < 0.05). The presence of heart failure, acute exacerbation of renal dysfunction, and a history of opportunistic infections were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of deterioration and hospital admission due to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In subsequent follow-up analysis, the all-cause rehospitalization rate was observed to be 21.4%, with Pneumocystis jirovecii infection accounting for half of these cases.ConclusionAmong KTRs, a significant coinfection rate of 47% was observed, with Pneumocystis jirovecii emerging as the predominant pathogen in these cases. The development of heart failure, acute exacerbation of chronic renal dysfunction, and a prior history of opportunistic infections have been identified as potential risk factors that may contribute to clinical deterioration in KTRs. Additionally, Pneumocystis jirovecii infection has been established as a critical factor influencing the rate of all-cause rehospitalization within this patient population.

#210 Effects of serum magnesium level on kidney disease progression and major cardiovascular outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease

Abstract Background and Aims Magnesium is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidative effects, potentially inhibiting renal fibrosis. Additionally, it is believed that magnesium can inhibit vascular calcification, potentially improving cardiovascular outcomes. However, this remains a topic of controversy. This study aims to investigate the association between serum magnesium levels and CKD progression as well as cardiovascular outcomes. Method We analyzed 1,893 patients from The KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD), which is a prospective cohort study. These patients were categorized into three groups based on their baseline magnesium levels: Mg1 (hypomagnesemia, &amp;lt;1.8 mg/dL), Mg2 (normomagnesemia, 1.8-2.4 mg/dL), and Mg3 (hypermagnesemia, &amp;gt;2.4 mg/dL). The primary outcome was defined as meeting one or more of the following criteria during the follow-up period: initiation of dialysis or transplantation, a two-fold increase in baseline serum creatinine levels, or a 50% decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate. The secondary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We used Cox proportional hazard regression model. Results A total of 673 patients (35.6%) experienced the composite renal outcome. The Mg1 group showed significantly increased adverse renal outcomes compared to the Mg2 group (HR, 1.885; 95% CI, 1.137-3.124; p = 0.013), however, Mg3 group did not show a significant difference (HR, 0.927; 95% CI, 0.783-1.097; p = 0.379). The composite cardiovascular outcome occurred in 138 patients (7.3%). The risk of composite cardiovascular outcomes significantly increased in the Mg1 group compared to the Mg2 group (HR 3.472; 95% CI, 1.492-8.076; p = 0.003). However, we observed no statistically significant differences in the Mg3 group (HR 1.021; 95% CI, 0.689; p = 0.913). The cubic spline curves demonstrated a U-shaped association between serum magnesium levels and both renal and cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusion Hypomagnesemia is associated with the progression of renal disease and a significant increase in MACEs. Beyond a certain level, hypermagnesemia may also be associated with worsening renal and cardiovascular outcomes.

#815 Maternal and fetal outcomes in kidney transplant recipients: a single-center observational study

Abstract Background and Aims Pregnancy poses a high risk for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), and data on long-term allograft functions compared to healthy population are still limited. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of maternal and fetal outcomes in KTRs with age-matched non-transplanted controls. Method In this retrospective single-center study, KTRs who experienced at least one pregnancy after transplantation between 1984 and 2016 were evaluated (study group). In order to create an age-matched control group, healthy women who had one pregnancy each and received prenatal care were included. Maternal and fetal outcomes were gestational age, preterm birth, newborn mortality, admittance to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Apgar scores, birth weight, and obstetric complications (preeclampsia, peripartum hemorrhage, duration of maternal hospitalization) in all pregnancies, and composite kidney outcome of KTRs which was defined as progression to graft failure necessitating dialysis or re-transplantation or doubling of serum creatinine at the end of follow-up. Results In 53 KTRs, 68 pregnancies occurred. Mean age at birth was 31.6 ± 5.2 for KTRs and 30.5 ± 5.8 for controls (p = 0.288). Preeclampsia (29.4% vs. 2.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and preterm birth (57.4% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.003) were significantly higher in KTRs. KTR pregnancies had lower mean birth weight (2354 ± 814 vs. 2856 ± 729 mg, p = 0.001) and longer durations of maternal hospitalization (3 vs. 2 days, p = 0.001), as well. However, neonatal mortality, admittance to NICU, and peripartum hemorrhage rates and Apgar scores were similar (Table 1). Baseline serum creatinine and eGFR levels of KTRs were 1 (0.8-1.2) mg/dl and 76.6 (59.9-91.5) ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Follow-up for a median of 105 months after the index birth showed higher serum creatinine levels at postpartum visits (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and last follow-up (p = 0.001) compared to baseline, with a tendency for increased proteinuria during pregnancies (Table 2). Six KTRs (11.3%) experienced composite kidney outcomes, including 5 patients with graft failure and 1 with doubling of serum creatinine. Conclusion KTRs exhibit comparable neonatal mortality and NICU rates but higher rates of preeclampsia and preterm birth. Notably, graft functions worsen significantly during postpartum follow-up.

#1782 Clinicopathological study of renal limited pauci-immune vasculitis and its short-term outcome: a single centre observational study

Abstract Background and Aims Pauci immune crescentic glomerulonephritis, is a leading cause of RPGN. The majority of patients with PICGN have glomerular diseases as a part of a systemic small vessel vasculitis, a minority may present as renal-limited vasculitis. In north-east India, there are still no major studies in this group of patients. Therefore, our study involving north-east Indian population constitutes an effort to prospectively study the clinico-pathological feature of patients with PICGN and assess the short-term outcome. Method This single-centre, prospective, observational, study was conducted over 12 months at the Department of Nephrology, Gauhati Medical College. All renal biopsy-proven patients with pauci-immune renal vasculitis were included, excluding those with secondary vasculitis. Baseline characteristics and laboratory data were recorded, and disease activity was assessed using the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score. The ANCA tests were performed using a standardised essay for both indirect immunofluorescence assay and antigen-specific ELISA. The renal biopsy specimen obtained was evaluated by light microscopy and direct immunofluorescence. The sample size was calculated based on the prevalence of pauci-immune glomerulonephritis, and data were analysed using SPSS. Results The study involved 24 patients, predominantly females (70.83%), aged 14-65 years, presenting predominantly with pedal oedema and oliguria. Laboratory findings showed varying levels of haemoglobin, total count, platelet count, creatinine, and 24-hour urine protein. 50% of the patients were (MPO) positive, 33.3% were (PR3) positive while 16% were ANCA negative. Renal biopsy analysis showed a majority with mixed class according to the Berden classification. Treatment involved induction with Methylprednisolone and Cyclophosphamide, with dialysis administered to 58.3% of patients. At six months, 36.3% had a stable GFR, and 50% were on maintenance hemodialysis. Factors predicting renal loss included oliguria, dialysis at presentation, and fibrous/fibrocellular crescents. The best predictor of renal outcome was serum creatinine at presentation. Conclusion Pauci-immune CrGN is a severe disease affecting a wide age range. Early diagnosis and treatment initiation are crucial for better outcomes, including lower ESRD risk and relapse rates. Prognostic factors include baseline serum creatinine levels and fibrous crescents. Optimising treatment regimens may improves outcomes.

Spironolactone for Preventing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Kidney Disease.

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), which can subsequently worsen the overall prognosis. To evaluate the efficacy of spironolactone for CIN prevention, 410 patients with AMI and CKD receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 240 and 170 patients were enrolled in the standard treatment and spironolactone groups (spironolactone was administered 2 days before and 3 days after PCI), respectively. The primary endpoint of CIN was defined as a 0.5mg/dL or >25% increase from the baseline serum creatinine level within 48-72 h post-PCI. CIN incidence was significantly lower in the spironolactone group than in the standard treatment group (11.2 vs 26.7%, P < .001). Further, cardiac re-hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.515; 95% CI: 0.382-0.694; P < .001) and cardiac death (HR: 0.612; 95% CI: 0.429-0.872; P = .007) risks were significantly lower in patients who received long-term spironolactone with a median treatment duration of 42 months after discharge. Spironolactone might lower the risk of CIN, and long-term use of spironolactone reduces the risk of cardiac re-hospitalization and cardiac death in patients with AMI and CKD undergoing PCI.

Tissue Inhibitor Metalloproteinase-2·IGF-Binding Protein 7 for the Prediction of Acute Kidney Injury following Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a common complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2·insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (TIMP-2·IGFBP7) determines tubular stress markers, which may occur prior to tubular damage. Previous studies on the use of TIMP-2·IGFBP7 for the prediction of CSA-AKI showed divergent results. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the predictive value of TIMP-2·IGFBP7 measurements for the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) and short-term adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery. Methods: In the prospective cohort study, blood and urine samples were collected 6–12 h after cardiac surgery. Blood samples to monitor serum creatinine levels were additionally extracted from days 1 to 7. AKI was defined based on the KDIGO consensus guidelines. AKI within 7 days following surgery was the primary outcome. The initiation of renal replacement therapy, in intensive care unit mortality, and the combination of both were secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 557 patients were enrolled; 134 (24.06%) of them developed AKI and 33 (5.9%) had moderate or severe AKI. AKI developed more frequently in elderly patients with diabetes or with higher baseline serum creatinine levels. Patients with AKI had higher EuroSCORE II, Cleveland Clinic Score, and simplified renal index (SRI) than those without AKI. Urinary TIMP-2·IGFBP7 was significantly higher in patients with AKI. The area under the curve was 0.66 in predicting all AKI and 0.70 in predicting stages 2 and 3 AKI. The resulting sensitivity and specificity were 44.0% and 83.9%, respectively, for a calculated threshold TIMP-2·IGFBP7 value of 0.265 (ng/mL)2/1,000. The TIMP-2·IGFBP7 values, SRI score, and age were significantly associated with AKI within 7 days postoperatively. A total of 33 patients reached the composite endpoint; the percentage of patients who reached the composite endpoint in the TIMP-2·IGFBP7 of >0.265 (ng/ml)2/1,000 group was significantly higher than that of ≤0.265 (ng/mL)2/1,000 group. Conclusions: Postoperative implementation of TIMP-2·IGFBP7 improved the prediction of CSA-AKI and may aid in identifying patients at risk of short-term adverse outcomes. We identified an ideal calculated cutoff value of 0.265 (ng/mL)2/1,000 for the prediction of CSA-AKI among all AKI patients.

Prevalence of acute kidney injury following percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

The objective is to evaluate the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) as an early complication of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedure. From May 2022 to October 2022, we conducted a retrospective study on patients undergoing PCNL procedures in two of the tertiary medical centers affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Patients' baseline characteristics, laboratory values, perioperative data, and stone features were documented. AKI was defined either as a ≥0.3 mg/dL increase in the serum creatinine level within 2 days, or a ≥1.5-fold increase in baseline serum creatinine level within 7 days after the operation. Laboratory values were measured 1 day before PCNL and daily thereafter until discharge. Patients were followed 1 week later to detect all of the possible cases of AKI. The final analysis was performed on 347 individuals. AKI developed in 16 (4.61%) cases. The two groups were comparable regarding age (P = 0.887), gender (P = 0.566), and underlying comorbidities including diabetes mellitus (P = 0.577) and hypertension (P = 0.383). The mean body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001) and both frequency and severity of hydronephrosis (P < 0.001) were significantly different. A higher mean PCNL duration (P < 0.001), period of hospitalization (P < 0.001), and blood loss volume (P < 0.001) were observed in those who developed AKI. Overall, 56.3% (9) of patients in the AKI group and 2.7% (9) in the non-AKI group required the establishment of more than one access tract, during the procedure (P < 0.001). A lower preoperative hemoglobin level was observed in the AKI group (P < 0.001). Those with AKI had significantly larger stones (3.08 ± 0.46 vs. 2.41 ± 0.23 cm, P < 0.001) and higher Hounsfield units (P < 0.001). In addition, in the AKI group, most of the calculi (81.3%, 13) were of staghorn type, whereas in the non-AKI group, calculi were most frequently located in the middle calyx (30.2%, 100), (P < 0.001). The prevalence of post-PCNL AKI is approximately 4.61%. The mean BMI, preoperative hemoglobin level, PCNL duration, intraoperative blood loss volume, and hospitalization period were significantly higher among patients who developed AKI. Those with AKI had significantly larger stones with higher Hounsfield units and more frequently of staghorn type. The two groups were not statistically different regarding age, gender, and presence of comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes mellitus).

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes Associated With Recurrent Neonatal Acute Kidney Injury in the AWAKEN Study

The incidence and associated outcomes of recurrent acute kidney injury (rAKI) in neonates remain largely unknown. To determine the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes associated with rAKI in critically ill neonates. This cohort study was a secondary analysis of the multicenter, international Assessment of Worldwide Acute Kidney Injury Epidemiology in Neonates retrospective study. Comparisons were made among neonates with no AKI, a single AKI episode (sAKI), and rAKI. All neonates younger than 14 days who were admitted between January 1 and March 31, 2014, to 24 participating level II to IV neonatal intensive care units and received intravenous fluids for at least 48 hours were considered for inclusion. Neonates with congenital heart disease requiring surgery within the first week of life, lethal chromosomal anomalies, death within 48 hours of admission, or severe congenital kidney abnormalities were excluded. Data were analyzed from May 23, 2022, to December 8, 2023. Recurrent AKI using the neonatal Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Determination of each rAKI required a complete return to the baseline serum creatinine level that defined the prior AKI episode. Incidence and risk factors of rAKI and associations of rAKI with length of stay (LOS; ie, birth to hospital discharge) and mortality. The study cohort (n = 2162) included 1233 male neonates (57.0%). Gestational age distribution was less than 29 weeks for 276 neonates (12.8%), 29 to less than 36 weeks for 958 (44.3%), and 36 weeks or older for 928 (42.9%). Of 605 neonates with AKI, 133 (22.0%) developed rAKI with risk factors including younger gestational age, lower birthweight, and higher stage of initial AKI. Infants with rAKI experienced longer median LOS (no AKI, 17 [IQR, 8-34] days; sAKI, 18 [IQR, 9-45] days; rAKI, 60 [IQR, 25-109] days; P < .001). Time-varying Cox proportional hazards regression models suggest rAKI is independently associated with a lower hazard of discharge (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.6-0.9]; P = .01) when compared with sAKI, but mortality did not differ between groups (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.4 [95% CI, 0.6-3.0]; P = .44). In this cohort study, neonatal rAKI was independently associated with longer LOS when compared with sAKI, suggesting that rAKI in neonates may be an important clinical distinction warranting further study and careful monitoring after an initial AKI episode.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of polymyxin B in critically ill elderly patients with extensively drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria infections.

Introduction: Elderly patients are more prone to develop acute kidney injury during infections and polymyxin B (PMB)-associated nephrotoxicity than young patients. The differential response to PMB between the elderly and young critically ill patients is unknown. We aimed to assess PMB exposure in elderly patients compared with young critically ill patients, and to determine the covariates of PMB pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients. Methods: Seventeen elderly patients (age ≥ 65years) and six young critically ill patients (age < 65years) were enrolled. Six to eight blood samples were collected during the 12h intervals after at least six doses of intravenous PMB in each patient. PMB plasma concentrations were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The primary outcome was PMB exposure as assessed by the area under the concentration-time curve over 24h at steady state (AUCss, 0-24h). Results and Discussion: The elderly group had lower total body weight (TBW) and higher Charlson comorbidity scores than young group. Neither AUCss, 0-24h nor normalized AUCss, 0-24h (adjusting AUC for the daily dose in mg/kg of TBW) was significantly different between the elderly group and young group. The half-life time was longer in the elderly patients than in young patients (11.21 vs 6.56h respectively, p = 0.003). Age and TBW were the covariates of half-life time (r = 0.415, p = 0.049 and r = -0.489, p = 0.018, respectively). TBW was the covariate of clearance (r = 0.527, p = 0.010) and AUCss, 0-24h (r = -0.414, p = 0.049). Patients with AUCss, 0-24h ≥ 100mg·h/L had higher baseline serum creatinine levels and lower TBW than patients with AUCss, 0-24h < 50mg·h/L or patients with AUCss, 0-24h 50-100mg·h/L. The PMB exposures were comparable in elderly and young critically ill patients. High baseline serum creatinine levels and low TBW was associated with PMB overdose. Trial registration: ChiCTR2300073896 retrospectively registered on 25 July 2023.

The Association Between the Albumin-Bilirubin Score and Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score is considered an effective and convenient scoring system for assessing liver function. We hypothesized that the ALBI score was predictive of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) and long-term mortality in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We retrospectively observed 5629 patients undergoing elective PCI. Contrast-associated acute kidney injury is defined as a 50% or 0.3mg/dl increase in baseline serum creatinine levels within 48 h of contrast exposure. The incidence of CA-AKI was 6.2% (n = 350). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, multivariate analysis showed that the ALBI score was an independent predictor of CA-AKI (P = .002). A restricted cubic spline analysis confirmed approximately linear relationships between the ALBI score and risks of CA-AKI. Furthermore, at a median follow-up of 2.8years, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the ALBI score was an independent risk factor for long-term mortality (P < .001). The ALBI score was closely related to the occurrence of CA-AKI and long-term mortality in patients who underwent elective PCI. This score might be useful for risk stratification in high-risk patient groups to predict CA-AKI.

Analysis of Changes and Diagnostic Value of Doppler Ultrasound Parameters in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury after Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy.

Early diagnosis of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is crucial. This study investigated the changes and early diagnostic value of Doppler ultrasound parameters in patients with AKI after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). This study retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 198 patients with LRP undergoing Doppler ultrasound from May 2020 to May 2022. The incidence of AKI after LRP was measured based on diagnostic criteria of AKI developed by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes. The patients were divided into AKI group (n = 12) and non-AKI group (n = 186) in accordance with the presence or absence of AKI. This study compared changes in Doppler ultrasound parameters between two groups, and evaluated the clinical efficacy of single and combined diagnosis of ultrasound parameters using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC). Twelve patients experienced postoperative AKI, with an incidence rate of 6.06%. No significant difference was found in baseline data, serum creatinine (Scr), urinary output and blood potassium levels of both groups (p > 0.05). The urinary output 1 day after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery (p < 0.05). The AKI group demonstrated higher pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) of the renal interlobar artery than the non-AKI group (p < 0.05), with no significant difference in peak systolic velocity (PSV) in both groups (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the Doppler ultrasound parameters of renal segmental artery and main renal artery (p > 0.05). The AUCs in the PI of the renal interlobar artery, the RI of the renal interlobar artery, and the combined diagnosis were 0.720, 0.704 and 0.724, respectively. ROC curve showed that the above two Doppler ultrasound parameters had good diagnostic efficacy for AKI after LRP (p < 0.05). The PI and RI of renal interlobar artery in the AKI group after LRP were significantly different from those in the non-AKI group. These two Doppler ultrasound parameters had good diagnostic efficacy in the early identification of AKI after LRP. Thus, they could provide reference and guidance for clinical practice.

Association of time-averaged serum uric acid level with clinicopathological information and long-term outcomes in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Whether serum uric acid (SUA) at baseline could been identiûed as a risk factor for progression in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients remains unclear, therefore, long- term SUA control levels must be monitored. We aimed to investigate the relevant factors affecting time-averaged SUA (TA-SUA) and to assess the prognostic value of TA-SUA in IgAN. This retrospective study included 152 patients with IgAN. The relationships between TA-SUA and clinicopathological features and renal outcomes (defined as the doubling of the baseline serum creatinine level or end-stage renal disease) were analyzed in groups divided by quartiles of TA-SUA levels, the presence of hyperuricemia, and sex. Patients with high TA-SUA levels had higher levels of baseline SUA, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglycerides, serum C3 and serum C4 and were more likely to be male and have hypertension, proteinuria, poor renal function, and pathological injuries including high grades of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T1-T2). These patients had a poorer prognosis compared with patients with low TA-SUA levels. The TA-SUA level was positively correlated with baseline age and BUN, triglycerides, serum C3, and serum C4 levels, and negatively correlated with baseline eGFR. Survival curve analysis indicated that persistent hyperuricemia was associated with significantly poorer renal outcomes than normo-uricemia in both men and women. The TA-SUA level also was an independent predictor of renal outcome in patients with IgAN, with optimal cutoû values of 451.38 µmol/L (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.934) for men and 492.83 µmol/L (AUC = 0.768) for women. The TA-SUA level is associated with triglyceride level, complement component levels, renal function, and pathological severity of IgAN, and it may be a prognostic indicator in male and female patients with IgAN.